Girlie Summer Vacation

by KaraLynn

 

Six weeks had passed since Callie's first stay at his cousins' house. His mom is a fashion buyer and she had to go on another buying trip so he was off to his cousins again. During his first stay that summer, somehow they found out that he modeled some of his mom's girl's fashions and they had him dress and act like a girl for the three weeks. He really didn't mind it at all and was happy to be returning for another three weeks as the summer was near ending.

His oldest cousin Ashley had come to pick him up. She had been driving for a couple of years.

His mom had a plane to catch so she greeted Ashley and talked with her for a few minutes, kissed him goodbye and then headed out to the waiting taxi.

"Your mom told me that I should help you pack because you probably have no experience in picking the right clothes to bring. We could take almost any of the sample clothes that are here. You sure are lucky to have an awesome mom that has an endless supply of the latest fashions. Look at that cute hello kitty backpack."

"We'll need to pack a suitcase. While you are staying with us, we all will be going out of town for a short vacation. There are a lot of things to do. We'll be at the beach and the pool so I'll pack two one piece swimsuits and some flip flops. You're not ready for a tankini or bikini yet. You always want one suit to dry while you're wearing the other. There will be some sightseeing and of course outlet malls. There is a lot of walking so let's pack some sneaks and comfortable shoes and stuff. One thing about being a girl is that you have limitless shoe options. We'll spend almost every minute together and the girls will share a motel room. It will be a great time, I promise. There will be time just to hang out and chill and to check out the local scene".

"Just for everyday outfits here are two pairs of jeans, two pair of comfy shorts and a pair of khaki capris. Let's add three tops and a few tanks for the layered look. If it gets really hot you can always peel off the tank and go with the tee. Of course, pack enough undies and socks and two pairs of jammies. We have some clothes at our place that you can always borrow too. There are a couple of nights when we will be going out for dinner so you need something a little dressier. This cute peach colored sundress and this white cardigan will go together nicely."

Ashley asked him if he wanted to go dressed as Carry or as Callie.

"I guess I want to go as Callie. Mom left some outfits up in my room and she said take the two garment bags there because she also had some clothes and your sisters."

He told her that except for a couple of days he pretty much remained as Carry and didn't have much girlie time. "Mom had me model a couple of formal dresses for a client a week ago."

Ashley asked what his favorite outfit was. He told her about a short black polyester /spandex skirt with a side slit and a tight elastic waist. It fit so tight that every time he shifted his hips he could feel it tight against him and he liked that feeling.

She said to definitely pack it and she would like to see him in it.

"Well, I see that you are wearing a gray hoodie, black jazz pants and some flip flops. Most guys wouldn't notice, but a girl can clearly see that those are not guy's clothes" said Ashley.

"The hoodie and flip flops my mom put in my closet and I got used to them."

They went up to the room and he changed out of the clothes he had on. Underneath he had a matching satin cami and panty set in soft blue with tiny yellow butterflies. There were some clothes on the bed.

The skirt was gray with pleats. There was an elastic waistband, a side zipper and a single button to fasten. It fell to about an inch above the knee. He first put on some white tights and felt very young lady like. There was a short half slip with a tiny row of lace at the hem and a side split. He stepped into this and slid it up his legs to his waist. The feel of the nylon slip rubbing against the nylon tights was amazing. He then stepped into the skirt and fastened it.

A crème color angora sweater with long sleeves had such a soft feeling and he moved his hands across it.

"On second thought take off the tights", said Ashley. "I think it would be soo cool if you wore these sandals. We don't have time now to polish your toes but we definitely will take care of that when you get to our place. Now let's see what we can do with your hair. I see it is getting longer."

She reached into her bag and pulled out a brush and comb. She expertly brushed in a new part and combed a simple but girlish style and fixed in a tiny pink bow. She also reached into her purse and spritzed him with Loves Baby Soft perfume.

Ashley said to grab some magazines, his MP3 player and the headphones. They got his stuff together and went out to the car. Across the street Ashley saw a girl waving.

"Who is that?"

