The Export                               by: Jacki Pett

Part 2

 

SUNDAY - DAY 23

His days passed so slowly as he waited anxiously for word that he could leave the nursery. He felt so much stronger. On the rare occasions when they left him alone he'd exercised, pushing himself to build up his strength.

Yesterday he'd managed to take his first steps in so long. He'd had to hang on to the side of the dresser, but he walked. It felt wonderful but he exhausted himself with the effort.

 

TUESDAY - DAY 25

Margaret and Connie made the announcement to him that evening. Margaret was to have the honors. "Laura, I think it's time for you to leave me. Connie and Tina have fixed up a bedroom for you."

"Really?" John said, not ever bothering to try to hide his excitement. "When?"

"Well, if you like Laura. I could take you there now." Connie said with a big grin. "Would that be OK?"

"It sure would." He answered with enthusiasm.

They knew he could walk on his own, even though he never exhibited his ability when he thought they were watching.

He had received only the smallest dose of the muscle relaxant in the previous night's bottle. Today he received none. His strength, much less than John was accustomed to, would be almost completely back tomorrow. Exercise would be necessary to tone his new muscles. Connie was ready with a program of aerobics for him.

He had not been out of the room in almost four weeks. To John, it felt like four months. The one way glass was covered with a picture. It wouldn't do for him to know they watched him when he thought he was alone.

The one way glass next to the door to the Pink bedroom was also covered. John was not surprised at the decor of the room they had prepared for him. He had expected it to be very feminine. He was disappointed that there was no window. His escape would have been so much easier. He would escape, non the less.

"It's lovely." He told Connie.

John hadn't heard Tina come up behind them. "We're glad you like it Laura. I just hope you don't let us down. Just remember you can always go back to the nursery if you don't behave."

He hadn't seen her in days, a week, and he hadn't missed her in the least. "I promise I'll be good Tina." John did not want to go back there.

"I'm sure you will Laura, I'm sure you will." Tina left the two of them alone.

"Laura, I've put a plastic sheet on the bed in case you have an accident. Maybe in the next day or two we can get you out of those diapers and you can start to use the bathroom again."

It wouldn't take him two days if he could help it. "That would be so wonderful Connie."

"We better get you comfortable in your new bed now. You think you'll like sleeping in a regular bed again?"

John turned to her with a big grin. "You bet." He would welcome the bed. Just the short walk from the nursery wore him out.

"Laura, a woman wouldn't say, 'you bet'. You haven't forgotten your promise already have you?"

"No Connie, No. I should have said, It'll feel wonderful." Don't piss them off, not now, he reminded himself.

"That's better Laura, thanks. I knew you wouldn't let me down." Connie helped him onto the bed after she pulled the covers down.

"Now if you need anything during the night just push this button." She showed him the little box on the night stand, next to the radio and reading lamp. "That goes off in Aunt Margaret's and my room. We'll come right in to help."

"I'll try not to bother you." John said.

"Don't you worry about bothering us. Just call if you need help." Connie fluffed up his pillow. "Would you like to read for a little while before going to sleep?" Connie took the magazines she had put there for him, out from under the nightstand.

"I'd like that, thank you." It was hard not to like her.

"I'll look in on you around ten. You should probably put the light out by then and get some sleep. The radio has a sleep timer just in case you forget to turn it off.

God, he hadn't listened to a radio in so long. "Thanks Connie for everything you've done for me. You've been so sweet."

"I think you're special too. Goodnight Laura." Connie managed to keep from laughing until she got out in the hall and closed the sound proof door.

Connie poked her head into the kitchen where Tina waited. "He's all set."

They immediately went to the window. Next to the window was the volume control for the bedroom and bathroom speakers. They were both hidden in the ceiling and there was virtually no chance of his discovering them.

He did exactly as they expected.

John waited a couple of minutes to make sure no one was going to walk in on him. The clock, something else he hadn't seen in a long time, said it was a quarter to nine.

He looked from his bed, across the room, to the door. He had seen the combination lock on the outside when they wheeled him in. What disturbed him was that there was also one on the inside. Against the wall to his right, as he lay there, was a large low white dresser. A large mirror stood over it, against the wall. White porcelain lamps that matched the one on the white night table graced its surface.

On either side of the door were full length mirrors.

On the wall to his left were mirrored closet doors. He assumed it was a closet because it was almost eight feet of mirrors.

To the left of the closet was a lady's dressing table with a lighted mirror built into the wall. On it's glass surface were several frosted perfume bottles on a doily and a small vase with fresh flowers in water.

Next to the dressing table, near the head of the bed, was another door. This one contained no locks that he could see. A bathroom. How he longed to be able to use a toilet again. As accustomed as he had become to just letting himself go in his diaper, it still bothered him.

In the corner of the room, between the bed and the bathroom door was a big stuffed chair covered with a bright floral print.

It was a wonderful feeling to be out of the nursery. Even this room with its pale pink walls and white trim was a welcome change. A real bed to sleep in. A bed without side rails. Wonderful, it felt like a little bit of heaven.

John looked at the clock. Almost five minutes had passed since Connie left. He pulled the cover to the side and swung his legs off the side of the bed. Sitting up, with his feet squarely on the floor, he stood. John was a little shaky, he grabbed the bedpost for support. It was only two steps to the dressing table and it was frightening for him but he made it. He leaned against the wall for support.

By the time he got back to bed he was really exhausted. It was worth it though, being able to go to the bathroom like a real person.

Connie had left him a glass of water on the nightstand. He helped himself. John was content to turn off the light now and go to sleep.

