SWEET REVENGE                     by: Jacki Pett

Part 3

 

He took Craig completely by surprise. Warm lips were pressed against his. In that instant he thought about first kisses and put his finger tips gently on Gary's cheek. With his eyes closed he could just as easily have been kissing a girl. He kept them closed until their lips parted. He knew he was blushing.

Gary felt flushed. He got up and said to her, "Is it all right if I call you?"

"Ok." Craig replied, still in a daze from what just happened, from what he just did with another guy.

"Good night Cathy." Gary said with a big smile on his face. He closed her car door and stepped back.

Craig just wanted to get away from there as fast as he could.

Beth wasn't home when he let himself in the house and went up and checked her room. It was after midnight. He thought she'd be home by now.

On the ride home he wondered if he should tell Beth what happened, what he did. He decided not to.

It wasn't like he enjoyed it. It was just an experiment. That was all it was, an experiment.

He got ready for bed and then laid there in his bed in the dark, listening for the sound of Beth's key in the door. The last time he remembered looking at the clock on the nightstand, it was one in the morning.

He was sound asleep in his bed when Beth got in about two a.m.. It was too late to wake him and ask how it went. She'd wait till morning. She was dying to call Kim and hear her reaction but it was too late for that as well. She'd call her tomorrow, after church.

Craig played down his evening as he filled Beth in the next morning while they got ready for church. He just told her he had a nice time. He didn't mention how attentive Gary was or about how he enjoyed his company. He didn't tell her that he asked him out or that he thought that Gary was really good looking. He said nothing about his being kissed good night. He was more interested in hearing about her night.

"It was nice. The sorority went all out. They had it catered. There was a band."

That was it? "How was Kevin?"

There was that jealousy again. Funny, they had both gone out with men last night and Craig was jealous of Kevin. "Kevin behaved himself. We didn't argue." That's all they'd been doing before they broke up.

Christy was there too, of course. The only talked once for a few minutes all evening.

"So how's your sweet little Cathy these days." Christy almost wished she'd brought her tonight but that wasn't possible. Beth had to bring a date, a man and that left the sissy out of the picture.

"He's fine. Why do you ask?" Beth was really starting to dislike her old friend. She'd always been something of a bigot, hating blacks and gays but it never annoyed Beth that much, until now.

"No reason. I just hadn't seen her in a while and wondered how she's doing." She said smiling sweetly.

Christy had been hiding something from her last night, taunting her. Beth was sure of it. If only she could prove what she suspected.

Craig didn't want to press too much but he wanted to know, "Did Kevin try to make up?" He wanted to know if Kevin was a threat.

"He tried but I told him there was someone else and I was very happy with him." She really did tell him that.

He felt relieved and hugged Beth. "I'm glad. I was so worried."

"I could tell but you don't have to worry Cathy." Beth gave him a kiss.

Craig felt much better about them and went back to his room to finish getting ready for church. He had so many things he'd never had a chance to wear yet. He went through his closet and found his ballerina dress, as Beth called it. It was a floral print in shade of brown. It had a scooped neckline that didn't come too low. It narrowed at his waist then fell into a sweeping, calf length skirt. It was longer than anything he's worn yet. It had looked really nice on in the store and it made him feel very feminine. He was thrilled with that feeling, going to church that morning.

Craig, Sheri and Amy set up to study on the dining room table together. They studied all afternoon, until they had to clear the table for dinner. Amy stayed and had dinner with them.

Sheri knew he was going out with Kim and her friends last night. As they talked occasionally, as they studied that afternoon, she asked how it went.

He was sure they'd find out about his being set up with Gary sooner or later so he told them about him. They got a chuckle out of it. He was telling them about how he was such a gentleman when Diane happened to come into the room and overheard him.

"I didn't know you had a date last night." She sat next him at the table. "Was this someone you've been seeing?" Diane was happy to hear Cathy had a friend. She worried about her spending all her free time with the girls and not getting out. Diane thought she was too pretty and too personable not to have a boyfriend. As far as she was concerned, any young man would be fortunate to have her for a friend.

This he hadn't expected. "I didn't know until I got there. It was a blind date."

"They can be fun. Was he cute?" She still remembered those days.

It was awkward, talking this way in front of Sheri and Amy. He could tell they were enjoying it though. He decided he might as well have fun with it. "He was, kind of. His name was Gary. He's a commercial artist and he was really nice."

"What's he look like?" Sheri asked with only the slightest grin. Mom had trapped him and it was so cute the way he handled it.

She wasn't helping. "He's about six foot. He has light brown hair and brown eyes."

"Where did he take you?" Diane asked.

"We all went to the Outback for dinner and then to a dance club."

"What was he like?" Diane wanted to know about the young man.

That he didn't mind telling them. "He was gentleman. He opened doors for me and held my chair."

"He sounds very nice." Diane was pleased that there were still young men with manners. "So you went dancing after dinner."

"We went to Jamz-N-Java. It's a new place that just opened up."

"I've heard of that. It's supposed to be really good." Amy had to add her two cents. It was so neat to hear Craig talk like this, she thought to herself. She was convinced he enjoyed himself.

"Aren't you supposed to be twenty-one to get into those places?" Diane asked.

You were but he didn't think it would be wise to tell her about his fake ID. "I didn't drink."

"Oh." That was good. Diane didn't approve of her girls drinking. "So the two of you went there to dance. Was he a good dancer?"

He got away with that. He was relieved. Craig didn't like lying to Mom. "He was alright. He seemed a little uncomfortable dancing."

The girls had seen Cathy dance that first weekend but they couldn't picture him in a club dancing, especially with a guy. That had to be something to see.

"Are you going to see him again?" Why not, Diane thought to herself.

"I don't know." For Sheri's and Amy's sake he did admit. "He did ask me to go out with him again."

It was his turn to grin at the girls, who looked totally surprised.

"You should go Cathy. Gary sounds really nice and you seem to like him."

"I might." Again he grinned at Sheri and Amy slyly. Mom got what she'd come after out of the server and went back to the kitchen.

"He didn't really ask you out again?" Sheri whispered in doubt.

This was funny. "He really did!"

"You told him no?" Amy assumed.

"Of course I did. I told him I was too busy getting ready for exams." He acted as if they were crazy.

"You had quite a night!" Sheri remarked smiling and went back to her studying.

He sure did, Craig said to himself.

Beth kept her word and after dinner was cleaned up they went up to his room and she experimented with putting his hair up. Craig never imagined there were so many different looks he could achieve. He never paid that much attention to women's hair. If it looked nice that was enough for him. He no longer felt that way.

"I think that's your best." Beth said stepping back for a better look. She'd piled his hair high, letting a few wisps of his hair fall softly on the sides. He really looked quite stunning.

Craig agreed, of all the things she tried this was the prettiest. If only he had somewhere to go so he could wear it this way.

When the house was quiet that night they laid in Beth's bed together before he had to go. Beth was as frustrated as he was about his not being able to get an erection. Finally after a lot of caressing and her discovering just the right way to stroke him, he orgasmed. It didn't matter to her that he couldn't get hard enough to get inside her. There were other ways to please her and he'd learned them so well. She was just worried that their lovemaking was so one sided.

Craig lay there in the dark beside her feeling so good. If there had been a way, he would have stayed all night.

"I don't want to go back there." Craig told Beth as he got ready to head back to the dorm. "I want to stay here." His week, away from Beth, away from his friends and away from the house, was depressing for him.

"We have a four-day weekend for Thanksgiving. It's going to be a short week." Beth tried to cheer him up.

"Not short enough."

"Don't forget we have to go back to the hospital for those test results on Tuesday." Beth reminded him.

"You're going to go with me?" He'd assumed he'd have to go alone. She'd have to skip a class or work to go.

"You don't think I'm going to let you go alone?" She couldn't do that to him. She wouldn't.

That was a relief to him.

He went to class wearing one of his bulky jackets and even though he was warm in it, he didn't take it off. He couldn't. All he had to do was turn the wrong way and someone would see what was happening to his chest.

It was nice to run into Sheri and Amy Monday afternoon. He could talk openly with them now and he didn't feel so alone.

At night, in his little room, he did homework and exercised. When he was getting undressed to shower, he was painfully aware of his figure in the leotard. Craig hadn't even tucked his dick between his legs when he put it on and it was hardly noticeable as he stood there in front of the mirror. His breasts looked bigger too, or was that just his imagination?

The doctor's news wasn't good. "This is very odd. You're certain you're not taking any kind of medication?"

"No, nothing." Craig insisted.

The doctor shook his head. "The female body produces a score of different hormones, produced by several different organs. The male body is capable of producing a number of those same hormones and does so but in much smaller quantities. It is not capable of producing all of them." He paused a moment and studied the boy's face. There was something they weren't telling him.

"What I'm trying to say as delicately as possible is that your system is flooded with the full complement of female hormones and that's impossible unless you're ingesting them on a daily basis. I had the lab run the tests twice. If you were a hermaphrodite, which you don't appear to be, I could understand it but you're not. Your system is either unique or you're lying to me and I'm afraid there is no precedent to make me believe that you're more female than male. I have to ask you one more time, are you taking any medication of any kind on a regular basis?"

"No, nothing. I swear to you." Craig couldn't be more emphatic.

He didn't believe the boy. "I'm sorry then. There's really nothing we can do to help you." All it could be was some kind of sick prank they were playing on him for some unknown reason. "If you'll excuse me now." He refused to waste any more time on the boy.

Beth thought the doctor was rude. "Well, that eliminates the lotion." She was relieved at that at least.

That left her with only one other possibility, as far fetched as it was.

"What do we do now?" Craig was scared, of course. The doctor told them his breast would most likely get larger. He zipped his jacket as they walked out of the emergency room. There was no way he could walk around in just a shirt anymore.

Beth didn't have any answers. "I don't know. What can we do but wait and see if the problem clears up and goes away?" Beth hated to even think it but it would be nice if he filled out a little more.

They left the hospital in their own cars. Craig was glad it would only be one more day till they saw each other again and he'd have four full days with her and his new family. He didn't even like admitting it to himself but he looked forward to just being Cathy again. Things were much easier as her and he was surrounded by people that cared about him. There'd be a house full for Thanksgiving and he looked forward to that too.

Christy pretty much knew his schedule. She and Pam had some time so they watched for him. God forbid they approach him. They didn't want to be associated with the freak that had been the center of so much attention. The gossip mill had their fun with him and moved on but Christy wasn't done with him yet.

"He's got to be really showing by now." Pam insisted as the pair stood there waiting for him.

"I saw him Monday. I couldn't see any change." Christy said annoyed with her.

What did she expect? "It's not like he's going to walk around showing them off."

"I know that." Pam could be such a jerk, she thought to herself. "I've just got to know what's happening."

Pam spotted him. "There he is." He was passing the Science building.

"I can't see a thing with that heavy jacket he's wearing." It was frustrating.

"I think we're going to have to catch him with Beth to really be able to tell." Pam decided.

Pam was right. "They see each other on weekends."

"How do they pull that off? He can't very well change in his room and go out. He'd get caught."

"She must take him somewhere." But where, Christy wondered? She couldn't take him to her house.

Her parents would catch them. "All we've got to do is follow Beth. She'll lead us to him."

"I thought she was back with Kevin?" It was Christy that told her Beth went to the party Saturday night with him.

As far as she could tell she was but Christy was quite sure she was still seeing the boy. "She is but I'm sure we'll see Cathy with him, over the weekend sometime."

Was she crazy? "I'm not spending the whole weekend following her around on just the chance that we'll see him out dressed up as a girl for two minutes."

"Fine! I'll go myself!" She was really pissed at Pam now.

"Fine! Waste your whole weekend."

Craig got out of class early because of the holiday and he was ready to just take off. Four whole days, he thought to himself happily as he drove off campus, heading for Beth's house. Four whole days to just relax and enjoy himself as Cathy. He couldn't wait to change.

That night they'd helped Mom get ready for their big family dinner. There'd be turkey with all the trimmings. Thursday the house would be full of family. Some of them he'd met. There'd be aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He'd heard so much about the girl's cousins from Mom and he was really anxious to meet them. He was confident in himself as Cathy and he was intrigued now about listening to the way girls talk about guys. As he drove to the house, he thought back about last Saturday night and Gary. It had been fun to be out as Cathy and be treated the way he was, like a lady. He grinned as he thought about Gary holding his hand and the kiss. Gary had no idea he was kissing another guy. What would he have said if he found out? He'd never learn it from him. He remembered how surprised he was when he leaned into the car and kissed him. With his eyes closed, it wasn't all that bad. It was kind of fun in a kinky way. Wasn't it all worth it to be taken out and treated like a lady the way he'd been?

He got to the house really early. He'd showered, done his hair, makeup and nails and was dressed, all before Beth got home.

Craig would have liked to spend longer in the shower. He'd discovered a new experience with the way his body was changing. It felt so alien but it was really great to lather up his chest and rub his hand across his breasts. It sent shivers all through him.

As he started to get dressed, he looked down at himself and wondered if he really needed to wear the slimming panties anymore? The way his penis and genitals had shrunk he wondered how he'd look in regular panties. He's seen so many different pretty ones that he was really curious if he could get away with them. He was sure he'd be out at the stores sometime over the weekend.

The doctor on Tuesday was so right about his breasts continuing to develop. They were just growing so quickly. He was filling out and that was made even more obvious when he put on the padded bra. There was no room left for the shoulder pads he'd worn last time he had it on. Looking in the mirror, he could see how much more natural his figure was becoming. It was kind of exciting to realize that soon he would have a very natural, feminine figure and no one would be able to tell him from the average girl his age. He thought about all the clothes he'd seem in the stores but couldn't buy because of their low necklines. He thought again about how fantastic Beth had looked in her low cut gown with her cleavage showing. Maybe he'd be able to wear a dress like that soon.

"How long have you been home?" Beth asked when she saw him.

"About an hour and a half." Craig told her. He waited for a remark about how he looked.

His hair was perfect. So was his makeup. He looked so natural in his jeans and blouse. "You look really nice." So much was becoming second nature to him now. It was almost sad in a way. Was she losing her new little sister? Cathy was learning so much so fast.

The entire evening was filled with preparations for the big dinner, doing last minute cleaning and decorating the house. Mr. Franklin got out of the way, hiding in his office all evening. It was just the four of them and that was fine with Craig.

When they'd put away the last dish in the fridge, when the table sparkled with Diane's best china and glassware and the good linen hung in the bathrooms, the four of them settled down at the kitchen table with their tea.

"You girls were wonderful tonight. I really appreciate the way you all chipped in and helped." Diane directed her thanks at all three of the girls, her daughters. "I'm a really fortunate woman to have the three of you."

She made him feel so good about himself. He'd do anything for her. His own mother never said things like that to him. Even when he was little it was always ‘your sister did this' or ‘your sister did that.' He couldn't ever do anything right, nothing he did pleased her.

