A Boy With Girly Hair - Part 4 ( Final Part )

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Chapter 10

Michelle and his mother stood up to stretch their legs. They walked to the kitchen where Mrs. Reed prepared a salad for both of them.

"You know that I was hurt by no one telling me the truth," Michelle said.

"Dear, no one wanted to betray anyone's confidence. Jeff didn't want to say anything that his brother didn't want to be known. William had his secret that he didn't want to disclose because Jeff was involved. And it wasn't my business to say anything about them. I hope by now you understand the dynamics of the situation."

In between eating, Michelle answered her mother. "Yes, now I understand but at the time, I was ready to give up being a girl. Jeff and I talked the next day, and he pretty much said the same thing you said. You know about not wanting to let the cat out of the bag. Said it was a family secret. I told him about what Sally and his brother wanted me to do and asked what he thought about the idea."

During a pause, Mrs. Reed continued the conversation. "Michelle, you must have wanted to do what they asked. After all, no one put a gun to your head."

"But, Mom, Will had a lot of influence over me, and seeing him as Wilma, I could hardly... hardly say no. It was like two people pressuring me. And you, Mom, you didn't object by the way, Mom, what part did you play in this scheme?"

Mrs. Reed fidgeted. "Son, that was so long ago, I hardly remember."

Michelle shook her head. Now she knew the truth. "Mom, you knew the plan from the beginning. Didn't you?"

Mrs. Reed took the dishes to the sink. "I knew you didn't want to cut your hair... I knew William wanted to make an issue of the school policy... and I knew he worked part-time for Sally's father's firm. They asked me and I said to talk to you about it." Mrs. Reed pulled her chair next to her son's. "Dear, it was ultimately up to you."

"That's what Jeff said. 'It's up to you."

"And you decided to be a girl for high school."

"Yes, Mom, I did. There and then. I said to Jeff that I would. If I hadn't been so hurt by everyone keeping secrets, I probably wouldn't have; but I figured, if I was a girl, I'd be a prettier girl than Will, and I'd drive Jeff crazy looking so cute. I know my thinking was off but remember I was only 14. Remember that evening I called up Will and said I'd do it."

"Yes, I remember. And I remember what happened a week or so later," Mrs. Reed added.

Chapter 11

"Don't forget the dance on the 30th," Sarah said on the answering machine. "I'll be over to talk with you about it."

"Michael, what dance is Sarah talking about?"

Michael looked through his desk and found the announcement. It was an invitation to a preschool dance at the school gym. All the students were invited to the dance.

"Mom, I don't think I want to go."

Mrs. Reed didn't pressure her son. She knew Sarah.

Sarah was over by six. She looked lovely in her tight blue jeans and white blouse. Michael, like almost all the boys in school, idealized her. He dressed as boy-like as he could to greet her. As soon as they sat down on the living room sofa she started. "You just gotta come, Michael. Just gotta!"

"Yeah, I guess so. Maybe."

Sarah persisted. "Of course, you'll go as a girl."

"You'll be with the gang," Sarah continued. "You know like Buffy's. Outside of us, no one is going to know it's you. It'll give you a chance to dress up. It'll be like a practice for the time you gotta meet Principal Murry. You do need to practice at least once before he sees you as a girl, don't you?"

"But, I'm... I'm not sure I want to... to dress like a girl."

Sally was disappointed and surprised. She thought it was a done deal. "But Michael, you just have to," she pleaded. "Anyway, Jeff won't mind."

Michael was surprised by the mention of his friend's name. How did they know that Jeff wouldn't mind? "Who says?" Michael asked.

Sally was quick with an answer. "Well, his brother dresses like a girl and it doesn't seem to bother him."

"Yeah, but that's his brother."

Sally was persistent.

Michael was reassured that no one would know he was a boy and that Sarah admired him for what he was doing. Anyway, her arguments did seem to be reasonable. Finally, he agreed.

"Oh, Michael. You're so brave. You know I never paid much attention to you at school, but now well, I think you're super!" she said, and then kissed him on the cheek.

Saturday morning, Michael was hurried into taking a bath. "Dear, we better start early so your hair dries completely."

The young boy slid down into the tub until his hair floated to the surface in a swirl around his head. It felt good to swoosh up and feel his hair stick to his back. Standing in the tub using the spray, he washed and conditioned his hair. All the while he was trying to imagine how he'd look with his hair fixed so girlish. Would his mother fix his hair with lots of billowing curls? Or maybe she put it into an updo? He recalled how Jeff and Will loved his hair, and he looked forward to pleasing them both. On the vanity top lay a pair of white panties and a padded white bra. By now he was accustomed to the routine of being a girl.

Mrs. Reed stood behind her son as they sat by the kitchen overlooking the patio. Michael was dressed in jeans and a boy's shirt. The sun shone through the window and cast a ray of light on her little boy as she hovered over him. Mrs. Reed combed and sprayed and rolled and pinned section after section of hair. Michael soaked in every sensation. The wire curlers were rolled tightly to his scalp, painfully tight. His mother made sure he wouldn't forget for a minute that he was a girl getting ready to go out with his boyfriend.

"We want you to look especially nice for your first outing in public," she said.

"Mom, I'm scared. Really am."

"I know, dear, but I guess it's the best thing for you. After all, if you're going to go public next week, you'll need some experience ahead of time. Remember, dear, enjoy every girlish experience. Gain courage in the knowledge that your boyfriends are how should I put this are dying to be with you. Dying to touch your hair and hold your hands. You're going to look so pretty that boys will be stumbling all over themselves to be with you."

After the last roller was in place, mother and son walked to the third bedroom where the bed was piled high with clothes. Mrs. Reed had been given virtually every piece of Wilma's clothes that William had outgrown or didn't care for.

"If we can't find something here, I don't know what we'll do," Mrs. Reed sighed.

Michael couldn't believe how many clothes filled the room. He hadn't owned this many clothes in all his life. One by one Michael dressed and undressed, and again and again, Mrs. Reed gave each outfit a thumbs down. Now into the closet. Dresses were packed so tightly that they had to be squeezed to one side just to slide one out.

"No, dear. no not that one... too out of date not for you... too old for you... not your color," Mrs. Reed said after each rejection. "Oh. I like this one," she said, pulling out a skirt from the closet. The skirt was a breezy sleeveless print of flowers, red and peach, with little green leaves on a white background, and with it was a peach cropped cotton sweater edged with matching stitching that was rolled up softly at the cuffs and hem. Michael felt the material and the five shell buttons that ran down the front of the sweater.

"Mom, it really feels nice," he said as he modeled before his mother. Looking in the floor-length mirror on the door, he swirled the skirt, delighting himself in the flowing material.

