This is a continuing work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual people or situations is purely coincidental.

 

Easter Break

by

Lisa Elizabeth

 

Part 2

The next week went by so slowly! Eventually, Thursday finished and we started Easter Vacation. Mom had Janet and I go with her on Friday to pick up our outfits for Easter Sunday. Janet and Mom had matching dresses in a pale yellow. Another holiday of me being jealous because of the outfits Mom and Janet have to wear! They also had matching Easter Hats and similar styled white shoes and purses to complete their outfits.

Dad and I had black slacks; pale yellow shirts with a striped tie and a cream colored blazer to finish off our Easter clothes. Mom told me I looked 'handsome' in the outfit. Unfortunately, it was not much consolation, since I really would have liked to match Mom and Janet.

Easter Sunday we went to church and then headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. This is an annual tradition. It is there that we get our Easter baskets. We were the last ones to arrive so Aunt Kathy, Uncle Jack, Allison and Jason were already there.

After all the HI’s and hugs we settled into getting dinner ready. I found that dressed as John, I was not as welcome in the kitchen. On New Year's Day I had been there as Lisa and had gotten to help with the cooking and baking. Today was different. It seemed like I was given little jobs to keep me out of the way. Allison got all the big jobs, like making the tossed salad and being 'in charge' of the dinner rolls. I was pretty down and disappointed by the time we started setting the table.

"What is bugging you today, John?" asked my Aunt Kathy. She was helping me set the table for dinner.

"Nuthin'. Not really... I guess." I mumbled back. I was sorting out Grandma's good silverware at the time.

"Well! I think something is wrong. You are so quiet and looking at your shoes a lot. That usually means something isn't making you happy." Aunt Kathy replied.

"It's okay. I guess...(sigh)." I said.

We continued to set the table in silence. Eventually it was all done and I sat down to look it over. You know, to make sure everything was the way Grandma likes it. Aunt Kathy came over and sat down beside me.

"Looks good! We did a great job. Thank you for the help, John." Aunt Kathy said. I just nodded. We sat there for a couple of minutes checking the table. Then Aunt Kathy said. "Okay John! Out with it! What is the problem? You have been a regular 'Gloomy Gus' since we started dinner. What is troubling you?"

Her suddenness surprised me. I think about it now and know that was what she was trying to do. Well it worked. I started crying and babbling about how it was not fair, that just because I was dressed as a boy, I could not help in the kitchen. I thought I had done a good job on New Year's Day, why can't I help when dressed as John? Aren't chefs men? Why can't boys help in the kitchen? Eventually it turned into more crying and less coherent speaking.

The 'hiccup-sobs' brought all the ladies in from the kitchen to see what was happening. There I sat, my face buried in my Aunt's shoulder crying my eyes out. It took me a couple of minutes to regain myself and when I started to calm down I finally heard part of what Aunt Kathy was telling everyone.

"... And I think that all it is is that he feels left out of the activities in the kitchen. " She finished saying.

"Oh! I don't think we did that on purpose." Grandma was saying. "I mean, I know New Year's Day was special and he did do a lot of things in the kitchen. But today, I just gave everyone their regular helper jobs, like every other holiday!"

"John? How are you now dear?" Mom asked.

"I think I'm fine." I said while wiping the remaining tears from my face. "I just felt like no one wanted me around the kitchen since I was a boy. It doesn't make sense but, as 'Lisa', I got to help with the cooking. I know that Allison and Janet like to help too, it's just that I wanted to do the same things I did as 'Lisa'. I didn't think you liked me as John anymore." I had to stop talking or I would have cried again.

"Not like you? John, I still love you very much. You are my grandchild and a grandparent always loves their grandchild, no matter what!" Grandma said.

Me? I just sniffled some more and felt really bad about upsetting everyone over something so silly. " I'm sorry Grandma, I know you love me." I said as I went over and gave her a hug.

"Okay! Everyone back into the kitchen. We have food to bring out to the table." Grandma took charge, since it was almost time to eat.

The rest of the day went well. I helped with the rest of the meal and then helped clear the table. After that, all four of us children were shoo'd out of the kitchen as the adults did the dishes. The four of us went in to the game room and played board games until it was time to go home.

From that day through Thursday, it was pretty much a normal Easter Break. I played outside with my friends and when it rained I played with Janet and her Barbie's or we went to a movie. On Thursday, Mom said we needed to pack for the weekend to be sure I had everything ready.

