by: Victoria Silk
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It was the start of the summer of 1999.
Bobby’s parents had divorced ages ago; he was never sure quite why they had parted. He thought there had been another woman involved.
He was just fifteen, and lived with his mother in LA.
His Father lived somewhere upstate. Bobby hadn’t seen him for about three years, though every birthday and Christmas presents would always arrive.
Last birthday it had been a top class mountain bike.
Now his Mom had got a new job as a lab technician at some cosmetics plant in Nowheresville.
He took one last look around, his friends waving from the sidewalk, the house where he had grown up. He got into the station wagon.
It all was just running away. In a couple of days he would be in a new house and over six hundred miles from anything he knew.
Bobby was what was politely called a late developer; his voice still had shown no sign of breaking and shaving seemed years away. He had always been slim and a little shorter than average. People said he took after his Mom.
It was the first week of summer break, his mom had said that it would be best to get used to his new surroundings before the new term started. Maybe he could find some new guys to pal around with.
From the first time their station wagon passed the town sign, he knew the place was going to be a drag.
Welcome to Choata Springs: Population 270.
It was small and faded.
Right next to it, much larger and far brighter was a billboard.
Summer Cosmetics, keeping America beautiful.
Bobby groaned.
The town was set high in the mountains, surrounded by Indian pine; it had taken over an hour to get here just from the off ramp on the highway. On the way they had passed through a larger town called India Flats,
Your new school will be here, said his mom.
They drove into Chota.
Originally a logging town, its main street contained only a few shops, and a diner seemingly unchanged from the 1960’s when the dam had been built and most of the valley had disappeared under the lake.
There wasn’t even a Mc Donald’s.
The moving van came and went, Bobby and his mom moved what they needed straight away into the house, the rest of their belonging piled in the garage, to be sorted through.
On the third day Bobby’s mom had to go up to work, so after moving a bit more of his stuff into the house he had decided to get out his bike and cycle round the town, just to give it a look.
The town seemed very quiet; the only people around were the storeowners and the occasional truck driver. He hadn’t seen anyone under about twenty-five.
On his forth lap of the town he came across a girl around his own age. She was riding a purple mountain bike. He rode up behind her slowly, enjoying the view of her behind in tight cut off jeans. She wore a red shirt tied at the waist and her long black hair was held in a ponytail.
He put on an extra burst of speed, and shouted.
Hi as he raced past.
He was stunned as moments later she overtook him. Well if she wants a race, he thought and put more effort into his pedalling. They were neck and neck when the traffic lights ahead changed to stop.
That was some good riding, he said.
Thanks she replied not so bad yourself. I don’t know about you but I could sure use a Coke about now.
She pointed at a store across the road; a soda cooler stood on the porch.
Sure said Bobby.
The paid the clerk and stood in the shade,
You’re new in town. She said.
Your moms renting a house on Green Spring Drive.
That’s right. Said Bobby.
How did you know? Oh my names Bobby Walker by the way.
I’m River; she pulled a face,
Yeah I know, its all a bit eighties isn’t it. River Summers. My moms the senior partner up at the factory. Your moms just got a job there hasn’t she?
Yeah. Replied Bobby. Now I’m stuck here for the next couple of years. This town sucks.
Hey it’s not so bad, said River.
I’m having a pool party tomorrow, why don’t you come?
My mom will be at work. She added with a smile.
Bobby woke to the doorbell ringing. He glanced at the clock propped up on the pile of boxes next to his bed. 11.30 am
He crashed down stairs in his sweat pants and an old T-shirt. His Mom must have left for work hours ago.
Opening the door he was greeted with bright sunshine, River stood on the steps.
Aren’t we Mr stay in bed!" she said.
Are you coming swimming or are you hibernating or something?
River sat in the kitchen surrounded by boxes as Bobby struggled to find his jeans upstairs.
Still unpacking then. She shouted up to him.
His reply was muffled by the Guns & Roses T-shirt over his head.
Yeah it’s like the world exploded or something.
Bobby opened the garage door; most of their stuff was still in crates piled on the concrete floor.