Mrs. Reed liked it, too. "And it hides your boyish shape," she added. The doorbell disrupted their conversation. "That must be Will. I asked him over to discuss some things with him."

"Mother!" Michael reacted as any girl would have. "My curlers!"

Mrs. Reed smiled at her son. "Don't be silly. Will's had his hair in curlers hundreds of times."

Together they greeted William. Mrs. Reed was anxious to speak to Will. "William, I'm holding you responsible for Michelle. After all, this is her first dance, so please watch out for her."

Will reassured her, "There'll be lots of parents and school officials there, maybe even the principal, but don't worry. And Michael, I want to be there not as a student-lawyer, but as your friend."

The words went over Michael's head. He wasn't much listening, just looking at Will and remembering the first time they were together. "You know you can back out of this arrangement anytime you want. I know it's asking a lot of you to challenge the whole school system. I know the pressure of wanting to be a girl, and now to put even more pressure on you  well, it's a lot to ask." Will paused.

Michael muttered, "Uh-huh, okay."

"Hopefully, in another week, it'll be all over and Mr. Murry and the district supervisor will resend the school code and you can go back to being whoever you want to be." William sighed a sigh of relief. He'd rehearsed that speech enough times until he'd memorized it. Mrs. Reed looked on pleased. Michael heard the words but without paying much attention. He was now thinking about what Will thought of his dress.

Mrs. Reed excused herself.

Michael shifted the weight on his feet, nervously.

"Mom just fixed my hair," Michael said, patting his head.

"I see. I'm sure you'll look great."

Michael smiled.

Together the boys sat down next to each other on the sofa. Michael smoothed out his dress and tried to sit ladylike.

William broke the ice. "It should be a good dance. Lots of kids. A good DJ. I know him.

Micha... Michelle...You do know how to dance?"

"Think so," he called, forgetting to be ladylike, as he often did.

"You need practice?" Will asked sheepishly.

"Guess so."

"I can teach you."

Michael hesitated. "Better go ask my mom."

Mrs. Reed returned with her son. "William," she said as she picked at her son's clothing. "Michael hasn't danced much, and of course never with another boy, so he's a little embarrassed. I told him it was alright. After all, he does make a darling girl, doesn't he, Will?"

Will nodded his head. "Sure does!"

"I don't see any problem with that. You know, Michelle, there'll be lots of dances at school that you're going to enjoy. Have fun boys!"

Mrs. Reed escorted the boys to the basement. William cleared a space on the floor while Michael put on one inch white loafers. Mrs. Reed put on a cd and left the room.

The music started. "Before we get any closer."

Mother and son both liked the song.

Will extended his arms and wiggled his fingers to the diminutive girlish figure in hair curlers. Hesitatingly, Michael moved forward, and the two began swinging their arms side to side.

Before we let it begin
Before our feelings take over us
I wanna tell you one thing.
I'm just an ordinary girl
Who needs some love in my life
I won't pretend to be more than I am

Will spoke softly, "I bet you're going to look really cute tonight." At the next beat, he moved into the young boy-girl.

"I hope so," Michael said, practicing his feminine mannerisms. He smiled and relaxed his body.

"You're certainly not an ordinary girl."

Bodies touching, the two swung their arms in unison. Michael felt his dress rustle against his smooth legs.

"Feel the rhythm in your body? Will asked.

Michael was already giddy. "I think so."

I've had some lovers before
But now I need something more
Than just a meaningless holding of hands
I'm just an ordinary girl.

Stepping to one side and then the other, Michael followed Will's lead. He was surprised and a little intimidated by the strong grip around his waist. He liked the way Will took charge but felt small next to him. As the beat of the music flowed through the body of the be-curled boy, he put his hand on Will's shoulder and leaned even closer to his body.

Who wants to reach out and find
Someone who honestly feels like I do
Love is so fragile a thing
I'd sooner never begin
Then to find out too late it's not true.

"I know I'm a lot older than you, ten years, but in not many years, the age difference won't make much difference, so even though I'll be like your lawyer, I want you to think of me of more than that."

The two moved back and forth, tilting their heads and dipping their shoulders like they'd been dancing together for years.

Before we get any closer
Before we tell any lies
Before we make any promises
We really ought to decide
Is this a casual affair
Two ships that pass in the night?
Could we find heaven out there just one time?

Will pulled the young boy to him and squeezed his hand. "I just want you to keep me in mind. After all, I'll be leaving once Mr. Murry sees the light. And remember I know what it's like to wear a dress and be with a boy. I imagine we can even go out as girlfriends if you like."

Michael was at a loss for words. He could hardly concentrate on the dance steps, much less think about Will and them going out as girls or as girlfriend and boyfriend.

Or are we closer than close?
With deeper feelings than most?
Could ever know for the whole of their lives?

The couple took a step in each direction back and forth, moving in sync. Will broke apart and lifted his arm. Michael awkwardly dipped under it, his curlers brushing against Will's arm. Both laughed. "Sorry." Even without make-up, the young boy had a girlish face. The ever-transforming boy became even more girl-like as he closed his eyes and swayed his hips, dipping his knees and body to the music. Michael nearly lost his breath as Will pulled him tight enough to crush his bra. He felt Will's hand hard against his back, pulling him. Michael felt his own hardness between his legs, a hardness that pulsated against his panties. And he felt Will's manhood press against him as the two stopped to press and move against each other.

Before we get any closer
Before we two become us
I need to know if you'll always be
Someone to totally trust
I'm just an ordinary girl
Who needs some love in my life
I won't pretend to be more than I am

Will had a hard time speaking. "You're a really good dancer."

"You're a good teacher."

"I would probably go to jail if I told you what I was thinking," Will said.

"Then you better not tell me."

The two boys melted in each other's arms, Michael leaning on just below Will's shoulder, his curler-covered head painfully against the older man's chest.

"Sorry about the curlers," Michael said.

"No problem. I like the feeling. I'd curl my hair almost every night when I was a girl. Jeff loves curlers, too."

Michael slowed down the dance. "He does?"

Will answered, "Sure does. When I was a girl, I made Jeff take out my curlers and comb my hair. At first he didn't like it, but then he loved it. I know he'd love to unwind your rollers. Me, too."

Michael's hardness became even harder as his organ slipped out of the panties and into a painful position.

Will continued, "I can imagine you, like a princess, sitting on a golden stool and Jeff and I are your slaves, kneeling next to you, unraveling each coil of precious hair."

Michael shuttered with the thought. Even the arrival of Mrs. Reed didn't deter the couple from their conversation. They were so engrossed in each other. Will fumbled his words when he saw her. "Got... to... got to go. I'll pick you up... with Jeff at six... see you."

