Realization                    by: Marti Brown

 

Part 1

Chapter One - In Retrospect

A single tear traced a ragged path down my cheek ruining my once perfect make-up. My shoulders slumped as if they were bearing the weight of the world as the full impact of my situation hit home. Angela came over to see if the dryer was too hot. I smiled and told her everything was ok and that I was fine. Angela checked my hair wrapped tight on the rollers. She said, "Looks like you're done, lets go back to my chair and I'll finishing making you beautiful."

I couldn't help but blush at the thought of being considered a beautiful woman. Inside though there was turmoil as I wrestled with strong conflicting emotions. Was it wrong for a man to feel so good being so feminine? Could I still be considered a man? Could I truly ever go back to being a man in society's eye? What would Suzanne think when she saw me?

You see, Suzanne is the love of my life and the person responsible for the person I am today. As I look back on the events of the past two years I cannot find a single event that represents a turning point. Maybe it was inevitable the first time I saw Suzanne.

 

Chapter Two - The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of Defeat

I was a "hot shot" airline pilot, king of the world. I had just authored a novel as "Capt. W". The book told the story of a violent passenger whose actions lead to a disastrous crash and of the heroic efforts of the pilot to save the crippled aircraft. The cause of the crash is initially blamed on "Pilot Error" until a lone federal investigator puts her career on the line to get to the frightening bottom of the mystery. I thought it was a great story but it just didn't catch on with the reading public. That is, until my story was relived on the nightly news and a reporter happened to link my book to the crash. Sales rocketed and the mystery author became the topic of the day on the talk show circuit. My agent politely refused all requests for interviews leading to speculation (correct) that I was an airline pilot trying to keep my job. My second book again focused on aviation safety and the crowded skies over major metropolitan areas earned me a significant commission from the publisher and caused quite a stir in the news. There were calls for an investigation citing my accuracy in predicting the earlier aircraft problems.

I also gained a lot more notoriety. It was only a matter of time before my identity was discovered which would mean the end of my flying career. I knew that this was going to happen once my first book became a best seller. Through sound investments I had enough put away so that I would never have to work again. I gave notice to the airline.

I was on my next to last flight when Suzanne and I crossed paths. We were on a long leg from San Francisco to New York and I went back to get a glass of water and to stretch my legs. Suzanne was sitting on the aisle in the second row. She was a real knockout with long auburn hair cascading across her shoulders in gentle waves. Her emerald green eyes flashed with and intense fire and seemed to look right into your soul. Her dazzling smile seemed to get a little wider and brighter when she caught me staring. I could feel my face warm to a crimson glow as I scurried back to the safety of the flight deck. For the rest of the flight I was haunted by her lovely vision. At the same time I was worried because I really believed that she had looked into my soul and discovered my most hidden secrets. My fear grew as I stepped of the walkway to find Suzanne waiting for me. She thanked me for a "Most enjoyable" flight. We talked about the flight and about New York. She offered me a ride to my hotel in her limo. I declined telling her that I had to ride with the crew but asked if we could get together in San Francisco. She simply smiled, tossed her head and walked toward the waiting car. As she slowly walked away I kept praying she would look back. She never did and I never did get an answer…but I was hooked.

Imagine my surprise the next afternoon when Suzanne was sitting in "her seat" on my final flight. We exchanged greetings like two strangers but I knew that there was magic in the air. The journey west was the longest of my career. Here I was with the most beautiful, enchanting woman I had ever known sitting 20 feet away and I couldn't see or talk to her. My frustration was almost unbearable. I went back several times just to try to catch her eye but she seemed to be chatting with the gentleman in the window seat. Jealousy enveloped me in a green mask and a foul mood that vented itself on the rest of the crew. Fortunately for me, except for Amber the chief flight attendant, who watched my antics in the cabin, everyone thought my foul mood was the result of my anxiety over my last flight.

"You're acting like a true Neanderthal" Amber whispered in my ear. "What!" I responded, "Makes you say that."

"I couldn't help seeing how you ogle the poor lady in seat 2B." She said. "How would you feel to have some dopey man acting possessive and macho around you?"