My moms at work and I don’t know were my costume is, they looked at the huge mass of boxes.
No sweat. Said River.
There’s bound to be something at home you can borrow.
They sun was red hot as they cycled across town, it turned out Rivers family owned a big wood and stone villa just outside. From the drive you could just see the lake though the trees.
There was already a pile of bicycles in the front yard when the arrived.
It turned out the bikes belonged to eleven of the cutest girls Bobby had seen.
Maybe things are going to pick up after all he though.
River introduced him to her friends.
Ok bobby." Said River.
Take a seat and I’ll go and find you something to wear.
He watched the girls disappear into the pool house and return in all manner of skimpy swim wear.
Rising from the poolside lounger Bobby took the proffered bundle, and unrolled it. Wrapped in the green beach towel was a twist of shiny black fabric, he held it up, it was a one piece Lycra swim suit.
I can’t wear this, he spluttered.
It’s a girls costume!
What did you expect? Laughed River.
Why would I have a boys costume? Of course if you prefer this one we can probably swap." She wiggled like an eastern dancer causing disturbingly erotic movement in the top of the hot pink bikini she now wore.
The other girls giggled at Bobby’s obvious embarrassment. He blushed a deep pink, hoping desperately that they hadn’t noticed the bulge in his jeans caused by River’s impromptu shimmy.
Come on Bobby, don’t be such a pecker, it’s only us here. No ones going to call you a sissy. It’s only like those unitards those Olympic runners use.
He though hard for a moment, she was right, it was only a swimming costume after all, it’s not as if he was being asked to wear a dress or something. He grinned, knowing that back in LA he had tried on his mother’s things a couple of times when he had been alone in the house.
Three of the girls were already in the pool; one of them pulled a face and splashed water in his direction.
Hey cut it out! He said and half-turned away. He found himself looking straight into River’s large brown eyes.
So are you swimming or going? River asked.
Bobby looked around, around the pool and in the water were the eleven girls that seemed to make up the total sum of people his own age group in this weird little town. If he blew this he was condemning himself to riding his bike alone and solo games on his console at home for the rest of the summer. Anyway next time he would have his own costume, it was just a matter of finding it in the pile of boxes in the garage.
Ok! But you have to promise not to laugh. He said.
Several of the girls made hurt expressions.
Bobby walked into the pool house and stripped off his jeans and sneakers. His T-shirt and shorts joined the pile on the floor, for a moment he stood naked. Just around the corner were eleven attractive girls and here he was nude is a strange house.
The unfamiliar swimsuit gave him some trouble, as he first pulled it on back to front, he quickly turned it round. It clung like a second skin. A large mirror made up the rear wall of the pool house, as he bent to pull off his sweat socks he caught sight of his reflection.
The suit covered him from chest to thigh, the cut of it seemed to taper his torso to a point between his legs. It held him in tightly and he was glad that there was no obvious bulge. The two straps gave him a moments problem before he realised they were supposed to tie at the back of his neck.
With his fair skin and small frame he could almost have passed for a flat chested girl.
He jokingly pouted at his reflection, the walked slowly out to the pool.
The girls were pouring themselves sodas, wet footprints already drying in the sun. They turned at his approach.
Hey, aren’t we quite the beach babe said a red haired girl. He remembered she was called Cindy. With her long hair slicked and wet and the shiny green cropped swimsuit showing off her waist she could easily be one of those plastic dolls.
We shall have to call you Bobbi now!
Quit fooling. Replied Bobby and was just about to deliver stunning come back when River dived into the water.
Last one ins a rotten egg!
Everyone ran to the pool and jumped in. Bobby was the forth one in.
Soon he had forgotten that he wasn’t wearing his own costume and swam and splashed with the others.
To a casual observer it looked for all the world like a dozen teenage girls having a great time in and around the pool on a glorious sunny afternoon.