For hours Michael sat waiting for his hair to dry. He changed into a pair of girl's jeans and a blouse and laid down on the couch with his head on a pillow. The wire mesh dug into his head, and he turned onto his stomach. No position was comfortable as he relived the music, the dance, and the words of William. He daydreamed of Will and Jeff as his slaves, vying with each other for the honor of unraveling his hair. Soon the daydream turned into a dream, but in Michael's dream, the two brothers were naked as they walked around him, undoing each curler as if it were a Fabergé egg. By the time the last coil of hair dangled down, still firm with setting lotion, the male organs of both slaves were ramrod stiff into the air in a salute to their princess. William and his brother begged to be allowed to relieve themselves. "Suck each other," Michael in his dream ordered. Obediently, Jeff knelt before his brother and satisfied him; then Will did the same to Jeff. Exhausted the bothers wreathed like snakes before him.

"Oh. Gosh, Almighty. What a dream," Michael said to himself as he rubbed his eyes.

Mrs. Reed prepared her son's face in her bedroom before her makeup table. Skillfully she did his foundation, eyebrows, eyes, cheeks, and lips. With a handful of brushes, sponges, and cosmetics, she changed the face in front of her into a palette of soft colors. Finally, the piece de resistance, as the adoring mother unwound each curler to release long twisted coils of golden-brown hair. Then with a brush and a comb, the loving mother brushed her son's hair, merging the strands into a wavy waterfall that covered her son's back and ended in an explosion of curls. Next, she gathered together the sides into a ponytail high on his head, which she tied with a red bow and streaming red ribbons Necklace, watch, rings, and perfume completed the transformation of Michael into Michelle.

Michelle waited anxiously on the living room sofa. He dared not move in fear of disturbing a curl or smudging his makeup. Nervously he traced the flower pattern of the sofa with his fake pink fingernails. The fidgety boy was startled by the bell.

"Hey, Jeff."

"Hey, Mich.Elle."

Jeff had never seen Michael so stunning as Michelle.

Together they left with Michelle hanging onto Jeff's arm. In the car, Michelle and Jeff sat in the back and Will drove. Will explained that he came along in case the school should interfere with Michelle.

"You look great!" Will called over his shoulder.

Michelle's stomach grew tighter as they drove into the crowded school parking lot. Monroe High looked huge compared with Madison Elementary. Now Michelle was REALLY nervous. All those people, crowded together, what if...? Michael's imagination was giving him a huge knot in his stomach. A crowd of kids milled about at the door. Michelle, Jeff, and William passed by them. Michael exhaled. So far so good.

Streamers dangled from the gym ceiling and posters lined the walls. Inside were rows of folding tables all setup. There was a small stage with a dance area in front of it. Along the one wall were tables of soda, punch, chips, dips, and finger sandwiches. Parents milled about talking. Kids were laughing, poking each other, waving to their friends, and moving from one table to another. The band must have just stopped because their couples were still coming off the dance floor.

Michelle and Jeff found an empty corner of a table and sat across from each other while Will left them. No one seemed to notice Michelle, so he breathed a little easier. The two boys searched for familiar faces and quietly pointed out to each other when they found one. Michelle looked at her watch, a girl's watch, and her hand's girl's hands with pink polished nails. Michelle adjusted herself in the chair, felt the sensation of the fabric against her body, and wiggled his hips to get comfortable. He loosened his shoulders. Without thinking he stared at his chest girl's chest. He whiffed the scent of his perfume, sensed the tightness of his shoes, and tasted his lipstick.

The young boy ran his fingers along with his ear, smoothing hair in place, and then lifting it off his neck. Much cooler, he thought. Minutes seemed like hours as the two sat silently facing each other. Jeff tried to appear not too interested in his friend. Michael figured he just didn't want to be embarrassed if something should happen. The noise of a hundred voices filled the air and echoed against the hard-surfaced walls. The silence was full of the crackle of voices. After half an hour, Michael was thinking he'd done his part and now it was time to go.

"Hello, Jeff." A voice sounded behind him.

"Hi, Sally." Jeff greeted the blond girl in a black stretch top and crisp tight blue jeans, as alluring a creature as any young boy could imagine.

Sally leaned over to Michael and whispered above the noise, "God, you look good. I'd never thought it!"

Michael was too nervous to even turn towards her or speak.

"Come on over to our table. We've saved a place for you."

With that, she leaned over and took Michael by the arm and half lead him and half dragged him to a table right next to the dance floor. She surely wanted him to be seen by everyone. One by one everyone at the table greeted Michelle. It was "Hi Michelle" over and over. Michael couldn't remember the names of anyone he'd met earlier, so he just smiled and nodded his head to acknowledge them.

The lights dimmed and dimmed, and the crowd grew quieter. The DJ announced that he was open to requests, and his first request was for a very special girl.

Before we get any closer.
Before we let it begin
Before our feelings take over us

Will. That was nice of him, Michael thought. He did say he knew the DJ. Couple after the couple were moved to the floor.

I wanna tell you one thing.
I'm just an ordinary girl
Who needs some love in my life
I won't pretend to be more than I am

Sally spoke. "All you guys got to dance with Michelle. Remember you promised. We got to support her. After all, it's for us that he's  she's doing this."

No one wanted to be first, so Sally continued. "Come on guys! Be cool. You gonna let Michael take the heat alone?" Michael liked the way she spoke with such confidence. Tom stood up to muffled cheers and pats on the back. Awkwardly, with a shrug of the shoulder and a swagger in his walk, he leads the way to the dance floor. Tom was tall, so Michelle had to reach up for his shoulder.

Who wants to reach out and find
Someone who honestly feels like I do
Love is so fragile a thing
I'd sooner never begin
Then to find out too late it's not true.

Tom's palms were wet; he was so nervous. And his hand was limp against the small of her back. Michelle recalled her dance with Will and tried to move around the floor, but Tom, with two left feet, could barely be budged; and with his limp hold of her hand, Michael couldn't follow him.

"My turn," a voice said as James tapped Tom on the shoulder.

James was a better dancer and a talker. "Looks like you were dying out here," he said as he took Michael's hand and held it firmly.

Michael smiled another girl trait. Whenever nervous, just smile real pretty. "I guess he was pretty nervous."

"I don't know why. You look as pretty as any girl here."

"Thanks but I know it isn't true, but thanks anyway."

Before we get any closer
Before we two become us
I need to know if you'll always be
Someone to totally trust

"That's a girl," Sally said giving Michael a hug. "You looked so good out there, you're going to have all the boys dancing with you."

Finally, Michael began to relax and was having a ball with the group. With so much excitement and a couple of paper cups of coke, Michael said to Sally that he had to go to the washroom.

"James, show Michael the way," Sally said.

James spoke into Michael's ear as they walked down the corridor. "You been dressing like a girl very long?"

