This story is dedicated to my friend, Chris, whose love of heels was its inspiration.

 

The Butterfly

by Annie Larson

 

Andy Brown was trying to blow on the trumpet, but he just couldn't urge a note out of the brass instrument. His old friend from the neighborhood, Chris Green, had just graduated college last month and was lucky enough to get a job teaching Music, English, and P.E. beginning in the Fall at the local public high school. Chris was five years older than Andy, but they had always been friends nevertheless. Andy had no siblings, and Chris liked that Andy looked up to him.

Andy attended a private school because his father was a rather successful real estate investor, but Chris was an old friend he knew would help him find some way to make his senior year special. He didn't want to finish high school as the scrawny geek he had always been.

"I just can't get the hang of this," Andy screeched in his somewhat shrill for a boy voice. "I can't believe I was born with no talent."

"Andy, everything takes practice," Chris said. "But I have to admit, you don't exactly have the power for a wind instrument. Maybe you could join the math club or something."

"I'm not going to spend my extracurricular time working with equations, okay? And that goes for French and Science, too. I know I'm not big enough for sports, but can't you think of anything cool I could do?" Andy asked.

"Well, yes actually, but you'd have to transfer to my school," Chris said. Andy was excited.

"Really? What do you have there?" Andy asked.

"What's the one activity you've always been good at? When I think of all the awards you've won in Tumbling…" Chris said. "And I happen to know there are two cheerleader spots opening up this fall. You could probably be their star attraction."

Andy smiled, but quickly diminished. "I thought Eastern only had girl cheerleaders," he said.

"Well… it does," Chris said nodding, "but you remember that party last Halloween, don't you?"

"That again? Look, my catwoman costume was almost the same as your batman outfit, but with a leotard," Andy said, "and some padding."

"But everyone said with the makeup and your long hair you looked real cute," Chris said, "and even you admitted it was fun. And you are a great dancer… well, from what I remember, that is," he said while blushing.

"OK, so I admit it. I enjoyed dressing up, but I could never really get away with it for school," Andy said.

"If I could convince you that it was the most natural thing in the world for you, would you give it a shot?" Chris asked.

"Well, sure," Andy said thoughfully. "It would be pretty cool."

After Chris explained the situation to his mother, she agreed to do what she could for Andy. Emily Green always had a soft spot for the Chris' young, sensitive friend, and doing makeovers was one area she definitely knew quite a bit about.

Emily had the 17-year-old bathe and shave all over, although the fair, blonde-haired youngster really didn't have much need for the razor.

"I'm ready, Ms. Green," Andy said from the bathroom.

"Put on these panties," she said handing the white, lacy, bikini panties through a crack in the door, "and wrap towels around yourself and your hair."

"Don't be shy, just sit at the vanity. Let's see what we have here now," Emily Green said as she examined Andy's soft features. "Nice… very nice. You know a lot of boys who become girls need facial feminization surgery, but you wouldn't. You seem to have just the right genetic gifts," she said as she began to apply a foundation. "Andrew," she could never call him Andy, "we've known each other a long time, 10 years now since we moved into this house. You can tell me the truth. How did it feel when we dressed you in a girl's costume last Halloween?"

Blushing, Andy said, "It was probably the most glorious night I ever had."

Emily Green thought that an interesting choice of words, but empathized with his feelings. "I always thought so," she confided softly. "I think you will make a very beautiful girl, perhaps strikingly so. I know these things."

"Because you're a woman," Andy said.

"Well, yes, but more so than that," she said as she worked on Andy's eyes. "I think I need to tell you something important. After your dear mother died last year, I've almost thought of you as a second child."

Tears started to well up in Andy's eyes. "I always loved you, too, Ms. Green."

"Don't cry, sweetheart. Your mascara will run. Try this lipstick," she said through an easy smile that turned serious once again. "What I was going to say, though, was that I do have a rather unique insight into boys who become girls. You see, I wasn't Chris' original mother. She died when Chris was born."

"Oh no, I didn't know," Chris said. I always thought his father died when Chris was young."

"That was something of a cover story," she said. Squatting down and looking Andy in the eyes, she said, "I was Chris' father."

"Does Chris know?" Andy asked immediately realizing how dumb a question that was.

Laughing, she said, "Of course he knows. And so did your mother." She paused. "And so does your father."

"But you're so beautiful," Andy said sincerely.

"Thank you," she said, "and, it appears, so might you be."

"Oh, I could never…"

"Don't be so sure," she interrupted as she worked a curling iron on his longish, blonde hair. "You can't take prescription hormones for another year, but right now you could do a little liposuction here… some breast augmentation… You have a wonderfully natural face. I think you'd be surprised what could happen over this summer."

"Really?" Andy said showing genuine excitement. "Do you think Chris would think so?" Embarrassed, he said, "Oh, I probably shouldn't have said that."

"It's OK, Andrew," she said. "Chris obviously knows such things are possible, or else he wouldn't have suggested it in the first place. Now before you look at the mirror, we need to find a dress for you. I think you and Sarah might be close in size," she said referring to Chris' older, now married, sister. "Why don't you see what she has here in her old closet."

Andy looked through the clothes pulling out a long yellow summer dress. No, he thought, if I'm going to cheerlead, I need to be able to see my legs. He looked at a pink tennis dress, but he wanted something a little less sporty for his debut. He spotted a white minidress and pulled it out. "How's this, Ms. Green?"

"That's a nice choice – elegant, yet cute and sexy, too," she said. "I think that fits your style perfectly. You have a good eye. You'll need to put this on first," she said handing him a white bra. "Don't worry. We'll roll up some nylons for the cups… for now," she said with a wry smile.

Andy didn't know what to make of that comment, but forgot about it as soon as he clasped and twisted the bra as natural as though he'd been doing it for years. He then took the nude hose Chris' mom was handing him and sat on the bed.

"Roll the legs up carefully so they don't run," she said.

He loved the feel of the silky nylons as they smoothly hugged him. He also caught Ms. Green looking admirably at his hose-covered legs.

"Lovely," she said, "Absolutely lovely." She helped Andy into the dress, which hugged his naturally small waist attractively, then handed him a gold chain belt to adorn the waist.