By two-o clock Bobby was on first names with everyone. There was Cindy who was still insisting on calling him Bobbi, Beth who was probably the quietest one of the group, then Amber and Jade who were sisters, they were both blonde and blue eyed with only a year between them. Sue whose mom ran the diner. Majorie, who everyone called Maz, Julia, Ally, Shelly and Mary. Then of course there was River. When they had stopped for sodas and ice cream it had been like a debriefing. The questions had come thick and fast. Now they were all lying on loungers or towels spread on the poolside. They’re Ok for a bunch of girls, he thought, maybe it won’t be so bad here after all.
It turned out that all of the girl’s moms except Sue’s worked at the same place as his. For one reason or another no ones father seemed to live with them.
It’s like the single parent capital of the world. Shelly had told him.
Most everyone in town has something to do with the factory, it’s the only reason that this town keeps going, and there are hardly any men who work there. You’re the only boy your age in the whole place you know.
Then it happened, out of the cool water, and surrounded by hot girls, he had got a woody that showed through the black Lycra. He tried to sit so that no one would notice, but too late. River had seen it. With a sly smile she had reached into a bag under her lounger and produced a sort of large filmy scarf.
I think you had better put this round you, if your little pal’s going to make himself present.
She loosely tied it round his waist.
Looks like Bobbi likes being a girl someone laughed.
Get a picture!
Shelly pulled out a camera.
OK girl! Smile for the camera.
Bobby was reluctant to pose in a girl’s swimsuit; But River pulled him to his feet. Leading him to the poolside she held his hand and posed sexily.
Come on Bobby, it’s only a bit of fun.
Her hand was warm; oh boy she was cute. Bobby smiled nervously and decided to make the best of it.
He moved closer to her.
Click!
Well that was it; soon everyone had had their photo taken, posing by the pool like fashion models or just larking around. When Shelly ran out of film Bobby had appeared in at least five of the shots. Bobby would have never have believed that he could have had so much fun with a bunch of girls, and he hadn’t even tried to hit on any of them.
It was now getting close to Five O clock and everyone was starting to drift off home.
Bobby had changed back into his normal clothes, strangely the girls attitudes had changed when he reappeared, still friendly, just not the same.
Gee Bobby. I’d almost forgotten you were a boy. Beth had said.
It’s a pity you’re not really a girl, you could come to slumber parties and everything.
That was it, while they had been swimming, he had been like one of the girls, one of the gang. Now he was just some boy again.
Only River had treated him just the same, when everyone else had gone they rode back across town together.
Bobby told her what Beth had said. She had laughed.
Don’t worry about a thing, you can borrow my swimsuit any time you like. She paused. Bobbi!
Maybe I should just wear a skirt next time. He said, then laughed at the thought of it.
My mom would go nuts!
River just grinned.
You would make a cute girl, nice legs, shame about the face. Bobby put on a squeaky Minnie mouse voice.
Ooh you’re so cruel!
They laughed and teased each other all the way home.
The next day was Sunday. River and Shelly had called round and his Mom had fussed around making an early lunch for everyone.
She said it was great that he was making new friends.
They had helped him sort out his room, and he had even managed to find his swimming costume in one of the boxes.
They were laughing about it when Bobby’s Mom came in with cookies and soda.
What’s all the noise about then?
The whole story soon came out.
Shelly had even told her how cute Bobby had looked.
He blushed bright red.
His Mom had laughed, but he thought he caught a strange look on her face.
Hey. Said Shelly. The photos are in my bag.
She rushed downstairs.
Bobby’s Mom looked through the pictures, asking about the other girls.
He watched her closely as she came to the ones of him.
You do look kind of cute Bobby. What did Mrs Summers say about you borrowing River’s costume?
Umm, she was at work. He murmured.
Any way I’ve got mine now. He waved his trunks.
They finished the cookies.
Why don’t you all go out and play, I can finish up here.
When they had gone down the road on their bikes, Bobby’s Mom looked through the photos again.
Oh Bobby. She said.
They cycled down to the lake; River and Shelly wanted to show him the old logging mill. It was kinda cool, in a creepy Friday the thirteenth kinda way.
It was right on the shore of the lake and they sat on a crumbling loading dock watching the water. A rusting truck sagged slowly into the long grass.
