Any resemblance to actual people or occurrences is purely coincidental. This is a piece of Fiction!

 

Winter Fun              by: Lisa Elizabeth

 

The months of January and February are the coldest and snowiest here in the Midwestern US. So there was no surprise when we awoke one Friday morning in February to hear that school was closed. It was snowing and blowing out and the weatherman was predicting six more inches of snow.

"Ye-a-a-a-a!!!" both my sister Janet and I said at the same time.

"We get a day off!" I told Mom with a smile.

We had breakfast and talked about what we could do on such a yucky day. We started out by helping Mom with the dishes, and then Janet and I played with her Barbies and my GI Joes. After a short time, Janet was bored.

"I wish I had another girl to play with." she told me "I like playing with you but there are other things that only play right with another girl."

This was my chance! I had been given my fantasy at Christmas. Santa had left a note that I could be 'Lisa Elizabeth' several times with the blessing of my family. I shook inside as I thought 'This is my chance!’

I went into the kitchen and nervously looked Mom. "Mom?"

"Yes dear?" Mom looked up from what she was doing.

"I was wondering.... since I've been good since New Year's... could I ... I mean would it be alright...?" I was lost. I didn't know how to ask to be Lisa again!

"John, just stop jumping around and ask!" Mom said with a smile.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then before I could chicken out I blurted out all at once "I want to be Lisa this weekend!" There, I had asked.

Mom put down what she was doing and looked at me. A slow smile came across her face and she said "Well, let's see, ...it's snowing out. No one will be over and school is closed. That's three days, you know? Do you really want to be Lisa for the entire weekend, or are you just bored?"

I thought for a minute. 'Lisa Elizabeth' for the WHOLE weekend! I couldn't keep the smile from my face! This was better than the two holidays! "You mean ALL three days?" I asked.

"All three days." Mom responded. "Once you are Lisa, there is no changing back until Monday morning."

I know my eyes, smile and body language gave away my answer. I have a terrible 'poker face'. I could only say one word, "Yes!"

Mom went over to the phone and called Dad. "Hi honey. You know school is out... I know you had to fight through the snow to get to work...I really appreciate that... Anyway, why I called. I wanted to ask if it would be alright for this weekend to be our weekend for having 'Lisa Elizabeth' around... well, Janet is bored and John has been so-o-o good since the holidays...I know Dear...No one is coming over in this snow! ...I thought that I could take the girls roller-skating tomorrow as a reward for playing nicely today... Okay? ... When you get home, 'Lisa' will be here... 'luv you too...Bye."

Mom came into the front room where Janet and I were cleaning up my GI Joes. I sort of knew Mom would get Dad to say okay, so I was getting ready to become Lisa. I don't know how she does it, I mean she just talks to Dad for a few minutes and then he agrees with her!

"Janet, how would you like to have a girl playmate for the weekend?" Mom asked.

"How is anyone going to get here in this snow?" Janet asked.

"Well, maybe 'Lisa Elizabeth' would like to visit for the weekend. I talked to your father and he said it would be okay. Now we just have to ask John if he would mind?" Mom told Janet.

"Oh? John? Please, please, please, with sugar on it! Please?" Janet begged.

"I get to be Lisa all weekend?" I asked. "Even Sunday?"

"Until Monday morning!" Mom said.

"Hm-m-m. Let me think... OKAY!!! " I shouted. We had put this little act on for Janet's sake. It seemed to get her out of being bored and very excited!

"I get a sister all weekend!" Janet was jumping up and down with excitement.

"All right, let's go get Lisa ready!" Mom said. "I'll start a bath. Lisa, you go get ready for a bath, Janet, you hop into my room and shower, that way you can help get Lisa ready."

"I'll race you upstairs!" yelled Janet as she took off out of the room.

"You got a head start!" I yelled back. I stopped long enough to pick up my GI Joes and place them on a table, then took off to get ready for my bath.

I went into the guestroom and took off my clothes. I put on my 'Strawberry Shortcake' robe and took a pair of clean panties from the drawer. I went across the hall to the bathroom where Mom had started the water. She had put something in the water that made the whole room smell nice.

"I added some bath salts. They smell nice and make your skin feel smooth and silky. Should help put you in the mood to be Lisa." Mom told me as she checked the bath water. "When you're done call me so we can do your hair while it's still wet." Mom closed the door as she left.

I got into the tub and lay back for a minute. I'd never had a bath with anything other than Mr. Bubble before. This was different. No bubbles, but the water felt slippery. When I used the washcloth, the soap really lathered up. It was very different from the showers I'd gotten used to taking. I finished washing and then just lay back in the tub as I thought a girl would do and imagined how the day would go with me as Lisa. After a while the water started to get cold, so I flipped the drain and got out of the tub. After I dried off, I looked in the mirror, my hair looked like a drowned rat! I wondered what Mom would do to it. I put on the panties I had brought and my robe and slippers.

"Mom, I'm done!" I called as I opened the bathroom door.

"In here dear!" Mom called from the guestroom.

"My, you look nice and clean! You smell nice too." Mom said as I walked into the room. "Sit here and we'll see what we can do." Mom patted her sewing stool for me to sit on.

I sat on the stool and Mom started playing with my hair. I was supposed to get it cut this weekend so it was a little longer than at Christmas time. She parted it on one side, then the other. Then she tried in the middle. Finally she decided to part it in the middle and combed the front few inches forward so I had bangs. The rest she combed to the sides. Then she took out the blow dryer and a round brush and started drying my hair and turning the ends under. This felt wonderful. The warm air and the gentle brushing almost put me to sleep! When my hair was dry and Mom was happy with what she had done, she took my white headband and placed it right behind my bangs and behind my ears. I snuck a peek in the mirror. My hair looked very feminine. Not as long as Janet's, but cute anyway.

"There! That will do for now." Mom said. "Let's get you dressed. I told Janet to wear her sailor dress. You should too, so you match. What do you think?"

"Okay. I like the dress. I'll get what I need." I told Mom. I went to 'my' dresser and took out a pair of white tights and a white camisole. I returned to the bed, took off my slippers and robe, and hung the robe in the closet. Then I put on the camisole and sat on the bed to put on the tights. Sliding on tights is such a wonderful experience. The tightness as they slide on always feels so-o-o good. Today was no exception. With that done, I went to the closet, took out the white full slip and slipped it on over my head. I carefully took my sailor dress from the hanger, opened the bottom two buttons and had Mom help me slide it on so I wouldn't mess up my hair. I went back to the closet, got out my black Mary Jane’s, and slipped my feet into them. I looked at Mom sitting there smiling, so I did a small twirl and said. "TA DA! All dressed!"

"You did very well today. Come back over here and we'll add some details." Mom motioned me back to her.

Details? What else could I need? Oh well, I thought, 'Mom's a girl,' so why not? I went over and remembering to sweep my skirt under me, I sat back on the sewing stool. Mom reached into a small box, took out two small gold earrings, and clipped them on my ears. She opened a small jewelry box, took out a gold chain with a small cross on it, and helped me put it around my neck. She then picked up a bottle of 'Baby Soft' cologne and dabbed some on me. It was a new bottle and I had never smelled this perfume before. I liked it!

"Almost done. Now where is your sister? Janet? Are you almost ready? Come in here when you are." Mom called out the door.

It took Janet another three to four minutes before she came around the corner. She was dressed exactly like I was. Right down to the same gold earrings and necklace. She had even styled her hair similar to mine! Hers is longer than mine is but it was obvious she wanted us to look as much alike as possible.

"We look almost like twins! This is great! "I exclaimed.

"One last thing and then you two will be ready. Let's paint your fingernails." Mom motioned Janet to sit next to me. She opened a bottle of Vitamin E oil and painted our cuticles with it. We waited a few minutes and then Mom took an orange stick and pushed back all the cuticles. When that was done, she took a cotton ball and dabbed on some nail polish remover. She had us wipe off any excess oil so the polish would stick better. With all this preparation done Mom opened a new bottle of 'Berry Red' polish and proceeded to paint all twenty nails spread out before her. She waited a couple of minutes and then, when Janet and I started fidgeting, she took the hair dryer and blew warm air on our fingers, to help dry the polish faster. Mom blew the air for a few minutes and then told us both to be careful for a while, so the polish would dry completely.

"Lisa, do you want to have a Tea Party?" asked Janet. "That way we can do something and be careful with our polish at the same time!"

"Okay! Oh, I have that new Tea Set from Christmas! Let's use it!" I said. This was kind of exciting. I was finally going to get to use 'my' tea set!

I hopped off the bed and ran toward the closet.

"Lisa Elizabeth! Be careful of your nails!" Mom yelled.

Two names! That slowed me down. I wasn't used to this 'being careful so you stay pretty' part of being a girl yet. I slowed down and carefully opened the closet door. Then looked in and saw the tea set box. I walked into the closet and gently lifted it up and carried it out into the bedroom. I checked my fingers and there didn't seem to be any damage to the nails. "Let's take this downstairs so we can set up a table." I said.

Janet and I went downstairs and into the family room. I went into the closet and got out a card table. Janet went and asked Mom for a table cloth. She came into the room with a pretty red and white checked table cloth. We spread it out over the card table and went to set up chairs. I set up two chairs and started to get out the tea set.

"We need two more chairs! After all at a Tea Party you have to have guests!" Janet said.

"Okay. I'll get two more chairs. Who are we having as guests?" I asked.

"Well, I'm inviting Raggedy Ann. I don't know who you're inviting! "Janet stated.

I got out two more chairs and set them up. All the while trying to think of just who I was going to invite! "I know! I'll invite my collector Barbie!" I told Janet excitedly.

We finished setting up the tea service and then went upstairs to get our guests. Janet brought out her Raggedy Ann and I brought the collector Barbie from the dresser in the guestroom. We took them downstairs and then started our party.

Janet welcomed our guests to the party and told them she was so happy that they could make it in such bad weather! I echoed her welcome and offered everyone a seat at the table. Janet and I took seats opposite each other and seated our guests on our right.

"Would anyone care for some tea?" I asked as sweetly as I knew how.

Janet was shaking her head yes and after asking each of our guests the same question; I poured some pretend tea into everyone's cup.

"Would you pass the sugar please, Janet. "I asked.

Janet passed the sugar bowl and I placed one spoonful into my cup. Looking at Barbie I asked, "One teaspoon or two?"

I put two into her cup and then passed the sugar back to Janet so she could serve her guest. No one wanted cream in their tea so we passed around a plate of 'crumpets'. Everyone was watching her weight so we all only took one.

Janet and I were having a lot of fun talking about shopping, school, the weather, etc. when Mom came in with a camera.

"Girls! Look over here and smile!" She said. 'Flash'...'Flash'...'Flash'. Three pictures later we were allowed to stop smiling. "These will be wonderful in the scrapbook. It's almost lunch time so clean up and come help with lunch." Mom said as she left the family room.

"Could we leave everything here so we can have another party after lunch?" I asked.

"If you like. The snow has slowed a lot so you might be able to go outside after lunch. If you don't clean up now, you will have to clean up before you go outside." Mom told us.

Janet and I discussed this for a moment and decided to leave everything set up. We figured if it quit snowing, it wouldn't take very long to put everything away. We then went up to the kitchen to help get lunch ready. Mom was making soup and sandwiches for lunch. I reached into the cabinet and got out bowls and plates while Janet put out place mats and spoons. I placed the bowls next to the stove and put the plates on the table. Mom liked to serve from the stove at lunch to minimize dishes. Janet was getting out the loaf of bread and the peanut butter. I got out the jelly from the refrigerator along with some lunchmeat and cheese. Janet will only eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As we finished setting everything out Mom said the soup was done and we went to wash our hands.