The sleeping powder will work quickly if he doesn't fall asleep on his own first." Of that, Tina was confident.

"He's getting around pretty well." Connie noted.

"He should feel much stronger tomorrow. The muscle relaxant should be completely out of his system by then." Tina was excited about what Saturday would bring. "Are you all ready for him?"

"You bet." Connie answered smiling.

Tina grinned. "Don't let him hear you say that."

 

 

WEDNESDAY - DAY 26

John awoke early. He was usually awake before anyone else. He felt refreshed until he realized that he hadn't made it through the night without an accident. He felt very uncomfortable in the soiled diapers but he couldn't very well take them off or, if he knew where to find a clean one, change himself.

As upsetting as it was, John was determined to explore his new surroundings before he was disturbed. John started with the dressing table.

He pulled open one of the drawers to find an assortment of cosmetics. Good, he said to himself, he would need them.

He carefully stepped around the table and chair and, using the wall for support, he stepped in front of the first door of the closet. It slid aside smoothly. Almost without a sound. He was grateful for that.

What he found inside was a disappointment. Dresses, skirts and blouses hung from the hangers but no pants. No pants of any kind. Not even woman's slacks. He had hoped for jeans. He could handle going out in jeans.

There were five dresses, three skirts and five blouses. All the blouses were decidedly feminine. Almost all were trimmed in lace or had trim of one sort or the other. Nothing there would pass as masculine. The rest of the closet appeared empty. Behind the door at the far end was a shoe rack and John was again disappointed to find only high healed shoes and flats.

Well if it had to be, then so be it. This wouldn't change his plans one bit.

It was almost 15 feet across the room to the dresser. He didn't feel like he could walk that far without something to lean on. He retraced his steps.

John hadn't taken the time the night before to investigate the bathroom. He had gone in without even turning on a light. He didn't want to alert anyone to the fact that he was stronger than they believed.

Now he took the opportunity to check it out. He found the light switch just inside the door. The bathroom was larger and more elaborate then average bath. Not only was there a toilet but there was a bidet too. He had seen them before but it was still an oddity to him.

Next to and behind the toilet and bidet was a planter with some kind of vines or ivy hanging off the sides. Partitioned off by the planter was a pink contour bathtub and small shower stall. To John's left, in the back corner of the room, was the vanity. On either side of the sink was another small planter. Each filled with greenery. Behind the sink, the entire corner of the room was completely mirrored.

Jack stepped over to the vanity, leaning on the doorknob then on the counter top. He pulled up his nightie and clumsily opened the two safety pins that held his diaper and carefully placed it on the floor.

This was the first time he actually saw what he'd been doing. How disgusting, he thought to himself.

Again, he lifted his nightie and plopped down gratefully on the open toilet. He was pushing it, he felt terribly weak.

It wasn't that he had to go to the bathroom so badly. He just wanted to relish his new freedom and make use of the facilities.

It had been several days since his hand explored inside his diaper. He found it too depressing but now, Even thought he was soiled, he couldn't resist the urge. It made him ill to discover he was even smaller now than he had been only days ago. His penis was no larger than the last segment of his pinkie. He could easily hold it between two fingers.

John cursed the women, particularly the blond, Tina. He would find a way to get even. He had no idea how, but he'd find a way.

It was a struggle to get the diaper back on right but he finally managed. He had wanted to see what the large dresser

contained but he thought better of it. He barely made it back to the bed before he collapsed from exhaustion.

It was nearly nine thirty. He had spent almost a half hour in the bathroom. He had discovered rollers, a curling iron and a variety of brushes in the drawers under the planters by the sink. He had everything he'd need to fix his hair. Under the sink was a cap type hair dryer. Connie had used hers on him to dry his hair once when they were rushed.

He pulled the covers back over himself, and waited.

Margaret was intentionally noisy when she unlocked his door to bring him his breakfast.

John pretended to opened his eyes slowly. The clock said it was nine am. "Good morning Aunt Margaret." He said in a sleepy voice.

"Good morning sleepy head. How was my girl's first night in her new bed?"

"It was wonderful. I almost forgot how it feels." he had slept well. He didn't wake up once during the night.

John just laid back in the bed as Margaret changed his diaper. It was a relief to have her clean him up and put on a fresh one.

She propped him up with the pillows and he ate his breakfast in bed. Margaret made herself comfortable in the chair and they talked as he ate.

She helped him to the bathroom. It was a delight to wash himself for the first time in so long. He brushed his own hair that morning.

"Tomorrow, if you feel that your up to it, you could have a shower. Wouldn't that feel nice?" Margaret suggested.

"Could I?" He replied, thrilled with the idea.

John spent most of the morning in bed. The exertion of being up on his feet took it's toll.

When he was alone, he did get up from his bed and try to build up his stamina but he was careful to not overdo it or get caught.

Margaret got him up again when she brought him his lunch. He sat in the chair to eat.

John felt the need for his afternoon nap. It was not drug induced.

He had his dinner, sitting up in the chair again. Afterwards, when he was alone, he pretty much stayed in bed and read the magazines that Margaret brought him earlier.

 

THURSDAY - DAY 27

Margaret woke him from a very sound night's sleep.

It occurred to John that his diaper was still clean and dry but as he lay there, his bladder was screaming at him for release. Normally, he would just let go, but no more. "Aunt Margaret. Would you help me get to the bathroom?

"You can just go in your diaper sweetheart. Aunt Margaret will change you." She set the tray on the foot of the bed.