"We'll have to go back to my room for the shoes. We look to wear about the same size."

As she opened the closet of shoes in her room, she said, "I think I should tell you one of Chris' weaknesses..."

"Oh my, look at all these gorgeous shoes!" Andy gushed.

She thought, Chris is going to really like Annie. "Annie!" she said the name aloud.

"Yes, Ms. Green?"

"I think that name fits you just right – Annie. Sweet, sensitive, cute… Annie," she said.

"Annie," he said repeating the name and smiling, his eyes giving Ms. Green all the approval she needed.

Annie noticed most of the shoes had high heels. "As I was about to say, Chris has always appreciated my love of heels. Stay away from the really tall ones at first as you learn to walk in them, but most of these will catch Chris' eyes.

Annie spotted and took out an open-toed white pair that she assumed must be about four inches tall.

"That's a beautiful choice for that dress, Annie. With your hair and style I think white is an excellent color for you, but you may have some difficulty learning in those."

"Please, may I try?" Annie asked.

"Sure, you can give them a try," Ms. Green said with some trepidation.

With Ms. Green's guidance, Annie adapted quickly to height of the shoes, and actually moved gracefully in almost no time at all. A natural-born talent, she thought.

"Of course!" Ms. Green said.

"What do you mean?" Annie asked.

"You move so well in those heels," Ms. Green said. "I couldn't figure out how you balanced and walked so well in them. It's all that tumbling and dance you've taken! You had a developed sense of balance before you even tried them on."

Annie had never felt as proud of her past talents as she did just then. She openly embraced Ms. Green's compliments with new feelings of closeness to her.

"Now take a look in the mirror, sweetheart," Ms. Green said. "It's the full-length one on the outside of the closet door."

Annie looked at herself in full view. She saw her first mirror image of a beautiful girl. Looking more closely she noticed the natural curl imparted to her hair, the pretty and perfectly made-up face, a nice figure, and incredibly shapely legs with just the slightest shimmer of the nude hose as she stood delicately poised on the sexy pumps. "You're incredible," Annie said.

"You certainly are, Annie," Ms. Green replied.

"Noooo," Annie said smiling, "I mean you are incredible, Ms. Green."

"Why don't you go see Chris, Annie? We can do the nails and jewelry later"

"Oh god, I hope he likes it…"

"Don't worry, Annie," she said, while thinking to herself, "if I know my son..."

Annie called down, "I'm coming down, Chris."

"OK," Chris said with one eye still on the TV.

Annie stood at the top of the stairs, and cleared her throat to get Chris' attention.

Chris glanced, then stood up, his mouth open as Annie descended the stairs slowly, then gracefully placed one foot in front of the other with a natural and gentle sway in her hips as she approached Chris.

"A.A.Andy…." he gasped. Annie placed a finger over his mouth, correcting him with a single word – "Annie."

"Yes, Annie, of course…. You're, well I mean, you're just… taller," he noticed at that second although he still looked down into Annie's eyes. His eyes ventured lower as he saw her shapely legs leading down into the high heels. "Ohhhh myyyyy…." Chris said as he covered the front of his pants with one hand awkwardly.

"Oh Annie, you are so…sooooo….wow," he said.

"I always said you had a way with words, Chris," Annie said. "Does that mean you think I can do this?"

"Even better than I thought," Chris said. "Please, sit down."

Annie sat down and gently crossed her legs while Chris instinctively followed with an arm around her shoulders, then pulled it back. "No, leave it there," Annie said. "I like it."

"You do?" asked Chris.

Looking into his eyes, Annie said, "I really do. Your mom told me her secret, and I think I want her to help me, too."

Chris looked down at what appeared to any sane man to be a graceful and feminine girl with incredible legs and heels, and did what any sane man would do. He leaned over and felt Annie's soft, creamy lips on his own, then pulled back. Annie felt a rush unlike anything she'd ever felt before, and then found herself leaning into Chris and kissing him harder in return.

Chris placed a hand on Annie's soft face as he held their kiss longer.

Upstairs, Emily Green retreated back into her bedroom and gently shut her door as she smiled holding in her head the last glance she had of Chris and Annie obviously smitten with each other. Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, she realized at the very least that a new Eastern High School cheerleader had been born, and maybe something even more.

 

Part II

 

No one saw much of Annie that summer, not unless you were a psychologist or a plastic surgeon. After many heartfelt talks between Annie, her father, and Chris' mother, Annie ended the life known as Andy and began her new life as Annie under proper counseling and psychological testing, followed by some cosmetic surgery for waist liposuction and breast and hip augmentation.

Unfortunately for Chris, who clearly saw Annie as a bright light in his future, he and Annie were advised to simply put those ideas on hold. By the end of the academic year, Chris would be a 23-year-old, first-year teacher fresh out of college and Annie would be an 18-year-old student graduating from the same school. Any romance between the two would make for an ethical and, possibly, legal problem Chris couldn't afford to get involved in.

Furthermore, Annie wanted to get the most out of her senior year at a new high school. She was adapting to what appeared to virtually anyone with normal or corrected eyesight to being a perfectly normal girl, albeit an attractive one. Annie certainly had more on her mind than being Chris' girlfriend. She was the leading tumbler on the cheerleading squad, and always had several boys asking her out, but she didn't want to be intimately involved with any individual student there. For one thing, none of them knew she was a pre-op transgendered person. She also didn't feel the fire within her like she did when she was with Chris. So when she was with any of the students she used her popularity to always organize group outings. That's not to say she was cliquish, however. In fact, she sought out the less popular girls and boys as much as she could. She empathized with the emotional struggles a few of them had. This had the secondary effect of actually multiplying her popularity as her gentle, but supportive disposition had such a positive effect on everyone around her, whether they were in the "in" crowd or not.

In spite of it all, Chris and Annie were close friends as were Annie and Chris' mother. Because Emily Green was a post-op transgendered person herself, they spoke quite a bit. Annie and Chris saw a lot of each other coming and going at school, and even spent the occasional weekend lunch together at Chris' mother's house. Still, Chris couldn't help but always notice Annie whenever he saw her around campus. He was careful to limit their public contact to a smile and a wave, but seeing her always made him feel a little weak at the knees. He was happy she would have him for her English IV class in the Spring.