"Oh, no, that's my neighbor Jenny. My mom sometimes uses her as a model. Last week she came over to our house with her mom and nearly caught me dressed up. I don't think she saw me, but she later hinted at my excellent taste in clothes. Now she'll really have something to talk about. It's really embarrassing. I don't want anyone to know except for my mom and your family. "

"Right now you feel shy, embarrassed and bashful and that all eyes are on you. Yeah, it is a little scary. We'll make you soon feel at ease and one of us. Give it some time to get adjusted. Don't get upset if some of us tease you, you'll see that your real friends will accept you. You may be shy or awkward with the changes at first, but we hope you'll become our friend. You might be a bit moody and you may have hurt feelings but soon you'll become confident with the new you".

As we drove along Ashley pretty much filled him in on what has happened the last few weeks.

She told him that he would be sharing her room because her mom was redecorating the spare room and probably gonna turn it into a home office. She said that her two sisters were busy at their practices today but would be glad to see me later that day.

"You know as the oldest girl I have had a lot of firsts. First to start high school, first to wear makeup, first to get a cell phone first to get a later curfew and first to drive a car. "

"I tell them these are good things but being the first means that my rules are much stricter and when it gets their time mom will be more relaxed and they will get more leeway than I did."

He mentioned that they all seemed to get along pretty well.

"Yes we do have some minor problems from time to time but for the most part we love and support each other. We agree on the basics like not to annoy each other, not to borrow each others things without asking, not to barge into each others rooms without knocking."

"We all have our special talents and we are happy for each others success. I'm into cheerleading, Jess is our star dancer. Jess will spend a lot of time trying to mix and match her outfits and work on her hair and have a lot of fun with mascara lip gloss and other makeup. Kourtney is big in gymnastics. Kourtney will usually just pull her hair into a ponytail, put on a touch of gloss and she is off."

"I am a bit of a role model for them but we always try to include each other in our lives when we can and we try to be there when we need each other."

"Jess and Kourt get along well with each other also. They share a room but certain walls and spaces are set aside for each person and they can decorate or use the spaces as their own."

"We hope we can include you also while you are with us and we'll do a lot together like going to the mall, or the movies or the pool or park or getting ice cream together."

"Relax, watch, listen, observe and learn. You will find your own style but for now model follow what we do."

When they arrived at the house they brought all the stuff in and up to the rooms. No one else was home yet so Ashley decided to give him some girly lessons. She wanted to start with his hair. "You should shampoo your hair every day to keep it clean and shiny. The right oil free conditioner can leave your hair very lively and manageable. There are many things we can do for your hair. We can change the part and your style of bangs. We can brush them down to the side or pull them off and hold them with barrettes, scarves or a band. Some barrettes have a self hinge clasp that will hold your hair gently but securely. We can give your hair a little curl or curve to soften your look. A pretty ribbon tied will make you feel girly."

"When you put on cologne or a spritz, put it on your pulse points" .She sprayed a bit on his ankles, behind his knees, inside his arms, at the elbows, and at his waist.

"I would put a drop at your cleavage if you had any. Don't worry with a little padding you soon will."

 

"For our faces we sometimes use a facial mask. It gives us cleaner, smoother skin. It clears your pores and absorbs oil. Here try it and put on a thin coat and we will let it dry for ten minutes.

Rinse it off with warm water and you'll notice the difference."

"Now, let's work on your feet. You need a once a week pedicure. First you soak in lukewarm water for 15 minutes. Here are some plastic tubs and we'll add some moisturizing foot soak to soften the skin. We use a pumice stone to smooth out the rough areas. You don't want anything to snag on fine expensive hosiery."

"Push back the cuticles with this stick and use a toenail clippers to cut the nails. Let's massage the feet with more lotion. Now, for the polish. First use this rubber toe separator. It makes it easier. Apply the polish, starting with the baby toe. Stroke down the center of each toe then apply down either side. For really special occasions we get our nails done at the salon."

"You'll get to love bubble baths. There is something about the foaming bubbles that relaxes and calms you. There is nothing like sitting in the tub in the warm water and soaking for twenty minutes. Lay back and let the scented bubbles float right up to your chin. You can read a magazine, maybe work on your hands or feet and pamper yourself. Relax with a plastic pillow and use the quiet time to think about what might be on your mind. Don't try to put on any polish while in the tub. It won't stay on. After you're done, wrap the large fluffy towel around you. Dry yourself gently but thoroughly. And blot your hair dry also. Take some talc and dusting powder and shake it on. It will soften your skin and it will help your clothes to slip on easier. A body splash may also leave your skin tingly and refreshed. Lotion may also keep your skin smooth and hold in your natural moisture."