Diane was still up when they went to bed. She was one of those women who had to be sure everything was perfect. "She'll be up for hours." Beth told him. He knew that meant he wouldn't be visiting Beth that night

"Stay for a minute?" Craig asked her when she started to go to her room to get ready for bed. He wanted to show her how much he'd grown in the past two days. He unbuttoned his blouse and pulled it out of his jeans, showing her his chest.

Beth was speechless. She could only stare at the softly rounded mounds of flesh supported by only the padded bra. The size she bought was designed to give a girl with a small breast size the appearance of having a ‘b' cup size. It accomplished that with Craig. She'd prayed he wouldn't fill out any more when she saw him last weekend. Her prayers weren't answered.

"I knew when I put it on and filled it without the shoulder pads." He said, seeing her look of shock.

He looked down at his chest. "They can't get much bigger, can they?"

"I hope not." Craig was going to have a really hard time on Monday as it was.

At that moment though, he had really mixed feelings about them. In a way, he was glad that he had them. It made Cathy's life so much simpler and easier. He no longer felt as much like an outsider in a woman's world. They made him feel like Cathy was almost a woman and there was comfort in that thought.

It had to be Christy that did this to him. Beth knew it but how would she prove it? And what if she could, how would that help Craig now? She went to her room feeing so helpless.

He'd spent an hour on just his hair that next morning. He had it pulled back and secured with a white bow. He took great care to make sure his hair was curled just so and fell softly down his back. His hair was getting so long and it was great. In front he teased it only slightly.

He thought about that night a few weeks ago when Beth came hurrying into the dressing room to show him what she'd found for him. She was more excited about the outfit that he was. Now he was glad he let her talk him into buying it.

The top was a luxurious peach mohair/acrylic sweater with rich cable stitching on the front back and sleeves. It was big and roomy and oh-so-comfortable. The matching skirt was just as soft and comfortable. Beth had even found low heels to match. He wore his big gold hoop earrings to finish it all off.

When Mr. Franklin, Dad, first saw him, he even commented on how pretty he looked.

Company started to arrive around noon.

Craig was quite content not to be the center of attention. There were so many relatives. He knew Mom's parents. They remembered him with affection. He met Aunt Ruth and Uncle Pete with their kids. Little Pete was five. He was a terror. His sister Natalie, she was eight, was just the opposite, she was precious. Next came Aunt Susan and Uncle Scott. They brought their son, George, with them. George was older than the other kids. He was at the awkward age of thirteen. He was going to be very handsome when he got older, Craig decided. The last to arrive were the ones he waited for. Crystal and Amanda were the teenagers he'd heard so much about. They were everything Sheri and Beth said they'd be. They were both beautiful. Crystal was the older, she was 17. Amanda was 16 but she looked more like eighteen. They both did. They were so attractive that Craig was almost jealous.

Cathy was the outsider but Beth and Sheri did everything possible to keep her from feeling like one. Diane treated her like family too, to the point of introducing her as her newest daughter. That really made Craig feel good.

The men and boys all retired to the family room and the big screen TV. He was happy to have them take little Pete off his hands. His parents weren't keeping an eye on him and he was getting into everything. Somehow, Craig found himself following him around, trying to keep him out of trouble.

The women were soon all in the kitchen. Sheri, Beth and Cathy were excused to go visit with Crystal and Amanda and entertain Natalie. It wasn't long before they were all upstairs in Sheri's room.

Sheri seemed to have more in common with the two girls than he and Beth. No doubt because she was closer to their age. Still, Craig enjoyed listening to them bring each other up to date on with was going on in their lives.

He felt a little funny when they talked about their boyfriends and the things they did with them. He felt a little like a spy. With Sheri and Beth knowing his secret, he felt out of place. It wasn't that they talked about sex or anything but they did have their little secrets, the kind girls only tell to other girls.

He was about to excuse himself when Sheri remarked.

"Cathy's seeing a really great guy. He's quite a hunk from what I hear. Cathy, didn't you say he used to play tennis in college?"

It took him a second to realize what Sheri was doing. Did he look that uncomfortable? He went along.

"Yes he did. Gary went to Auburn on a scholarship. He played throughout school." It was a lie of course.

"He's still in fantastic shape."

Crystal asked, "What does he do now?"

"Gary's started his own advertising business. He's a graphic artist. He's been very successful" Part of it was true.

"Do the two of you go out often?" Amanda asked.

"Not as often as I'd like. He's so busy but we do get out. He loves the theater. We try to go as often as we can." Craig couldn't believe he was saying this.

"What's he like when the two of you are alone?" Amanda had only been experimenting. She couldn't wait till she was older and could date more mature men.

This was difficult. "When we first met, Gary was very shy and reserved. I've helped him get over that.

He was even afraid to hold my hand in public. He's much better now." He was playing it up too much.

He was going to talk himself into a corner and he didn't want to do that.

"But what's he like in bed." Crystal wanted to get right to the good part.

"Gary's the most patient, most sensitive man I've ever known. He's got the softest hands." He just couldn't go on with it. "He's a wonderful lover." There, that was enough.

"He sounds marvelous." Crystal could only imagine. The boys she'd been with didn't know the meaning of patience. She wished she could meet a man like Gary. "I envy you."

"I'm a lucky girl." Craig was having trouble keeping a straight face. He had to get out of there now.

Craig went and asked Natalie, who was playing by the door, oblivious of their discussion, if she'd like to go downstairs. He turned to the others "I think it might be better if I took her downstairs."

Beth agreed. "I'll go with you."

Out in the hall she said, "You're really bad you know."

He smiled at her and said, "I know but it was kind of fun."

"You almost had me convinced. Can I meet this guy Gary?"

"Not on your life, he's mine." Craig with mock seriousness.

"You're so bad."

Dinner was very good. Craig's mother never cooked like Mrs. Franklin. Everything was delicious and he overdid it. Beth looked just as stuffed, sitting there next to him. "Tomorrow I start dieting." Told her.

"I think we all will Dear." Aunt Sue commented to everyone.

The men had returned to their game and the women were talking house and family. It wasn't all that interesting for him. He waited for someone else to move first but since no one looked like they were going to, Craig got up and started clearing the table.

"You don't have to do that Dear." Diane said to her. It was sweet of her.

"I don't mind." Craig said with a smile.

He was spoiling her mother. Beth got up to help, followed by Sheri. Crystal and Amanda got a look from their mother and decided they better help too.

Diane had already told Sue and Ruth about Cathy's tragedy. Her mother already knew. "She's just so good. You wouldn't believe the influence she's had on Beth and Sheri."

"Her mother did a fabulous job of raising her. I wish my girls were as helpful" Sue said.

Diane spoke so as not to be heard by the girls, "You should see how she keeps her room and she never leaves the bathroom a mess. She's an angel."

"What's with her father?" Ruth couldn't understand how the man could treat his own daughter the way Diane said he did.

"I can't believe he'd disown her like that." It made Sue angry.

"She went to see him a year ago last Christmas. He basically ignores her. He's got a new life and a new family and has almost nothing to do with her." Diane couldn't understand it.

"He should be ashamed of himself. He doesn't deserve the poor dear." Diane's mother agreed.

"Up until now, she's been living at school, in a dorm. She stays with us on weekends but I'm going to talk to Bill."

"Well, if it doesn't work out you let me know. She can come live with us and straighten Crystal and Amanda out." Sue said kidding.

Cathy rinsed, Sheri loaded the dishwasher and Beth put the leftovers away. Crystal and Amanda cleared off the table. When that was done, they disappeared with Sheri up to her room.

"You want to surprise them and set the table for dessert?" Beth asked him as he dried off the counter.

Craig didn't want to go upstairs with the girls. The women had moved to the living room and were still talking family. He could go in and watch football but he would have felt really uncomfortable being the only girl there. "Sure, why not." He knew it would please Mom.

Diane had gotten up to see how things were going in the kitchen and direct the clean up. She was shocked and delighted to find her kitchen spotless and the dining room table all laid out for dessert. None of the girls were anywhere in sight but she had a fairly good idea who did the work. She'd seen Sheri and the girls go upstairs soon after the table was cleared. That left the two obvious ones. She went back to just relax with the others.

"Have you always been like this?" Beth asked.

"What?" He didn't hear what she said, he was daydreaming. In late afternoon, the old oaks across the back of the property cast such beautiful long shadows. Her yard was so pretty. It was a little cool to sit out but it was nice to get away from everyone and just be alone with Beth.

"I asked, have you always been so helpful, so domesticated?" Most guys she knew weren't.

It was the time of day to be thoughtful. "No, not really."

"You're just trying to impress Mom?" Beth didn't understand.

He was quick to respond to that. "No, not really."

"Why then."

Craig was a very private person in some ways. He'd had a lot to deal with since his mother died and it was hard to talk about. He'd been more honest, shared more with Beth than he'd ever shared with anyone. "I think it's to prove something." He said with a far away look in his eye.

"To who? To Mom? To Me?"

"To me I think."

Beth had never seen him like this. "What is it that you're trying to prove to yourself?"

He didn't answer right away. It took some thought on his part. "That I'm not worthless. That I'm not a failure."

"My God Cathy! Why would you think that?" How awful!

"My mother thought I was." He replied, quite seriously. He spoke quietly, almost reverently. "I was the screw up. I could never do anything to please her. Catherine could do no wrong but not me."

"You must have done some things that pleased her. She couldn't have been mad at you all the time."

That wasn't possible.

"I remember once I cleaned the entire basement without being asked. It took me all day and I really worked hard at it. Mom came home but before I could even show her what I did, Catherine dragged her upstairs to show her how she cleaned up her room. I could hear her up there, praising Catherine for the great job she did. When she finally came down, I tried to show her the basement. You know what she did?"

"What?" Beth asked, listening intently.

"She never even looked. She was throwing something away and noticed that the garbage was full. She screamed at me for not taking it out all day. She was furious at me. She never even looked down in the basement."

Beth didn't know what to say. How could a mother treat her child that way?

"I just stopped trying. I made matters worse but I just didn't care."

He was staring off into space again. "I didn't cry when Mom and Catherine died. I still haven't."

Beth wasn't a psychology student but it didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out why he loved it at her house, the way her mother fussed over him and praised him. It also seemed that his becoming Cathy, being a girl, was an integral part of that acceptance. A girl wins praise, a boy doesn't. How sad to have to go to such lengths to find love. It was obvious to everyone that he was so happy when he was there with them.

The shadows were growing longer. "It's getting cold Cathy. We better go inside."

When the game finally ended they all sat down again for dessert.

The last of them left around nine that night. With all the girls had done earlier, it only took about an hour to get the house back into shape. This time Diane worked along side the girls.

Before they all ran away, Diane gathered the three of them to her. "I just want to tell you all how much I appreciate everything you did today." She especially wanted to tell Cathy, "Your mother is certainly looking down at you and I know she's very proud of her daughter." She gave them each a hug.

Beth wished she could tell her mother about Craig. She'd be shocked, of course, but she'd help him.

She wouldn't be appalled and turn him out. If only Beth could be sure.

Craig was getting ready for bed when he heard the soft knock on his bedroom door. It had to be Beth, at least he assumed it was when he went to the door in just his underwear, peaking around it.

"Can I come in?" Diane asked.

"Uh . . . Sure." He was really nervous about her seeing him that way. His robe was on the bed and he quickly put it on. With all his apprehension about how his body was changing, at the moment, he was glad he looked the way he did.

Diane didn't think there was anything odd about her being modest. She stepped inside. "Cathy I just wanted to thank you again for your help today." That wasn't the real reason she wanted to talk to her.

"Thanks but I enjoyed doing it. You don't have to thank me." He appreciated the fact that she did though.

"Sheri and I are going shopping tomorrow, to catch all the sales. You're coming with us aren't you?" She assumed that since Beth had to work, she'd want to go with them. It was the biggest shopping day of the year.

He didn't hesitate for a heart beat. "I'd love to." He told her excited. The idea of going shopping with her and Sheri thrilled him. He'd planned on spending the day studying but that was a much better way to spend it.

"Wonderful. We're going to try and get out early, when the stores open." She was hedging around the subject. "Come here and sit by me." Diane patted the bed beside her.

He sat right beside her.

"You have such beautiful thick hair." She ran her fingers through it. "You should get some highlights put in it. It'd really liven it up." Her hair was a little mousey looking, pretty, but a little drab.

It felt funny to have her do that. It was nice though to experience her touch. He tried to imagine how he'd look with highlights. His hair probably would look really nice. For her sake, he said, "I might do that." How could he go back to school with highlights in his hair? He did wear it slicked down. Would anyone notice?

She was avoiding the subject. "Mr. Franklin and I were talking and we really enjoy your spending the weekends here with us but . . . "

His heart sunk in his chest. She was going to tell him it was over

"... we wondered if you're ready yet to give up your dorm and just move in here with us?"

He didn't expect that. His mood did an instant reverse. "Really?" He said excited. But then he thought about it quickly. "I have some things I need to resolve. I really appreciate your offering. Can I let you know?"

Diane understood it was a big step for her. After all she'd been through it was natural that she'd want to think about it. Her reaction told Diane all she needed to know. "Of course Dear. There's no rush. Whenever you're ready you just bring your things. Your room will be here waiting for you."

A million thoughts raced through his head as he finished getting ready for bed. As he lay there under the covers that night, warm and secure, he imagined what life would be like if he never went back to being Craig and lived there with his new family. It wasn't that hard for him to imagine.

They were out of the house before eight in the morning. The stores opened early for the biggest shopping day of the year. The malls were packed.

Craig had become quite the shopper, learning quickly from Beth but she was a novice compared with her mother. She had years more practice than her daughters. By lunch time, with the car loaded with packages, they had covered one mall and were on their way to the next. Craig had bought his share, a few cute skirt and sweater outfits, a dress and a couple of cotton tops. He also bought his Christmas presents for Dad, Beth and Kim, with Mom's help. He decided to wait to get gifts for Mom and Sheri until he was out with Beth tomorrow. She was so disappointed she couldn't go with them that day but work wasn't an option.

They had lunch in the next mall, at Tuesday's. All morning he'd been aware of looks from guys and he felt flattered by it now, not uncomfortable about their stares at all. The table next to theirs was occupied by four really good looking preppie guys and at least one of them was always looking his way whenever he glanced over. If it wasn't for the fact that Mom was with them, Craig was sure they would have hit on them. It would have been a little scary but he thought it might have been fun to play with them.

Craig and Sheri found themselves alone occasionally and could talk.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Sheri asked. He seemed comfortable enough shopping with them.

"I'm having a great time." He told her honestly. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate your letting me tag along with you and Mom."

It was almost unsettling to her that at times she almost forgot that he wasn't a girl. His mannerisms seemed completely natural. He got as excited as she did when she found just the right pair of shoes or the perfect blouse. It bothered her that she wasn't being truthful with her Mom but when she thought about it, it wasn't as if he were trying to put something over on her. He was trying to be Cathy and he really didn't have to try that hard.