"You've got this all wrong!" I replied. "Suzanne and I met following yesterday's flight and I really want to ask her out. It's just that I can't seem to get up the nerve. Every time I look into those big green eyes I seem to go all soft and quivery inside."

"Well, well, well. Looks like God's gift to the female gender has finally been brought to his knees." Amber said.

"I … I…" was all I could muster as a reply. I retreated to the safety of the cockpit with my head down and my tail between my legs. I knew Amber was gloating!

 

Chapter Three - Paradise Lost

I couldn't wait to land and ask Suzanne out to dinner and a show.

I hurried through the shutdown checks and hurried anxiously off the airplane. Can you imagine how crushed I felt when Suzanne wasn't there? Joe, my first officer asked if I wanted to stop for drinks on the way home. He said that he and a couple of the crewmembers were going to the Cascades Lounge at the airport Hyatt. Since it was on the way home I decided to stop by for a single "Water with Lime". I arrived around nine and quickly spotted Joe, Steve, Amber and Tracy on the far side of the bar. The place wasn't crowded on a Thursday night. A cute young blonde barmaid intercepted me as I maneuvered around the bar and took my order. She was a knockout with her large breasts standing at attention. Normally I would have been working on getting her name and number but not tonight. My mind was totally focused only on the exquisite lady who seemed to have slipped into and out of my life so easily, Suzanne.

We toasted to my new career and the maintenance of current friendships. The discussion turned toward gossip about mutual friends, co-workers, and work-related subjects. Tracy said that a friend had told her that "Capt. W" was going to accept a position with CNN as an aviation analyst. Joe said he couldn't wait to see this mystery man. Amber spoke out in support of the mystery author saying that "Capt. W" had done a lot to popularize airline safety. She also said that she kind of liked the mystery surrounding "Capt. W's" identity and would be sad to find out that it he was someone she knew. I stated the possibility that "Capt. W" was a she instead of a he and got jumped on by Joe for even voicing such a silly idea.

"No way a woman could ever explain the technical issues with that kind of clarity" said Joe. "Capt. W. is definitely a man, and a damn good pilot from my perspective."

"You're so full of macho male bullshit!" shouted Tracy. "There are plenty of women pilots who could talk rings around you guys when it comes to aviation technology. All of you fly boys think you're so smart and so good, and so irresistible. You should see it from our perspective. How would you like it if you had to wear a push up bra for your penis and all the girls made lewd comments about the size and shape of your equipment, or better yet thinking up all kinds of ways to reach out and cop a feel. How would you like to be judged inferior due to your gender without regard for your education and training."

"Whoa Tracy. What brings this on? I'm sure Joe didn't mean it that way." I said. "I've personally flown with many women and I admit that they have to be sharper than their male counterparts just to survive in this environment. The bottom line is though, this is the environment we live in so we all have to accept it."

"Do I hear our fearless captain rushing to defend the precious male ego of our co-pilot? Are you really saying that women had better stay in their place?" asked Amber incredulously. "What would that lady in 2b say if she heard you spouting this male chauvinist crap? I wonder if she'd still want to meet you at Aqua at 9:30."

"What did you say?" I screamed. "Its 8:45 now and I need at least 45 minutes to drive downtown and find a parking spot! When were you going to tell me?"

"Hey, calm down lover boy" cooed Amber. "Suzanne told me not to tell you anything till 9:00 if you didn't ask first. I'm giving you a big break by telling you in time to actually make it to the restaurant on time."

 

Chapter Four - Hope Springs Eternal

I pulled a fifty out of my wallet and threw it on the table as I raced to the door. I nearly knocked an older couple down in my mad dash across the lobby. My squealing tires left a blue cloud as I left the parking lot. I raced all the way to 3^rd Avenue and came to an abrupt halt on the 101 on ramp. I cursed CalTrans as I edged past the construction equipment. I merged onto 101 north and immediately speed to the left lane. My taillights wove a zigzag course north toward the city as I passed slower traffic…and everybody was slower. I drove past the restaurant at 9:30 on the dot, but couldn't find a single spot to park. I circled the block and found a spot on Sansome Street. The horn chirped in response to my button pushing on the remote as I dashed around the corner.

