This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the people and events in this story and any actual person, living or dead, or event is coincidental.
The story contains mature subject matter. It may contain adult situations and/or language. If you are not old enough to legally read this (and you know who you are), then get out of here before it is too late. You have been warned.

Permission is granted to archive or repost this story as long as the text is unaltered, and my copyright and this notice are included. Oh, and this permission is conditional upon it’s being available only on free sites. No membership fee, "Adult Check", or other means of skinning money out of people are allowed.
I’d love to hear from any readers with comments. Email me at martib49@hotmail.com

Joe and Karen Lossin have been experiencing difficulty in their marriage. Joe is a closet crossdresser who promised to give up his hobby for his wife Karen. Lately though, Joe has experienced recurring daydreams that are having an impact on his professional and personal lives. Believing its her refusal to allow Joe to dress enfemme, Karen leads the couple on a search for answers. They find a place called Aunt Mary’s that seems to have all the answers. With the help of Mary and her staff Joe is transformed into Janet during their first weekend at the cabin. On the surface everything appears to be going well and both Karen and Joe are adapting to this new aspect of their relationship… or are things moving just a little too fast.

 

Natural

by: Marti B

Part 4

 

People can be so rude!

That was Joe’s first coherent thought. Riding upon this tremendous burst of consciousness came the realizations that; one, it was early on Saturday morning and, two, there was absolutely no way he wanted to cooperate.

"Come on sleepy head. You’ve had more than enough beauty rest!" Called a strange voice. This deceptively sweet sounding voice had as an ally, an extremely vicious finger that was relentlessly poking into Joe’s ribs.

"Aw hell, have a heart. I just got in bed… ah… four hours ago." Said Joe checking the bedside clock and surprising himself by his ability to subtract three from seven to get four.

"Let’s go Janet. You know we’ve got a busy day planned. You already missed your chance for breakfast and you have to be in the salon in exactly twenty-six minutes." The rude young lady paused for a few seconds then added "Oh, by the way, I’m Cynthia and you’ll be in my capable hands this morning."

Joe (he just didn’t feel like Janet today) allowed himself to be led by this attractive lady with the deep brown hair. Joe guessed her age to be around twenty-four or five. She was about five-five and a hundred twenty pounds. Her hair had the color and warmth of a fine Sumatra coffee. It hung to her shoulders in a series of natural curls framing her pretty face. She had that girl next-door quality and Joe thought of her as a friend immediately. Cynthia chatted about trivial things as they made their way to the bath. The chatter didn’t let up as she adjusted the shower pressure and temperature while Joe brushed his teeth. Joe learned that the weather had been exceptional for the last few weeks, an updated version of the mini skirt was making a come back, and he, Joe, had beautiful eyes.

Cynthia went out to the bedroom while Joe showered. She laid out a rose blush bra and panty set, a loose fitting blouse, and a printed skirt. She went to the closet and grabbed a pair of sandals to finish off the outfit. No need for stockings since part of the routine called for leg waxing. She had just finished when Joe emerged from the bathroom with the large terry robe wrapped around his body.

"I took the initiative and picked out an outfit for you. I wanted to have something that was comfortable and easy to get on and off since you’ll have several outfit changes during your photo session."

"Yeah, that’s fine." Joe responded half-heartedly.

Cynthia noticed Joe’s lack of enthusiasm immediately. Something was definitely wrong. She had been told that Janet was very enthusiastic about life in general and about everything feminine in particular. That certainly was not the case today.

"Are you ok?" She asked with genuine concern. "You seem a little down. Do you want to postpone the session today? I think we could fit it in tomorrow morning. Do you want me to check?"

"No, I’m ok." Joe lied. "I think I just had a few too many last night. I was hoping for a good night’s sleep but someone took it upon herself to be extremely rude this morning." He added with a chuckle.

Joe/Janet got dressed quickly and with little flair. While he dressed, Cynthia described the plans for the morning. As soon as Janet was ready, they’d head for the salon. Janet would get a complete makeover followed by a sensuous photo shoot. Joe asked about the purpose of the photos and was only told that he’d find out after lunch. Janet and Cynthia headed down the hallway.

They’d made it to the first landing on the stairs when Janet remembered her pills.

"Look Cynthia, I really have to dash back to my room and get my pills." She said. "It’s the same salon that I was in last visit, right?"

Cynthia replied that there was only one salon.

"Good! Why don’t you go on ahead and get ready. I’ll probably catch up to you on the way."

Cynthia left Janet and went on down to the salon. She got the manicure table ready and selected a deep rose nail polish. She went to the file to check for Janet’s card to see if there was a color formula there. Cynthia spent a long time searching for the card before she remembered that Janet was called Josie on her last visit. With that little piece of information, she was able to quickly locate the card. It was then that she realized that something was wrong. Janet had been gone a half-hour and should have been in the salon.

Cynthia hurried to Janet’s room. She knocked lightly before trying the door. The door swung inward to reveal all of the clothes Janet had on laying neatly on the bed. There was no sign of Janet! Cynthia checked the parlor and the dining room. She took a quick look around the building. She assured herself that Janet’s car was still in the lot. That was a relief!

It had been a full hour since they had separated on the stairs and Cynthia knew she needed help. She went looking for Mary.