It was right after breakfast, when Mom decided it was time to pack for my weekend. "John! We need to get things ready for your sleepover. Come along with me and let's get everything packed for tomorrow." Mom stated.

I followed Mom up to 'Lisa's' room and wondered what I was going to pack. It's not like I had an entire closet to choose from, but I did have more outfits than I needed for one weekend. I sat on the bed to wait for Mom. She had continued past 'my' room and told me to wait for her.

I heard some rummaging in Mom and Dad's room, then their closet door slid closed and I heard Mom coming back down the hall. She entered the bedroom carrying a suitcase that Janet usually used for sleepovers and a bag with a zipper that Mom usually stored her good dresses in. "I thought these would work just fine for all your clothes." Mom said. " The suitcase will hold all the small items and the things you need for your hair and teeth, while the bag will work for your dresses and pants."

"Okay Mom." I said. I was a little surprised at how complicated it was to pack for a weekend as a girl. I mean, every time I went to Grandma and Grandpa's for the weekend, I just grabbed an oversized backpack and stuffed everything into it! Shirts, pants, socks and underwear, how difficult was that? Oh yes! Toothbrush and comb too! So it took all of five minutes to pack usually. Then, I would go downstairs and watch TV or something, since it would be another half-hour before Janet was done packing.

"Let's see... You will need clothes for Friday night, Saturday for play, the party, and an outfit for church and returning to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Oh yes, an 'extra' outfit just in case something special comes up." Mom was saying to herself more than me.

Mom had me take out of the drawers, four pairs of panties, all three of the camisoles, four pairs of tights, two white, one black and one cream. Two pairs of slouch socks, one pink pair and one blue pair and my two new padded training bras. All these things were neatly packed in the suitcase. Then from the closet she had me take out my Blue sailor dress, my Burgundy long sleeved top and the Gray pleated skirt, My new Blue flowered top and my new jeans. Then I took out my Cream colored dress and my skating skirt, 'just in case'.

I had to go back into the dresser in order to get a half-slip and two full slips for the skirt and dresses. Mom had packed the tops in the suitcase and the jeans, skirts and dresses were hanging by the door.

"Okay... I think we have most everything you will need... white tights and camisole for the sailor dress. Black tights, bra, and panties for the skirt and top. Cream tights, bra, and slip for the cream colored dress. Then an extra pair of tights and socks for the 'play' outfit. You can use the tights if it's cold out or only the socks if it's nice or you are inside. That's also why we packed the extra camisoles, if you are cold just put one on over your bra. It's like having an extra shirt on. Except for hair and toothbrush and paste, I think we have everything you might need!" Mom smiled as she finished telling me what went with what outfit.

"Wow! There sure are a lot of things here just for a sleepover." I said.

"Sleepover! Oh my! We forgot your nightgown, slippers and robe!" Mom said and went to the dresser to get them. "Also, get out your shoes! We have to pack them too, since you won't be changing until you are at Grandma's." Mom reminded me.

I went into the closet and picked up 'my' Mary Jane’s' and the new pink and white athletic shoes. Mom took them, set them in a plastic bag, and then put them in the suitcase.

"That will keep your clothes clean, so the dirt from your shoes won't get all over." Mom explained. "Tomorrow morning after you get dressed, we will finish packing the rest of what you need."

I just stood there looking at a FULL suitcase and a mostly filled garment bag, wondering just WHERE we were going to put 'everything else'. As I looked between the suitcases and the closet, I realized that the ONLY item not packed, was my holiday dress from Christmas! Every other item of clothing for 'Lisa' was packed and ready to go. I still could not believe there was that much stuff. I looked at the clock; it had taken us one hour to pack everything for the trip. I thought about all we had decided I needed and now realized just why it took Janet so-o-o long to pack.

With the packing done, I asked Mom if I could go play with my friends. She was busy still collecting things and placing them in a bag and wasn't listening.

"Just a minute, John. I'm just packing your earrings, necklace and headbands. We'll pack the comb, brush and a curling iron tomorrow. There! All done! Now, what did you ask? Mom said.

"Asked if I could go play with Joey?" I replied.

Mom checked her watch then looked at me. "After lunch. It's almost noon!" She replied.

After a quick lunch, I spent the afternoon with Joey. We were playing catch and trying to practice our batting. After all, tryouts for Little League were coming up. Somehow, my mind was not on what we were doing. I'd start thinking about tomorrow and miss a throw or drift off and not swing at a good pitch. Usually Joey and I have a lot of fun together but today I just wasn't all there!