My watch said 9:37 as I approached the Maitre'd and told him I was meeting an attractive lady.

"Ah, you must be Timothy." He said. "Suzanne was sure you would show up and asked me to give you this note when she left. Frankly, I wouldn't bother with an idiot who stands up such a wonderful lady. If you want my advice Tim, get your priorities straight!"

I grabbed the note from his hand and nearly tore it in half trying to get the envelope opened. Inside was a simple note that set me on the course that reached its destination under the dryer two years later. Would I have been so eager if I knew the consequences that damp Thursday evening? Ignorance is bliss. As the old song says, "Fools rush in, where wise men fear to tread."

The note was neatly typed and had more of a business flavor than I had hoped. Still, there was still hope for me. The note read:

"Tina,

I'm very happy you are reading this note since it means that you truly have the potential to become the person I think you are. I assume that you do have some feelings for me even though I'm hurt because you obviously didn't think to ask earlier and had to be told of this meeting. Amber really thinks you are a great guy so I will give you one more chance. But, you have to follow the instructions below exactly as they are written. They may seem a little strange right now but I want a clear demonstration that you do care for me.

Tomorrow you and I are going on a little adventure through the city. It'll be just like a scavenger hunt with me as the prize if you are "man" enough to complete the fun little assignments I have for you along the way. Keep an open mind and a sense of humor tomorrow and I can assure you that you will discover things about yourself that you never ever suspected. Tomorrow evening you will be a changed person.

Now Tina, in the morning I want you to shower and shave nice and close. Do not put on after shave because I have a very sensitive nose and have a favorite scent that you'll pick up on the way. Your first assignment is to go to the Victoria's Secret store in the St Francis Hotel on Powell Street. Be there at 10:30 sharp and tell the manager that Suzanne sent you. Then follow her instructions exactly if you want to know you're next task. If you refuse to do as your told or you question the girls at all, they will destroy my instructions and we will never see each other again."

 

Chapter Five - The Adventure Begins

I hardly slept at all that night. Bright and early on Friday I was in the shower getting ready for my big date. I shaved real close, then went over my chin and upper lip one more time for good measure. I stood in front of my closet for an eternity wondering what to wear. Spending the day in the city clearly called for casual attire but an evening date could call for a jacket and tie. I finally decided to go casual and hope that I would be able to change before the evening began.

At 8:00AM I was nervously looking around the lobby of the St Francis hotel. I quickly located the Victoria's Secret entrance but, of course, the store was closed at this early hour. I eased into a booth in the coffee shop and ordered a bagel and coffee. I was working on my third cup when a very attractive auburn haired beauty walked up and began unlocking the door of the shop across the lobby. It was only 9:45 but I just couldn't wait. I hurriedly paid the check and virtually ran across the lobby and right up to the locked door of the store. The lady I saw opening looked up from the cash register and waved to me but made no move to the door in response to my furtive taps. There I stood, trying to appear casual, at the shop entrance as several more beauties went by and were let in. Now there were six beautiful women busy getting the store ready for the day ahead. From time to time one would look up and smile. Some even waved to the poor fool perched near the door. At 10:00 the auburn haired beauty sauntered up to the door and made a big production of unlocking the store. I'm sure she was just making me suffer just a little longer but finally, the door opened. I burst past her and dashed up to a tall brunette at the cash register.

"Suzanne sent me!" I gasped totally loosing my cool.

Melanie looked at me and said "So?"

"Suzanne sent me!" I repeated. "She told me to be here and that you would give me instructions. You know, like a scavenger hunt."

Now I was beginning to lose my smug self confidence and the ladies, who had all gathered around the counter giggled at my predicament. Jasmine, an oriental knockout, asked if I knew I was early. Did I understand the consequences of not following instructions? All the girls joined in discussing my fate. I heard several mentions of Plan B and Plan C but few details emerged. Ashley, the tall woman with the auburn hair walked up and instructed me to go sit in the chair near the dressing room. I was told not to move until instructed. I got a very uneasy feeling as I sat there with the girls talking, laughing, and occasionally looking over in my direction. At 10:30 precisely Ashley walked up to me and asked if I had something to say.