By the time we had washed our hands and returned to the kitchen, the soup was on the table. I sat carefully and placed the napkin in my lap like I had seen Mom do at restaurants. Then I watched Mom eat first so I would know how to be careful of my clothes. Mom noticed I was watching.

"Just take small scoops of soup and wipe the edge on the bowl, Lisa. That way none will drip off the spoon and onto your dress. Like this." Mom instructed and then demonstrated for me.

I followed those instructions faithfully and didn't drip once! I think it was the first time in my nine years I didn’t wear some of my soup! When we were done with our lunch, Janet and I helped Mom put everything away and clean up the kitchen. We were just getting ready to go back and play when Janet looked outside.

"Mom, Lisa! The snow stopped! Isn't it pretty? If we clean up the Tea Party, can Lisa and I go outside? Please?" Janet was looking at Mom.

"It does look nice outside. If you two go clean up the front room, I'll help you get ready to go outside." Mom replied.

Janet and I raced into the room and started putting everything away very quickly. It did take some time to carefully put my Tea Set back into its box. When we had the table and chairs put away, we took the tablecloth back to the laundry and carried our 'guests' and the Tea Set back upstairs.

Mom was waiting for us at the top of the stairs. " Janet you go and change into jeans and a warm shirt. Then put on your snowsuit. Lisa, you come with me." Mom directed me into John's room.

"I know this is supposed to be off limits while you are Lisa. However, we need to borrow some clothes so you can go out into the snow." Mom said as she searched my closet and dresser drawers. "Ah, yes, these will do just fine."

Mom had found a long sleeved flannel shirt, in a western style that I thought made me look like a girl. I had been teased at school when I wore it, so it had just hung in my closet for a while. Then she grabbed a pair of my jeans and the snowsuit from my closet and we went across the hall to Lisa's bedroom.

"Now, we only remove your dress and slip. Let me help. Okay, now hang up your dress and slip so you can put them back on when you come in. I'll be outside waiting for you." Mom instructed.

I took off the sailor dress and my slip and hung them up. Then I put on my shirt and pants. The pants felt different going on over tights. More slippery somehow. Then I slipped into my snowsuit and left it partially open so I wouldn't get too hot before going outside. I went downstairs to get my boots.

Janet was just finishing putting on her boots, with Mom's help, when she saw me.

"I'm glad you changed so fast. Hurry up and finish getting dressed. Mom won't let me out the door without you!" Janet called to me.

I went to the closet to grab my gloves when Mom stopped me. "Here, use these today." She said, as she handed me a pair of pink mittens and a pink scarf! I smiled and happily put on the outer garments.

When I was all set, Mom let us out into the back yard. We ran around in the snow for a little while just chasing each other playing tag. We decided to get out the saucer sled and give each other rides around the yard. I grabbed a snow shovel and shoveled the front walk. This served two purposes, one, Mom and Dad would be happy. Two, it gave us enough snow to make a small hill. That way one of us could hold the sled while the other got on and rode down the pile of snow! The sledding hill was at the park and with the roads still snow covered, we had to make do here at home.

I was just getting off the sled after a ride when 'Thud'... a snowball hit me in the back of the head! I turned around to see Janet laughing and making another snowball! So I grabbed some snow and threw it back at her! She ducked and it missed her. This led to an all out snowball fight! Both of us throwing snow as fast as we could at each other. Lots of shrieking and laughing going on the whole time!

Eventually Janet yelled "TRUCE! I give up! I'm tired."

She then flopped down in the snow on her back and made a 'Snow Angel'. I lay down next to her and made one too. Then I reached out and held her mitten while we just laid there in the snow laughing about the snowball fight and who hit who where.

Mom finally stuck her head out and said it was time to come in. We both did the old "But Mo-o-o-m!" routine. It didn't help! We still had to come in the house. I picked up the shovel and cleaned off the snow from our snowball fight, while Janet dragged the sled back to the garage. After we put things away, we went back into the house.

Mom stopped us at the kitchen door with a broom in her hand. "Turn around both of you!" She commanded. Mom proceeded to broom off as much snow as she could. Fortunately, the snowsuits were slick and there wasn't much stuck to us. When she was satisfied we had been cleaned off as well as she could do from the door, she let us into the kitchen.

As we took off our gloves and scarves, Mom was shaking out the rest of the snow. Janet and I finally got out of our boots and snowsuits.

"There's hot chocolate and cookies on the table." Mom told us as she hung up our suits to dry.

We sat there warming up and drinking hot chocolate. While we had been outside Mom had made sugar cookies. They were still warm! We told Mom what we had done outside and how much fun we had. Janet giggled when she told Mom about hitting me in the head with a snowball.

We finished our chocolate and put the cups in the sink. I looked at Janet and said. "Let's go change back into our dresses! I just don't feel as much like Lisa, dressed in pants."

"Okay!" Janet replied and we headed off to our rooms to get changed.

I went into Lisa's room and took off the shirt and jeans. I went to the closet and got out my slip and the sailor dress. I was careful putting both on and even got the buttons done up on the dress myself! First time! I tried to recreate the hairstyle Mom had accomplished this morning. I wasn't sure how she had gotten the sides and back to turn under so I called Janet.

"How do you get the hair to turn under like this morning?" I asked.

"Curling iron." was her reply. "Mom won't let me use it by myself yet. We should call her. Mo-o-o-m! We need you up he-r-r-e-e!" Janet could be pretty loud when she wanted to be.

We heard some shuffling of dishes and then footsteps. "I'm coming, I'm coming! What's the problem?" Mom asked as she entered the room.

"Lisa wants her hair curled like this morning." Janet said before I could say a word. "Me too!"

"Oh? Well that's easy. We just need to wait for the curling iron to warm up. So, what are you two going to do until dinner?" Mom asked while we waited for the iron to warm.

"I thought we could play a game." I said. "What ever Janet wants to play."

"Barbie Dream Date! I never have anyone to play that with!" Janet gushed. She didn't even have to think about it!

"Okay. When we finish here we'll play." I told Janet.

Mom took the curling iron and did Janet's hair first. I watched carefully, seeing how she wound the hair around the iron, then waited a few seconds, then drew the iron out of the curl. She then told Janet to just brush her hair and it would curl under just fine.

Mom told me to move over to the stool since the cord was short. I did and while Mom was curling my hair under Janet left to go get the game and start setting it up in the front room. Mom was very careful not to burn my head with the iron. She told me that's why Janet wasn't allowed to do this by herself yet. Made sense to me. Also, I didn't have a clue how to do my own hair yet, so it was safer to ask for help. When Mom was happy with the curls, she had me brush out my own hair, and reset my headband so my hair looked just as nice as it had this morning.

"Thanks Mom. My hair looks very nice now." I said. "Do you think I could learn to use the curling iron by myself?"

"Well, that depends on how often 'Lisa' is going to visit." Mom replied. "If you keep coming for visits, you will have to learn to do most of your own hair care and how to dress yourself."

Mom was smiling at me, I thought maybe 'Lisa' would be able to visit more than the three times promised at Christmas. I looked in the mirror, trying to imagine how I could do my own hair with the curling iron. I was kind of lost in that thought when Janet yelled up from the front room. "Lisa! The game is all set up. How much longer is it going to take you?"

"Time to go. I promised! Thanks again Mom. I mean for everything, not just my hair." I gave Mom a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"What is this all about?" Mom asked.

"Nothin'" I replied. I smiled at Mom as I walked out of the room to join Janet. I took a quick peek at Mom as I left and saw her reach for a tissue. Funny, I never heard her blow her nose.

I joined Janet in the front room. She had the whole Dream Date game set up. She even had out two Barbies and two Kens. I was surprised to see the two Ken dolls out, but then thought 'who else would be Barbie's Dream Date?'

We played the game for a couple of hours. This was almost like Monopoly! It just seemed to take forever to get to the end and go on the date with Ken. Finally, Janet landed on the final square.

"I won! I won!" She cried.

"Looks like you get the date with Ken." I told her.

"That was a lot of fun. I've never gotten to play this game all the way to the end before. It does take a long time to play." Janet stated.

"Let's put this away. Dad will be home soon. I'm sure we could help Mom and maybe get another sugar cookie!" I whispered to Janet.

"Okay!" Janet replied.

We cleaned up the game and straightened out the front room. Then we went to find Mom and see if we could 'Help', for a price, of course.

Mom was just starting to make a salad when Janet and I arrived. "Mom, if we help can we have a sugar cookie before dinner?" Janet and I asked together.

"Before dinner? Are you two sure? That would be like dessert first! Well if you both help and NO fighting, we might just all have a cookie before dinner." Mom said through a smile.

The first thing Janet and I did was to go and get two aprons. We decided it would be best to not get anything on our sailor dresses. I helped Janet by tying the bow for her and Mom helped me after Janet tried to tie my bow twice without succeeding. I would have tied it myself but Janet wanted to do it for me since I had done hers.

With all the bows tied, we set about helping to get dinner together. Janet helped wash vegetables and I tore lettuce and scooped things into the bowl as Mom cut them. When that was done, I used the two salad utensils to make a tossed salad. I wanted to throw it up in the air but Mom stopped me. She said that wasn't how you tossed a salad!

That was placed on the table and then Janet and I set the table. I got plates, cups, and saucers out of the cabinet. Janet got the silverware and started arranging the table for dinner. When we were all done, we asked Mom for a sugar cookie.

"Well you two did a good job and didn't fight. So-o-o one cookie will be okay!" Mom smiled, then handed each of us a sugar cookie.

After eating our cookies we took off our aprons and went to wash up for supper. While we were washing, Dad came home.

"Hi girls!" Dad said.

"Hi Daddy!" Janet and I said together. Then we ran over and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Dinner was ready so Mom called us to help carry it to the table. Once again, I watched Mom to see how to eat like a 'proper young lady' so I wouldn't mess my dress. Success for the second time today! Two meals as a girl and nothing on my clothes! I was pre-e-t-t-y proud of that! I smiled as I helped clean the table and felt good about being Lisa all weekend.

After dinner, Mom and Dad were watching TV so we watched too. After the news and some game show, Dad asked if we wanted to watch a movie. Janet and I said yes. Janet got to pick the first, so we watched the 'My Little Pony Adventures'. It was okay and Janet even brought down some of her ponies to play along with the movie.

Next was my turn. I was dressed as Lisa; somehow, I didn't think 'Rocky' or 'The GI Joe Movie' would be appropriate. I was a little confused when Mom spoke up.

"Lisa, I bought a new tape for you, just in case this happened. Let me get it and see if you like it." Mom said as she got up and went to the front closet. She took a bag off the shelf and took out a new video. It was called 'Dark Crystal'. It was made by Jim Henson productions so I figured there might be some Muppets in it. It looked interesting.

"I think we should watch it Mom. It looks interesting." I said as we unwrapped the video.

Mom went to make popcorn and after she returned with a full bowl, we watched the movie. It was good. I especially liked the fact that the girl in movie had wings!

When all was over and the popcorn bowls were in the kitchen it was bedtime. Janet and I kissed Mom and Dad goodnight and went up to bed.

"Can I sleep with you tonight, Lisa?" Janet asked.