Mary was in her office o the first floor catching up on some paper work. Cynthia knocked and was told to come in. By this time, she was really upset and felt personally responsible for Janet’s disappearance. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she told Mary about the events of the morning. Mary asked a couple of questions about Janet’s mood. When Cynthia told her that Janet was not enthusiastic and her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

"Don’t blame yourself Cynthia. This is my fault. I should have seen it coming but everything was going so well that I overlooked the obvious signs. I think I know where to find our wandering Mister Lossin. You stay here. I’m going to get a picnic lunch from the kitchen. Mr. Lossin and I should be back early this afternoon."

"Should I try to rework the salon schedule to find room for Janet?"

"No, I don’t think so. At least not today. Why don’t you go down to the salon and see if you can help any of the other girls."

Mary called ahead so the picnic basket was waiting for her when she got to the kitchen. She went out the back door and headed up the mountain taking a well-used trail that headed in a northwesterly direction. Mary hiked for about an hour, constantly going upward. The trail began a series of switchbacks as it neared the top of the ridge. She was just rounding one of the hairpin turns when she saw a familiar figure sitting on a rock to the left of the trail. Joe had changed into a pair of jeans and was wearing a pastel blue fleece top with a group of flowers embroidered across the chest.

"I see you found the second best thinking spot in these parts." Mary said.

She stopped Joe as he turned to respond.

"Wait. Before either of us says another word, I want to show you something. Here, you can carry this, it’s getting a bit heavy." Mary said handing Joe the picnic basket.

Mary led the way as they continued climbing up the trail. They went about three hundred yards further when they came to a small clearing along the trail. The top side of a fallen log had been worn level providing a wonderfully comfortable seat. It was the view though that captured Joe’s attention. They were near the top of the ridge looking out across the valley. A broad river flowed along the base of the ridge below them. The rapids sparkled like a string of diamonds in the afternoon sun as the river snaked its way across the valley before disappearing in the mist formed by a waterfall cascading down the opposite ridge. Joe thought to himself that this was a place made for contemplation.

"Look Mary." Said Joe as soon as they settled in the log seats. "I’m really sorry if I caused any trouble. It’s just that things are moving so fast. I’ve got you and your staff and Karen all pushing me along this road to feminity, and I really don’t know if its the route I want to take. I just needed to get away and catch my breath. To make sure I know what I want."

"Joe, you don’t have a thing to apologize for. If anyone should be saying I’m sorry its me. I’ve pushed you way too hard. I ignored the warning signs coming from both you and Karen. It’s just that I was so sure that we could help you. Don’t get me wrong." She added when Joe looked sharply at her. " I still know we can help but, we have to proceed just a little slower."

"Joe, I want you to accept both sides of your personality. It’s not a matter of either masculine or feminine in your case. Based on all the evidence your biggest challenge is learning to live in harmony with both your masculine and feminine sides. You’ve got to find that natural balance between your masculine and feminine. I can’t do it and neither can Karen. We’re here to help by giving you the freedom to explore but it is you who will find the answer. As I see it though, you’ve kept Janet locked up inside for so long that she needs the chance to feel freedom. That’s the first goal. We have to release that pent up frustration from your feminine side. Then we will help you deal with your multiple gender issues. No one’s trying to steal your masculinity, except maybe you."

"I never thought of it that way." Joe replied. " It does make sense but, I’m afraid. I’m afraid that you and Karen are pushing too hard. I feel like I’ve lost control of my own life."

Joe paused before continuing. "I’m also afraid of Janet. She seems so strong and full of life. I feel like she wants to take over my life."

"Joe, you have to stop thinking of Janet as someone else. She’s you!"

Joe and Mary continued to talk for almost six hours. They talked about personality and fulfillment. They also spent a long time talking about relationships. The first shadows of evening had reached all the way to the front door by the time Joe and Mary emerged from the trees. They walked together up the steps and in the front door. At the foot of the stairs, Joe handed the still full picnic basket to Mary. After an emotional hug, they separated. Joe went up to his room to pack while Mary dropped the basked off in the Kitchen before going to her study to think. As she settled into her favorite easy chair, she glanced at the phone. She briefly thought about calling Karen but decided to let Karen and Joe work things out together. This inevitable confrontation had to be spontaneous. Karen had to be honest with Joe. Mary knew that if she warned Karen then Karen would begin to formulate all sorts of rational arguments that would reinforce what she believed Joe needed to hear instead of speaking her own mind and revealing her own feelings. Joe and Karen needed to share their feelings.

Karen had just checked the doors and windows for the night when she heard the garage door opener whir into life. She didn’t expect Joe home this late in the day or this early in the weekend. Her senses put her on alert for trouble.

Karen eased into her chair at the kitchen table as the garage door opened. Joe (it was clearly Joe) seemed surprised to see her waiting. His kiss on her cheek lacked the feeling and emotion she normally felt. Karen mentally prepared herself for the bad news.

"Joe, what are you doing home tonight?"

"It’s a long story Karen and I’m not sure even I understand it all at this point."

"What?"

"I couldn’t do it Karen." Joe said. "I just couldn’t allow Janet to come out this morning. I ran away."

"Let me call Mary." Karen said. "I’m sure she must be worried about you."