"When my sisters get home we'll go shopping."

They went to Ashley's closet. "Try this top on, my mom really hates it on me. Also here is a sweater I borrowed from someone last week."

"Isn't Aunt Jenny going to go shopping with us? Your mom is pretty cool", he said

"Well for the most part that's true but sometimes she really goes berserk", Ashley commented.

She then went on to describe recent shopping trips. It seems that just about everything they would choose would be greeted with "put that back.", "no daughter's of mine will be wearing that." or "when did you lose your minds and your modesty?"

The girls replied that all the girls were wearing this, but Mom wouldn't give in.

The jeans they selected were too ragged or faded or worn too low on the hips. Skirts were much too short. Tops showed too much tummy.

"The major blowup occurred when we were trying on tops. I came out of the dressing room in a pink cotton shirt and she proceed to embarrass me but shouting out that blouse is see through and letting the whole store know that they could see my breasts. I didn't get that shirt, but I did manage to get some cute capris and a few sweet tops that we both agreed on."

The cousins both came home together and they greeted Callie at the door. They were happy to see him and let him know that. It was time to go shopping.

"In shopping, girls shop differently than guys. Guys usually go in to pick up what they need and then leave. Girls have a much more elaborate approach and not all do it the same way. One method is to check newspaper ads and mailers to preview what is on sale. Some girls will go to the store on a scouting mission just to see what is there and come back on another day. It is hard to resist buying something but you try not to."

"Some make up a shopping list and buy what they need and will want to wear right away. This is practical but not everyone's style. Some find the list boring and want to shop 'till they drop."

"Go for the basics first bra, panties and socks. Here is a cute Teenform bra and matching bikini set with a little lace. Also try this soft smooth seamless T shirt bra. You want your undies to be comfortable and pretty. There are so many different types and styles so it is easy to find a combination that suits your every mood. This pair is soft pink and is hi cut with light control. You look and feel pretty wearing the satin and lace."

"You do notice your bra now, but you get used to it. Soon you will forget you have it on.

They had him reach behind to connect the hooks and it took some time. "Nice try for a beginner, it may take some practice for you to get that move down." She then adjusted the shoulder straps and slid them up so that now it was a snug fit but it moved with him.

"We like Kohls and Target for these basics. The prices are right and they do have a selection. This way you have more money to budget for big purchases that you can splurge on .You want what looks good and feels good on you. Definitely check yourself out in a full length mirror, but also don't forget the three sided mirror. With this skirt, check your self out in the back and on the side. Be sure to walk, bend, stretch, sit and move like you would do wearing the outfit. See how this skirt would be too short for you? And it is way too tight in the butt."

"Some times we sneak 3 or 4 of us into 1 dressing room. If there is a limit on how many items you can bring in the room, we split them up. Then we go from dressing room to dressing room and exchange the items out in the hallway. Always check on return policies some sales are final as these are usually marked down in price so be sure to try those on."

"We have some friends that are sales assistants and these girls can help us with sales and give us some suggestions as to what is selling and is hot. But remember you need to find your own style and it may not be the same as your friends."

"We still like to shop the malls but as you get older, malls are not much of a place to hangout, you find other places and events to go to. There are a lot of cool sites online that sell clothes but I really like to see and experience putting on the clothes and of course seeing if it fits right there."

"You probably were kind of bored or unhappy about shopping before. I bet you sat outside the fitting rooms and had to hold on to the bags full of stuff already bought. Maybe they had you go and grab some thing from one of the racks. Well now you'll be coming inside and trying something on yourself. You get into the dressing stalls. You will learn that shopping is a social activity that gets us closer with lots of talking, sharing only interrupted by getting something to eat."

"With clothes and makeup we are like always trying on looks. Sometimes shopping can make you feel better if you are depresses sometimes a new makeup can brighten your day I remember how excited I was when I finally got to wear mascara."

After they got home from the mall, they went up to their rooms to try on some of the new and old clothes.

"Try this top on. My mom really hates it on me. Also here is a sweater I borrowed from someone last week."

Kourtney said, "Let's try putting some outfits together from my closet. Yes it is really organized. Skirts, pants, blouses, jackets and jeans, cargo pants are all arranged nicely on hangers. My shoes, flats, loafers, pumps and boots are on the floor also lined up. Try something simple like this sweater and jeans combo or maybe this cute denim skirt or maybe this black one. Pair it with this top that ties at the shoulders or with a pink and white hoodie.