"Why." I asked.

"Because we're sisters this weekend and I've never slept with a sister before." Janet replied.

"Let's ask Mom." I said. "M-O-O-M!"

Mom came upstairs to see what was going on. Janet then asked to sleep with me in the guestroom. Mom decided it would be okay if we didn't stay up all night.

"Okay! Let me get my bear and I'll meet you in bed!" Janet yelled as she ran to her room.

I had just gotten into bed with my Barbie doll when Janet came in the room with her bear. I looked at her bear and thought it would be nice to have a bear of my own. Maybe next Christmas? We lay there and talked about the day's activities giggling at different things we did. After a while Janet just kind of nodded off to sleep. So I took Barbie, tucked her in with me, and went to sleep.

I woke up having to use the bathroom. However, the major problem was, how to unwrap my sister from me so I could get up without waking her. It took me a couple of minutes to accomplish, but I eventually got her back to holding her bear and I was able to slip out of bed. When I came back, I climbed into bed and made sure my Barbie had survived the night. She was fine, although her dress looked like she had slept in it!

Janet was still asleep, so I got up and after putting on my slippers and robe, went downstairs to watch Saturday cartoons. I had watched Bugs Bunny and was half way through a Road Runner cartoon when Dad walked down the stairs.

"Morning Lisa!" Dad said in the middle of a yawn. "How did you sleep?"

"Okay, I guess. I woke up to find Janet wrapped around me like I was her bear!" I replied.

Dad laughed. "Your sister has always been like that. When she was very little she would come into our room during thunderstorms. I always woke up with her wrapped around me. Guess last night it was your turn!" With that comment, Dad headed for the kitchen.

I finished watching the cartoon. The coyote still hadn't caught the roadrunner! I then turned off the TV and went into the kitchen. Dad was making coffee for him and Mom. I got out a bowl and cereal for me. We both sat at the table for a minute not saying much.

"Lisa, how are you enjoying your weekend so far?" Dad asked. This is a typical question from my Dad. He sort of hints around things and gets you to talk a lot about something. So I knew he expected me to say more than 'okay.'

"I've had a LOT of fun so far. Janet and I got to play with my tea set, we made a sledding hill in the yard, and we got to help Mom a couple of times. I think I'm enjoying being here this weekend. If it could always be like this I'd like to visit once in awhile." I replied. That last comment about visiting had me shaking. I knew I was only promised three times to be Lisa, but I REALLY was enjoying my time as Lisa. I wasn't sure what Dad's reaction would be.

Dad smiled. "I'm glad you are having a good time. You know when your mother first told me about you, I wasn't sure about letting you fulfill your dream. It's a Dad thing! But I thought about some of the things I dreamed about when I was young that never happened. After thinking about it for a couple of days, I agreed to let you try being a girl for three occasions. This is number three. I think your Mother and I will discuss the possibility of you being able to visit once in awhile. Would that be okay with you? I know it's not the answer you probably wanted to hear but, at least we will consider it."

My Dad said he'd consider it! Now knowing how Mom can get Dad to agree to most anything she wants. . . There was a good chance that Lisa would be visiting again! I just needed to let Mom know how much I liked being Lisa! I got up from my chair and went over to my Dad. I gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Daddy! I really like being here. It makes me feel good to be able to do girl things and not feel funny about it. It's kind of like being in a class play, you know? I put on my costume and I am able to play my part. Does that make any sense?"

"I never thought about it that way, but you may be right. The costume does help you play the part!" Dad stated and then looked at the ceiling for a minute and went "Hmmm."

Janet walked in at that moment dragging her bear behind her. She looked like she was still asleep! "Morning Daddy." She gave him a hug and a kiss. "Morning Lisa." She gave me a hug and a kiss. Then she took her bear and flopped down in a chair. "I think you wore me out yesterday!" She said looking at me.

I'm sure I looked surprised. I didn't think it was possible to wear out my sister! She was always bouncing around and running everywhere she went! My Dad was trying hard not to laugh. You could see him trying to hide his smile.

"I wore YOU out! What about ME!" I exclaimed.

"Well. . . but I had a lot of fun. Want to play some more today?" Janet asked with a smile.

"You're just faking aren't you!" I retorted.

With that comment Janet started giggling and finally started laughing. "Of course I'm faking."

"Settle down you two." Dad said. "I'm sure your mother has plans for today. I've got to shovel the snow and then work in the basement, so you two behave."

Both of us responded with a 'yes Daddy' and put our bowls in the sink. Mom came in at that time and asked what all the commotion was about. We told her and she said that Janet and I should go get dressed. We had a busy morning ahead, if we were going to go roller-skating this afternoon.

We headed upstairs to get ready. Janet told me to wear my skirt and blouse so we would be ready to go skating later. I told her I would and went into the bathroom to take a shower. No time for a bath today! I hopped into the shower and washed, using Mom's soap, shampoo and conditioner. When I was 'squeaky-clean', I got out and dried myself off in a pink towel. I went into my room and looked in the closet. There it was the one outfit I hadn't worn yet! I went to my drawer and took out a pair of panties and the black pair of tights. After changing out of my robe and nightgown, I put them on. Then I slipped into a camisole and finally put on the blouse. The blouse was a long sleeved pull over ribbed shirt with a scoop neck, in Burgundy. It looked nice on me. I then took the skirt and slipped it on. It was a Gray pleated skirt and once on, it would fly outward when I twirled. That was kind of neat! Mom had told me to put a half-slip under my skirt, so I found that in the drawer and slipped it under my skirt. I then checked in the mirror from all angles to see if my slip showed. The final touch was my black Mary Jane's. All dressed!

I looked in the mirror and decided to try to do my own hair. I combed it as best I could to resemble the way Mom had yesterday. When I was happy with that, I took a red plastic headband from the dresser and placed it just behind my bangs. I found the gold earrings and necklace and put those on too. Now all I needed was to curl my hair under. As I was looking for the curling iron, Janet came in dressed similar to me.

"We need Mom! She won't let us use the curling iron." Janet stated. She then went to the door and called Mom to help us finish our hair.

"My! The two of you look very nice this morning. You did a very nice job on your hair today Lisa. You learn quickly." Mom said to us.

"I'd like to learn to use the curling iron, Mom." I told her. "That way I could fix my hair and Janet's hair and you wouldn't have to come help us."

"Fix your hair and Janet's?" Mom questioned.

"I was going to ask later, but I guess now would be a good time. I talked to Dad this morning and he said that if you thought it was okay. . Then I might be able to be 'Lisa' a few more times. He said that he would talk to you and that the two of you would 'consider' it." I was out of breath I had said all that so fast.

"Oh! Mom! Yes! Please? Please, please, please?" Janet was tugging Mom's arm as she begged. I realized for the first time, that Janet could be my best ally in this situation.

"Now settle down. You said your father would talk to me about it. Let's wait until I talk to him. We'll see how the rest of the weekend goes first, okay?" Mom said. "As far as using the curling iron goes we can start this morning learning to use it!"

"Me first!" Janet cried.

So Mom sat there and taught us how to curl our own hair with the iron. She did one side for Janet and then had her try the other side. I was watching very closely. The main thing that Mom kept telling us was to be careful not to burn ourselves. It took Janet a while to get the other side curled but, in the end she did a fairly good job! She was all smiles and ran out of the room to show Dad what she had done.

Now it was my turn. Mom showed me how to hold the iron and she curled the first section under, counted to five, and then slid the iron out of the curl. Mom handed me the iron and said to try it! I was nervous! I took the iron, with great concentration curled the next section under, and counted to five. Then I slid the iron out of the curl. I looked in the mirror, not bad! It even looked like the one Mom had done! I started to smile a little. With some practice, I could do this fairly easily. I still had to concentrate a lot doing the rest of my hair. Looking in the mirror, I had to do everything backwards so it would turn out okay. I'm sure Mom could have done it a lot faster but she was very patient and only offered guidance and suggestions when I seemed to have problems. Eventually all the bottoms of my hair were curled. I then took the brush and brushed out everything so it would just curl under at the bottom. The effect was just right! It looked like Mom had done it!

"Thank you Mom. My hair came out just like when you do it!" I gave Mom a hug. "I guess I should show Dad too, huh?"

"You're welcome. Now remember to be careful with the iron, it is very hot! And always unplug it when you are through." Mom instructed as she talked. She unplugged the curling iron and set it on the dresser in a place that would allow it to cool safely. "Normally after you do your hair you put on your earrings and necklace and stuff. That gives the iron enough time to cool so you can put it away."

"I'll try to remember Mom" I replied

"Go show your Father. I'll clean up here today." Mom smiled and shooed me out of the room.

I went to find Dad. He was already outside shoveling snow, so I knocked on the window and waved to him. He waved back and went back to clearing the driveway. Janet was watching TV so I joined her. At the first commercial Mom came in and said we had to help if we wanted to go roller-skating.

I poked Janet and got up to go help. I knew if I helped and tried to be as good a girl as I could figure out how to be it would go a long way toward getting Mom on my side. That would mean when she and dad talked about me being 'Lisa' a few more times it might go more the way I wanted it to!

Mom said I should collect the hampers and take them to the basement. I went upstairs and dragged them all downstairs. On my way through I noticed Janet was still watching TV! I didn't say anything with the first two hampers, but she was still there when I was taking Mom and Dad's downstairs.

"Janet, Mom asked for help!" I said.

"When this is over! It's at the really good part!" She replied.

I sighed and continued to take the hamper downstairs. Mom was already down there sorting things so I stayed to see if I could help. She showed me how to sort ‘lights’, ‘darks’, and 'delicates'. It turned out that Janet's and my sailor dresses were considered 'delicate'. I smiled thinking how nice it was that I wore something 'delicate'! After sorting, Mom started the washing machine and I helped load it. When that was done, we headed back up the stairs.

Mom handed me two rags and the can of dusting spray. She told me to give one to Janet and start dusting.

I walked into the front room and Janet was still watching TV. "Here's your rag. You know, if we don't get done this morning we won't be able to go roller-skating!" I told her.

"Okay already! I'll turn off the TV!" Janet complained. She got up and half-heartedly started dusting. She was doing a rather sloppy job of it but she was upset and didn't want to do this in the first place.

"Janet, let's pretend we're cleaning house because our friends are coming over for a party!" I said.

"Hmmm, that would mean another party?" She asked with a smile. "Of course, it might have to wait until tomorrow, with roller-skating this afternoon."

"I would like to have another party tomorrow with you." I told Janet.

"Okay! I'd better do a better job! I don't want anyone to think I'm a bad housekeeper!" With that comment Janet went back and redid the areas she had missed. This made the dusting and cleaning go a lot faster. We were done in all the rooms of the house in about an hour and a half! Amazing what can be accomplished with teamwork!

Mom came along behind us and ran the vacuum. When lunchtime came around we had the house clean and most of the laundry done! I helped Mom get soup and sandwiches ready for lunch while Janet went back to watching TV. I really did want to go roller-skating! Dad came up from the basement and we called Janet to eat.

During dinner Dad asked what was 'on the agenda' for the afternoon.

"The two girls have helped a lot this morning. I'm not sure how Lisa did it but, Janet was actually a lot of help this morning." Mom told Dad. "We have everything done except for the last dryer of delicates. Those will be ready when we finish here. I think when that is complete I'll pack the girls and go roller-skating over by Grandma Smith’s house. If the girls can be good, maybe Grandma will let them stay over."