"Hi, my name is Tim and Suzanne sent me." I responded.

"Well, you got part of it right." Ashley replied. "I think if you read the note carefully though, your name is Tina." "Anyway, its time to get started so go into this dressing room and remove your clothes."

"What!"

"You heard me Tina! Get in there and remove your clothes and hand them to me. Or, are you questioning my instructions?" she asked pulling an envelope out of her pocket and holding a match to the edge.

"I'm going. I'm going!" I cried kicking my shoes off. I had my belt undone and my shirt almost off before I entered the dressing area. Entering the first cubicle I quickly shed my outer garments and shoved them under the door.

"I don't see any underwear here. Did you get dressed without proper undergarments this morning?" I was asked.

I quickly stripped off my jockey shorts and slipped them under the door to join my pile of clothes, which disappeared.

"Now, come out here so we can get you measured and fitted"

I tried to hide behind the door as I opened it but was told to hurry up. My hands were glued to my groin trying to preserve some degree of dignity for as long as possible. Two blondes moved around me poking and prodding and measuring everything. Worse yet, every measurement seemed to elicit giggles from my tormentors. They decided that I was a 34C and a medium after what seemed to be a long time. This information was called out to the group waiting on the main floor. Almost immediately Jasmine came through the curtains carrying a crimson bra and panty set.

"Try these." She said with an evil grin. "When you get them on come out so we can check the fit."

I turned back to the cubicle. The panty was easy to pull on. The bra was a different story. I knew enough to put my arms through the straps but couldn't get the hooks fastened in the back. I seemed to be able to get two of the three hooks clasped but somehow, the darned thing just didn't feel right. I finally opened the cubicle door and stepped out…to an empty dressing area.

"Hurry up! We don't have all day and neither do you if you're going to be on time. Get out here so we can see."

My heart sunk and my feet seemed glued to the floor when I understood that the girls wanted me out on the sales floor to model for them. I clutched the curtains together as I peered over the top. My worst fears were confirmed. The group was gathered in front of a mirror behind a small platform. I was quickly pulled from the safety of the dressing area and propelled up on the platform. A few whistles from the store were the final humiliation…I thought.

"Ann, you forgot the forms" I heard. Almost immediately I felt hands opening my bra. I opened my eyes for the first time as Ashley strode forward and studied my chest. She hesitated only a second before taking out a marker and putting two small marks on my chest. Almost immediately, I felt something being pressed against my chest. I felt cold, wet, and sticky. Firm hands held two forms to my chest for several minutes. When the hands were withdrawn I felt weight pulling on my skin. I looked down to see my "breasts". More hands returned and my bra was once again covering my chest. More importantly, it provided support to help hold up my breasts. I never heard the comments from the group and barely recognized it when I was handed another bra and panty set to model. I lost count of the number of trips I made back and forth to my little perch in the store. I also lost count of the number of witnesses to my spectacle. I know that there were several camera flashes over the course of the next hour.

I was back in my cubicle when Ashley told me that I had to hurry if I was going to make my next appointment. She handed me a "Miracle Bra" in taupe watercolor and a matching Second Skin Satin classic bikini panty. I asked about removing my breasts and was told that Suzanne would take care of that when we met later. I emerged wearing my white cotton polo that was being stretched by my new shape. My pants fit ok but my shoes seemed to have disappeared sometime during the show. Luckily Jasmine found a pair of open toed sandals with a one-inch heel that fit fairly well. Ashley handed me an envelope, a bag, and my credit card receipt. I opened the envelope and read:

"Tina,

I'm so proud of you! You've successfully completed the first task but really need to hurry if you are going to get to Gigi's on time. Just go down Powell and you can't miss it.