"Not too long," Michael said in a barely audible voice.

"Years?"

"Nope."

At the steps, seniors were stationed to prevent anyone from going up the stairs.

"The school doesn't want anyone getting pregnant in an upstairs bathroom," James said as they passed a stairway.

"That won't happen to me," Michael joked.

Both boys continued to snicker at that remark. James led Michael to the staff's office and their washroom. "Here," he said. "You can use this washroom. William said to use it in case a parent objected to you using the girl's room." Michelle was out in a few minutes, and together they walked back to the gym.

Suddenly James stopped, looked around, and quickly unlocked a door. "I got a key to the locker room, being I'm on the football team," he said as he muscled Michael into the room. Michael was too unfamiliar with being a girl to resist immediately. James leaned against a locker and puller Michael close to him.

"You're really a cute girl."

Michael managed a faint thank you.

"You know, you're more of a girl than most girls... I mean, look at you... you're better dressed and your hair, gosh it's beautiful."

James's hands wandered up Michael's back to under his hair. Michelle, the girl, was now getting scared. He could feel the strength of James's hands and arms, not like Jeff's or even Will's. James was really strong and well-built. Michael wiggled sideways, trying to move away from the big football player.

"I ah better get back."

James released his grip. "Sorry, kinda lost control. I gotta remember you're not familiar with being with guys, and sometimes I don't' know my strength. I'm really not very good with girls, but with you, I feel more... comfortable. I know I can be a klutz. Sorry."

Michael liked his demeanor.

"No way. I mean you're cool. I hope we can get to know each other better. I want you to know, that I have never been this bold with a girl. Never."

"Guess you STILL haven't been bold with a girl," Michael joked.

That broke the ice and soon the two were talking about Monroe High and football and Michael being a girl to force the school to back down with their dress code.

"You know," James said, "I'm a lot bigger than you, but you got more guts than me."

Being a girl was fun when you get to talk to cool guys, Michael was thinking. Before no time, half an hour passed.

"Better go," Michael said, looking at this watch but not wanting to.

"Do we have to?" With that James nudged Michael over to a row of benches where he sat down. "Are you sure you're a boy?"

"Of course, I am."

"Can I see?" James said tightening his grip on the young boy's hands. Not painfully tight but forceful.

Michael was speechless.

"Please, please. Pull up your skirt and let me see."

James sounded so pitiful. Michael was learning that as a girl he has a certain power over guys, which he liked. Still seated, Michael slowly, teasingly, leaned down and lifted up his dress little by little, higher and higher, exposing his lacy panties.

"Stand up," James said.

Michael tried to adjust his balance but his feet felt cemented to the ground he was so nervous. The football player helped Michael up. Strong fingers gripped the boy-girl's waist and pulled down his panties below his knees. Strong fingers took the young boy's penis and rubbed it until a slick coating covered his manhood. Michael didn't want to get hard but couldn't help it. His hands shook as he held his dress above his waist. Powerful hands squeezed and pulled at the throbbing organ. Soon Michelle was as stiff as a rod and dying to come.

"Don't come till I say so. Okay."

Michelle pressed his teeth together tighter and tighter, trying to stop the mounting urge to explode an urge that ran from the tip of his head and up from the bottom of his feet to his stiff organ. He felt like a rubber balloon being filled with water to the point of bursting.

Michael moaned momentarily as James began to suck his organ. A minute later Michael exploded... once... twice... three times. He'd never come so much in his life. For several minutes, Michael leaned exhausted against the cold metal locker to gain his strength.

James took Michael in his arms for a long embrace.

"Thank you, Michelle. Thank you," he said, exhaling the words.

"You guys get lost?" Sally asked as they joined the table.

"Michelle was kinda getting a panic attack, so we got some fresh air. I think maybe it's nerves."

Michael smiled and tried to act as if nothing had happened. After all, he was becoming quite an actor, and he could act his way out of this. No sooner did he settle into his seat than a woman approached the table.

"Is there a Michael Reed here?"

No one at the table answered her and she repeated the question.

"That's me."

"The principal wishes to speak with you." With that, the lady stood to one side, and Michael got up to follow her.

"You want me to go with you, Michelle?" Sally asked.

The frown on the lady's face said no. Michael shook his head no. Girl tears began to build in his throat as he walked out of the gym. Without a minute to spare, William was at his side.

"Mrs. Jones, I'm Michael's friend."

The lady looked stern and spoke sternly. "Yes, I know who you are."

Together the three walked to the office.

Principal Murry sat behind a large wooden desk strewed with wire baskets of papers.

"Sit down," he said, motioning to Michael and Will.

"Someone told you?" Will asked.

"Told me?"

"Told you about Michael coming as a girl?"

"A parent. Knows Jeff and knows he's his best friend of Michael. Recognized Michael... Now for God's sake what is going on here?"

William explained, the school policy, Michael's challenge, the unfairness, the legality of such a policy, and all the details. All the while, Mr. Murry listened carefully, leaned his body back into the chair, and then forward. Michael didn't speak. He was thinking of the erotic eruption into the locker. He relived the fear, the strong hands, his throbbing organ, the words whisper seductively into his ear, and the ultimate expulsion. Never before had he come with such force that he nearly fainted. Already he felt his organ becoming restless with excitement.

"And what do you have to say for yourself, young man... young man... Michael?"

The mention of his boy's name brought Michael back to his senses. "Ah... um... It's like Mr. Philips said."

"You have a lot of courage young man, but the district superintendent and the staff and myself, we've given a lot of attention to the matter. We're trying to provide an environment conducive to learning and an environment that promotes traditional gender roles. I think you see our point."

Will leaned forward. "I do, and I respect your position, but let's be fair. Girls cut their hair short and no one says a word. Boys grow their hair long, and it's a school policy." Will took out of his pocket a piece of paper and read from it. "Boy's hair is to be well-groomed... cut in a moderate style... no longer than the collar... not cover the ears... not fall in the eyes. The head is not to be shaven or closely shaven in part or whole... blades... boys' hair is not to be tied back... gel or any equivalent... to disguise a hairstyle which would otherwise be unacceptable... all-round balance. Now principal Murry, how many students are we talking about? I've been in the gym for about an hour and a half and I haven't seen five students that would be affected by your school policy."

Mr. Murry righted his chair. "As I said, we've given the subject a lot of consideration, and we think it's best for the school. If Michael breaks the school code, we'll have to call his mother to pick him up  that's our position."

Will folded the paper back into his pocket and halfway moved to stand up. "Then I'll have to file an injunction against the school district and you, and we'll take it from there. But I don't think the district is going to appreciate you spending lots and lots of money to fight this issue."

Principal Murry leaned forward. "Michael, do you want to go like a girl to school?"