He'd found a few other things for himself that afternoon. He found a great wool coat, a couple pairs of slacks and some new earrings. He bought sweats and a few other things for hanging around the house. It was nice that he didn't have to avoid looking at dresses and blouses with scooped necklines any more. The things he tried on looked so natural on him now. It was exciting. He bought three new dresses that afternoon.

He was at the counter of one store, paying for his things when he noticed the charge card applications on the counter. He took one and tucked it in his purse.

Sheri needed a new bra. That's the only reason they were in the lingerie department. Craig was going to look for a few new pairs of panties but he was going to wait till tomorrow. Since Mom and Sheri were busy, he wandered over toward the underpants and looked around.

Craig was intrigued with the lower cut styles. He loved the feel of the lightweight nylon, some of them trimmed with lace. They were so pretty, so feminine. He was looking at string bikinis when Diane came up to him.

"Those are pretty." Diane remarked. She'd noticed that Cathy wore control briefs and she really didn't understand why. Her tummy was as flat as could be. She wished hers was as flat. "You really ought to get some of those."

He agreed, "I was thinking about trying a pair or two." Her suggesting it settled his mind. She gave him some courage. "I saw some others over there that I like too. Would you look with me and tell me what you think?"

"Of course. Show me." Diane liked the fact that Cathy wanted her opinion. She'd asked for it earlier, when she was looking for a dress. Helping her shop, especially for underwear, made Diane feel closer to her. This was something girls' did with their mothers and she was pleased she asked.

When they finally left the lingerie department, Craig had a half dozen new pairs of panties, several new pairs of pantyhose, two new slips, and, best of all, a new nightie. It was a pink nylon chemise that had beautiful detailing and felt so good to the touch. He couldn't wait to feel the silky smooth material against his skin.

Diane, Sheri and Cathy didn't finish their shopping that afternoon but they were able to cross quite a few names off their Christmas lists. They were shopped out when they got home about six and unloaded the car. Craig was anxious to look at everything he bought and get it put away.

Beth was home so he had to show it all to her. Everything but his new nightie. That he'd show her later.

"And Mom helped you?" Beth asked with mild surprise. She couldn't believe he got up the courage to ask her Mother to help him pick out underwear. "That's great."

Craig actually had really nice taste in clothes. She'd started him dressing in typical collegiate fashions and he seemed to like what he wore. Now that he was shopping for himself he continued to stick with the same fashions.

He didn't want to wait another minute to see if his new underwear was going to be alright. As soon as he was alone, he picked the flimsiest pair and tried them on. It was wonderful to discover he could wear them without fear of being discovered. His shriveled little penis didn't even make a bulge in the cotton lined bikini panties. He looked so natural he was thrilled.

Diane decided not to cook. She ordered pizza.

Christy didn't find Beth's car at her house that morning. She'd driven by fairly early, about nine. Beth usually parked out front and it wasn't there. She wished she could see to the back of the house. Mr. Franklin's car was there in the driveway, but not her mother's.

There'd been no point in checking yesterday. It was Thanksgiving and Beth would be at home with her family. The boy wouldn't be there.

She did find her at work. At least she spotted her car. That was another dead end. He wasn't at the dorm, she'd checked. So where could he be? Christy was puzzled

She knew Beth got off around five on the rare days when she worked all day. She followed her, hoping that she'd go to him, wherever he was. Christy was hopeful when Beth didn't head for home. She stopped at the cleaners and pick up some things. She went by the video store and came out with a couple of tapes and then, to Christy's surprise, went home.

Christy waited down the street for a few minutes to see if she came back out. Christy was surprised when her mother's car passed her going up the street. She was relieved that she didn't seem to recognize her, sitting there spying on the house. She'd apparently taken Sheri and one of her friends shopping because they unloaded tons of bags from the back seat and trunk and took them inside. She waited there, bored to death for another half hour. Beth didn't come out.

She would have waited longer but she had a date and had to go back to the dorm and change. Christy decided she'd make Doug drive her by the house on their way out to dinner later, just to see if Beth was still home. Maybe they weren't getting together till Saturday, she decided. But where was the boy now?

Craig didn't get calls there and he wasn't comfortable with answering their phone when it rang so when it rang as they were eating their pizza in the living room he thought nothing of it. Mom picked up the portable.

He was surprised when she handed the phone to him.

"It's for you Cathy."

Who would call him here, he wondered? "Who is it?"

"It's your young man, Gary." Diane said with a smile. She recognized the name Gary.

"Hello?"

"Hi Gary."

"I'm fine, thanks."

Diane whispered to her, "Take it in the other room so you can have some privacy." It was then that she remembered one of the other things she wanted to get her for her room. A phone.

He was happy to go in the other room and talk. It was embarrassing to attempt to talk to Gary with everyone there listening.

"So did you buy out the stores today?" Gary asked.

"How did you know I went shopping?" How did he know?

"Every woman I know went shopping today. Even my Grandmother!" He just assumed she did too.

Gary had practiced what he'd say when he finally got up the nerve to call her. He'd had the number since last Sunday. He got it from Kim, Jenny's friend but he'd been so nervous about calling her.

"Oh." That made sense, he supposed.

There were a few seconds of nervous silence before Gary spoke up. "I really had a good time last Saturday. I almost didn't show up when my sister said she was arranging for me to meet someone." His frank honesty surprised even him. He didn't plan on telling Cathy that.

"To tell you the truth, I almost didn't go either." It was funny, the way Gary sounded so nervous.

"Really?" He was surprised. Everyone warned him not to sound too interested in her but he couldn't help himself. "I'm glad you did."

Did Gary really mean that? He remembered those last awkward moments with him and decided he did mean it. "I am too."

"So, I guess you'll be studying the rest of the weekend?"

"I really have to get busy. I kind of wasted today and yesterday was a loss, with dinner and company."

He should ask, "Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?"

"It was all right. Everyone went to my grandmother's and she put on this huge spread. We watched football and visited with all the relatives. Lots of little kids running around."

Craig chuckled, "It sounds like we were both in the same house."

I wish, Gary thought to himself. He was running out of things to say and he still hadn't asked her about Sunday. He took a deep breath. "I was just thinking, if you're not too busy on Sunday, you know, later, after dinner, maybe you'd like to go have dessert with me?" Gary talked fast, before she could say no. "It wouldn't take very long, just a piece of pie or something. I won't keep you out long. We could just have dessert, talk for a little while and I'd take you right home?"

Gary was asking him out, for dessert. Who goes out on a date for dessert? Then Craig realized, Gary knew that Cathy was busy, he didn't want to ask for too much of her time. If he did, she'd probably say no. Craig was impressed. Gary really thought this out.

It was an impulse to say, "Ok." There'd only be the two of them. No one would know him, know his secret. He could behave just like an average girl without worrying someone would think he was weird. He could even find an excuse to slip out without telling Beth or Sheri where he was going. They didn't have to know. "I'd like that."

It was so easy, he couldn't figure out now why he was so scared about asking her. "Great! What time shall I pick you up?" He had her address.

Pick him up? He just assumed they'd meet somewhere. Well, he'd figure out something. "How about seven?" He'd watch at the window and run out as soon as he pulled up. He'd tell everyone he had to go get something for school. They probably wouldn't notice he didn't take his car. That would work.

"I'll be there at seven." He still couldn't believe she said yes.

"I'll be ready." There was nothing else to say and he didn't want to be on the phone too long. Beth and Sheri had to be already wondering what all they were talking about. "I really ought to go now Gary."

"Oh, I understand. Good night Cathy. Take care."

"You too." Craig said with a smile. He pushed the off button. How weird but exciting.

Everyone was tired from a long day of shopping. Mom and Dad did their usual and called it a night about ten. Sheri went to her room to watch TV when her parents went to their

He'd waited anxiously for that time of day. He got ready for bed quickly. It was exciting to put on the pale pink, slip like nightie and have it fit him the way it was designed to fit a woman. Underneath he wore the pale pink string bikini panties he'd bought that matched. The last thing he put on was a dab of Escape behind each ear lob, between his wonderful new breasts, his wrists and the back of his legs at his knees.

He was ready as he looked in the mirror. He'd tied his hair back with a white ribbon, tied in a bow. He was ready and slipped out his door and down the hall on tip toes to Beth's room.

"It's beautiful, you're beautiful." He looked as natural, as lovely as could be. So natural that it unsettled Beth a little they turned off the lights and both slipped under her covers. It was better in the dark.

Craig couldn't wait to please her but he knew that to do that he had to go slow. He knew all the places she loved to be touched and found them for her.

His touch was magic. She closed her eyes and felt her body come alive. Even the scent of his perfume excited her in a way. When he so carefully and tenderly caressed her sensitive breasts it drove her crazy. Soon his tongue and lips tasted her nipples and the feelings went so deep that she couldn't help but moan.

She never tired of his touch.

Craig was very careful when the time came, not to poke her with his nails. His motions inside her were slow and deliberate, just the way she liked it. It didn't take long and the first explosion came, then another and another.

Beth was exhausted. "No more lover. It's my turn." She pushed him over on his back. "Now just lay still." She told him.

He didn't mind.

Beth started with the usual caressing, just like he did to her. His skin was so soft and smooth now.

He'd gone back to using his lotion since it was ruled out as the cause of his problem. Beth couldn't be sure now if it was the lotion or the hormones that made his skin so nice to touch.

Beth wanted to experiment. Normally, her hand would gently caress his chest only in passing. Tonight they lingered there. Even in the dark she could feel how his nipples had changed. They were as big, and hopefully as sensitive, as hers.

It was unexpected that she'd touch him the way she was but it felt sooo . . . good. At first, chills went all though him but then there was something more. As his nipples swelled and got hard he got this warm feeling all over. The more she touched and gently squeezed the better it felt until he laid there with his back arched, softly moaning, praying she'd never stop. It was wonderful.

Hormones had given him the sensitivity that Beth enjoyed. It was exciting that he could enjoy those wonderful feelings too. It seemed strange to do it but Beth first kissed, then tongue whipped his nipples as he did to hers.

"Ohhh . . . " he cried out softly. It felt like nothing he'd ever experienced before. Waves of sensation washed over him.

He was ready, Beth decided. Her free hand moved lower and lower, across his flat tummy. When her fingers touched the lacy edge of his nylon panties, she decided not to slide her hand underneath. Instead, she rubbed him through them, hoping the gentle pressure of her fingers would excite him through the silky material.

As she gently rubbed him, she tried to feel his penis. The last time they made love, a week ago, he was larger and she could still feel his testicles, as small as they'd gotten, but not tonight. True, she was touching him through the thin material but she should have felt more. She could barely make out the outline of his tiny, soft penis but the small round hard objects that were supposed to be his testicles she couldn't find. The soft pouches of skin were there but not what they were supposed to be holding.

It was so wonderful. He didn't know what felt better, what she was doing to his breasts or the way if felt to be rubbed through his underwear. It was too much for him and he came.

Beth felt it when he ejaculated. He never got hard, not that she could detect, but she felt it pulse and the nylon got warm with his cum.

"That was so good." He finally said when the sensations settled down enough to talk.

Beth was delighted that he got so much pleasure from her. Now she didn't have to feel so guilty. Love making shouldn't be one sided. It was so odd though. This had to be almost the same as making love to another woman. The only difference was she didn't penetrate him. She wondered then if she ought to buy one of those little vibrators they made for women. She wondered if he might enjoy one of those inside him. It would give her the excuse to try it too. She did miss the feeling of having a man inside her. It might be a reasonable substitute.

It was three in the morning when Craig just happened to wake up and realize he was still in Beth's bed. That really scared him. What if he hadn't woken up and the two of them were discovered there in her bed together? That would be disastrous.

Beth didn't wake up as he slid out from under the covers. He realized that he never cleaned up. He wanted badly to get out of the underwear, wash and put on a clean pair. Very quietly, he slipped back to his room and got a clean pair. In the bathroom, he washed out his dirty pair and took them back to his room.

In his own bed he thought about how terrible it would have been if they got caught. He couldn't slip up again and let that happen. The price to pay would be too high. They'd have to be more careful. Maybe they shouldn't do it when anyone else was home?

The thought depressed him a little. What he'd experienced that night was wonderful. He'd never felt sensations as strong as those and he loved it. He never realized how great sex was for women. He couldn't help but wonder what it might be like to have a man inside you. If the rest was that terrific, than what would that feel like?

"Come on sleepyhead, wake up." Diane said, shaking her shoulder.

He'd been sound asleep and came out of it slowly. Yawning, he opened his eyes to see Mom standing over him smiling. "Good morning."

"Good morning." Diane replied. She looked so cute when she was this sleepy, the way her own looked when she woke them up. "Time to rise and shine."

He looked over at the alarm clock. It was nine o'clock. "What's going on?" Why did she wake him?

How relieved he was that he'd woken up in the middle of the night and gotten into his own bed. This settled it, he decided. No more risking sneaking into Beth's room at night when anyone else was home.

"I've got a surprise for you this morning. Get up and get dressed. We're leaving in forty-five minutes." Diane loved surprises and she was sure that Cathy would love hers.

He wondered what was going on? Mom seemed so excited. "Where are we going?"

"Never mind." She said with a grin. "Get dressed, run a brush through your hair and put your face on." She was awake now. Diane had to get herself ready. "I'll meet you downstairs in half an hour."

He had no clue what was going on but he jumped out of bed and raced like made to get ready. He was really glad that he'd had a lot of practice doing his makeup and hair. He got dressed faster than he thought possible, jumping into his new olive slacks and pulling on his dark green cotton tee, the long sleeved one he bought yesterday. He didn't bother with pantyhose but he did have calf high nylons that looked nice with his brown leather flats.

Craig slipped his arms into the suede bomber jacket that Kim had given him, threw his purse on his shoulder and raced down stairs. It was nine thirty five.

Diane got the call just a little before nine that morning. They had a cancellation and she could bring Cathy in. Bea, her regular hairdresser, suggested Marilyn when Diane called for the appointment first thing Friday morning. Unfortunately, Marilyn was booked for the weekend. Saturday's cancellation was just a stroke of luck.

Craig was dying to know where they were going. He wasn't worried because he was with Mom.

"How about a hint?" He asked as Mom turned onto Central Ave.

"You'll see in a minute." They were almost there.

When Mom turned into the beauty parlor parking lot, he did start to worry a little.

"The other night, when we were talking about highlights for your hair, I decided I'd treat you. We're really lucky to get you in today. They're usually booked for weeks in advance."

He was a little reluctant about the idea of highlights but he thought he figured out a way to hide the fact that he might have it done. He'd been thinking about it since Mom mentioned how much better he'd look. All he had to do was wear a hat. He frequently wore a baseball cap at school anyway. If he twisted his pigtail tight and secured it with rubber bands, who'd notice?

There were a couple of empty seats in the waiting are. The girl at the desk said it would be a few minutes.