Love, Suzanne"

 

Chapter Six - Don't Let it go to Your Head

Ashley sprayed me with Dream Angels Halo perfume and placed the bottle in my bag. She wished me well as I was pushed out the door. As I shuffled down the street in the strange shoes with my breasts bouncing I was a constant deep red from embarrassment. Several people pointed and a few laughed but luckily, no one stopped me. My head swung from side to side as I went down the street looking for Gigi's. Though the distance was relatively short, it seemed like the longest walk of my life. The stares, the muffled comments, and the laughs from everyone. I prayed that the sidewalk would open up and swallow me to end this torment. Again I questioned my desire and motivation. Was Suzanne worth all this? My heart cried out with a resounding YES!!! Almost everyone on the sidewalk stared at the guy with breasts approaching. Those that didn't stare as I approached turned to look as they got a whiff of my perfume. About four blocks down I saw it across the street… Gigi's Salon!

A delivery truck driver made a catcall as I crossed in front of him. I quickly made my way back up the street to the door of the salon. Taking a deep breath, I entered dreading what I was sure was coming.

"Sue, your noon appointment is here!" called out the bleached blond receptionist with over done make up. She tried unsuccessfully to suppress a laugh as she complimented me on my cute bra. Devastated I looked down to confirm my worst fears. My bra was clearly visible through the white shirt.

"Don't worry honey, it happens to all us girls." She said. "Next time you'll think about your entire outfit when you get dressed. Now run on back and change into a smock then come back up here to discuss your makeover with Sue."

I started to protest but stopped when Gerri (according to her name tag) held up the now easily recognized envelope addressed to Tina. She started to rip the envelope as she said, "Too bad Tina, I really thought you'd make it past this stage. Now, if you promise to cooperate I'll overlook this violation of the rules. But only this once! What's it going to be?"

My mind screamed out for me to resist. To walk away and try to reassemble my shattered dignity. But, I'd never see Suzanne. Was she worth everything I was being asked to endure? My mind shouted go while my heart quietly whispered stay. I followed my heart.

Gerri's smug 'I told you so' look stayed with me as I meekly walked down the hall. I had a lot of choices in smocks…pink with rosebuds and pink with rosebuds. I stripped down to my bra and panties and pulled a smock from the stack. Three quick snaps and I went back out to meet my fate. Gerri was talking to a striking redhead who she introduced as Sue. Sue guided me over to a couch in the corner for my consultation. She told Gerri to bring me a glass of Chardonnay.

"What look do you have in mind?" Sue asked.

"I really don't have any particular look." I said taking the wine from Gerri.

I took several sips as Sue outlined the planned activities for the afternoon. Suzanne had requested the works; hair, nails, and waxing. Sue said that she wanted to start with hair color. While the color processed I'd get my legs, back, stomach and underarms waxed. Then back to Sue for highlites with a pedicure and manicure at the same time. Sue would then style my hair and send me off to my next assignment. Sue offered several options for my style. Most of the terms she used meant nothing to me so she started a video program that put me on the screen. Sue briefly explained the concept of video imaging and launched right into the possibilities with my current hair length. Faster and faster images of me in a variety of female styles flashed up on the screen. I don't know if it was the wine or the video but I was definitely getting dizzy. Suddenly, I felt at peace with this whole adventure. Somehow I came to realize that deep down inside I was getting my heart's desire. I was unlocking the woman within who had been imprisoned for all these years. I believed Sue when she said that I'd look great with a short shag. I heard another customer come in as Sue and I went back to the styling chair.

"I see the enhanced wine had its usual effect." Said the raven haired beauty who just walked in. "Tina should be most cooperative throughout the rest of the day. There's also been a change in plan. Suzanne wants our new girl to go directly to 'Midnight Garden' for her corset fitting from here. Can you add a make up session? Suzanne wants the trashy look for clubbing tonight"

"I'm sure I can bring out her slutty best." replied Gerri. We'll have to add an hour to the time though. Will that work?"

"That will be perfect! Here, let me swap instructions with you" said the raven haired lady as she held out a familiar envelope. The exchange was made and the raven haired beauty was gone.

Sue guided me through several areas of the salon explaining the function of each as we went. After what seemed an endless series of left and right turns we arrived at Sue's chair, right in front of the window.