"Ah..." the young boy hesitated. "Yes."

Principal Murry rubbed his chin and rolled his shoulders." Ummmm... Make you a deal... Michael comes to school dressed like he is, like a girl... if he stops looking like a girl... then school policy goes into effect and you drop any potential legal action."

I will think it over. "You mean, the school will drop any fashion or dress or hair regulations as long as Michael comes to school as a girl. If he reverts to boy clothes or gets a boy's haircut, the policy goes into effect."

"You got it!" the principal said dropping both hands solidly on his desk. "He got to look more like a girl than a real girl."

William turned to Michael. "What do you say, Michael? Are you up to it?"

"Every day... as a girl?"

Mr. Murry nodded. "Yes."

"Mom"

"Of course, we'll have to ask his mother," Will interrupted.

"Agreed."

With that Will and Mr. Murry shook hands. The next day, Mrs. Reed contacted Principal Murry to support her son's decision.

Chapter 12

Mother and daughter stood up and stretched. Michelle looked at her watch. Soon her lover would be arriving.

"You know, dear, I still admire your bravery," Mrs. Reed said as they walked to the kitchen.

Michelle now played with her watch, sliding it up and down on her wrist. "I don't know. I wasn't sure if I was up to the task at the time. I didn't realize how much work it was being a girl, especially for a boy, especially for a full two years, until Mr. Murry stepped down as principal. Every day getting dressed was both exciting and a lot of work. For you, too, Mom."

Mrs. Reed laughed. "Dear, admit you loved it. New clothes, new hairdos, new accessories, new friends lots of new friends. Seems you had a secret date every weekend."

"Mom, I never realized how many guys like boys in dresses."

"And?" Mrs. Reed said, nudging her daughter. "And what else do they like?"

"They liked kissing... and playing with my hair, especially when it was set in those darling dangling ringlets. How they loved entangling their fingers around my hair and pulling it. And of course, they liked the sight of pretty panties."

Michelle knew she wasn't a good girl, but then she wasn't a girl at all. Inevitably the boy would ask to see her panties and of course, she'd lift them up. And of course, he was hard as a rock.

"Mom, you wouldn't believe how many guys wanted to suck me off. Especially that James."

"I always liked that boy. So handsome and well built. And... and did you, with other boys besides James?"

"Mother, a girl has to have some secrets," Michelle laughed.

Mrs. Reed grinned and leaned into her daughter. "You're such a bad boy."

"You mean bad girl," Michelle giggled as they sat down at the kitchen table. The sun was beginning to disappear, sending a sharp ray of light onto the table overlooking the patio.

"Party, party, party. You certainly were popular that year and all four years, in fact." Mrs. Reed poured herself and her daughter a cup of coffee.

"Mom, I must have made you work very hard, dressing me, doing my makeup, and fixing my hair. Thanks, Mom," Michelle said and bent over to kiss her mother on the lips. "You know, I never appreciated all you did for me, like buying me all those new clothes. I must have thought you got them out of thin air instead of having to buy them."

"And remember, dear, it wasn't easy finding the right clothes for you. After all, you didn't have the figure of a teen age girl. I hope, dear, you realize how much I enjoyed dressing you as a girl."

"I'm glad to know that, Mom. You know, Mom, after that first day, when I was so nervous, it wasn't half so difficult. I was still the same boy as before, except I dressed like a girl. I'm not sure how many kids knew I was a boy, but no body made fun of me."

"Thanks to your friends."

"Right. Sally and the gang made sure nobody caused me any grief. They were sure wonderful."

"What do you remember most about those four years, dear?"

Michelle glanced again at her watch and smiled.

"What time is your sweetie coming?"

"In less than an hour." Michelle smoothed out the flower-patterned tablecloth, remembering all the times she and her mother sat at this very table and talked.

"I wish we could cover all four years, but I guess that'll have to wait for another time."

"I'm afraid so, Mom. Do you remember that party you dressed me for? It was just after Mr. Murry left as principal. Remember, Mom? It was sort of a victory party. I was so nervous. Not just at going out but with going out with Jeff. We hardly talked or saw each other except at school. What with the band, and the school newspaper, and the Spanish Club, and homework, and Sally and my new friends, I hardly had time for Jeff. Anyway, I got the invite and Jeff, too, so he said he'd pick me up. I wanted to look really nice for him, for old time's sake."

Mrs. Reed paused with the cup in hand. "Dear, is that the time Will came home for the summer?"

"I think you're right, Mom. You know, I hadn't seen him since the previous summer. He was always witting to me, but I'm afraid I didn't write very often. That was a very busy summer, wasn't it?"

"Certainly was," Mrs. Reed smiled and sipped her second cup of coffee.

Chapter 13

As usual, Will called up the day before he was to come over. Michael was surprised but not shocked to hear his voice. What to wear? Boy clothes or girl clothes? After almost a solid year of having to dress like a girl, Michael was dying to dress like a boy for Will to be like him, sometimes a girl and sometimes a boy.

"Nah," he said to himself, "Will was never interested in me as a boy."

Mrs. Reed helped her son pick out a nice outfit, though as time went by, Michael was developing his own sense of girl fashion. Michael studied his clothes, three closets full. Being a well-dressed girl meant lots of clothes. After a lot of thinking Michael, who was called Michelle, even when not in a dress, put on a pleated pink skirt and a red 3/4 sleeve v-neck top, one with a brooch in the middle. The young boy studied himself in the mirror. Carefully he fluffed up his hair into a wavy ponytail high on his head. With a bra and a little makeup, he looked like a typical teenage girl. Even Michael was surprised at how he had matured over the year. Not only mentally but physically. A year ago he looked like a child. Now he could pass for a 17-year-old girl thanks to the hormones.

Michelle fussed and fussed over her face and hair until the doorbell rang.

The young woman at the door was in a simple black dress, a few inches above the knees. The hair was short but full, very hip. "Will...I mean..."

"Wilma," William finished the sentence. "I'm pretty much Wilma full-time now, especially since the hormones are really kicking." Will greeted Michael with a big hug, the way women do. In unison, their voices echoed each other... "You look great... can't believe my eyes... grown so much... love your dress...love your hair... you look younger... you look older."

In the car, they talked about the past year. Yes, the year was difficult. No problems, except what to wear. William was now dressing full-time as a woman. Michael said he wasn't sure what he wanted to be, a boy or girl or both. The two talked at a local restaurant, a nice one, really the only nice one in town. Michelle felt very mature being with Wil... Wilma.

"Michelle, being a woman is wonderful. At least so far," Wilma said. "People for the most part are very accepting."

