Wonderland Fantasy

by Anne O’Nonymous

 

Part 5

 

Even with all I had at breakfast, I was now feeling hungry. (Well, after all, I am a growing girl.)

"Miss Amy, can we take a break for some food," inquired one of the girls.

Amy checked her watch, and then concurred with us: "I think they’re ready for us now. Let’s go."

I walked hand in hand with Joyce and Connie, the daughter of a secretary, and the rest out to the kitchen. The table was already prepared – at each place sat a bowl of salad, consisting of chopped onion, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, peppers, lettuce and shrimp. There were Lo-Cal Ranch, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and Thousand Island salad dressings available, plus iced tea or homemade lemonade.

As we ate, Jan gave a short lecture on diet. "On the market today, there are many confusing diet products available. As an example, there are reduced fat, lo-cal, low fat, and just diet. Really, it just takes a bit of sense to eat properly." She continued giving the reasons for the names, how to diet, if they really needed to, label reading, and information on what they should be eating, instead of fast food. She finished up with what amounted to a warning: "And one thing I do not want any of you to be is anorexic or bulimic."

"But look how thin the models on TV are," piped up one girl.

"So? Look at Alice here. I’m sure you all saw how much she ate, and she’s going to be our model," Jan said. "Answer me this: just how many people can fit into the clothes those models are wearing? What I’m saying is eat sensibly, normally and in moderation, and you’ll be okay."

When Jan mentioned my name, I felt all eyes turn in my direction and scan my body. They seemed to accept and grasp the fact that I was apparently a normal size and weight for a girl my height. I took some comfort in the fact that I might have helped in teaching them a valuable lesson for the future. Well, the fashions were next.

The group formed up again and we proceeded to the lesson area. I got nervous, again, and whispered to Jan, "If I undress down to the underwear, they’re going to notice a bulge where there shouldn’t be one."

"It’s covered," Jan replied.

"Those panties wouldn’t cover this one."

Jan snickered, then replied, "We have a divider set up for you to change behind. Each time you come out, the girls will see you in a different fashion mistake, understand?"

Entering the room, I saw the screen and the rack behind it. While Amy had the girls seated in front, Jan took me behind the partition for my first outfit. It was a dark-colored blouse with a light skirt. I wore the same shoes.

Coming out, I stood with my hands in front of me. They caught on quickly, and pointed out that it should be the other way around. It’s either all one color, or light to dark. Even I could see that that particular combination did not go well together. On to the next change!

This one was a full slip and lined dress, the slip being three-quarters of an inch too long. The dress was also a bit on the mature side, if you ask me. I also wore sandals.

Out again to parade before my young admirers. They quickly saw the peds I was wearing, noting that they seemed out of place wearing sandals, which were also incongruous. Next the overlong slip, also noticing that it wasn’t necessary with that dress.

"A full slip should never be longer than a dress," Jan stated, "unless you’re trying to attract that certain someone."

"Miss Amy, does Alice have a boyfriend? Can I introduce her to my brother?"

After the girlish giggles died down, Amy replied, "Alice is a little more mature than you ladies."

"My brother is very mature. He’s almost seventeen," the girl replied.

More laughs. I had to retreat behind the screen before I broke up. There were a few more faux pas to show and I guess I modeled them rather well, as the girls caught each one.

Then there was the last one: a cream-colored silk semi-opaque blouse, a black below-the-knee belted full skirt with an oval silver buckle, black 1-1/2"-inch heeled calf-high boots, and a multicolored scarf, tied loosely in front. Over that, I put on an unbuttoned black blazer with the initial "A" in silver over the left breast. (The "A" could stand for Alice or Amazon, but not adulterer.) Jan removed the hair band and I shook my head, allowing my long now-blonde hair to just flow. I wish I could describe this better, as the effect was just amazing. Under the skirt I had a two-tiered lace-edged taffeta petticoat, left slightly showing, that rustled softly with each step I took. Think an old west rancher’s daughter or wife.