Janet and I looked at each other and smiled. Staying at Grandma's house was ALWAYS a lot of fun! We got to help with a lot of things that we didn't do at home! We were whispering what we should do if we could stay at Grandma's when Mom announced that we had better get the dishes cleaned up if we wanted to go anywhere!

Janet carried dishes while I rinsed them and placed them in the dishwasher. This didn't take long since we only had soup and sandwiches. When we were done Mom said to go get our night gowns, robes, and clean underwear to pack for Grandma's house.

"Um-mm, Mom?" I asked.

"Yes Lisa?" Mom replied.

"Um-mm, what do I pack? I don't have another pair of black tights! Do I pack my holiday dress? I don't have clothes to pack! If we stay over I can't be Lisa!" I said as I started to cry.

"Oh honey." Mom said as she came over and hugged me. "Of course you can be Lisa. All weekend as I promised! We just have to make a stop after skating and all will be fine!"

Mom handed me a tissue and told me to dry my tears. Then she led me to the guestroom and got out an overnight suitcase. We packed my clean nightgown and panties. From my drawer we packed panties, a camisole and a pair of white tights. Finally, we put in my robe and slippers. There was still room in the suitcase but, Mom didn't have me put in either of my two dresses!

"I have to check on Janet, I'll be right back!" Mom left for a few minutes.

While she was gone, I wondered what I would wear on Sunday. We hadn't packed a dress. Maybe Grandma would wash the outfit I had on! Then I could wear it home on Sunday! I also wondered where we were stopping after roller-skating. I'd already been to church as Lisa so wherever we went would be okay. After all, I was going roller-skating as Lisa today.

Mom walked back into the room. "Your sister's all packed. She even has a nice dress for Sunday. Now for you we aren't packing a dress because we are going to stop after skating and buy you a new one." Mom was all smiles as she said this. "You have always said you wanted to be a girl. Well, today you will learn a little more about it. Today you will go clothes shopping!"

"A new dress? I get to pick it out? Can I try it on? Does Dad know?..." I asked a million questions.

"While you and Janet were cleaning, I had a talk with your father. We talked a lot about you. All that we have read and learned says that since you enjoy dressing as a girl you will probably continue doing it even if we tell you to stop. So rather than have you sneaking around and dressing as Lisa in secret we decided that we would find a way for you to be 'Lisa' when you needed to be. That means a few more clothes. Now you won't have a wardrobe like Janet's, we can't afford that. However, a few things here and there in the proper size will be okay. So today we will find you a Sunday dress." Mom smiled and gave me a hug.

This was exciting! I would get to be 'Lisa' more than the three times promised! I not only get to roller-skate today but I get to try on and buy a new dress! I was so excited, I was shaking inside.

I closed up my case, knowing there would be more in it when I came home than when we left. I carried it downstairs and placed it near the back door by Janet's. Mom came down a few minutes later with an overnight case in her hand.

"This has toothbrushes, tooth paste, brushes, combs, barrettes and a blow dryer in it. Should be everything you two will need for tomorrow." Mom explained. "Okay girls, time to go! Say 'bye to your Dad and lets pack the car!"

Janet and I found Dad in the workshop, he always enjoyed building things. We got him to stop long enough for two hugs and kisses and a wave goodbye. Then we put on our matching winter coats and put the suitcases in the trunk of the car. We both climbed in back and buckled our seatbelts, Mom started the car and we were on our way to the roller rink!

It was a beautiful winter day! Fresh snow all around and the roads were freshly plowed. It took on a 'winter wonderland' quality. I spent a lot of the trip just looking out the window and enjoying the scenery.

After an hour of driving, Mom pulled into the Roller Rink parking lot. Mom and Janet got out of the car and were half way to the building before they noticed I wasn't with them. They returned to the car to find me sitting there just barely peeking out of the car window.

"Lisa, what's the problem?" Mom asked.

"I..I'm.. I'm really scared! What if someone knows me and laughs! What if someone finds out I'm really a boy? What if..." I was in the middle of voicing these fears when Janet cut me off.

"Lisa Elizabeth Smith! You're my SISTER! How could anyone think otherwise! We even look like sisters! Now get out of the car and hold my hand so we can go in and go roller skate!" Janet had the same look Mom did when she talked to me that way.

"Okay." I said meekly. I slid out of the car and straightened my skirt and coat, grabbed my purse and held onto Janet's hand. Mom stayed behind just long enough to shut the car doors and lock them. No place to retreat to now! I put on the best smile I could manage and we entered the Roller Rink.

We had only been here once before. About a year ago, when visiting Grandma and Grandpa Smith we came here with our cousins for an afternoon of skating. It had been a nice day for all of us. We sort of knew where everything was, so it was easy to find the coat racks and a place to put our purses. With that done, we went up to the counter to get our skates.

"Afternoon ladies! What size?" The man at the skate rental counter asked.

Mom took over here. "Janet needs a size 5 children's and Lisa wears a size 9 children's. I'm not skating today."

"Too bad! A beautiful day for skating! Be right back!" The man replied.

It only took a minute and he returned with two pairs of white roller-skates. I think I looked shocked for a moment, then remembered 'I was a girl and of course they would be white'! We thanked the gentleman for the skates while Mom paid for the rental. Janet and I went to change our shoes.

We found a bench, took off our shoes, and put on our skates. Janet just went along as if everything were normal. For her it was! Me? I had to stop and look at my feet several times! White roller skates! I was actually going roller-skating as a girl! You know, they really are prettier than the black 'boys' skates. I finally got my skates on and my shoes put in a cubby.

Mom walked up at this time. "Lisa follow me for a minute." Mom motioned towards the restrooms. I followed along somewhat confused. Mom opened a bag she was carrying and took out a gray skirt very similar to mine!

"This is a skating skirt. It has a built in pair of shorts so if you fall or when you spin, no one will see your panties. Janet has hers on. I noticed they had them here and bought one for you. Now go in the bathroom and change. Give me your skirt and slip when you come out. I'll keep them in the bag." Mom instructed as she pointed to the 'girls' restroom.

"In there?" I asked.

"Where else? Out here?" Mom asked with a smile.

I took a deep breath, went into the small restroom, and locked the door behind me. I changed quickly. Actually the skirt looked nice and the shorts part were really short, sort of like panties. Anyway, I finished changing, folded my skirt and slip, and went back to Mom. She put the items in the bag the skating skirt was in and I went to find Janet and do some skating.

The first time around the rink felt different. My skirt brushing my thighs and the feel of tights in skates were new feelings for me. After the first time around Janet waited for me and we skated together chattering and trying to skate backwards without falling down. Janet managed to skate backwards twice! I did better but, only because I had been skating longer. The floor is still hard, even when you land on it in a skirt! A couple of falls my skirt was definitely up in the air, I think about it now, and thank Mom over and over for buying me the skating skirt.

It came time for a 'couples only' skate, so I headed over to the exit to sit out this song. As I was leaving the rink, Janet skated into me, as younger sisters do, and asked me to skate with her. I said okay so we headed back out onto the floor. We held hands for the skate and talked about how things were going. I told her Mom had bought me a skating skirt so maybe Lisa would be able to skate a few more times. This made Janet happy.

"I like having an older sister!" She shouted over the music.

"And I like being your older sister!" I shouted back.

Soon the music ended and we left the rink to get a drink. Mom already had two sodas and a bag of chips waiting for us in the eating area. We sat in a booth and talked to Mom about how we were skating. I mentioned that a boy kept whizzing by me when I skated alone. I was afraid he was going to knock me down.

"He likes you." Was all Janet said.

"He what?" I responded.

"He likes you! All boys do silly things like that to get your attention. They think it's cool or something." Janet told me.

I sat there stunned! A boy liked me? This was confusing! I know my mouth moved a few times but nothing was said. Finally, Janet spoke again.

"Just ignore him. He'll stop bothering you if you don't say anything." She stated.

"Okay." Was all I could say.

We sat a few more minutes and Janet decided to go skate some more. I sat with Mom for a couple of minutes not talking about anything special. I was looking around the room when I saw a boy looking at me. I didn't know him and he wasn't the one that tried to run me over. I gave him a quick smile and went back to talking to Mom. A minute or so later he was standing next to our booth.

"Hi! My name is Mark. I.. Uh.. it's.. it's a couples skate next and I ... I was wondering if you'd like to ... to skate with me." He was so scared that his voice trailed off. I almost didn't hear him ask me to skate.

I looked at Mom, not knowing what I should do.

"Well introduce yourself, Lisa. Don't be so rude to this nice young man!" Mom scolded.

"Nice to meet you Mark. My name is Lisa Elizabeth. I'd like very much to skate with you." I replied. Mom's tone sort of told me 'you wanted to be Lisa? Now handle it!’ Since I had asked girls to couples skate before I just thought how they had responded and did the same. The big smile at the end caused Mark to relax and smile back. "See you later Mom." I said as I slid out of the booth. I grabbed Mark's hand and we headed out to the rink to skate.

It was definitely different skating with a boy that thought you were a cute girl. The first few laps we just skated, then Mark started some small talk. I found out he skated here almost every weekend. He asked if I lived near by. When I told him I was from out of town, he looked disappointed. I told him that I skated here once before, about a year ago. I also told him that my grandparents lived about twenty minutes from the rink and then pointed out my sister, Janet to him. He had an older sister, but she didn't skate much any more. After this the music finished and the couples skate was over. He escorted me back to the rink exit and then kissed my hand!

"Thank you milady!" He said and bowed as he skated backwards away from me.

I did the best curtsey I could without falling down and smiled back at him. Then I went to find Janet so we could skate together some more. I found her skating and waited for her to come around so I could skate with her.

"Lisa's got a boy friend!" She sang at me.

"I do not! It was only one skate! Mark's NOT my boy friend!" I cried.

"O-o-o-o-o, 'Mark', Huh?" Janet only laughed and repeated that comment over and over until I chased her off the rink. She went squealing and laughing over to where Mom was sitting, talking to another lady.

I skated toward Janet ready to give her a push and tell her he was NOT my boyfriend! Mom stopped me in mid skate and said to settle down and come over by her to meet this lady she was talking to.

"Lisa, Janet, this is Lois Jones. Lois Jones this is Lisa Elizabeth and Janet Lynette. " Mom motioned to each of us as she introduced us.

"Pleasure to meet you ma'am." We both said in unison.

"My pleasure girls. My daughter, Donna Anne, is here somewhere. Let me see... Oh, there she is!" Mrs. Jones stood and waved until a girl about my age waved back and skated over from the floor.

"Donna Anne, I'd like you to meet these people. This is Joan Smith and her daughters, Lisa Elizabeth and Janet Lynette." Mrs. Jones announced.

"Pleased to meet all of you " Stated Donna Anne.

"Your mother and I met in the hospital when you and Lisa were born! Your birthdays are only two days apart! Why don't all three of you go skate while we catch up with each other." My Mom suggested.

When Mom 'suggests' it is best to do it. So Janet and I looked at each other, grabbed Donna’s hands, and dragged her back out onto the skating floor. We skated around the floor several times before anyone spoke. I was kind of nervous since I wasn't sure if Donna could figure out that I was really a boy or not. I kept skating and looking down most of the time. Janet, on the other hand, was chattering away as if Donna was a long lost friend! After the third time around I was almost feeling left out!

"So, Lisa, we're the same age?" Donna was talking to me.