"I'm the featured stylist this month." Said Sue. "All my clients get to be part of the show. We find that as people watch us work we get a lot of inquiries and generate a lot more business. Most of my clients love the show biz atmosphere here at the window seat. We usually get a little carried away with some very dramatic results. Well, lets get started."

Sue discussed various options as a plan crystallized in her mind. A petite brunette named Beth appeared to lead me to the waxing station while Sue went back to mix my color. Another glass of wine helped boost my courage as Beth described the waxing process. Beth opened a door on the right and told me to get undressed and climb up on the table. I hesitated till I realized that Beth had no intention of giving me any privacy. I slowly unsnapped my gown revealing my bra and panties.

"Wow, those are just gorgeous!" Beth exclaimed.

I didn't know if she was referring to my breasts or my underwear. I unhooked my bra, slipped out of the panties, and slid up on the table. Beth wasted no time and very quickly my lower right leg was covered with the sticky wax. Beth applied the cloth and with a single ripping movement my inner leg was smooth. I almost jumped off the table. Beth laughed and repeated the ripping process on my outer leg. She quickly and efficiently moved to my left leg, the upper legs, my arms, and stomach all the while exhorting the benefits and tradeoffs of waxing, shaving, electrolysis, and laser removal methods. Beth explained that this was just my first treatment and that in the future I would have electrolysis on my face, laser for my arms and torso area and either waxing or shaving for my legs, underarms, and bikini areas. I rolled over when instructed and the process began all over again on my legs, back and, arms.

" I'm going to do you a big favor." Said Sue as she smeared something in the crease of my butt.

"I know you don't want to go through the waxing process on these ugly hairs here." She said. "I'm going to use the laser to permanently remove these hairs so they won't spoil your fun later on."

"Now comes the fun part. Roll over and we'll get started with the underarms and bikini area. Now, I was told that you wanted a 'Brazilian wax'. This is going to sting but you know the results are worth the pain."

Beth had me raise my arms and the wax was applied to this sensitive area. A high pitched yelp escaped from my mouth as the wax and hair was ripped from my body. Beth now turned her attention to my bikini area. I heard then belt the buzz and vibration of the clippers as she trimmed my pubic hair. Her running commentary informed me that a one inch length looked so clean and neat.

Beth fastened a strap around my waist and several more were attached to hold my wrists, elbows, knees and ankles in place. Beth explained that this was necessary because experience proved that it was very difficult to remain still as the hair was removed from my scrotum and penis. Once I was locked in place the bottom half of the table split and my legs were stretched further apart than I thought possible. Beth went to work applying the hot wax to my inner thighs. Rip! Next I felt the warmth spreading across my scrotum. RIP! I think I passed out from the pain! All I know is that I don't remember much more of the process. I emerged from my trance to find a single narrow vertical stripe of hair extending two inches above my penis. Beth told me I was a very brave girl and that the rest of the day would be fun. My Dream Angels lotion was smoothed all over my body and I got dressed for the return trip to Sue's window seat.

"You look absolutely fabulous!" Sue exclaimed. "Did you get a Brazilian? Let's see!"

With that she opened my gown and pulled my panties out to see my landing strip. I was so dazed and confused at this point that I really don't know if I was facing the window or not.

With a flourish, Sue deftly placed the cape over my shoulders and snapped it in place. She then went to work on my hair. She dipped the brush in the bowl and applied the color to my hair. Part the hair, brush. The whole time Sue explained that my basic color was good but needed a warm-up. She told me that this process would bring out the warm red undertones in my hair. I flinched when Beth returned. She explained that se was going to do my nails while Sue applied the color.

Soon my hands were soaking as Beth and Sue discussed which acrylics I would receive. Much to my relief they decided that I needed the 'Pink and White' natural looking nails. Beth went to work on my cuticles and nails to prepare me for my new look. Sue finished my color and directed Beth and I to a dryer in the corner. Several heat lamps were arranged around my head and there I sat in the window with Beth working on my nails. My feet were now in a basin to prepare me for my pedicure.