"Mary knows. She and I had a long talk this afternoon and, you know what, I feel a whole lot better because she didn’t try to tell me what to do. She talked about my needs and what she believed was best, but more importantly, she listened. She actually wanted to hear what I thought and how I felt"

"Well Joe, I’m here and I’d like to listen"

Joe took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh before continuing. "Karen, I feel like my life is out of control. Ever since our first trip out to Mary’s I feel like I’m losing control of my life. Between you and Mary, and Janet I feel like I’m a passenger in my own life. I’ve got to slow down and think. Decide what I want instead of following what other people want. I decided to get away and be by myself so that I can decide what I want without external influences. Anyway, I called Rob on the way down the mountain. He said I could stay with him for a couple of weeks while I think things through."

"Joe, don’t. Please stay. We can work this out, I know we can." Karen pleaded. "We’ve had our rough moments over the years, but we’ve always been able to work things out together. Why do you think you need to get away now?"

"I have to go to have room to think." Said Joe. "I don’t trust myself right now to make a rational decision."

"Joe, this is about your life. It’s not a rational decision. I a decision of the heart!" Karen cried. "I don’t know what to say at this point. First, you seemed frustrated because I make you keep your alter ego hidden. Now, you’re just as frustrated because we’re encouraging you to let your other side out. It seems to me that you’re putting us in a no win situation."

Joe and Karen talked until three-thirty in the morning. While they didn’t agree, they understood each other’s position and, as fatigue overcame the couple, Karen accepted Joe’s decision. They slept until noon on Sunday. Karen didn’t cry as Joe packed…but she wanted to. Joe had to wipe a stray tear from his eye as he backed out of the garage. The drive across town to Rob’s apartment was the longest twenty minutes Joe had spent in his life.

Rob was Joe’s younger brother. He was also the complete opposite. Joe was considerate while Rob was self-centered. Rob pictured himself as God’s gift to women. This despite the fact that his last real date was three years ago and the young lady made it very clear that she never wanted to see Rob again.

Rob’s apartment was across town in what Joe considered one of the seedier sections of the city. Joe cruised the block noting the number of bars while he looks for a place to park. He was lucky to find a spot just two blocks from Rob’s place. As he locked the car Joe wondered if he was doing the right thing. He was sure that he needed some breathing room but he didn’t know if his car would be safe. Oh well, can’t do much about it… and the car is insured.

On the third knock, Joe could hear a faint "Come on in" over the din of the television. Joe cautiously opened the door. Rob was sprawled our on the couch with a beer in one hand and the remote in the other. The WWF blared on the television with two scantily clad, overweight men with shoulder length blonde hair, tried to beat each other’s brains out.

"Hey Joe, how’re they hanging." Called Rob. "Throw your stuff in the guest room, grab a brew, and enjoy some quality TV."

Joe couldn’t believe it. Rob’s apartment was a total disaster. The floor hadn’t seen the business end of a broom for at least a month. There was an old pizza box on the coffee table. Joe could see a stack of dishes in the sink. He should have left right away but, Rob was family and, right now, Joe felt that he needed some manly influence in his life before he was overrun by feminity.

Joe smiled and nodded as he headed toward the door that Rob indicated. Joe pushed open the door and flipped the light switch. Women! Women everywhere! This was beyond belief.

"What do you think bro?" Said Rob standing right behind him.

Joe looked at the room in total disbelief. Playmates were everywhere. He had never seen a room wall papered totally in Playboy Playmates.

"It’s different Rob." Was all Joe could manage.

"Yeah, it’s pretty awesome isn’t it?" Rob replied with a belch. "I started this little project about six months ago and never quite got done. When you called, I knew I had to finish just so you’d be the first to experience my orgasm room."

Joe carefully placed his suitcase next to the bed. All he could do was stare. He had come to Rob’s to escape the women who were trying to run his life and now, he seemed doomed to spend the next few weeks surrounded by feminine beauty. Joe continued to stare at the wall paper. They were all so beautiful. Several stood out immediately and drew Joe’s attention. The playmates seemed to be mocking Joe saying "Keep dreaming fellow, you can dress up and put on makeup but you’ll never look this good!"

Joe almost ran from the room to escape the hundreds of eyes… all looking at him and knowing his little secret. Instead, he merely escaped to the living room and the waiting brew Rob handed him.

Joe and Rob talked between wrestling matches. Despite all Joe’s protests Rob continued to insist that Karen had thrown Joe out. He was equally sure it was because of something Joe did and Rob wanted all the juicy details. This was far worse than Joe imagined. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to tell Rob the truth, but he never imagined that Rob would be this insistent on knowing all the details.

"Look Rob, I’d love to talk but I’m beat. I’ll tell you what. Tomorrow we’ll go over all the details." Said Joe, trying to put off the inevitable at least temporarily. "I’m going to read for a bit then try to grab a little shuteye. Karen and I had a late night last night."