I paraded out in front of those girls and knocked them out! Amy stood with her mouth wide open, and Claudia, who had just entered, was also most appreciative of the effort. I was a hit, wanted, appreciated, and needed.

Amy quickly recovered, and commented, "Now this is what you can do with a few simple items. The silver buckle contrasts from the black, the boots are high enough to be smart-looking and comfortable, and the scarf could go on your head or neck, as you wish. A bolero jacket could also work. If you were to wear any jewelry, it really should be silver or gold – both of which go well with black."

Amy closed the fashion show, the girls thanked her, and gathered around me to admire the outfit. Jan described the outfit in detail, including which stores carried the merchandise. (Now there is another thing – when a female buys an article, she knows exactly where she bought it and the price paid. That is another item to remember.)

Dani came in and reminded us that it was getting close to three p.m. Jan indicated she was ready, Amy did the same, and I was wondering about packing. I wasn’t that concerned, but more curious as I had become accustomed to the items I now wore.

"Dani, if I’m going to be living in your house, what about clothes?"

"Don’t worry! You’ll be getting a surprise," Dani replied.

We said our good-byes to Claudia, her daughters and staff, and I personally hugged and kissed each of the girls in Amy’s class. I truly enjoyed this type of encounter.

Just before I left, Claudia stopped me, and placed a silver charm bracelet on my right wrist, saying, "Fill this up with lovely memories you can treasure."

Again, I was crying tears of happiness as we left by the front house entrance to make our way to Dani’s car, a late model silver-gray four-door Lexus. The area surrounding the parking lot was filled with flower beds, rose bushes, and trees of several kinds. The floral scent was incredible. Could it be that this was the first time I actually noticed floral fragrances? I know they had to be around in my life before; so, why should I be noticing it now.

Dani unlocked the car, pushed a button unlocking the rest of the doors, and entered. Jan sat in the passenger’s seat, with me and Amy occupying the rear. With all the seatbelts fastened, we drove off to a new home. I felt at ease riding along, watching the sights. A few questions came to mind, and I felt a need to resolve some issues.

"Jan, where’s your car? What happened to it," I queried.

"Tina took it to Dani’s place, then Joanne drove her home. Paula left late last night, taking Tina’s car. They live in the same area."

"Alice, in case you’re wondering, your full name is Alice Prescott. I have a full dossier on you."

"You mean I actually have a full name," I said, my astonishment being quite apparent.

"Yep," Dani continued, "When we get to my place, we’ll go over it after dinner."

"What will I do about income taxes?"

"They’ll be taken care of by the company’s auditing department."

"And Social Security?"

"The company has an excellent retirement package. What is planned for your future I do not know at this time, only you will be well taken care of."

"That sounds great," I replied. Here I modestly sat holding Amy’s hand, with three beautiful women, and I didn’t have a care in the world. True, I was as pretty as any one of them, but I also had a better appreciation of them – what they go through, and how they feel. I felt better prepared for marriage, but to who?

"Hey, little sister, penny for your thoughts," Jan intruded.

"Oh, I was just thinking about things."

"Such as," queried Jan.

"Marriage, for one thing. Appreciating females, for another."

"Well, you’ll have your choice of at least a dozen, offhand," Jan replied, without mentioning their sex. "Most men never do learn how hard it is to be attractive, smart, and sensitive. It gets drilled out of them through life. You have, at least, taken the first steps."

"Yes, but what happens to me, say, five or ten years down the road. Will I be too feminine to go back to being a male?"

"Really, is that such a bad thing," Dani said, "not being a male."

"It would be if I was in a large group of men. I would be perceived as weak, sub-male, or, worse, a sissy – someone they could take advantage of."

Amy broke in: "So, you’ll keep company with females."

"But, once in school, I heard several kids talk about ‘Mistresses’; women that look for this type of man. They said that they like to mistreat men because it makes the woman feel good. They also said that these extremely cruel women beat, burn, humiliate, subjugate, and torture males for their own enjoyment. One of the kids said that they do that because they hate men."