Sue returned with a striking blonde with beautiful subtle highlites who was getting a trim. As she settled into the styling chair she turned to me and said "Nice undies, dear."

Looking down I saw that the gown had opened up in the front. I reached up to close the gown but was stopped by Beth who said that I'd ruin my manicure. My spirit was further broken through the humiliation of sitting in the window exposed for the world to see.

Beth had just finished with my nails as Sue called me to the sink to rinse the color out. She chatted about clothes, hair, men, and diets as she washed my hair. She seemed satisfied with the result and we headed up to the front again to begin the highlites.

Beth was waiting for us and resumed my pedicure while Sue went off to mix color. I was shocked when I saw myself in the mirror. Coppery red had replaced the mousy brown on the top of my head. Beth told me I looked great! She wished she had the courage to wear bold bright colors. Sue returned and told me that we were going to add some gold to increase the dramatic effect. Sue and Beth discussed framing my face with gold along with several alternative highlighting patterns as if I wasn't there and had no voice in the decision. Which was true.

Sue sectioned and clipped my hair. She then used the tail of the comb to separate a small band of hair. The foil was placed under this band and the solution was brushed on. The process was repeated over and over as Sue chatted about guys and dates. Beth finished with my pedicure and I admired my Deeply Chili toenails. Beth began applying the same deep color to my fingernails as I sat under the dryer to help process my color.

After fifteen minutes Sue led me back to the wash basin. She removed the foils and rinsed out the formula then lathered my hair with an herbal shampoo. Conditioner was applied and I lay back for several minutes as Sue and Gerri discussed my schedule. Sue rinsed my hair and we returned to the styling chair for the last time.

Sue immediately went to work with her scissors. She sectioned my hair, lifted a section snipped, fluffed and repeated. Now our talk turned to hairstyles. Sue told me that I was lucky that I kept my hair reasonably long for a guy. She explained how she was cutting dimension and movement into my style and that I was getting a wash and wear look that would be easy to maintain. Sue explained how the color highlites and cut all came together to define a look that would stop conversation in a room when I entered. She kept referring to the natural power of a woman that I would eventually understand, control and focus to always get what I wanted. I just couldn't bring myself to tell her that this was all a game and that tomorrow I'd be back to my old self. I guess I really didn't believe it either.

Sue finished and spun me around in the chair to admire the finished result. I was shocked! That face, my face just didn't belong on the red headed beauty looking back at me. My hair was parted just above and centered on my right eye. The golden tresses surrounding my face gave way to a fiery hue. My hair fell down and forward as if attracted to my face.

"Striking isn't it" Said Sue. "Don't worry, Gerri will soon give you a face deserving of the hair and nails. You'll be drop dead gorgeous when we finish here. Here's Gerri now."

Gerri led me back into the recesses of the salon. We entered a small room with a large lighted mirror, two tall chairs, and a table. I recognized the wax warmer immediately.

"Ok, up on the table first." Instructed Gerri. "We'll get those brows in shape first then start on bringing out your true beauty."

I lay down on the table and closed my eyes as Gerri applied the wax to my brows. As the wax and my brows were ripped out I never noticed the slight needle prick in my arm. I was engulfed in a gentle, relaxing warmth. I was out. Beth stuck her head in the door and asked Gerri how it was going.

"Great! I've got his brows done and he's out from the shot. I think it would be a lot more fun to do the permanent makeup with the guy awake but I know that there could be a nasty scene. I'm just going to give Tina a little eyeliner and lip liner along with my artist's signature. I'll bring her around in about forty minutes and finish the makeup. Give her fifteen minutes to get dressed and we should have her out the door by six thirty at the latest."