The disappointment was clear on Rob’s face but, he let Joe retreat to the relative safety of the guest room. Safety? What a joke thought Joe as he lay on the bed with the latest popular mystery propped on his chest. He was trying to read but the task was almost impossible with all those eyes staring at him. As Joe surveyed the expanse of feminine flesh adorning the walls he was drawn to several pictures in particular. He slipped out of bed and crossed the room to get a closer look at several pictures that were most intriguing. The first to gain Joe’s attention was Anne Marie Fox, Miss February in 82 as the first of many trips to the wall ascertained. Her stare was riveting! Nearby, Lillian Miller, Miss August in 75 caught Joe’s eye. She had the perfect combination of long blonde hair, sensous lips, and bedroom eyes. If I could only look half that good, Joe thought. Judy Tomerlin, Miss June 1958 caught Joes eye with her dazzling red lips and perfectly arched eyebrows. But so did the exotic raven-haired beauty that Joe identified as Anna Clark. She was Miss April, 1987. Amanda Hope certainly did a lot for a set of ‘dog tags’. Joe was in lust. The difference was that he didn’t want to take these girls to bed, he wanted to be these girls. As he slowly worked his way around the room a composite began to form in his mind. It was the compilation of all the beauties he studied yet didn’t really look like any one.

This was going to be a difficult couple of weeks. Joe hoped to escape from what he believed to be excessive feminine influence into Rob’s ultra macho world. Instead, he found himself surrounded by women. Even with the lights turned out, he could feel their stares riveted in him.

Despite the constant torment of the special wall paper the first week was tolerable. Joe and Karen talked twice. Karen suggested that they meet for lunch but Joe politely declined saying it was too soon. Joe and Rob went out for beers three times. Joe met several of Rob’s friends and quickly concluded that he wouldn’t date any of them if he were a girl. The evidence seemed to bear this assessment out since Joe never met a single female friend.

A typical day started with Joe going to work at about seven-thirty. He’d return around five-forty. Rob got home at six-twenty. Dinner for Rob consisted of pizza, Chinese take-out, or a TV dinner consumed while watching TV. Joe purchased a few items the first day and usually cooked his own dinner. He had suggested to Rob that he could cook for both of them but soon gave up when Rob would eat the nutritious meal that Joe prepared and then order his pizza anyway.

There was just one nagging item for Joe. It was really unfair. After going through all of this to separate himself from feminine desires, the need to dress was rising like the pressure on a boiler. Joe tried to ignore the problem to no avail. As his first weekend away from Karen came to a close Joe actually cried in his room late Sunday evening. He knew that he couldn’t hold out much longer so, in those tear streaked hours before dawn, a plan began to form in his mind.

On Wednesday of the second week, Joe went home and collected a few things from his "Janet Closet" as well as his make-up. Back at Rob’s, Joe began going to bed early where he practiced applying makeup until almost midnight. He never tried to completely make himself up but rather, concentrated on a single element each night. He’d select one of the playmates from the wall, and then work until he got the eyes, or lips, or cheeks right. Then he’d clean the makeup off with cold cream, select another model and begin the process again. He had a few close calls but fortunately, Rob never caught him. Joe gradually came to understand that he could never be the slim girl with the perfect body. He stopped looking for an exact match but instead, concentrated on adapting the particular look to his own face. He found it very therapeutic as he started to appreciate how his own features could be enhanced. Joe also began to understand that there wasn’t a battle between his male and female selves. The process was more of a melding. He could still detect some of Joe in each female image he created and, that was ok.

For Karen, the first week without Joe was pure hell. First, there was the blame. She blamed herself for Joe’s departure. Had she pushed too hard? Was her reversal in opinion too abrupt? Sure she only wanted to help but not to the point of driving Joe away. She wanted to call Joe, but sensed that she needed to give him room. Instead, she called Mary. Karen and Mary talked for hours either on the phone or over lunch. Mary was very positive saying that Joe would return soon. Karen hoped that these predictions were true but worried that she and Joe would drift further apart. When Karen returned from work on Wednesday of the second week, she sensed almost immediately that Joe had been to the house. A quick search didn’t uncover any concrete evidence but the feeling remained strong. A slow, methodical, and more deliberate search uncovered the fact that several of Janet’s outfits were missing along with most of the makeup.

Karen was surprised when Joe called that night. Karen and Joe talked that night but neither acknowledged Joe’s visit to the house. She sensed that Joe was troubled about something. She wanted to console him so badly. To let him know that it was ok to accept a gentler, feminine aspect of his personality but to do so would acknowledge that she knew he’d been to the house and the purpose of his visit. Karen wasn’t sure that she’d achieve the results she wanted and that her action could drive Joe further away. Karen didn’t sleep the rest of that night. She thought about Joe and the experiences they shared. Around three, she got up and sat on the sofa looking through pictures documenting past experiences. She got to one from Halloween two years ago and cried. There was Joe dressed as a hooker while she took the role of the pimp. She knew about Joe’s fantasy and he knew that she didn’t approve yet, for one evening she allowed him to indulge. Would there be more opportunities for Karen and Joe to share in each other’s dreams in the future?

Karen and Mary talked about the significance of Joe’s visit. Mary seemed convinced that it signified that Joe was close to resolving his problem.

The following Monday Joe left work early. He knew that the bars around Rob’s place wouldn’t be too crowded. He stopped at a salon about a block from Rob’s. He had made an appointment for two and now, at one forty-five, he was having second thoughts. The lady he talked to didn’t seem phased by his request for a shampoo and set. Joe walked by the front of the salon once. He didn’t see any customers and the sign clearly said open. He walked three doors down and pretended to look at a window display. He waited a few minutes the reversed his course. Taking a deep breath he tried to remain calm as he opened the door to the salon.