I’m sorry about telling your Mom about the swimsuit. Said Shelly
It just kinda came out. You did look cute though.
River agreed.
Any way, she seemed Ok about it. Your Mom seems pretty cool.
Back home Bobby’s Mom was on the telephone listening to Mrs Summers.
So you’ve seen the photos too. No I don’t think it’s a problem.
River has told me all about it, I shouldn’t worry.
In fact I have a rather strange request.
About half an hour later Bobby’s Mom put down the phone.
Mrs Summers was her new boss and when she had told her what she had in mind she had been loath to disagree.
Well it would really have to be Bobby’s decision. She had said
If he wants to then I suppose it would be Ok.
After all there was no way that Bobby would say yes.
She had always made sure that he had a normal boy’s upbringing. Baseball, football and camping trips. It hadn’t been easy since she had parted from his father.
Bobby’s Mom looked at the photos yet again, and then going to the closet took down the album of family pictures.
She slipped the most recent one of Bobby from its sleeve and compered it to the swimming pool photos. After a moment she turned to the front of the album.
Bobby’s baby pictures. One of them showed a tall dark woman holding him.
One day she thought, she was going to have to tell him.
Not yet though.
Yes, she was pretty sure Bobby would dismiss idea as crazy.
River, Shelly and Bobby sat in Bobby’s kitchen.
Mrs Summers has asked us over for coffee. Said Bobby’s mom.
You too Shelly, can you ask your mom to come as well.
The three looked at each other.
Now what? They wondered.
Shelly and River had cycled home, and Bobby wanted to know what was going on.
We aren’t in trouble are we? He asked.
We haven’t done anything!
No. His mom said.
It’s a surprise. Mrs Summers has something planned for all the girls and wants to see if you would like to be involved.
The drive of River’s house was full of cars.
All the girls were already there with their moms; it took a few minuets for everyone to say their hellos to Bobby and his Mom. Photos of the girls were spread across the table.
Ok. Said Mrs Summers.
Now we are all here, I have some very exciting news for you all.
She addressed the women, as Bobby and the girls waited to see what would happen next.
As most of you know Summer Cosmetics is launching a new range for teenagers, its going to be called Teen Angel. We have already had a massive response from our existing customers, and there is also huge interest from a major teen clothing chain that want to carry the complete range.
This is going to be a big deal, which will give us a larger stake in the market in the new millennium.
Now for the really good part.
As this is all aimed at teenage girls, I thought rather than get in the usual people from modelling agencies we would see if you girls wanted to model for us.
There will be photo shoots and possibly a trip down the catwalk to show the range to our customers. What’s more, it’s not just the make up. That clothing chain I was telling you about is called New York-New York, and they are launching a new millennium collection aimed at the same age range. So we will be working with them on this.
The girls had stopped chatting and just looked at Mrs Summers.
Cindy spoke first.
This is so cool; we really get to be models?
All the girls joined in, totally excited, it was bedlam.
Bobby looked at his Mom; she had a strange look on her face.
The girls were all hugging one another; they seemed to have forgotten he was even there.
Mrs Summers. He said.
Why am I here?
Oh yes, Bobby.
Now I have something special in mind for you. It seemed such a shame to have all the others involved just as you are getting to know everyone.
Now don’t be shocked. Mrs Summers took a picture from the pile on the table; it was one of him in River’s swimsuit at the pool party.
When I saw this. She said.
It gave me an idea.
If you were willing, I would like you to model for us too.
Everyone was suddenly quiet; they all looked at him.
But I’m a boy. He stammered.
I know, it would be a real coo for us if we could make you as attractive as I know the girls are going to look.
Bobby was at a loss.
Mom? He said.
Well dear, I must admit, I was surprised when Mrs Summers told me her idea, but it’s up to you.
If you want to try it, it’s up to you.
His photo was being passed around.
Go on Bobby. Said River.
She grinned at him.
It would be so cool, like all girls together.
I know you would look great.
Now everyone joined in.
Then Cindy spoke up.
