The Export                               by: Jacki Pett

Part 2

 

SUNDAY - DAY 23

His days passed so slowly as he waited anxiously for word that he could leave the nursery. He felt so much stronger. On the rare occasions when they left him alone he'd exercised, pushing himself to build up his strength.

Yesterday he'd managed to take his first steps in so long. He'd had to hang on to the side of the dresser, but he walked. It felt wonderful but he exhausted himself with the effort.

 

TUESDAY - DAY 25

Margaret and Connie made the announcement to him that evening. Margaret was to have the honors. "Laura, I think it's time for you to leave me. Connie and Tina have fixed up a bedroom for you."

"Really?" John said, not ever bothering to try to hide his excitement. "When?"

"Well, if you like Laura. I could take you there now." Connie said with a big grin. "Would that be OK?"

"It sure would." He answered with enthusiasm.

They knew he could walk on his own, even though he never exhibited his ability when he thought they were watching.

He had received only the smallest dose of the muscle relaxant in the previous night's bottle. Today he received none. His strength, much less than John was accustomed to, would be almost completely back tomorrow. Exercise would be necessary to tone his new muscles. Connie was ready with a program of aerobics for him.

He had not been out of the room in almost four weeks. To John, it felt like four months. The one way glass was covered with a picture. It wouldn't do for him to know they watched him when he thought he was alone.

The one way glass next to the door to the Pink bedroom was also covered. John was not surprised at the decor of the room they had prepared for him. He had expected it to be very feminine. He was disappointed that there was no window. His escape would have been so much easier. He would escape, non the less.

"It's lovely." He told Connie.

John hadn't heard Tina come up behind them. "We're glad you like it Laura. I just hope you don't let us down. Just remember you can always go back to the nursery if you don't behave."

He hadn't seen her in days, a week, and he hadn't missed her in the least. "I promise I'll be good Tina." John did not want to go back there.

"I'm sure you will Laura, I'm sure you will." Tina left the two of them alone.

"Laura, I've put a plastic sheet on the bed in case you have an accident. Maybe in the next day or two we can get you out of those diapers and you can start to use the bathroom again."

It wouldn't take him two days if he could help it. "That would be so wonderful Connie."

"We better get you comfortable in your new bed now. You think you'll like sleeping in a regular bed again?"

John turned to her with a big grin. "You bet." He would welcome the bed. Just the short walk from the nursery wore him out.

"Laura, a woman wouldn't say, 'you bet'. You haven't forgotten your promise already have you?"

"No Connie, No. I should have said, It'll feel wonderful." Don't piss them off, not now, he reminded himself.

"That's better Laura, thanks. I knew you wouldn't let me down." Connie helped him onto the bed after she pulled the covers down.

"Now if you need anything during the night just push this button." She showed him the little box on the night stand, next to the radio and reading lamp. "That goes off in Aunt Margaret's and my room. We'll come right in to help."

"I'll try not to bother you." John said.

"Don't you worry about bothering us. Just call if you need help." Connie fluffed up his pillow. "Would you like to read for a little while before going to sleep?" Connie took the magazines she had put there for him, out from under the nightstand.

"I'd like that, thank you." It was hard not to like her.

"I'll look in on you around ten. You should probably put the light out by then and get some sleep. The radio has a sleep timer just in case you forget to turn it off.

God, he hadn't listened to a radio in so long. "Thanks Connie for everything you've done for me. You've been so sweet."

"I think you're special too. Goodnight Laura." Connie managed to keep from laughing until she got out in the hall and closed the sound proof door.

Connie poked her head into the kitchen where Tina waited. "He's all set."

They immediately went to the window. Next to the window was the volume control for the bedroom and bathroom speakers. They were both hidden in the ceiling and there was virtually no chance of his discovering them.

He did exactly as they expected.

John waited a couple of minutes to make sure no one was going to walk in on him. The clock, something else he hadn't seen in a long time, said it was a quarter to nine.

He looked from his bed, across the room, to the door. He had seen the combination lock on the outside when they wheeled him in. What disturbed him was that there was also one on the inside. Against the wall to his right, as he lay there, was a large low white dresser. A large mirror stood over it, against the wall. White porcelain lamps that matched the one on the white night table graced its surface.

On either side of the door were full length mirrors.

On the wall to his left were mirrored closet doors. He assumed it was a closet because it was almost eight feet of mirrors.

To the left of the closet was a lady's dressing table with a lighted mirror built into the wall. On it's glass surface were several frosted perfume bottles on a doily and a small vase with fresh flowers in water.

Next to the dressing table, near the head of the bed, was another door. This one contained no locks that he could see. A bathroom. How he longed to be able to use a toilet again. As accustomed as he had become to just letting himself go in his diaper, it still bothered him.

In the corner of the room, between the bed and the bathroom door was a big stuffed chair covered with a bright floral print.

It was a wonderful feeling to be out of the nursery. Even this room with its pale pink walls and white trim was a welcome change. A real bed to sleep in. A bed without side rails. Wonderful, it felt like a little bit of heaven.

John looked at the clock. Almost five minutes had passed since Connie left. He pulled the cover to the side and swung his legs off the side of the bed. Sitting up, with his feet squarely on the floor, he stood. John was a little shaky, he grabbed the bedpost for support. It was only two steps to the dressing table and it was frightening for him but he made it. He leaned against the wall for support.

By the time he got back to bed he was really exhausted. It was worth it though, being able to go to the bathroom like a real person.

Connie had left him a glass of water on the nightstand. He helped himself. John was content to turn off the light now and go to sleep.

The sleeping powder will work quickly if he doesn't fall asleep on his own first." Of that, Tina was confident.

"He's getting around pretty well." Connie noted.

"He should feel much stronger tomorrow. The muscle relaxant should be completely out of his system by then." Tina was excited about what Saturday would bring. "Are you all ready for him?"

"You bet." Connie answered smiling.

Tina grinned. "Don't let him hear you say that."

 

 

WEDNESDAY - DAY 26

John awoke early. He was usually awake before anyone else. He felt refreshed until he realized that he hadn't made it through the night without an accident. He felt very uncomfortable in the soiled diapers but he couldn't very well take them off or, if he knew where to find a clean one, change himself.

As upsetting as it was, John was determined to explore his new surroundings before he was disturbed. John started with the dressing table.

He pulled open one of the drawers to find an assortment of cosmetics. Good, he said to himself, he would need them.

He carefully stepped around the table and chair and, using the wall for support, he stepped in front of the first door of the closet. It slid aside smoothly. Almost without a sound. He was grateful for that.

What he found inside was a disappointment. Dresses, skirts and blouses hung from the hangers but no pants. No pants of any kind. Not even woman's slacks. He had hoped for jeans. He could handle going out in jeans.

There were five dresses, three skirts and five blouses. All the blouses were decidedly feminine. Almost all were trimmed in lace or had trim of one sort or the other. Nothing there would pass as masculine. The rest of the closet appeared empty. Behind the door at the far end was a shoe rack and John was again disappointed to find only high healed shoes and flats.

Well if it had to be, then so be it. This wouldn't change his plans one bit.

It was almost 15 feet across the room to the dresser. He didn't feel like he could walk that far without something to lean on. He retraced his steps.

John hadn't taken the time the night before to investigate the bathroom. He had gone in without even turning on a light. He didn't want to alert anyone to the fact that he was stronger than they believed.

Now he took the opportunity to check it out. He found the light switch just inside the door. The bathroom was larger and more elaborate then average bath. Not only was there a toilet but there was a bidet too. He had seen them before but it was still an oddity to him.

Next to and behind the toilet and bidet was a planter with some kind of vines or ivy hanging off the sides. Partitioned off by the planter was a pink contour bathtub and small shower stall. To John's left, in the back corner of the room, was the vanity. On either side of the sink was another small planter. Each filled with greenery. Behind the sink, the entire corner of the room was completely mirrored.

Jack stepped over to the vanity, leaning on the doorknob then on the counter top. He pulled up his nightie and clumsily opened the two safety pins that held his diaper and carefully placed it on the floor.

This was the first time he actually saw what he'd been doing. How disgusting, he thought to himself.

Again, he lifted his nightie and plopped down gratefully on the open toilet. He was pushing it, he felt terribly weak.

It wasn't that he had to go to the bathroom so badly. He just wanted to relish his new freedom and make use of the facilities.

It had been several days since his hand explored inside his diaper. He found it too depressing but now, Even thought he was soiled, he couldn't resist the urge. It made him ill to discover he was even smaller now than he had been only days ago. His penis was no larger than the last segment of his pinkie. He could easily hold it between two fingers.

John cursed the women, particularly the blond, Tina. He would find a way to get even. He had no idea how, but he'd find a way.

It was a struggle to get the diaper back on right but he finally managed. He had wanted to see what the large dresser

contained but he thought better of it. He barely made it back to the bed before he collapsed from exhaustion.

It was nearly nine thirty. He had spent almost a half hour in the bathroom. He had discovered rollers, a curling iron and a variety of brushes in the drawers under the planters by the sink. He had everything he'd need to fix his hair. Under the sink was a cap type hair dryer. Connie had used hers on him to dry his hair once when they were rushed.

He pulled the covers back over himself, and waited.

Margaret was intentionally noisy when she unlocked his door to bring him his breakfast.

John pretended to opened his eyes slowly. The clock said it was nine am. "Good morning Aunt Margaret." He said in a sleepy voice.

"Good morning sleepy head. How was my girl's first night in her new bed?"

"It was wonderful. I almost forgot how it feels." he had slept well. He didn't wake up once during the night.

John just laid back in the bed as Margaret changed his diaper. It was a relief to have her clean him up and put on a fresh one.

She propped him up with the pillows and he ate his breakfast in bed. Margaret made herself comfortable in the chair and they talked as he ate.

She helped him to the bathroom. It was a delight to wash himself for the first time in so long. He brushed his own hair that morning.

"Tomorrow, if you feel that your up to it, you could have a shower. Wouldn't that feel nice?" Margaret suggested.

"Could I?" He replied, thrilled with the idea.

John spent most of the morning in bed. The exertion of being up on his feet took it's toll.

When he was alone, he did get up from his bed and try to build up his stamina but he was careful to not overdo it or get caught.

Margaret got him up again when she brought him his lunch. He sat in the chair to eat.

John felt the need for his afternoon nap. It was not drug induced.

He had his dinner, sitting up in the chair again. Afterwards, when he was alone, he pretty much stayed in bed and read the magazines that Margaret brought him earlier.

 

THURSDAY - DAY 27

Margaret woke him from a very sound night's sleep.

It occurred to John that his diaper was still clean and dry but as he lay there, his bladder was screaming at him for release. Normally, he would just let go, but no more. "Aunt Margaret. Would you help me get to the bathroom?

"You can just go in your diaper sweetheart. Aunt Margaret will change you." She set the tray on the foot of the bed.

"I would really like to try to go in the toilet. Please Aunt Margaret?"

"Alright honey." She took off his diaper and walked with him into the bathroom.

"May I try to walk a little?" He asked when he was finished.

"If you think you're strong enough Laura. Hang onto my shoulder and we'll go back to your bed and I'll powder you and put on a nice clean diaper."

He did as she asked but when they got back to the bed he asked, "Aunt Margaret? If I can go to the bathroom now do you think maybe I could get by without having to wear a diaper any more?" Oh please, please say yes.

"I suppose that makes sense but I better ask Tina if that's alright. I'll just call her." Margaret pushed the button on the night table.

He hadn't thought about it but of course she'd need Tina's permission.

Tina and Connie had been waiting outside the door, watching. Tina waited a few seconds before going in.

"Is everything alright Margaret?"

"Oh, we're just fine. Laura has a question for you."

This was awkward. "Tina, I asked Aunt Margaret, since I am strong enough to go to the bathroom myself, if I could please stop having to wear a diaper." The words came out weak and shaky. He didn't grovel well.

Tina pretended to be thinking about his request. "I suppose that would be alright Laura. But you have to promise not to forget yourself and have an accident."

God she was irritating the way she talked down to him. "I promise, please. I'll be good."

"You'll be a good what?"

"I'll be a good girl." He answered with his eyes down. He hated her so much.

"Alright young lady. I suppose it will be alright." Tina stepped to the dresser and pulled open one of the top drawers. She handed Margaret a pair of white lace bikini panties with a low V-front. "She can wear these." Tina said with a smile at him. "Is that better Laura?"

She was toying with him. She was such a bitch. If he said no he'd be back in diapers. He would just have to wear them for now. She went to any length to humiliate him. "Yes, they're very pretty." He tried to look pleased.

"I'm glad you like pretty things. You're going to have lots of pretty things to wear soon." That was enough for now. Tina turned and left.

"Do you want help putting them on Laura?" Margaret asked innocently.

"No thank you, I can do it." John didn't mean to sound upset with her. It wasn't her fault that Tina was so vindictive. They felt funny on him when he pulled them up, unnatural.

"They look lovely on you Laura. You have such a pretty figure." Margaret was thrilled with the way he looked, standing there next to the bed in just the panties.

A pretty figure, he asked himself? "Aunt Margaret, I want to see myself in the mirror."

"Of course child. You've never seen how nice your figure is now. We'll just go over in front of the closet for a moment." He looked in amazement at his smooth, hairless, shapely figure. His smooth, full breasts protruded from his slender chest. His swollen nipples were surrounded by a circle of pink skin. The bikini panties were stretched over his full hips above a narrow waist.

It was appalling to him that he looked so much like a girl. "Aunt Margaret, how much do I weigh?"

"You were 113 pounds when I weighed you yesterday honey. That's a nice weight for a girl your age. You should be very pleased." She watched his face, his eyes.

"Oh I am." It was almost enough to make him sick. He looked down at his crotch and there was hardly any evidence showing through the thin material of what he had once been.

"Well, look at you." Said Connie. "You look terrific." Tina had gone into the kitchen but she had stood there in the hall, watching. She couldn't resist the urge to join him and Margaret.

His first reaction at seeing her was to cover himself up.

"Don't be shy Laura. Girls don't have the same hangups guys do. We see each other without clothes all the time. You're one of us now. You'll get used to it." Connie tried to reassure him.

"I just feel funny." He explained sheepishly.

"I'll get you a fresh nightie honey." Said Margaret, stepping over to the dresser. From on of the lower drawers she pulled out a floral print chemise. It had purple, pink and blue flowers on a black background. "It's going to be nice for you to be able to wear some really pretty grown up nighties now.

Oh please, he said to himself. He couldn't say what he felt, not out loud. "Yes, that will be nice."

"Put your arms up and I'll slip it over your head." Connie took the nightie from Margaret. "There, that looks so pretty on you."

It had little narrow straps to hold it up. It was slimmer fitting than anything he had worn yet and it was short. It made him feel self conscious. "Isn't it a little small."

"No, it fits you beautifully Laura." Connie was thrilled with the way he looked. He was going to be gorgeous in a figure flattering dress.

"Laura, why don't you sit in the chair and have your breakfast." Margaret led him to the overstuffed chair.

He had a cup of tea, a piece of toast and a small glass of juice. The cereal was too much for him to finish. Margaret left since Connie wanted to stay with him.

"I've got an idea." Connie said smiling. "How would you like a nice hot shower?"

"That sounds wonderful. I haven't had a shower in so long." There was nothing exaggerated about his desire for one.

"Let me get it ready for you." Connie jumped up off the bed and ran in and turned on the hot water. She called out to him, "I put shampoo and condition on the shelf in here so you can wash your hair. There's a fresh bar of soap, a washcloth and a clean towel too." The liquid soap that hung on the shower head was his own special soap. Like the lotion Margaret had put on him every day, the soap would not only clean and condition. It would also rid his smooth skin of any body hair. Eventually, it would finally stop growing with the hormone treatments. Until that day, the soap would take care of him.

He couldn't wait to take a shower.

"Ok Laura. The water's hot." Connie came out and helped him off with his nightie.

"I'll take these off in there." He told her, indicating his panties.

"All right silly but there's really nothing to be embarrassed about." Connie was enjoying this thoroughly.

John just stood there and let the water run over his head and down his back. It helped to ease some of the tension he was feeling this morning. It felt good to wash his own hair and body.

He took his time, investigating his new form. How strange he chest felt. His body had curves it never had before, his waist was so thin.

"You've been in there for almost half an hour Laura. You're going to shrivel up like a prune." Connie relaxed in the chair in the bedroom.

He toweled off and wrapped the towel around his waist. With his hair soaking wet, opened the bathroom door. "That felt so good." He told Connie.

"I'm glad but you need to wrap that towel around your chest before you catch cold." She started to show him how to do it but he figured how on his own. "We need to get a towel on your head too. I'm sorry, I forgot to lay out an extra.

Connie grabbed another towel from the little closet behind the bathroom door. Here, he did not succeed in accomplishing the feat alone.

"I'll show you." Connie offered and wrapped his hair in a loose turban. "That's better."

John sad down in the chair in the bedroom and Connie climbed on the bed. "How are you doing? Are you pooped?"

"No, I feel pretty good actually. With breakfast and the shower I'm wide awake. I've spent so long feeling weak and helpless, now that I'm beginning to feel like myself again I want to do things."

'Feel like yourself.' I doubt it. Connie almost laughed. You're nothing like John Warren used to be. "Great. Let's get some clothes on you, fix your hair and put on a face. Then you'll feel like a real person." Connie went over to the dresser. He was going to start exercising today. She had a program all worked out and he would start off slow. No dresses for him today but she had something almost as good.

She had him put the panties back on then handed him the matching lace bra. "Do you need my help with that?" She asked.

John stared at the flimsy piece of women's underwear. Could he actually put it on? He knew he'd have to. "I think I can get it." He answered with mock confidence.

Connie saw him struggling with the back hooks. "Let me show you a little trick." She took it off him. "Put it around your waist with the hooks in front. That's it. Now hook it then turn it around your waist so the hooks are in back. Perfect. Now just pull it up and slip your arms through the straps. Wasn't that easier?"

He felt like such a klutz. He walked over to the mirror to look. It felt strange on him, but it looked stranger.

Connie watched him. "Does it fit ok? Do you like the way it feels?"

"It's ok." He didn't take his eyes off his reflection.

Connie sat up straight on the bed and got serious. "We wear pretty underwear to make ourselves feel good, to feel pretty."

John didn't understand. He felt strange and uncomfortable but he couldn't tell Connie that. "I think I know what you mean." The last thing John wanted to feel was 'pretty'.

You will, Connie said to herself. "Here, try these on." She handed him the olive leggings.

They were skin tight. As john looked in the mirror he noticed something he hadn't noticed for a while. His ass was bigger. Bigger wasn't the right word either, it had become more round, fuller. What caused that to grow that way, he asked himself as he stared. What had they done to him to give him a girl's ass?

"Here's the top to go with them." Connie handed him the matching boatneck tunic sweater.

John pulled it over his head. The collar was enormous, he tried to center it.

"No Laura, just let it fall where it wants to. It's suppose to look that way. Push your sleeves up too, it looks better like that."

He did as she told him. The white socks she gave him were very long.

"Push them down, don't pull them up silly. They're suppose to bunch up at your ankle." He looked adorable. "Let's go fix your hair."

He had no trouble with the top and sides but he did have trouble with the back. "Could you help me."