"Be right with you!" Called a voice from the rear of the salon.

Joe sat down and began leafing through the hairstyle books set on the low coffee table. In a couple of minutes a rather plump, forty-something woman with bright red hair came around the partition that separated the waiting area from the working area of the salon.

"Hi, I’m Gloria. You must be Pete." Said the woman using the name that Joe had used to book the appointment.

"On the phone you asked for a shampoo and set. Is that still what you want?" She asked.

"Sit here for a minute so we can discuss how you want to look when we’re done."

Joe described the style he had in mind. He agreed that it would look very feminine. He explained that he’d lost a bet to his sister-in-law and had to wear his hair in a feminine style for three months. His wife had been letting him get away with a manly style but Rose, his sister in law, was coming in today and he needed to resurrect the feminine style for the next two weeks.

Gloria asked Joe about his normal morning hair routine. She suggested that Joe get a perm in addition to the set. That way, she explained, Joe wouldn’t have to work on his feminine style each day.

"A Perm" thought Joe. That was a lot more commitment than he had wanted. This was just a one evening fling, a brief excursion for his feminine side. He imagined the effort it would take to mold his curly locks into a masculine style for work the next day. Logic said no but a quiet, more powerful voice said yes.

"OK." Said Joe. "I just want some loose curls though. I certainly don’t want to look like a poodle."

Gloria laughed. "Don’t worry. You’ll look darling when we’re done today. OK, lets go back to the shampoo bowl and get you washed."

Joe began to relax as Gloria’s fingers massaged the floral smelling lather through his hair. He almost asked for a second shampoo when Gloria wrapped his hair in a towel and told him to head back to her chair. She followed with the cart full of perm rods.

As soon as Joe sat down, Gloria went to work. She combed Joe’s hair to the left and then to the right. She parted is low and high on both sides as well as down the middle. After each combing, Gloria would step back and study Joe.

"I’m going to give you a directional perm." She said at last. "What that means is that instead of winding the hair to the back, I’m going to part your hair about here." She said indicating the location high on the right side of Joe’s head. "The right part is traditionally the feminine side for a part and will help emphasize the feminine nature of the style. The curls will flow naturally from this part. I’m, only going to run the part about two inches back so we can add volume and curl across the back. I think you’re going to like this look. With a little makeup and the right clothes, you’ll be able to pass for a lady."

Gloria continued to chatter as she worked. Joe watched in the mirror as the perm rods moved from the tray to his head. He was apprehensive with the idea of the perm. He really did like the thought of having a head full of lovely, feminine curls but… How would he explain at work? He knew he could still stop the process but did he really want to? Joe’s face brightened as soon as he decided to go along with the perm. Besides, Gloria was doing an excellent job and it would be a shame for all this hard work to go to waste. Joe soon relaxed and actively participated in the conversation. He talked about fashions and the weather. They discussed movie stars, their hair and clothes. Joe had just seen the live Madonna concert on HBO. Gloria had only seen previews. She asked him about the hair and costumes.

"Designed to shock." Said Joe. "Like most of Madonna’s productions, this concert is about getting under people’s skin through shock. I don’t know if she’s trying to emphasize the multi-media nature of her talent or draw attention away flaws in the performance. I did have a tough time following the words to all the songs. Maybe her voice is going,"

Gloria had finished rolling the top and left side of Joe’s head. Across the front, a row of rod ends seemed locked together as they moved from right to left. A second row marched right behind the first but, they were offset by half a rod.

Gloria saw Joe looking in the mirror.

"This will give you a soft flow of curls across the front honey. I offset the second row to soften the effect and avoid an obvious part. I think this will be a little less harsh."

Soon a matching row of rod ends marched from the part to the right. Again, the second row was just slightly offset. Gloria began winding the top of Joe’s head in a more traditional front to rear pattern. Joe had been letting his hair grow but was surprised when Gloria was able to roll all the way down to his neck.

"I had to use some yellow and red rods down here." She said, "It will be a bit tighter curl but we’ll be able to blend these curls in nicely."

Gloria finished rolling Joe. She held the bottle of perm solution in one hand and the scissors in the other.

"Last chance to back out!"

"Go ahead and perm me. You did such a good job rolling I wouldn’t think of backing out now. Besides, I want to see the finished product."

"That’s the spirit girl!"

Joe felt the cool wetness of the perm solution soaking through his hair. Gloria worked carefully from the part moving first to the left and then to the right. As soon as the first row was saturated she soaked the second row then moved from the center to the sides. The perm aroma filled the air around the chair. Joe found the scent sensuous. As Gloria began to cover his head with the plastic cap she mentioned that Joe would need a few minutes under the dryer.

Joe panicked at the though of having to stand. How would he hide his throbbing erection? Luckily the cape came down just low enough to cover his problem. Gloria guided him across the salon to the drier.

"About twenty minutes should do it. No more than thirty for sure. I’m going to turn the heat way down so that the perm will process naturally. That will give a better curl structure and will help the perm last longer. Want me to do your nails while you process?"

Joe knew he should say no. But he didn’t. Was it Janet’s voice that agreed? He even asked about a "French Manicure".