"Well, I’m no mistress, Alice," Amy remarked, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I sure wouldn’t want to meet any of them, Amy," I replied with a shudder.

During this discussion, we had driven back towards the city on a three-lane highway. Near the city, Dani turned off onto a two-lane road. After a few miles, we turned again onto a second, similar road. The car passed some farms, a grain silo and over a creek. At a crossroad, we turned right, drove about two miles and turned left onto a private one-lane access road. On each side of the car was a wooded area. This was a typical country road, and I expected to see a deer run into our path at any time. Soon, a house loomed before us: a three-story Victorian mansion. I anticipated seeing Morticia and Gomez at any time.

Dani pulled up in front of the house and parked. After we exited the car, we walked up to the porch. This time, it was Jan holding my hand, and I found it comforting. Oh, the house didn’t scare me – I just liked the feeling of closeness it gave.

"Dani, do you just leave the car here?" I asked.

"Don’t worry, one of the maids will put it in the garage."

As Dani got out her keys, the front door opened and a pretty young women in a maid’s uniform greeted us: "Miss Marsh, I’m glad to see you’re back. Did you have a nice trip?"

"Yes, Della. Would you be a dear and put the Lexus away," Dani said, handing her the keys. "Would you get the rest of the ladies on your way back, please, and bring them to the library?"

"Yes, ma’am," she replied as she went to work.

Inside, Dani led us into a large room with several bookcases. The walls were covered with mahogany paneling, the floors with several small Oriental prayer rugs, and two large, ornate chandeliers, combined with wall sconces, illuminated the room. Leather couches and chairs, with strategically placed reading lamps, dotted the room. Two paintings of distinguished gentlemen were on prominent display. A large, unlit fireplace was against the farthest wall. The room had the feel of an old-time gentleman’s club.

"Please, sit wherever you like," stated Dani.

I chose a seat on a couch, and Jan sat beside me.

Dani, still standing, started: "I want to welcome you to my home. This will be your home for a long time, I hope. I treat my maids as friends, not servants. Ask, and they will do. The third floor is for the staff. My cook lives in quarters on the first floor."

At that point, four women entered the room. Three in black dresses with plain white aprons, the fourth a large woman with a long white apron. The three maids seemed to have been selected for their appearance, as each was very attractive.

"Ahhh, here you are. Ladies, my staff: Della, downstairs; April, upstairs; May, assists where needed: and my cook, Gina. Ladies, I’d like you to meet the new residents: Amy Chou, Jan Parker, and last, a young lady you will refer to as Alice or Miss Alice Prescott."

After we were welcomed by hugs and handshakes from each of the staff, Dani started with, "I do not think it amiss if we call each other by first names, if that is acceptable."

With everybody’s assent, she continued: "Staff, I must be upfront with you. Miss Alice Prescott is not what she seems."

Oh great, my secret’s out, again.

"Just what is she. She’s sure too pretty to be a man," Gina stated, and just before she left to check her cooking added, "Anyway, you’re still welcome here."

"You got that right. She wanted for something?" May asked.

Della smiled like she knew more than the rest.

Dani unloaded the bombshell, "Alice is Jan Parker’s brother, Dave."

April sat quietly, apparently taking all this in and trying to digest it. "I don’t want to seem rude, but can we have proof?"

"Sorry! You’ll just have to accept what I say."

"Okay. So what does that have to do with us?"

"Good. As you know the company has a new branch: Wonderland. Jan and I will be at the head to get this company off the ground. ‘Alice’ will be the model, spokeswoman, and representative. She needs to be at home in femininity. Treat her like another woman, help her learn all the feminine tricks, and make her a confident person. We’ll show her the business, you do the rest."

Della, May and April looked at each other, concurring. "Emm, err, is he gay or something?"

"Dave, I guess, should be thought of as a male lesbian."

"Isn’t that a contradiction in terms, or an oxymoron?" Della replied.

"What the hell is that – is there such a thing?" May said.

"I thought all lesbians were female – aren’t there certain nuances implied in the word ‘lesbian’?" April managed to get in.