"I'll guide you but you need to learn to do it yourself Laura. There's going to be lots of times when I won't be able to do it for you."

Not for long, he told himself. It took him a while but he did it. Out in the bedroom, at the dressing table, it was much easier to do his makeup with the bright lights and the mirrors on three sides of him then it had been, sitting on the nursery floor. Connie hardly had to say anything as he deftly made himself up.

The hair dryer cut the time they had to wait for his set to dry. John brushed it out the way Connie had shown him.

He looked terrific, for a girl, he had to admit to himself. Maybe he should make his escape in this outfit? Shoes were his only problem. He didn't have sneakers.

He was spending a lot of time in front of the mirror. That was ok. Actually that was more then ok. He was getting used to the way he looked and that was an important step. Connie smiled when he turned sideways to look at his bottom.

"I want to start you on some exercises to help you get into shape. Your muscle tone needs some work since you've been inactive for so long."

That was fine with him. He could feel that his muscles had atrophied. Getting his strength back was one of his priorities. Did this mean they would go somewhere else to exercise, he hoped so. That would leave him with one less door to have to get through. "How soon can we start?"

"How about right now?" Connie offered.

John was disappointed when it was obvious that they were going to do it right there in the bedroom.

As Connie had promised, the workout was anything but strenuous. She had him work his legs primarily, concentrating on his calves and thighs. The stretching exercises she taught him would eventually give him more flexibility than he ever had as a man.

"Aren't we going to do any upper body exercises?" He asked when Connie told him they were finished for the day.

"I don't want you to try to do too much to fast. You could hurt yourself. We've got plenty of time."

She may have, but he didn't. He would wait till he was alone and do some exercises of his own to build himself up.

"It's just about noon. How are you feeling?" Connie asked.

"I'm a little beat." He hated to admit it but it was true. He was exhausted.

"That's to be expected Laura. Look, Aunt Margaret should be here soon with your lunch so why don't you just relax for a while. I have a few things I have to do but I'll be back to see you later this afternoon. Ok?"

"Sure. Thanks for all your help this morning. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for everything you've done for me." Whether she realized it or not, she was going to be his ticket out of here. He had no intention of hurting her, she was the only one who was treating him like a real person, but he would use her if he had to, when the opportunity came.

"That's sweet Laura. I do it because I like you. You don't owe me anything." Connie wished she could believe everything he said. She was beginning to really like Laura.

When she was gone, he went through every drawer of the dresser looking for anything he could find to use as a weapon or a tool to get through the locked doors. Drawer by drawer he became more frustrated. He found scarves, belts, sexy lingerie, nighties, panties and bras, stockings and workout clothes. Everything you'd expect to find in a woman's dresser. Everything but something to help him escape.

The shoe boxes on the high shelf in the closet were empty. They must have been for the shoes on the rack. There was nothing anywhere that would serve as a weapon.

Just for the hell of it, John tried to do a few pushups. He was frustrated to learn he couldn't even do one.

Margaret arrived at twelve thirty with his lunch. She walked in as he sat staring at himself in the dressing table mirror.

"Did you and Connie have fun this morning?" Margaret asked. She already knew what they had been doing. Connie had filled her and Tina in before she came in.

"Yes, we really did. I like Connie." That was the truth.

"She's a sweet girl. We all like her." Margaret added.

Margaret stayed and talked with him while he ate the chicken salad.

"I'm a little tired. I think I'd like to lay down Aunt Margaret." He had been up for hours and with the exercise and lunch, John was ready for his nap.

"That's fine sweetheart." Margaret thought he looked so cute in the outfit Connie had him wear.

He curled up on the bed, on top of the covers. His thoughts were of what he would do when he got away. Getting his hands on enough money to get back to Houston was just one of his problems.

It was almost four thirty when he awoke and looked at the clock. It was strange knowing what time it was but not being able to look out a window and see the day. He wanted so badly to look out a window.

John lay very still on the bed, just thinking for a while. He could feel the tight muscles in his legs. He knew he would have to continue to exercise or they would cramp. If he did just a little now, they should loosen up.

He did an abbreviated version of what he and Connie had done earlier and he felt better. There was no salve or sports cream in the little medicine cabinet in the bathroom to help ease his muscle pains.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he turned on the radio. The same easy listening music he had listened to last night came on. He turned the tuner to find a pop music station. He turned past several numbers on the dial before another station came on. This one was a little better but he decided to look further. He could only find three stations that came in. The third was country and he hated country. He turned back to the pop station. Odd radio, he thought to himself. It only brings in three stations.

It took a few minutes to dawn on him. He heard no commercials, only song after song. It was piped in music he was listening to, not normal radio. What were their reasons for not wanting him to listen to normal radio.

Later, around five thirty, Connie came in with a tray with two dinners on it. "I thought I'd join you for dinner." She explained.

He welcomed her company. As they ate the chicken dish John decided to take a chance with her. "Connie? Why is the radio set up for piped in music only?"

The question took her by surprise but she thought quickly. "It's Tina's idea. She thought you would be disturbed if you knew what was going on outside and were stuck in here." Blame it on Tina was the standing rule. She was the heavy.

That made sense John decided. "She's probably right. What's it like outside Connie?"

"Oh you poor girl." Connie felt sorry for him. It must be hard not knowing. "It's cold and windy. Not nice at all."

John looked at her thoughtfully. "Why do you do this? Why do you help Tina."

Every one of them asked the same question. When Connie got to know, and even like, some of the 'girls' it got harder and harder to answer. They couldn't know that she had as much to do with them being here as Tina did. It would ruin everything.

Connie had learned a way to avoid answering. She would try to look nervous and disturbed by the question and answer simply, "Please don't ask me about that Laura. I can't answer."

What hold did Tina have over this girl? Connie was nothing like her. She was sweet and kind and tried to make things easier for him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

Connie let it go at that and they finished their dinner in silence. Connie put the tray of dirty dishes by the door. "How do your legs feel? Are they sore or tight?"

"They were when I woke up but I did a few of the exercises you taught me to loosen up my muscles."

"Good girl." Now to get to what she had planned for tonight. "Did you take a look at what's in the closet?"

"Yes?" Apparently it had been alright to look around.

"Well, what did you think?" Connie asked.

"About what?" He didn't understand what she was getting at.

"Did you like the dresses?"

Was she serious? "I didn't look real close at them."

"Let's take them out and see what you think." Connie went to the closet and slid the door open. "I picked out some of these for you. I hope you like them."

John got up from the chair and walked over to her. Connie took out the first one and held it up to him. "I think that would look lovely on you. Try it on Laura."

Try it on? That was, no doubt, the last thing he wanted to do.

"Hi girls. What are you up to?" Tina asked

"Hi Tina. Laura was just going to try on some of her new clothes."

"Great, I picked the right time to visit." Tina went over and sat on the bed. She and Connie had discussed this. He was bound to have strong reservations about trying on the clothes. With Tina there he would react one of two ways. He would either rebel, in which case Tina would use the device on him and that would probably put an end to the evening. On the other hand, he probably would feel compelled to go along with them.

John just stood there holding the dress. Now he had no choice. If he objected Tina would punish him and he didn't want that. He still couldn't figure what she did to him or how she did it. He only knew he didn't want her to do it again.

"Go ahead and try it on Laura." Connie said.

John pulled the sweater over his head and laid it on the chair. The leggings followed. He was just about to step into the dress when Tina spoke up.

"Laura, you need to put on your pantyhose and a slip first."

He looked at Tina, then to Connie, with a pathetic questioning look.

"They're in your dresser. I'll get them for you." Connie offered.

John sat on the edge of the chair and awkwardly put his foot into one leg of the pantyhose and tried to pull it up. He put an enormous hole in them with his finger nail.

Tina laughed. "That's alright Laura, it happens. Here, let me show you." Tina got another pair from the dresser and showed him how to gather them on his hand first. "Keep the seam lined up across your toes then just pull it on, up to your calf. Do the same with the other foot. Then pull each leg up a little at a time, smoothing them as you go. That's it."

John did it as Tina had instructed. He felt ridiculous wearing them in front of them.

"Here's your slip Laura." Connie handed it to him and he quickly put it on over his head. It wasn't much different than his sleeping gowns except it was a little lighter material and the lace trim was more delicate.

"That's better Laura. Ok, now go ahead and put on your dress." Tina told him.

His dress? How far was this all going to go? He stepped into the purple dress with the black polka dots and pulled it up, slipping his arms into the three quarter length sleeves. The shoulders had pads, Connie straightened them for him.

Shoulder pads had been a concern. Would he look too padded? They worked out fine, much to their relief. His shoulders were fine.

"Don't help her Connie, she'll manage." Tina told her. "Laura, your slip is all bunched up, pull it down."

"Connie whispered in his ear before she backed off. "You're doing fine. Don't be nervous."

He did what Tina said. Connie's attempt to reassure him helped only a little. The back zipper was difficult to get up but he finally managed. He stood there looking at the two of them as they scrutinized him.

"It looks like it fits her perfectly." Tina remarked smiling. "Laura, get the matching belt from the closet and put it on. Oh, yes. And the purple shoes that match."

He should have expected that. He couldn't help but to stop briefly and look at himself in the closet door mirror. How appalling that he actually looked natural in the dress. He found the belt and shoes.

Connie didn't bother to tell him there were thin loops for the belt but he tugged the dress down too much. "Laura pull the material up over the belt just a little. It's supposed to billow just a bit. That's better."

He didn't know if the shoes were supposed to feel that snug at the toes when he sat on the edge of the bed to put them on. "They feel tight."

Tina smiled at him. "They're brand new silly. You'll have to break them in. Walk over by the closet so we can see how you look."

Walking in the two inch heals was treacherous. "I feel like I'm going to fall forward." He told them as he walked clumsily.

Connie and Tina looked at each other and smiled when his back was turned. He looked like he should, like a gawky young teenager with her first pair of high heals.

"Well, stop leaning forward silly. Put your shoulders back. That's more like it. You don't have to watch your feet to walk."

He reached the wall and turned around to see them smiling at him. "What?" He asked, feeling very selfconscious.

"Nothing. You look lovely in that dress." Tina said, wiping the smile off her face.

"It's just that you look so uncomfortable in the shoes." Connie explained.

"I am." He answered respectfully.

"We'll practice each day until they feel more natural Laura. Don't worry. You'll get used to them in no time."

The hell I will, he said to himself.

"Let's try on the next outfit Laura. Connie and I bought these and we're anxious to see if they're right for you."

None of these things are 'right' for me, he told himself as he pulled down the zipper and stepped out of the dress.

Connie handed him the long sleeved black trapeze style dress with the flared skirt and jewel neckline.

"You look very classy in that Laura." Tina told him when he managed to get the zipper up. Tina asked Connie. "The shiny black pumps or the ones with the gold bow on the toe?"

Connie got up from the edge of the bed and walked over to him. "Try them both Laura. I'm not sure which would look better without seeing them on you."

They were both as snug as the first pair.

Tina decided on the first pair. "The pumps without the bow. When he has the right necklace and earrings on, the other pumps would be too much."

"You look beautiful in that dress Laura." Connie told him in ernest.

He looked at himself in the mirror again. He put one hand on his hip, the way the models in the magazines did. He put his feet together the way they did. Connie was right, Laura did look classy. John felt like a jerk.

"You like that one?" Connie asked as she watched him pose.

"It's pretty." Was all he said.

He was getting over his initial embarrassment. Connie was relieved.

The next dress Connie took out for him to try was the jacket dress she had picked out for him.

John didn't have as much trouble with this one. The blouse had what they called a 'keyhole back closure'. It was just a button. The blouse was white with little cap sleeves and the skirt was navy skirt. The belt was part of the dress. The jacket Connie handed him was a jade and purple floral print with long sleeves rolled up a turn or two. Tina suggested he wear the black heels with the gold bow.

"I picked that one out too. Do you like it?" Connie asked.

He was posing again, one hand at his side and the other on his hip, drawing the jacket back. He couldn't get over how natural it looked on him. He definitely had a girl's figure. It was a strange feeling and it made him feel weird. "It's really nice." It was what they wanted to hear and he tried hard to sound convincing.

The way he looked at himself told them what they wanted to know. He could say what he wanted but there was no mistaking that he was beginning to come around. The look on his face when he posed in the mirror said more than he was willing to admit. Tina and Connie were pleased.

John had not done anything with his hair since he got up from his nap. Looking at himself in the mirror he could see that it was a mess. Without saying anything to the others, he went over to the dressing table, took one of the brushes from the drawer and primped his hair.

Connie and Tina didn't say anything. They just looked at each other with the barest hint of a grin.

The next dress was pink with cream colored dots. It had three quarter length sleeves, a jeweled neckline and a drop waist. The full skirt had soft pleats and was longer than the others.

"It's very soft and feminine looking." Tina said as he looked at himself again. I like those shoes with it." Connie had given him the white heels to try.

That disturbed him. He did not want to look soft and feminine but he had to agree to an extent. This was the prettiest dress he had tried on so far. John wasted no time in getting out of it.

They saved the best dress for last. It was a peach colored knit that was figure flattering.

John found it intimidating. He had to wiggle into it. Tina had told him to put on a different, shorter slip first.

This dress, even more than the pink one, made him look feminine beyond his level of tolerance. He only took a quick look before he wiggled back out of it. It made his breasts appear more prominent and hugged his waist and hips. It was short, inches above his knees.

"Don't you like it?" Tina asked.

"It's too tight." He couldn't tell them he looked too feminine in it, too sexy.

"It looked cute on you." Connie remarked. "You can wear tight dresses, you have the figure for them." She was actually a little jealous.

"I felt funny in it." He admitted.

"You'll get over that." Tina assured him.

I doubt it, he thought to himself. Never.

He didn't think the skirts and blouses would be as intimidating. He found out he was wrong. All three skirts were slim fitting and short. The blouses made him look and feel almost more feminine than the dresses had. Each was either trimmed in lace or made from soft silky materials.

The flats that they made him wear with one of the outfits were certainly more comfortable than the heels. He was thankful for that at least.

When he finally finished and pulled on the leggings and sweater again, he could relax and let some of the tension drain from his body. What he heard next brought it all back.

"We didn't want to take a chance and by you too many things before we found out how these fit Laura. We need to go shopping and begin to fill out your wardrobe." Tina explained.

Fine, go out and buy what ever you like. I don't plan on being here long enough to wear any of it. Soon, very soon, he told himself. "That'll be nice." John said with his perfected phony smile.

"It'll be fun Laura. The three of use will have a ball shopping." Connie couldn't wait.

The three of them? Did they expect him to go out with them shopping? Out in public? "I can't do that," He blurted out without thinking. "I won't go." John backed up to the wall.

"Of course you will young lady. You'll go with Connie and I and you'll try on whatever we tell you to and you'll model the clothes for us just like you've done tonight." Tina was standing now.

"NO! I can't, I won't." He was near panic.

"You can and you will Laura. I told you what would happen if you misbehaved." Tina put her hand in the pocket of her slacks and found the remote.

John collapsed to the floor in excruciating pain. His insides were trying to squeeze up through his throat and he gasped for air. The pain ended as quickly as it started. He lay there by the dressing table panting, beads of sweat formed on his forehead and his stomach was cramping.

Tina and Connie laid him on the bed. Connie backed off and let Tina do her thing. John lay there looking up at her while he held his stomach. "On Saturday, the day after tomorrow, the three of us are going to get up early, have breakfast, get dressed and we're going to go shopping. You, Laura are going to smile, look happy and be enthusiastic about buying a new wardrobe. You will do nothing to spoil our fun. Do you under stand?"

"Yes." He whispered.

"Good. That's settled. Now I think you better get ready for bed. It's been a long day for you. Connie, will you help her?"

She stepped forward, "Sure. Laura and I will be fine now."

Tina stormed out of the room. In the kitchen, she made herself a cup of tea and listened to Connie consoling him. The sensitive microphone even picked up his crying.

Connie stroked his head as he sobbed. "You poor thing. Are you alright?"

He sobbed quietly. "What...happened to...me?"

"I don't know. Tina won't tell me how she does that." Connie lied. "Laura, you have to stop fighting what you've become. You have to learn to accept who you are now. It'll be so much easier for you."

"I can't just give in." He said in a whisper.

"Laura, you can't change what you are. Don't you know that it's wonderful to be a woman?"

He looked up at her. "I don't know how to act like a woman, how to please her." John looked to the door through which Tina had passed.

"I'll teach you Laura. Tina will too, once you concede that it's what's best for you. I promise you'll be happier than you've ever been."

John's resolve was shaken. He would never give up his plan to escape but he didn't know how to fight them. Not when they could do this to him. "I'll try." he told Connie.

"That's better. It's late, let's get you ready for bed."

"Ok." He went with Connie, over to the dressing table.

"Let's get your makeup off and moisturize." Connie gave him the makeup remover pads and he followed her instructions. "Don't pull your skin, especially around your eyes. It stretches the skin and gives you wrinkles. Do it gently."

He was beginning to feel better. He applied the moisturizer to his face with the same gentle pressure.

Connie had him use the moisturizing cream on his shoulders, arms and legs. "I want you to pamper yourself the same way every night." She explained.

"I will." As long as I'm here, he told himself.

"Good girl. Now why don't you get done in the bathroom and I'll get out your nightie."

After he was comfortably snuggled under the covers, Connie went in the bathroom and got the bottle of aspirin from the medicine cabinet. She got him a glass of water from the sink. Before taking it into him she took the sleeping powder packet from her pocket and dumped the contents into the water. It dissolved quickly.

She opened the aspirin bottle in front of him. "Take these Laura. They should help your stomach cramps." He washed them down with a third of the glass of water.

"Thanks Connie." John appreciated her compassion.

"Just get a good night's sleep. I'll see you in the morning." She turned out the light and let herself out.

How could he fight Tina when she could tie him in knots the way she could. What could he do. He fell asleep trying to imagine what Saturday was going to be like. He couldn't, but if Connie was with him, he would try to manage.

 

FRIDAY - DAY 28

He was stronger. They exercised for an hour. Connie took it easy on him. She added only a few new exercises.

"They're to keep your bottom from sagging and your midriff from bulging." Connie tried to make the exercising fun and he was being very cooperative.

Around Connie he could act the way she wanted him to. She didn't make him tense. She was fun to be with.

They had waited until after exercising for him to take his shower. It was late morning when he was finished with his hair and makeup.

"Alright, let's get you dressed. I want you to try to get comfortable in your heels so what will it be? One of your dresses or a shirt and blouse?" Connie stood in front of the open closet waiting for a response.

"The grey skirt with the white blouse?" He asked. The gray was the longest skirt and the white blouse had the least amount of lace on it. There was only a little on the jewel neck collar and cuffs.

"They're your clothes now Laura. You can wear whatever you want. I'll just let you know what's appropriate for what occasion. Your gray skirt with your white blouse is pretty. That would be fine. Find yourself a pair of taupe stockings and a white half slip in the dresser."

John knew where to find them. He got the stockings on, awkwardly but without mishap. He put the slip on backwards at first but he caught himself and turned the slit to the back before Connie noticed.

The blouse was the type you slip over the head and button in the back. "I can do it." He insisted when Connie offered to help.

"Next time put on the slip after you put on your skirt. It won't bunch up that way."

"That makes sense." Now for the part he wasn't looking forward to. "Which shoes should I wear with this?"