You are all crazy; Bobby can’t be a model.
No one would ever really believe he was a girl, and it would make us all look stupid
In the ensuing argument Bobby found himself defending his right to do it.
Everyone was saying he should go for it, except Cindy and her Mom.
That’s when she bet him he wouldn’t do it any way.
He couldn’t stop himself.
Right then, I will!
The other girls had gone wild; he had been nearly hugged to death.
It was agreed that he would go up to the factory tomorrow and visit the make up studio. Just to see. If he didn’t want to go through with it, he didn’t have to.
On the journey home, his Mom was very quiet.
What was he doing? He was going to look an idiot!
Bobby pushed open the door, The salon was empty.
Well, no one here. I can just go home; at least they can’t say I didn’t try.
He was just turning to go when someone came in through the door at the other end of the salon.
Hi! You must be Bobby. Call me Yvonne.
The woman was tall and blonde; she had that almost sprayed on look of a professional beautician. Her white uniform jacket had the Summer Cosmetics logo above one breast pocket. Underneath she wore a knee length white dress, she looked a little like a glamorous lady doctor.
Mrs Summers has told me all about you, I think it’s great that you agreed to do this,
I wasn’t sure you would even show up.
I know all the girls are really excited.
She had him sit in one of the pink leather chairs.
Ok then, lets take a close look shall we.
Hmm, good skin, good hair, a bit short but not for what I have in mind, its nice and thick. Good bone structure too.
You know I think that we can really do something great here.
Yvonne wanted to know all about how he cared for his hair, if he had ever used any beauty products before and whether he had any allergies.
Bobby was at a loss, after all he was a boy, and as far as he was concerned the bathroom was just for a quick wash and go. No wonder his mom spent so much time in there.
Yvonne waked to the other end of the salon. Bobby could hear her heels clicking across the tiled floor.
She returned with a whole armful of hanks of hair in different colours.
One by one, she compared them to his hair.
Well, we don’t have an exact match, how would you feel about a little colouring?
Bobby shrugged.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to turn you into a clown. If you want to change your mind, now is the time to say.
Bobby thought about the others, no way was he going to let Cindy win. Backing out would be like admitting defeat.
He swallowed.
He couldn’t back out of it now.
He looked through the coloured strands.
This ones just like my moms colour.
Great choice. Said Yvonne.
After all, you know what they say; blondes always have more fun!
Right take off your jacket and we can get started.
Bobby looked at himself in the mirror, there wasn’t much of him exposed, between the pink cape and the plastic cap he had been reduced to just a face. Even that was covered in a white cream, only his eyes looked familiar.
Ok Bobbi said Yvonne; it’s time to see how we are doing.
With his head over the sink, he stared at the ceiling as warm water ran through his hair; Yvonne carefully making sure all of the solution was removed. She sponged the cream from his face.
Right, it’s the dryer for you now my boy.
She untied the cape and he sat under the drier in his white T-shirt. After what seemed like an age Yvonne was satisfied and released him from it’s clutches.
Wow! Bobbi, that looks great. She held one of the hanks of false hair to his head.
Perfect match!
He tied to see himself in the mirror, but Yvonne stood in the way.
No, wait till I’m Finished, then you can look.
Bobby was surprised at just how much he was starting to enjoy himself.
She fussed around him, brushing in steady strokes, he watched her expression, obviously she was pleased with the result.
For the next three hours he was made to turn his head this way and that as the pile of blonde extensions got smaller and smaller.
He read the magazines she had given him, enduring the sharp pulls in silence.
Yvonne, cut, clipped and sprayed. She had even plucked at his eyebrows with little tweezers. It had hurt like hell.
Us girls have to suffer for beauty, you know.
Ok! She said, giving his hair a final brush.
You can look now. She stepped aside.
Oh man! Like no way!
In the mirror was a slim figure with long honey blonde hair, could this really be him. Hair flowed in waves over his shoulders, framing his face. Shining in the salon’s lights, It lay like liquid Gold over the white of his T-shirt. He turned around slowly, watching his reflection.