"I saw when you were walking away that you reached back and were tugging on the back of your skirt. And I also saw you pulling down the pink hoodie over your white cami. This looked so natural just like a girl would do."

"There are all kinds of skirts mini, mid thigh, knee length or longer. There are denim looks and peasant or gauzy. They can go together simply with a colorful top or simple white hoodie or maybe a halter dress or a soft blue sweater over a pair of cuffed jeans. There are endless combinations."

Jessica then added,"This has to come up some time so let's deal with it now. You are kinda flat and you will need some help to add some shape to your chest. You'll want to know how it feels to have a bust. Put on this pushup padded bra. For the most part a simple bra will be enough but for dressy formal clothes this will help a lot. Put this on and watch the changes right before your eyes from shapeless to shapely."

"After you put it on and pull over a tee, you'll definitely notice a different distribution of weight. I can see the outline underneath your top"

"Yes, you now really have a firm and full and shapely bust line. It is rounder and higher and your new shape fills you out. Most girls say it is more attractive and feminine and gives you some self confidence. See how you have to move and carry your self differently, be proud of what you are becoming as you start to grow up and develop. We can also later help you get some shape for your hips and bottom if you want."

"This look is much dressier. I like how the gray flannel skirt picks up the color of the lavender sweater. Pull that lacey collar on the blouse outside the sweater. Yes that's much softer. Slip into these gray tights and I think I have a pair of T straps that would go great with this. Now, let's try for a touch of elegance."

She placed a single strand of small pearls around his neck and fastened the clasp for him.

"You look very good and comfortable in skirts. You'll soon find out what you have been missing all this time. Dressing up is fun. You will spend less time in jeans and more time in skirts and dresses."

"There is so much for you to learn. Here is a white shirt. It can be worn tucked in or just let it hang out. The collar can be worn open or closed. With a sheer blouse it would be worn over a T. Another blouse might be worn under a jacket."

"This is a shrug." He had seen them but didn't know what they were called.

"It's kind of a cross between part of a shirt and part sweater. It would go well to cover up the shoulders when wearing a little tank top underneath."

"I like to wear tights or cotton socks with my flats or loafers. I have a couple of pairs of pumps in black calf and patent leather that will go with anything dressy. It will be fun to see you walk in those. For a casual look in jeans we'll get you into a pair of boots. Try some of these flip flops. There are really inexpensive from Old Navy but can match many outfits. It's also good to have a more expensive pair of sandals when a more formal look is needed. Some brightly colored sneakers are also good when it's not warm enough for flip flops."

"When it comes time for bedtime, let's see what you can slip into. Here is a spaghetti strapped side slit long gown in teal blue, if you are feeling glamorous. There is a matching panty with a wide stretch lace waistband and a tummy smoothing front panel in matching teal to wear underneath."

"I have a matching ribbon that we'll wrap around your hair and add a bow to the top. I will let you see if you can tie the ribbon and bow yourself without my help. A real girl can do it, it will take you a little practice."

Over the next few weeks he gradually learned how to tie it himself but it took a lot of practice, yet it seemed so simple when he saw them do it.

"Yes, you will have to decide sometimes whether style and appearance or comfort comes first. For an informal casual look try the tartan plaid nightshirt it reaches just above your knees. Here's a delicate anklet bracelet for you to wear. Aren't you precious just like a regular coed cutie."

"You are giggling just like us now. See I told you giggling is contagious. And you're blushing a lot more too. Don't be nervous, we all do sometimes. I'm just teasing you. You will be more self conscious of your appearance now and you'll be checking the mirror more. I noticed you also playing with your hair, fixing one side then the other, smoothing it down, adjusting the bow. That's to be expected from a girl."

"Look, here's a girly ruffled edged cotton night gown with ribbon strips throughout and at the hem and bodice. Very girly."

"Try this satin nightgown in a pink flower print. Look at the spaghetti straps and the single satin rose at the collar. How about a basic set of pajamas with a top and bottom of shorts? That is for every day wear."

They told him they would not say a word to anyone about him. But this is such an interesting change that they just didn't know if they could keep it a secret. Jessica's friend Marci knew and there had been some talk that her brother might also have been dressed as a girl when he was younger.