"The black pumps I think." There was really nothing else he had that would go with that outfit. "Yes, the black ones."

He took them off the rack and headed for the bed, where Connie sat, watching him.

"No, don't sit. Learn to put them on without sitting down."

"Why?" John asked.

"Tomorrow, in the stores, you'll see that most women know how to do it that way. I don't want you to stand out." She looked at him with a silly grin. "Ok?"

"Ok. Thanks Connie." He appreciated her thoughtfulness. He set them on the floor in the middle of the room. No problem with the first foot. The second was a little more awkward but he managed.

"Now walk around for me." Connie asked.

John did the best he could.

"It'll get easier. Trust me. That skirt won't let you take long strides. Most girls, the ones with poise, don't. Don't stop, keep walking. Some of your dresses have flared skirts so you might be tempted to forget. Don't."

"I'll remember."

"Ok, good. Now another thing. I want you to walk a straight line from the door to me and pretend there's a two inch wide line on the floor. Put one foot in front of the other and try to just step on the edges of that line."

John went to the door and turned toward Connie. He was a little wobbly but he made the attempt.

"That's not bad but you need to practice, a lot. We don't have much time."

"I know, that scares me. Are you sure I can get away with this?" John was worried.

"You can if you pay attention and don't forget what I tell you." Connie smiled reassuringly. "And don't stop walking."

He had stopped to ask her the question. He resumed practicing.

She sat on the bed and watched as he walked round and round the room. "It's ok to swing your arms, a little, but not your shoulders." Connie stood up to show him. "The motion of walking ends at your hip. Leave it there." She made several circuits around the room to show him. "Balance."

Connie had a surprise for him around lunch time but she wanted to be sure he was somewhat prepared to please Tina first.

Connie stopped him after about twenty minutes. He was doing well. "How are your ankles?"

"Tired. It's like the first time you put on ice skates each winter."

"Good analogy. Want to sit down?"

"Please."

"Ok, on the chair." Connie pointed.

He was ready to get off his feet and he plopped down into the overstuffed chair.

"Not good, not good at all. Get up, I'll show you how to sit properly." Connie stepped up to the chair, turned and holding her skirt in back, settled lightly into the chair. "Now you do it."

John mimicked her motions exactly.

"That's better. Now put your legs together or some lecherous old man will try to look up your skirt."

John almost laughed. He hadn't been thinking. He clapped his knees together. "Oops."

"That's more like it." Connie said with a smile." You've seen girls sitting in restaurants and in lots of other places."

"Sure."

"They don't slouch when they sit."

He pulled his shoulders back and sat up straight.

"They put their feet to the side, still keeping their knees together, when they sit. Don't they?"

John slid his feet about six inches to the right.

"If you're sitting in the type of chair that's open underneath you can put them back and cross your ankles. Now, what do girls do with their hands when they sit?"

John crossed his hands in front of him and looked up at Connie and smiled.

"Cute, you imp." Connie hadn't seen much of a sense of humor in him until now. It was a good sign.

He unfolded his arms and put his hands in his lap.

"Better, what else?"

He clasped his hands over his stockinged knees.

"Good, what else?"

He crossed his legs at the knee. It felt funny, different, nice, when his smooth stockinged legs rubbed together.

"Good, but pull your skirt down a little." Connie said smiling. "It will always tend to ride up a little when you cross your legs.

John tugged at the hem, getting it as far down as he could.

"Much better." Connie remarked. "Anything else?"

He looked at her, questioning. "I don't know."

"You weren't very observant. Get up and I'll show you."

John put his hands on the arms of the chair and pushed himself up.

"Hold it right there. Did you realize what you just did?"

"No, what did I do?" He asked sheepishly.

"You pushed yourself out of the chair. A lady rises gracefully, not like that. It's balance Laura. Center your weight first them stand up. Being graceful is primarily balance. Like in the movies when they make the young girls walk around all day with a book on their heads. Balance."

It sunk in. "I understand. Could you get me a book so I can practice."

His interest pleased her. "Sure, I'll be happy to." Connie stopped to think. "Where were we?"

"You were showing me what to do with my hands when I'm sitting." He offered.

"Ok, I've got it." Connie settled very deliberately into the chair to make the point.

"I see." John was watching her closely.

Connie put her left hand on her knee and her right on the arm of the chair. She looked up at him with raised eyebrows.

John nodded.

She switched positions and put her right hand on her thigh and her left, down at her side with her hand resting on the cushion. "Ok, try that. And remember how to sit and stand."

"I won't forget." He didn't. He sat and stood a half a dozen times.

"Your doing fine Laura. Come on over here on the bed with me."

He sat down next to her, tucking his skirt as he sat.

Connie didn't say anything but she smiled in acknowledgment. "You have nice table manners as far as I can tell but I haven't seen you sit at a table and eat yet. Most of this you probably already know and it's not much different between men and women. Forgive me if seem to harp on little obvious things."

"Don't worry. I appreciate your help." It was his turn to smile at her.

"I'm glad. This is fun. Are you having fun?"

"Sort of. It's a lot to remember."

"It'll become like second nature. Don't worry. Now, back to table manners. Your napkin goes in your lap the moment you sit down. Whether there's food on the table or not."

John nodded acknowledgment.

"You left hand goes on the napkin at the same time and stays there right through the meal and dessert. There are a few rare circumstances for it not to but as I say, they're rare. Keep it in your lap."

"I'll remember."

"Do you know what silverware to use with what? Salad fork? Dessert fork over the plate?"

"I know how to use a proper place setting." Of course he knew but he didn't loose patience with Connie.

"I'm sorry Laura. Like I said, some of this may sound silly but it's important."

"I don't mind, honest!"

"Good." Connie went on. "Cut up your food. Most guys eat big bites but, if you've watched women eat, they cut up their food into small pieces and place it in their mouths, past their lips. You could find you're eating your lipstick with your food if you don't. Place small bites in your mouth and pull it off the fork with your teeth, not your lips. Ok?"

"That's going to take some getting used to." John admitted.

"Just like the rest, you'll get used to it with practice."

"What do you do when you eat soup?" He asked.

"Tip the spoon back in your closed mouth. Not a lot, just enough to 'dump' the soup off it. You've got no choice but to pull the spoon out past closed lips but the food is already inside."

"That sounds easy enough."

"Ok, drinking. This is for at a table, on the sofa with tea or wine or anything. You need to remember to sip. If you're used to throwing a drink back or taking a big swig, don't do it anymore. Sip it. If you're given a drink and there's a straw in it, even just a little cocktail straw, use it. Otherwise you'll find your lipstick gone in two gulps or all over the lip of the glass. Again, sip and use the straw if one come in your drink."

"I've seen enough girls drink. I can do that."

"I know you can do it, you just have to remember to practice until it becomes habit." There was so much to teach him.

She looked at her watch. "Are you hungry?"

It was almost twelve thirty and it had been hours since breakfast. The exercising had worked off breakfast. "Sure."

"I have a treat for you Laura. I asked Tina if it would be alright if you had lunch with the rest of us and she said it would be ok as long as you behaved and tried really hard to act like a lady." It was essential, of course, that he learn to interact with other people and have the opportunity to practice what Connie was trying to teach him.

John was both shocked and delighted. "Outside?" He asked.

Connie smiled. "In the dining room, if that's what you mean, yes."

After so long in the nursery and now in this room it would be wonderful to see something more. Even if that meant sitting down to a meal with Tina. "I'd like that." He said earnestly.

"Good. You'll want to practice what we talked about this morning. Watch Tina and I for cues as to what to do if you're not sure. The best way to learn how to act is to watch others. Remember that tomorrow too. There'll be lots of people shopping and you can learn a lot by watching and mimicking other women."

"I will." He answered, elated. Was this his opportunity, he wondered?

Connie led him through the kitchen where Tina and Margaret were fixing lunch.

"Hi Laura." Said Margaret with a warm smile. "You look pretty this afternoon. I love your blouse."

"Thank you Aunt Margaret." John replied with more that a touch of genuine appreciation. Margaret was her usual sweet, kind self.

"Are you hungry?" Tina asked.

John's eyes met her's. He didn't care that he projected contempt for her but he didn't want to make her angry. "Yes, very."

"Well, lunch will be ready in a few minutes. Why don't you and Connie set the table." Tina read the message in his eyes but as long as he performed in the way they expected she wouldn't say anything.

"Sure." John replied. He followed Connie to the hutch next to the table. It took no more than a few moments to set out the plates, silverware and napkins.

John's memory of the room had been vague. It was much smaller than he remembered. The book shelves and cabinets that lined one of the long walls seemed endless in his memory but now were not so extensive.

Windows, he thought to himself. How he longed to look out a window. "Connie, would it be alright if I were to peek outside? Just for a minute?"

How docile he was, she mused. "Of course Laura, go ahead."

Tina watched from the kitchen door as he pulled the heavy drape aside and stood staring. She had heard him ask so nicely.

Ben had been right about the effects of having castrated him. "An aggressive, high spirited stallion turns into a mild tempered, calm gelding when his testicles have been cut off. Our boy should be much more tame and submissive without his." Tina was delighted with the change in him.

The sky was overcast and it looked cold out there. Cold and foreboding. He felt as if he were looking out on a world he didn't know. A chill went through him. John was afraid and he drew the curtain closed. Here he was safe and protected. Out there, he would be a stranger in a strange environment.

Connie watched him stand there with his back to her. He was just standing there, facing the closed curtain. Interesting, she thought to herself, he was standing with his feet together and his hands clasped in front of him. Did he remember what she had taught him or was it an unconscious act. What matter? He was doing fine. Connie and Tina exchanged a glance and Tina smiled her approval. Connie was pleased that she was doing so well with John.

Tina announced that lunch was ready as Margaret set the last plate on the table.

John awoke from his daydreaming. He had been in a large bustling mall. He had on his pink dress and his white heels and was carrying an armful of packages. His purse hung over his shoulder and he was walking with Connie and they were laughing and having a good time. The daydream faded into the mist of his mind.

Tina sat at the head of the table, her back to the windows. John sat at her right with Connie next to him. Margaret was across the table from him. They occupied less then a quarter of the chairs at the long table.

John remember everything, to Connie's delight. His hand rested on the napkin in his lap. He sat up straight in his chair, his shoulders back. He cut the chicken into small pieces and placed them in his mouth the way she had told him too.

As self conscious as he felt it was not difficult to remember it all. He practiced his new table manners and dainty eating habits with ease. It was strange at first but he quickly grew accustomed to them.

He had a passing thought when he was cutting the chicken. The knife in his hand would probably be a useful weapon when the opportunity came. He knew it would be unwise to try to steal one now. It was too soon. They were watching him too closely and, hopefully, they were just beginning to trust him. They were beginning to believe they had broken him. No, give it a little more time. They had just given him his first taste of freedom. They would give him more and more as time passed if he played their game. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, while they were shopping.

He helped clear the table at Tina's request. He was surprised when he wasn't escorted back to his room immediately.

"Why don't you girls spend the afternoon out here. Margaret and I want to help Laura too." Tina knew he need as much freedom as they could give him to get ready for tomorrow.

Connie turned to John. "It's ok with me. How about you?"

"That's fine." He agreed. He was tired of being locked up in small rooms. He would definitely prefer this.

Margaret spoke up. "Laura, why don't you show us what Connie's taught you so far and we'll go from there."

John agreed readily. They spent the entire afternoon drumming the little details into his head, correcting him constantly when his natural male gestures and speech betrayed him.

By late afternoon his feet were killing him from wearing the heels all day. Connie suggested that he go to his room and relax for a while.

"If you'd like Laura, you can have dinner with us out here. You've done so well today I think you deserve that." Tina had spent the afternoon being as nice to him as she knew how. She wanted to try to put him more at ease with her now.

"I'd like that, thank you Tina." John still knew better than to trust her. She was the one that held the power over him and he was not about to forget it.

"Why don't you change before dinner. Put on one of your new dresses." Connie suggested as she opened the bedroom door for him.

"Which one?" He asked hesitantly. He had his preference but he wanted to be sure it wasn't inappropriate.

"Whatever one you like. You decide." Connie answered smiling as she pulled the door closed behind him.

That make him a little uncomfortable. It had been easier for him when they told him what to do, what to wear. The idea that the decision was up to him made him feel odd. He was choosing for himself to perpetuate this farce.

He gratefully stepped out of his shoes and stretched out on the bed. He no sooner lay down than he got up and undressed. Laying down in his skirt and blouse would only mess them up. He lay back down after the skirt and blouse were hung up.

He had an hour and a half before dinner and he was tired. Not physically tired, but mentally. He lay there on the bed with his eyes wide open. Sleep was not a possibility, he had too much on his mind.

He had been a cooperative student, even willing. Initially, he went along out of fear of retribution. There had been moments this afternoon when he forgot himself and actually had fun with them. He had even laughed and joked with them at times. Now that he had pause to reflect on his actions, he felt odd that during those times he almost forgot who he was and what he was doing. He was the young woman they wanted him to be and enjoyed himself.

He lay there listening to the music for almost an hour before he decided he better think about getting ready for dinner. He brushed his hair, fixed his makeup and was standing in front of the open closet trying to decide what to wear.

His eyes kept coming back to the pink dress with the drop waist and flared skirt. He had mixed feelings. He liked the way it had looked on him but that was wrong, so wrong. He shouldn't be thinking like that. What the hell, he decided. Did he have a choice but to wear one of the outfits? No. So he might as well wear one that he liked. He put away the half slip he had worn all day and put on one of his full slips. He managed the zipper on the back of the dress without too much difficulty.

He stood in front of the mirror and marveled at the way he looked. Pretty, he thought to himself and he smiled, tilting his head just slightly the way Connie had shown him. He made a very attractive woman. They had told him that time and time again but he had just sloughed it off. Now as he admired himself in this dress, he knew they were right. He ran his hands over his shapely breast, down his narrow waist and hips and felt an excitement he never felt before.

John heard the combination being punched on the door. It was too late to change his mind about the dress and something inside him was glad.

"You look lovely in that dress. I'm so glad you like it." Connie remarked.

"It is pretty." He stole one last look in the mirror.

"You're going to wear your white heels, aren't you?"

"Of course." John answered, as though he would wear anything else? He slipped them on and they were off.

Jack sat on the couch sipping his scotch. When he saw John he set the drink down and stood up. He looked beautiful. Jack was amazed at the change in him.

John had not expected this. He had not seen Jack in weeks and had almost forgotten about him. He stopped dead in his tracks in the doorway. John had not forgotten that night. That night when Jack wanted to rape him.

"It's just Jack, Laura. It's alright. Go ahead in and sit down." Connie assured him.

John didn't move forward with the same bounce, the same confidence he had felt earlier. He didn't want to be anywhere near Jack.

Tina called from the kitchen, "Do you girls want a glass of wine before dinner?"

Connie answered for both of them. "That sounds nice, sure Tina." She had to almost push John over to the couch, across from Jack. He was obviously terrified of him and she didn't know why. It would be natural for him to be a little nervous in the presence of another man, dressed the way he was but not this nervous. "What's the matter Laura?" Connie asked.

He couldn't bring himself to tell her. She hadn't been there that night and it was too embarrassing for him to admit that he had almost been raped. "I'm just nervous. I thought it was only going to be the four of us." John wished he had worn something else. He kept his eyes down. He didn't want to meet Jack's.

"There's nothing to be nervous about. Jack has dinner with us most nights. Don't you sweetie?" Connie left John and went over and sat next to Jack, nuzzling his neck.

"Almost every night Babe." He answered, not taking his eyes from John for an instant.

Tina arrived with a tray with three glasses of wine. Margaret, who followed her from the kitchen, already had hers. Tina offered the tray to John first.

He remembered the last time he accepted a glass of wine from Tina. He took the glass furthest from him.

Tina turned to Connie and Jack. She purposely stood between John and Jack as Connie took a glass from the tray. She caught Jack's eye as she put the tray in front of Connie. She shook her head just slightly. Jack got the message. Tina didn't want him upset, he should knock it off. Jack redirected his attention to Connie.

"A toast," Tina raised her glass. "to tomorrow. The first day in Laura's new life. May she find her new life satisfying, rewarding and full of joy." They all raised their glasses to him. He sipped the wine but not as part of the toast. What new life he asked himself? Did they actually expect him to meekly accept a life as a woman and not try to revert back to the man he was inside? He caught himself, Try? That was the first time he had not felt so positive about going back. What had changed in him? No, he insisted, I will do it.

John refused to look at Jack during dinner. He kept his eyes down whenever he was addressed by Jack and he answered him in short, one word, answers. It was awkward, since Jack sat directly across from him. Tina had her place at the head of the table and John had his same place. Margaret sat on John's left and Connie sat across from her.

Jack retired to the couch after dinner and John helped clear the table. He would do anything to avoid having to go sit near him again.

"You did very well again Laura. I'm proud of you." Connie told him as they carried the dishes to the kitchen.

"Thanks"

Connie didn't understand why the change in him. Was being around men so traumatic for him. That could be a problem for them if they couldn't get him over that. She would have to have a talk with the others later.

Margaret and Tina knew what the problem was but they were reluctant to tell Connie. She would be hurt to learn that Jack was lusting after their charge. Tina would have to find a way to handle this.

John offered to load the dishwasher while Margaret stood at the sink washing the pots and pans. With that task complete, he busied himself with helping to clean up the rest of the kitchen with her. Tina and Connie had retired to the living room to join Jack.

"I'll finish up here Laura. Why don't you go join the others?" Margaret was pleased that he wanted to help but she was accustomed to the duty.

Avoiding joining the others was his reason for helping her. "I'm a little tired Aunt Margaret. It's been a long day." He explained.

"Alright sweetheart. Why don't you go tell the others goodnight and then go get ready for bed."

He stood in the doorway, looking at them as they relaxed with their tea and coffee.

"Come join us Laura." Tina said.

"Yes, come sit with us." Connie patted the cushion next to her.

Jack waited anxiously. He was enthralled by him. John had undergone a metamorphosis since he had seen him last. He was as pretty a young man as he had every seen. He had lived up to his expectations and more. The dress he wore was filled out nicely and Jack longed to caress his soft curves and full breasts. There was a persistent throbbing in his groin when he watched the pretty, feminine man.

"I'm very tired. If it's alright, I'd like to go get ready for bed." John didn't budge from the doorway.

"Wouldn't you like a cup of tea before you go in?" Connie asked. She was disappointed that he didn't want to join them.

"Just one cup?" Tina stood. She didn't insist.

Tina had the power and he didn't want to make her angry. A few minutes in Jack's company was infinitely better than experiencing the pain of Tina's punishment.

"Alright." He walked slowly over to the couch and sat next to Connie, taking care to sit properly. On the other end of the couch sat Jack. At least Connie was between them and he didn't have to endure Jack's staring at him.

Acting like a girl in front of Jack was so strange. Especially since Jack seemed to enjoy it so much. Connie poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him. He held the saucer in his lap and sipped the hot tea.

"Don't you think Laura has come along beautifully Jack?" Tina asked.

"She's every bit the lady. And I can't believe how beautiful she's become." Jack leaned forward and smiled at John.

He looked away, at Margaret who was finished in the kitchen and was coming to join them. He took another sip of his tea. If it weren't so hot he would drain the cup and excuse himself.