No going back now! He thought.
You know, if you are still willing to go the distance then there’s two more things you need. Said Yvonne.
Beauty’s not just hair and make up you know, it’s the whole image.
You have to feel totally at ease with yourself or all the powder in the worlds just not going to help.
She opened a drawer in the workstation; it was full of women’s breasts.
Bobby’s jaw dropped.
These, explained Yvonne are one of the companies other lines.
Do you know what a mastectomy is?
Bobby nodded, open-mouthed.
These are top of the line, they have a special gel inside so that they move just like the real thing.
He hadn’t expected this!
She saw his expression.
They only glue on. She laughed.
It’s not permanent.
The relief showed on Bobby’s face.
Yvonne caught up his hair under a net cap and had him remove his T-shirt.
Now these are really for older women, so we shall have to use the smallest size.
She cleaned his chest with a blue solution then using clear glue fixed the first false breast in place.
It felt really odd, and bobby’s mind reeled.
Every boy had at some time fantasised about breasts, but normally they didn’t get a pair of their own.
It only took a moment to stick and Yvonne soon had both of them in place.
They were heavier than he had expected. Was this how real breasts felt?
He had spent a lot of time running around bare chested, but now he felt very exposed. Every time he moved they bounced gently.
He had breasts! He was no longer just a boy with girls hair, it was as if he really was becoming a girl.
Strangely this didn’t bother him as much as he thought it should.
Pulling his T-shirt back on proved more difficult too.
Yvonne produced a tape.
Hmm, they make you about a 34B, that’s just about right for a girl your age.
She looked at him again; the transformation really was amazing. She had expected a lot more resistance from him.
Bobby was still staring at himself in the mirror.
I really do look like a girl! He said grinning.
Cool!
Yes and a very cute one too. You are going to need a brassier to support those you know.
She was right, every movement caused them to move under his shirt.
Ok, what’s next?
Yvonne beamed and wheeled over a trolley stacked with make up.
This is all from our new Teen Angel range. We might as well start out as we mean to go on.
She pulled his hair back from his face and slipped a wide pink band over it.
Yvonne had him sit with fingers splayed as his nails dried, she had added acrylic extensions and now they were long and a rosy pink.
Bobby watched fascinated as his face changed. Yvonne had spent a few minuets choosing colours to suit his colouring.
She explained everything as she went along.
Bobby found himself wanting to know all about it, he even asked to try putting a little on himself.
Well if you are really that interested maybe we can find time to show you a few tricks later on.
His boyish features were slowly redefined under the barrage of paint and powder.
Nearly done.
He followed her lead, moving his mouth around like a stunned fish as the lipstick was applied. Apparently it was called Morning Sky and was a light translucent pink.
Nearly done.
Yvonne removed the hair band and flicked his hair back into place with an experienced hand.
Just a little spray to hold the style and;
All finished.
She stood back to admire her work.
Oh Bobby! You look wonderful, that’s definitely one for the scrapbook.
If Bobby had been surprised before. Now he was in total shock.
Large dark eyes with long lashes sparkled from a flawless face; a smoky blue on the lids made them seem much larger and just a touch of light blush gave him killer cheekbones. Though it was the mouth that clinched it. Full lips glowed with a soft pink sheen.
The girls would be amazed, and his mom was going to just die.
Yvonne returned with a camera.
Walk up and down for me.
The camera clicked as he paraded around the bright salon.
I can’t wait to see you on the shoot with all the others. She said
I don’t suppose you have any girl’s clothes with you? It seems such a shame to see you in those jeans and sneakers.
It had not even crossed his mind how strange his normal clothing would look with a girl’s head on his shoulders, then again he would never have guessed that he would end up looking like he did now.
Yvonne went into the back again.
Here try these, they should be close to your size. This is the uniform our beauty students wear when they come for in for training.
She handed him a short pink dress and jacket; there was a packet of opaque white pantyhose and a matching hair band.
There are boxes of shoes in the back storeroom. See if any will fit.
Bobby had almost run into the back.
There were bench seats in a kind of lunchroom. Beyond were the stores.