"That's nice," Michelle answered. Sure there were memories of a year ago, happy memories, but it wasn't the same. Not with Wilma as it was with Will. Wilma struggled for words. The walk seemed a strain on both of them, like meeting an old girlfriend that you thought you still cared for but found out that he or she wasn't now as interesting. Both boy-girls played with their hair, smoothed their dresses, and kept an eye out for cute guys.

"Jeff says he hasn't seen much of you."

"Yeah, been really busy. You know with school and being a girl. Hope Jeff and I can get together this summer."

"You like guys?" Wilma asked.

Michelle did a girlish shrug. "Sure... and... and you?"

Wilma hesitated. "Well, me too, sometimes, but sometimes I like to be William and go out with a girl like you."

Michelle didn't like the conversation but continued. "Girls like me?"

"Transvestites or transsexuals."

Michelle knew what Will meant, but the very words scared him. Was that what he was? A category? Michelle didn't know what group he belonged in. She struggled with her words.

"You know, I ah... been a girl for a year now, and I like being a girl. Not just the clothes but the thinking, the girl-thinking."

Their time together was brief, clinical, and without much information being shared. At the front door, their parting was quick: a kiss on the cheek, a smile, and it was goodbye. It was all over like a dream. So this is how it ends, Michelle thought. William all but seduces her, gets her to be a girl for a year, and then decides he doesn't want to be William anymore. Michelle was in the dumps until the invitation arrived. A party. At Sally's house. Jeff's invited, too. Michael was surprised at how quickly she returned to her happy self. The party was all that was on his mind for days.

Michael was on pins and needles as he waited for Jeff to arrive. The party was at Sally's house, and everyone knew that Sally had the biggest and most beautiful house in the county. Michael and his mother had already picked out an outfit: a light blue and grey pleated skirt with two little fake pockets, a white and red v-shaped blouse, and white knee-length socks. All week he tried on the outfit, prancing and posing in front of the mirror. It was casual, but Sally did emphasize being casual. Over the preceding year, the young boy was thoroughly feminized. Like a real girl, he described the outfit to Sally and she gushed over how anxious she was to see it. "Oh, no, it's not too informal," she said.

Michael was thinking about Jeff as his mother made him beautiful.

"Now the eyelash curler... steady... good," she said as the second lash was pressed firmly into the jaws of the curlers and released.

Michael stared into his mother's face as she brought a mascara brush to his eyes and brushed the blue color to match his eyes on the top and bottom upper and lower lashes.

"I'll apply a second coat after this one dries. You're going to look darling for Jeff. It's been ages since he was over."

"I know, Mom. Can't help it, what with being so busy."

"Now for the lining... for the upper lashes... there we go. Good! Dear, you're going to knock Jeff out when he sees you."

Next came a lip liner. Mrs. Reed drew a dark pink line to follow her son's lips giving them a full, well-defined cupid's bow. Finally, she followed with glossy pink lipstick, filling in the lips until they were as kissable a pair of lips as she'd ever seen on a real girl. Michael swarmed in the chair anxious to see himself.

"Almost done. Now, dear, this will hurt for just a minute."

Michael felt his mother clean his ear lobes. He knew the smell of antiseptic alcohol.

"Ouch."

"Hold the cotton for a few minutes."

"Mom, you didn't?"

"Of course. All the girls have pierced ears."

A minute later his left ear was pierced. Michael by now was wearing much more makeup.

Mrs. Reed stood behind her son as he stared at himself in the mirror, turning his head from side to side the see the glints of gold in each ear. The adoring mother began to remove the helmet of curlers, one by one, leaving vertical columns of stiff curls dangling down her son's back. Next, she pinned up ringlets of hair and secured them with two pink barrettes on each side.

"Dear, do you like this hairstyle?"

"It's kinda scary."

"How so," Mrs. Reed asked.

"Cause the barrettes to look like they're holding back an avalanche of curls."

Mrs. Reed chuckled. "That's just what they're doing, dear."

Michael stood before his mother like a princess before her maid. Mrs. Reed brought out new panties, ones with intricate lace filigree over a smooth front panel with lace along the waist and leg openings. Slowly she removed her son's skirt and blouse. Then the bra. With fixed eyes, the dutiful mother slid her thumbs into her son's panties and pulled them down haltingly, until Michael lifted his legs to step out of them. Michael stood naked before his mother.

"You've shaved very well, dear," Mrs. Reed said as she slid her hand over her son's smooth groin. Boys like clean-shaven girls. Has the medication affected you, dear?"

"Affected?"

"Yes, dear, do you still get hard?"

"Of course, Mom. No problem"

"Good," Mrs. Reed said as she knelt to open wide the beautiful new panties before her son. Regally, Michael stepped into the leg openings, and his mother pulled them up to his groin. Michael adjusted them, his fingers momentarily playing with the little red bow in the center.

"Now, this," Mrs. Reed said as she helped her son into a new white bra, one with lace-trimmed underwire cups, a closed front, and realistic padding."

"Ouuu," Michael muttered as his mother's fingers glanced over a sensitive nipple. Mrs. Reed smiled, knowing that her son's breasts were beginning to mature.

"Won't belong and you won't need so much padding," Mrs. Reed declared as she secured the bra. After the customary pulling and positioning, she declared, as usual, the bra to be a perfect fit. Quickly she dressed her son in the skirt and blouse and socks. All aglow with a sense of satisfaction, Mrs. Reed slowly twirled her son in a circle as she examined her teenage boy-girl. A little later Michael was holding out his red fingernails to dry.

Michael played with his hair, wrapping one coiled end around his finger again and again. Nervously he waited for Jeff. What would he say to him? It'd been months since they were together in private, not like years ago when they were inseparable. But Michael reasoned he WAS very busy. And Jeff DID has other friends. And he thought Jeff DID have a girlfriend, sort of. Michael was at the door to greet his best friend. Jeff looked smart in his sports coat and matching pants. Smart but not very cool looking. Even a little stuffy.

"You look nice," Jeff gushed when he saw Michael.

"So do you," he replied.

Both friends were at a loss for words as they sat on the living room sofa.

"You look nice," Michael repeated.

"Thanks. Am I overdressed?" Jeff asked.

"No way!"

"Been a while."

"Yeah, a while."

"Like my hair?"

"Of course. Sure do!" Jeff said trying to contain himself.

Soon the boys were recalling old times.

"Remember when we'd go bike riding... different now... band... school newspaper... homework... being a girl's a lot of work... glad Mr. Murry's gone... guess you don't have to be a girl anymore."

Michelle didn't let that get by her. "Don't have to be a girl?"

"I mean if you don't want to."

"Jeff," Michelle was very coy. "Do you like me as a girl?"

Jeff looked around the room. "Of course! You know that I do."

Michael smiled a big smile. "Have I changed over the year?" The boy-girl shook his curls and smiled a big smile on Jeff's face.