"Now that you are almost like a sister we all can be partners in fashion and makeup and on a boring afternoon or evening we are gonna have a lot of fun together. We enjoy wearing makeup and putting on different fragrances. We can do things that are hard to do on your own, like braiding our hair. We can put on matching pink ribbons in our hair and then take turns trying different types of braids. Having a friend is helpful to tell you if your clothes, hair or makeup just are right for you."

"Girls' clothes are usually much softer and smoother. The clothes were also more descriptive, the skirts were sassy, the shirts were sweet the shorts were styling and the dresses were delish."

"Try on this lavender cami and hipster. We can help each other pick out the best tops to wear with what skirts or pants or jeans. I like you in this pair of khaki capris with cuffs and a woven ribbon belt. This lacy edges cami will look great peeking out from this long sleeved opened blouse. We can sit together on the end of the bed and pull up our knee highs then put on our shoes"

"Here is the one piece swimsuit I wore for the team this year. It should fit you. Try it with this pink hoodie and these black warm up pants." He put them on and wore them around for a while.

The girls asked him to model the swimsuit so he took off the pants and hoodie and walked around like he had seen girls do in swimsuits. They noticed that he used the two handed tug to pull down the bottom of his suit as it rode up his backside.

"Aren't you the quick learner", they said.

"Try my stretch denim skirt. You have to step in to it and pull it up to your waist. It is quite short. Try it with these black Hanes hose."

He noticed that girls are emotional as they were always hugging each other and kissing each other on the cheeks when they are feeling happy or excited.

"Don't worry. That feeling that this will soon become second nature to you also." said Jess.

"Let's tell Callie about the Little Sister/Big Sister Game."

"At the start of each school year, one of the younger new students is paired with an older girl. Students transferring in are also paired up. The purpose was to help those new students adjust to school life by giving them someone that they can connect with and ask questions and learn from their experiences. The program was commonly called Lil Sis Big Sis."

Callie would not be there to start the year but the girls really enjoyed it themselves and decided to give her a little bit of what it was like.

"One of the activities that they had done to help the pairs build some bonds was a chance to be together and spend some time hanging out in the town. As a salute to the Lil sis theme the younger girl would really be dressed younger."

The girls will be dressing as little girls.

"We have this gingham checked dress for you with puff sleeves and a ruffled hem. The slip underneath is nylon and tulle with stretchy lace at the bodice and the lace hem will peek out for all to see."

He gazed at the full petticoat hanging on the clothes rack. He had never seen anything as girly as that. He placed his hands on the nylon bodice and noticed the lace trim at the top and the single rosette at the center and the elasticized sides. Next, he moved the slide adjustments on the satin ribbon shoulder straps. The bottoms skirts were just as exciting. The top layer was nylon net with two tiers of lace trim. The under layer was a stiffer nylon taffeta with a bottom edge of lace. He noticed that the outer layer glided over the lower layer with a swishing and crunching sound. He knew at that moment that he would always be a girlie girl.

"We have the cutest panties with rows of white ruffles and a sparkly glitter waistband in milk shake pink and with this short dress these will also be seen at times. We'll put our hair in girly pigtails. It will be awesome."

"The older girl would wear the school uniform skirt and blouse or shirt, but she usually would add something non official like perhaps a pair of 2 inch heels with an thin ankle strap or a long string of fake pearls wrapped around her neck and draped down over her shirt. Or a pair of black thigh high lace topped hose. This all occurred on a non school day so there would be no demerits for out of uniform."

When he got to wear the uniform it was a pleated dark green and black plaid worn with a simple V neck pull over blouse. Ashley had him wear a bigger girl bra this time and it was apparent that he now has a chest. He had on white knee highs and black slip on shoes. As he walked away from her she noticed the skirt was a little up in the back and she told him to watch how sway back and forth if he walked so his hips moved a bit with each step just like girls he had seen many times. She took a few pictures as he sat on the white carpeted floor holding a stuffed animal. Her flip flops and old socks were off to the side. He then tried on a black jumper with pleats over a white blouse with a peter pan collar.

"We'll then go for a walk around the neighborhood crossing streets and stop along the way. I love to hear the comments."