"I guess. Our Mom's said our birthdays are only two days apart." I replied.

"Do you skate here often? It's my first time here, so I didn't know anyone to skate with." Donna said.

"We haven't skated here for a year. This is near my Grandparent's house, so we don't get here often. It's an hour drive for us to get here." I told Donna.

"Really? It's an hour for me too! I live south of here. Where do you live?" Donna asked.

"An hour north." I replied somewhat sad that we were two hours apart. Donna really seemed like a nice girl. Then I thought, she only knows me as Lisa! I could only see her as a girlfriend! This was a strange situation for one only nine years old to be in. I became lost in thought about the situation.

"Lisa? Lisa!" Donna shook my shoulder.

"What?" I said as I looked at Donna and Janet, a little confusion on my face.

"Are you okay? I mean, you just sort of drifted off there." Donna said.

"No... I'm... I'm fine. I was just thinking it was too bad we lived so far apart. I think we would make good girlfriends." I wasn't sure what to tell Donna. I could have said, 'Good thing you live far away because I'm a boy that just likes to dress as a girl.', but I said what I thought would be safe. We probably wouldn't see each other for a long time and I would probably be 'John' the next time I skated here anyway.

"You really think so?" asked Donna.

"Yea, we're the same age. Probably like similar things. You seem pretty nice and you get along with Janet! That's a sure sign of a friend!" I giggled as I said the last part.

"I'm getting tired! I want to stop skating for a while." Janet said.

"We'll drop you off by Mom next time around." I told her.

We skated around just kind of chatting, not really on any special topic. Finally we got to the exit of the rink and took Janet back to where Mom and Mrs. Jones were sitting. I told Mom Janet said she was tired, but I wanted to skate with Donna Anne for a little longer. She told us okay but only two or three more songs, we had to make a stop before going to Grandma and Grandpa Smith's for the night. Donna and I agreed and headed back onto the floor when a 'couples skate' was announced.

"Want to be a couple?" I asked Donna.

"Sure! A new friend makes a great partner for a couples skate!" responded Donna.

We kept skating, about half way around Mark skated up behind me. Another boy skated up next to Donna Anne.

"Lisa? I had to ask if I could have one more skate with you before I had to leave. I talked Joey into asking your friend to skate. He thought she was cute, so he said okay. Would you skate this 'couples skate' with me?" Mark was seriously out of breath.

"Hi Mark. Let me see if it's okay with Donna." I turned to ask Donna at the same time she turned toward me.

We talked low for a minute and decided it would be okay to have one skate with the boys. We then turned back to our respective partners and told them it was okay as long as we skated near each other. The boys readily agreed and we paired up. Me and Mark, Donna and Joey. I knew Janet was going to kid me about this, but I didn't care. It felt nice to be asked to skate by someone. As 'John' I always had to do the asking, never before had I been asked. Twice by the same person too!

During the couples skate Mark and I talked about school and being out for a snow day on Friday. I told him I was in the third grade and that my little sister and I had spent the day doing things together. I didn't think he would have wanted to join our tea party. He said he had been to enough tea parties of his older sister's that he didn't want to go to any more, ever! We laughed about that then he told me he was in the third grade too. He had made a snow fort yesterday but the sun had melted it part way today, that was why he came skating this afternoon. He told me he was glad to have met me and hoped I would come skate here more often. The song ended, as did the 'couples skate'.

"I have to leave. My Mom's waiting for me. Bye Lisa." he kissed my hand again and skated off the rink to leave.

I tried to curtsey and promptly fell on my butt! That hurt my pride more than my rear end but Donna skated over to help me up. I was beet red from embarrassment. I stood up and started laughing. It must have looked funny because Donna was laughing too. I finally looked up and waved to Mark and we resumed our skating.

"You okay?" Donna asked.

"Yea. Nothing really hurts. It's just really embarrassing to fall in front of Mark like that! I'm really glad Mom bought me this skating skirt!" I replied.

We chatted some more throughout the next two songs. After the second song, both our mothers were waving for us to come off the rink. We pretended to ignore them and laughing we skated by and waved for one last lap. We both decided it would be best to get off the rink before we got into big trouble.

We left the rink, found our shoes and changed out of the roller-skates. I took a good long last look at mine, after all, it might be a long time, before I would be able to wear 'white skates' again. I finally sighed and took the skates back up to the rental counter and turned them in.

"Hey kid, what's wrong?" the man behind the counter asked.

"I just don't want to leave yet." was my reply.

"Oh! Well I'm sure you'll be back." he said and went to put the skates away.

Mom and Janet were waiting along with Donna Anne and her Mom for me to return. Donna was carrying a skate case so I knew she had her own skates.

"It was nice to meet you and Janet today. I had fun skating with you." Donna said.

"Me too. I liked skating and talking to you too." I replied.

"I had fun! Maybe we could have Donna over to our house for a weekend! Please Mom?" Janet begged.

Mom and Mrs. Jones looked at each other and smiled. "We'll have to see. It's a long way between our two houses. We will talk about it later." Mom told both of us.

We all waved goodbye as we walked to our cars. I thought it was nice that I had made a friend as Lisa! Mrs. Jones honked and waved as she and Donna Anne drove by our car. We all waved back since we had just gotten to the car and Mom was unlocking it.

After we got in Mom drove to the mall about ten minutes away. She parked the car and told us we had to go look for a dress for me for Sunday. We all got out of the car, Mom checked to be sure I actually got out, before she locked the doors. I was excited! I was going to get to pick out a dress for myself! I know this seemed like an every day thing to Mom and Janet, however, for me it was new territory. This trip I could look at all the pretty items and not be embarrassed. I could even try them on!

Mom headed straight for the large department store at the far end of the mall.

"Mom? Aren't we going to look in the stores along the way?" I asked.

"They have very little of what we are looking for. We need dressy clothes. Most of those stores are casual or sportswear. They have some nice things but our best bet is here." Mom replied as she led the way through the doors.

"Oh." I replied. I was a little dejected since there were some really neat clothes in the store windows we passed. But following Mom, she made a beeline for the 'Little Miss' department. I had been there before with her and Janet. I was always afraid to touch or look too close at the clothes. This time I got to look at all the clothes on the racks. What a dazzling array of colors and materials! Blues, Greens, Reds, Pinks with or without lace. So much to choose from and I could only get ONE! How would we ever choose?

"Come over here Lisa. This rack has dresses appropriate for church." Mom called.

I went over to Mom and saw she was looking at a rack of dresses. She took out a pink one and held it up to me. "Hold this one." she said. Then turned back to looking. "If you see one you like, take it off the rack and we'll look at it."

I nervously started looking at the dresses. Mom was going through them fairly quickly. Me? I took my time and looked over each dress I came to. I think I only looked at three dresses when Mom came up to me with four more in her hands!

"Find anything? I think one of these five will work best for you. They are colors that should look good on you." Mom said holding up the hangers. "Let's find the fitting rooms and see which looks the best!"

All the dresses looked very nice. We found the fitting rooms and a lady opened one for me to use. Mom had to hold two of the dresses since they only allowed three items in the room at a time. I stripped off my skating skirt and my pullover top. Then slid into the first dress. It was a light pink with cap sleeves and little flowers embroidered on the bodice. The skirt just floated down to about an inch above my knees. I zipped the back and went to show Mom and Janet. After the traditional 'walk' I was sent back to try on the next dress. This is how it went for each dress. The second was a red plaid dress with a large white collar; the third was a blue dress that was very plain but hung nicely. The fourth dress was a cream dress that had a bit of lace at the collar, sleeves and around the hem. It was my favorite so far. The fifth dress was a lavender dress with an overlay to the skirt that was very sheer. It reminded me of something Mom wore to a wedding once.

When we were all done trying on the dresses Mom asked which one I liked the best. I told her I liked the Cream colored one best. She handed it back to me and said to try it on one more time to be sure. I went back into the room and changed back into the dress. I took a good look in the mirror. Yes! This was the dress I wanted. If I didn't have on black tights, it would be perfect! It was dressy and feminine yet not overly frilly. I didn't want to look like a collector doll, just dressed up for church. I walked back out for one last lookover from Mom.

"I think the only thing wrong with the outfit is the color of your tights!" Mom stated.

"Mom, I thought the same thing when I looked in the mirror. I thought maybe Cream colored tights? I don't think my white ones will look bad, I just think the cream ones would look better." I told Mom as I looked in the triple mirror outside the fitting room.

"You'll need a full slip for that dress too. Here one is! See, it has a smooth bodice and just a little flare to the skirt. Go take the dress off and slip this on, then put the dress back on." Mom directed.

I headed back into the changing room one more time! First remove the dress, then slip the full slip over my head. It felt different, sort of cool and slippery. It felt like it almost floated into place by itself. Then I put the dress back on and zipped it up. When I looked in the mirror the dress looked much better. The skirt flared just a bit and it seemed to move when I moved. I went to show Mom and Janet.

"Much better! That's perfect for you." Mom was smiling broadly.

"It's very pretty Lisa! Maybe when I grow a little I could have it?" Janet asked.

"You would want my dress when you get bigger?" I asked. As siblings, we never handed down clothes. She had only used an old shirt of mine, as a smock for art class, in kindergarten last year. Giving 'hand me downs' to my sister would be a new experience!

Janet shook her head yes. "I think it's a very pretty dress! I'd like one just like it!"

"Not today!" Mom replied. "You have a new top there and we did stop for Lisa, not you."

Janet put on the cutest pout! You could land a giant condor on her lower lip!

"Janet, as your big sister I would love to give you this dress when you are big enough for it!" I told her.

The pout disappeared and Janet ran over and gave me a big hug. "You’re the best sister I ever had!" Janet cried.

"I'm the ONLY sister you have!" I said quietly into her ear.

We hugged again and then turned back to Mom. She had a package of Cream colored tights in her hand along with two packages of panties. "I think we have everything we need here. Let's get checked out."

We took the dress, slip, tights and panties to the checkout counter. Mom paid for everything and I carried my new dress carefully to the car. Mom showed me how to hang it up in the back seat so it wouldn't get wrinkled. Then we got in the car and headed for Grandma and Grandpa Smith's.

It was a fifteen-minute drive to Grandma and Grandpa's house. While driving, Janet and I were talking about the skating rink.

"I'm glad you came skating with me, Lisa. I had a lot of fun with you there." said Janet.

"I had fun with you too. It was neat to skate as a girl. People are so much more polite to you both on and off the rink." I told Janet.

"So! Are you going to go skating again as Lisa, so you can see M-a-r-k again?" Janet started giggling half way through her taunt. By the time she finished she was laughing and covering her mouth.

"Now Janet! Don't tease Lisa. She just isn't experienced at handling these situations." Mom sternly told Janet.

"Thanks Mom. I thought Donna Anne was a neat girl! You said you knew her Mom from when you were in the hospital?" I asked.

"Yes! We were both there having babies. That's why yours and Donna's birthdays are only two days apart. It was nice to talk to Lois again." Mom told us.

I was talking to Mom about how nice Donna was and the 'white skates' and how nice everyone was at the rink. During this conversation, Janet fell asleep as she usually does in the car.

"Lisa, Mrs. Jones and I were talking about how we met in the hospital. We both realized while talking to each other that we had boys born at that time. She finally mentioned it and I remembered too. So, Lisa, you and Donna have a lot more in common than you think." Mom said to me.