"I hear the three of you are going shopping tomorrow. Are you excited about buying a new wardrobe Laura?" Jack was teasing.

Connie didn't like the way he was picking on John. "Laura's very excited." She answered. She made sure that she make it apparent in her voice that she disapproved of the way he was acting.

John appreciated the way Connie supported him. His tea was almost gone and he took one last drink and set it on the coffee table. "I'd like to get ready for bed now." He stated meekly to Tina.

"Alright Laura. Connie, would you open the bedroom door for her?" Tina asked.

Connie glared at Jack and them looked to Tina. "Of course. Come on Laura."

"Good night Aunt Margaret, good night Tina." He was reluctant to address Jack but he decided he better acknowledge him. "Good night Jack."

"Good night Laura." Jack said sweetly. He enjoyed treating John like a girl.

The others also said good night as John and Connie left the room.

"I apologize for Jack, Laura. I don't know what's gotten into him. He doesn't usually behave so badly. I'm sorry." Connie didn't understand him at times.

"I'm afraid of him." John admitted to his friend.

"Why?" That surprised her. Nervous she could understand but fear?

He thought she knew. "Because of what he almost did to me." He explained.

What was he talking about? "What did he do?" Connie sat on the end of the bed next to him.

This was embarrassing to admit. Men don't get raped, women get raped. He would have to admit he was weak. That was akin to saying he wasn't virile or masculine. How ironic. "He came into the nursery one morning very early, when I was still recovering from the surgery."

Connie's nerves were tensing. "What happened?"

John looked into the girl's eyes. He tried to tell what she was feeling. Her voice was strained. He didn't see contempt. "He fondled me." His eyes began to fill with tears at the memory.

Connie stiffened.

"He touched me all over and put a finger inside me." Tears flowed from his eyes and ran down his cheeks.

She reached out and pulled the frail figure to her. He started sobbing on her shoulder. Her anger started to build. It wasn't directed at John. He had only been Jack's helpless plaything. Connie was amazed that was not the end of it.

"He was about to pull down his pants when Aunt Margaret came in and stopped him." He told her in a whisper as he cried.

Poor John. His emotions were running wild. What an awful thing to have happen. True, they were preparing him to discover new experiences but not that way, not so soon. They hoped, as with the others before him, that with conditioning, he would come to accept and relish the new sexuality he would be introduced to. Connie felt betrayed. Jack was one of their partners because of his occupation and his sexual orientation but they never knew he took advantage of their 'girls' solely for his own gratification. They used Jack to slowly, tenderly introduce the 'girls' to the sexual role they would play in their new lives. Rape was not an acceptable alternative to that role.

Aside from the fact that what he did to John was despicable, it was an affront to Connie. She believed that they were in love. She believed that he wanted only her. Now she learns that he still has a roving eye and not just for girls. Connie had believed that she was satisfying all his desires and now he'd betrayed her. She could never forgive him for that.

Staying with John while he got ready for bed helped to calm him down. He removed his makeup and moisturized. He slipped into one of his pretty nighties and climbed into bed. He was much more composed when she kissed him on the cheek, goodnight.

"I'll never let him do anything like that to you again Laura. I promise." Connie only hoped she could keep her promise. He would be gently and caring when the time came or he would be out. There was no reason to tell John what was to come. It would only upset him.

John laid his head back on the pillow. "Thanks Connie."

She turned off the light on the way out. "Good night Laura. Sleep well." The lock clicked into place.

"Why didn't you tell me!" Connie yelled.

"I didn't want to upset you." Tina explained.

Jack could only sit there and say nothing.

"And you." She turned to Jack. "What were you thinking of. Couldn't you wait. You're going to have him anyway. You've only made things harder."

"I was only playing with him a little." Jack professed.

"Playing! You were going to rape him."

"But nothing happened."

"You fondled him and he hasn't forgotten that." Connie wanted to tell him how much she was hurt by his impulsive lust. He had been unfaithful to her and she couldn't forgive that. "Well I hope it was worth it because you can just go find some other bed to crawl into tonight."

"Just because I touched him once? Come on Connie, you know how I feel about you."

"No I don't, not any more!"

"I love you."

"You have a strange way of showing it."

"Come on you two. Look at what you're doing. Don't let one of our 'girls' come between you." Tina turned to Connie. "Think about it Connie. Jack goes to bed with each of them a number of times before they leave here. You know it's just part of preparing them for their new lovers. It's never bothered you before."

"I know that but this is different. He's never raped one of them before."

"I told you, I didn't rape him." Jack insisted.

"Jack made a mistake Connie. He won't do it again. Will you Jack?"

"No, I promise." He insisted. He didn't want to lose Connie. Connie was anything but satisfied. "Just the same, until Laura is gone, I sleep alone."

Jack didn't like that but he knew better to argue with her now. Tomorrow she would be calmer.

"We may have to use a mild tranquilizer on him when the time comes and Jack will have to be particularly gently and considerate. It will be alright." Tina was determined not to ruin this deal. They stood to make too much off him.

John didn't fall asleep easily. Seeing Jack and talking about what had happened had opened a floodgate of emotions. He was repulsed at what had almost happened but it brought other thoughts to mind. What would it be like to have someone lovingly caress his sensitive breasts. To have them stroke his soft skin. He had often wondered what it felt like for the woman he conquered. How it felt to have a man inside them. Was it as satisfying for the woman as it was for him. He was almost sure with what they'd done to him that he would never know that feeling again. He wondered as he fell asleep what it would feel like to be on the receiving end of a man's passion.

John slept deeply that night, and dreamed.

 

SATURDAY - DAY 29

He woke up a little after five. He was sure he awoke so early because he was nervous. He always did that when he looked forward to something new and exciting. Surely his subconscious didn't see shopping for a woman's wardrobe for himself as exciting.

He tried for an hour but couldn't fall back asleep. He got up and showered and washed his hair. By seven it was set and he was putting on his makeup with the dryer cap on.

Connie came in at seven thirty to wake him and was surprised to find him up and getting ready. "Good morning?"

"Hi." He answered, sounding more cheerful than he actually felt.

"You're up bright and early. You excited about going shopping?"

"Yes and no. Connie, I'm scared to death about going out."

He was honest about this at least. "Why are you scared?"

"They're going to know right away that I'm a man." There, he said it. That one thought terrified him more than anything.

"No one is going to know any such thing Laura. You look as much like a woman as I do. Don't worry." Connie was being sincere. John was their best effort yet, he had nothing to worry about. Going out today would do a lot for his confidence.

"Are you sure Connie? What if I say the wrong thing or forget how to walk or sit?"

"You're not going to forget, trust me." Connie had been through this before. They were always too nervous to forget any of the lessons they were taught. There had been a few awkward moments but they had never actually betrayed themselves. "You'll be fine. Now, which of your outfits did you want to wear?"

"I don't know?"

"You should wear something that's easy to get on and off, a dress." Connie explained.

They expected him to go into the ladies dressing rooms in the stores and try on the new clothes. He didn't look forward to that but he had decided that would afford him his best opportunity to escape. He didn't know for sure but some of the stores had to have back doors, employee entrances. He would slip out the back and get away.

His next problem was money. He had to get his hands on enough money to get back to Houston, to his apartment. He would have his own money then and could undo everything they had done to him. He would resume his life. And finally, if there was a way, he would get even with Tina.

He pushed the scrambled eggs around the plate. He took only a bite or two of his toast. The orange juice was the only thing he could get down.

It was not only obvious to the three woman that he was nervous, but expected. Margaret and Connie felt compassion. Tina relished in it.

"You need to eat something Laura. It may be quite a while before lunch." Connie advised him.

"I just can't eat. I'm too nervous." John explained.

Margaret cleared the table. John made an emergency trip to the bathroom. Tina and Connie disappeared into their room.

When John knocked at the bedroom door for someone to let him out Connie and Tina came to release him. They were wearing their coats and Tina had an extra coat on her arm. John's stomach churned again.

"You need some jewelry to go with that dress Laura." Connie held up a gold serpentine necklace to his neck. "This goes nicely. Try it on."

He fumbled with the clasp a moment but finally managed to get it.

"Now slip these over your left wrist." Connie handed him two gold bangle bracelets.

He did as he was told. They were snug going over his wrist.

"That looks much better Laura. Now, just one last touch." Tina handed Connie the gold hoop earrings she had brought. To Connie she said, "Maybe you better help her with these."

Up to now, since that first night, the little diamond and the pearl studs had never left his ears. He had gotten so used to them that he had forgotten he about them. Connie removed the pearl studs and replaced them with the hoops.

"There, they look nice on you Laura." Connie stood back and smiled. That was the final touch, he was ready.

John turned and looked in the closet door mirror. He and Connie had decided on the dress that Connie had bought him. The two piece jacket dress. The gold chain hung down over the jeweled neckline of the white top. It looked nice under the print jacket. They had decided on the black pumps without the bow because he would be in them all day and they were the more comfortable of his black shoes.

The bracelets dangled at his wrist. They felt a little funny on him but not too annoying. It was the earrings that were going to drive him crazy as the two inch hoops bounced against his neck when he moved.

"You'll get used to them in no time Laura, don't worry." Tina said smiling. "Here, I brought you one of my coats to wear today." She held it up for him to slip into. "We'll get you some of your own today."

He put his arms into the sleeves of the tan, three quarter length wool coat. A beige scarf was draped around the neck, under the collar and lapels by Connie.

"Button up, it's cold outside." Connie advised as they ushered the nervous young man out of the bedroom.

Tina and Connie grabbed their purses from the dining room table and they were halfway to the front door before it dawned on Connie, "How stupid of me. Wait a minute." She told Tina and John as she turned and hurried back to her bedroom.

"What did she forget?" John asked.

"I don't know." Tina answered.

Connie returned carrying an extra purse in her hand.

"Good thinking. I completely forgot." Tina said.

"Here Laura." Connie slung the strap over his shoulder. "You wouldn't look complete with out this."

The dark brown shoulder bag hung empty at his waist. At least it gave him someplace to put one of his hands.

Connie whispered to Tina. "I dumped everything out on the bed, it's empty."

"Good." Tina whispered back.

When they stepped out of the elevator in the parking garage the cold air hit him. The stockings did little to insulate him from the cold air that wafted up under his dress.

His knees shook as he walked with them to Tina's car. It was not the cold that made him shiver.

John was impressed to discover that Tina drove a new Lincoln Mark VII. The red LeBaron was parked next to it. They took the Lincoln.

"Sit in front next to me." Tina told him. Connie climbed into the back, behind Tina.

The leather seat was cold and even after John adjusted his dress under him the chill still went right through him.

"It warms up quickly." Tina told him. She could see how uncomfortable he was.

He wanted to slink down in the seat as Tina drove them up the ramp to the busy street. The bright sunlight hurt his eyes.

"I'm sorry that I don't have an extra pair for you Laura." Tina said as she put on her sunglasses. "We'll get you a pair today."

"That's ok." He didn't mind. He was just happy to finally see the sun again. His joy was quickly diminished as they sat waiting for an opening in traffic. Tina had blocked the sidewalk and several people stood by John's door, waiting for her to move. He instinctively looked out at them but then turned back and looked down. There was a man standing there looking into the car at him, not two feet away. Did he know? Could he tell? Surely he could see that John was a man in drag.

The opening Tina waited for came and John was saved. When he composed himself he asked, "Where are we going?"

Connie answered from the back seat. "We know some very exclusive shops down by the lake. They're a little trendy and a little expensive but I think they have the nicest clothes in town."

Joy, thought John. A mall might have been easier to get lost in. Embarrassing certainly, because of all the people, but it would have been easier for him to disappear in a crowd.

He had only been to Peoria one other time and had met with the buyer at his office downtown. He had used cabs because he didn't know his way around. When he slipped away from these two he would have to take a cab again, but to where?

No one had much to say during the ride. John kept his head down or looked straight ahead as they came to red lights and cars pulled along side them. He was too afraid to look around for fear that someone might be looking in the window at him.

"Here we are." Tina announced happily as she pulled into a parking lot.

John watched nervously as a man walked to the car from a little booth. Tina opened her door.

"Good morning ladies." The sandy haired man of about fifty said pleasantly. "A little shopping today?" He asked Tina.

"Yes," She answered with a smile. "We'll probably be shopping most of the day. Take good care of my baby."

John hesitated. He didn't want to leave the safety of the car. Connie opened his door and looked over at him. "Come on Laura. Don't be afraid."

Both Tina and Connie were out of the car. The man was waiting for him to get out before he climbed in to park it. John reluctantly put a foot on the ground. He couldn't, the slim skirt was too smug to allow it. He pivoted on the seat and put his feet on the ground. He was sure he looked very clumsy and awkward as he stood up. All he wanted to do now was get away from the man. He walked to the rear of the car where Connie and Tina waited.

The parking garage had been cold but here, only a block from the lake, the wind chilled John to the bone. When Connie suggested they get going, he didn't hesitate to join them. Connie and Tina walked on either side of him. The things that Connie had taught him flooded back on his consciousness. Just as they did, he deliberately put one foot in front to the other. He put heel and toe down together. Shoulders back and keep your head up, he reminded himself.

The walk to the lake front shops was only a block but it seemed like a mile to John. Walking on the carpets in the apartment was one thing, but out here on the sidewalk was something else altogether.

They turned a corner and there, stretched out in front of him, were the restored shops of the waterfront. One after the other with their refurbished brick facades. Half way down the first block, tables and chairs lined the wide sidewalk, an outdoor cafe.

The hour was early, and for that, John was thankful. He supposed if it were any later, the waterfront would be bustling.

Tina guided him toward the first of the stores that were so familiar to them. Not only did they shop here for themselves but this is where they brought most of their 'girls' for their wardrobes. Their clients expected the 'girls' to be elegantly dressed and have exquisite taste in clothes.

"Here we are Laura. Just remember to smile and be pleasant and you'll do fine." Connie assured him.

His knees were shaking as he ascended the steps. In the window of the shop were mannequins adorned in evening gowns on one side of the door and in fashionable sleek dresses on the other. John's palms were sweating as he walked past Tina who held the door for him.

Rene looked up from behind the rack of slacks as door opened. She instantly recognized Tina and Connie and her spirits soared. She had only two customers walk in since she opened the doors a half hour ago and they had not purchased anything. The arrival of these women meant that today was going to be one of her best days in weeks. Any day they came in was bound to be a four to five thousand dollar day.

Rene had long ago deduced that Tina and Connie had to be fashion consultants because they consistently brought in new clients for complete makeovers of their wardrobes. She asked no questions. She gave them her complete attention even if it meant sacrificing sales to other customers.

"Good morning ladies. It's so nice to see you again." Rene rushed to greet them.

"Good morning Rene." Tina replied. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Seeing you always brightens my day."

Tina and Connie laughed. John tried to smile but his nerves made it difficult. The woman was looking directly at him. She was looking him over from head to toe. Surely she could tell that he was a man.

"We've brought a friend with us to look around. Laura, this is Rene. She had some of the most beautiful clothes in town."

He was afraid to speak because he was sure the first words out of his mouth would give him away. He gave the woman a half hearted smile.

John looked away from the woman, around the shop. The clothes on display were certainly not the kind you'd find in K Mart. The shop catered to young women of taste.

"Rene, Laura is going to need a number of new things. She needs some casual outfits and several formal dresses."

Music to her ears, Rene thought to herself.

"Connie, why don't you and Laura look around for a few minutes while I talk to Rene."

"Ok." Connie agreed.

That was fine with him. He didn't enjoy standing there like a dummy, smiling. He had no idea what to say to the woman. The strange looks he had expected never appeared on her face, only smiles. Was it possible she didn't realize what he was?

Tina and Rene walked toward the back of the shop. When they were out of earshot she told the woman, "She's very nervous and shy." Tina explained. "She grew up in a very protected environment. Her father feels that a new wardrobe might be the first step in making her feel more attractive, more confident."

"She's such a pretty girl." Rene remarked as she watched the two browse near the front of the shop.

"I know, isn't it a shame?"

"Well I'll do everything I can to help. Where do you want to start." Rene was excited.

"You have some of the prettiest dresses. Let's start with casual wear." Tina suggested.

"Alright. She looks like a size seven." Rene had a good eye.

"Perhaps you should measure her just to be sure." Tina suggested. Tina thought he might even be a size five now.

Connie had pointed out a number of dresses that would look lovely on him. "I don't know." Was his only response. Connie would have liked to go right to the evening gowns but she was afraid of scaring him.

Tina walked up from the back of the store. "Find anything?"

John just looked at her.

"Laura's still a little nervous." Connie explained.

"That's alright. Well help you pick some things out. You need to go into the dressing room and slip out of your dress. Rene is going to measure you so we don't waist a lot of time trying on the wrong size clothes." Tina pointed to where Rene was waiting for him.

John shot a nervous glance at Connie. He didn't want to be 'measured'.

"Go along silly. You'll be fine." Connie said with a reassuring smile.

He doubted it. It was with anything but delight that he was ushered into the little dressing room by the woman and stepped out of his dress. She tried to make pleasant conversation with him but he wasn't sure how to respond. He stood there in just his slip but the woman acted as if he was just what he appeared to be. Was he really that convincing?

Rene felt sorry for the young woman. It must be terrible to be so shy, she thought to herself.

At least she didn't want him to take off his slip to make her measurements. He would have been mortified to have to stand there in just his bra and panties. He was not worried so much anymore about her seeing a strange bulge in his underwear. There was none to be seen anymore. It made him sick to realize that he had shrunk up to almost nothing.

"I think that will do it." Rene said standing up. "Your almost a perfect size seven Laura. You have a lovely figure. I have lots of pretty dresses that will look beautiful on you."

John smiled with an effort, "Wonderful." He tried to sound enthusiastic. He thought she should have recognized his voice as a man's but no question showed on the woman's face. Strange?

"Why don't you wait here and I'll bring you the things that your friends pick out." Rene turned and left him standing there. He had fooled her completely. He felt both relieved and depressed that it had been so easy.

He didn't know how long she'd be gone, or whether Tina or Carol might walk in. There were four large stalls with curtains. He was in the one closest to the little anti room that was surrounded by mirrors. He peeked out from behind the curtain and looked to the back of the room. No door there. Damn.

He heard footsteps approaching and ducked his head back in the stall. Through the crack between the curtain and the wall he saw a short brunette enter the stall across from his. John had hoped to endure this alone.

"Laura," Tina called from outside the fitting area. "Come here a minute."

He had on only the slip. She didn't expect him to walk out there like this?

When he didn't answer or come out, Connie went in. She pulled the curtain aside to see him just standing there. "We want you to see a dress we picked out, to see if you like it?" Connie explained.

The curtain across the way was suddenly drawn back and the girl stepped out. She shot a glance in their direction. He watched her eyes and she gave no hint that she thought anything was odd about the way he looked. Amazing, thought John.

If he didn't go out there now, the girl would think there was something odd. "Ok." He said to Connie.

"What do you think of these?" Tina asked holding up two dresses.

"They're pretty." He told her. What else could he say. One was like the pink dress that he liked except it was white and had a low scoop neck. The other was a two piece dress in fuchsia.

"Why don't you try them on and we'll see how they look on you?" Tina handed him the dresses.