He opened a couple of shoeboxes and sat down. The shoes were like aerobic slippers in white leather. After a couple of tries he found a pair that fitted really well over the thin pantyhose.
Bobby pulled the dress over his head, it mussed up his hair and he realised that he should have put on the band first.
A rack of brushes stood near a mirror so he tried to repair the damage as best he could. Pushed into the mirror frame were lots of photos showing various young women in outfits identical to the one he now wore, they were laughing, eating pizza and looking like they were having a great time. He scrutinised himself in the mirror and realised that he could easily be mistaken for one of them. The women in the pictures all had their hair in tidy ponytails. Using the hair band he did the same.
Bobby walked back into the salon, the dress clung round his thighs and he found that he had to take much smaller steps than normal.
The flash of a camera greeted him.
You look just perfect. Said Yvonne.
Maybe we should have you join the classes when the students come back after their summer break.
Bobby giggled, and looked at his feet.
Oh Boy! He thought now I’m even starting to act like a girl.
Right your Mom will be finishing work soon, she said that she would call in to see how you were doing. Though I doubt she would recognise her son now.
Bobby looked in one of the salon mirrors. He didn’t even recognise himself.
In the mean time you can help me tidy the salon, it will give you the chance to see how hard us girls have to work in here.
Whilst Yvonne sorted out the make up trolley, he swept under the chairs.
There seemed to be masses of golden hair to clean up.
He was rinsing the sink when the door opened.
Hi Yvonne. His Mom walked in.
I’m looking for my Bobby. Did he show up here?
There was a student working at one of the sinks, she hadn’t expected anyone else to be here.
Yvonne led her past the blonde girl and into the back room. The girl had smiled at her as they passed.
Yes Bobby came all right, but he’s not here any more. Yvonne laughed!
She held up Bobby’s sneakers, and his Mom suddenly realised who the young girl cleaning the salon was.
Bobby?
She was stunned, was this attractive young girl really her son?
She had expected him to run a mile when he had actually met Yvonne, but no!
Not only had he gone through with it, he was beautiful. Any mother would be proud to have a daughter like this.
Hi Mom.
My God, Bobby. I can’t believe it.
You look fantastic.
I shall have to come in for a make over myself if that’s how good Yvonne can make you look.
She touched his hair.
Jesus. That’s not a wig!
Bobby’s Mom was flustered. It took Yvonne some time to explain what she had done; they all sat in the lunchroom.
It felt weird to sit drinking coffee with his Mom whilst dressed as a girl. Worse still his Mom had kept looking over at him with a strange expression on her face.
Bobby started to wonder if he had let things get out of hand.
So you decided to really see if you could play the part?
I’m not sure what to do; you can’t just go around normally with your hair like that.
She thought for a while.
Ok! The photo shoot is still two weeks away.
I think you will just have to stay as a girl until it’s all over.
Bobby blanched.
Two weeks!
Watching himself change in the salon mirror had been fun but he had only expected to play a girl for the photos.
Two weeks!
He couldn’t bear to stay inside for two weeks, but that would mean going out in public as a girl.
He fingered the hem of his dress. But Mom! I can’t, I mean…
His Mom interrupted.
Of course we shall have to get you some new clothes to go out in.
Oh God, she was getting into the idea.
Bobby knew that look. Once his Mom made up her mind that was it.
He looked to Yvonne.
No help there.
Sitting there with his long hair, all made up and wearing a pink salon assistant’s outfit he really was in no position to argue.
He was sunk. For the next two weeks he was going to be a girl.
Don’t worry Bobby, it’s going to be fun, I’ve always wanted a daughter to take out shopping.
Yvonne stood in the doorway of the salon as mother and daughter got into the station wagon.
She had insisted that Bobby keep the uniform.
Now he could come by the salon and help out until the photo shoot was over. She said.
He had been loaded down with brushes, skin care products and more make up than he thought was necessary. His boy’s clothes were stuffed into a plastic bag.
Two weeks, there’s enough stuff here for two years he thought.
© 2001
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