"Your nails really aren’t long enough for that." Gloria replied. "If you really want the "pink and white" look I could put a set of acrylics on you. I’ll have to remove what’s left of your last set though."

Joe blushed a deep crimson. He’d forgotten about the set of nails that Ronnie did on his first visit to the cabin. Had it only been three months ago?

"Well, looks like my secret’s out." Said Joe. "Go ahead and do my nails. They don’t have to be pink and white though. You can do whatever you want."

Gloria smiled at Joe and went off to get her tools.

"Well, you’ll have your French Manicure." She said. "I was really tempted to give you a nice set of bright red nails but, I think that would be embarrassing and tough to hide if you tried to dress as a man."

Joe watched as Gloria poured chemicals into a couple of small saucers. She placed Joes fingers in the solution and waited. After five minutes she pulled the right hand from the solution and went to work on the remaining acrylic nails. After scraping for a few minutes she returned the right hand to the solution and worked on the left. She alternated hands until the "ding" of the timer signaled Joe had processed. They returned to the sink where Gloria checked three curls. After pronouncing them perfect she squirted the neutralizer onto Joe’s hair.

"Ten minutes." She announced. "You can sit here if you want. I’ll go get my tools and finish cleaning your nails. We’ll do the new nails after your set.

Ten minutes flew by. Joe was quickly rinsed and the rod were removed. Joe and Gloria returned to the styling chair where Joe got his first glimpse of his new do. Gosh it was curly. Gloria fluffed his hair with her fingers.

"Well, do you want the set, or would you rather have the more natural look."

Joe looked at his watch. This had taken a lot longer than he had expected. There was no way he could go home, get ready, and leave before Rob got home.

"Gloria, I’ve got a big favor to ask."

"What is it honey?"

"Well." Joe paused. "I was going to dress and go out tonight but, I’m staying with my brother and there’s no way he’d ever understand. I was wondering if I could pay you now, run home and bring all my stuff back and dress here?"

A big smile swept across Gloria’s face.

"Only if I get to help you dress and then spend the night out with my new girl friend."

Joe agreed. He quickly paid and literally ran from the shop with his damp curly locks fluttering in the breeze. The keys stayed in the lock as Joe burst into Rob’s apartment to get his things. He quickly grabbed the outfit he planned on wearing for the evening and then decided to take a more trendy outfit in case Gloria had some plans for the evening. He pulled his makeup case from under the bed. Looking at his watch Joe knew he was cutting it close. He ran to the front door. As he fumbled with the lock Joe heard Rob and a couple of his buddies coming up the stairs. Damn lock. He finally got the lock set and raced toward the back stairs.

As Joe rounded the corner and pressed his back to the wall, clutching his clothes tightly against his chest. He tried to control his raspy breathing

"Rob. I just saw some guy run round that corner with a bunch of stuff" One of Rob’s buddies said. "I’ll go after the creep just in case he tried to rip you off."

Joe edged closer to the stairway door. There was no way he could outrun any of these guys. Especially clutching his bundle of clothes.

"Don’t bother Will. My door is stilled locked and it’d serve a couple of these neighbors right to get ripped off."

Rob and his friends went into the apartment to have their post-work beers. Joe eased down the stairs to the floor below and then raced down the hall to the front stairs. He went all the way around the block in the opposite direction just to make sure he wasn’t seen from Rob’s window.

Back at the salon Joe found Gloria dressed for a night on the town. He was glad he decided to grab the little black dress. It was perfect! Gloria rolled Joe’s hair with a set of heated rollers. Joe sat at the manicure station while Gloria quickly created a beautiful long set of French nails. Joe did his own makeup. On a whim, Joe had bought a bottle of spray on hair remover. He’d been using it ever since the first Wednesday at Rob’s and the results were fantastic. The blue tinge that marked Joe’s beard was all but gone. This meant that instead of a heavy layer of concealer Joe was able to use a normal liquid make-up base. He patted on the powder and then used a rose blush to highlight his cheeks. Gloria watched and offered several pointers. Amazingly, an additional angled sweep of blush had a dramatic effect. Joe was very happy with the result.

Joe went back to the waxing room to dress. He quickly stripped off his male clothes and stacked them haphazardly on the table. After tucking himself back and using a pad, Joe selected a high cut black, brief. Once he got the panty in place it was time for his pantyhose. He selected a pair of "Off Black" sheer to the waist Hanes still in the package. He slowly eased the silky material up his legs lost in the sensuous feelings that flooded his body. His fingers traced a path from his shin to his thigh sending bolts of pleasure through him again. God, he was going to cum!

Joe quickly cleaned up and got everything tucked back into place. He retrieved the black lace bra from the bag. Joe placed his arms through the straps and pulled the bra up to his chest. He was struggling with the clasp when a second set of hands appeared to assist his own fumbling efforts.

"You almost had it. " Said Gloria as she hooked the bra into place.

She watched as Joe retrieved his breast forms from the bag. He inserted them into the bra and turned sideways to look at himself in the mirror.

"What do I call you?" Gloria asked. "I certainly can yell Hey Joe or Hey Pete across the bar."

Joe spun around with a shocked look on his face.

"How?"