He walked back into the dressing room with them, past the brunette who was admiring the dress she tried on. John smiled back when she looked at him in the mirror, smiling.

It took him forever to come out again with the white dress on. He waited until the girl had gone back into the stall to change.

"That looks lovely on you Laura." They all agreed. "We'll take that one Rene." Connie told the woman.

Tina suggested to John, "Let's see how the other one looks Laura."

He reluctantly went back in to change. This went on for almost two and a half hours. Dress after dress. Some they liked, some they didn't.

The little shop got busier as the morning wore on. It did get easier for John as the hours passed and none of the women who saw him seemed to notice. He watched the shopper's eyes for any hint that they thought anything was strange about him. He saw nothing to make him panic. He began to gain a little confidence.

"Just one more Laura." Tina assured him as she handed him the slim black velvet dress. It had an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline trimmed with lace.

John looked at the dress and then at Tina. There was no mistaking the look on her face so he took the dress and walked back into the dressing room.

It was short, at least three inches above the knee but that's not what bothered him. It was the off the shoulder neckline that disturbed him. He stepped cautiously out of the dressing room, looking at his reflection as he approached the mirrors. He stopped short of where the others could see him and stared.

It was a beautiful dress and he looked pretty in it. He felt strange. John had always been an admirer of beautiful women and now one was looking back at him from the mirror. He clasped his hands behind his back and admired the curvaceous figure of the girl, her slender waist and full breasts that just barely peaked out over the lace trim. He smiled at her and she glowed.

The earrings were all wrong. He should be wearing glittering long drop earrings. His stockings should be black and he should be wearing his other black heels, the ones with the bows. He unconsciously took a few steps forward to see himself better.

No one said anything as they watched him.

That one did it, Rene said to herself. Now he looks happy.

Connie smiled as she watched him pose and smile into the mirror. Now he's discovering how it feels to be a beautiful woman, feeling pretty wearing beautiful clothes.

Tina looked at him and thought back to that first day when they met out in front of his hotel. The way he looked at her. Ironic, to see him now, she thought to herself. "We'll take it Rene."

"I thought you would." She said smiling at Laura.

Their words broke the spell. He turned and saw them all looking at him, approvingly.

He was startled at first but when he realized they all liked the dress too, he couldn't help himself. "It's beautiful. I love it." It was, after all, the appropriate thing for a girl to say. Wasn't it? It was just the ease with which he said it that bothered him after the words passed his lips.

"You look absolutely stunning in it." Connie told him.

"We better get a move on. There's a half dozen more shops we want to take you too."

His outlook took a one hundred and eighty degree turn. He was suddenly looking forward to shopping with them. The way the dress made him feel was one of the reason why. He had been accepted as a woman, unquestioningly.

He was just coming out of the dressing room when he heard Rene give Tina the total of their purchases. "Four thousand, four hundred and seventy nine dollars." He was floored. Connie was standing just outside the dressing room, waiting for him. "Connie, how can you afford to spend so much on me?"

She was a little surprised by his question. She hadn't expected him to overhear. "It's alright, we have it to spend. Besides, you're special. You deserve to have pretty things to wear." She wasn't about to tell him that it was his money they were spending. Besides the money already in the bank, over twenty five thousand, Jack had just sold John's car and gotten top dollar. That was the money they were shopping with today and they still had over ten thousand left.

Tina joined them. "Rene will hold our purchases until we're done shopping. Let's get going."

The wind was still blowing across the water and the sun was still shining. It had warmed up a little. John was beginning to feel a little less nervous. He still couldn't help looking into the eyes of everyone they passed.

The shop next door was a shoe store. They bought him shoes to go with each of the dresses they had purchased. The salesman that helped them boosted John's confidence as he too never raised an eyebrow while slipping shoe after shoe on his foot. Connie saw him looking at the sneakers. She turned to the salesgirl. "She'll need a new pair of hightops for aerobics too."

That pleased him until he saw the styles she brought out for him to try. He should have known better than to expect them to look like guy's sneakers. The ones they selected were white with pink accents and pink glitter laces. At the register they selected several pair of colored socks, bright pink, pale blue and yellow. Another couple of hundred dollars was passed over the counter.

"This store has some of the smartest suits in town." Tina told him as they walked past the doorman.

He still looked for a sign that he betrayed his true gender but none was evident. John began to relax even more. He smile at the doorman and said, "Thank you."

They bought three suit outfits. All with skirts. They were all tailored to show off his figure. The dark gray suit was very professional looking with the white blouse and short slim skirt. The olive gaberdine looked best on him with the cream, drape neck blouse. They bought him several silky, lace trimmed camisoles, white, pink and purple, to go under the white and the navy suits.

He was amazed at how good they looked on him, even though the skirts were shorter that he would have liked. He felt less and less intimidated in the clothes as he tried on more outfits.

Again, he found no exit from the dressing rooms.

This was a much larger store and the dressing room was much busier that it had been at the first shop. He was still uncomfortable, standing around in his underwear with the other women in there with him. No one took anything more than a casual interest in him as he modeled the outfits for Tina and Connie. He also took pleasure in seeing how attractive they looked on him.

Connie found him a purse and wallet there that the girl thought was perfect for him. John could just as well done without. The leather gloves were another story. They were welcome when they next stepped out into the chilly daylight.

He thought back to the velvet dress. "Are we going to buy any jewelry?" He asked sheepishly.

"Of course. You have to have your own jewelry." Connie insisted. "That's our next stop after we have lunch."

Lunch. His stomach had been growling for the last hour. He looked up at the clock on the wall. It was almost one o:clock already. "Where did the morning go?" He mused out loud.

Tina and Connie looked at him and just grinned. The change that had come over him since they started out that morning was amazing. His nervousness seemed to have melted away and he was enjoying himself now.

"Are you having a good time?" Connie asked.

"Yes." He admitted with a grin. He was a little fascinated with how he was accepted by people and even more at how the clothes looked on him.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." Tina said, pleased. "Let's eat."

In the little restaurant, they were escorted to the table by the waiter who held the chairs out for each of the young woman. It was nice, John decided as the waiter fussed over them.

"May I get you ladies something to drink?" He asked, admiring each of the young women.

It was odd being stared at by men but John knew that if the women he had encountered that morning didn't recognize him for what he really was, the men certainly weren't about to. The attention was sort of flattering.

They had a light lunch and when they were finished Tina announced, "I have to use the ladies room."

"So do I." Said Connie. They both looked at John.

"Me too?" He asked.

Tina nodded, smiling, "You too."

He paid close attention to the way he rose and walked. There were a number of men still watching them.

"You'll get used to it Laura. They do it all the time." Connie said.

His head snapped around. "Get used to what?" He hadn't said anything.

"Men's stares." She explained. "Just pretend you don't notice." Connie led the three of them toward the ladies room she knew was located in the rear of the busy restaurant.

It was very strange, walking through the door with the picture of a little stick woman in a dress.

It was as busy in the bathroom room as it had been in the restaurant. All the stalls were occupied and they had to wait. Several women stood in front of the mirrors repairing their makeup and fixing their hair.

He watched them. Men didn't fuss this much over the way they looked. Now that he was playing the other roll, he could understand better the woman's need to constantly primp. His own hair was a mess from trying on clothes. His lipstick was just about gone, despite his being careful as he could when he ate. He had neither a brush or lipstick to make his own repairs and that annoyed him a little. He didn't look right and that could draw attention to him.

Tina had already taken the next vacant stall and now another woman was coming out of another. "Go ahead Laura. I'll get the next one."

He was in unknown territory. John closed and latched the door. He hung his coat on the hook. He looked down to see a blood soaked tampon on the tile floor next to the toilet. Disgusting, he thought to himself. On the lid was a ring of toilet paper. Apparently the woman before him had decided the toilet seat was not very sanitary. He could understand why. He flushed away the toilet paper and relined the seat with fresh.

He had another dilemma. The mechanics of going to the bathroom in a dress. He knew women didn't take them off to go so he hiked it up to his waist. He pulled down his pantyhose and panties and carefully sat, being careful not to displace the toilet paper.

He used to be in the habit of holding his dick so he wouldn't accidently spray the back of his pants from the crack between the seat and the bowl. He no longer had to worry about doing that. Wiping himself after urinating was something else he never worried about. Just shake it off and put it away, no more.

It took him a moment to pull everything back up and straighten his slip and dress. Too much trouble, he told himself. The woman who was waiting for his stall did not seem happy when he finally vacated. He knew he had taken a long time in there but there wasn't much he could do about it.

Tina and Connie were at the sinks waiting. Connie was brushing her hair and Tina was applying blush. They weren't the only women at the mirrors and John got up enough nerve to ask Connie. "May I borrow your hairbrush when you're done. I guess I left mine at home." There were too many ears close by.

"Sure Laura." Connie was delighted that he cared enough about the way he looked to ask.

"I forgot my lipstick too." He told her.

Connie felt like such an idiot. Of all the things to forget. "Maybe they have your shade in the little pharmacy next door." She should have thought to put a few things back in the purse after she dumped it.

He found himself constantly observing women. The way they walked, talked, gestured, everything. He felt a little foolish but he started mimicking some of their actions. He let his wrist hang limp over his purse as he walked. His behind swished from side to side when he remembered to walk properly in his heels. He noticed little things, lots of little things.

Tina waited outside the cosmetics store while Connie and John went into the store and found a few things. She waited with their packages in the little enclosed mall.

Connie got him a fresh lipstick, a little compact with his shades of eyeshadow, another compact with blush, a hairbrush and last, she helped him pick out a pair of sunglasses. When they joined Tina again they had already unwrapped everything and it was all tucked neatly away in his purse.

"I just need to find a mirror to put on fresh lipstick." He told Tina.

He had so much to learn. Connie whispered, "Just use the little mirror in one of the compacts in your purse."

He hadn't thought of that. "Of course."

Tina decided it was time he started carrying some of his things. She handed the bag with his new purse and wallet.

Now he didn't have to worry about what to do with his free hand.

The jewelry store was just outside and to the left, two stores down. Tina went off to browse in one direction while Connie and John headed off in another.

"Can we look for a pair of earrings to go with the black velvet dress?" He asked.

"We're going to find you a couple of pairs of earrings. What kind did you have in mind?"

They were joined by a sales girl. "Can I help you find something today ladies?"

John looked at the girl standing there smiling at them. She didn't have a clue. He decided he might as well describe the earrings he was looking for to both of them. It would give him a chance to practice his gestures. "Yes, I just bought the most beautiful black velvet dress. It has an off the shoulder neckline." He put his hand up to his shoulders and traced the shape. "I need to find a pair of drop earring to go with it."

"It sounds pretty." The girl commented.

"Oh, it's gorgeous. It just cries out for something that sparkles." He was playing.

Connie couldn't believe what she was hearing. She just stood there staring at him.

"I'm sure we can find you just what you're looking for. If you'll follow me over to the case around the corner I think you'll find several lovely sets." The girl turned and walked in the direction she had indicated.

"That was fantastic." Connie whispered. "Just be careful you don't over do it."

"Over do it? I was scared to death to open my mouth at first, but it was fun." He turned and followed the sales girl.

She brought out a tray of earrings to show them and John spotted what he had been looking for. Diamond rope earring. There were two diamonds set in each of three gold ropes that dangled at different lengths.

The sales girl turned the mirror to her customer. "Try them on." She suggested.

John looked at Connie, questioning.

"Go ahead Laura, see how they look."

He hadn't had a lot of practice and he felt very clumsy when he tried to find his hole but he managed eventually.

When he looked at himself in the mirror he decided they were exactly what he had in mind. "What do you think?" He asked Connie, holding his hair back so she could see.

"I think they'd be perfect with your dress." Connie turned to the sales girl. "We'll take them. Will you hold them while we browse around a little?"

"Of Course. Would you like to see the matching necklace?"

Connie didn't hesitate for an instant. "Yes, please."

John glanced at the price tag on the earrings while the girl was off getting the necklace. He was shocked. "They're four hundred dollars!"

"I told you, don't worry about it." Connie reminded him.

The girl was back before he could say more. The necklace, a delicate rope, contained seven diamonds. Six small chips and one large gem in the center. "It's a full carat the girl told them, and the six smaller stones are each a quarter carat."

John looked at the price tag first. It was over a thousand dollars. "Too expensive." He was actually disappointed. It was beautiful.

Connie didn't argue but the sales girl offered a suggestion. "I have the same necklace with Cubic Zirconias?"

"May we see it?" John asked.

She returned in a moment with it. It was a fraction of the cost at three hundred. Connie nodded at John when he looked at her for approval. "We'll take it." Connie told her.

Tina had been busy. By the time Connie and John joined her she had picked out a half dozen pair of gold and pearl earrings, three gold bracelets, a tennis bracelet and was looking at necklaces.

"How do you like these Laura?" Tina was indicating the two delicate necklaces that lay on the black display mat on the counter. One had a pearl in a gold setting with two tiny diamonds. The other was a simple, half carat diamond pendant.

"They're beautiful." John was afraid to show too much excitement but it was obvious in the way he stared.

Tina nodded to the sales girl who added them to Tina's other selections behind the counter. "We'd like to look at a string of pearls now with matching earrings."

Tina turned to John. "I haven't had this much fun in months."

This was a side of Tina he hadn't seen. She seemed, for the first time, to have really warmed up to him. He still didn't trust her but he was certainly more comfortable with her today.

Tina fastened the clasp behind his neck while he put on the earrings. They made him feel as feminine as he looked and he was adjusting to the feeling well. "They're beautiful." He said, staring in the mirror.

"You have the matching bracelet I assume?" Tina asked the girl.

"Certainly." Patty responded smiling. She had every reason to be happy. Her commissions today, from what these women were buying, would be as much as her last month's salary.

"We'd like to look at rings now." Tina said to the girl.

"If you'll step over here." Patty showed them gold rings for day, cocktail rings for nighttime and an number of beautiful diamonds rings.

They picked out five. One really pretty fourteen carat gold band, a tasteful pearl solitaire, a cocktail ring with his birthstone, an emerald surrounded by diamond chips, and finally a Zirconia solitaire. The girl measured John for the rings and promised to have them all sized for the lucky girl within the hour.

Tina went off with the girl to pay the bill. John couldn't begin to imagine how much they had spent in the store or how Tina and Connie could afford everything.

In the next shop they bought three blouses and two skirts. John wanted to ask them to buy him pants but he was afraid to push it. They obviously didn't want him to have them or they would have at least looked while they were shopping. He didn't think aggravating Tina was a good idea at this point. Everything was going too smoothly.

He took the blouses and skirts into the dressing room to try on. As he walked into the room he looked for a back door but again he was disappointed. What he did find gave him pause for thought, a phone.

It hadn't occurred to him until now but he didn't remember seeing a phone back in the apartment. Not one.

He had no money. He could make a collect call, but who would he call? His parents? He hadn't spoken to them in years, not since that battle over the high school girl he had gotten pregnant, just before his college graduation. They had disowned him when he refused to ruin his life for the little tramp. He could just imagine what the pious Baptists would say when he tried to explain what had happened to their son.

His only close friend, Bill, back in Houston? John could just imagine the look on his face when Bill saw him looking so pretty and feminine. No, he couldn't face Bill.

That only left his secretary, Paula. He could call her and tell her to send him a plane ticket and some money. She wouldn't even have to know what had happened. She had to be worried about what had happened to him. True, they weren't exactly friends and she didn't approve of his promiscuous behavior but surely she'd help him.

He peaked out into the store. Tina and Connie were busy talking and looking at dresses. He turned and found that a young girl had picked up the phone while his back was turned.

He had another problem. The dressing room was crowded with women trying on clothes. How was he going to explain to Paula what his problem was with all these women standing around listening. He couldn't very well say, 'Hello Paula, this is John. Send me a plane ticket in the name of Laura Warren.' He could just imagine the humiliation when these women learned they were sharing their dressing room with a man in drag. He couldn't do it.

Depressed, he tried on the clothes and modeled them for Tina and Connie. Not even for a moment was he left alone in the dressing room.

Connie bought him a pair of tap pants and camisole. She surprised him with it when they were at the register.

They took everything with them this time. "Only one more shop Laura." Tina consoled him. She knew his feet must be killing him. He had only been wearing heels for a few days and even her feet were a little sore from all the walking around.

"I'm glad." He remarked. It had been fun for a while. His frustration over attempting to make a phone call had brought him down. If they were only going to one more shop that meant he had only one last opportunity to get away. He still needed money but no opportunity had presented itself for him to get any. Tina and Connie always kept their purses with them.

Tina still looked for the right dress. She wanted him to look sweet and pure when Brevard met him on Wednesday.

The progress of the past few days was amazing but he still needed a few more days to acclimate. Having him learn to accept the advances of a man, of Jack, was yet to be experienced. It wasn't necessary for him to completely enjoy the experience but he had to learn that his new role in life was that of a submissive plaything for his new owner. It could be pleasant for him or it could be difficult. Either way, he had no choice.

The exclusive shop sold only evening wear and Tina found him several attractive dresses but none were sweet and innocent enough.

He waited in the dressing room, alone. There was a back door but he was afraid to leave the stall and try the doorknob. His time was running out. John peeked around the corner, into the store.

Connie showed the dress to Tina. "What do you think?"

Tina's eyes lit up. "It's perfect." The white dress had a scalloped neckline that rested just barely off the shoulder with cap, lace trimmed sleeves. It was figure flattering with out being too bold. The hemline was short but not too short. It was just what she was looking for. "Give it to Laura to try on."

He had overheard them and ducked back inside before Connie saw him.

"Here Laura. Isn't it beautiful?" Connie couldn't wait to see him in it.

"It's very pretty." He said, taking it from her with a smile.

Connie left to wait outside with Tina.

He would have to wait until after he modeled the dress for them to try to escape.

Just like the black dress, this one had a built in bra. He zipped up the low back with ease. The dress fit him like a glove and he liked the way it felt on him. Snug in all the right places but not tight. He didn't waist any time in going out to show them.

"You look absolutely beautiful in that Laura." Connie cooed.

"Perfect." Was Tina's only comment with her approving smile. Sweet and innocent.

He couldn't help but agree. It was a beautiful dress.

"Ok, that's it." Tina said relieved, "Go ahead and change and we'll call it a day Laura."

Maybe not quite yet, John thought to himself. He hurried as fast as he could and had his things back on in only a moment. Tina and Connie were standing at the counter with their backs to the dressing room.

John gripped the doorknob expecting to find it locked. To his delight, it turned. He pushed the door open slowly, in case it squeaked. It opened noiselessly onto a dark room. He didn't dare turn on the light switch he found just inside the door. He didn't know how bright it might shine and if anyone noticed, he'd be finished. He closed the door as carefully as he had opened it, taking care not to let it click when he released the knob. Now he felt he could safely turn on the light.

It was a storeroom. Racks of dresses and shelves filled almost every square inch of the small room. He looked for a back door that might lead into a back alley or parking lot. There was only one door and it was straight in front of him, behind a rack of dresses. He moved carefully, trying not to bump into anything as he made his was to the door.

The dress rack that blocked the door was on rollers. He was sure the slightest sound would betray him so he lifted the rack as he rolled it an inch at a time until he could just squeeze past it. He was just about to push on the bar on the heavy metal door when he saw the red sign. 'Alarm will be activated when door is opened.' How stupid could he be. Of course the place would have alarms.