Annie and Chris' relationship changed during one springtime Saturday afternoon visit at Chris' mother's house. The two females were chatting over coffee while Chris was absorbed in a college basketball game. Annie wore a bright yellow sundress, but only accompanied them with some plain brown flats – comfort shoes, she called them. Emily Green had noticed them and was talking about her predilection for heels. Annie was curious how she started buying and wearing them.

"I suppose when I transitioned, it was a way to make me feel more feminine, "she said. "A boy can wear shoes like that," referring to Annie's flats, "but only a girl can wear a pair like that on a heel. And when was the last time you saw a boy wear a strappy shoe?"

"Never," said Annie.

"Of course not, because the fashion industry caters to women first and foremost, which gives us so many more styles to play with," Ms. Green said.

In the next room, Chris had discreetly turned the volume way down on the basketball game as soon as he heard Annie ask about her mother's shoes. His mother hit it right on the nose. He certainly did enjoying playing when thinking about beautiful women in high fashion shoe styles.

Whispering below Chris' earshot, Ms. Green said, "Chris, you know, has quite an appreciation of women in high heel shoes."

Annie whispered back, "I remember that. How did that start?"

"I can only guess it's because he was a toddler on the floor when I began wearing them," Ms. Green said. "It must be some kind of subconscious, warm and nurturing feeling he gets from seeing a heeled shoe on a feminine foot."

Feeling a little bold she asked, "May I borrow a pair now?" Annie asked.

Emily Green smiled and nodded. "I don't know if I can match that yellow in your dress just right, but I have a pair of strappy brown you can try on," Ms. Green said. "Let's go upstairs and see." Annie was giddy with excitement, and happy Ms. Green was willing to play along.

Chris returned to his basketball game as the two went upstairs. Before long, Annie was walking downstairs wearing the strappy heels while holding the flats. "Chris, I want to get your opinion. Got a minute?" Annie asked.

"Sure," he said turning his head, but not seeing Annie's heels.

"Do you think it's okay to wear dressy shoes like this with such an informal outfit?" Annie asked. "Or should I just stick to these flats?"

Chris looked down and saw Annie's feet, ankles, and calves wrapped in a sexy brown shoe with a three-inch heel. His heart skipped a beat. Gulp. "No, heels are always fine. I mean, sure, you want to wear the flats when you're weeding the garden, but those are really nice anytime."

Annie could see Chris' face flush red at first glance underneath his well-kept composure. "Thanks, Chris. So, what are you watching?" she asked sitting down next to him.

Chris wasn't watching anything except Annie. "Oh, uh, basketball tournament stuff, nothing important." Annie crossed her leg and casually brushed Chris' leg with it as she did so. Chris immediately responded with an arm around Annie's shoulder. Annie felt warm inside, looked into Chris' dreamy, brown eyes, and cuddled in his arm. "It's been too long, Chris," Annie said. "I miss being able to be close with you."

"I miss you, too, Annie," Chris said looking at Annie's legs as she pulled them up to her other side on the couch, then into Annie's beautiful eyes as he kissed her sweetly. He pulled back. "We can't…" Chris said. "I know," Annie sighed, but stayed cuddled under his arm as they watched television together.

 

"Annie," Chris said from behind the teacher's desk.

"What," Annie said startled to hear her name.

"I hope you were asking Jenny about Hester Prynne," Chris said.

"Who?" Annie asked.

"I was asking you if you thought Hester Prynne was a woman of strong character given the fact that she was ostracized as she was," Chris said.

"I...I'm not sure," Annie confessed.

"Well, I think you will be after you spend the next two hours reading The Scarlet Letter in my detention hall," Chris said. He took his job seriously, and didn't show any more or less favoritism to Annie than he did any other student in his class.

Annie sulked in her seat knowing she had fallen behind in her reading assignments, but didn't Chris realize she was head of the prom committee for the end-of-year formal Saturday night? At least Jenny knew the answer. She wouldn't have to pull detention. Annie thought about how Jenny had been something of a quiet bookworm at the beginning of the semester, but really came out of her shell and gotten quite popular after the two volunteered together on the Student Activities Board. She liked that Jenny was real and sincere, not like one or two of the other so-called popular girls on campus. Especially Tiffany Meadows, she thought. Tiffany was a beautiful girl to be sure, but so stuck up she wouldn't have ever given a wonderful person like Jenny Davis so much as the time of day.

When the bell rang to end the class, Annie made sure she was the last to leave. "Mr. Green?" she asked always showing respect for Chris' position in school. After the last student left, she continued, "Do I really have to do this detention today? The prom is just three days away."

"Annie, I'm doing you a favor," Chris said. "You've got the final on this novel next week. You can catch up now and not worry about it."

"I'll read all day Sunday, I promise," she pleaded.

"Well, maybe I'll cut it to an hour today," Chris said, "but you really need to get some reading time in on this."

Annie didn't think Chris was being fair. After all, Sunday would be a lazy, relaxing day after the prom – just perfect for reading a novel. On the other hand, she thought about a quiet room alone with Chris for an hour… at school no less! She was feeling just a little daring and excited, so she slipped out of her last class early to run home to put something in her backpack and return in time for detention.

As she returned to school, her excitement turned to disappointment when she saw two other students were going to be in detention with her. She wasn't sure, but it looked like perhaps Chris showed a little bit of disappointment at that situation, too.

Chris put the two boys in the seats at the far ends of the front row of the room, and put Annie in the middle of the back of the class. "One hour, people. Homework only," he said.

Annie took her book out of the backpack, but also took out the pair of brown, strappy heels Chris' mother had given her. Chris did say, after all, she could wear them anytime.

Chris looked up from his lesson plans to see Annie directly in his line of sight at the back of the class putting on… oh God… her strappy heels. Only he could see what Annie was doing back there, and she knew it.

After Annie had finished tying them on, she decided to unbutton the top button of her uniform blouse, not really revealing anything inappropriate, but it was obvious she was making herself comfortable. Then she closed her eyes and fluffed her hair out. Opening them, she saw Chris was watching her just as she had hoped. Not sure if he had noticed the shoes, she knocked a pencil on the ground and rolled it back to her with the sole of her shoe before bending down to pick it up.