"Okay, here goes. Dave as Alice will be wearing female clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, and such, but is still strongly attracted to women. Most lesbians wear female clothes when they make love, and so does Alice. So what else could you call her?"

Well, I call myself lucky. At any rate, the maids left to help in the kitchen, and I wondered about the house, asking, "This is a really big place you have here."

"Yes, it belonged to my grandparents. I was left the house, money to maintain it, and a monthly stipend to be used for education, clothing, and food. They had made most of their money in very astute investments. The maids and cook, as well as utilities, are paid from the house maintenance monies."

"In any case, we will contribute something to that, right little sister?" Jan said.

"Sure will," I piped up. I was beginning to like the "little sister" idea. I think sisters get to be closer than a brother and sister, or even brothers. Then again, it may be just my imagination!

Gina entered and said, "Dinner is served."

Dani led the way to the dining room, followed by Jan, Amy and myself. We walked down a short mahogany paneled hallway, and into another large, paneled room. The great oak table in the center was large enough to comfortably seat ten people.

I was a little uneasy as to who should sit first, also where to sit, so I waited.

"Alice, take a seat, please. Sit next to me," Dani said, indicating a seat to her right.

I slipped my hands under my skirt and, as I carefully sat, I felt the chair being pushed in. Turning to thank the person, I saw a smiling Della mouth the words, "any time, honey."

After a short prayer (I noticed the word Goddess), plates with sliced ham, asparagus, pineapple slices, corn, fried shrimp, and sliced tomatoes, plus other vegetables, started going around the table. I soon had a plateful of food, a glass of wine, and good company – with all this, I was ecstatic as this was the kind of life I had dreamed about. So what if I was wearing a dress and petticoats, I actually enjoyed the look and feel of them.

During dinner, various topics arose, some of which I was able to participate in. The maids seemed to be especially well versed in historical events, surprising me with their acumen. I was genuinely sorry to see the meal end, and then glad that this would be only one of many in which I would participate. There was none of "So, how did the (insert team) do," and the subsequent dissection of plays in a previous night’s action, followed by the "Here’s what they should have done" from someone who never played the game.

"Gina, we’ll have coffee in the library, please," said Dani at the close of the dinner.

"Yes, ma’am," she replied. "Will that be all for today?"

"The ladies are dismissed for today – relax as you wish."

We trooped back to the library, although I wanted to stay and at least help with clearing off the table or doing the dishes. Jan grabbed me, saying, "we have some work to do, remember?"

Once in the library, I remembered to repair my lipstick as I sat on a couch, tucking my legs up in what I hoped was a young girl’s fashion.

"Okay, missy," Dani said, walking over and sitting beside me, "here’s what we know of you: Your father’s name was George Prescott, and your mother’s maiden name was Janice Singleton. He was a construction foreman, and your mother, a homemaker. You were born in New York state, lived there for five years, eventually moving to a small town in Pennsylvania. Your family moved several more times, making a good wage, enough to live on – unfortunately, your father had a drinking problem. At fourteen, your parents were killed in a car wreck, and you moved in with an aunt in Iowa, where you finished your schooling. You have no boyfriends, preferring girls instead. By the way, we have a birth certificate showing an Alice Prescott was born in New York. At this time, you are eighteen years, eight months old. Ms. Angelis will pull a few strings and get you an identification card, social security card, and whatever else is necessary."

"Is all that necessary? I mean, if I’m walking around, and I say who I am, isn’t that enough?"

"We need to cover all bases. One never knows what may happen in the future."

Gina entered the room with two urns of coffee on a tray; Della followed with cups, saucers and pads to put them on. April was next with creamer, a bowl of sugar cubes and mints.

"The pot on the left is Decaf, the right has regular," she announced.

I got a cup, filled it, added two lumps of sugar, stirred it and resumed my perch on the couch. Using a convenient table, I placed a pad down and sat the coffee on it, as Dani resumed.

"Okay, you know your history. I don’t think too many will ask about your schooling, but we do have a diploma showing you graduated cum laude. Next, clothes."