"I would really like to try to go in the toilet. Please Aunt Margaret?"

"Alright honey." She took off his diaper and walked with him into the bathroom.

"May I try to walk a little?" He asked when he was finished.

"If you think you're strong enough Laura. Hang onto my shoulder and we'll go back to your bed and I'll powder you and put on a nice clean diaper."

He did as she asked but when they got back to the bed he asked, "Aunt Margaret? If I can go to the bathroom now do you think maybe I could get by without having to wear a diaper any more?" Oh please, please say yes.

"I suppose that makes sense but I better ask Tina if that's alright. I'll just call her." Margaret pushed the button on the night table.

He hadn't thought about it but of course she'd need Tina's permission.

Tina and Connie had been waiting outside the door, watching. Tina waited a few seconds before going in.

"Is everything alright Margaret?"

"Oh, we're just fine. Laura has a question for you."

This was awkward. "Tina, I asked Aunt Margaret, since I am strong enough to go to the bathroom myself, if I could please stop having to wear a diaper." The words came out weak and shaky. He didn't grovel well.

Tina pretended to be thinking about his request. "I suppose that would be alright Laura. But you have to promise not to forget yourself and have an accident."

God she was irritating the way she talked down to him. "I promise, please. I'll be good."

"You'll be a good what?"

"I'll be a good girl." He answered with his eyes down. He hated her so much.

"Alright young lady. I suppose it will be alright." Tina stepped to the dresser and pulled open one of the top drawers. She handed Margaret a pair of white lace bikini panties with a low V-front. "She can wear these." Tina said with a smile at him. "Is that better Laura?"

She was toying with him. She was such a bitch. If he said no he'd be back in diapers. He would just have to wear them for now. She went to any length to humiliate him. "Yes, they're very pretty." He tried to look pleased.

"I'm glad you like pretty things. You're going to have lots of pretty things to wear soon." That was enough for now. Tina turned and left.

"Do you want help putting them on Laura?" Margaret asked innocently.

"No thank you, I can do it." John didn't mean to sound upset with her. It wasn't her fault that Tina was so vindictive. They felt funny on him when he pulled them up, unnatural.

"They look lovely on you Laura. You have such a pretty figure." Margaret was thrilled with the way he looked, standing there next to the bed in just the panties.

A pretty figure, he asked himself? "Aunt Margaret, I want to see myself in the mirror."

"Of course child. You've never seen how nice your figure is now. We'll just go over in front of the closet for a moment." He looked in amazement at his smooth, hairless, shapely figure. His smooth, full breasts protruded from his slender chest. His swollen nipples were surrounded by a circle of pink skin. The bikini panties were stretched over his full hips above a narrow waist.

It was appalling to him that he looked so much like a girl. "Aunt Margaret, how much do I weigh?"

"You were 113 pounds when I weighed you yesterday honey. That's a nice weight for a girl your age. You should be very pleased." She watched his face, his eyes.

"Oh I am." It was almost enough to make him sick. He looked down at his crotch and there was hardly any evidence showing through the thin material of what he had once been.

"Well, look at you." Said Connie. "You look terrific." Tina had gone into the kitchen but she had stood there in the hall, watching. She couldn't resist the urge to join him and Margaret.

His first reaction at seeing her was to cover himself up.

"Don't be shy Laura. Girls don't have the same hangups guys do. We see each other without clothes all the time. You're one of us now. You'll get used to it." Connie tried to reassure him.

"I just feel funny." He explained sheepishly.

"I'll get you a fresh nightie honey." Said Margaret, stepping over to the dresser. From on of the lower drawers she pulled out a floral print chemise. It had purple, pink and blue flowers on a black background. "It's going to be nice for you to be able to wear some really pretty grown up nighties now.

Oh please, he said to himself. He couldn't say what he felt, not out loud. "Yes, that will be nice."

"Put your arms up and I'll slip it over your head." Connie took the nightie from Margaret. "There, that looks so pretty on you."

It had little narrow straps to hold it up. It was slimmer fitting than anything he had worn yet and it was short. It made him feel self conscious. "Isn't it a little small."

"No, it fits you beautifully Laura." Connie was thrilled with the way he looked. He was going to be gorgeous in a figure flattering dress.

"Laura, why don't you sit in the chair and have your breakfast." Margaret led him to the overstuffed chair.

He had a cup of tea, a piece of toast and a small glass of juice. The cereal was too much for him to finish. Margaret left since Connie wanted to stay with him.

"I've got an idea." Connie said smiling. "How would you like a nice hot shower?"

"That sounds wonderful. I haven't had a shower in so long." There was nothing exaggerated about his desire for one.

"Let me get it ready for you." Connie jumped up off the bed and ran in and turned on the hot water. She called out to him, "I put shampoo and condition on the shelf in here so you can wash your hair. There's a fresh bar of soap, a washcloth and a clean towel too." The liquid soap that hung on the shower head was his own special soap. Like the lotion Margaret had put on him every day, the soap would not only clean and condition. It would also rid his smooth skin of any body hair. Eventually, it would finally stop growing with the hormone treatments. Until that day, the soap would take care of him.

He couldn't wait to take a shower.

"Ok Laura. The water's hot." Connie came out and helped him off with his nightie.

"I'll take these off in there." He told her, indicating his panties.

"All right silly but there's really nothing to be embarrassed about." Connie was enjoying this thoroughly.

John just stood there and let the water run over his head and down his back. It helped to ease some of the tension he was feeling this morning. It felt good to wash his own hair and body.