If he took his chances and set off the alarm anyway, how much time would he have? A minute, two, before they came after him? Then another thought struck him. Wouldn't the police respond to the alarm too? He'd have to deal with not only Tina and Connie but the cops too. What if he were arrested and thrown in jail? How long would it take before they discovered he was a man? They'd have to throw him in the holding cell with other men. He couldn't face that thought.

John, just as carefully, put the dress rack back in place. How much time had passed, he asked himself? Only two or three minutes he hoped. It seemed longer.

He was back at the door to the dressing room. With the light off, he opened the door and peaked out. The room was empty so he quickly slipped through the door, closing it as silently as he had opened it. He turned to walk back into the shop and almost ran into Connie coming in.

"I was calling you and you didn't answer. Are you alright?" She saw the perspiration on his forehead. "What's wrong Laura."

He had made it, but just barely. "I don't feel well." He lied.

"Nerves?" Connie asked. They had made him do too much today. It was too soon after being so weak for so long.

"I think so." He said, looking drawn and pale. It wasn't an act.

"We're all done here. We'll go home now." Connie put her arm around his shoulders.

"Everything alright?" Tina asked as she walked up with John's new dress over her arm.

"Laura's just a little tired." Connie told her.

The jewelry store offered to deliver their purchases as they always did when someone purchased as much as these girls had. Tina politely refused saying they would be fine.

Everything fit neatly into her purse. The gold and diamond rings John wore home.

They helped him put everything away. His closet was nearly full. They laid his new jewelry out on the top of his dresser and put his shoes in his shoe rack. "I'll find you something you can use as a jewelry box Laura." Tina promised.

They left him alone to rest. "Dinner will be ready in about an hour. Take a nap for a while if you want. When you're ready to come out just knock on the door." Connie told him.

He had taken off his shoes the instant he stepped into the room and he sighed a deep sigh as he rubbed his tired sore feet on the carpet. It was almost a relief to be back in the safety of the apartment and his room. He laid back on the bed, still in his dress. He was too exhausted both mentally and physically to care if he wrinkled it.

Tina totaled up the receipts at the kitchen table while Connie and Margaret started dinner.

"He was an angel." Connie replied when Margaret asked how he did. "You should have seen him after he began to get into it."

"It was after he saw himself in the black dress. He looked gorgeous and he loved it." Tina added.

"He was like a kid in a toy store when we helped him pick out the jewelry." Connie had particularly enjoyed his delight with all the pretty earrings and necklaces.

"He didn't give you any trouble?" Margaret asked.

"Not a bit. He was a pussycat." Connie was so happy with the way it went.

Tina hit the total key on the adding machine. She already was sure it was going to be bad news. "We blew our budget."

"How bad." Connie asked.

Tina looked up and with raised eyebrows, answered, "Three thousand dollars."

"We spent twelve thousand dollars?" Connie was surprised. She had guesstimated around nine."

"We'll make it up from his clothing allowance." She reminded Connie. "But it does cut down on our profits from his personal holdings."

"How much will we net from that?" Connie asked.

"About twenty five." Tina wasn't too upset. "I still think we'll do better than the guaranteed eighty thousand that Brevard quoted, after he sees our Laura on Wednesday night."

It didn't sound so bad when Connie put it all together.

"Less his fifteen percent? That sounds pretty good."

Connie had often wondered how the feminized young men were doing in their new lives in South America. They had agreed it was probably best not to inquire. Most left them accepting their fate and would lead lives of luxury and pampering. A few, not many, fought to the end.

It was those 'girls' that Connie wondered about. Women in that culture, particularly those surrounded by opulence, lived happy lives as long as they didn't aspire to be anything more than obedient wives or mistresses. A woman who revolted was often beaten into submission and their 'girls' could expect no less. Connie had even heard of women sold into prostitution. The women had no rights as men did. They were expected to remain obedient to their lord and master. Better not to dwell on it, Connie decided.

He didn't fall asleep. John had too much on his mind. He had failed to escape. He had the opportunity and he let it pass. He couldn't even make the phone call that might have given him his passport to freedom. He was a coward.

What upset him most was that as hard as he resisted, he had genuinely enjoyed shopping. It wasn't even just the shopping. He had enjoyed seeing the way he looked in the clothes, the way they made him feel. It excited him to see how pretty he looked. It wasn't right to feel that way. He should have been revolted but even now he longed to take the black velvet dress out of the closet and put it on with his new earrings and necklace. To stand in front of the mirror and admire the pretty, shapely young woman they had made him into. It was wrong, so wrong.

Jack was there again for dinner but his attitude was different. He didn't taunt him as John expected. He was cordial and treated him the same as he did the others.

It was also obvious that Jack's and Connie's relationship was strained. Jack went out of his way to be nice to her but she was not receptive at all. Connie was actually very cold toward him. John decided it had to have to do with what he had told Connie last night.

Even with the strain showing between the two, dinner was a much more pleasant experience that the previous one had been. Jack had been put in his place and John got some satisfaction from that. He deserved it.

Again, John helped to clean up after the meal but he decided not to retire to his room. He and Connie shared the couch and Jack lounged in one of the overstuffed chairs. Margaret joined Tina on the love seat and the had tea and coffee. John would have loved a cup of coffee but didn't argue when Connie poured him tea. He had the freedom of the living room and he didn't want to do anything to jeopardize that.

He had decided his escape must be made from here. He would wait until someone carelessly left their purse lying around and relieve them of a small amount of money. Not so much that it would be readily missed, just a few dollars here and there. When he had enough he would find a way past that locked door and back to Houston. He had finally accepted that his life would never be the same. He didn't know if he could ever be John Warren again but he would be in control of his own life, make his own decisions.

"Jack brought a movie with him for us to watch. Would you like to watch it with us Laura?" Tina asked.

"Very much." What a pleasure it would be to be able to lose himself in a movie. He could forget for a little while everything that weighed so heavily on his mind.

Tina opened the large cabinet between the bookshelves and the bar. John was surprised to discover they had a big screen TV hidden there. He hadn't see TV in weeks, or was it months? Tina inserted the tape and advanced it to the lead in.

Their selection of movies wouldn't have been his choice. It would do little to distract him from his dilemma. He had seen 'Blue Lagoon' years ago and while it was a highly rated movie, it wasn't normally his kind of story.

This time he watched it with a different attitude. As Brook Shields came of age he imagined himself playing the roll, discovering himself like a young girl. The scenes where the boy and Shields discovered intimacy intrigued him. He watched with detached curiosity as she discovered her sexuality. That could never be him, of course, he was only a man that looked like a girl but it was intriguing.

By the time the movie was over he was really tired. Margaret went along and opened his bedroom door for him after he said goodnight to everyone. Jack had continued his good behavior all evening and when he said goodnight to everyone it was a pleasant exchange that took place between them.

It took John about a half hour to get ready for bed. Twenty minutes to undress, hang his things up, remove his makeup and moisturize.

He carefully set Tina's hoop earrings aside to return to her in the morning. The rest of the time he spent looking through the closet at all the things they had bought today. He resisted his urge to try on a few of the things that the girl in the mirror, back in the shops, looked so terrific wearing.

He searched through his dresser drawers to find something he had seen when he first rummaged through them. He pulled the sleep shirt from one of the bottom drawers. It had a shirttail hem, dressed in lace. The pale floral pattern was enhanced by the wide lace trim on the loose neck and long puffed sleeves. A satin string, tied in a bow, gathered the front. He had never anticipated that he would want to wear anything so pretty, until now. It looked as soft and pretty as it made him feel.

Before climbing into his bed he took one last look at all the beautiful jewelry they told him was his.

As he pulled up the covers and turned off the light he had to admit there were some aspects of being a woman that he liked. He fell asleep content for the first time in a long time. Thoughts of escape did not intrude on his pleasant dreams.

"Do you think it had an impact on him?" Tina asked the others.

"He was watching very intently. I think so." Said Margaret.

Jack said nothing. He knew that Connie would only get upset if he sounded the least anxious.

"I think today went very well." Connie remarked. "He made a lot of progress." She wished she had the whole week off to spend with him but she only had tomorrow.

Tina moved on to new business. "Margaret, are you ready for tomorrow?"

"The nursery's ready. I stopped at Doc's, he gave me a fresh stock of meds. He'll be over around ten on Wednesday."

"Good, I have a bottle of wine chilling and the reservations are set for dinner." A thought dawned on Tina. "Did you put the muscle relaxant in the kitchen cabinet?"

"Over the sink." Margaret prided herself on her efficiency.

"Good. It sounds like we're ready."

 

SUNDAY - DAY 30

The last thing John expected was to get up and go to church with Connie and Tina, Dressed in his brown gaberdine skirt suit and cream colored blouse he sat in the pew between the two women. It wasn't so terrible, after yesterday. It wasn't as if he had to interact with anyone but Connie and Tina. He was a little self conscious when Connie nudged him, when everyone else was singing but him. By the third psalm he joined in. His meek voice joined in the chorus.

John didn't even panic when they were leaving the church. The women smile at him politely and he smiled back. The minister and his counsel greeted the congregation as they left and John, with Connie and Tina, found himself making pleasant conversation with a few of the older woman. It was sort of nice.

What was weird was how he felt about the way he looked in his new clothes, wearing his new jewelry. He felt...attractive.

At the restaurant where they went for Sunday dinner it was a little different. There, he felt eyes on him and they weren't just women's eyes.

John was aware that Connie and particularly Tina drew a lot of attention but that didn't go to far in soothing his nerves. Men looked at him too.

"I told you," Connie said in his ear, "just ignore them. Men stare."

That was easy for her to say.

He ordered the snapper. It was marvelous. Not once did he forget his table manners. By the time the waiter brought their tea, he was very relaxed.

It was important to get him out. He did so well Saturday, it went so far toward making him feel more comfortable about himself, that they decided the more he got out, the better.

The rest of the day was spent quietly, back at the loft. After he and Connie worked out to a Jane Fonda exercise tape, John showered and changed into a pair of leggings and one of his sweaters and lounged around the living room, reading and watching movies.

When he went to bed that night he had to admit to himself that he really enjoyed the day.

His only frustration had been there was not one moment, when they were out, that he was left alone. Not once did the opportunity present itself for him to escape. If it had, he still had no money.

 

MONDAY - DAY 31

He slept late. When he finally did wake up around nine he just lay in bed. No one came in to wake him. Today was almost anticlimactic after the excitement and the stress of the past few days.

John showered and, in his robe, prepared for the day, whatever it might bring. With his hair and makeup done he looked for something to wear. He felt listless. He decided he should exercise after breakfast so he closed the closet and went over to the dresser. He had just laid out the green sweater and leggings on the bed when there was a knock on the door.

He quickly put his robe back on. He didn't want to be standing there in just panties and a bra when someone walked in. Despite Connie's assurances, that still made him uncomfortable. "Come in." He called out.

"Good morning." Connie said as she peeked around the door.

"Hi." He was glad it was her. He had a nice time with Tina yesterday and he didn't resent her as much as he had, but he still felt closer, more comfortable with Connie.

"Did you sleep alright?" She was genuinely curious since this was the first night that they hadn't drugged him.

"Yes." Only a few aspects of his dreams stayed with him but they were pleasant, for the most part. He had a few mixed feelings but he would sort them out on his own.

Connie walked over to the unmade bed and sat down, cross legged. She was wearing white tights and an oversized yellow tee shirt. "I had fun yesterday."

"So did I, eventually." He sat down on the chair, pulling the robe closed over his bare legs.

"It wasn't so bad, was it?" She asked smiling.

"No, it wasn't." He answered, grinning back at her like a child. "I was so sure I'd mess up but no one guessed I'm a guy."

"I told you not to worry so much."

"I couldn't help it."

"I understand. It'll keep getting easier, I promise." Connie assured him. She had to tell him. Maybe it wasn't wise but he made such an impression on her. "You were wonderful yesterday, in church and at the restaurant."

"Was I?" It pleased him that she thought so. He tried so hard to be convincing. He had his reasons, theirs just happened to coincide.

"Oh yes." She said smiling. "When you're relaxed and just enjoying yourself, you're precious. I still can't get over how lovely you looked."

It was flattering, in a way. "Thanks. I felt good about myself yesterday." He had.

Enough, Connie decided. She shouldn't overdo. "Hungry?"

"Very." His appetite increased in direct proportion to his spirits and his spirits were up that morning. "Just let me get dressed and I'll be ready." He reached for the clothes on the bed.

"Why don't you put on one of the aerobics outfits in the drawer. I'm going to show you what a real workout is like today." Connie had plans.

Tights? He was having doubts again.

She could see he was apprehensive. He would have to get over it and babying him wouldn't help. Connie went to the dresser and picked out a pair of electric pink tights and the white leotard. "Here Laura, try these on." From his bra drawer she took out the sports bra they had bought him. "And wear this bra instead of the one you have on. Your panties have to go, they'll show under the tights."

He hesitated, looking at what she handed him.

"Come on, we haven't got all day slowpoke." Connie got comfortable in the chair and picked up one of the magazines from under the nightstand.

The tights weren't much different than the pantyhose he had become accustomed to, or the leggings. The leotard was a different story. It was a T back with high cut leg openings and a scoop front. "I feel naked." He told Connie standing there in the outfit, looking in the mirror at the way the leotard accented his rear end.

"Don't be silly, you look fine." She liked the way he looked. In tights, his poorly toned legs didn't look so bad. "Wear your white socks with the new sneakers."

He found the long, push down socks in the drawer, pulled them on and laced up his new sneakers. He felt funny when he looked at himself in the mirror. John had always loved to watch the girls doing aerobics at the club in their sexy leotards. He looked as sexy as any he'd seen. Especially in a T back.

"Ok, now just throw on your nylon sweats and we'll go have breakfast."

He had seen them in the drawer. Now he felt better. His appetite came back.

They had a relaxing meal, when he wasn't distracted by the leotard that felt so strange, in the crack of his ass. He tugged at it constantly.

"It's supposed to fit that way. Just leave it alone." Tina told him. She was amused, watching him tug at himself.

Connie was finished and she was anxious to get going. "Let's get going Laura. If we hurry we can make the eleven o:clock class." She pushed away from the table.

John looked up, shaken. "What class? I thought we were going to work out here?"

"No, we're going to the club and do aerobics." She said matter of factly.

"I want to get a picture of the two of you before you go." Tina said.

John was a little apprehensive about having his picture taken in the outfit. "Are you sure. I don't know...."

"Will you stop worrying and come on?" Connie interrupted him. "We'll pack a change of clothes and grab some lunch afterwards."

He arose slowly and followed Connie.

"I'll get my camera." Said Tina. She got up and headed for her bedroom.

Connie let him in his room. "I'll grab you a duffel bag and a jacket. You'll need a bra, panties, pantyhose, slip, one of your new skirts, a blouse and shoes. We'll pick out some jewelry when I come back. Be quick." She knew she had to spell it all out for him, until he learned.

Could he do this, he asked himself as he pulled the things together?

"Stand a little closer together." Tina instructed. She had them pose in front of the drapes as she took their picture. All his identification was ready except for his license and passport. The pictures would take care of that. She had taken several shots of just him. Later, when he was more appropriately dressed, she would even take some pictures for Brevard to take back to Brazil with him.

"Have you got all your makeup we bought yesterday?" Connie asked.

"Yes. I threw in my eyeliner and lipliner too." He was nervous but he didn't want to be caught unprepared like yesterday.

Connie threw her purse strap over one shoulder and had her duffel and jacket on her other arm. She had on her nylon warm ups now too. John imitated her, his purse and things in hand. The two headed out the door.

"Have fun you two. Be careful not to over do it Laura." Tina called after them as the elevator door opened.

Tina was a little worried. Connie was becoming really attached to him. Somewhat like a big sister. She wondered if Connie would be able to use the device on him if he gave her trouble?

Tina decided she was being foolish. Of course she would use it. They stood to lose too much if he got away. There was always the possibility that he might go to the police but they had contingency plans if that sort of thing happened. No, Tina put her mind at rest. They would be fine.

She had other things to worry about. Tonight she had her date with Scott. Slender little delicate Scott with the pretty face. She had things to do before their date. The wigs they had ordered were supposed to be ready this morning and she was anxious to pick them up along with a few outfits for him.

As he waited for Connie to unlock the car, John pondered. He had blown it Saturday and yesterday. Today, dressed the way he was, would it be any easier to escape? Not now, not wearing only leotards and tights. Maybe later, after the workout. God, the workout. Could he stand there in a room full of people in the skin tight sexy outfit and do aerobics? He knew he would have to but he didn't relish the thought.

His other concern was still money. Maybe at the gym, in the locker room. Maybe he could get his hands on Connie purse when she wasn't looking and steal her cash. If not then, perhaps sometime during lunch. He felt like he was running out of time. He had to make his move soon.

The lock clicked open. He threw the duffel and jacket in the back seat and climbed in next to Connie.

Connie was feeling good this morning. The tires squealed on the slick pavement as she sped through the garage and up the ramp into the bright sunlight. The sky was perfectly clear and it was a little warmer than yesterday. The temperature had climbed to almost fifty this morning and the air was crisp. She loved this weather.

He felt safer, hiding behind his new sunglasses as Connie sped through traffic. The speed was exhilarating to him too. It gave him a feeling of freedom that he hadn't experienced in a long time. He loved to open up his Cougar on Texas' open highways. He would enjoy that feeling again soon, when he got home.

It was a short ride to the club. Connie swung the car into a narrow empty parking spot in the lot at a much higher speed than safety recommended.

"You're dangerous." John said with a smile, as if joking would calm his nerves.

"I just love to drive fast, especially when I feel good." There were several points to cover. "Before we go in there's just a couple of things."

She had his full attention.

"Your walk,"

He knew what she was going to say.

"I've been watching you since we finished breakfast."

"A little more casual?"

"Good girl. But not too casual."

"What else?"

"Relax and smile. This should be fun." She warned him anyway, "The class is mostly women but there are a few men sometimes. There'll be more men out in the gym and they like to gawk. Don't let them bother you. Just concentrate on the aerobics and forget about everything else." Connie knew that would be difficult. Having men stare at him wasn't all bad either. The more he was admired by the guys, the more comfortable he should begin to feel around them. He may not appreciate the attention but he'll begin to get used to it and that was important right now. If he enjoyed it, all the better.

"I'll try." He had thought about that.

"I know a lot of the girls that work out here and I'll be introducing you to some of them. Just go with the flow, the way you did Saturday, with the girl at the jewelry store, and those women in church. I still can't get over how well you did." If he just acted that way today, he'd be fine.

"That was a fluke." He tried to tell her.

"It didn't sound like a fluke to me. Let's go."

They walked side by side across the parking lot to the front door of the building. John was amused when an older man, he looked to be forty, held the door for them. Connie thanked him, John only nodded his thanks.

Connie stopped him before they got to the desk. They were out of earshot of anyone. "Why didn't you thank him?" She asked.

He answered her question with a question. "Doesn't my voice sound too masculine?"

So that was it. "Laura, when you look like a girl and you act like a girl, people don't question whether you are one or not just because your voice is a little deep. And yours isn't all that deep. Some men actually find that sexy. The others we don't worry about. Your voice is fine."