Craig remembered the smells of these places. His mother dragged him along with her a lot when he was little. He settled down in the seat beside Mom. In front of him, on the table, were dozens of magazines. It wasn't one of the periodicals that caught his attention though. It was one of the hard covered books of hair styles. He just couldn't resist picking it up and flipping though it.

"That one's cute." Diane commented as Cathy slowly flipped the pages of the book. "If you see something that hits you we'll ask Marilyn about it." Diane suggested.

"Ok." He agreed. He had no intention of changing his hair but that was easier than explaining why he couldn't.

Craig was into the next book when he flipped past something that caught his eye. He turned the page back for a better look. The girl in the picture was beautiful. Craig didn't know if it was her hair or just her. She had the same color hair as his but better. It was certainly highlighted but it was more than that. Her style was so soft and feminine looking with it falling so beautifully over her shoulders.

Diane had been glancing at the book as she flipped the pages. She thought the style in the picture would be perfect for her. "I think you'd look fantastic with that style Cathy. You should do it if they think your hair's right for it. Show it to Marilyn and see what she thinks."

He didn't have time to think because at that moment they called his name.

Diane went along just out of curiosity. She wanted to know if the girl could do that style for Cathy.

After the usual amenities, Marilyn had Cathy sit in her chair. "You definitely need highlights." She told her.

"Cathy saw a style in one of your books that she's curious about." Cathy had the book on her lap but she'd closed it. "Show her Sweetheart."

He was really hesitant but he flipped the book open to the page and showed the girl.

"Do you think that style would work with her hair?" Diane asked, pointing to the picture.

Marilyn studied the girl's reflection in her mirror as she stood behind the chair. "You certainly have the perfectly shaped face for it." She told the girl with a smile. She ran her fingers through her hair. It was nice and thick, thicker than most girls'. It had the texture. "I can't imagine why not. It's long enough." Turning her attention back to her hair, she looked more closely, running her fingers up through it again. "We'll need to trim your ends and layer it but I'm sure we can give you what you want." Marilyn had no doubt.

It was a completely new experience for him as she first washed his hair then had him sit there while she cut, trimmed and layered it. He had no idea what layering would do to his hair. The three of them made small talk and it wasn't all that difficult for him, the way it used to be. He did want to ask questions as she worked with her scissors. He was just afraid of sounding unusually ignorant and he didn't want that.

Craig was very nervous when she pulled his hair down over his face and so casually snipped it off just above his eyes. She was giving him bangs. He didn't remember the girl in the picture having bangs. He couldn't say anything now but he really wished he'd looked closer at the picture.

He felt strange as Marilyn coated strands of his hair and wrapped it in the tin foil. His reflection was almost scary.

Later, with the tinfoil removed and his hair in curlers, he sat under the dryer reading magazines for about a half hour. He thought about Beth at home, wondering where he'd gone and finding the note that Mom said she'd left for her. She'd have read that she was treating Cathy to highlights and that they'd be back before noon. Craig wondered what she'd say when they got home?

He sat nervously while she brushed his hair out. It was much fuller than it had ever been. It was exciting that it looked so much like the picture in the book. He wasn't beautiful like the girl in the picture, he knew that, but his hair looked just like hers. It shined like it never had before. Wispy bangs hung over his forehead and his thick wavy hair, parted to the side, cascaded down over his shoulders.

They didn't have to say anything but the girls and young women who watched him leave smiled, telling him he looked great. It excited him He couldn't help admiring himself in the mirror as Mom paid the bill at the front desk.

Diane saw her in the mirror. She looked so much nicer now. It was amusing to see her turning her head this way and that. Cathy was like a little girl in many ways and Diane thought that was so sweet.

He was so excited, so anxious to show Beth and Sheri. "You think they'll like it." He asked Mom.

"I know they will dear." Diane assured her.

Craig looked at his watch. It was a quarter after twelve. "Are we going home now?" He asked as they got in the car.

Beth had taken advantage of his being gone that morning to have a long talk with Sheri before she went out. She almost didn't go when her sister told her about the hormones and what they were doing to him. "I was sure he was still wearing the breast forms. And they look real?" She couldn't believe it.

"As real and as natural as your's or mine." Beth assured her.

"But why? How?" It was too much of a coincidence.

Beth shared her suspicions about Christy.

"I know we talked about doing it but I couldn't imagine going through with it?" She adored Cathy now and couldn't imagine doing anything to hurt him.

"There's no other plausible answer."

"He doesn't take any pills. No vitamins. Nothing. So how is she doing it?"

"I just don't know!" Beth admitted with frustration.

Sheri had another thought. It seemed weird to ask but . . . "What about the rest of him?" She pointed to her crotch.

Beth shook her head. "It's not good. He's shriveled up to almost nothing."

"You've seen it!?" Sheri asked surprised.

Beth fibbed a little. "He was scared. Who else could he confide in?" Beth couldn't very well tell her sister about them sleeping together.

That made sense. "So it doesn't show at all?"

"He looks just like you and me." Beth said sadly. "He looks completely natural in that new underwear he bought the other day with you and Mom."

Sheri'd seen what he bought and it was hard to imagine that nothing would bulge under those panties.

"That's terrible." She really wanted to see for herself.

"I know." She agreed. "We're going to have to act as if it's great that he can pass so much easier now. He's scared and he needs us." Beth also told Sheri about the conversation she had with him on Thanksgiving, out back. "I really believe he's been happier here as Cathy than he's ever been. I don't know what he'd do if anything happened and anyone found out about him. It would crush him."

"Mom can't find out. She'd be shocked."

"Probably, but I get the feeling she'd get over it. She's really gotten close to him and I don't think she could just tell him to get out."

Sheri thought about it. "You're probably right."

"Just be as supportive as you can. I'm going to tell him that I told you and I really think he'll understand." Beth knew she had to. Sooner or later Sheri would walk in on him in the bathroom or in his bedroom and find out. Better she finds out this way.

Beth and Sheri heard the car pull in the driveway. They were late and Beth was worried, not so much that they weren't back on time but about what her mother might have talked him into. They waited in the kitchen.

Craig almost jumped from the car. He knew Beth had to be waiting and he couldn't wait to show her how great he looked.

Beth wasn't kidding when she told him, "You look fabulous. Turn around." He really did. If it was possible for him to look more convincing as Cathy, the hair did it.

"Doesn't she look wonderful?" Diane agreed.

Sheri looked at him with amazement. She'd long ago stopped thinking of Craig as that awful guy that had humiliated her in the past. Cathy was not that person and she adored who he'd become, or her, as she preferred to see him. "I hate you." She told him, looking so serious.

Craig turned to her in surprise. Diane did too.

"You're so beautiful." She said, changing her expression to a smile. "I'm so jealous."

He took the shampoo and conditioner they'd bought to keep his hair looking the way it did, upstairs to the bathroom.

"You really do look fabulous Cathy." Beth had to tell him again.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror again. "I was a little scared when I found out where Mom was taking me but I'm glad now."

Beth didn't want to tell him she was concerned. He did look fantastic. Cathy looked fantastic, but what was he going to do on Monday? She couldn't see him getting away with slicking his hair down anymore. She didn't think it would lay down. And the highlights. They were going to be noticeable no matter what he did. He'd have to wear a hat, a baseball cap or something. Even that wouldn't look right, as full as his hair was with he layering he'd had done. He was going to have a problem.

Craig was anxious for them to get going. He wanted to get back to the stores. There were so many things he wanted to buy that day.

They shopped all afternoon and he did spend some money. They had to stop at an ATM machine to get more.

"It'd be nice if you could just write checks." Beth told him. Having to pay cash for everything was not practical. "Why don't you open an account as Cathy?" She suggested. It made sense.

"Can I do that?" He hadn't thought about it.

"You have all the identification you need. Sure you can."

Christy went by the house on her way out. Beth's car was there. Maybe they weren't together that weekend? But if not, where was he?

Beth loved shopping in Jacobson's. The clothes were expensive but well worth it.

Craig was looking at a rack of sweaters when he heard a familiar voice behind him. He turned to get a shock.

"Excuse me." Karen said to the girl. She wanted to get by.

He kept his head. "Of course." He stepped aside and let Karen and Barbara pass.

They glanced at the girl and smiled politely as they stepped around her.

Craig just returned the smile then turned away quickly. He then smiled to himself. His old girlfriend looked right at him and had no clue who he was. I was still shaking a little when he found Beth.

"Nothing, not even a hint?" Beth wasn't surprised that she didn't recognize him. "I've been telling you haven't I?"

It felt good, not to have to worry about bumping into someone he knew. Cathy Gray was her own person and the world accepted her that way. It gave him a real feeling of freedom.

Craig hung up and put away all his purchases for the second night in a row. He was pleased that his closet was now full. He had so many new beautiful things to wear. More than a dozen pairs of shoes adorned his closet floor.

Craig pushed the old underwear back in his drawer and put away another dozen new pairs of panties. He had a new bra, two new camisoles to wear under his new sweaters and an assortment of other new lingerie he was thrilled that he could now wear.

Craig took a few minutes and added up the receipts from the past two days. It was a little shocking to see that he'd spent over fifteen hundred dollars in two days. He didn't care.

"I'm staying home tonight." Beth said when he asked her what they'd be doing that evening. "I've started cramping." They'd started when they were shopping that afternoon. "I'm spotting already." Beth suffered with pretty bad cramps during this time. The first two days were the worst of her period.

"I'm sorry you don't feel good." He was disappointed and he felt a little selfish. He felt so good about himself that he'd hoped that they could go out.

"I'll be ok." A funny thought just occurred to her. "Just be thankful that your hormones don't make you have to suffer with having this happen to you once a month."

He was thankful.

"Why don't you ask Sheri what she's doing tonight? I know she'd be thrilled if you'd ask."

He had been nervous about spending time with Sheri, because of his problem. Now that she knew, there wasn't any reason to be. Craig understood Beth's telling her and was actually glad she had. He'd been uncomfortable about explaining, feeling like in some way it was his fault what was happening to him.

Sheri didn't have any plans to go out. She was going to stay home and study but not any more. "I'll give Amy a call and the three of us can go do something." Sheri told him, all excited.

Amy didn't hesitate for a second before she agreed to go out with them.

There was a time when he wouldn't be seen dead with the two girls. Now they were friends, and more. They were people he cared about.

"They're staring at you." Amy said, nudging him. She still couldn't get over him, how fantastic he looked. It wasn't just his hair, which she loved. Sheri had told her to wear a skirt because they were. When they came to pick her up, he was wearing the cutest outfit. He had on a pale pink chenille sweater and a short matching crepe print flip skirt. With his white tights and flats he looked just amazing.

He glanced over at the two guys waiting in the next line for their tickets. They were looking in his direction. He turned back shyly. "They're looking at all of us." Craig insisted, knowing it wasn't true. It amused him to know that they thought he was something worth looking at.

"Sure. Sure." Sheri said grinning at him. Good-looking guys didn't stare at her and Amy. It was just a fact.

"Get used to it Cathy. Guys are going to stare. You're a knockout." Amy insisted.

"I've got to tell you." He remembered something from that morning. "Mom and I were on our way back from the hairdresser and these two guys pull up beside us at a light." He felt funny about it at the time. "I glanced over as we sat there, waiting for the light to change. These two guys were staring right at me. I looked away but when I looked back a few seconds later they were both still staring. They were so rude."

Amy and Sheri smiled at each other. Sheri was the one to speak. "Cathy, that's just how guys are. Get used to it. You know what they're like."

Of course he did. He used to be just like those two guys this morning, and the ones staring at him now. He never realized, or even cared, how annoying he was. He cared now.

They saw ‘The Quilt'. It was a great movie but so sad. Craig couldn't help crying during some of the saddest parts.

Sheri and Amy wished they knew of some party they could all go to. The kind of people they hung around with didn't get invited to many parties. Craig seemed so at ease with himself that they weren't worried about him being embarrassed. It was too early to just go home. Sometimes, after the movies, they'd go to Dennys for something to eat. There was usually a pretty good crowd there on Saturday nights.

As they followed the hostess to their table Craig was aware of eyes on him but he didn't mind. He ordered a sinfully fattening chocolate dessert and loved it. It wasn't often he indulged these days.

"I had a good time. Thanks for letting me go with you." He told Amy when they dropped her off later.

"Don't thank me Cathy. I had fun." Amy just had to tell him, "You really are a much nicer person than Craig ever was. Please don't change." She had no reservation about kissing Cathy on the cheek.

"Thanks Amy." He said sincerely. He felt a little embarrassed about things Craig had done but he felt kind of warm inside, knowing how she felt about him now.

Sheri saw him blush. She didn't understand how one person could change so much in so short a period of time. She knew it was not an act Craig was putting on.

As much as she wanted to, she couldn't bring herself to be so rude as to walk in on him as he was changing to get ready for bed. Sheri was dying to see the results of the hormones on his figure. With clothes on, he looked perfectly natural but he'd looked that way with the breast forms. She decided she had to be a little patient.

Going to church in the morning was exciting for him. Before they left, he stood looking at the girl in the mirror. He really was pretty, wasn't he? Everyone said he was so why not believe them?

Cathy turned sideways as she looked at herself in her new purple coatdress. She straightened the back, pleased with how it hung on her. It fit in all the right places. Her hair looked great. She batted her long lashes. She was ready for church. Ready to impress her family, friends and even the young men who might look her way.

It was sort of a let down to have to stay in and study all afternoon. He got comfortable in his sweats and sneakers and settled in with the books.

Diane spent a little time with Cathy, giving her a break from her studies. They talked about school, about her aspirations after she graduated. Diane just wanted to get to know her better.

Craig didn't mind the conversation with Mom. He disliked lying to her so his plans became Cathy's plans. It was so nice to have her take an interest in him, or rather her. His own mother never had conversations like this one with him. She never seemed to care what he did or what his interests were.

He'd had trouble concentrating all day, thinking about his ‘date' that night. Craig had thought that somehow he'd sneak out without anyone realizing where he was going. He finally had to accept that it wasn't going to happen.

"I don't know how it happened. He kind of trapped me into agreeing to go." He told the girls.

"I guess you'll have to go." Sheri said, holding back her smile. Craig was going on a date with another guy. How unbelievable.

Beth wasn't so thrilled. "If you have to go, you be careful."

"He's harmless." Craig insisted. "All we did last week was talk. He's really shy."

"Don't be so sure. He's a guy and you know how they can be."

She wasn't kidding but he couldn't help but smile. "All too well."

He didn't overdo it. He had on a pair of slacks and a silk camp shirt when he sat down in the living room with the family to wait for Gary to arrive. Sheri scolded him for being ready too early.

Gary was right on time. He arrived at seven on the dot.

Mom kind of insisted that he come in. "We have a little rule in this house Cathy. We like to meet our girls' dates."