They would either walk over to Main Street and the shops or drive to the mall and walk talk and share a common girly experience shopping. There they would buy some small gifts for each other. Perhaps it would be some makeup like Cover Girl or Bonne Belle from the cosmetics department at Kohl's or a pair of earrings or bracelet from Claire or maybe a cami or bra and panty set from Victoria Secret.

"Wow do you remember the scene that we caused at VS last year? ", said Jessica.

It seemed that several groups on Li Sis /Big Sis arrived at Victoria's Secret at the same time. The sight of girls in frilly party dresses and other girls in school uniforms caused quite a crowd of employees, customers and even guys to stop and stare to see what was going on.

"The girls all stopped at the Pink collection at the front of the store. This collection was a young and fun line and it was not all in pink. There were lots of colors, polka dots, stripes, hearts, glitter and girly designs. They say this collection was designed for college kids to wear in the dorms, but the younger girls really started to like it too. The girls not only were picking through bras and panties but also T shirts, lounge pants and other sleepwear. Some of the stuff was soo hot. A nice thing was that this line was not as expensive as some of the other sexy lingerie in the store."

"Several younger girls not with the school were watching from the side with their moms. Since mom controls the credit cards, the girls and the moms still shop together and they both decide what to buy. The moms like the Pink collection because it is not so grown up and they sometimes buy some of the items for themselves. When they were told what was going on, they giggled gleefully and said they couldn't wait to be a little older so they could be part of the fun."

"To get to the dressing rooms and the sales register you had to walk to the back of the store. There were tables of all kinds of filmy lacy panties on display and racks of bras and drawers and display cases were along the walls. There were several mannequins dressed in much more sophisticated negligees and undies such as the Body by Victoria and the Angels line of lingerie."

That afternoon, they dressed up in uniforms and put Callie in a girlie party dress. They then drove to the mall. Although a crowd didn't form this time all the sales girls were smiling when they saw them enter the store and commented how really cute and sweet they were. Callie got a lace hipster in harbor blue a silk and cashmere cami to wear under a pink striped top and a French terry hoodie robe. The other girls got a sleep cami and matching panty in blue dots as well as several pair of colorful knee highs.

They decided to make two more stops, one at Toys R Us to look at the Barbie section and another at the Disney store to check out some princess outfits.

Before the trip home they first stopped at the car and carried some bags back into the mall. They then went to the mall restrooms and they changed clothes. Callie now wore the uniform and Ashley now dressed younger. That's what they also did during the school year so they could see what it was like from both sides as they returned home.

Later they talked with Callie about the experiences that day.

"It might be embarrassing or weird for you right now and you probably wish this would end, but it will not. From now on you're a princess in training and you will need to develop the new you and really try to accept it rather than make it disappear. There is a lot to learn but I know you have been watching us. Yes, you are becoming a softer, prettier person. You can't stay away hidden or up in your room so why not enjoy it and really get involved. Observe and watch what we do." Ashley stated.

Kourtney added,"Girls our age are naturally one of the shyest groups around. Though not all will admit it or even show it on the outside and some of us do a good job of putting out a public face but really underneath we are less self confident than we seem. So we are not really different from what you are feeling now. Remember you will feel awkward in many new situations because you haven't had the time or experiences that most of us have been having as girls all along, but don't worry, we can help you learn to become more like one of us in time. Sometimes it may appear we come on too strong but sometimes by being nice, others may try to take advantage of you."

Kourtney continued. "Think about your being shy and awkward as something that you can unlearn and be like an actress playing the role of a girl until the natural girly girl starts to come out on her own. Practice in front of a mirror and watch your self move and turn. Imitate us until it becomes a habit. You will be looking into mirrors more now to be sure your clothes, makeup and hair are in place. Watch some of the tapes and videos of yourself and other girls and listen and practice your voice as well. Flip through all the mags especially Teen and Seventeen and watch some of the TV. "

"As a dancer, I know a lot about movement." said Jess. "As you are walking take smaller strides, swing your hips and tuck your elbows in. As you walk, don't let your head lead the way. Walk tall with your body in line. Keep your tummy and bottom tucked in and your shoulders straight with your chest out. Uh, as you sit, don't lean back and sit low. You should sit tall and cross your legs with your knee higher than your hip, but don't double cross your legs."

"When you bend down, don't stoop. Balance yourself going into the bends and put your weight on your front leg and move the opposite arm back for balance. Keep your knees bent and then use your stomach muscles to get back up".