Connie introduced him to her friend behind the desk as a guest and the customary pleasantries were exchanged. He trusted Connie and spoke to the girl, saying only, "Good morning."

"Laura and I will need towels." Connie told the girl.

He followed Connie right into the woman's locker room. He couldn't express either his discomfort or his anxiety when they walked in amidst the women who were in different stages of dressing and undressing.

Connie found them a pair of lockers, side by side. She stuffed her duffel and jacket in hers and started to step out of her warm up clothes.

It wasn't easy for him not to stare. Young girls and middle age women surrounded them. Some completely naked, coming from the showers.

Connie saw him staring and broke it off before anyone noticed. "Come on. The class starts in ten minutes and we need to warm up and stretch."

The best thing he could do was to stare at the lockers as he stepped out of his nylon pants. The jacket came off too, reluctantly. He told himself he was fully dressed as they walked out into the gym.

The center of the club was filled with Nautilus equipment, surrounded by a track. He followed Connie along the wall to the right, toward the bikes. As John, he'd ridden them many times but it was not John that mounted the bike today. Connie was on the bike to his left and a young muscular kid was on the one to his right.

The stare from the teenager was impossible to ignore and he wasn't the only one who watched him. He felt himself being mentally undressed from the moment he stepped out of the locker room. Some guys were subtle, others completely stopped what they were doing and just gawked, staring at him.

He thought to himself, I used to be just like them. How many times would he stop exercising to watch a pretty girl in tights walk across the floor. Imagining he was holding the soft warm flesh of a perfectly shaped ass. The T backs, in particular, used to catch his attention. Connie was wearing one too but that didn't seem to help John much.

They only spent a few minutes on the bikes. The aerobics room was directly behind them and a crowd of women were already gathering in there when they walked in. The glass wall that separated the large room from the rest of the club would be lined with men in a few minutes, when the workout started. He know that from experience too. He used to be one of the first guys there, because he was so short, he needed to be to get a good spot up front.

Connie led him to a group of young women stretching in the back corner of the room.

"Hi." Connie said. "Everybody this is Laura. Laura this is everybody." She wasn't going to leave it at that. One by one, she introduced the seven women as they settled down to stretch.

The first was Dana. A tall majestic brunette with her tight curly hair gathered in a clip like Connie's. She had to be six foot tall. He lost some of his selfconsciousness about his voice when she spoke. Her voice was deeper than his.

Winnie was about John's height with short light brown hair. She had one of those bubbly personalities that makes it easy to make friends. John liked her immediately, Dana seemed cold compared to her.

Lynn was tiny but beautifully proportioned for her height. She was almost oriental looking with straight black hair, down to her shoulders.

Gina was almost as outgoing as Winnie. About the same height as John, but with long pale blond hair in a french braid. She looked like a model. Her sultry voice was almost as deep as his.

Janis was the only Black girl in the room but she had to have white blood in her because of her slender nose and thin lips. She was extremely pretty and very pleasant.

Carol was a little of a dingaling. She had heard his name six or seven times already and she still had to ask. She acted as if she was shy a few marbles. She was cute though, with her yellow blond hair in a pageboy and the headband that kept it out of her face.

Pat was the last. She looked very serious about her impending workout. Pat didn't even stop stretching to say hello. She talked as she stretched. Her hair was probably the most striking thing about her. Even gathered in colored bows down the middle of her back, her soft curly brown hair came to her waist.

He had seen it often. Beautiful women sought out the company of other beautiful women. Not one of them had an ounce of fat anywhere on their bodies. They must workout almost every day, he decided. He felt like he looked fat next to them. Although, when he compared himself in the mirror, he didn't look so bad in comparison.

"Here we go." Pat announced as the instructor mounted the little platform in the front of the room.

"Don't overdo it Laura." Connie said loud enough for some of the others to hear. "Stay in back an follow along for as long as your can."

John moved in behind Connie.

Connie turned to Winnie and said, loudly enough for them all to hear over the music, "She just had a miscarriage a few days ago. I told her she was crazy and should take it easy but she insisted she had to get back in shape."

That was nice. She was making excuses for him so he wouldn't feel embarrassed if he couldn't keep up. But a miscarriage, of all things. Would they ask him questions later? He better give this some thought, just in case.

The time for thinking passed as they started into the instructor's routine. He was grateful they started slowly. He had taken several aerobics classes in the past, so he wasn't a complete klutz. He had done fairly well as he watched the women as they shook their buns to the music. That had been his real reason for joining the classes, meeting women.

He wasn't in the same shape he'd been in then. It had been weeks since he'd done anything physical. Worse, the muscles that he'd had were atrophied. He was determined though.

Now his breasts and ass were bouncing right along with the others'. His first impulse was to hold them, to stop them from bouncing, but it didn't seem to bother the other girls.

The pace soon picked up but he managed to stay with them. He simply followed the lead of the girls in front of him, ignoring the instructor.

Had John not been concentrating so hard, he would have noticed the men watching. There were three or four women between him and the window but since the back of the room was less crowded than the front, the men had no problem watching the girl in the T back shaking her buns.

John stayed at it for as long as he could, pushing himself, but he just couldn't keep up. He managed for fifteen, twenty minutes then he almost collapsed on the floor. He had to go sit down.

He had never been a quitter, until now. It had always been important to him to prove to others that he could hold his own with bigger guys. It was tied to his feelings of inadequacy about his size.

Connie could see him in the mirror. She could see the sweat soaking through his leotard as he sat, propped against the back wall. She was glad he had the sense to drop out.

Connie had told Tina it was too soon for this. She knew he should have had a week or more at home exercising, to get his strength up, build up his endurance. No, Tina insisted there wasn't time. Brevard was coming and they had to get him ready.

The instructor slowed the pace near the end of the half hour to let them cool down. John felt ashamed of himself.

"Are you ok Laura?" Winnie asked. Gina stood next to her along with Carol, all looking concerned.

"I was watching you. You did fantastic, considering what you've just been through." Pat complemented her.

"Thanks, I'm fine." He said with a smile as he held his sides. His cramps were finally easing.

Gina put her hand around his waist. "Come on Laura. The steam will make you feel better." She guided him toward the door.

"I'm ok Gina thanks." It was nice of her to be concerned but he didn't want to walk out into the gym with her helping him. He gave her arm a comforting squeeze and straightened up. "Really, I'm fine."

He had absolutely no desire to go to the steam room with the group but he had no opportunity to get Connie alone until they were in the locker room. None of the other girls had a locker near theirs.

Finally he could talk to her, even though he had to whisper. "I can't go in the steam room, naked. They'll see."

"Sure you can. Just wrap up in your towel and keep your legs together when you sit." Connie already had her leotard off and was getting out of her tights. "We'll need to wrap our hair so the steam doesn't ruin it. There's more towels out by the steam room."

John saw some of the other girls going out the glass doors to the steam room. "Connie, don't leave me here alone." He begged.

"I wouldn't do that Laura, but you need to hurry." She told him.

That was all the encouragement he needed. He faced the lockers when he pulled off his tights and bra. It only took him an instant to secure the towel over his breasts. He had no difficulty wrapping up his hair in the towel. He had become proficient at it.

As they walked the few step to the door Connie told him. "You really did well in there. I was impressed."

He wasn't annoyed that she always complemented him, boosted his moral. During times like this he appreciated her support. Her approval of his efforts was becoming more and more important to him. She was becoming his friend.

John was glad the men and women had separate steam rooms because every time he raised his arms just the slightest bit his ass hung out from under the towel.

Most of the girls were too polite to bring up the subject when Connie and Laura joined them in the steam room. Not Dana, she wanted to know everything. "How far along were you Laura? I had a miscarriage two years ago."

He had expected this. "I was three months." John told her as he sat down on the wooden bench.

"Oh you poor thing. Are you alright?" Winnie asked compassionately.

He knew, or at least thought, she didn't mean physically. How would a woman feel who had just lost a baby? "I will be." He answered, looking appropriately sad.

Lynn, who sat on the bench next to him took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm so sorry for you. How did your husband take it?"

That, he was not prepared for. He hesitated.

Connie jumped in. "Laura isn't married. But the creep that got her pregnant is."

"Men can be such bastards. You must feel awful." Pat added.

"I thought he loved me." How many times had he heard girls say that about him, John wondered.

Carol could relate to Laura's despair. "I can't count how many times men have told me they loved me then, after they've gotten what they wanted, I never hear from them again."

"I don't imagine Laura wants to dwell on what happened." Gina injected. She was sure Laura didn't need a group of thoughtless women reminding her of her pain.

"Yes, let's change the subject." Agreed Janis.

Carol went off on a tangent about her job and her latest battle with the girl who works in her office with her. Apparently the girl was making eyes at her boss, trying to jump ahead of Carol for promotion. This went on for the next fifteen minutes with each of the others offering their advice on how to handle the situation.

Half an hour was enough in the steam room for any of them.

Connie steered John toward the showers when they returned to the locker room. "There's private stalls." Connie told him when he hesitated in the hall.

He showered facing the wall. He dried off completely before walking back to the lockers where Connie waited. He breathed a sigh of relief when he pulled his new black panties on. Enough other woman stood around with their tits exposed that he didn't need to feel selfconscious about his. He did notice something. His nipples, and the dark pink circles surrounding them, were as big as most of the woman's. They were still very sensitive to the touch but it wasn't pain that he felt when he touched them. It was something else. A warm tingling shutter went through his whole body when he rubbed his nipple.

"You can do that later." Said Connie.

He didn't realize anyone was watching him. "I..." What could he say?

Connie just smiled. "It's alright, we all do it. Just not here. Let's get dressed and get ready to go."

He felt foolish and dressed quickly. The lacy black bra matched the tiny panties and it felt nice on him. Connie had approved of the black skirt and silky teal blouse. He had brought his black stockings and heels. It was a relief to be fully clothed again.

John joined Connie at the mirrors. Winnie, Gina and Pat were already putting their makeup on when he got there. The others joined them shortly.

"Laura and I are going to go have lunch downtown if any of you want to join us." Connie offered.

No, they had to go alone, John said to himself. Damn.

Dana, Carol and Pat had to go to work.

"I'd love to but I have a hair appointment." Lynn said regretfully. "Next time."

"What a nice idea. I'll join you." Said Winnie.

"Me too." Said Gina. "I don't have to be home till four to start Jim's dinner."

"What about you Janis?" Connie asked.

"I have a mammogram at one. I can't." Janis explained.

"A lump?" Carol asked, looking worried for her.

"No thank God. Just a regular checkup."

"You scared us for a moment." Winnie was relieved.

Damn! Damn! Damn! Maybe he could still pull it off. It would be difficult, but he would try. He had to.

He was racing to finish before the others. He had gotten better at putting his makeup on but he wasn't as quick as the them. He didn't want them waiting on him.

Connie was done and was putting a dab of perfume on her neck when she realized that they had never had John wear perfume. They had never even thought to buy him any Saturday. She would remedy that.

"Barnie's alright with you?" Connie asked the others.

"Great, there's always lots of cute guys in there for lunch." Winnie liked that idea.

"Your incorrigible." Said Gina. Winnie was always chasing guys.

"What are you talking about. You've found yours. I'm still looking for mine."

"True. Maybe we can find Laura a nice young stud."

Not on your life, John thought to himself as he smiled back at Gina.

"I know lot's of guys that come in there. Good idea." Said Winnie as she looked over at Laura, raising an eyebrow.

All the girls turned and looked at her, including John.

"What? What did I say?" Winnie asked innocently.

Connie laughed along with a few of the others. Winnie didn't really have a reputation. She just had bad luck with guys. She'd go out with them once and then for some reason they didn't seem to call her for another date. They had yet to figure out why? She was a really sweet person, besides being very pretty.

"I don't think Laura's ready for another relationship just now." Suggested Connie.

"Nonsense," Said Winnie. I don't know of one of us that isn't on the lookout for Mr Right." Winnie was only kidding.

They let it drop.

John was done and ready to go, finally.

"We just have to make a quick stop on the way. Gina, will you and Winnie go ahead and get a table?" Connie asked.

"Sure, but don't be too long." Said Gina as she gathered her things to go.

"We'll hurry." Connie didn't want to explain where they were going. The idea that Laura didn't have her own perfume was too preposterous.

John wondered what Connie had in mind. Was it something that would give him an opportunity to slip away?

Back in the car, Connie explained. "We have to stop and get you perfume. You can't go around without perfume on. I don't know what Tina and I were thinking of this weekend."

Perfume? He had never even given a thought to the idea of smelling like a girl. Did he have to wear perfume? There was no point in asking Connie. He knew what her answer would be.

"I know of the perfect place and it's on the way to Barnie's." Connie said as she spun her tires, pulling out of the parking lot.

The sun had continued to warm the day. The black blazer he wore now was warm enough as long as they stayed out of the wind. It felt strange to feel the cool air through his stockings, pleasant, but strange against his thighs.

Perfume was all the tiny store sold and none of it was cheap. Connie passed the little perfumed cards under his nose. She must have gone through fifteen different fragrances before one hit him.

He couldn't remember her name but one of his conquests had worn the fragrance and it left a lasting impression on him. "That one." He spoke up. "I like that."

"You would pick one that costs sixty dollars and ounce." Connie said jokingly.

"We could pick another. Something less expensive." He was serious.

"Don't be silly. You have wonderful taste in perfume."

Connie paid the girl with her credit card for the small bottle. John tried to see into her wallet to see if she had cash and how much, but he couldn't see anything.

Back in the car, Connie demonstrated how and where to apply it. "A little behind and just under each ear and on the insides of your wrists."

He opened the bottle and sparingly, as she told him, dabbed it on. The fragrance was as intoxicating to his senses on him as it had been on the girl who introduced it to him.

"Now just put it in your purse. We've got to get moving."

And get moving she did. They were at the restaurant in minutes, having run at least three yellow lights.

Every roving male eye in the place noticed the two young women that walked in.

John was painfully aware of the stares. He remembered what they had told them the day before and didn't let his eyes wander. They walked directly to the table where the others were already waiting. John was completely unaware of the effect his perfume had on the men in their business suits that he brushed past in the crowded restaurant.

"That didn't take long." Remarked Gina.

John sat down on the stool next to Winnie. "Oh, what is that you're wearing Laura. I like that." Winnie lifted his wrist to get a better whiff.

"It's Amarige."

"I didn't notice that on you back at the club." Gina remarked, she leaned over to inhale it deeply. "That's expensive perfume!"

"That's what we wanted to stop and pick up. It's the only thing that Laura will wear and she was out of it." Connie added.

"Unfair advantage." Winnie said. It was a potent fragrance.

Winnie was an interesting person. John enjoyed her sense of humor. Both her and Gina had shown him their compassion. He felt almost guilty for deceiving them but enjoyed their friendship as Laura. He had never had friends, guys or girls, who he felt so comfortable with. Even Bill, who he had known for three years, wasn't able to open up and say what he really felt.

"Are you ready to order now ladies?"

"Sure," Said Winnie to the young man. "I'd like you, to go." She told him, grinning.

The others couldn't believe she said that to the boy. They couldn't help but laugh.

He came back with what he thought was a smart retort. "I was on the menu last week, under 'specials'. I don't think I'm on this week's menu."

"Sure you are sweetcakes. Right here under 'buns'." Winnie was not about to be put off so easily by the boy.

"I give up. I'm yours." He was as playful as she was. "Now, can I help you other ladies."

They gave him their lunch orders with out any further harassment.

"He was cute." Said Gina as soon as the boy left with their orders. She was hoping to goad Winnie into more of her antics.

"Yes, but a little young for me." Said Winnie, pretending to be sad.

They were surprised to see him return so soon. "The gentlemen at the bar," He paused to point out two men sitting near the door, at the end of the bar. "would like to buy you ladies a drink."

They all looked even John. They were young, in their early twenties. Both men were standing, looking in their direction. One was blond with sharp, strong features. He was about 5'10" or 11" and was well built, judging by the cut of his blue pinstripe suit. The other, perhaps and inch shorter than his friend, had brown hair and was a little heavier. His beard and moustache were immaculately trimmed.

Winnie shamelessly smiled at them. "Thank them for us. I'll have a glass of Zinfendel." She told the boy.

Gina would have politely refused if Winnie hadn't spoken up so quickly. "I'll have the same."

Connie was delighted that it had happened. She wondered what John was thinking. She probably shouldn't encourage him to drink but what the hell. She wanted to see what might happen next. "I'll have a Chablis."

"And you miss?" The boy asked the pretty brunette that smelled so good. He wished he had the nerve to ask her what the fragrance was she was wearing, so he could buy it for his girlfriend.

John had turned back quickly, after instinctively looking where the boy had pointed. Having met the eyes of the two men John broke the contact quickly, embarrassed.

The others had all accepted their offer, what could he do? "I'll have a glass of Chablis too." John told the young waiter, only glancing in his direction briefly.

"Very good. I'll be right back with your drinks." The waiter hurried off.

Winnie watched the boy walk over to the men and tell them that they had accepted the drinks. "Didn't I tell you this was a great place to meet guys." She said to Laura.

"It certainly is." John agreed. He prayed that the men would stay at the bar and leave them alone, but he know better.

Connie could see that he was nervous but there was nothing she could say to him now to reassure him. Not with the others there. He was on his own.

"Here they come." Said Winnie who was facing the guys. "The blond's mine." She told Connie and Laura, kidding. She hoped he would be interested in her but she began to wonder as she saw him looking at Laura as they walked between the tables toward them.

"Good afternoon ladies." Said the brunette. "My name's Michael." He walked up and stood between Winnie and John.

"I'm Greg." Said the other, now standing in the narrow gap between John and Connie.

Damn, thought Winnie.

John was sitting on the stool with his legs crossed like the others. He tried to pull his skirt down further over his black stocking legs. He had a lot of leg showing. Frustrated, he found that it was as far down as it was going to go. It didn't help when the blond, Greg, stared at them.

"I'm Winnie." She introduced herself, looking across at the blond.

"I'm Gina." They were cute but not as cute as Jim, her husband. She would leave the flirting to the others.

"Hi, I'm Connie." She said looking from the blond to the brunette. Nothing too exciting for her here. She still preferred Jack. They had nothing on him. Let them have Winnie and Laura. The thought amused her at first but she would have preferred now that it be someone other than Jack that introduced Laura to the intimacy of a man's touch. Not likely though.

John was hesitating. He was so nervous.

He had noticed her when she walked in. She was pretty, not a drop dead beauty, but pretty. There was something about her that intrigued Greg.

When she walked by him at the bar and he got a whiff of her perfume, his interest was peaked. He had watched her walk by in her tight black skirt and sexy black stockings. He had liked the way her ass moved as she walked and she had a good figure. It had been Greg's idea to by them drinks.

"And you are?" Greg asked the girl, smiling.

John turned to him. They were only inches apart and the guy had on one of those 'come on' smiles. John wanted to run. "I'm Laura." John turned back to see the other guy smiling at him too. He shifted his gaze to Winnie quickly. She didn't look too happy.

"It's nice to meet you Laura." Greg said, smiling the smile that had worked so well for him in the past.

He was a good looking guy, as guys go. John decided that he couldn't just ignore him. Not that he was the least concerned about appearing rude. He just didn't want to draw attention to himself by his actions. He didn't want to raise questions about himself. "It's nice to meet you Greg."