Craig met him at the door. The novelty of his new hairstyle had sort of worn off. He was surprised when Gary stared at him the way he did, with the amazed look on his face. "Why don't you come in and meet the Franklins?" He said, encouraging him to come inside.

"Mom. Dad. This is Gary. Gary, this is my adopted Mom and Dad." It sounded so nice to say. "And these are my sisters, Beth and Sheri." They exchanged greetings. Gary looked so nervous.

He caught the look from Sheri. She thought Gary was cute. Beth betrayed no sign of what she was thinking other than to be pleasant to him.

"We should go Cathy." Gary suggested.

Craig was impressed to find that Gary drove a Mercedes, a new one at that. His business had to be pretty successful, he thought to himself.

Gary opened the car door for her and put her in. When he got behind the wheel, he turned to her. "You really look great tonight." He wanted to tell her before, in the house, but not with them all looking at him. She'd done something different with her hair and she looked even more beautiful than she had last week.

"Thank you." He said meekly, thrilled with the compliment.

He asked her about school, about what she'd been doing all week.

Craig had little to say about school, other than he'd been busy. Gary thought he'd been studying all weekend so he couldn't tell him about shopping. He couldn't very well tell him the things that he did that excited him. Like his first trip to a beauty parlor or buying almost a whole wardrobe in one weekend.

As they walked across the parking lot to the restaurant, Craig gave into an impulse and sort of reached out and invited Gary to take his hand. He only wanted to experience things that most girls took for granted. No one he knew would see him.

Gary was elated to take her hand. She had a pretty smile when he took it, looking over at her. He didn't know if maybe last weekend was just a fluke, but she really did seem to like him and that really made him feel good. He stepped ahead and opened the door for her.

Craig had always thought that men opening doors for women was antiquated. The girls he used to go out with never expected it. He felt a little differently now. It was nice for a guy to do that, it showed they cared, showed they respected their date.

Not another heavy dessert. Not two nights in a row. He ordered a small tart.

Craig was running out of things to talk about. He had to get Gary talking. "So what sports do you like?" He asked to get him talking.

Gary was a die hard football fan. He hardly ever missed a Seminole game.

There was something they had in common. Craig knew better than to show too much of his enthusiasm about the game but he did manage to get him talking.

The waiter came with their order. They recounted the Seminole's biggest moment in the past couple of years as they nibbled at their food.

Gary was surprised that she knew as much about football, about the Seminoles as she did. It made conversation a lot easier for him.

Craig had got him talking. That was better. "Tell me about your business. What exactly is it that you do?' It was time to change the subject from football.

Gary went on to tell her about his business. She was so easy to talk to and she listened like she was really interested. She'd even stop him to ask questions.

As they sat there, Gary was feeling pretty good about himself. He's seen other guys giving Cathy the once over. She looked so terrific it was hard to imagine she was there with him. Let the other guys look all they wanted.

They left, having spent about an hour there, holding hands again. Craig came to the conclusion that Gary was really a pretty nice guy. He was actually thankful that it was him that he was experimenting with. He was smart, polite and very considerate.

As guys went, he was really quite good looking too. Gary was about four inches taller than him. He had a fairly decent build, one like he used to wish he had. He'd mentioned that he worked out a couple of times a week. He played tennis a lot still. Wasn't this the kind of guy most girls wished for? Craig knew he was.

There was no problem with conversation on the way home. It didn't get awkward until Gary opened his door for him to get out.

"I really like you Cathy. I know you've got a lot on your mind with your finals but I'd really like to take you out on a real date. We could go to a really nice restaurant for dinner. I've got tickets to David Copperfield next Saturday?"

Gary really wanted to take him to those places. He tried to picture himself all dressed up, being taken to a fancy restaurant then to a show. He pictured Gary in suit with him on his arm. It would be quite an experience. Really pretty exciting. What would he wear?

She was hesitating. She liked him but not that much. Cathy didn't want to hurt his feelings and was looking for a way to let him down gently. "No, I shouldn't have . . . "

He was so unsure of himself. Craig made up his mind. He didn't know how he was going to explain it to Sheri and Beth, but he wanted to go. He cut Gary off, "I'd love to go out with you." He said with his best smile.

"Really?"

"Really!" Craig thought to himself, how neat Gary was. He was like a scared kid with him. It was kind of sweet.

"Great!" Gary was thrilled.

Craig had been thinking about the moment to come, all evening. He'd let him kiss him once. The second time was always easier for the guy. He held Gary's hand as they walked up to the front door. He stopped short of the door. He couldn't let him come in. He might try to kiss him in front of everyone.

Gary was summoning up courage with each step. "I really enjoyed your company tonight."

"I had a nice time too." Craig waited.

He started, then he hesitated. He had to do it then or she'd think he was a jerk. Gary put a hand on her waist and stepped closer. She looked up into his eyes. Even in the cool night air he could smell her perfume. Her eyes closed as his mouth tasted her warm sweet lips.

It felt so strange in one way but as long as he pretended he was kissing Beth or any other girl it wasn't so bad. It wasn't the peck like last time. He put his hand on Gary's waist. He let him kiss him the way he used to kiss girls. It was one of those not too long, gentle kisses that you give a girl on your second or third date.

Amazingly, it was Gary that ended it. Craig let his eyes open slowly, like a girl might do. Gary was smiling at him. "I better go in." He told Gary. Strangely, he looked uncomfortable. Craig wondered if he did something wrong?

Cathy was so great. She was too good to be true. He didn't get this kind of positive response from girls he met. He was always too shy, too scared to do what he just did. Had he messed up? Was it too soon to be so familiar? Some girls don't like that. "I'll call you tomorrow." He told her as he walked backward down the walk to his car.

"Ok Gary. Goodnight." What had he done to make him look so uncomfortable? Would he really call tomorrow or was he just saying that? Those were the thoughts going through his head as he unlocked the door and went inside.

"You're home already?" Diane asked, surprised to see her so soon. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. We just went for a quick bite so I could get back to studying."

"Did you have a good time?" Bill asked.

"I did. Gary's really nice."

Sheri and Beth were dying to ask what happened but they couldn't, not in front of their parents.

Craig could tell they wanted to talk to him. "I'm going to go get ready for bed and then go over my notes." This was a night of impulses. Craig went over to Diane and kissed her cheek. "Good night Mom."

It wasn't as easy but would Mr. Franklin feel slighted if he didn't? He leaned over and kissed his scratchy cheek. "Night Dad."

Bill thought it was sweet of her. He was nearly as fond of Cathy as Diane was, he just didn't show his feelings as easily.

Diane thought it was adorable. She knew that it probably embarrasses Bill. He'd never admit it though.

The girls were hardly surprised at all. It was a completely natural thing for a girl to do and wasn't Cathy almost as much a girl as they were? There was very little about him that hinted that he was a guy.

They waited a little while before they went upstairs. They wanted to give him time to get changed and ready for bed.

"So what happened?" Beth was dying of curiosity.

Sheri sat on the edge of the bed. "Tell us. Tell us."

"We went to The Schoolhouse and we had dessert." He knew that wasn't what they were asking.

"And?" Sheri asked impatiently.

"We talked and he brought me home." He was teasing them.

"What did you talk about?" Beth asked.

"I let him know that I liked football. We talked about that for a while."

"That's it?" Sheri asked.

"No. We talked about all kinds of things. I asked him about his work, what he did. He wanted to know all about me but there wasn't much I could tell him."

Beth understood. It had to be difficult. "Did he ask you to go out again?"

He couldn't lie to them. "He wants to take me to a fancy restaurant. He's got tickets to David Copperfield next weekend."

Sheri got all excited, "What did you tell him."

It felt awkward but, "I tried to imagine what it would be like to be taken out to a fancy restaurant, you know, get all dressed up, and be treated like a lady."

Beth knew what his answer was. "What restaurant is he taking you to?"

"I didn't ask."

"How are you going to know what to wear?" He should have thought of that. Then Beth realized. She was expecting him to think like a woman but he wasn't to that point yet, not yet anyway.

"He's going to call me tomorrow night." At least Craig hoped he was. He wasn't so sure after the way he looked when he left.

Craig wasn't thinking clearly. "You're not going to be here tomorrow night Cathy." Beth reminded him.

He would be back in the dorm tomorrow. Why hadn't he thought of that? For a while he'd forgotten about that other life. "What am I going to do now?"

"We'll help you figure something out." Sheri assured him.

In those few seconds he'd figured it out for himself. "I'll cut tomorrow. I've only got three classes.

Psychology I can cut and not miss anything." He was pulling down an ‘A' already. "I can skip the review in Language Arts and I'm way ahead on my Computer class." It would be nice to wake up there in the morning. He felt so at home that he hated going back to the dorm, going back to be Craig again. One less day to spend without friends, without being around people that cared about him, that he cared about.

Sheri couldn't control her curiosity any longer. Craig was ready for bed in his pretty cotton poet shirt nightie. "Cathy, would it bother you too much if I could see what the hormones have done to your chest?" She felt terrible asking but . . .

Beth couldn't believe she asked that. She kept silent. It was up to Craig.

He felt a little funny about showing her but she knew all about it. "I guess not." He sat on the edge of the bed beside her and gathered up his nightie, lifting it above his chest.

Sheri wanted to touch them. She could hardly believe they were real. He had as feminine a chest as any woman. Even his nipples look like a woman's "What size bra are you wearing?"

"Cathy's been wearing a 34A" Beth offered. She wasn't sure he remembered. She looked now though and wondered if he hadn't filled out even more since she last helped him buy his bra.

Sheri stole a glance at his crotch. Beth was right. He was wearing a really cute pair of scalloped lace nylon panties and she couldn't detect anything out of the ordinary beneath them. When he bought them the other day Sheri was a little shocked but he looked so natural wearing them now.

He lowered the nightie.

Sheri made up her mind that at her first, not to obvious opportunity, she would show him that he had nothing to be embarrassed about. She would let him see her the same way. She wanted him to feel comfortable with her.

He studied for a while after they left him alone but it was difficult, thinking about Gary and the kiss. It wasn't so bad, kissing him. The next time he'd do it better. It would be exciting to see Gary's reaction.

What would he do with himself tomorrow, he wondered when the lights were out? He could go to the bank and draw out money to deposit in a new account, Cathy's account, somewhere else. He'd have to go as Craig, of course. He could wait till after everyone left and change into Craig's clothes, hidden in his closet. It wouldn't take long then he'd just come back and change. He'd have to hope the neighbors didn't see him but most of them worked.

That next morning, he hated the way his old white jockey shorts felt against his skin and they weren't comfortable at all. He quickly changed into a pair of his new underwear. No one would know and they were much more comfortable.

He felt so odd, pulling on his the old baggy, ugly jeans. Now Craig had a couple of real problems. His breasts looked so uncharacteristic under his old shirt. They juggled around when he walked. He couldn't very well wear one of his bras though. That made his feminine chest look even more pronounced. He found the answer in Beth's dresser. She had a sports bra that flattened him a little and that he cold get away with as long as he wore his leather jacket, zipped part way up.

His hair was the big problem. It wouldn't lay down for him. Gel didn't help. What was worse was that the highlights really showed. He would have to wear the baseball cap Beth bought him Saturday. It did nothing for his full pony tail. The only thing he could do was tuck it all in his hat. He opened the band as far as it would go to tuck it all in. It looked funny in back, all pulled up that way but he didn't know what else to do.

Craig felt self-conscious going into the bank and sitting down explaining to one of the women what he wanted. Craig didn't withdraw it all. He left a few thousand in the account. The bank check for ten thousand, was made out to Cathy Gray. He told the woman it was his sister and that satisfied her.

He didn't like hanging around there but there was that other thing he wanted to check out. Craig shuffled through the papers in the safety deposit box until he found the papers he was looking for. Catherine had applied and was accepted at FSU. She would have started in February if it wasn't for the accident. He took it all with him, emptying the box.

It was such a relief to get home, shower and change. He'd actually hated going out that way.

He went through all the papers in his room. He hid away what he didn't need and put the rest in his purse. Craig was much more at ease when he backed his car out of the driveway the second time.

Cathy Gray had no trouble at all opening an account at her new bank. She had a checking and savings account and was assured that her application for a VISA card would go through easily. Her new checks would be mailed to her at the Franklin household in a few days. Cathy walked out of the bank quite pleased.

Cathy's next stop was the post office. Acquiring a post office box was simple and then she filled out a change of address card for Craig Gray. All Craig's mail would go to the P.O. box where she could easily retrieve it.

With those details out of the way she had one more place to go before she went to the grocery store.

Diane came in the back door to be welcomed by delicious smells coming from her kitchen. Sheri didn't get in from school for and hour and Bill never cooked. She was amazed to find Cathy in there cooking dinner.

"I just thought that since I stayed home to study that I might make dinner so you didn't have to bother." He explained. The beef stroganoff was almost ready. The noodles had a few minutes to go. He prepared fresh fruit cocktail, the salad was already made in the fridge and the green bean casserole was staying warm in the oven.

"I don't believe you did all this." Diane was delighted.

"You've all been so good to me. You go out of your way to make me feel welcome and I feel like there's so little I do for you." He'd been thinking how great it would be to do something for her and his day off gave him the opportunity. He sort of liked to cook but never got the chance.

Diane didn't know what to say. "You're just precious." She had to hug her.

It would have been nice if Beth was there but, like him, she lived at the dorm during the week. With work and school there wasn't much time left to get home except on weekends.

He was studying in the dining room later that evening when the call came.

"Hi Cath."

"Hi Gary. How are you?" Craig was relieved that he called.

They made small talk for a few minutes. Gary asked how Cathy's day was, what she did. Craig told him about staying home and studying, saying it was kind of a boring day. He told Cathy about his day when she asked.

He asked the important question. "Do you know what restaurant we're going to Saturday?" It seemed strange to ask that question. As Craig, he was the one who decided where he'd take a girl out to dinner. Now he was doing the asking.

Gary had picked a restaurant to impress Cathy. He wasn't about to take her just anywhere. "I thought I'd take you to The Bonjour. It's supposed to be very good" It was a very classy French restaurant that had opened recently in town and the reviews had been excellent.

Craig had never heard of it. "That sounds nice." It didn't answer his question but Sheri and Beth would help him figure out what he should wear.

They talked a little while longer about their plans for the weekend. Gary would pick Cathy up about seven. That would give them plenty of time to have dinner before leaving for the show. Craig was sort of excited about seeing David Copperfield, live, on stage.

He tiptoed around his room late that night, getting ready to leave. Craig wished there was a way he could skip classes and stay another day but he knew he couldn't. He slipped out of the house like a thief in the night.

Tuesday was horrible. He was so mixed up. For five wonderful days he was Cathy and he suddenly he had to revert back to old habits. It wasn't easy at all. He forgot himself so often. It wasn't as if he had to open his mouth to make himself conspicuous. His hair was a real problem and his hat wasn't all that much help. The few friends he still had hardly talked to him anymore. He was sure people talked about him, the way conversation seemed to stop when he passed.