Chris tried to get back to making his lesson plans, but Annie was persistent at distracting him. First, she stretched in a yawn which pulled the open part of her blouse just a little bit lower, and then she smiled at Chris while crossing her legs to one side of the chair before picking the novel back up. This was getting a little uncomfortable for Chris. He stared at what he could see of Annie's leg leading down to the heel off to the side in her uniform skirt as he started to feel a bit warm. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the collar button of his shirt.

A knock at the door startled him back to reality as the janitor came in to pick up the trash. "I'll change that light bulb tomorrow," the janitor said. "No, why don't you go get it now," Chris said. "I don't mind cutting this short today." The boys in the front jumped up thanking Chris, calling him the coolest teacher, etc., and got out before he could change his mind. As the janitor left to go fetch a fluorescent bulb, Chris walked back to Annie who was just standing up.

"What's the matter with you?" Chris asked. "Are you trying to get us in trouble?"

"I'm sorry, but I thought if we could be here alone..." she said embracing Chris and rubbing a heel against Chris' calf. Chris enjoyed the feel of Annie in his arms and on his leg. Just for a second he forgot where he was, looked into her big, blue eyes, and started to kiss her before pushing her away. "No, we can't. Not now, Annie. And definitely not here," he said.

"I'm sorry," she said with sincere remorse. "You're right. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm going to skip the dance committee meeting today so I can go straight home and finish these chapters tonight."

"I think that's a good idea, Annie," Chris said as she packed her backpack and left the classroom still wearing the strappy shoes.

As Annie walked out the door to turn down the hall, the janitor passed her up walking into the classroom almost bumping into her, but Annie was adept enough on her feet to sidestep the near collision while delicately maintaining perfect balance on her heels. Chris noticed and was impressed, not to mention a bit turned on. He sat down and finished up the week's lesson plans.

Annie continued out to the parking lot enjoying the feel of the heels on her feet, and a cool spring breeze in her hair.

If she hadn't almost run into the janitor, though, Annie would have noticed that just outside the door to the other side of the hallway quietly stood another senior dance committee member, Tiffany Meadows.

 

Part III

 

Annie was worried about telling Chris some bad news, so she put it off until Friday evening. She knew she should tell him in person, but she was worried about his reaction. If he was sad, she wasn't sure if she could handle seeing him so distraught. If he was indifferent, she wasn't sure if she wouldn't be a little upset about it herself. A telephone call would be safer. She dialed.

"Hello, Chris?"

"Annie!" Oh god, she thought, why does he always have to be so happy to hear from me? That's just going to make this so much harder. "What's up?" he asked.

"Well, about the prom tomorrow night…" she started.

"Oh, by the way, good work on your outline," he said. "You really caught up quickly."

"Oh, thanks. Yes, it was actually pretty interesting…" her voice trailing off. "Anyway, about the prom tomorrow night, I know how you said you're going to be one of the faculty supervisors…"

"I can't wait to see you in your dress, Annie," he said. "I know you've worked hard on that committee."

"Well, I was thinking about the dance, and how you'd be there," she said. "And, of course I can't go with you, you being a teacher."

"Of course not, and I understand you'll be roaming around with Jenny and the rest of your group, maybe even dancing with some of the guys there," he said.

"Well, not exactly. This isn't like the usual pizza and movie kind of get together with friends," she explained. "It's something more than that. It's my Senior Formal. I've planned every detail on that dance committee. It's what I've dreamed of my whole life."

"Okaaaay" he said with some trepidation.

"I even talked to Dr. Leopold about it, and he agrees it's a good thing," she said.

"What's a good thing?" he asked.

"Well, I have a date." She paused. "Not a group date, but a real, one on one, with a boy date."

Chris was silent for what seemed forever. "Really? Who's the lucky guy?" he asked.

"Bill Sommers," Annie said quietly.

Bill Sommers was quarterback of the football team. He was First Team All-District and Second Team All-State. He was tall, good-looking, and had a scholarship to an exceptional athletic and academic school out on the west coast. Frankly, Annie couldn't have done any better.

"Well…" Chris said clearing his throat, "I'm sure you're going to have the night of your life. And don't worry about me interfering. I'll leave you your space to be with Bill or anyone you want to be with."

"Thanks, Chris," Annie said. "This doesn't mean I don't still have feelings for you."

 

"No, of course not," he said. "I'm a teacher, for crying out loud. Go make it the night of your life."

The two hung up their respective phones each with a little more tear in their eyes than when they started.

Annie worked on decorations at the dance all Saturday morning, and then spent all Saturday afternoon getting her hair, nails, and face done professionally. This was generally something she would have turned to Chris' mother for, but she didn't want to be around in case Chris happened to be there. No need to make a difficult situation worse, she figured.

As one of two faculty supervisors, Chris got to the dance a little early making sure the photographer was set up out front, the music and sound system were ready to go, the tables and refreshments were stocked and ready, and all the decorations were in place. Everything was perfect. Annie had already made sure of that earlier in the day. He smiled and sincerely hoped Annie got everything she wanted that night, even if she was with Bill Sommers.

Chris wasn't going to be completely outdone, however. He made sure he wore his best charcoal grey suit, a crisp white shirt, a nice tie, and freshly polished shoes. He knew Annie would see him there, and he wanted to at least look his best.

The dance started at 7 o'clock, but most of the couples didn't arrive until the clock approached 7:30. Chris kept one eye on the entrance looking for Annie, but she still hadn't arrived. They were obviously going to be fashionably late. Chris looked down at his watch showing 7:40 when he looked up and saw Annie walk in the entrance – alone.

His heart skipped a beat as he saw her standing there looking around and taking in her surroundings with a glow that made him smile. Her blonde hair had been highlighted, curled, and adorned with a beautiful, pink flower. Her face was made up exquisitely. She wore a gold necklace with a diamond pendant that hung on her upper chest enchantingly. Her outfit was a white, bare shoulder, formal dress hugging her lovely waist as it flared out over her hips down to her ankles where Chris saw light white nylons encased by her four-inch high white pumps, the same shoes she wore the first time he saw her.