Michael was interested in Winnie. "So, are you ladies on your lunch hour?" He asked, directing the question at Winnie.

"I work evenings." Winnie explained to Michael. "I'm an image consultant." It was a job she enjoyed, although the hours were screwy.

Michael didn't want to appear to ignore the others. He turned to Gina with raised eyebrows. He didn't think he needed to repeat the question.

"I'm just a lowly housewife." Gina said as she picked her had up from her lap and displayed her wedding band.

"An honorable profession." Greg threw in. In this day and age he respected women who assumed the role. At least that's what he said when he was talking to the ladies and he wanted to sound like a sensitive man of the nineties. That meant of course that there was one more attractive woman out of circulation and that was a shame.

It dawned on John that they would ask him what he did. He debated what to tell them, and his new friends. What was it his secretary used to say her title was? Executive assistant, that was it. It was just a glorified title but it was important to her. He supposed it should be important to Laura too.

Now all he needed to do was make up a place he worked, but he knew nothing about Peoria. Then it dawned on him. How stupid could he be? He knew his client's business.

Michael turned to Connie. "What do you do Connie?" She was attractive too, more than a little.

"I work for an insurance company. I'm a research assistant." She said proudly. Wouldn't they all be shocked if they knew what her side job was. The guy named Greg, still staring at John's legs, would be shocked.

"And do you work with Winnie, Laura. You look like you work in the fashion industry." Greg said smoothly. He wondered if the girl would think he was too forward if he took his hand from the back of her seat and put it on her arm. Some girls had accused him of being too pushy, he decided he better not.

What a line. How obvious, John thought to himself. Did he used to use corny lines like that before..? Before the roles were reversed?

He turned and looked at the blond hustler, smiling. His hands rested demurely in his lap. "No, but that's sweet thing to say. I'm an executive assistant in purchasing at Sportsworld Inc."

A secretary, Greg said to himself. Nothing wrong with secretaries except they gossiped too much.

Connie had listened with satisfaction. She had been ready to jump in if he needed help but he handled it fine.

"What is it that you do over at Sportsworld?" Greg asked, trying to keep the momentum going. He knew the answer already but let her tell him. A secretary's a secretary.

Oh well, thought Winnie. He's obviously interested in Laura. She turned her attention to the other one, Michael.

Gina watched with amusement. She exchanged glances with Connie. Without exchanging a word they agreed that it was Winnie's and Laura's play. Gina knew about Connie's relationship with Jack, who she'd met several times at the gym, so she knew that she wasn't bothered that Winnie and Laura were getting all the attention.

John was acutely aware of Greg's hand on the back of his seat. As John explained about what Laura did to the attentive man he worried that he might not leave it there.

It was awkward. He not only had to act the role of Laura for the girl's sake, he had to pretend to enjoy the attention of this guy at the same time. It was quite a strain.

He was saved by the arrival of their lunch. There were only the four stools at the small table and there were no available empty stools nearby.

Greg and Michael appreciated the awkwardness of the situation. Michael had Winnie's number already when Greg asked. "I'd like to take you out to dinner sometime Laura. If you'll let me have your number maybe we can get together."

Not a snowball's chance in hell sport, even if I had a number. "I'm in the process of moving Greg." John said with a warm smile. "I don't know my new number yet."

Either she wasn't interested or it was the truth, he didn't know which. There was only one thing to do. Greg pulled out his wallet and withdrew one of his cards. He quickly jotted his home number on the back. He handed it to the girl. "When you get settled Laura, give me a call. There's a couple of wonderful shows coming up at the Center."

John turned the card over in his hand. He knew how to respond. "I'd like that Greg."

"Great. Call me."

What happened next happened so fast that John didn't know how to respond.

Greg took his hand from the back of the chair and gently put it on her arm, up by her shoulder, and gently squeezed. He gave her a kiss on her soft fragrant cheek. "Bye Laura. I'll be waiting for your call. Bye ladies." He said to the others.

John was dumfounded. He turned to look as Greg walked away. He wanted to say something to him, but he didn't know how to say it. John was bothered that Greg thought he could just kiss him like that, without his consent.

Greg turned and looked back. He smiled and waved when he saw Laura turn to look at him.

"She likes you boy." Michael said, seeing the exchange.

"She'll call." He said to his friend confidently.

John wanted to wash his cheek. How humiliating to be kissed by a guy. Greg's departing smile and little wave only made John's skin crawl. He had to compose himself quickly, before Winnie and Gina realized that the exchange bothered him.

"He was cute Laura." Gina said when the girls all turned their attention back to the table. "So was Michael, Winnie." She added. Gina thought to herself, it would be nice if Laura and Greg hit it off. She needed to find someone nice, especially after everything she'd been through. Greg seemed sweet and attentive, despite his corny line.

"Michael was alright." Winnie responded to Gina's comment. "How come it seems like when you're not looking, like Laura, they always seem to find you?" She still would have preferred Greg but she didn't resent Laura for being more attractive to him. She was after all, a pretty girl and she had that sweet innocent look about her.

The card was still in his hand. He didn't want it but Winnie was obviously interested in Greg. He hadn't been blind to her interest. "Here Winnie." He held the card out to her.

She looked at the card and then back to Laura's face. "Thanks Laura but I don't think so." She gently pushed his hand and the card back. "Put it in your purse. When you feel more like it, call him. Go out and have a good time. You deserve it." She said smiling. Laura was a sweet person. She was a nice addition to their group.

John didn't say anything. He took his purse from the back of the chair and dropped the card in, next to his empty wallet. Empty wallet, he thought to himself. He had almost forgotten with everything that was happening. Money, he had to get his hands on money. He pondered the problem while they ate.

He seemed upset at first but now he looked more composed. Something was still bothering him though, Connie could tell. He had done very well with Greg. Was it possible he had enjoyed the man's attention and was struggling with his emotions? That was almost too much to hope for. No, it was something else, but what?

John was careful to watch how he ate. He remembered the lessons he'd been taught.

They chatted back and forth for the next half hour. Connie helped him when he made up a story about just arriving in town from Houston, where Laura had the encounter with the married man. He had to make up a family that was back in upstate New York. He only had to twist the truth a little.

Connie paid their part of the bill with her credit card. John had gotten a glimpse of a few bills in her wallet when she took the card out but he couldn't tell how much she had. It didn't matter much at this point since they weren't alone and he wasn't going to get an opportunity to relieve her of it.

"Anyone else need to use the ladies room?" Winnie asked as the got up from the table.

"I do." Replied Gina.

"I'm alright." Connie had gone just before they left the gym. She was alright.

John thought he saw an opportunity. "I need to."

Connie wondered if she better go along. No, Winnie and Gina would be with him. Where could he go? He knew what to do. He demonstrated that yesterday.

The ladies room was relatively empty. He did use the toilet but he didn't hurry. He watched through the crack between the door and the stall until the others were done fussing at the mirror. He came out as they headed for the door.

"Tell Connie I'll be out in a few minutes. I need to fix my hair and makeup."

"We'll tell her." They turned and went out the door.

John knew he only had a few minutes, if he was lucky. He was going to make a run for it, money or no money. John held the door open a crack. He watched Winnie and Gina walk back to their table. He saw Connie look toward the bathroom when she saw he wasn't with them. Gina said something to her and that appeared to be enough to appease her concern.

The restaurant was divided into three sections, divided by wide isles that ran from the front to the back. The middle section was raised about three feet. If he took the long way around to the far isle, he'd be hidden from the girls by the raised dining area. From the front of the far isle he'd be able to watch the table without being seen. He would wait until their attention was diverted, then head for the door.

With his head up and shoulders back, John walked casually out the bathroom door and turned left, behind the short wall. If one of them spotted him he would just explain he got turned around, thinking they were over on the other side of the restaurant.

He made it safely to the wall. It only took a moment to reach the front of the restaurant and the vantage point he sought. It was hard to look nonchalant as he watched the table across the room.

Connie was beginning to feel a little apprehensive. She was no longer sure it had been a good idea to let him go without her. She threw repeated glances toward the back of the restaurant. Why wasn't he coming? Surely he had enough time to fix his hair and makeup?

She couldn't wait any longer. He must be having problems. "I'm just going to go check on Laura. I'll be right back." She told the others.

"We'll wait here." Gina told Connie as she left. "We should have stayed with her." Gina said to Winnie when Connie was gone.

"I know." Winnie said regretfully.

He saw Connie get up and disappear toward the back of the restaurant. Now was his chance. Winnie and Gina were looking toward where Connie had gone.

He tried not to look hurried. He looked straight ahead and walked calmly toward the door. He only had to cover about twenty feet. He didn't dare look to his right. He knew somehow that if he looked their way, Winnie or Gina would turn and see him.

He covered half the distance. His legs were shaking but it wasn't his heels that caused his legs to feel weak.

Only about five more steps. He began to raise his hand to the door knob.

He no sooner wrapped his hand around the long wooden knob then he heard his name called and a hand touched his shoulder. He recognized the voice.

"Laura," Greg said sliding his hand from her shoulder down her arm to her elbow. "I'm glad I caught you. I just remembered that CATS was coming to the Center next week, on the sixth. Would you like to see it with me? I know this wonderful little French restaurant I'd love to take you to." Greg had made another date for the show but it had fallen through. He just thought of it when he spotted Laura on her way out.

Winnie thought she heard Laura's name. She tapped Gina on the shoulder. "There's Laura."

Gina turned and saw him standing by the door talking to the blond. "How did she get past us?"

"I don't know but she did." Winnie walked over to where Laura and Greg were standing.

Gina gestured to Connie who was just coming out of the bathroom. "Laura's right here Connie." She pointed toward the door.

"I'm not sure if...." John started to say to Greg. He hadn't heard Winnie come up behind him.

"We thought we lost you." Winnie said walking up to them.

John knew he blew it. He turned to Winnie. "I didn't see you when I came out of the bathroom. I was going to look outside for you." He looked past her and, not seeing Gina or Connie, asked, "Where are the others?" He knew where Connie was.

"They're coming. Connie was worried about you. She went to the ladies room to see if you were all right."

Gina and Connie turned the corner and walked up to them.

Greg waited, patiently.

"What happened to you." Connie asked John. She realized she sounded a little upset and that might be a little hard to explain. "I was worried." She said in a much calmer voice.

"I got mixed up. I thought we were sitting on this side of the restaurant. When I didn't see any of you I thought you might be waiting outside for me." He was flustered anyway so he didn't have to try to pretend.

Connie breathed a sigh of relief. The thought of losing him had made her almost panic when she found the bathroom empty.

Greg still waited. Another airhead, he thought to himself. Well that was alright. An airhead makes just as good a lay as an bright girl.

John was aware that Greg was waiting for an answer to his question and he was anxious to be rid of him. "I'm not sure about the play Greg. May I call you?"

A real airhead. "Sure Laura."

"Bye." John said with the sweetest smile he could manage. It wasn't easy, considering how he felt at the moment. Was he ever going to get away?

Greg was ready to write her off. She wasn't going to call. "Bye."

John was glad to be out of there. He was a little taken back when Winnie hugged him outside by the car.

"It was really nice to meet you Laura." Winnie kissed him on his cheek. "You're going to be fine."

He didn't know what to say. "Thanks Winnie. You're really sweet."

Gina hugged him too. "If you ever want to just sit down and talk, call me. Connie has my number." She gave Laura a squeeze.

"I'll remember Gina, thanks." Why were they being so nice to him? Had his story touched them so deeply? He felt even more guilty now.

As Gina and Winnie walked to Winnie's car, Winnie called back to them, "Let's all get together and go out this weekend Connie."

"I'll call you." Connie yelled back.

When they got into Connie's car John spoke up before Connie had a chance to say a word. He wanted to make sure he covered himself. "Don't ever leave me alone like that. I was terrified when I couldn't find you." He dropped his head into his hands, pretending to be distraught. The last thing he wanted to do was give her a reason to mistrust him now.

Connie had no idea. He had carried on so well back there.

"I'm so sorry Laura. I promise I won't do that again. Let's get you home."

It was almost three when they walked through the door.

"Did you girls have a good time?" Margaret asked, getting up from the sofa. "My you look lovely Laura." She hadn't seen that outfit on him.

"Thanks Aunt Margaret. It was a little scary."

"What happened?" Tina asked Connie as she came out of the kitchen.

"Well, first a couple of guys tried to pick us up at the restaurant, then we got separated for a moment and Laura was worried that I left her." Connie explained as she set her bag and purse down on one of the sofas.

Tina would ask Connie about the guys later. "How did you get separated?"

"I got mixed up when I came out of the ladies room and couldn't find Connie. I panicked." He wanted to tell his version of the story first. Connie had believed him, he hoped Tina would.

"It was just a little mix up." Connie added.

'Little?' Tina thought to herself. What if they had lost him? She needed to have a talk with Connie, alone. "Margaret, maybe Laura would like a glass of iced tea."

Margaret understood. She said to Laura. "Sit down and relax for a bit sweetheart. Take your shoes off."

Connie followed Tina into the kitchen and through to the bedrooms.

John watched them leave the room. They were going to have a powwow. Connie was probably in trouble with Tina. He didn't like the idea of getting her in trouble but he couldn't help that. John worried that it might be a while before he got another chance to get away. Had he blown it for himself?

It felt good to sit down and kick off his heels. He was getting used to them but it felt good to rub his feet on the carpet and stretch his toes.

"What happened?" Tina asked.

"He was in the ladies room with Winnie and Gina. When he came out after them he didn't see us at the table. He wandered around the restaurant looking for us and panicked."

"You sure he wasn't trying to get away?"

"No, he was absolutely distraught when we finally spotted him."

"Where was he when you found him?"

By the front door, talking to the guy that tried to pick him up."

"And you're sure he wasn't trying to get away."

"I'm sure. Besides, dressed the way he was and with no money, he isn't foolish enough to try to run."

"I'm not so sure. I don't trust him. He's still got a lot of spunk."

"He was an absolute dear with the girls. They adore him." Connie was thrilled with they way they took to him. And him to them.

"Tell me everything." Tina was eager to hear.

When he came out of the bedroom for dinner a little after six, he was surprised to see Tina was not there. He was not surprised to see Jack.

"She has a date tonight." Connie explained. There was no reason to inform John that he was about to have a new 'little sister'.

"Connie tells me you met a few of her friends today. She said you had a good day." Jack remarked as they ate.

Jack was becoming a little less intimidating since he started treating John better. "Yes, they were really nice." John finished the last of his vegetables.

"We may get together over the weekend and go out somewhere." Connie told Jack.

John didn't say anything but he was thrilled. He had thought that Connie was just being polite back at the restaurant when Winnie made the suggestion. He didn't think he'd get another opportunity.

"Where you going to go?" Jack asked casually.

"I don't know yet. I have to call Winnie and some of the others and talk about it."

"You better not take my Laura to any of those horrible strip joints you go to." Margaret threw in.

Connie laughed. "They're not strip joints Margaret. It's called 'Lady's Night'."

"Whatever it's called. I don't think you should take Laura to those places." Margaret thought that what those young men did was disgusting.

Connie and Margaret insisted on cleaning up after dinner. John would have helped but they chased him out of the kitchen.

Jack, while John's attention was diverted, flipped the switch in the cabinet that would allow the television to receive normal programming. He was sitting there watching Wheel of Fortune. They had agreed that as long as the news was over, he could watch normal programming.

John was happy to be able to watch normal TV. He settled down on the far end of the couch from Jack, with his legs tucked under him. He had watched Connie sit that way and it made him feel less self conscious in front of Jack. He was still wearing the outfit he had worn earlier and the short skirt made him feel selfconscious when he sat down.

Margaret and Connie joined them shortly. Neither joined the two on the couch.

Connie's arrival was Jack's cue. He stretched out on the couch, resting his head on the cushions, his feet only inches from John.

John didn't much care as long as Jack wasn't touching him. The Cosby Show came on next. Jack waited until the commercial in the middle of the show.

"Connie, would you rub my feet?" Jack asked.

"I'm too comfortable to move." She was curled up in one of the big chairs with a comforter over her. "Laura's right there, she'll rub them for you."

Jack looked to the man. John was staring in shock at Connie.

"Would you Laura?" Jack didn't make a big deal of it. He stretched his leg out and put his foot in John's lap.

John didn't want to do this but as always, what choice did he have? It wasn't as if it was a big deal. All he wanted him to do was rub his feet. If he didn't, his acceptance charade would be doubted.

Connie and Margaret were engrossed in the show and so was Jack. John took Jack's foot in his hand and with his knuckles, began stroking the underside of Jack's foot.

After a few minutes, without even looking at John, Jack put his other foot on his lap. "That feels wonderful."

John watched the TV as he rubbed the other foot mindlessly.

"Thanks Laura. I appreciate it." Jack pulled both feet back and put them on the cushions at John's side again.

"You're welcome." John responded. That hadn't been so awful. John was afraid it might lead to something else but he had worried for nothing.

John felt more relaxed and smuggled down into the couch and tried to get more comfortable.

Jack had even moved his feet when he saw John trying to get more comfortable. "Have you got enough room?" Jack asked.

"I'm fine, thanks." John appreciated his being considerate, but he still didn't trust him.

Jack got up quickly, as though he had an inspiration. He returned in a moment with a comforter from the cabinet next to the tv. "Here, get comfortable." He said, handing it to John. He didn't try to cover him with it. He just handed it to him and resumed his spot on the couch.

"Thanks Jack." John was again amazed at the change in the man. As he spread the comforter over himself he wondered just what Connie had said to him to provoke such a difference in the way he treated him?

At eleven, Connie announced that was it for tv for the night. John and Jack moaned. "Tina may bring her date back here and she should have some privacy if she does."

"Well, it's time for me to go to bed anyway." Margaret said as she rose from her chair and said good night.

"I suppose I better get going." Jack suggested.

Connie walked him to the door. John was completely unaware that Jack would return as soon as he went to his room for the night.

John was getting up when Connie returned from saying goodnight to him. John couldn't help but notice that she didn't kiss him when he left.

"Tired?" Connie asked.

"Not really." John answered. He couldn't resist commenting. "Jack was a lot nicer tonight. I don't know what you said to him but it was almost a pleasure spending the evening with him."

"He can be a real jerk sometimes but essentially he has a good heart."

"You didn't kiss him good night?"

"I told him I wanted to cool it for a while."

"It's my fault, isn't it?" John asked, feeling bad for Connie.

"What happened has something to do with it but that wasn't everything." She explained. "I don't want you to worry about it." Connie was satisfied that everything had gone well tonight. John and Jack were mending fences. Hopefully, in with tomorrow's events, they would become closer, become friends.

"Do you want to take something to read to bed with you?" Connie asked.

He wasn't ready to go to sleep yet. "Sure."

"There's a whole shelf full of books." Connie pointed to the bookshelf on the wall.

When he scanned the titles he was disappointed to find they were all romance novels. He selected one, just to appease Connie, he wasn't about to actually read one of those trashy novels. He picked one of Danielle Steel's books.

"Find one you like?" Connie asked.

"This one will be fine." John was content to get himself ready for bed and turn out the light. He lay there in the dark, planning his escape for the umpteenth time. He was so frustrated that his plans had added up to naught so far.

 

(continued in part 3)

 

 

This author welcomes all comments / criticisms. JackiPett@netscape.net

 

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