He wore the sports bra he stopped and bought Monday afternoon. It made life easier but he still had to wear his bulky leather jacket everywhere. It was a relief to take the restraining bra off at night but he almost wished he had a regular bra to put on. It was a little uncomfortable having them bounce around on his chest in the evenings. He had no doubt that he'd filled out a little more and worried about when they would stop growing.

He hadn't done his exercises in days and he felt it that night when he got back to doing them again. He made up his mind that he would go back to doing them faithfully, even on weekends.

A hot bath helped ease the tension he felt from the day. He washed his hair just kind of brushed it out when it dried. It sort of fell into place, into the style he was getting so used to. It wasn't like he had to worry about anyone stopping in to see him. No one visited him these days.

Before he settled in to study, he applied his special lotion all over his face and body. That treatment he never let slide.

Beth called around eight. He had a lot to tell her about the past two days, some good and some bad.

He told her about going to the bank. She'd heard about him cooking dinner for the family.

She worried about him and the way people at school treated him. Who would have known that a little practical joke those weeks ago would have led him to where he was now. She felt so sorry for him. He seemed so depressed. "It'll only be a few more days Honey."

Beth and Christy were not getting along at all. She was studying when she got in from work on Monday night.

"So, how was your weekend?" Christy asked, looking up from her books when Beth came in.

"It was fine."

"You have a nice Thanksgiving with the family?"

"Yes. Very nice."

"How's Cathy doing?" She wanted to ask whether she'd seen him over the weekend. He hadn't been in any of his classes that day, she'd checked. He wasn't at the dorm either. Christy called there, asking for him.

"Cathy's fine." Beth knew she was prying. She wished she could just come out and ask what Christy had done to him, and how.

"You two get to spend some time together?" Christy had wasted the whole weekend trying to catch them together and she was frustrated she didn't see him.

"A little." Christy didn't know about him living there on weekends and she wasn't about to tell her.

When, Christy wondered? "Is he still dressing up or has he gotten tired of that?" She was getting frustrated but couldn't ask what she wanted to.

"What's your problem Christy? Why can't you just leave him alone?" Beth said annoyed.

"How much longer is this sick little affair of yours going to go on?" Christy got right down to it.

Bitch, Beth thought to herself. "He's not hurting anyone. He's comfortable with what he's doing. It's none of your business what he does. Let him be."

"What, he enjoys prancing around like a girl? It's perverted!" Christy said angrily as she got up from her chair.

"He's happy and he's not ‘prancing around'." Beth replied, just as angry.

Christy couldn't resist. "What's next? A sex change?"

"If that's what he wants to do, why not!" It wasn't as if Beth hadn't thought about it.

Christy was getting really wound up. "Well he's got tits! He might as well have a cunt." She said rather flip.

She'd been careful about what she told her but Kim or Hayley could have said something. She hoped not because hoped this was the slip Beth was waiting for. "What are you talking about? What tits?" She played dumb.

She screwed up and tried to cover herself. "You know, those breast forms you made him wear."

"That's not what you meant you bitch. What did you do to him?" Beth wanted to smack her.

"I didn't do anything. You're crazy." Christy couldn't help the panic in her voice.

"I know you gave him hormones. I swear to you, I'll tell the police if you don't leave him and me alone."

"I didn't do anything!" She insisted.

"You and Pam did something to him and I will find out how." Beth was furious. "And when I do you two will be in a world of shit. You leave Cathy alone." She meant to say Craig but it just slipped out.

"You're crazy!" Christy said trying not to sound worried. She'd seen Beth's temper before and she knew she meant what she said. She stormed out of the room.

Beth made up her mind. She couldn't stand to room with Christy another day. Tomorrow, somehow, she was moving back home.

It seemed like an eternity. He counted the hours till Friday afternoon. He kept pretty much to himself all week. His only happy moments were when he bumped into one of the girls. They talked a few minutes and then he was alone again. Sheri, Amy and Kim started calling at night, just to talk. That was nice. Craig had a feeling that Beth had said something about how down he was.

Friday finally arrived, thank God. It didn't matter that he had to spend the whole weekend studying for finals the following week. There was only one more week till the end of the semester and then he had a blissful month off. A whole month!

He kept his word to himself and stayed home Friday night. They all had dinner together, cleaned up then he went up to his room to study. He had gotten a surprise with he got to the house that afternoon. Mom and Dad had bought him a desk for his room. Somehow they found one to match the other furniture. He couldn't thank them enough.

Craig did take a little time off from studying. Saturday morning, after chores, Beth and Sheri took him to Jacobson's to find a dress for his date that night. Beth knew the restaurant and helped him pick out something appropriate.

He tried on three or four different things before Beth found the wine colored floral Jacquard dress. It was a slinky, sleeveless knit with a keyhole back and a shirred bodice that tapered into a flared skirt. It was a little daring but Beth thought he looked great in it.

"Can I really wear this?" He asked nervously. He looked at himself in the dressing room mirror. The body conscious knit showed every curve. It was hemmed well above the knee. At least it didn't have a low plunging neckline like one that Sheri picked out.

"Of course you can but you'll need to get yourself a red bra Cathy. Your white one shows through."

Sheri insisted. Cathy was going to be stunning, Sheri thought to herself, beaming at him.

Beth thought he looked wonderful too. The dress wasn't too much for him. It fit snugly but he had the figure for it now. She spoke low so no one else in the dressing room would hear. "It really fits you well. I know a dozen girls who'd give anything to be able to wear it half as well as you do."

"I wish I could look that good." Sheri added sincerely.

Craig felt sorry for her. Sheri had started dieting but she had a bit more to lose. "With all the weight you're losing it won't be long."

Sheri appreciated the compliment. It was Craig that inspired her to diet. If he could have a figure like he did, a guy, why not her.

"We'll have to find you a slip." Beth was content that they found him the perfect dress.

He had mixed feelings as he slipped out of the dress. It was exciting to see how good he looked in it but it was snug fitting. Beth and Sheri both agreed he could get away with it. Maybe he could?

"This will help you feel more comfortable." Beth said, holding up the slimming spandex bra slip.

His suspicions were confirmed when he tried on the first one she gave him. "It's too small." He told her over the curtain.

Beth had noticed that he'd grown more but she didn't realize he'd grown out of an ‘A' cup. The ‘B', with its light push up padding, fit him much better.

He felt sexy, standing there in just the slip. It fit like a glove. The cups were trimmed in delicate lace and so was the hem. He almost hated taking it off.

All that was left was to find shoes and a clutch purse to match. They all searched until Craig came up with the perfect pair of red satin ankle strap pumps. They had a dressy 3" heel, which was higher than any of his other heels but they were the only pair they'd found that matched his dress perfectly.

"It won't take you long to get used to them." Beth assured him as the salesgirl went to put them in a bag for him.

A purse turned out to be easy to find. The salesgirl and seen one and took them right to it. They were home before noon and they all hit the books.

Craig put his schoolwork away around four thirty to start getting ready.

Beth was excited about doing his hair up. This would be his first time and she wanted Cathy to look elegant.

They asked Cathy if it was all right before they called the girls to come over. Amy, Kim and Hayley got there about six.

Diane couldn't resist going upstairs with the girls when the others arrived. She knew Cathy was excited about her date and she was excited for her too.

It took him an hour to do his nails. He was so glad now that he couldn't bring himself to cut them back Monday night, before he went back to the dorm. He just couldn't do it, knowing how long it took for them to grow back. He'd been self-conscious of his hands all week, hiding them from view as much as possible. Looking at his hands now, it had been worth it. His nails were getting to look so nice.

He was dressed when they came into the room. He had his makeup done and Beth had just finished doing her last minute touches on his hair.

His new shoes made him feel like he was walking on his toes. It was Beth's idea that he practice and he was glad she suggested it.

Kim wasn't quite as shocked as Hayley was. She hadn't seen him in almost two weeks. She stared at him in amazement. "You look fantastic." She remembered him that Sunday he wore one of her dresses to church. He looked good that day but now . . . With his hair done up the way it was and his highlights, he was just stunning. Who'd believe this person in front of her wasn't an attractive young woman?

Diane thought Cathy looked so pretty. "You look lovely dear. Gary is a very lucky young man."

Amy had heard all about the dress he was wearing that night from Sheri. She'd described it to her over the phone but she had no idea it was so figure flattering. She stood in the background, feeling almost like a wallflower.

Craig couldn't help but blush. He did a turn to show off. He still couldn't believe how great it all came together. He felt so pretty, so sexy. "You think Gary will be impressed?" He asked no one in particular.

They were all quick to assure Cathy that he would.

Mom loaned him one of her coats. The long tuxedo coat would look much better than anything Cathy had to wear. She thought that might be something to keep in mind for her for Christmas.

Gary was right on time. Tactfully, Sheri, Amy, Kim and Hayley waited upstairs. They didn't want to intimidate him and they could watch discreetly out the front windows to watch the couple leave.

"You really look beautiful." Gary told her. She was!

"Thank you. You look really nice too." He looked like a model in his tailored double breasted gray suit. Craig had always thought he was a good-looking guy but, dressed the way he was, he was really quite handsome.

Gary was polite and made brief conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Franklin and Beth. "We should go Cathy. Our reservations are for seven thirty."

Everyone watched as the two went down the walk and Gary put Cathy in his car. Diane was pleased that he was a gentleman. "He's a very handsome young man." She commented to Bill.

"He is a good-looking man but I'd expect no less for Cathy. She looked so pretty tonight." Bill was really impressed with her.

Craig new he shouldn't be but he was nervous.

Gary was nervous too, but for different reasons. Cathy looked so beautiful he didn't want to mess up with her. .

Craig had to break the ice, he couldn't stand the silence. He tried to imagine what the average girl might say. "I've really been looking forward to tonight Gary."

"So have I." He admitted. "I hope you like the restaurant."

"I'm sure I will, don't worry."

"I have really good seats for the show later. We're right up front."

"I'm excited about seeing Copperfield. I've seen him on TV. I can't imagine what it'll be like, seeing him in person."

He'd done well, Gary told himself. "I hear he's something to see on stage."

Enough of that, Craig decided. "So what did you do today that was exciting, My day was such a bore.

I studied all day." It was only a little white lie.

Greg went on to tell her about working that morning, then going to the gym. "If you're interested, I could get you a free membership through my company. It's really quite well equipped. There's a full aerobic program, a full nautilus equipment room, a pool, and women's saunas?"

Just the thought scared the hell out of him. He could picture himself in the women's locker room and showers. He didn't want to sound ungrateful though, "It sounds really nice. I've been working out at home. Can I let you know?"

Craig saw the sign on the building as they turned into the parking lot. When Gary pulled in front and Craig realized they had valet parking, butterflies fluttered in his stomach.

The young man that reached for the door handle looked to be about his age. He opened Craig's door and offered his hand to him as Gary slipped out the other side of the car. What could he do? He reached out and took the guy's hand and kind of smiled at him. He swung his legs around and stood with little help from the guy. It felt so strange to be helped from the car.

Gary came around an offered Cathy his arm.

Craig knew what he should do. He slipped his arm under Gary's and walked as calmly as possible past

the doorman and into the restaurant. They took his coat at the coat check. Again with his arm on Gary's, they stepped up to the maitre' d.

Craig was very aware of looks from both the men and the women in the lobby. He did his best to ignore them and stand there patiently at Gary's side. It only took a moment till the maitre' d, in his black tux, escorted them into the dining room. Again, Craig felt the stares of men and women alike as they walked to the table.

Craig was ready when the man pulled out his chair for him. It was like a scene in a movie. Craig smiled up at the man when he pushed him in, saying a sweet, "Thank you."

Within seconds a waiter was there to ask if they'd like something to drink. Craig was about to order a glass of wine but Gary spoke up first.

"Do you like champagne?" He asked Cathy.

Very classy, Craig thought to himself. "That'd be nice." He said with a smile.

"We'll have a bottle of Dom. ‘86'." Gary told the waiter.

Dom was so expensive. He'd had champagne before, lots of times but it was always the ten to fifteen dollar a bottle kind. Dom was what? A hundred dollars a bottle? He wanted to tell Gary he shouldn't spend so much but he didn't. That wouldn't have been appropriate at that moment.

He half expected the waiter to ask to see Cathy's ID. I didn't happen.

Craig was very conscious of everything he did. He was getting used to sitting up nice and straight. He was accustomed now to sitting with his hands in his lap when he wasn't eating. He wasn't about to do anything to embarrass either himself or Gary.

"It's a beautiful place." He told Gary, looking around the small dining room. The tables were set with real china. There were no paper napkins and the tables' adornments were all what appeared to be real silver. Craig wondered what a meal here could cost. He was about to pick up the menu when the waiter arrived carrying the silver bucket with the bottle chilling inside.

The waiter poured a taste for Gary. He tested it and approved. Their glasses were filled half way.

Gary raised his glass to Cathy. "To a truly lovely lady." He'd rehearsed this whole speech about her, about the two of them and a blossoming relationship but it just seemed too corny to say when the time came.

"Thank you, that's sweet. I'd like to drink to a perfectly charming gentleman." It just came out but it didn't sound so bad. They both took a sip.

So often unsure of what the right thing to say or do, Craig drew on the only resource he had. He loved movies and he'd seen hundreds, of course. He particularly liked the classics and he had a vivid memory of them.

Craig reached for the menu.

"Would you allow me to order for both of us? If you enjoy fish, they have the most excellent flounder dish that I think you'll like."

How different from what he was accustomed to. Craig never treated a woman this well. "I love flounder." He did. "Please, go ahead and order."

He never even opened the menu. How did he know what to order? What shocked him even more was that he ordered in fluent French. Even the waiter looked a little surprised.

"I didn't know you knew French. You speak it beautifully." Craig was impressed.

"I was born in France. My father was an officer in the Air Force. I lived there till I was eight. My nanny only spoke French."

"I've never been to Europe but I will get there some day." It was a dream of his to live and work there.

"I think you'll get there. You seemed to be a pretty determined person."

Craig went on to tell Gary in detail, his aspirations about becoming an international businesswoman.

He almost slipped as he became more and more comfortable with Gary. He almost said ‘businessman'.

He had to remember to watch himself.

They had a little bit of a wait for their entrees. The salad was excellent. Craig was very careful to cut everything up small. He was doing quite well, remembering all the things that he'd learn at Mom's table. He did forget once and wiped his mouth instead of dabbing it. The lipstick on his napkin was the giveaway. He remembered after that.

"This is delicious." Craig told Gary when he tasted the fish.

"I thought you'd like it." Gary was relieved that he'd chosen well. Cathy was so easy to get along with it was wonderful.

More than once as he sat there, Craig noticed people watching him. When he looked over, the men would smile, even the older ones. It was the women that bothered him. They didn't tend to smile at him. It was so neat. The men thought he was attractive and the women hated him for it. What better compliment could they give?