He took his time, investigating his new form. How strange he chest felt. His body had curves it never had before, his waist was so thin.

"You've been in there for almost half an hour Laura. You're going to shrivel up like a prune." Connie relaxed in the chair in the bedroom.

He toweled off and wrapped the towel around his waist. With his hair soaking wet, opened the bathroom door. "That felt so good." He told Connie.

"I'm glad but you need to wrap that towel around your chest before you catch cold." She started to show him how to do it but he figured how on his own. "We need to get a towel on your head too. I'm sorry, I forgot to lay out an extra.

Connie grabbed another towel from the little closet behind the bathroom door. Here, he did not succeed in accomplishing the feat alone.

"I'll show you." Connie offered and wrapped his hair in a loose turban. "That's better."

John sad down in the chair in the bedroom and Connie climbed on the bed. "How are you doing? Are you pooped?"

"No, I feel pretty good actually. With breakfast and the shower I'm wide awake. I've spent so long feeling weak and helpless, now that I'm beginning to feel like myself again I want to do things."

'Feel like yourself.' I doubt it. Connie almost laughed. You're nothing like John Warren used to be. "Great. Let's get some clothes on you, fix your hair and put on a face. Then you'll feel like a real person." Connie went over to the dresser. He was going to start exercising today. She had a program all worked out and he would start off slow. No dresses for him today but she had something almost as good.

She had him put the panties back on then handed him the matching lace bra. "Do you need my help with that?" She asked.

John stared at the flimsy piece of women's underwear. Could he actually put it on? He knew he'd have to. "I think I can get it." He answered with mock confidence.

Connie saw him struggling with the back hooks. "Let me show you a little trick." She took it off him. "Put it around your waist with the hooks in front. That's it. Now hook it then turn it around your waist so the hooks are in back. Perfect. Now just pull it up and slip your arms through the straps. Wasn't that easier?"

He felt like such a klutz. He walked over to the mirror to look. It felt strange on him, but it looked stranger.

Connie watched him. "Does it fit ok? Do you like the way it feels?"

"It's ok." He didn't take his eyes off his reflection.

Connie sat up straight on the bed and got serious. "We wear pretty underwear to make ourselves feel good, to feel pretty."

John didn't understand. He felt strange and uncomfortable but he couldn't tell Connie that. "I think I know what you mean." The last thing John wanted to feel was 'pretty'.

You will, Connie said to herself. "Here, try these on." She handed him the olive leggings.

They were skin tight. As john looked in the mirror he noticed something he hadn't noticed for a while. His ass was bigger. Bigger wasn't the right word either, it had become more round, fuller. What caused that to grow that way, he asked himself as he stared. What had they done to him to give him a girl's ass?

"Here's the top to go with them." Connie handed him the matching boatneck tunic sweater.

John pulled it over his head. The collar was enormous, he tried to center it.

"No Laura, just let it fall where it wants to. It's suppose to look that way. Push your sleeves up too, it looks better like that."

He did as she told him. The white socks she gave him were very long.

"Push them down, don't pull them up silly. They're suppose to bunch up at your ankle." He looked adorable. "Let's go fix your hair."

He had no trouble with the top and sides but he did have trouble with the back. "Could you help me."

"I'll guide you but you need to learn to do it yourself Laura. There's going to be lots of times when I won't be able to do it for you."

Not for long, he told himself. It took him a while but he did it. Out in the bedroom, at the dressing table, it was much easier to do his makeup with the bright lights and the mirrors on three sides of him then it had been, sitting on the nursery floor. Connie hardly had to say anything as he deftly made himself up.

The hair dryer cut the time they had to wait for his set to dry. John brushed it out the way Connie had shown him.

He looked terrific, for a girl, he had to admit to himself. Maybe he should make his escape in this outfit? Shoes were his only problem. He didn't have sneakers.

He was spending a lot of time in front of the mirror. That was ok. Actually that was more then ok. He was getting used to the way he looked and that was an important step. Connie smiled when he turned sideways to look at his bottom.

"I want to start you on some exercises to help you get into shape. Your muscle tone needs some work since you've been inactive for so long."

That was fine with him. He could feel that his muscles had atrophied. Getting his strength back was one of his priorities. Did this mean they would go somewhere else to exercise, he hoped so. That would leave him with one less door to have to get through. "How soon can we start?"

"How about right now?" Connie offered.

John was disappointed when it was obvious that they were going to do it right there in the bedroom.

As Connie had promised, the workout was anything but strenuous. She had him work his legs primarily, concentrating on his calves and thighs. The stretching exercises she taught him would eventually give him more flexibility than he ever had as a man.

"Aren't we going to do any upper body exercises?" He asked when Connie told him they were finished for the day.

"I don't want you to try to do too much to fast. You could hurt yourself. We've got plenty of time."

She may have, but he didn't. He would wait till he was alone and do some exercises of his own to build himself up.

"It's just about noon. How are you feeling?" Connie asked.

"I'm a little beat." He hated to admit it but it was true. He was exhausted.

"That's to be expected Laura. Look, Aunt Margaret should be here soon with your lunch so why don't you just relax for a while. I have a few things I have to do but I'll be back to see you later this afternoon. Ok?"

"Sure. Thanks for all your help this morning. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for everything you've done for me." Whether she realized it or not, she was going to be his ticket out of here. He had no intention of hurting her, she was the only one who was treating him like a real person, but he would use her if he had to, when the opportunity came.

"That's sweet Laura. I do it because I like you. You don't owe me anything." Connie wished she could believe everything he said. She was beginning to really like Laura.