"You gave me a debit card to pay for your hair. When I run the card your name came up on the screen. I figured you booked your appointment with another name to try to remain anonymous so I let it slide rather than asking for ID. But, since neither of those names fit now, what do I call you?"

"Sue." Said Joe without hesitation. He’d been thinking about his feminine persona ever since that first trip to Mary’s. He definitely wasn’t a Josie as Ronnie called him that first evening. He had selected Janet but that name carried a lot of baggage. Janet was a domineering aunt that Joe remembered with a mix of awe and dread. She was a stern no-nonsense type that never seemed to have a good time. Joe had originally selected that name when he felt overwhelmed and dominated by the feminine personality that emerged at Mary’s. Joe wanted a name that could reflect the true complexity of his nature. Sue was perfect. It could be casual as in Sue or it could be a serious Susan. It could be a light and airy Susie when the mood fit. Susan was born that evening. The selection of this new name also cleared up some of the confusion in Joe’s mind. Joe sensed that this was a new beginning just like the emergence of Josie and Janet. The fact that he had initiated the transformation at a time and place of his choosing was also important. Joe was beginning to fully understand the complexity of his gender issue. It wasn’t a matter of male versus female. Each aspect of his personality carried with it a same set of complex characteristics and emotions. But there wasn’t a switch that could be flipped from male to female. Instead, Joe realized that each persona represented a slightly different balance of the characteristics that made up Joe Lassen. It didn’t matter if he was in a male or female persona. That complexity was there and it was part of the person.

"What?" Sue asked realizing that Gloria had been talking throughout the entire revelation.

"I suggested that we go down to Rudy’s for a light dinner before out night on the town. It’s a great little bistro two blocks from here. We can walk, the streets should be quiet, and you can get your heel legs back."

Joe agreed. The girls walked to Rudy’s where they shared a bottle of Chardonnay and a lot of conversation while they ate. Sue told Gloria about Karen and about her experiences at Mary’s. Gloria wiped a tear from her eye as Sue finished.

"Gosh, you are so lucky! You have such an understanding wife. Then to find others to support you through the tough emotional times as you transition. Are you going to become a woman at the end of this period?"

Sue explained that she had no plans to become female. She told Gloria that she enjoyed both male and female activities depending on the mood.

They quickly paid for the meal and Gloria led the way as they hit several of the clubs in the area. Gloria seemed to know her way around the neighborhood so Sue was content to follow. Sue mentioned Vic’s Bar as they passed by.

"No! We definitely don’t want to go in there." Gloria responded. "First of all, it lacks atmosphere, unless you call a TV tuned to professional wrestling atmosphere. Secondly, that creep Rob and his friends hang out there cause it’s the only place that will tolerate them."

Sue realized that Gloria was talking about her brother. Gloria’s statements confirmed what Sue had felt when she arrived at Rob’s apartment. Rob was a loser when it came to girls.

They visited several more clubs that evening. Sue was surprised when one of the clubs turned out to be a Lesbian Bar. Sue and Gloria danced together giggling over their little secret. About eleven thirty Gloria said that she needed to go home and get some sleep since she opened at eight in the morning on Tuesday. She invited Sue to spend the night. To Sue’s surprised look Gloria quickly added that she had no sexual intentions. She had a guest room that Sue could use. Sue declined saying that she had to take care of a few issues. She promised Gloria that she was heading straight home. The friends parted at the door of the club. Gloria headed for her car and Sue turned toward Vic’s.

Sue entered Vic’s place. The stench of years of smoked cigarettes and spilt beers assaulted her nose. She almost turned around at the door but something made her enter the dimly lit bar. She ordered a scotch and settled into a chair in the corner. What was she waiting for? Why here? Sue kept asking herself these questions. Rob and his friends usually hung out at this bar. Did she want to see if she could fool her brother or, did she really want to be found? Wouldn’t it be a lot easier if there was no secret life? What if everyone knew? Sue really didn’t want acceptance. What she wanted was the opportunity to be free to come and go. She sipped her drink carried on a quiet discussion with Joe. It took only fifteen minutes for the two personalities to reach a pact. Sue, she was in charge tonight, couldn’t wait to get home and call Karen. More than anything she wanted to pack up and move home.

Sue was half way up when the door flew open with a crash and Rob and his friends entered. She slipped back into her chair hoping that nobody would notice her and that she could slip out quietly in a few minutes.

Rob and his friends had obviously been to a few other establishments this evening. They were sloshed. The clump, yes clump seem the best way to describe the closely packed group of men, zigzagged to the bar. A twenty-dollar bill splashed into a puddle of beer left from a previous tenant. The bartender took the twenty and returned with a round of beers. The group reveled in their conquests earlier in the evening. Their graphic descriptions of deeds performed made Sue blush even though she understood that they were pure fantasy.

Sue was about to quietly sneak out when Rob slapped another bill on the bar and announced a round for the house. The bartender asked if Rob wanted to include the lady in the corner. Ten eyes sung in unison to assess a potential new conquest. Rob agreed but told Vic that he would deliver the drink personally. Sue panicked. She thought about running but realized she had nowhere to go. Her keys were back at the salon in her pants. Also, any attempt to leave would surely cause a scene possible leading to discovery.