"Of course you have. Gosh, I could see you changing all the time at school your walk, the way you dress, your whole person changed. You... you became a real girl."

Immensely pleased, Michael took his friend's hand. He would have kissed him but didn't want to smear his lipstick.

Jeff cleared his throat, "Hamm. You know, I always dreamed you'd be a girl, so we could be together."

With that Michael called his mother and was driven to the party.

The Smith house was the most elegant house in the county. Set on a hill, it looked as if it belonged on an English estate rather than a rural community in Illinois. A classic drive was lined with tall evergreens and decorated with statuary. Michael was almost disappointed not to see foot servants open the car doors. Sally greeted the couple with her usual enthusiasm, and the boys entered the room on pins and needles.

"I think you know everyone... Mom... this is Michelle, the boy I was telling you about, and this is her friend, Jeffrey."

The couple greeted Mrs. Smith.

"Oh, yes... nice meeting you," Mrs. Smith hurriedly.

The room was huge, with fancy chairs and sofas and big pictures on the walls... and a fireplace, a big one, oriental carpets, and lights fixtures attached to the wall. Michael and Jeff mingled with the others at the party, George, James, Tom, and all the other kids from school. Jeff momentarily got to talking with a friend, giving Michelle time to walk over to her friend.

Michelle smiled and batted her eyelashes at James as if to say, 'Our sexual encounters in the locker room are still our little secret.'

Just the thought of those sessions was having an effect upon Michelle, a sexual effect. At 17 it took very little to arouse this boy in a dress. James was good at what he did and that was about all he wanted to do with Michelle. Michelle nervously pulled on a curl at her shoulder, pulled the cylinder of hair down a couple of inches, and released it. James watched the curl sprung back into shape.

"See yeah," Michelle said to James as she saw Jeff look around for her. The party was quiet until the Smiths left the house.

"Shush... wait a while," Sally called and the group continued in their restrained mood, quiet conversation, and soft rock music. Ten minutes or so later, the door opened.

"My, I'm getting forgetful," Mrs. Smith sighed as she returned to a bookcase drawer. The directions," she said smiling, and left.

Everyone looked at Sally.

"Party! Party!" she yelled jumping off the sofa in a cheerleader X stance. With the surround sound cranked up, previously demure girls and gentlemanly guys grabbed each other. Soon the living room floor was full of gyrating bodies. Sally announced her plan: first dancing, then party games, and then make-out time. Michelle swallowed hard when she heard that. Jeff, too.

"Everyone dance," Sally ordered.

As the music blared, Jeff and Michael danced. Michael remembered dancing with his brother, Will. But this was more fun. More fun because Michael was more of a girl.

You know I never meant to see you again
And I only passed by as a friend
All this time I stayed out of sight
I started wondering why

Now I, I wish it would rain down, down on me
Yes I wish it would rain, rain down on me now

Michael was snug in Jeff's arms as they drifted off by themselves into a corner of the dimly lightroom.

You said you didn't need me in your life
I guess you were right
Well I never meant to cause you no pain
But it looks like I did it again

Now I, I wish,

"Jeff, did you miss me?" Michelle whispered.

"Course. We're best friends. Remember?"

Though your hurt is gone, mine hanging on, inside
And I know it's eating me through every night and day
I'm just waiting on your sign

Jeff's fingers played with Michelle's hair as their bodies squeezed closer together. Michelle could feel their manhood rising, rubbing against each other. Jeff's hand caressed Michelle's ring of flesh around her waist, and Michelle dropped her hands to Jeff's waist in order to pull him closer. Body to body they gyrated against each other in the dimness. Both were becoming harder and harder. Song after song played as the couple was lost in each other's arms. On schedule, Sally turned up the lights and had everyone gather in a circle and sit cross-legged. Everyone seemed to know what to expect except Michelle and Jeff.

"Michelle," Sally emphasized the girl's name. "You sit here," Sally said separating her from Jeff. "I bet you all know how to play this game but if you don't you soon will. Whoever you get is going to be your friend for about an hour. You gotta be with 'em for the hour, talking, dancing, whatever, so in this way, you get to be friends." Lots of "Ouuu..." were heard.

Michelle glanced over at Jeff. And he at her.

One by one each person reached for a bottle a fancy glass bottle, an antique, Michelle thought and gave it a spin. The bottle spun around and around furiously on the hardwood floor, scrapping and scrapping until it came to a stop, rolled on its side, rolled back and forth once, and stopped. There was a scream. Michelle knew the girl, Jane. She stepped across the circle to Larry, smiled, and sat by him. Michelle was next. The room suddenly became very quiet.

"Does he get a boy or girl?" someone called out.

"Whoever it lands on, boy or girl," Sally said.

Around and around the bottle moved. All eyes were on the whirling bottle. Sally gave it a good spin, so it spun around forever, Michelle thought. 'Be Jeff. Be Jeff,' Michelle prayed with all her heart.

There was a scream, "SALLY!" and the room went up for grabs.

"Remember, you guys, he's a guy," Sally called out. "It'll be just like kissing a guy."

Michelle didn't know Jeff's partner. She looked nice. Not all that pretty, Michelle thought. After everyone had a partner, Sally dimmed the lights lower and lower. Some couples moved to secluded niches while others sat on the sofa or floor and began to talk. Wasn't long before enough pheromone filled the room to make nuns and monks break their vows. In the darkness of the room, faint outlines of arms and legs and bodies were barely visible as couples lost their shyness. Some moved to other rooms. Lots of the guys went to the kitchen to the trays of food. There were a few moans and groans but mostly giggles and laughter as some couples exchanged partners until boyfriends and girlfriends were together. Michelle wondered where Jeff was. She knew that Jeff liked this girl, Tracy. Bet they're together, she thought.

"You don't have to do this," Michelle said as Sally led her up a spiral staircase.

"I do, too. Can't let them think I'm a prude. Mom said not to take any boys into the bedrooms, but you're not a real boy any longer."

The two settled down on a four-poster canopy bed with a sheet so slippery that Michelle had to move to the middle to keep from sliding off. Michelle had never seen a bedroom as ornate as this one with even a chandelier.

"I never kissed a boy that looked almost as pretty as me," Sally said, pulling Michelle to her side. Her kisses were wet and soft, but she was a strong girl. Her fingers pulled at Michelle's long locks, grabbing them into a fist of hair and pressing her lips against his. Off came the barrettes and long coils of hair became entangled in arms and fingers. The young vixen leaned into Michelle, her right hand on his neck, just like in the movies. With closed eyes, they kissed a long kiss, so long that Michelle had to breathe through his nostrils. Coils of lotion-drenched hair fell apart as Sally raked her fingers through Michelle's long curls, separating strand after strand pulling twisting, winding painfully having her way with them. Michelle responded with an open mouth and darting tongue.