The rest of the day is kind of a blur. I know what I did, but I have to think about it to tell you. My mind was more on Friday and becoming 'Lisa' for the weekend.

I awoke Friday very excited. Today was when I got to go to Grandma Smith's and become Lisa for the weekend! I was up before everyone else and in and out of the bathroom in record time. I got dressed in the 'nice' clothes Mom said I should wear. A button down shirt and dress pants along with my penny loafers. This way I could honestly tell anyone that stopped by, I was going to a weekend sleepover / birthday party.

Dad and Mom came downstairs and saw me watching TV in the living room.

"Morning sport! Up pretty early today aren't you?" Dad said.

"Yep. I just woke up and couldn't lay in bed, so I got up, showered and dressed." I replied.

"I won't see you until Sunday. I hope you have a fun weekend. Remember to behave yourself." Dad said.

"I will Dad." I replied. I got up, went over to him, and gave him a hug. "Thanks Dad. Ill be good. I'll see you on Sunday."

Dad left for work after giving Mom a kiss.

"I see you are ready to go to your Grandmother's!" Mom said. "It's a little early for that. We don't have to leave until after lunch. I was hoping to get you and Janet to help me do a quick cleaning of the house this morning. Would you run back up to your room and change into some jeans and a T-shirt? Just for this morning? Please?"

"Sure Mom. I just thought I would be all ready to go." I said as I headed for the stairs and up to my room to change.

The rest of the morning went quickly. Janet finally got up and she and I dusted and cleaned as we always did for Mom. This time, however, Janet was a little more careful with her jobs. I guess when you really are having company over, you want the house to look as nice as possible.

Right after lunch, Mom told me to go change. I went up to my room, and put on the 'nice' clothes that I had worn earlier. Now I was getting excited! I couldn't seem to get dressed fast enough and loading my cases in the car took much longer than ever before. Did you know that when you are in a hurry to get somewhere, ALL the other drivers on the road know it and drive SLOWER! I could not believe how long it took us to get to Grandma and Grandpa's.

Janet helped carry my cases into the house. Her sleepover was Saturday night. She was still excited about me going to Donna Anne's, so she came along for the ride.

"I can't wait to see Donna again. She was really nice the last time I saw her." Janet stated.

"I know. I'm really excited about this weekend. I'm also a little nervous. I've only been 'Lisa' when you and Mom have been around to help. It's a little scary knowing I'll be there by myself." I told Janet.

"Just be yourself!" Janet said. "You really aren't any different as Lisa or as John. I mean, when you are dressed as John you think of more boy things to do. When you are dressed as ‘Lisa’, you think of more girl things to do. Otherwise, you act like yourself no matter what you are wearing. So, just be yourself and you will have a lot of fun!"

My little sister had just told me something that surprised me. I wasn't any different, whether I was John, or Lisa. I thought I was totally different as Lisa. Like being Lisa allowed me to be someone else. Janet had told me that wasn't so. I was the same person, regardless of what I wore. I guess I had a lot to think about.

"John? Are you up here?" Mom asked as she came around the corner. "Time to get ready for the party. Grandma wants you to take a bath first. I told her you had showered, but she insisted."

"It's okay Mom. If you and Janet will leave, I'll change into my robe and slippers and meet Grandma in the bathroom." I said with a smile. I knew Grandma was going to set up a bath oil bath for me. She had done that the last time I was over as Lisa.

I changed into my robe and slippers and headed for the bathroom. There was Grandma, running the water. When I entered, she added the bath salts and bath oils. It made the bathroom smell wonderful. I gave her a hug and told her thank you. After she left, I took off my robe and slippers and slid into the wonderfully silky and scented bath water.

I probably could have laid there all day. It just felt so-o-o neat. But all too soon, the water started getting cold, so I sort of scrubbed all over with the wash cloth and then let the water out. I had just dried off and was slipping on my robe when Mom knocked on the door.

"Hurry up Lisa! We don't want you to be late for the party." Mom called through the door.

"Almost done!" I called back. I slid on my slippers and opened the door.

"Smells nice! Grandma must be spoiling you!" Mom said.

"She said she used to set up baths for you when you were little." I replied. "Then you started taking showers, so she couldn't do that for you any more."

"Baths are nice, but I got so busy with school and everything, I never had time to enjoy a bath." Mom told me. "Now that you smell so good, let's get you ready to go to Donna Anne's."