"That's nice that you got to see her again. So Donna is a twin?" I asked. I couldn't see how they both had boys... "hmm-m-mm... If you both had boys that means that... Mom!? Donna Anne is really a boy?

"Mm-hmm. You and Donnie were both in disguise today." Mom said. "Lois said that Donna started dressing as a girl last Halloween in order to win a costume contest. Since Lois couldn't have any other children, she convinced 'Donnie' to be 'Donna' on special weekends. Mrs. Jones and I exchanged phone numbers in case we all wanted to go somewhere together." Mom told me.

"Does Donna know about me?" I asked. I was suddenly very nervous.

"Her Mom was going to tell her. I just don't know when." Mom replied. "I don't think telling Janet would be a good idea. You know how hard it is for her to keep a secret!"

The car was strangely quiet for the rest of the trip to Grandma and Grandpa's. I was deep in thought about how there were two boys roller-skating that were dressed and treated as girls at the same roller rink. Donna had started as a Halloween costume and I had started as a Christmas wish! Sometimes people come together for a reason, I just didn't know why we had come together today.

When we got to Grandma and Grandpa's Janet woke up. The car stops! Janet wakes up! It's some sort of ESP or something she has. I haven't figured it out yet. I just don't sleep in the car.

We carried our overnight bags in and placed them in the guestroom, after giving Grandma a kiss and hug. Then I went back out and got my new dress. I stopped to show Grandma how pretty it was before I hung it up in the closet. She thought it was very nice and that I would look lovely at church tomorrow.

We all sat in the kitchen and talked about the weekend so far. Janet and I told Grandma all about the tea party, playing in the snow, our snowball fight, cleaning house with Mom, going skating and going shopping for my new dress. We just talked, laughed, and drank hot chocolate for a long time. It didn't seem very long but Mom looked at the clock on the wall and said she needed to get home. We had been talking for over an hour!

"You two be good! Understand?" Mom said as she put on her coat.

"We're always good! Especially here." I told Mom.

"Yea! Otherwise we don't get to help make cookies!" chimed in Janet.

Mom laughed a little, then gave each of us a hug and kiss. She hugged Grandma and headed out the door. Janet and I ran to the front window and waved as Mom headed down the street.

"Well girls, you two have been very busy today. How about we make cookies later. Right now, I have to start dinner, your Grandfather will be home in a little while. He was helping a neighbor move a motorhome into storage this afternoon, figured to be home by six o'clock. If we work together, we should have dinner ready about six-fifteen. Let's go grab three aprons and get busy!" Grandma has this way of getting everyone to help.

At home, when I'm not Lisa, I almost have to beg to help Mom. Here at Grandma's, she just sweeps everyone who wants to help into the kitchen! Then everyone chats about things and the meal gets prepared. It never seems to take very long either. We worked in the kitchen doing jobs we were given. At six o'clock Grandpa came home. He looked tired. Janet and I stopped what we were doing and gave him hugs and kisses. We went back to doing what was needed to complete dinner. At six-fifteen, Grandma announced dinner was ready and we should call Grandpa to eat.

I went into the front room to get Grandpa for dinner. He was 'resting his eyes' in front of the television. I walked up and shook his shoulder. "Grandpa! Dinner is ready, come eat!" I said softly in his ear.

"Hm-m-m, okay. Hello Lisa. Let's go eat, shall we?" Grandpa stretched and got up from the chair. We headed into the dining room for dinner. "Dinner smells wonderful!"

We sat for dinner, Grandpa said Grace. While we ate, Janet and I had to retell all about our weekend for Grandpa. We told him about our tea party, sledding, snow angels, skating and shopping. Janet told him about my 'boyfriend' at the rink. Sometimes little sisters can be a pain!

Soon we were done and helped Grandma clear the table and do the dishes. When everything was cleaned up Grandma suggested we make cookies!

"Yes!" we both said. When you make cookies at Grandma's they are so-o-o neat! Anyway, Grandma put things into a bowl while Janet and I took turns stirring. Pretty soon, the dough was too thick for Janet to mix. A little while later it was too thick for me to mix! Eventually Grandma had us lay out a rolling cloth. She took the dough and rolled it out. Then she handed us a bucket of cookie cutters. We picked out the shapes we wanted and started cutting cookies! Each one was placed on a cookie sheet. When the sheet was full, we placed them in the oven. Grandma set a timer and we went back to cutting cookies! We had the second tray ready when the first was done. We had to re-roll the dough a couple of times to get all the cookies we could out of it. When there wasn't enough to make anymore cookies, Grandma cut the dough into three parts and we each got to eat raw cookie dough!

Soon all the cookies were baked and cooling. We then got out containers of icing and colored sprinkles. By the time this was set up, the first batch of cookies were ready for decorating. I like to get creative when decorating cookies. I took a star cookie and gave it chocolate feet, hair, a red smile, and eyes. Then I put sprinkles on it's hair! Janet laughed when I showed it to her. We did most of them regular, you know, cover the cookie with icing and then put sprinkles all over it. That way you get more sprinkles! I think it's the best part of the cookie.

We laughed and talked while decorating cookies. Of course, we snitched a few cookies during the process. Couldn't let the 'rejects' get onto the plate, Grandpa might see them! Needless to say, we ate the evidence. All too soon, we were done decorating. Janet and I helped clean up everything. We wanted to pour milk and take the cookies to Grandpa, but Grandma had other ideas.

"Janet go up and take a bath and put on your nightgown. As soon as you're done come get Lisa. When the two of you are clean and in nightgowns we'll have the cookies." Grandma told us.

"But...but..the cookies... they're... they'll be gone!" Janet cried.

"No one will touch them. Now hurry up and get going!" Grandma replied.

Janet went to take her bath while I went to watch TV with Grandpa. After Grandma was sure Janet was in the tub, she sat down by us to watch part of a PBS special on whales. It was pretty cool! It didn't seem like very long and Janet came running down the steps in her nightgown and slippers.

"Lisa! Hurry up and go take your bath. The faster you get done, the sooner we can have cookies." Janet said as she entered the front room.

I let out a big sigh and went to take my bath. Grandma came along and said she would be sure the tub was ready while I changed into my robe. I went into the guestroom and proceeded to get ready for my bath. I took off my skating skirt and hung it up. Next I pulled off my top and hung it too. After removing my tights and camisole, I put on my robe and slippers. Then I picked up my nightgown and panties and headed for the bathroom.

Grandma was just adding water to the tub when I walked in. "I drained most of the water and refilled it using some bath salts. Your Mom said you liked that, so I thought you could have a special bath tonight!" Grandma was smiling as she mixed the bath water.

"I used to do this for your mother all the time. Well, until she became a teenager anyway. About that time she started taking showers and wanted more privacy. I thought it might be a few more years before Janet would like salts instead of bubbles. I thought it would make your weekend a little more special, Lisa." Grandma sort of was smiling. It was one of those smiles when you are thinking a lot and don't know what else to do. Strained, I think is the word for it.

"Thank you Grandma. I really do like the bath salts. I come out so smooth and silky feeling. It's really neat." I gave Grandma a hug and a kiss as I told her this.

Grandma finished running the water and then got up to leave. "When you finish just let the water out and come downstairs. We'll have milk and cookies then." Grandma shut the door and left me to my bath.

Soaking in a hot tub after an exciting day was wonderful! This being a girl was really neat. I washed first and then laid back to soak in the tub. I relived everything that had happened today. I wondered if I'd ever see Donna as Donnie! I also wondered if Donna would meet me as John. This could be either exciting or very embarassing. I thought about it for a while and decided it would be okay since Donna's Mom was to tell her about me too. Soon the water was getting cold so I drained the tub, dried off and put on my nightgown, robe, and slippers. I headed out of the bathroom and downstairs for milk and cookies.

"It took you long enough!" pouted Janet. "It's almost too late for cookies and milk!"

"What? Did you say 'cookies and milk'? It's NEVER too late for home made cookies and milk!" stated Grandpa.

"Janet! Lisa! Come in the kitchen and help me." Grandma called.

Janet and I went into the kitchen where Grandma was just finishing pouring four glasses of milk. When finished she handed the plate of cookies to Janet and two glasses of milk to me. We carried everything to the front room and I handed a glass of milk to Grandpa. After I sat down Janet passed the plate of cookies around and we all took a couple. I looked around the room and thought it was very similar to our tea party! Everyone said 'please' and 'thank you' while commenting on how good the cookies were. It was almost the same except for the lack of tea! I finally whispered to Janet what I noticed and she whispered back that she thought the same thing!

We spent the rest of the evening munching cookies and watching television. About nine o'clock Grandma said it was bedtime for us. We helped take the glasses and cookie plate back into the kitchen.

"Go give your Grandfather a hug and kiss. I'll be right up to tuck you two in." Grandma told us.

"G'night Grandpa.....(Kiss)(Hug)" said Janet.

"See you in the morning!...(Kiss)(Hug)" I told Grandpa.

"Sleep tight you two. Remember, no roughhousing!" Grandpa told us, then he smiled.

We went up to the guestroom. After hanging up our robes we climbed into bed and waited for Grandma. We were giggling about all we had done this weekend when Grandma came in the door.

"Good night you two! (Kiss) (Kiss). Sleep well, we have nine o'clock mass in the morning!" Grandma turned out the light and closed the door most of the way.

It must have been a very long exciting day for me. The next thing I remember is waking up to Grandma's gentle shaking of my shoulder!

"Lisa, it's time to get up and get ready for church!" Grandma said quietly. "We'll let Janet sleep a few more minutes so you don't fight for the bathroom!"

"Okay Grandma." I replied. Today was easy to get out of bed. Janet had latched on to a pillow so I didn't have an octopus wrapped around me this morning! I got up, put on my robe and slippers and padded my way to the bathroom. One thing I have noticed about being 'Lisa', it's a lot warmer when you get ready for bed or get up to run potty at night! I mean between the nightgown and the robe and slippers, I haven't been cold at all! I'll have to ask Mom for slippers as 'John' and I know there's a robe somewhere in my closet! I could be toasty warm no matter who I'm dressed as! Anyway, I made my way to the bathroom, did all I needed, including brushing my teeth and then headed back to wake up Janet.

I opened my case and took out clean panties and a camisole, then opened the package of cream colored tights and laid them next to my underwear. Now, when I woke Janet, I could change while she was in the bathroom.

"Janet! Time to get up! We have to get ready for church. Mom even left us a curling iron!" I said softly.

"Uhn" Was the response from Janet.

"Come on! Get up already. We don't want to be late!" I told her.

"Okay, okay! I'm getting up!" Janet said as she crawled out of bed. Janet put on her robe and slippers and headed for the bathroom.

I closed the door as she left and turned to the task of getting dressed. This was a special day! I was going to get to wear my new dress, the one I picked out even! So I took off my robe and nightgown and changed to my clean panties, then I slipped on the camisole. I sat down and pulled the tights up my legs to above my knees, then stood to pull them up the rest of the way, just like Mom taught me. I went to the closet, took the new slip off the hanger, and pulled it over my head. After it was on properly, I checked in the mirror. So far, it looked very nice. All the lace trim around the hem and around the top of the slip really made it look special. I reached into my case and took out the curling iron and hairbrushes that Mom had packed. I plugged in the iron as Janet came back into the room.

"Janet, I've plugged in the curling iron. Let me step outside so you can get dressed. Call when I can come back in and we'll see if we can do our hair without Grandma's help!" I said as I walked out of the bedroom and closed the door. Janet can dress rather quickly when she wants to! It didn't seem like very long and she called my name. I went back into the bedroom and she was dressed very similar to me only in white tights.