When she was gone, he went through every drawer of the dresser looking for anything he could find to use as a weapon or a tool to get through the locked doors. Drawer by drawer he became more frustrated. He found scarves, belts, sexy lingerie, nighties, panties and bras, stockings and workout clothes. Everything you'd expect to find in a woman's dresser. Everything but something to help him escape.

The shoe boxes on the high shelf in the closet were empty. They must have been for the shoes on the rack. There was nothing anywhere that would serve as a weapon.

Just for the hell of it, John tried to do a few pushups. He was frustrated to learn he couldn't even do one.

Margaret arrived at twelve thirty with his lunch. She walked in as he sat staring at himself in the dressing table mirror.

"Did you and Connie have fun this morning?" Margaret asked. She already knew what they had been doing. Connie had filled her and Tina in before she came in.

"Yes, we really did. I like Connie." That was the truth.

"She's a sweet girl. We all like her." Margaret added.

Margaret stayed and talked with him while he ate the chicken salad.

"I'm a little tired. I think I'd like to lay down Aunt Margaret." He had been up for hours and with the exercise and lunch, John was ready for his nap.

"That's fine sweetheart." Margaret thought he looked so cute in the outfit Connie had him wear.

He curled up on the bed, on top of the covers. His thoughts were of what he would do when he got away. Getting his hands on enough money to get back to Houston was just one of his problems.

It was almost four thirty when he awoke and looked at the clock. It was strange knowing what time it was but not being able to look out a window and see the day. He wanted so badly to look out a window.

John lay very still on the bed, just thinking for a while. He could feel the tight muscles in his legs. He knew he would have to continue to exercise or they would cramp. If he did just a little now, they should loosen up.

He did an abbreviated version of what he and Connie had done earlier and he felt better. There was no salve or sports cream in the little medicine cabinet in the bathroom to help ease his muscle pains.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he turned on the radio. The same easy listening music he had listened to last night came on. He turned the tuner to find a pop music station. He turned past several numbers on the dial before another station came on. This one was a little better but he decided to look further. He could only find three stations that came in. The third was country and he hated country. He turned back to the pop station. Odd radio, he thought to himself. It only brings in three stations.

It took a few minutes to dawn on him. He heard no commercials, only song after song. It was piped in music he was listening to, not normal radio. What were their reasons for not wanting him to listen to normal radio.

Later, around five thirty, Connie came in with a tray with two dinners on it. "I thought I'd join you for dinner." She explained.

He welcomed her company. As they ate the chicken dish John decided to take a chance with her. "Connie? Why is the radio set up for piped in music only?"

The question took her by surprise but she thought quickly. "It's Tina's idea. She thought you would be disturbed if you knew what was going on outside and were stuck in here." Blame it on Tina was the standing rule. She was the heavy.

That made sense John decided. "She's probably right. What's it like outside Connie?"

"Oh you poor girl." Connie felt sorry for him. It must be hard not knowing. "It's cold and windy. Not nice at all."

John looked at her thoughtfully. "Why do you do this? Why do you help Tina."

Every one of them asked the same question. When Connie got to know, and even like, some of the 'girls' it got harder and harder to answer. They couldn't know that she had as much to do with them being here as Tina did. It would ruin everything.

Connie had learned a way to avoid answering. She would try to look nervous and disturbed by the question and answer simply, "Please don't ask me about that Laura. I can't answer."

What hold did Tina have over this girl? Connie was nothing like her. She was sweet and kind and tried to make things easier for him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

Connie let it go at that and they finished their dinner in silence. Connie put the tray of dirty dishes by the door. "How do your legs feel? Are they sore or tight?"

"They were when I woke up but I did a few of the exercises you taught me to loosen up my muscles."

"Good girl." Now to get to what she had planned for tonight. "Did you take a look at what's in the closet?"

"Yes?" Apparently it had been alright to look around.

"Well, what did you think?" Connie asked.

"About what?" He didn't understand what she was getting at.

"Did you like the dresses?"

Was she serious? "I didn't look real close at them."

"Let's take them out and see what you think." Connie went to the closet and slid the door open. "I picked out some of these for you. I hope you like them."

John got up from the chair and walked over to her. Connie took out the first one and held it up to him. "I think that would look lovely on you. Try it on Laura."

Try it on? That was, no doubt, the last thing he wanted to do.

"Hi girls. What are you up to?" Tina asked

"Hi Tina. Laura was just going to try on some of her new clothes."

"Great, I picked the right time to visit." Tina went over and sat on the bed. She and Connie had discussed this. He was bound to have strong reservations about trying on the clothes. With Tina there he would react one of two ways. He would either rebel, in which case Tina would use the device on him and that would probably put an end to the evening. On the other hand, he probably would feel compelled to go along with them.

John just stood there holding the dress. Now he had no choice. If he objected Tina would punish him and he didn't want that. He still couldn't figure what she did to him or how she did it. He only knew he didn't want her to do it again.

"Go ahead and try it on Laura." Connie said.

John pulled the sweater over his head and laid it on the chair. The leggings followed. He was just about to step into the dress when Tina spoke up.

"Laura, you need to put on your pantyhose and a slip first."

He looked at Tina, then to Connie, with a pathetic questioning look.

"They're in your dresser. I'll get them for you." Connie offered.

John sat on the edge of the chair and awkwardly put his foot into one leg of the pantyhose and tried to pull it up. He put an enormous hole in them with his finger nail.