I sipped my coffee, blowing on it occasionally to cool it down. Mints and coffee are an unusual combination, but I rather liked it.

"Clothes?" I queried. "What about them."

"Well, you will be seen in many places as ‘Alice’ and we need to establish guidelines as to exactly what will be wearing when she visits such places as stores, malls, and trade shows," Dani replied. "Alice can’t be seen as too modern, wearing pants, and she shouldn’t seem to be too old-fashioned, out-of-touch with the modern world. We have to strike a balance between two extremes."

"Oh, I get it – an up-to-date Alice! She shouldn’t be trendy; she should establish the trend. Is that it," I stated.

"Exactly! She is wearing what is now, not something that was."

"I’m a little confused, then. Shouldn’t we do away with petticoats and the like?"

"That is the trend we want to establish. Bring back the softness and girlishness inherent in those things – to make that a trend."

Now it all made sense; Alice was modern being old-fashioned.

Dani smiled at my understanding, then continued: "Okay, now that that’s settled, what do we go with. Jan, can I have your input, too."

"The clothes? What about them." said Jan, echoing her sister.

"Office, daytime, and store openings. What will she wear. Traveling to and from places."

Jan mused a bit, then replied, "She should wear something like that blue outfit for product recognizability at openings and trades, and fairly regular clothes at the office."

"Okay, by the blue outfit, you mean with the petticoats and/or pantalets or bloomers."

"Alice, as you’ll be wearing these things, how do you feel?"

I was a little shook by the question, since I figured they would know best what I’d be wearing. "Well, I thought you two would be the best judges. I rather liked the blue dress and the other things."

"All right, regular clothes, ladies of course, to work and around the office; special things at openings, and, maybe, at trades depending on the situation. How does that sound?"

"Like a winner," I replied.

"The way you were eating, I think you might need a corset soon. How about it?" a grinning Dani inquired.

"C- c- c-corset? Are you kidding? I’m not getting too fat, really."

Jan continued the attack: "Really, it will help your posture, and support your back. You will do a lot of standing at some of those shows, believe me – I’ve done it!"

"Can I at least think about it?" I said, trying to put it off as long as possible.

"It was only a suggestion, Alice."

"Still, I’ll think about it."

"Well, I guess you’re tired, and want to get to sleep. I’ll show you to your room."

Dani took my hand and led me up a cherry-wood-paneled staircase to the second floor, down the hall to the second door. (The paneling on the staircase was due to remodeling I was later told.) Dani opened the door, and told me to close my eyes as she led me in.

"Okay, you can open them!"

The room was resplendent with light, showing walnut furniture any woman would love: vanity, bureau, chest of drawers, and a four-poster bed. The vanity was covered with a variety of bottled beauty products.

Dani started opening drawers, intoning, "Panties sorted by type, bras, garter belts, hosiery – pantyhose, thigh-highs, knee-high socks, etc., half-slips and pettis, camisoles and chemises. She went to a closet, opened the door, and again recited, "Dresses, skirts, blouses, jumpers, nightgowns, caftans, loungers, full slips, robes.

"Wait a minute! Just where did all this come from? Is this really all mine?"

"Paula, Joanne and Tina got your measurements from Jan and went shopping. They do have good taste, so I put up five thousand dollars to get you started."

"Five thousand," I practically screamed, "Dani, I promise I will pay you back, somehow."

"Look, you wear these clothes and enjoy them – that’ll be payment enough for me! Oh, I almost forgot – I will be reimbursed by the company, anyway. Also, each item you model is yours for the asking," she said, leading me to the bath area.

"Wow."

In the bathroom, there were the usual hair products, depilatories, moisturizers, body lotions, skin creams, and more all placed within easy reach. I noticed a second door, and asked, "Who do I share the bathroom with?"

"Jan is next door, Amy is across the hall, and I’m at the end of the hall – take your pick."

 

To be continued.

Annie O

 

 

 

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© 2002 by Ann O'Nonymous. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.