"Phew," both teens sighed. Michelle spoke after catching her breath. "I'm glad your bottle ended up at me."

"Oh, the bottle. It wasn't by chance. It always lands there if you spin it a certain way. The floor isn't level. Dips right in front of you. Even if it didn't land by you, I had another plan."

"Which was?" Michelle asked.

"I would just take you."

A second later the teens were making out like rhesus monkeys in heat. Sally's finger unbuttoned Michelle's top. Off it came. "Pretty bra." Sally ran her painted fingernails over the material, digging them into the cups, pocking at them. Michelle breathed hard. "Wow! I feel something!" Sally said as she lifted up the cotton cup. "Michelle, you got little titties!"

Michelle was silent except for 'hormones'.

As the two stretched out on the bed, Sally began to suck on Michelle's nipples, coming up for air and asking, "Has Jeff ever done this?"

"No."

"Any boys done it?" Sally continued.

"No." Michelle lied.

"Is he a good kisser, Jeff?"

"He kissed differently that's all."

"And how about James?"

Michelle rolled to her side. "James?"

Sally rolled next to Michelle. "Yes, James. I know about you two. James likes other boys, too."

Michelle was almost hurt at that revelation. "So?" she said.

"You ever sucked Jimmy boy off?"

"NO WAY!"

"What do you mean 'no way?' That's what girls do, in case you don't know. You can't just go through life looking like a girl, you gotta be one. Take me, I'm a real girl, so I do everything a girl does."

Michelle was stunned by Sally's boldness. She liked her strong personality but sometimes it was too strong for her.

"Wow, we're going to have lots of fun. You're going to have to suck it, you know."

"No way. I can't."

"Of course, you can, and YOU WILL," Sally said as her mother often did, with force. "Silly boy, I know what girls do, real girls. You can't be a real girl if you don't. Wait, I'll be right back."

Surely Sally was kidding, Michelle thought as she straightened her clothes and put back the barrettes.

"Hey," Jeff called out as he entered the room.

"Jeff, Michelle wants to surprise you."

"Really?"

"Tell him, Michelle."

Michelle was frozen in silence.

Sally was without modesty with no inhibitions about sex.

"Michelle wants to suck your cock."

Jeff stared at Michelle, speechless.

"Come on Michelle, do it," Sally ordered.

Michelle was motionless, which made Sally take her hand and lead her before her startled friend.

"Don't just stand there, Jeffrey, take down your pants!" Sally said angrily.

Je looked into Michelle's eyes and saw a glint of anticipation. Michelle wetted her pink lips to show her cooperation. Jeff unbelted his pants and dropped them to his knees. Then his shorts. On cue, Michelle knelt before her friend. She stared at the stirring organ and watched it twitch in expectancy. Sally watched on in bland pleasure. She'd seen people having sex before, but the sight of the beautiful boy-girl on his knees stirred her up. Jeff stroked his manhood and soon his engorged cock was jutting up. Without prompting Michelle reached out and took the throbbing rod in her hands. As if in a trance, she moved her lips around the hard organ. She could feel the blood surging through it, could feel the ridges underneath the shaft, the expanding skin, and the beginning of precum oozing from the tip. Slowly she sucked her best friend's cock, with her cupid bow lips sucked hard, with saliva oozing from her glands as she devoured the organ into her mouth. Michelle loved the taste of the head, the texture of the veins, and the bulging muscle as it slid over her wet lips. Bobbing her head back and forth, Michelle sucked as if she was sucking an extra thick milkshake through a straw.

"Oh" Jeff's moans drove Sally to reach under her skirt and touch herself. Her moans drove Michelle to suck even harder. "Oh ahh." Jeff groaned.

"Back away, Michelle," Sally warned, "Or you'll gag."

Just in time, Michelle pulled back before a massive barrage of hot cream spattered against the back of her throat. As Jeff's cum slide down her throat, Michelle's body trembled.

Sally helped clean up Michelle in the bathroom.

"Wasn't that fun?" Sally asked.

Michelle was speechless.

"Now, sweetie, you'll have to decide whether you want Jeff or me."

"Decide?"

Sally turned Michelle around to face the mirror over the counter. She took a comb and began combing Michelle's disheveled hair.

"For sure! I'm sure not going to compete with Jeffy."

Starting at the bottom, Sally worked the comb up to her hair, carefully working the stands around her fingers to keep as much curl in place as possible. Michelle liked the reflection in the mirror a beautiful girl adoringly combing her hair like she was a princess.

Jeff and Michelle left the party early. Jeff broke the ice in the car.

"I hope. you didn't have to be sorry if"

Michelle felt sorry for her friend.

"It's alright. I wanted to. After all, we've been friends for a long time."

"What about Sally?"

The very mention of her name conjured images that would never leave the teenage boy-girl.

Chapter 14.

"Michelle, I knew something happened at that party but didn't know what. Things were different after that day."

"Really? Well, Mom, you know what they say, 'And now you know the rest of the story."

A cell phone call interrupted their conversation.

"Yes, dear... in about ten minutes... okay. Bye."

Mrs. Reed leaned over to hold her daughter's hands.

"I wish we had more time. There is so much more to talk about. When did Will come back into your life?

Michelle stood up and stretched out. "Will... oh... yes, Will. I don't know if you know this, but I saw Will just after the party. We had an interesting conversation. You know I never forgot those times we spent together. In only three years, I felt we were more compatible in age. He was still charming." Michelle adjusted her clothes and pulled her hair over her shoulder.

"Mom, I've decided to cut my hair. It's about time I move on from braids," she said. "He would be Will if I would be a real woman. He"

Mrs. Reed stroked her daughter's long braid and ran her fingers through the fluffy ponytail end.

"We decided that"

Noise at the front door ended their conversation.

"Sweetheart," Michelle called.

"Hey, dear. Having a nice conversation with Mom?"

Jeff walked over to Michelle, kissed her on the cheek, and then Mrs. Reed.

"Mrs. Reed, nice to see you again. What do you think of your daughter? Isn't she a honey?"

Mrs. Reed smiled and embraced Jeff.

"Jeffrey, so nice to see you. I'll have to stop in at your mother's and talk."

"That'll be nice," he said. "I hate to be a party pooper, but we gotta go. Deadlines and commitments, you know, as the song goes."

As quickly as she came, Michelle was gone. Lots of goodbyes, kisses, hugs, and promises to write and visit. Mrs. Reed wondered how many more years it would be until they would reminisce again. A lonely silence filled the room. Mrs. Reed looked around as if trying to see ghosts of the past. She spotted the table where she braided her son's hair in that special braid a braid that would change their lives forever.