Tina laughed. "That's alright Laura, it happens. Here, let me show you." Tina got another pair from the dresser and showed him how to gather them on his hand first. "Keep the seam lined up across your toes then just pull it on, up to your calf. Do the same with the other foot. Then pull each leg up a little at a time, smoothing them as you go. That's it."

John did it as Tina had instructed. He felt ridiculous wearing them in front of them.

"Here's your slip Laura." Connie handed it to him and he quickly put it on over his head. It wasn't much different than his sleeping gowns except it was a little lighter material and the lace trim was more delicate.

"That's better Laura. Ok, now go ahead and put on your dress." Tina told him.

His dress? How far was this all going to go? He stepped into the purple dress with the black polka dots and pulled it up, slipping his arms into the three quarter length sleeves. The shoulders had pads, Connie straightened them for him.

Shoulder pads had been a concern. Would he look too padded? They worked out fine, much to their relief. His shoulders were fine.

"Don't help her Connie, she'll manage." Tina told her. "Laura, your slip is all bunched up, pull it down."

"Connie whispered in his ear before she backed off. "You're doing fine. Don't be nervous."

He did what Tina said. Connie's attempt to reassure him helped only a little. The back zipper was difficult to get up but he finally managed. He stood there looking at the two of them as they scrutinized him.

"It looks like it fits her perfectly." Tina remarked smiling. "Laura, get the matching belt from the closet and put it on. Oh, yes. And the purple shoes that match."

He should have expected that. He couldn't help but to stop briefly and look at himself in the closet door mirror. How appalling that he actually looked natural in the dress. He found the belt and shoes.

Connie didn't bother to tell him there were thin loops for the belt but he tugged the dress down too much. "Laura pull the material up over the belt just a little. It's supposed to billow just a bit. That's better."

He didn't know if the shoes were supposed to feel that snug at the toes when he sat on the edge of the bed to put them on. "They feel tight."

Tina smiled at him. "They're brand new silly. You'll have to break them in. Walk over by the closet so we can see how you look."

Walking in the two inch heals was treacherous. "I feel like I'm going to fall forward." He told them as he walked clumsily.

Connie and Tina looked at each other and smiled when his back was turned. He looked like he should, like a gawky young teenager with her first pair of high heals.

"Well, stop leaning forward silly. Put your shoulders back. That's more like it. You don't have to watch your feet to walk."

He reached the wall and turned around to see them smiling at him. "What?" He asked, feeling very selfconscious.

"Nothing. You look lovely in that dress." Tina said, wiping the smile off her face.

"It's just that you look so uncomfortable in the shoes." Connie explained.

"I am." He answered respectfully.

"We'll practice each day until they feel more natural Laura. Don't worry. You'll get used to them in no time."

The hell I will, he said to himself.

"Let's try on the next outfit Laura. Connie and I bought these and we're anxious to see if they're right for you."

None of these things are 'right' for me, he told himself as he pulled down the zipper and stepped out of the dress.

Connie handed him the long sleeved black trapeze style dress with the flared skirt and jewel neckline.

"You look very classy in that Laura." Tina told him when he managed to get the zipper up. Tina asked Connie. "The shiny black pumps or the ones with the gold bow on the toe?"

Connie got up from the edge of the bed and walked over to him. "Try them both Laura. I'm not sure which would look better without seeing them on you."

They were both as snug as the first pair.

Tina decided on the first pair. "The pumps without the bow. When he has the right necklace and earrings on, the other pumps would be too much."

"You look beautiful in that dress Laura." Connie told him in ernest.

He looked at himself in the mirror again. He put one hand on his hip, the way the models in the magazines did. He put his feet together the way they did. Connie was right, Laura did look classy. John felt like a jerk.

"You like that one?" Connie asked as she watched him pose.

"It's pretty." Was all he said.

He was getting over his initial embarrassment. Connie was relieved.

The next dress Connie took out for him to try was the jacket dress she had picked out for him.

John didn't have as much trouble with this one. The blouse had what they called a 'keyhole back closure'. It was just a button. The blouse was white with little cap sleeves and the skirt was navy skirt. The belt was part of the dress. The jacket Connie handed him was a jade and purple floral print with long sleeves rolled up a turn or two. Tina suggested he wear the black heels with the gold bow.

"I picked that one out too. Do you like it?" Connie asked.

He was posing again, one hand at his side and the other on his hip, drawing the jacket back. He couldn't get over how natural it looked on him. He definitely had a girl's figure. It was a strange feeling and it made him feel weird. "It's really nice." It was what they wanted to hear and he tried hard to sound convincing.

The way he looked at himself told them what they wanted to know. He could say what he wanted but there was no mistaking that he was beginning to come around. The look on his face when he posed in the mirror said more than he was willing to admit. Tina and Connie were pleased.

John had not done anything with his hair since he got up from his nap. Looking at himself in the mirror he could see that it was a mess. Without saying anything to the others, he went over to the dressing table, took one of the brushes from the drawer and primped his hair.

Connie and Tina didn't say anything. They just looked at each other with the barest hint of a grin.

The next dress was pink with cream colored dots. It had three quarter length sleeves, a jeweled neckline and a drop waist. The full skirt had soft pleats and was longer than the others.

"It's very soft and feminine looking." Tina said as he looked at himself again. I like those shoes with it." Connie had given him the white heels to try.

That disturbed him. He did not want to look soft and feminine but he had to agree to an extent. This was the prettiest dress he had tried on so far. John wasted no time in getting out of it.

They saved the best dress for last. It was a peach colored knit that was figure flattering.

John found it intimidating. He had to wiggle into it. Tina had told him to put on a different, shorter slip first.