Chris was drawn to her, but as he took his first step Bill Sommers appeared next to Annie. They walked in together to their table. Annie seemed to be absolutely floating on those high heels.

There's no reason I can't say hi, Chris thought to himself, and began to walk over to the table where Bill and Annie sat. He didn't make it three steps before someone appeared in front of him – Tiffany Meadows.

"Hi, Mr. Green!" Tiffany said. Chris knew Tiffany to be the most popular of the "elite" clique of girls in school. She was also strikingly beautiful, and she knew it. Her dark hair, olive complexion, and gorgeous body led her to do some local modeling. Although she hadn't been in any of his classes, he got the impression from others that she wasn't the brightest bulb in the pack.

Tiffany had chosen an obvious theme for her prom outfit – red!

Her short, tight, red dress showed off her incredible legs in red seamed stockings, and a pair of unbelievable red stiletto heels that actually made Chris gasp out loud as he looked down.

"uh…Hi Tiffany," Chris said composing himself. "You certainly look…" – he wanted to say 'hot' – "lovely this evening."

"Why, thank you, Mr. Green. You look mighty sharp yourself," she said stroking his tie flirtatiously.

"Who-o are you with tonight, Tiffany?" Chris asked looking around to make sure he wasn't being watched.

"Oh, nobody. I just decided to come alone," she said.

"Alone?" Chris asked. "A beautiful girl like you?"

"Oh, how sweet of you to say!" Tiffany gushed as she almost fell into his arms and rubbed a heel against Chris' leg.

Oh my god, Chris thought to himself wondering where she ever learned that trick. A trick that was working, he might add.

"I thought you had a steady boyfriend, Tiffany," Chris said, trying to remember if he'd seen her out with anyone in particular.

"Well, I sort of see Bill Sommers now and then, but something came up and, well, anyway, now I can spend some time to get to know you," Tiffany said.

Back at Annie's table, Annie and Bill sat with her best friend, Jenny Davis, and Jenny's date, Jeff Reasoner, the Student Council President.

Jenny was the only person Annie trusted to know about her and Chris' semi-almost-relationship. Annie was staring open-mouthed at Tiffany. She almost sneered asking Jenny, "Can you believe that?" Jenny replied, "I know. Who on Earth would wear something like that to a formal dance?"

"Wear something? Oh, right, what she's wearing is just ridiculous," Annie said realizing she hadn't even noticed THAT.

"I'm going to go say something," Annie said.

"Annie, don't…" Jenny said.

"Bill, would you and Jeff get us some drinks?" Annie asked, then to Jenny, "Don't worry. I'm just going to say hi to them. And see what's up."

Annie made her way through the tables to where Chris and Tiffany were standing. She noticed Tiffany quickly moving one heel to the floor, but unsure where it had been exactly.

"Hi Mr. Green. Hi Tiffany," Annie said.

"Hi Annie," Chris said. "Tiffany was just telling me about the dance committee you two worked on. Did you know Tiffany planned most of the decorations herself?"

Annie smiled through gritted teeth. "Oh yes," Annie said. "Tiffany really has an eye for what's attractive."

"Why, thank you, Annie," Tiffany said. "You really know what others like as well."

"You know, Tiffany, Bill was just telling me how wonderful you've been with him this year," Annie said.

Tiffany softened. "Really? He said that?" Tiffany asked.

"I think he realizes he probably wanted to be with you tonight. He's over at the refreshment table," Annie said. Why don't you go say hi?" she prompted.

"I don't know," Tiffany said. "Do you think I should? He asked you to the dance and all. Not sure why exactly, but… Oh, I don't know… Mr. Green?" she asked looking for advice from Chris.

"No harm in just saying hi," Chris said. "Go ahead."

"Okay, I guess so," Tiffany said and walked slowly over to the refreshment table.

Up on stage, Janet Williams, the school's principal, was making some announcements. "Proofs of the photographs are available for viewing and can be ordered throughout the night," she said.

"So what was that all about?" Annie asked Chris accusingly.

"What was what all about?" Chris replied innocently.

"You know… All THAT," Annie said exaggerating Tiffany's hand running over Chris' tie.

"I was just standing here minding my own business, and she came over to talk," Chris said.

"Looked like you were doing more than talking," Annie said.

"What do you mean?" Chris asked. "I kept my hands to myself."

"Yes, I saw where you kept your hands," Annie said. "And, you're right. It was definitely to yourself. In fact, she seemed to be keeping some parts of her body to yourself as well, and not just her hands."

Chris cleared his throat. "Well, she is a pretty girl."

Annie looked down. "Yeah, she is," Annie admitted.

Chris continued, "But she's not one-tenth as beautiful as you are tonight."

Annie looked up at Chris and smiled. "Really?" she asked.

"Annie, until tonight I've never seen anyone so stunning before in my life," Chris said. "And I wish I could spend the whole evening with you."

"Ohhhhh, Chrisssss," Annie melted while daring to go so far as to hold his hands. "You look so wonderful, too. But you better think of something to say to her quick because she's going to be back here in about 30 seconds to…" she said glancing over and pointing to Tiffany and Bill who were kissing passionately at the refreshment table.

Annie did a double take. Looking back at Chris, Annie said, "Okay, make that 60 seconds."

"Oh Chris, how does this happen to me?" Annie asked.

"Annie, they're just kids in grown-ups' bodies," Chris said. "You're a grown up in a…well, grown-up's body, too."

Annie laughed as Bill walked over to them.

Principal Williams continued from the stage, "Not that anyone snuck liquor in here tonight, but the dance committee set up volunteers for designated drivers for anyone who wants one – no questions asked."

"Hey, Mr. Green," Bill said as the two exchanged greetings and rather firm handshakes, maybe a little firmer than expected, they each thought.

"Uh, Annie, Tiffany was just telling me that she, uh, had a bad headache, and uh, so I thought I could maybe take her back home, you know, if that's ok with you and all," Bill said.

"Oh, poor Tiffany," Annie said. "Of course you should take her home. I'll be fine. I'll get a ride with someone later. You take care of her, Bill. Bye."

Watching Bill and Tiffany leave, Annie looked up at Chris and sighed, "Looks like I lost my date for the prom."

"I still can't do it, Annie," Chris said.