We went into the spare bedroom, which Janet and I usually used, when we visited. Mom had already taken out the sailor dress and the appropriate underwear for me. She said she would step outside so I could get dressed and to call if I needed any help.

I was so-o-o excited about being Lisa all weekend I could not get dressed fast enough. I threw my robe on the bed and plugged in the curling iron. Then, I quickly slipped on my panties, camisole and white tights. I had just sat down to start fixing my hair when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." I said. It was Grandma, checking to see how I was doing.

"I thought I could help you with your hair. I like to help Janet and Allison when they visit." She stated.

"Sure Grandma. That would be great! I'm still not very good with the curling iron and right now I'm so nervous and excited I would probably burn myself." I replied.

Grandma laughed a little and then went to work. First, she saw the way I had combed it and asked how I was going to fix it. I explained how I had always combed down the bangs, then used a headband to separate the back part, and then curled under all around the bottom.

"Well, you are going to a party, right? How about we get a little more creative?" Grandma asked. "If you don't like it we can wash it out and redo it."

"Okay. What did you want to try?" I asked.

"Just let me play for a few minutes." Grandma said and started in on my head with the curling iron.

First, she parted my hair down the middle and then combed the bangs forward. Then she took the curling iron and started curling everything up and out. When she was happy with the front, she went around the back of my head and made sure everything curled under just a little bit. Then she grabbed some hairspray from the dresser and had me close my eyes, while she sprayed and patted and fluffed for what seemed like forever.

"All done! What do you think?" Grandma asked.

I turned toward the mirror. I was a little surprised. My hair was styled like the females on the TV show 'Charlie's Angels'. It had a cute outward flip that framed my face and led back to an understated under curl all around the back. It looked very nice.

"I like it, Grandma. Let's go show Mom." I excitedly said.

"Not until you put your dress and shoes on, young lady! No one runs around MY house in their underwear!" Grandma stated.

Grandma helped me put on the sailor dress without messing up my hair. Then I clipped on my angel earrings and put on my necklace with the cross on it. I then slid into my Mary Jane's and put on just a little 'Skin so Soft' so that I smelled nice.

"I think I'm ready. What do you think, Grandma?" I asked with a smile.

"You look beautiful, Lisa. Now we can go show everyone your hair." Grandma responded.

I looked around the room and did not see anything else I needed at that moment, so we went downstairs to show everyone what Grandma had done to my hair.

"That looks really cute, Lisa!" Exclaimed Janet. She got up from watching TV and ran into the kitchen to see my hair.

"I must agree. It's a very pretty hairstyle. Makes you look like an actress on TV." Mom said.

"Grandma said it's just like the girls on 'Charlie's Angels' wear." I replied. "Oh! Janet! I was watching what Grandma did. It shouldn't be too hard to duplicate. We can try it with your hair at home."

"That would be nice. Let's do it Sunday when you get home." Janet said.

"Would that be okay, Mom?" I asked. I was not sure if I would be going home as Lisa or John yet.

"I suppose... but, you will be going home as John." Mom said. "The party ends after lunch on Sunday, so there will be a lot of daylight yet when we head for home."

"Grandma, could we do Janet's hair Sunday afternoon? While I was still dressed as Lisa?" I looked at grandma as sweetly as I could.

"It doesn't take very long... I don't see why not." Grandma replied.

"YEA!!!" Both Janet and I yelled at the same time.

"You owe me a coke!" Janet said quickly.

"Okay. Next time we are home!" I said. Then we both laughed.

We talked some more about Sunday afternoon and when I would be done and how to get changed back into John. Then Mom said it was time for me to go to Donna Anne's.

I checked all around the bedroom to make sure everything was packed and that all my 'boy' clothes were put away or hung up for Sunday. I asked Grandpa to help me load the car. My 'help' consisted of opening the doors and the trunk on the car. Grandpa wouldn't let me carry anything. I remembered that Mom had told me how, as Lisa, I would have to let the 'boys' do all the carrying. This was still weird for me, after all, most of the time; I was one of the 'boys'.

In no time, everything was packed and I kissed Grandma and Grandpa goodbye. As we were going out the door Grandma spoke.

"I almost forgot! Don't leave yet!" she called as she raced through the house. She returned with a medium sized gift bag with a bow on it. "This is a special birthday gift for Lisa"

I was surprised! I didn't expect any birthday gifts at all. I opened the bag and carefully separated the tissue paper. There in the bag was a Teddy Bear! You could tell it was a girl bear, it had on a pink dress with white lace trim and a matching bonnet. Embroidered on one paw was the name 'Bonnie'.