Conversation between the two of them got easier over dinner. Gary loosened up as he realized that Cathy was enjoying herself.

Craig was stuffed half way through his entrée. He couldn't eat another bite. "That was wonderful." He told Gary.

Gary had nearly finished his. It wasn't like the portions were that large. He wasn't surprise that Cathy didn't eat it all. She had to stay skinny somehow. She obviously wasn't used to eating that much, not unlike other girls he'd known.

The waiter was always close by. He cleared the table.

"Would you like some dessert?" Gary asked as the waiter stood poised, ready to take their orders.

"I couldn't possibly." He had no room left.

Gary gave the waiter a nod to bring the check. It wasn't so bad. Gary didn't mind paying a hundred and fifty for dinner. He'd spent more for a good meal.

Craig felt so odd just sitting there while someone else paid the bill. He decided it was something he could get used to though.

The waiter pulled out his chair for him. Craig tried not to be too conspicuous, straightening his dress. He smiled and said thank you to the waiter, taking Gary's arm as before. As they headed out to the lobby, an older man, maybe in his thirty's, looked up at him and smiled. Craig couldn't resist and smiled back. Gary didn't see the brief exchange. It made Craig feel kind of good.

"I'd like to use the ladies' room before we leave." Craig told Gary in the lobby.

"Of course. I'll wait here for you." Gary watched with some pleasure as Cathy turned and walked across the lobby to the ladies' room door. She looked so hot. He'd seen the men in the restaurant looking at her and he was really happy she was with him tonight. They could look all they wanted as long as he was the one to take her home.

"I'm sorry but I just had to tell you, I love your dress. Would you mind if I asked where you bought it?" The woman in the ladies' room asked him.

"Oh, I don't mind. I found it in Jacobsons." He explained as he prepared to put on fresh lipstick.

"It's really lovely."

"Thank you." He said with a smile. To have his friends and Gary compliment him was one thing but a compliment from a woman, a complete stranger, that was something else.

Craig had an awful time going to the bathroom, hiking up his dress and the snug slip. He'd had two glasses of champagne and it went right through him. He'd never have made it to the show without going. It seemed lately that he went to the bathroom a lot more often than he used to. It was probably that he was drinking a lot more fluids. Fluids helped him keep his weight down. He drank four or five big glasses of water a day.

He dabbed on fresh perfume and was ready to go.

Gary already had her coat. He enjoyed helping her on with it.

The valet brought the car around. Another young man held the door for him as he got in. Craig decided he could start to enjoy this kind of treatment.

It took them about twenty minutes to get to the theater. Craig was again impressed that Gary didn't even think about parking the car himself. Again he used the valet service. It wasn't free here and Craig saw him give the guy a twenty to take care of his Mercedes.

This was royal treatment, as far as Craig was concerned. They were ushered directly to their seats. Gary had said that he'd gotten them good seats but Craig didn't expect to be seated in the fourth row center, down front. It was almost like being on stage.

"Are you comfortable enough?" Gary asked. He'd used all his influence to try to get them box seats but he'd been too late. The only good seats left were so small and crowded.

"I'm fine." Craig told him with a smile. He crossed his legs and got comfortable. His dress rode up quite a bit but Craig was getting used to that. He gave it a little tug, for modesty's sake but it wasn't like anyone could see anything.

Gary could see plenty. God! She looked so sexy tonight in her red dress, he thought to himself. Again he watched men's heads turn as they passed and he felt so fortunate to be with her.

Craig saw him sitting there with his hands in his lap and a thought occurred to him. He leaned over and surprised Gary with a kiss on the cheek. It seemed like the right thing to do. "This is wonderful. Thanks for asking me out."

She surprised him, doing that. He was pleased, of course. "I'm glad you accepted."

Craig reached over and took his hand in his and squeezed it. "So am I."

Gary definitely was pleased by it and that made Craig happy. He was really enjoying himself.

The house lights dimmed and Gary still held his hand. That was all right. It was thrilling to realize that Cathy excited him that much. What a great feeling.

Copperfield put on quite a show. Craig had never seen anything like it. His showmanship, his stunts were amazing. The show lasted about an hour and a half and both Gary and Cathy were sorry when it drew to a close.

They were shuffling up the isle with the crowd when Gary asked, "Would you like to stop for a drink?"

There were several lounges in the theater. Gary took him upstairs to the member's club. Craig was very impressed when Gary casually flashed a card and they were admitted. "You have a membership?"

"It's my company's." Gary explained.

Craig started to wonder about Gary's ‘company'. He'd pictured him in some little one room office somewhere in a small professional center. But that type of business didn't usually have memberships at the theater or at health clubs. "I'd really love to see your office sometime."

Gary was pleased that she was interested. "I'd be happy to take you and show you." Then he thought, this was a perfect opportunity. "After exams are over next week, why don't you let me pick you up and take you out to lunch? We can go by after and I'll show it to you?"

That sounded innocent enough, not that he had to worry about Gary. "I'd like that." He told him happily.

They found a booth and slid in beside each other. Again, no ID was required as they ordered drinks. Craig was careful now, not to overdo it. He hadn't had a drink of any kind in two weeks and tonight he'd had two glasses of champagne and now a glass of wine. That would be it, even though he felt perfectly fine.

They sipped their drinks and talked about the show. Gary was really starting to loosen up and that made conversation so much easier for Craig. He wasn't wearing a watch so he was really surprised to see it was after one when they left the lounge to head home.

The house was really quiet when Craig let them in with his key. Mom had obviously left the lights on for him.

"Would you like something? A cup of coffee?" He wouldn't presume to offer Gary any of the Franklins' liquor, even though he knew where it was stored.

"I think I better go Cathy. It's late and you have church in the morning and a lot of studying to do tomorrow."

Craig wasn't a bit tired. That night had been such an exciting experience for him. As usual though, Gary was being thoughtful and considerate. He was the type of guy Craig should have been. He didn't argue.

"I had a lovely time tonight. I really want to thank you." Cathy said at the front door.

"You made the night special Cathy." This was the awkward moment again.

Cathy anticipated this. "You are going to kiss me goodnight?" She said looking at him with hopeful eyes. She planned this moment all evening.

That was all Gary needed to hear. He put her arms around her and drew her against him. His lips reached down and locked on hers gently.

Cathy felt weak in his strong arms, with her head back she kissed him long and tenderly.

Her scent, her lips, her body pressed against him, excited him. Not totally unexpectedly, he felt that excitement begin to turn into a hardon. He released his hold on her before she could notice.

Cathy just let go and enjoyed his embrace without reservation. She'd never felt anything like it. Making love to Beth, being held by her was wonderful but this was so different. She was almost disappointed when their lips parted. She stayed close to him, with her hands on his arms she looked up into his smiling face. Cathy was smiling too. "That was nice."

It was great, Gary thought to himself. "Yes, it was." Anything else now would be anticlimactic. "I better go."

It was her turn to open the door for him.

"So it would be alright if I call you next week?" Gary asked hopefully.

"I hope you will." She'd only thought about this in the last few moments "I'll be really busy through Thursday then I'm done with everything. You can call me then?" Cathy very much wanted to see him again. If she had any doubt about spending the next month living there, it was gone.

Oh, he would definitely do that. He hated the idea of waiting for a whole week though. "We can do something next weekend if you'd like?"

"I'd like that very much!" She told him smiling.

He started to back out around the door. She looked even more beautiful now than when he'd picked her up earlier that evening. "Goodnight." He whispered.

"Goodnight." Cathy whispered back smiling, then closed the door.

It was after one when Beth heard them come in. Standing quietly at the top of the stairs, she wished there was a way to see what was going on down there. She could hear them talking though and there was a conspicuous silence for a moment that Beth wondered about. She hurried back to her room when it sounded like Gary was leaving.

He saw the light under her door. "Hi." Craig said peaking in.

Beth looked up from her bed where she was reading a magazine. She didn't want him to know she'd been spying. "So tell me all about it. How did you do?" She tried not to sound too curious.

Craig was more than willing. He told her about the restaurant and the way people looked at him.

"How did you feel about that, about people looking at you that way?" Beth asked.

"It's funny. I was kind of scared . . . No, it was more like nervous, at first. But then I felt kind of flattered."

"What did Gary say about how you looked tonight?"

Craig smiled, "He said I looked beautiful?"

"And that was OK?"

He thought a moment before he answered. "I was glad he thought of me that way. Let's face it, I'd rather be thought of that way than as ugly."

"How did he treat you? You know, was he a gentleman the whole night?"

Craig didn't hesitate, "Absolutely, it was great. He opened doors, he helped me on and off with my coat. He did everything a gentleman should do."

Beth could tell but she asked anyway, "And you liked that?"

"I felt funny at first but yes, I like the way he made me feel."

"But how did you feel?" She pushed a little more.

Again, he took a moment to think before he answered. "You're going to think it's silly."

"No, I won't. Tell me."

"I felt pretty, sort of desirable. Maybe sexy's the right word. Most of all, when we were walking together, with my arm in his. You're going to think this is really silly but I felt good, sort of safe or comfortable maybe. I'm not sure." He was still confused by his feelings about it.

It was interesting to hear him describe his feelings in those words. It would be entirely natural for a young woman to feel that way. She was sort of happy that Cathy did.

"What happened when he brought you home, anything?" This was what she was really curious about.

She wanted to know about that moment of silence downstairs.

"What do you mean? Nothing happened. I told him I had a nice time and I thanked him." Craig said uncomfortably.

He was lying. That was obvious. "Did he ask you out again?"

Why not tell her? "He's going to call after next week but I don't know if I'll go out with him again."

That was a lie. Craig had already made up his mind to go when he asked.

"Why not?"

That kind of surprised Craig. "It's not right." He didn't expect her to encourage him.

"What's not right? You had a good time. You enjoyed his company and it made you feel good. Why shouldn't you go out with him again?"

That's how he felt but he didn't think Beth would be that understanding. "He did ask me to come see his office. I could do that I suppose." He didn't want to admit that he'd enjoy another date even more.

"There's no reason why you shouldn't go." She insisted.

Beth decided to just come right out and ask. "So, did he kiss you goodnight?"

Her first statement surprised him enough. Now he didn't know what to say.

Beth had her answer from his hesitation and the look on his face. "It's OK. You can tell me. He did, didn't he."

"Yes." Craig felt ashamed, embarrassed.

It was so cute to see him blush. "It's alright. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Gary thought he was kissing Cathy and there's nothing wrong with kissing your date goodnight."

"It felt so weird." He admitted.

"Good weird or bad weird?" Beth was dying to know.

"I don't know. I kissed another guy and it wasn't right. I pretended I was kissing you when I did it."

He kissed Gary the way they kissed? That surprised her. "And it wasn't so bad?"

She knew so why not tell her the rest. "At first I felt really strange. Then he put his arms around me and we were really close. I kind of got that safe, comfortable feeling again and just didn't think about who I was kissing and just relaxed."

She didn't make a big deal out of it. "It is a nice feeling, isn't it? I'm really glad that you had a good time tonight."

Craig felt relieved. He'd been afraid to tell Beth how he felt. He was so sure she'd think he was crazy.

"I really did."

Beth was more certain than ever that what Craig was doing was right for him. Cathy was coming into focus for him and he was happy being a girl. Maybe what Christy had done, regardless of her reasons, was a God send for Cathy.

Craig was too awake to go right to sleep. It took him a while to get ready for bed. He waited till the last minute to take his hair down, looking in the mirror often to make sure it was really him.

He finally slid under the covers and turned his light out. Craig lay there thinking about everything that happened that evening and how satisfying it all was. Cathy had been everything both she and Gary hoped she'd be and he got a lot of satisfaction from that. Beth knew now and that helped a lot. It was all so exciting.

Exam week was really stressful. It wasn't enough that he wasn't as prepared as he should have been but he also took some time each night to pack up his belongings. No matter what happened after the holidays, he wouldn't be going back there. He rented a storage locker for the things that would not be going to the Franklins' with him. That was most everything. All he brought was a few personal things and his computer.

His last exam was on Thursday. It was a happy young man that closed his dorm room door for the last time. It was an even happier young woman that moved into her room at her new home. It was such a relief that there'd be no more sneaking in or out of the house as Craig.

Cathy went to dinner and a movie Friday night with Gary. On Sunday, after church, the couple went for a ride north, into Georgia, just to take a ride and see some different scenery.

The following week Cathy saw Gary's office for the first time. It wasn't what he expected at all. Gary employed eight people in his suite of offices. Cathy was really impressed. There, in his own environment, he discovered that Gary was not always the shy person that he'd come to know. He was quite a successful business man.

The weeks leading up to Christmas were exciting and fulfilling for Cathy. He saw Gary several times a week. He even went to church with the family once.

Cathy's and Gary's relationship grew stronger and stronger. It was fortunate for Craig that he was the kind of person that he was. Kissing became something that he grew accustomed to. Hugging was alright too. He liked the way that made him feel. They never went beyond that. Gary wasn't the type to press and that's what made their relationship possible.

Kevin and Beth got back together. It was so strange to have him come to the house and watch them together. Craig was jealous at first but that passed in time. Craig and Beth rarely got time alone anymore, what with the three of them home all the time. Besides, the risk was too great. He really missed making love the way they did. He missed those new feelings he'd come to enjoy. At times, he even wondered what it might be like to have Gary touch him the way that Beth did. He tried not to waste a lot of time dwelling on it.

Cathy had all the time in the world to be with his girlfriends, as well as time to do things at home. Craig never slept in late in the mornings and Cathy couldn't break the habit of getting up early. He enjoyed surprisingly Mom with the things he'd do for her. She was great with him and appreciated all that Cathy did.

Thankfully, the changes in Cathy's physique slowed. His figure was as shapely as a model's. His chest stopped developing and he was comfortable in a 34B bra. It was the season for shopping and he still enjoyed it a lot. Cathy's wardrobe wanted for very little.

Christmas morning at the Franklins' was very much like his when he was little, and his father still lived at home. The family gathered around the tree and exchanged gifts. Mom loved the crystal vases Cathy bought her. Dad was thrilled with his new driver. Mom helped him pick it out. Cathy bought Sheri, who was really slimming down, a skirt and blouse in a size nine. She was so thrilled. Beth's he saved till last. He watched her as she unwrapped the little package. When she pulled the lid off and peeled back the cotton inside, her eyes lit up. Craig found the necklace with its tiny diamond only a few days ago, after a frantic search to find just the right thing to give his friend to say thank you for all she'd done for him.

"This is too much." Beth insisted as she held it up, watching it sparkle in the sunlight.

"I just wanted to show you how much I love you and appreciate everything you've done for me."

Diane thought it was extravagant too but she kept still. She knew it meant a lot to Cathy and that's all that was important.

Beth couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes. She went over and hugged Cathy. "I love you too."

It was nice to see her girls get along so well. Much had changed in her house since Cathy came to live with them. She was almost as important to Diane as her other girls, she was such a dear.