Gerri went to work with the tattoo needle carefully tracing my eyelids in a smoky gray-black. My lips were traced in a warm crimson. The final touch was a beauty mark placed just above the left corner of my mouth. This was Gerri's signature on the canvas of my face. A lasting reminder of this fateful day. Throughout this process I was not completely out. I responded to instructions without question but felt no pain. Gerri had me move to the chair so she could finish the look. Another slight prick of a needle and I began to emerge from my trance. Gerri explained the process to me as she deftly applied various colors to my face. She explained the need for foundation followed by powder for my face. My eyes were highlighted in a fleshtone brown shade. Chocolate Bar liner was applied around the entire eye. Three coats of lash enhancing mascara brought out the fullness of my lashes. Sandal and Beige blush accentuated my cheeks. Finally, my lips were lined in Toast Timeliner and filled in with Deeply Chili. As Gerri stepped aside you could hear my sharp intake of breath. God, was I gorgeous! The face and hair all merged beautifully. I sensed a certain power emanating from my persona. I secretly wished I could stay like this forever.

Gerri led me back to my changing room and told me to get dressed. I entered but came right back out. My clothes were gone! Beth was waiting for me at the door. She explained that my new look demanded just the right outfit. She and Sue had gone to the boutique next door during my make-up session to get just the right dress and accessories. I accepted Beth's offer to help me dress.

The first item was a garter belt that matched my undies. Next I pulled the shear black stockings up my silky legs. What a rush! How come men's clothes weren't this sensual? With the stockings attached to the garter Beth helped me pull the short black dress over my head. It seemed a little tight in the waist but Beth told that everything would be fine following the next stop. The bottom of the dress just barely covered my crotch! How could I go out like this?

"Silly, we do it all the time!" Said Beth. "There's a little bit of tramp in all of us. We all like to flash and tease. It's natural. It's that confident stride you get when you wear trashy underwear under the conservative business suite to an important meeting. No one knows but you. Just a little secret but it gives you tremendous power over others. You'll see! Now, get going!"

My open toed sandals were gone. I now had a pair of black sandals with three-inch heels. Beth handed me my purse and escorted me to the salon door. Gerri had the all too familiar envelope ready for me along with my credit card and the invoice for my make over. I ripped the envelope open and read:

"Dearest Tina,

Its been quite a day hasn't it! Well, now comes the fun part. Head down Linden to the 'Midnight Garden'. The girls are expecting you! Don't be late.

Love, Suzanne"

 

 

Chapter Seven - The Femme Fatale Emerges

I emerged from Gigi's a new woman. The heels made walking difficult. I had to take very small steps. While my journey from Victoria's Secret to Gigi's had been full of humiliation I now walked with a renewed confidence. I wanted people to stare! I demanded attention! I felt great!

The Midnight Garden occupied a quaint, Victorian storefront just a couple of blocks from Gigi's. I entered the store and was immediately greeted by another beautiful woman.

"Hi, you must be Tina. I'm Susan, welcome to the Midnight Garden. Suzanne called to say that she would pick you up in twenty five minutes so we better get started."

I was taken to a semi-private room behind the reception area.

"Why don't you take off your shoes and dress so we can get started." Said Susan.

As soon as my dress was removed Susan stepped up and began taking a series of measurements. She told me all about figure control and corsets. She explained that we were getting my measurements for a custom corset but that I would leave tonight with a ready to wear waist cincher. Susan completed her measurements and left briefly to get my cincher. She returned and explained that it was normal to look for a two to four inch reduction in waist size with a cincher. Susan told me that she was impressed that I had insisted on a five-inch reduction right from the start. I didn't even question this assertion having learned not to interfere in the process by this time. The cincher was placed around my waist. It started just below my bosom and extended to just above my hips. Susan told me to take a deep breath and began lacing the garment up. I was told to reach up and grab a bar over my head. Standing on tiptoe I was just able to reach the bar. It helped some but I felt that my body was being constricted in a vice.

Susan paused and slipped a tape measure around my enclosed waist. "Wow!" She exclaimed. "We got down to twenty five inches. That's a reduction of six inches. How do you feel Tina? Just take shallow breaths and everything will be all right. After you wear the cincher for a couple of days it will become completely natural. Let me help you with your dress. I think I heard Suzanne's car out front."

 

Author's Note: This story has gotten a lot longer than I originally thought it would be so I'm splitting it into sections. I will have section two very soon. Since this is my first attempt writing TG fiction I am very interested in feedback and comments so I can improve in the future.

 

 

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