I took the curling iron and asked Janet if she wanted to try her own hair.

"Would you do one side for me? I still have some trouble figuring out which way to turn the iron!" Janet said.

"Okay. You just have to be still so I don't burn you." I replied. I took the iron and carefully did the ends of Janet's hair the way I had seen Mom do it yesterday. I got about half way around her head and then stopped. "Your turn." was all I said.

Janet seemed a little more confidant today. She took the iron and slowly worked around the other half of her head. When she was finally done, it looked pretty good! She took a brush and evened it all out, then looked in the mirror and smiled.

"We did it! It looks great! I'm going to show Grandma!" Janet jumped up to leave.

"Wait! Don't you need your dress?" I asked.

"Oh yes. Grandma doesn't like it when you walk around in only a slip. She tells me all the time 'It's not ladylike', so I better finish dressing." Janet told me. She put on her dress and asked me to help with her hair so it wouldn't get messed up. I did and then zipped up the back for her. She put on her shoes and a necklace and headed down to show Grandma her hair.

While she was finishing dressing I had started on my hair. I carefully combed it and separated the bangs to the front. Then I took a brown headband and placed it right at the back of the bangs. Now the hard part! I picked up the curling iron and carefully started curling the ends of my hair under. I was done with both sides and almost done with the back when Grandma came into the room.

"You're doing a very nice job on your hair. Janet said you helped her this morning too." Grandma said.

"Thank you Grandma. I still have some trouble getting the back of my own hair to curl correctly, but I seem to be getting better at it." I replied.

"You're doing fine dear." Grandma said. "I came to help you with your dress. Your Mother said it buttoned in the back."

I finished curling my hair, took the large brush, and brushed it out so that all the curls looked even. I went and got the dress off the hanger and Grandma helped me slip it over my head without messing up my hair. I held my hair up gently so she could button it in the back for me. I put on my two gold clip earrings and my gold cross necklace. Finally I slipped on my shoes and went to look in the mirror.

"What do you think Grandma? Do you like my new dress?" I asked with a big smile. I was looking in the mirror and I thought the whole outfit was perfect. A cream colored dress with lace around the neck, sleeves and along the hem. The cream colored tights and black shoes. The necklace and earrings were just right for this outfit.

"You look beautiful. All the boys are going to be sneaking peeks at you in church." Grandma said.

"Oh Grandma! I just want to look nice! I don't know if I'll get to be 'Lisa' again, so I want to look as pretty as I can today." I replied to Grandma.

"I think 'Lisa' will always be a part of you. Not that you will always dress as her, but all those things that make you act as a girl. You're loving and caring, you listen well. You are always concerned for other people. These things are just more prominent when you dress as a girl. They are still a part of you no matter how you dress." Grandma has holding my hand as she spoke. "I've seen that in you since you were little. You just haven't noticed it yet."

"Grandma, I just feel different dressed this way. I feel more quiet and calm. I feel like I should be cooking and cleaning and baking and helping baby-sit. Maybe you're right. Maybe these things are all a part of me that just doesn't show through as often when I'm 'John'. Somehow the clothes bring those things out in me." I looked at Grandma wondering what she would say next.

"As you get older you'll see I'm right. Let's go downstairs, it's time to leave for church" Grandma replied.

We headed down the stairs and into the front room. Janet and Grandpa got up when we entered. We went to get our coats and then headed for the car. Janet and I got in the back and buckled our seatbelts.

"Remember dear, we're going to St. Elizabeth's today." Grandma said.

"We are? Oh that's right. Everyone here at St. Patrick's knows 'John'. No one knows our grandchildren at St. Elizabeth's." Grandpa replied.

Grandpa had started the car and we were off for the twenty-minute drive to church. We arrived and Grandpa parked the car. I got out carefully, legs first, then stand, so my skirt wouldn't ride up. It was getting easier to remember to do these things. We went into church together and said hello to the greeters. Grandma led the way and took a pew about half way to the front. We all said our welcoming prayer and then took off our coats. Janet sat between Grandma and me. Grandpa sat next to Grandma.

I was just sitting there, trying to look up the hymns for the service, when Janet tugged at my arm.

"Look over in the second pew on the other side of the church!" she whispered. "I think it's Mark!"

I looked where Janet had indicated. I must have gasped out loud because Grandma asked if I was alright. Janet was right, it was Mark and he kept sneaking peeks back at me! I didn't know what to do, so I just sort of smiled at him when I caught him sneaking a peek.

I was sort of saved as the service started and we all stood to sing the entrance hymn. For the rest of the service, I could concentrate on it instead of Mark. Church went well. I remembered everything I had done the last time I went to church as Lisa. I even went up for communion very carefully with my hands in their proper place. This time however, I kept sneaking a peek at Mark as I moved past his pew. Soon the service was over and we were singing the recessional hymn. We all put our coats on and started for the back of the church. I was almost out of the church when there was a tap on my shoulder.

"Hi Lisa." Mark said. "I didn't think I'd see you at church. You live a long way from here don't you?"

"Hi Mark. Yes, but we stayed at our grandparents house last night. They live about twenty minutes from here." I replied.

"I hope to see you at the skating rink again. Well... I gotta go." said Mark. " My parents are leaving. Bye!"

"Bye Mark." I gave him a smile and a little wave as he went to catch up to his family.

"O-o-h-h!!!" Janet teased. "Lisa's 'boyfriend'!!! Mark and Lisa sittin' in a tree..."

"JANET! He's NOT my boyfriend!" I yelled.

"Okay you two, let's settle down. Janet, quit teasing." Grandma gave Janet one of those looks that says so-o-o much.

"Sorry Grandma. Sorry Lisa." Janet said to her feet.

"I only skated two couples skates with him, Grandma." I said.

"That's nice dear. Now let's get going, we have an early afternoon dinner to prepare." Grandma just sort of took control and Janet and I trouped along behind her. This discussion was over. We got back into the car and Grandpa drove us home.

When we arrived back at Grandma and Grandpa's, the first thing was to hang our coats and meet Grandma in the kitchen. She took out the three aprons and we tied them on. It was time to start dinner. Grandma took a large ham and made a checkerboard pattern on the skin with a knife. Janet got to put cloves at each of the places the lines crossed. I was handed a can of pineapple rings and a box of toothpicks. My job was to attach the pineapple rings to the ham. When we were done, Grandma put the ham in the oven.

Next came a salad. This we were good at because we helped Mom do this at home. Janet washed vegetables, Grandma cut the ones that needed cutting, and I tore lettuce and put everything in the bowl. Once again I resisted the urge to 'toss' the salad!

We were just finishing the salad when there was a knock on the back door. Jason was waving through the window. I dried my hands, since I was closest to the door, and went to open it.

"Hi Joh.. . umm-m-m Lisa! How are you? Hi Janet. Hi Grandma." Jason said as he came through the door. I stayed by the door and waited for Allison, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jack to follow. Allison was next with a package in her arms.

"Hi Lisa! I'm so glad you're here today! Oh, what a pretty dress! Is it new?" she asked as she came in.

"Hi Allison, yes it is! We bought it yesterday, after going roller-skating." I replied.

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jack came up the steps together. "Hello Lisa! We heard you were here today. So we decided to come over and visit." Aunt Kathy said. She bent down and kissed my cheek. I kissed her back and gave her a hug. I did the same to Uncle Jack. After they were inside, I closed the door and helped take coats to the guestroom. Then returned to the kitchen.

While I was gone, Allison had put on an apron, and was busy helping Janet form crescent rolls on a baking sheet. Aunt Kathy was helping Grandma make noodles at the stove, and Uncle Jack and Jason had gone into the front room with Grandpa, to watch football.

"What can I do next Grandma?" I asked.

"Start to set the table dear. We'll use the 'good china' today." Grandma replied.

The 'good china' as Grandma calls it is a set of china from her Grandmother, that's like my 'Great-Great- Grandmother so it's really old and only used for 'Special' times. The silverware is special too. Grandpa bought a set of 'Sterling Silver' to eat with. I'm not quite sure what it all means, but it's all wrapped up in individual cases with two forks, a butter knife, and two spoons in each case. I started with the plates and set one for each of the eight of us. Then bread plates for the rolls, and cups and saucers for the adults. I was almost done setting the cups when Allison and Janet came in to help.

"I'm really glad you got to be Lisa this weekend." said Allison. "I had a lot of fun with you on New Year's Day. I hope we can play this afternoon."

"Thanks Allison. I asked if I could spend the weekend as Lisa on Friday. We had a 'Snow Day' from school so I thought it might be okay with everyone at home." I told Allison.

"We did a lot of neat things! We even got to use the tea set that Lisa got for Christmas! Then we made a sledding hill and 'snow angels' and had hot chocolate." Janet said with excitement. "Then, yesterday? We cleaned the house, went roller-skating, Lisa has a 'boyfriend', 'Mark', then bought her the new dress, I got a new top, want to see it? Then we came here and made cookies!" she added quickly.

"Sounds like an exciting weekend! That's a lot to do in such a short time." Allison responded.

"I'm trying to do a lot this weekend. It might be my last one as 'Lisa'. Although, I've talked to Mom and Dad about it, and they are going to 'consider it' in the future. If my new dress is an indicator, I will get to spend more time as Lisa." I told Allison.

"So-o-o did I hear you have a boyfriend?" asked Allison.

"His name is Mark, and he asked her to skate. Then later after we met Donna Anne, he brought over a friend to skate with Donna, so he could skate with Lisa again. Then we saw him at church this morning and they kept looking at each other with 'goo-goo' eyes!" said Janet. She was finally out of breath!

"Janet! You're exaggerating! We only skated twice and he did say hi at church. That's all!" I said.

At this time, Aunt Kathy came into the room. "Janet, go tell the boys that dinner is ready. Lisa and Allison, we need your help to set the food out on the table."

We went to help and soon everyone was at the table, ready to eat. Grandpa led 'Grace' and then we started passing around the ham, vegetables, salad, and noodles. I even got one of the pineapple slices from the ham. I shared it with Janet since they were all gone before she could get one. I ate very carefully, remembering everything I had learned from Mom the past few days. I watched Aunt Kathy and Allison to make sure I was doing everything right and not get anything on my new dress. Another meal eaten and again NOTHING on my clothes! I was getting good at this!

When we had all finished and the three boys had gone back to watch football, we girls cleared the table and did the dishes. I asked Grandma why she had used the 'good china'? She told me that since she had all her grandchildren together it was a special enough occasion to use them. The longest part was putting all the silverware back into their individual pouches.

When we finished, Allison, Janet and I went up to the guestroom to find some of my Mom's old toys. Grandma kept them in the closet, and now as 'Lisa Elizabeth', I would get to explore all these antique wonders!

We took the boxes out and opened them up. It was actually a little disappointing! There was a Monopoly game, Chutes and Ladders, Sorry, and Chinese Checkers. We had these games at home! We also found some dolls, including two Barbies! I guess Mom wasn't as 'old' as I had thought.

We started out playing Chinese Checkers, then took out the dolls for awhile. Jason came in after the game was over looking for something to do. I suggested he could be the 'Dad' for a game of 'House'. He didn't want to do that.

"Every time I play house, I'm the Dad! I leave for work and just sit there and watch everyone else do things. It isn't any fun for me." Jason said.