"I know," Annie said.

All of a sudden the room darkened as Principal Williams was opening an envelope on the stage. "…and the couple voted king and queen of the Eastern High Senior Formal is… Bill and Annie."

A spotlight found Annie as Chris stepped back and the room rocked with a mixture of slight applause, but more questions of "Where's Bill?" and "Where'd he go?"

"Bill had to leave," Annie shouted from the floor.

"Then you'll have to name a substitute, Annie," Principal Williams said. Annie looked at all the boys and their dates, mostly considering Jeff and hoping Jenny wouldn't mind loaning him out for one dance.

"I can't take another girl's date, Ms. Williams," Annie said. "How about Mr. Green?" she asked pointing to Chris standing well behind her now.

"It's your prom, people," Principal Williams said. "What do you say?"

Chris' popularity with the students was well established, so it was by unanimous consensus that Mr. Green would get to dance with Annie in front of the entire school with their blessing, and be photographed at the same time.

A slow song began as giggles erupted among the students. Chris took Annie at arm's length in order to show as much reserve as possible under the circumstances. Annie, unsure what to do, kept her distance for the few moments that lasted until Jenny pushed her from behind into Chris' arms where she nestled romantically.

As Annie turned to face Jenny under Chris' lead, she mouthed the words, "Thank you," and smiled her biggest smile of the evening.

Chris succumbed to having Annie in his arms, and finished the dance by dipping Annie backwards and kissing her on the cheek as she rose.

It was an "awwwwww" moment from the crowd for being both sweet and for keeping his composure instead of going for her lips.

Chris turned to the crowd, and casually said, "Okay, she's all yours" as the lights returned to normal.

As the crowd dispersed, Annie said to Chris, "No, I think she's all yours."

Chris walked away without saying a word as he walked over to Principal Williams.

Annie, disappointed, turned to her best friend. "Jenny, what went wrong? It was so perfect."

"I don't know," Jenny said. "He sure seemed to like it as much as you did. Wait… look."

Annie turned to see Chris walking back to her. "Are you ready to go?" Chris asked.

"Go?" Annie asked.

"Yeah," Chris said. "Some of the couples are leaving, so Ms. Williams agreed to handle the rest of the night without me. With Bill not here, I thought you might want a ride."

Annie looked at Jenny who nodded not so subtly.

Annie smiled and asked, "Why don't you sit here with us awhile?"

Jenny said, "Annie…." trying to shoosh her away while she had the chance.

"Just for a minute anyway? I don't want to leave this beautiful dance just yet," Annie said.

"All right, I suppose I can wait a few minutes," Chris said as he sat next to Annie.

Jenny nudged Jeff and said, "Jeff, let's go look at the pictures up front." Taking the hint he and Jenny left Chris and Annie alone at the table.

"You were my hero tonight," Annie said to Chris as she slowly rubbed her heel against Chris leg under the table.

"Uh, Annie…" Chris began to say.

"And I'll never forget this night as long as I live," Annie said continuing to subtly run her foot and ankle against Chris. "I want to make it memorable for you, too, Chris." Annie placed a hand on Chris' thigh under the tablecloth as well. To the outside observer, no one could see that her hand not only landed there, but moved inward.

"Yeah, well, I don't think I'm going to be able to…uh Annie, stop…not there…not here… please…oh god…no Annie…" Chris pleaded. He stood up quickly. "I have to go…fast," he said.

Annie stood up and quickly pirouetted on her high heel gracefully while Chris caught his foot on her ankle and tumbled to the floor.

Annie squatted next to Chris, "Are you all right, Chris?" Several students noticed and walked over.

"Chris?" she repeated. Remembering where she was, she asked, "Mr. Green?"

"Yeah, I'm okay," Chris said from a fetal position on the floor. Maybe you should drive, Annie."

She helped him up as she noticed a barely perceptible, darker, wet spot on the front of his dark grey pants.

He walked slowly with his arm around Annie as they exited the building. Once in the parking lot, he walked normally, but kept his arm around Annie.

"You faker!" Annie said smiling.

"I told you I wasn't hurt. I got to walk out of the prom with my arm around you, though, didn't I?" Chris asked. "Didn't you want that as much as I did?"

Annie thought about it and admitted, "Yes, I did, but I'm sorry you tripped on my foot."

"Annie, I fell for you the moment you walked into that room tonight," Chris said. "I love you, Annie."

"I love you, too, Chris," Annie said as the two looked into each other's eyes and kissed deeply and passionately in the still night air.

 

Part IV

 

Chris and Annie spent a romantic month together after her graduation from Eastern High, but much of the summer was taken up with Annie being awarded a college scholarship in cheerleading at a prestigious west coast school known for its athletic program, and her beginning hormone therapy in preparation for her eventual gender reassignment surgery.

The couple knew that the closer they got during the summer the harder it would be in August when she left, so they kept their romantic flame down to a simmer. Annie's father wanted to give her a big sendoff party, but Annie opted for a quiet dinner with him, Chris, and Chris' mother.

Chris and Annie talked on the phone some weekends when they could, but their school schedules were quite hectic. She sent emails when she could during the week, but neither had time to write much in depth. He opted out of the music class he taught in order to accept a position on the football coaching staff. Annie was taking 15 units in psychology, and working on cheerleading routines.

By mid-October, Chris' emails were becoming fairly simple news items of Eastern High's games without too many personal feelings or too much emotion. Annie understood, but kept the flame alive by always telling him of her love for him whenever they spoke or wrote.

It wasn't wholly unusual for Annie to speak to Chris' mother on occasion, but it had always been by Annie's initiative. That's what made Emily Green's mid-November phone call so startling.

"How nice to hear from you, Ms. Green!" Annie said exuberantly. "Is everything all right back home?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Annie," Ms. Green said.

"Is everyone okay?" Annie asked worriedly.

"Don't worry," Ms. Green said. "Everyone's well, but I was wondering…what are your plans for Thanksgiving?"

"I emailed Chris last week that I just couldn't get back there," Annie said. "We only have Thursday and Friday off that week, I have a pile of schoolwork to do, and my dad's going to be out of town on business anyway. So I guess I won't be back until the Christmas break."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Ms. Green said with more than the usual amount of disappointment in her voice. "Tell me, has Chris told you anything about his activities lately?"