"Oh! Grandma! She is so-o-o cute! I love it! Thank you so much!" I was squeeking like a mouse. I gave Grandma a kiss.

"You should thank your Grandfather. He actually picked it out for you." Grandma said.

I looked at Grandpa. I think it is the first time I had ever seen him blush! I went over and gave him a hug and kiss. "Thank you Grandpa. I really like 'Bonnie'.

"You're very welcome Lisa. Now just go and have a good time this weekend." he replied.

We all got into the car and buckled up. As we left we all waved goodbye, even 'Bonnie' waved! I know the trip to Donna Anne's was only forty-five minutes, but it seemed like forever. I guess the excitement and nervousness were showing.

Janet reached across the car and took my hand. She smiled at me and through unspoken communication, I knew that all would be okay this weekend.

Mom pulled into the driveway of a nice blue and white house. She stopped the car and said. "We're here! Now, remember to just be yourself, Lisa, and you'll have a lot of fun this weekend!"

We got out of the car and went to the back to get my cases and garment bag from the trunk. We carried them to the front door and I reached up and rang the doorbell.

It is amazing to me just how long it takes someone to answer the door when you are nervous and excited. We stood there for what seemed hours, then we heard someone coming towards the front door.

"Hi Lisa! Janet, Mrs. Smith." Said Donna Anne as she opened the door. "Please come in. Can I help carry anything?"

"Hi Donna!" We all said at the same time. Mom handed Donna my small case as we entered her house.

"This way Lisa, I'll show you to my room. It's where we all are staying. Mrs. Smith? My Mom said to tell you to go into the kitchen, she was making some kind of snack for later when the doorbell rang." Donna talked as she walked toward the stairway.

We carried the cases and the garment bag up to Donna's bedroom. She had space in her closet cleared for the bag and an empty corner for my cases. We put everything away and looked around the room.

"You have a nice room, Donna. It's really comfortable." Janet said.

"It's not finished yet. Mom and Dad are going to repaint the walls and help me redecorate it as part of my birthday present. We haven't done anything yet because of the party this weekend. They said there just wasn't enough time!" Donna told us.

We sat on the bed and just chatted for a few minutes. Not about much, just school and break and what Janet was doing this weekend. That got Janet excited. It wasn't even her birthday and she was going to have four girls over Saturday night for a sleepover. I'm not sure how Mom got her to shorten the list to four! As we were talking about our sleepover and Janet's we heard the front door bell ring.

"Donna? Would you get the door please? I'm still busy in the kitchen!" Donna's Mom called upstairs.

"Okay Mom." Donna answered. " Come on, that must be Janet!"

We followed Donna back into the front room and over to the door. She opened the door and in came another girl our age.

"Hi Janet! Glad you could come over. Where are your clothes?" Donna asked.

"I just brought stuff for tonight. Mom said I should just run back home to change, since we live next door. "Janet replied.

"Let me introduce everyone. Janet Stickney! This is Lisa and Janet Smith. Lisa and Janet Smith, this is Janet Stickney." Donna made the introductions.

"Two Janets! Cool!" Said my sister, Janet. "Maybe it's a good thing I'm going home with Mom. It could get confusing with two Janets here."

We all giggled at my sister's comment. Then decided it would be better to go back upstairs to Donna's room. We all went back up and put Janet Stickney's small case next to mine in the corner. We were just sitting around listening to a cassette tape that Donna just bought and getting to know each other. It didn't seem very long but all of a sudden, Mom and Mrs. Jones were at the door. Both were just standing there smiling.

"Janet, it's time for us to go." She said.

"Mom! This is Janet too!" Exclaimed Janet, my sister. "Which one do you want to go home with you?"

"Hmm-m-m! Let me think. Well, if I took the older Janet home, none of the clothes in the closet would fit her. Why don't I take the younger one home, since it is her girlfriends that are coming over tomorrow!" Mom said with a smile.

"Okay! I'll go with if you insist." My sister replied. "Bye everyone! Have a good time! See you Sunday, Lisa."

We all walked back downstairs and hugged Mom and Janet when they left. I went to the front window and waved at Janet as Mom pulled away from the driveway.

With Mom and Janet gone, it was time for Donna Anne's birthday sleepover to officially start!

 

End part 2

 

 

 

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© 2002 by Lisa Elizabeth. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.