"If you reach up for something don't sway your back. Raise your arms from your shoulders and put the weight forward on the balls of your feet. Let your arms and shoulders do the work.

Even when you are just standing, don't assume an awkward stance. Stand up straight, but relaxed, and you'll notice a difference in how you feel. "

"Work on your appearance but don't over do it. Nod as you talk and touch your hair and clothes more. Clothes are important for our outward appearance but remember to take a look inside to see your feelings and emotions. Listen and pay attention to what others say and how they act as well as watching yourself. As you meet other girls start to get in conversations with them a little at a time. Learn to relax and get into the rhythm of the talk. Other girls can help by sharing their experiences. You be such a sweetie in no time."

"Now for some cheerleader help", said Ashle. "For cheer practice we spend at least one and one half hours four nights a week. We'll get you a typical cheer outfit, sweater, short pleated skirt, briefs, socks and cheer shoes. This year we got a really cool straight A-line skirt with a matching body liner with long sleeves under a sleeveless shell that just skims the midriff. The short skirt makes our legs seem longer. Last year we had the traditional pleated skirt and a sweater top.

For a workout, put on this stripped cotton polo shirt with trimmed short sleeves and a tiny collar. Also try this matching pair of cotton soffe shorts with a side slit. Later on will change you into a light blue limited too skirt/skort with a drawstring waist."

"Let's try some of the limbering up and stretches that we must do to get ready for our routines. Let's pull your hair off your face and out of the way first with this headband. Yes we do spend a lot of time brushing and fixing our hair."

"For our hips and hamstrings try this split where you stretch out your left and right legs. It is an inner thigh stretch. Sit up with your legs as wide as you comfortably can. Stretch to the right as far as you can, keep your knees down and reach past your toes. Stretch back up slowly and then do the left side. Now flat on the floor, put your legs out to the side and lean forward. This forward spine stretch is great for the lower back and calf muscles. Stretch your arms out and try to grab your feet. Now lie flat on your stomach on the floor. Grab your ankles behind you and pull them up. Lift your head and chest back and try to get your feet to touch the back of your head. I know it seems impossible but you'll soon be able to do it. This backward stretch is great for the abs and thighs."

"Now lie on your back and raise your legs. Point the toes of one foot and at the same time curl the toes of the other. Alternate legs and repeat. This is a good exercise to build up your calves and strengthen your ankles. One more exercise is to lie face down with your head up and lift your leg up to a count of ten, then down and lift the other leg."

"Now, let's add a little bit of makeup. We call this getting pretty. First we'll pluck your brows to thin out a few strays. Next, watch me and do the same as we hold the mascara wand and brush lightly up and out. Use the tip of the brush for the lower lashes and try to get the tiniest lashes in the corners. Lightly brush on some powdered blush on your cheekbones. Let's try a bit of eye shadow to blend on your lids and the crease and a touch of liner pencil. Add lip gloss with just enough color to show a shine but you'll blot it to remove the excess and prevent smearing. We'll put on a bit of foundation first and with a brush outline your lips then fill in the top and finally add some soft shimmery gloss at the center of your pout"

A few days later Jess came home from dance class and said she had something unusual to tell us.

"Brian showed up at the studio for a dance lesson today"

"What's so unusual about that?" asked Ashley.

 

Brian was one of the few boys at the studio and he had been taking classes for a few years. During the regular sessions, he would wear a T shirt and shorts or sweatshirt and sweatpants.

"Well for the practice today he was dressed in a leotard, tights and ballet shoes. He had short pigtails and a little bit of makeup, just a bit of blended stick foundation and a touch of gloss."

This really sounded interesting and she began to explain the story that she put together from information from the dance instructor and his sister, Marci.

It seems that Brian's birthday was coming up and his Mom asked him what he would want for a present. After thinking it over for a long time, he said he wanted to take a dance lesson, but as a girl. He said he was always curious about and wondered what it would be like to wear those outfits and perform some of the moves and positions that only the girls did. His mom was startled at first but, after she thought about it for a while, she decided to see if she could make his wish come true. She called the lead instructor at the school, Miss Kelly and explained the situation to her.

During the summer sessions the rules of the studio are relaxed. Many girls are just sampling a lesson or two to decide if they really want to be serious about dance. During the year, girls from other studios or students relatives visiting from out of town are also welcome to come in.