This dress, even more than the pink one, made him look feminine beyond his level of tolerance. He only took a quick look before he wiggled back out of it. It made his breasts appear more prominent and hugged his waist and hips. It was short, inches above his knees.

"Don't you like it?" Tina asked.

"It's too tight." He couldn't tell them he looked too feminine in it, too sexy.

"It looked cute on you." Connie remarked. "You can wear tight dresses, you have the figure for them." She was actually a little jealous.

"I felt funny in it." He admitted.

"You'll get over that." Tina assured him.

I doubt it, he thought to himself. Never.

He didn't think the skirts and blouses would be as intimidating. He found out he was wrong. All three skirts were slim fitting and short. The blouses made him look and feel almost more feminine than the dresses had. Each was either trimmed in lace or made from soft silky materials.

The flats that they made him wear with one of the outfits were certainly more comfortable than the heels. He was thankful for that at least.

When he finally finished and pulled on the leggings and sweater again, he could relax and let some of the tension drain from his body. What he heard next brought it all back.

"We didn't want to take a chance and by you too many things before we found out how these fit Laura. We need to go shopping and begin to fill out your wardrobe." Tina explained.

Fine, go out and buy what ever you like. I don't plan on being here long enough to wear any of it. Soon, very soon, he told himself. "That'll be nice." John said with his perfected phony smile.

"It'll be fun Laura. The three of use will have a ball shopping." Connie couldn't wait.

The three of them? Did they expect him to go out with them shopping? Out in public? "I can't do that," He blurted out without thinking. "I won't go." John backed up to the wall.

"Of course you will young lady. You'll go with Connie and I and you'll try on whatever we tell you to and you'll model the clothes for us just like you've done tonight." Tina was standing now.

"NO! I can't, I won't." He was near panic.

"You can and you will Laura. I told you what would happen if you misbehaved." Tina put her hand in the pocket of her slacks and found the remote.

John collapsed to the floor in excruciating pain. His insides were trying to squeeze up through his throat and he gasped for air. The pain ended as quickly as it started. He lay there by the dressing table panting, beads of sweat formed on his forehead and his stomach was cramping.

Tina and Connie laid him on the bed. Connie backed off and let Tina do her thing. John lay there looking up at her while he held his stomach. "On Saturday, the day after tomorrow, the three of us are going to get up early, have breakfast, get dressed and we're going to go shopping. You, Laura are going to smile, look happy and be enthusiastic about buying a new wardrobe. You will do nothing to spoil our fun. Do you under stand?"

"Yes." He whispered.

"Good. That's settled. Now I think you better get ready for bed. It's been a long day for you. Connie, will you help her?"

She stepped forward, "Sure. Laura and I will be fine now."

Tina stormed out of the room. In the kitchen, she made herself a cup of tea and listened to Connie consoling him. The sensitive microphone even picked up his crying.

Connie stroked his head as he sobbed. "You poor thing. Are you alright?"

He sobbed quietly. "What...happened to...me?"

"I don't know. Tina won't tell me how she does that." Connie lied. "Laura, you have to stop fighting what you've become. You have to learn to accept who you are now. It'll be so much easier for you."

"I can't just give in." He said in a whisper.

"Laura, you can't change what you are. Don't you know that it's wonderful to be a woman?"

He looked up at her. "I don't know how to act like a woman, how to please her." John looked to the door through which Tina had passed.

"I'll teach you Laura. Tina will too, once you concede that it's what's best for you. I promise you'll be happier than you've ever been."

John's resolve was shaken. He would never give up his plan to escape but he didn't know how to fight them. Not when they could do this to him. "I'll try." he told Connie.

"That's better. It's late, let's get you ready for bed."

"Ok." He went with Connie, over to the dressing table.

"Let's get your makeup off and moisturize." Connie gave him the makeup remover pads and he followed her instructions. "Don't pull your skin, especially around your eyes. It stretches the skin and gives you wrinkles. Do it gently."

He was beginning to feel better. He applied the moisturizer to his face with the same gentle pressure.

Connie had him use the moisturizing cream on his shoulders, arms and legs. "I want you to pamper yourself the same way every night." She explained.

"I will." As long as I'm here, he told himself.

"Good girl. Now why don't you get done in the bathroom and I'll get out your nightie."

After he was comfortably snuggled under the covers, Connie went in the bathroom and got the bottle of aspirin from the medicine cabinet. She got him a glass of water from the sink. Before taking it into him she took the sleeping powder packet from her pocket and dumped the contents into the water. It dissolved quickly.

She opened the aspirin bottle in front of him. "Take these Laura. They should help your stomach cramps." He washed them down with a third of the glass of water.

"Thanks Connie." John appreciated her compassion.

"Just get a good night's sleep. I'll see you in the morning." She turned out the light and let herself out.

How could he fight Tina when she could tie him in knots the way she could. What could he do. He fell asleep trying to imagine what Saturday was going to be like. He couldn't, but if Connie was with him, he would try to manage.

 

FRIDAY - DAY 28

He was stronger. They exercised for an hour. Connie took it easy on him. She added only a few new exercises.

"They're to keep your bottom from sagging and your midriff from bulging." Connie tried to make the exercising fun and he was being very cooperative.

Around Connie he could act the way she wanted him to. She didn't make him tense. She was fun to be with.

They had waited until after exercising for him to take his shower. It was late morning when he was finished with his hair and makeup.

"Alright, let's get you dressed. I want you to try to get comfortable in your heels so what will it be? One of your dresses or a shirt and blouse?" Connie stood in front of the open closet waiting for a response.