"Let's play Sorry!" said Allison. "Janet knows how to play too."

It was decided that we would play Sorry. We set up the game and were about half way through when my Mom entered the room.

"Hi everyone! Are you almost done? Hi Jason, (Kiss). Hi Allison, (Kiss). We need to leave in about half an hour, so when you finish the game, clean up everything and put it away." Mom said.

It only took us about twenty minutes to finish. Jason won. Then we all cleaned up and put everything back in the closet. Janet and I put our clothes in our cases, took the hanging clothes with us, and went to tell Mom we were ready to go.

We gave everyone a hug and kiss, except Jason. I just gave him a hug. He still wasn't so sure a boy should be dressing and acting as a girl. I just decided it was okay for him to feel that way and didn't want to upset him, so I didn't kiss him. Then Uncle Jack and Jason took our cases and clothes out to the car for us. Usually I help do that, but Mom stopped me.

Mom whispered in my ear. "When you are dressed as Lisa, let the boys do it. When you are dressed as John, then you can help. It's the way your uncle was raised."

I knew Mom and Aunt Kathy and Grandma never carried things to or from the car. They might help with a small item but never with anything big. It was another lesson about the differences between men and women for me to learn. I had originally thought that just being able to wear a dress and play with dolls and stuff was all that there was to being a girl. So far, the three times I have been Lisa Elizabeth, I have learned that there is a lot more to being a girl.

We finally got everything and everyone into the car. Mom started the car and we drove off, waving as we left.

"Good! We have just enough time to make the restaurant." Mom said.

"What restaurant?" Janet and I said at the same time.

"You owe me a coke!" I told Janet. It's a silly game we play if we happen to say the same thing together.

"I called Lois Jones last night and we had a long conversation. We decided to meet for supper at a restaurant on the way home. She and Donna Anne will be there so I want best behavior from both of you!" Mom told us.

"Yes ma'am." we both said together again. I just looked at Janet and started to laugh. She laughed too.

"I guess we're even!" I told Janet. Then we continued to giggle. We were still laughing when Mom pulled into the parking lot and turned off the car.

We got out of the car and entered the restaurant. Janet and I managed to settle down enough so we weren't laughing all the time. Mom talked to the hostess and we were led through the restaurant. As we walked through the restaurant, I saw Donna Anne and her Mom. I smiled and waved, Donna waved back. I poked Janet and pointed to Donna. Janet waved too.

We arrived at the table and everyone said hi. We took off our coats and hung them on our chairs. Janet and I took seats on each side of Donna, our mothers sat together.

"Lisa, that's a very pretty dress! Where did you get it?" asked Donna.

"It's new. We picked it up yesterday at the mall. I think it was Elder-Berman's, right Mom?" I queried.

"Yes dear that's right. They have very nice 'Sunday' clothes" Mom replied.

"It looks wonderful on you! Janet you look very pretty today also." said Donna.

"Thanks Donna. I like the jumper and blouse you have on. I think the Burgundy and Gray combination looks good on you." said Janet.

Now that the pleasantries were over, the waitress came to take our drink order. We three 'girls' had sodas and both Moms’ had hot tea. After the drinks arrived we ordered dinner and went back to chatting.

"Mom said our birthdays are only two days apart." said Donna Anne. "I was wondering if you would like to come over for a weekend to celebrate our birthdays? We could spend the weekend together and have a sleepover."

"What about me?" asked Janet.

"Janet, you always fall asleep! Even at your own sleepovers!" I said.

"Now wait, it's okay, Janet can come too if she wants." Donna said.

"Mom? Donna just invited Janet and I to come over for a weekend, around our birthdays, for a sleepover and stuff. Can we go?" I asked Mom.

"I think that would be wonderful. However, Janet, I think you should stay home and have a sleepover of your own. That way Donna and Lisa can get to know each other better." Mom said.

"I could have my own sleepover? How many friends can I invite?" asked Janet. She proceeded to turn her attention to Mom and discuss her sleepover.

"I guess it will just be me." I told Donna.

"That's okay. My Mom had a talk with me about you ... and ... umm.. I" Donna whispered to me.

"My Mom talked to me too. So I know." I replied.

Donna Anne took a deep breath and relaxed. "Do you think we're weird?"

"I don't know. Maybe we should talk about it when we have the sleepover. Janet doesn't know about you. She was asleep when Mom told me." I told Donna.

"So she thinks I'm a girl?" Donna asked.

"Yea. I think she is starting to think of me as her sister too!" I replied. "I'm not sure she wants her brother to come back."

"I think you're right. We'll talk more when you come over next month." Donna said.

Our conversation ended as the food arrived. I looked at the cheeseburger I had ordered and tried to figure out how I was going to eat it without dripping all over my dress! I was studying the problem when Mom leaned over and whispered in my ear.

"Wrap your napkin around the burger. Then take small bites and wipe your mouth after each bite. That way you will keep your dress clean. Remember, SMALL bites." Mom whispered.

"Thanks Mom." I replied.

I did what Mom had told me and ate very carefully. By the time I was done with my meal, my dress was still clean. I had to resist the urge to wipe my hands on my pants, of course, I wasn't wearing pants, but habits can be hard to break. Mom had asked the waitress for a couple of more napkins so there were enough for everyone. I thought about it while eating and figured out that all this being careful, to keep your dress and other clothes clean, was why it took Janet and Mom so long to eat all the time. I figured that if I had to be that careful all the time, I would eat slower too. That might be a good idea on Sundays anyway, lots less being yelled at!

We finished our meals and it was time for us to head for home. Janet gave Donna a hug and kiss on the cheek. I just said good bye and that we would see each other next month. Mom and Mrs. Jones hugged and we left.

We no sooner got in the car and Janet fell asleep. Mom calls it 'infant syndrome'. I guess six is still young enough to have that. Mom and I chatted on the way home about the weekend, and what I thought of spending multiple days as Lisa Elizabeth.

"Mom, I really like being Lisa. The more I spend time as Lisa, the more I like being her. Thank you so-o-o much for letting me be Lisa this weekend. I have learned a lot more about what it means to be a girl. Some of the stuff is fun, like I thought it would be. Some of it can be scary, like being asked to skate by a boy. I really didn't mind Janet's teasing." I told Mom as we headed home.

"The reason for letting you be Lisa was to let you have your fantasy. I'm glad that you like being Lisa. Right now it is easy to switch since boys and girls are much the same at your age. In a few years that will become much harder. That's when the physical changes will make you a man, like your father." Mom said.

"I know. We're learning about that in health. I know that in a few years I'll be different. But I'll always have the memories of the times I was Lisa Elizabeth Smith! I think that will help. Grandma told me that all the things I do as Lisa, I could do as John. It just seems that changing clothes brings those qualities out more. I think she may be right. If I think 'how would Lisa handle this’, I respond in a more caring fashion. I've been doing that more since Christmas and more people seem to like me." I told Mom.

"She's right. All those things can be done by you. I think you told your father, it was like a costume for a play. That is probably the closest to the truth. With your 'Lisa' costume, you act, as you believe a girl would act. In your 'John' costume, you act as a boy would act. If you combine the two, you act like a very mature young person, no matter what clothes you have on. It's part of growing up. You learn to respond and act appropriately for the situation you're in." Mom said.

"Oh." I responded. I had a lot to think about after all that happened this weekend. Did I really want to become a girl forever? Did I just want to be 'Lisa' once in a while? Did I just want to be John and allow the 'Lisa' part of me to show more? I was somewhat confused, but decided I would do a lot of thinking and talk to Mom about it later.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. It gets dark early, so we drove home mostly in the dark. Once again, as soon as Mom pulled in the driveway, and turned off the car, Janet woke up! I have yet to figure out how she does that!

We took our cases and hangers into the house. Mom said to leave everything downstairs, so she could wash it all. Dad came to say hi. Everyone gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. We put our coats and purses in the front closet and then went to sit and talk to Dad.

"So, did you two have fun yesterday and today? Dad asked.

"Yes we did." I said. Then before I could say another word, Janet jumped in and started talking a mile a minute.

"We roller-skated and met Donna Anne, who has a birthday near Lisa's, and their going to have a sleepover at Donna's, but it's okay, because Mom said I could have one here, at the same time. Then we went and bought Lisa a new dress, isn't it pretty? I got a new top, but Mom said it needed to be washed first. We made cookies at Grandma's, then Sunday we went to church and Lisa was making goo-goo eyes at Ma-ar-r-k, this boy from roller-skating, that asked her to skate twice! Anyway, Allison and Jason came for dinner and we played all afternoon. On the way home we had supper with Donna and her Mom, then we came home, so here we are!" Janet had to stop to catch her breath.

"Whoa, slow down Janet. Sounds like the two of you were very busy. Your dress is very nice Lisa. So, who is this Mark?" Dad asked.

"Lisa's boyfriend!" Janet said.

"He is not! He was just a boy that asked me to skate a couples skate with him. Then when Grandma took us to church across town, he was at the same mass, that's all." I replied.

"Okay. So it sounds like this was a very busy weekend. It's now seven-thirty and time for you both to start getting ready for bed. After all, there is school tomorrow!" Dad said.

He would have to remind us of that. I hadn't even thought about school since Friday! It was a little sad thinking that my being Lisa was coming to an end. But, it had been a lot of fun, and I had made some new friends as Lisa. I would give this weekend an 'A+' for all I learned and did. Plus, I now knew, I would get to be Lisa for an entire weekend next month, at Donna Anne's birthday sleepover. I was looking forward to that.

Janet went with Mom and took her bath. She came back down in nightgown, robe, and slippers. It was my turn next. Mom came with and told me I could stay as Lisa until morning. I took off my necklace and earrings and put them away. Then I took off my dress and tights and put on my robe. I took all the clothes and put them in the hamper, grabbed my nightgown and panties and went into the bathroom. I decided to take a shower instead and used just the regular soap so I would smell okay for school tomorrow. When I was done, I put on my panties and nightgown and carried my robe back to the bedroom. I recombed my hair and left out the hairband, then put on my robe and slippers and went back downstairs.

We watched the rest of a 'Wonderful World of Disney' movie and then it was time for bed. Janet gave Dad a hug and kiss and asked if we could sleep together tonight. Dad looked at Mom. She nodded, so Dad told Janet it was okay. Janet took off for the stairs.

"Meet you in bed, Lisa!" She called out as she ran toward her bedroom.

"Good night Daddy." I said and then kissed him on the cheek. He gave me a hug and kissed me back.

"Good night sweetheart." Dad said. "Sweet dreams."

Mom followed me up to bed. She likes to 'tuck us in'. Guess it's a Mom thing. Janet was already in bed and she had her stuffed bear with her. I looked over and there was my regular Barbie on the dresser. I picked her up and crawled into bed.

"Good night Janet. (Kiss) Good night Lisa. (Kiss) Now go to sleep, it's been a long weekend and you have school tomorrow." Mom said as she turned off the light and partially closed the door.

Janet and I laid there talking a little about the weekend and giggling over some of the things we did. It wasn't very long before Janet was asleep.

I looked at my Barbie in the dim light and said. "It looks like it's just you and me."

I hugged her close and turned over. I went to sleep rethinking all the things I had done this weekend and knowing that I would be 'Lisa Elizabeth' for at least one more weekend. That last thought brought a smile to my face!

 

Lisa Elizabeth (copyright 12/2000)

 

© 2000
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