Miss Kelly knew it was unusual, but Brian was a dedicated dance student and she said they would give it a try.

His Mom had arranged for him to purchase some girls dance wear from the dance store at the school. She also said that maybe they could look at some of the costumes that might have been left over from the last recital. The store had a varied supply of dance attire and accessories. Miss Kelly had asked Jessica to help him pick out some things for now. She said she didn't mind and there was a small commission that girls received when they sold something.

Jess first picked out the basic leotard and tights. She guessed on the sizes but it wasn't that hard to do. The basic leotard was a pink camisole with princess seams, a V front and a scooped back. The tights were shimmery white, like most of the beginner students wore. He had a pink pair of ballet slippers that his sister wore when she was younger.

Besides the basics she helped him select another leotard with an attached short skirt and a two extra pair of tights one black, one pink. He found a beige Capezio dance dress with an attached skirt that sparkled. She also suggested for him to try the chiffon print wrap around skirt with the stretch cotton waistband. The design was small roses on a white skirt.

She decided not to get him a sports bra just then, but asked Miss Kelly what to do about something to give him a smoother outline in his leotards. Miss Kelly checked behind the counter and came up with a Lycra nude colored seamless bikini shaper. Some of the older girls ordered these and it would definitely hold him in and produce that clean line that dancers looked for in their outfits.

"By the way, I picked up a pair for Callie to wear also. It would also be good for under his swimsuits."

Normally the girls wore tights instead of underwear under their leotards, at least that was the requirement for recitals. The underwear would show through and the idea was to avoid any lines. After all you didn't wear underwear under your bathing suit so leotards are very much like that. The tights also replaced the wearing of socks if you changed into tap shoes.

Brian went into the boys' dressing room and came out a bit later in the tights leotard and slippers. Jess and Miss K helped put his hair up in tiny pigtails help by two small ribbons and put just a touch of makeup on his face. As he looked at himself in one of the large mirrors on the wall, he really appeared just like the other cute young dancers. A small smile appeared on his face. He was really enjoying this.

It seems that he was practicing some dance moves with his sister for the past few weeks. When it was time for the lesson he did all the stretches and the beginners movements and seemed to fit in with the other girls that were there.

"At this point it was just one lesson but I bet he'll want more during the regular year. We'll have to come up with a girls name for him" said Jess.

.

"Oooh,yes, we should have seen it coming" said Kourtney.

"Last Halloween at the party held at the studio he was dressed as a cheerleader in skirt and sweater with lacy socks and cheer shoes. With a wig and a little makeup, he looked like a perfect cheerleader. The year before, he was dressed as the Disney princess Cinderella in a ball gown with a long blond wig. His sister also suspected for a long time that he had been snaking into her closet and trying on her things, no biggie. Anyway it is unusual but there are a lot of worse things that a guy could get mixed up in."

"Now for you Callie, I thought we could get you to take a lesson on Friday. There is a $10 fee for students that drop in during the summer, but I think I could get you the $5 rate. Unlike Brian, you would be coming in as our girl cousin Callie."

On Friday Callie dressed for the lesson before they left. He borrowed a leotard that had an attached skirt that fell just about mid thigh. Underneath he wore the shaper and a pair of suntan tights. The tights were very stretchy and felt nice on his legs. They were ultra soft nylon Lycra spandex footed tights and he noticed the word Capezio repeated several times on the plush one inch waistband. The girls said they were also used to support the muscles and to keep them warm. When they arrived at the studio Jaime, Miss Kelly's daughter, was about to start teaching the class. Jaime and Ashley were BFF. Later he found out that meant best friends forever. Callie just blended in to the class of beginners and they did the usual stretching, a basic lesson and then the cool down at the end.

Callie said she had a good time and would like to try it again if there was time before he had to end the vacation.

The time had flown by so quickly and soon it was time for Callie to go back home. She said she would miss the girls and all the fun they had together. He had many good memories of that summer and they told her she was welcome to return any time.

"By the way we called your friend Jenny back home and she said she and a few friends would be happy to continue your girlie education", added Kourtney.

"I used to be embarrassed by all this but this summer you taught me so much and I have a lot of self confidence now about who I am. Thanks for everything." Callie said as he and Ashley started to drive back home.

  

  

  

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