Cathy enjoyed getting gifts almost as much as giving them. Mom bought him the prettiest cable knit sweater. Dad's gift was a dressing table for his room. He was cute the way he wrapped up the big box with a picture of the table inside. Sheri got him a really pretty white cowl neck blouse that was perfect for the holidays. Apparently, Sheri and Beth shopped together to find him an outfit because she got him a long black velvet skirt to go with the blouse.

At Diane's urging, Craig called his father that morning and wished him a Merry Christmas. They exchanged the usual pleasantries but not much else. It was a short call because his father wanted to get back to Christmas with his family but Craig didn't mind like he used to. He had a family waiting for him now too.

Gary picked him up at two that afternoon. He was really nervous meeting his family. Craig wore the new holiday outfit he'd gotten that morning.

They lived in a very prestigious part of town, in a big luxurious house. Gary's father apparently owned several companies. He was quite successful. He was very happy to meet Cathy. His mother seemed a little cool toward him at first but after a while they got along alright. His sister, Tiffany, was a snob. Craig didn't like her at all. She talked about herself incessantly. Craig was a little bit surprised to discover that they knew all about Cathy. Gary had obviously been telling them everything.

Gary's brother Mark with his wife and kids arrived a little after they did. Carolyn, his wife, was really nice and his two little girls were adorable in their holiday dresses.

It was about four when Jenny and Paul showed up. They'd been to Paul's parents. Craig and Gary had been out with them twice in the past month. They got along really well together. Jenny never missed an opportunity to tell anyone about how she got Cathy and Gary together.

His family had already exchanged gifts that morning but they all sat with him and Gary when they exchanged theirs. Gary seemed pleased with the sweater he'd gotten him. Craig got a shock when he opened Cathy's from him. He'd seen diamond tennis bracelets before, of course. He'd just never seen one so beautiful. Gary did the honers of putting around his wrist. Craig couldn't believe that he bought him something so expensive. Appropriate or not, he gave Gary a kiss on the cheek right there in front of his whole family.

It took about an hour or so but Craig's nervousness passed and he had a pleasant afternoon. He avoided Tiffany like she had AIDS but got along really well with Carolyn and Gary's mom. He couldn't stop looking at the bracelet on his wrist. Craig still couldn't believe that Gary gave him something so beautiful and so obviously expensive. He loved it.

Dinner was served and it was no simple table she had set. Craig had never been to a catered Christmas dinner before.

They went back to his house early that evening. Mom made him promise he'd be home to have dinner with the family. Gary came back with him, of course. Mom's parents were there and he met Dad's mom that night for the first time. She was nice, but not like grandma Byrne. Craig really felt like part of the family now.

Craig remembered the first time anyone saw him kiss Gary and how embarrassed he was, especially around Sheri or Beth. That had all changed over time. He thought nothing of it as he kissed him goodnight that evening.

"Have you been thinking about what you're going to do?" Beth asked as they talked in her bedroom that night.

"About new years?" They were talking earlier about the fact that he and Gary had to decide which of the parties they'd been invited to they were going to attend. Gary's parents were having a big fancy party but Kim and the others had plans to go out and party, including Beth and Kevin. He wasn't sure what to do. Gary said he'd be happy no matter where they went. It was up to him.

"No, about Cathy, about you."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's face it. You can't go on forever like this. Sooner or later you have to decide how you want to spend the rest of your life. Do you want to spend it as Cathy or as Craig?" She thought about it more and more as time passed. Since school ended he was Cathy day and night and he seemed so happy. Things with Gary were getting serious, whether he realized it or not. Sooner or later their relationship was going to reach the stage where they'd progress beyond just hugging and kissing. Gary would want more.

It wasn't as if he didn't think about it all the time. Things were going so great that he tried to just block it out of his mind. "I don't know what to do." He admitted.

"You know you have options?"

"What options?"

Beth had done some reading. The information wasn't easy to find. "You could have cosmetic surgery.

You could become a real girl!" Beth strongly believed that was what he should do.

He had fantasized about that. He often wondered what it would be like.

New Year's Eve Beth, Sheri, Kim and Cathy all had their hair done and treated themselves to manicures. Craig finally made up his mind only a few days before. He and Gary would be going out with the crowd. He went crazy finding just the right dress but found it. It was a ‘little black dress' that showed off his figure. What was really sexy about it was the semi daring sweetheart neckline that showed a little more than a hint of cleavage. He knew Gary would love it.

It was neat to be picked up by a huge stretch limo at his front door. Gary had suggested it, to avoid problems. It was a tight squeeze for seven couples but they all managed.

They were a party of fourteen for dinner at Bentley's. It was a really nice restaurant and dinner was wonderful. From there, they all went on to the Hilton, downtown. The party was in the exclusive club on the top floor. Craig had no idea what the cost was but the place was really decked out.

They served fancy hordevours all evening and the liquor flowed freely. They had a big name local band and the music was great. Dancing was not longer something to be afraid to do. He and Gary had been out dancing three or four times in the past month and he enjoyed it now. It was fun to get out there and dance now. He'd learned some new moves that he knew Gary liked. It made him feel sexy and alluring to do them for him.

Midnight seemed to be there before anyone knew it. Amidst the clamor of excitement at the chiming of the hour, Cathy and Gary kissed passionately, celebrating the new year. Cathy actually felt a little weak in the knees when Gary finally released her from his embrace.

What felt really odd was how everyone exchanged kisses after. Craig kissed each and every one of his girlfriends' dates. Of course, he felt a little jealous as the girls all had their turn with Gary too.

They partied till almost four and then they all squeezed back into the limo for the ride home. Craig had been careful not to overdo it but he still felt a little light headed and giddy as he slid onto Gary's lap getting into the crowed car. He wasn't the only one. Kim was on Jeff's and Beth was getting frisky with Kevin. The others were too busy making out to care. The limo was very quite on the way home.

Craig flinched a little when Gary's hand caressed his stockinged leg. Not enough to alarm him into removing it. His other arm was around his waist supporting him. It excited Craig to be held that way. He twisted around and, smiling at his handsome date, leaned in and covered his lips with his. It was exciting, feeling Gary's warm hand stroke his leg. Craig did something he'd never done before. He French kissed Gary, exploring the inside of his mouth with his tongue. Gary's reaction was almost instantaneous. They were so close he cold feel Gary's heart beat faster. His hand moved slower as he stroked from just above his knee down to his calf.

Craig started to get hot. For just an instant, he thought to himself if he was still clinically able, he'd have a hardon at that moment. Then he felt it. Not his, but Gary's. Underneath him, he could feel Gary getting an erection. While it was exciting to know he could do that with just a kiss, Craig quickly broke off the kiss. He couldn't let him get too excited. Without a word, he just rested back against Gary and let him hold him the rest of the way home.

Gary wasn't sure what happened. For the first time, Cathy really let go and then, just as he was getting really excited, she pulled back.

"Are you mad at me?" Gary asked, when they were back at the house.

"No, of course not. I had a wonderful time. You were great." He was, as always.

"Why'd you suddenly turn away from me in the car?" Gary was really enjoying the kiss and he thought she was too. He didn't understand.

Craig knew that's what it was. "I got scared." He admitted.

Gary didn't get it. "Of me?"

"No Hon, of me." It was true.

She'd never called him that before. He was more confused than ever. "I don't understand?"

Craig got really serious. "I was afraid of what might happen. I could feel you getting excited."

He was worried at the time, that he could feel his erection growing. Then he thought about it. Why not let her know how she makes him feel? "Cathy, you know I'm crazy about you." He'd been afraid to tell her he loved her. He'd made that mistake with other girls in the past and it always seemed that just that word scared them off. Gary had used it too casually to express lesser feelings and swore he wouldn't make that mistake again. Now, feeling the way he did about Cathy, he was afraid to tell her.

Craig wasn't naive. He knew Gary had feelings for him. "I'm crazy about you to." He reached up and stroked his cheek. "I'm just not ready. I'm scared." He couldn't tell him the truth. He just couldn't.

"Scared of making love to me?"

"Scared of sex. I know this may sound ridiculous but I've never made love, real love, to any man." It was very true, Craig just left out the real reason. "I got scared tonight because of what I was feeling. You've been so patient with me and you never say anything."

Now he felt ashamed of himself. "I didn't realize. You're a virgin."

He lowered his head like it was something to be ashamed of. "Yes." What a rarity, in this day and age but Craig thought that by telling him that he might stave him off.

Gary reached over and put a finger under her chin, lifting her face up to look at him. "Don't be ashamed of it." He thought it was admirable. "I just didn't realize."

"How could you?" Craig asked, smiling again. "Most guys won't have anything to do with a girl like me." He knew that for a fact. "I was afraid to tell you, afraid that you'd lose interest. I didn't want to lose you." There weren't many men out there like Gary. Cathy had been lucky to meet him.

Gary didn't even stop to think. He loved her all the more now. "You're not going to lose me. I'm not going anywhere." He'd respect Cathy's wishes and when the time came it would be all the more special.

Days passed quickly for Cathy and she was happy. Craig's moments for quiet reflection were the nights, contentedly curled up in his bed, in the dark. Not a day went by that he didn't ask himself if he was doing the right thing. Each time he weighed the pros and cons, he came to the same conclusion. He had never been happier in his life and his future looked nothing but bright and hopeful. He was a little apprehensive when he went to Beth with his decision.

"Cathy Gray?" Carol inquired of the two young women sitting in her waiting area.

"I'm Cathy." Craig said nervously, putting down his magazine. Beth had found the therapist for him and made the appointment. She thought going to a woman therapist would be easier for him and she was probably right. He got up and followed her into her office.

Carol offered the girl a seat of her sofa. "How can I help you?" The girl's appearance left Carol a little perplexed. She didn't look like one of her typical patients. Cathy was well groomed, attractive and smartly dressed. Her mannerisms were that of a feminine young lady. She was, admittedly, a little confused.

"I need some advice I think. I'm told that in order for me to have gender reassignment I need counseling." Craig had been really nervous about coming but he knew, after reading everything Beth had found on the subject, this was the only way.

"You want to become a man?" Cathy was not the average female to male stereotype. Normally, those women dressed and portrayed themselves in a more masculine way. Nothing about this young woman would lead anyone to believe she was transsexual.

That was funny, Craig thought to himself. Like everyone else, she had no clue. "No, I want to become a woman."

Carol was quite surprised but tried not to show it. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

"I would hope not." Craig said with a smile. "Can you help me?"

That was the first of many sessions Craig would have with Carol. It got easier as time passed, relaying all his hopes and fears to the woman. They inevitably discussed Cathy's relationship with Gary. It felt so strange for Craig to admit to her that he enjoyed a homosexual relationship with Gary. Carol consoled him with the reality that if he became a woman then his feelings for Gary would be considered normal.

That helped him in his decision.

Craig had given a lot of thought to the other issues he had to deal with. School was just one of them.

"What about the time Craig's already invested? Going back to school as Cathy, the credits Craig's earned won't apply to his degree." Beth asked later that day.

"I thought about that too." He'd thought a great deal about it and he'd been to a counselor to see what he could do about it. Cathy had graduated High School with much higher grades than he'd had.

"Your SATs are certainly adequate. What happened that you didn't take the classes you had scheduled to start in January?" The counselor asked.

He'd picked a counselor that he'd never seen before. Just in case. "My mother passed away and I needed some time to decide what I was going to do."

"I'm so very sorry Dear." What a horrible thing. "Are you all right now?"

"I'm doing much better. I've kind of adopted a new family. Or they've adopted me I should say."

"I'm glad. Well, I don't see any reason why you can't enroll in the same classes for spring semester." She told Cathy.

Catherine had signed up for an arts major. "I've been thinking about changing my major to business.

Would that be a problem?" Craig asked.

The counselor reviewed her SAT scores again. "There's no problem here. It looks like you should qualify to even bypass a few classes. She checked to see if she already qualified to skip over some of the prerequisites. "This might work out quite well for you Cathy."

If he did decide to do this, he would be in better shape than when he started a year ago. He could edit the classes he'd already taken to catch up. I could work.

The only problem was paying for that many credits. It would wipe out the allowance he received for classes each semester. In a year, when Craig turned twenty-one, he'd get the rest of his inheritance that was held in trust, then he could pay for school easily. Until then he had a problem. Beth came up with the answer. Her office was looking for another part time girl and Cathy would easily qualify. He thought it would be great to work with her.

"What about your father?" Beth asked. This was a subject they'd avoided up till then.

"Carol and I talked about me telling my father." It wasn't easy to come to the decision to tell his dad what he was going to do. It wouldn't be the end of the world if that news severed his ties with his father. They had almost no relationship anyway and he had a family that loved and cared about him much more than his father ever had. It was going to take some courage to make that call but Carol was helping him find that courage.

Craig was more than a little nervous that first day back to school but he had friends there. The only really awkward thing to deal with was the guys. Craig steered clear of his old friends, seeing them occasionally. As first the days and then weeks passed, he made new friends. It seemed awkward at first but not all his new friends were girls. It was impossible to be in classes all day without developing relationships with young men. Seeing guys in a different light, he was very selective about who he made friends with. His old buddies were jerks.

Cathy and Gary grew even closer as the months passed. Gary continued to be patient but Craig could tell it bothered him. It bothered Craig too.

Normally, Carol would never recommend one of her patients for gender reassignment so quickly but if ever anyone qualified it was Cathy. He was already on hormone therapy for some time and he was living as a young woman and happy. So, as the semester neared its end, Carol made the arrangements for Cathy.

He had so much on his mind those last weeks of school but his finals were the least of it. Craig still wrestled with whether or not he should have the surgery. Every fiber of his being told him it was the right thing to do. It would finally make his life complete.

That little voice inside him was still bothering him as he and Beth boarded the plane for Houston.

They told Mom and Dad that it was just a vacation trip. A chance for the two of them to get away.

The nagging little voice was still there when he checked into the hospital the next morning at the scheduled time. If it wasn't for Beth being right there at his side, he would have been too scared to go.

She didn't try to tell him what he should do. Instead, she was his sounding board.

He looked so cute sitting there on the edge of the bed in his little hospital gown. Beth was almost as excited for him as he was. "It's got to really make you feel good to know that you'll be going home in a few days as Cathy, a real girl."

He was looking forward to it, but . . . "Am I doing the right thing?"

It was natural for him to be a little scared. "Does it feel like it's the right thing to do?"

"Well, yes."

"Have you been happy as Cathy?"

A smile crossed his face. "I've never been happier."

"Then for God's sake, quit worrying."

She was right. He'd made his decision and he couldn't wait to go home and not have to pretend any more. What a relief it was going to be.

The nurse came in a short while later to take blood and give him an injection. He held Beth's hand as consciousness slipped away. His last thoughts were of Gary and how wonderful it was going to be to go home to him and finally experience with him what every girl simply took for granted. The irritating little voice was finally silent.

 

 

 

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