"Actually I haven't heard from him since an email about 10 days ago," Annie said. "It was mostly news about the team. I know how busy he is with that and school."

"It hasn't really kept him that busy, Annie," Ms. Green said. "Annie, Chris has been seeing another girl. I think you know her – Tiffany Meadows. I was really hoping you could come home for a few days."

Annie was in shock. She couldn't speak.

"Are you okay, Annie?" Ms. Green asked.

"It just can't be," Annie said with exasperation. "There's no way he'd go for a girl like Tiffany. I mean, sure, she's beautiful, but she's not his type. I know her. She's not."

"Believe me, I agree," Ms. Green said. "But she seems to have some kind of hold on him."

Remembering Tiffany's attraction to Chris at the prom and his obvious response, Annie knew she had to somehow make it back for Thanksgiving.

"I think I understand, Ms. Green," Annie said. "You're right. I'm going to have to find a way home."

"I already took the liberty of booking your flight," Ms. Green said. "I hope you don't mind. All I could get at this late notice was an early flight on Thanksgiving morning. You'll have to come straight here from the airport. I'm afraid Chris has invited Tiffany here for Thanksgiving dinner."

"Thank you so much, Ms. Green," Annie said sincerely. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Annie left for the airport at 5 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. There was no way she could go straight to the Greens from the airport when she landed, but her battle plan was laid out. Clothes, makeup, shoes, and jewelry were meticulously planned for when she got to her house. She planned to take a bottle of French white burgundy for the occasion. She knew she needed to make the right impression provided Chris hadn't already completely lost it for Tiffany.

Chris offered to pick Tiffany up at her apartment, but she said her roommate could drop her off on her way to the restaurant where she worked. Tiffany didn't want Chris to see her before she arrived so she could make a big splash when she got there. Besides, her place was something of a dump.

When the doorbell rang at Chris' mother's house, he jumped up from watching his football game and ran to the front door. He opened it up to let Tiffany in.

"Oh good, there you are," Tiffany said. "It's cold as shit out here."

Once inside, Tiffany said, "But you can warm me up, sweetie," and kissed him deeply while curling her right leg around his left one. Chris moaned quietly.

"Can I take your coat, Tiff?" Chris asked.

"Sure thing, sweetie," Tiffany said. "It's nice and warm in here." Tiffany removed her full length faux fur to reveal a back and white, wavy-patterned mini dress above her incredibly sexy legs and what must have been five-inch, black, stiletto heels. Moving up to the top, Chris noticed her gorgeous, but heavily made up face, two large black and white, diamond-shaped earrings, and her professionally-styled, wavy, black hair.

"I'll say one thing, Tiffany," Chris said. "You sure know how to warm up a cold day."

"Thank you, sweetie," Tiffany said. "By the way, Chrissie, did you get that little piece of jewelry we were talking about, hmmmm?"

Chris had a ring box in his pocket, but felt uneasy talking about it when he wasn't initiating the discussion. "Maybe we're rushing this a bit, Tiffany, don't you think?" Chris asked.

Before Tiffany could answer, Emily Green came to greet her. "Hi Tiffany. Nice to, uh, see you," Ms. Green said taking in Tiffany's outfit.

"Same here, Ms. G," Tiffany said. "You know I didn't even eat today so I could enjoy more of that great grub you've got cooking in there."

"How…nice," Ms. Green said. "Well, I suppose I'll get back to the kitchen."

As she left, Tiffany took a big sniff in the air and said, "The old lady's really been cooking up a storm, I see."

"Don't call her that," Chris said sternly.

"Oh honey, no offense," Tiffany said. "Just look at this house. Everyone knows she's a winner."

As the two sat down on the couch, Ms. Green began setting the table. Chris didn't notice she was setting the table for four. The doorbell rang as she just finished the last place setting.

"I'll get it," Ms. Green said.

"Are we expecting anyone else?" Chris asked from the couch.

Emily Green ignored the question and opened the front door.

"Annie!" Ms. Green said opening her arms exuberantly.

"Annie?" Chris and Tiffany asked in tandem to no one in particular.

"Oh, Ms. Green, it's so good to see you," Annie said with true excitement. "I'm sorry my father couldn't make it. He's stuck in Chicago until tomorrow night."

"Come in, Annie," Ms. Green said embracing her tightly. "I'm so glad you're here. Really, I am."

"Oh, this is for you," Annie said handing Ms. Green a bottle of wine.

"Oh, thank you, Annie," Ms. Green said. "I'll put this in an ice bucket now."

Walking back to the kitchen, Ms. Green read the label, "Cote de Beaune…"

"Coat the bone?" Tiffany asked. "I'll coat your bone, sweetie," she said to Chris while giggling at her self-perceived cleverness.

Chris stood up to see Annie's smiling face, tastefully made up, her blonde hair down flowing over her shoulders, a pearl necklace adorned over an off-white blouse and a below the knee wool skirt made of various fall colors, orange, brown, and red. Following down to her calves, Chris could see her nude hose covering her ankles and foot in a pair of three-inch ivory heels to match the blouse. Appropriately stylish, he thought… in a word – classy. This wasn't the high school girl he knew a few months back. This was a young woman.

"I didn't know you were coming," Chris said. "Neither did I," Tiffany said not getting up from the couch.

"Your mother invited my father and me for dinner, but he couldn't make it," Annie said. Taking the initiative, Annie melted into Chris' arms and quietly said, "I've missed you so much."

Annie didn't use any teasing shoe tricks. She didn't try to flirt or brush up against him in any aggressive way. She didn't even say anything more. She simply wanted to let herself be there for him.

Chris closed his eyes, felt Annie's embrace, breathed in her delicate scent, and enjoyed the moment…that is until Tiffany walked over and said, "Careful with the merchandise there, honey. Those are borrowed goods you've got there," and she slipped in between the two to grab hold of Chris for herself.

"Tiffany and I have been sort of hanging out lately," Chris said with some embarrassment.

"Oh, honey, it's more than hanging out," Tiffany said. "I know what this man needs, don't I, Chrissie?" she asked while putting one leg between Chris'.