She looked up to see Rob approaching with another scotch. He had a silly smile that made Sue think of the old saying having to do with a certain type of grin. Obviously, the originator had met Rob in a bar. Rob sat next to Sue and slid her drink across the table losing about half the contents in the glass.

Sue kept her cool and told Rob her name. She said she lived across town and had met a friend for dinner. She said that she just didn’t feel like going home so early and came by Vic’s for a nightcap. Rob told Sue about himself; mainly lies. They talked for a couple of minutes longer. Rob friends yelled over asking Rob if he needed another. Sue seized the opportunity.

"Don’t get another." She said. "I think you’ve had more than enough already. One more and I know you couldn’t perform for a lady in private."

Rob’s eyes doubled in size and strained for release from his skull. Yes, they almost popped out.

"Naw Steve. The lady and I will have a last call at my place."

Rob stood and offered his arm. Sue grabbed her purse and hooker her are through Rob’s. She hoped that she had judged Robs condition accurately. He usually came home, tumbled into bed and fell fast asleep. If he stayed awake, this would get ugly.

Sue let Rob lead her out the door and left down the street. The gang at the bar had a few lewd suggestions for the couple. At least he was heading in the direction of home. The walk was very quiet. It was almost as if Rob decided that he could either walk of talk but not do both. Sue was thankful for the silence. She needed to think about all the possibilities.

They climbed the stairs to Rob’s apartment and Sue had to help Rob get the key into the slot. She made a dumb joke about Rob’s inability to get it in. Rob’s eyes narrowed and he starred at her intently as he stated that he only had trouble with keys.

Oh God, I’ve gotten him riled up, thought Sue. That’s the last thing I need.

They entered the apartment. Rob nearly tripped over the coffee table. He went to the kitchen to get a couple of glasses while Sue looked around. She quietly shut the door to the guest room and then asked Rob, "What’s in here?"

"Sssshhhhh" Rob slurred with his finger in from of his mouth. "My brother is spending a couple of days with me. He’s sleeping and I don’t want to wake him up."

Rob handed Sue a glass and they walked over to the kitchen counter where several bottles stood. Sue accepted the cheap scotch Rob offered. He poured himself a tall vodka. With a arm around Sue’s waist, Rob led the way to his bedroom.

As soon as they entered the room Sue spun around seeming to admire the décor. As she completed her circle her lips met Rob’s. His arms enclosed Sue in a tight embrace and his tongue entered her mouth. They kissed for an eternity according to Sue’s calculation. She broke free of Rob’s surprisingly powerful arms.

"I need to get comfortable." She told Rob. "Do you have a hanger for this dress? Is that the bathroom?"

Rob handed Sue a hanger and she escaped for the relative safety of the bathroom. A tear trickled down her cheek as she though of the narrow escape. Had she miscalculated? Rob should be out by now. Sue decided to hide in the relative safety of the bathroom and hope that Rob fell asleep.

About five minutes later Sue carefully opened the bathroom door. Immediately she said a prayer of thanks when she heard the sound of snoring coming from the bed.

Sue took her drink and went out to the sofa. She sat and sipped and thought. What a change two week could make. Acceptance of her feminine side, meeting a new friend in Gloria and, getting picked up by her brother. Yeah, lots of things had changed. About two-thirty she went to her room to undress. In the bathroom Sue gradually became Joe, and Joe wondered what he’d do about his now curly hair. He jumped in the shower and washed the grime off his body. He shampooed his hair and dried it with his large fluffy towel and headed back to his room.

Halfway across the living room he stopped and turned toward the kitchen. He found the pad of paper in the third drawer. Using his best feminine handwriting style he carefully composed a note from Sue to Rob. It took three tries but he finally got it done. He thanked Rob for a wild and wonderful night. He hinted that they had sex not once but twice. Sue referred to Rob as a stud. Joe carefully folded the note and quietly placed it on Rob’s nightstand.

He went back to his room and lay down. Sleep wouldn’t come that night. Joe thought about himself, about Sue and about Karen. He hoped the three of them could work out an arrangement. He reached for the phone several times between three and five but decided it was too early to call Karen. He though about calling Veronica because he owed her an explanation but decided it was too early event for that.

At six-thirty Joe packed his bags. He carefully wrote a not to Rob thanking him for the place to stay. He complimented Rob on the classy lady that spent the night. Joe stated that he hoped to see the two of them together real soon. At seven-thirty Joe emerged from his second shower in less than five hours. He left the key on the end table along with his note and quietly let himself out of the apartment.

Joe threw his suitcase into the trunk of the car. He really didn’t have any idea where he was going but he knew what he had to do. Joe found a pay phone at a Seven-Eleven just a couple of blocks from Rob’s. He called Karen. He and Karen talked for several minutes before Joe asked if she’d join him for lunch. He told Karen that he wanted to move back and that they had to settle a few issues first. She agreed to meet him at Chili’s at eleven-thirty. Joe’s next call was to work. He told his secretary that he was still feeling bad but would try to get in later that day.

Joe got back in the car with a big smile on his face. Things were going to work out, but he had a lot to do before lunch. He headed over toward Gloria’s Salon. It was going to be a busy morning.

Author’s Note: It took me quite a while to get this part of the story done. Part five will conclude the saga of Joe and Karen. I promise to have it out soon!

 

 

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© 2001 by Marti B. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.