"Chrissie?" Annie asked, not believing Chris would put up with such a nickname. "I think I'll go see if your mom needs help in the kitchen," Annie said.

Annie glanced back as she opened the kitchen door to see Tiffany clinging to Chris like ivy to a wall.

"Can I help?" Annie asked.

""I suppose you can help me take the food out to the table," Ms. Green said. "But wouldn't you rather be out there?"

"Not really," Annie said. "I just can't believe my own eyes. He's like a puppy dog to her."

"I think it's just infatuation, dear," Ms. Green said. "At least I hope that's all it is. In any case, I know he feels love for you."

"Yes, but what kind of love?" Annie asked.

 

In the other room, Tiffany was using her hands strategically while kissing Chris and coming across the ring box in his pocket. With a gasp Tiffany excitedly asked, "Is that what I think it is?"

Confused by having Annie back in his world Chris said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Let's not talk about that now."

"Oh, but I want to see it now," Tiffany begged while running her hand over Chris' pants.

"See what?" Ms. Green asked as she and Annie came through the door carrying platters and casseroles of food.

"That great dinner you've worked so hard on," Chris said while taking a seat at the table. Tiffany sat on one side of him and Annie sat on the other side next to Ms. Green.

Ms. Green began serving turkey. "Light or dark meat, Annie?" she asked.

"Light, please," Annie said.

"Both, please," Chris said.

"Dark," Tiffany said. "You know what they say – dark meat, sweet juice, eh Chris?" she said with a nudge in Chris side. Chris smiled uneasily.

After food was dished out and wine poured, Ms. Green asked, "What should we toast to? How about to old friends?"

Tiffany added, "And new loves."

"Well, you two are old friends," Chris said to Annie and Tiffany.

"Until she stole my ex-boyfriend," Tiffany said.

"I stole your ex-boyfriend?" Annie asked.

"At least you're admitting it," Tiffany said.

"I'm not admitting anything of the sort," Annie said. "It was a date for the dance, and he left me so he could be with you!"

"I'm not talking about then," Tiffany said. "I mean now, at college."

"I don't see him at school," Annie said. "I've seen him just in passing… twice, maybe."

"That's not what he says," Tiffany said.

"Oh Tiffany, he's just trying to make you jealous," Annie said. "The fact that we both went there is pure coincidence. Not many schools offer cheerleading scholarships, you know. I was lucky to go there."

"Wow, so you don't see him," Tiffany said thoughtfully.

"I've been too busy to see anybody," Annie said. "You're probably keeping busy, too, huh Tiffany?"

"Well, I have my interests," Tiffany said looking at Chris. "And I'm doing hair. One of my modeling connections got me real excited about it. It pays pretty good, enough to keep me in fresh heels, eh Chris?" Tiffany asked while rubbing a shoe against Chris leg under the table.

Chris jumped up hurriedly from the table. "Will you excuse me?" Chris asked and left the room.

Tiffany moved over to fill his seat. "Look, Chris tells me you've been friends a long time," Tiffany said. "And maybe he even had a thing for you, but you're clear across country now for four years of college. Isn't it better that he find someone close to home so he's not lonely all that time?"

Annie looked at Ms. Green, then at Tiffany and said sadly, "You're right. I really just want Chris to be happy."

"Me too, and there's nothing that says we can't be friends," Tiffany said. "Hell, you come down to the shop and I can fix your hair better, too."

Emily Green was refilling wine glasses as Tiffany nodded yes for more. "And maybe Annie can call Bill now that you're not interested in him anymore," Ms. Green said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tiffany asked as she knocked over her wine glass in a gesture of anger spilling some on herself in the process. "You bitch," Tiffany said. "Look what you did."

"Don't you EVER call her that," Annie yelled. "Since my mom died two years ago, this woman is like my second mother. She's the best friend I have in the world. You apologize. It wasn't her fault."

"Yeah, okay, whatever," Tiffany said.

It wasn't much of an apology, but Emily Green wasn't hearing anything after what Annie said anyway. She just looked at Annie with all the love in her heart.

"What was all that about?" Chris asked as he came back into the room.

"Nothing, dear," his mother said. "Just a little mistake."

"Yeah," Tiffany said, "and we were talking about what plans made the most sense for our future together. Maybe this would be a good time to pull out that little box in your pocket. We're all friends here now, Chrissie."

"Please don't call me that anymore," Chris said. "It's Chris. But you're right about making plans for the future."

Chris pulled the ring box out of his pocket. Tiffany squealed in delight. Annie instinctively reached over to Ms. Green's hand at the same moment Ms. Green was reaching for Annie.

"Tiffany," Chris said. "You're one of the most beautiful girls I've ever known in my life. You're playful, fun, and I'm sure Bill really misses you a lot. You should invite him to the wedding."

Chris then turned to Annie and said, "I'm sorry I don't always see things the way I should, but when I'm with you everything becomes clear as a diamond." Opening the ring box he said, "This was my grandmother's, Annie. Will you marry me?"

With a gasp, Annie exclaimed, "Yes!", and hugged Chris as tight as she could.

"Her?" Tiffany asked. "You can't be serious."

"I'm sorry, Tiffany, but I've think I've loved Annie from the first moment I saw her," Chris said.

Tears started flowing from Ms. Green's eyes. "Me, too," she said.

Tears started flowing from Annie's eyes, "Me, too," she said. "To you two, I mean."

Anger flowed from Tiffany's eyes. "This is the last straw," she said.

"Remind me to buy you some more straws," Chris said to his mother who laughed through the tears.

Tiffany had to laugh herself, and she became pretty cool about the situation. "Hmmm, okay, maybe I should give Bill another chance," Tiffany said, then mumbled. "…all that and it wasn't even a new ring."

Annie and Chris included Ms. Green in the hug as well.

"Maybe I should leave you folks to yourselves," Tiffany said. "Can one of you give me a ride home?"

"Oh, sure," Chris said.

Drying her eyes, Ms. Green said, "No, you two stay here. I'll take you home."

As Ms. Green left with Tiffany, Annie and Chris kissed for the first time with all the love and passion unbridled in their hearts as Ms. Green was heard asking Tiffany, "So do you think there's anything you could do with my hair.

  

  

  

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