"The grey skirt with the white blouse?" He asked. The gray was the longest skirt and the white blouse had the least amount of lace on it. There was only a little on the jewel neck collar and cuffs.

"They're your clothes now Laura. You can wear whatever you want. I'll just let you know what's appropriate for what occasion. Your gray skirt with your white blouse is pretty. That would be fine. Find yourself a pair of taupe stockings and a white half slip in the dresser."

John knew where to find them. He got the stockings on, awkwardly but without mishap. He put the slip on backwards at first but he caught himself and turned the slit to the back before Connie noticed.

The blouse was the type you slip over the head and button in the back. "I can do it." He insisted when Connie offered to help.

"Next time put on the slip after you put on your skirt. It won't bunch up that way."

"That makes sense." Now for the part he wasn't looking forward to. "Which shoes should I wear with this?"

"The black pumps I think." There was really nothing else he had that would go with that outfit. "Yes, the black ones."

He took them off the rack and headed for the bed, where Connie sat, watching him.

"No, don't sit. Learn to put them on without sitting down."

"Why?" John asked.

"Tomorrow, in the stores, you'll see that most women know how to do it that way. I don't want you to stand out." She looked at him with a silly grin. "Ok?"

"Ok. Thanks Connie." He appreciated her thoughtfulness. He set them on the floor in the middle of the room. No problem with the first foot. The second was a little more awkward but he managed.

"Now walk around for me." Connie asked.

John did the best he could.

"It'll get easier. Trust me. That skirt won't let you take long strides. Most girls, the ones with poise, don't. Don't stop, keep walking. Some of your dresses have flared skirts so you might be tempted to forget. Don't."

"I'll remember."

"Ok, good. Now another thing. I want you to walk a straight line from the door to me and pretend there's a two inch wide line on the floor. Put one foot in front of the other and try to just step on the edges of that line."

John went to the door and turned toward Connie. He was a little wobbly but he made the attempt.

"That's not bad but you need to practice, a lot. We don't have much time."

"I know, that scares me. Are you sure I can get away with this?" John was worried.

"You can if you pay attention and don't forget what I tell you." Connie smiled reassuringly. "And don't stop walking."

He had stopped to ask her the question. He resumed practicing.

She sat on the bed and watched as he walked round and round the room. "It's ok to swing your arms, a little, but not your shoulders." Connie stood up to show him. "The motion of walking ends at your hip. Leave it there." She made several circuits around the room to show him. "Balance."

Connie had a surprise for him around lunch time but she wanted to be sure he was somewhat prepared to please Tina first.

Connie stopped him after about twenty minutes. He was doing well. "How are your ankles?"

"Tired. It's like the first time you put on ice skates each winter."

"Good analogy. Want to sit down?"

"Please."

"Ok, on the chair." Connie pointed.

He was ready to get off his feet and he plopped down into the overstuffed chair.

"Not good, not good at all. Get up, I'll show you how to sit properly." Connie stepped up to the chair, turned and holding her skirt in back, settled lightly into the chair. "Now you do it."

John mimicked her motions exactly.

"That's better. Now put your legs together or some lecherous old man will try to look up your skirt."

John almost laughed. He hadn't been thinking. He clapped his knees together. "Oops."

"That's more like it." Connie said with a smile." You've seen girls sitting in restaurants and in lots of other places."

"Sure."

"They don't slouch when they sit."

He pulled his shoulders back and sat up straight.

"They put their feet to the side, still keeping their knees together, when they sit. Don't they?"

John slid his feet about six inches to the right.

"If you're sitting in the type of chair that's open underneath you can put them back and cross your ankles. Now, what do girls do with their hands when they sit?"

John crossed his hands in front of him and looked up at Connie and smiled.

"Cute, you imp." Connie hadn't seen much of a sense of humor in him until now. It was a good sign.

He unfolded his arms and put his hands in his lap.

"Better, what else?"

He clasped his hands over his stockinged knees.

"Good, what else?"

He crossed his legs at the knee. It felt funny, different, nice, when his smooth stockinged legs rubbed together.

"Good, but pull your skirt down a little." Connie said smiling. "It will always tend to ride up a little when you cross your legs.

John tugged at the hem, getting it as far down as he could.

"Much better." Connie remarked. "Anything else?"

He looked at her, questioning. "I don't know."

"You weren't very observant. Get up and I'll show you."

John put his hands on the arms of the chair and pushed himself up.

"Hold it right there. Did you realize what you just did?"

"No, what did I do?" He asked sheepishly.

"You pushed yourself out of the chair. A lady rises gracefully, not like that. It's balance Laura. Center your weight first them stand up. Being graceful is primarily balance. Like in the movies when they make the young girls walk around all day with a book on their heads. Balance."

It sunk in. "I understand. Could you get me a book so I can practice."

His interest pleased her. "Sure, I'll be happy to." Connie stopped to think. "Where were we?"

"You were showing me what to do with my hands when I'm sitting." He offered.

"Ok, I've got it." Connie settled very deliberately into the chair to make the point.

"I see." John was watching her closely.

Connie put her left hand on her knee and her right on the arm of the chair. She looked up at him with raised eyebrows.

John nodded.

She switched positions and put her right hand on her thigh and her left, down at her side with her hand resting on the cushion. "Ok, try that. And remember how to sit and stand."

"I won't forget." He didn't. He sat and stood a half a dozen times.

"Your doing fine Laura. Come on over here on the bed with me."

He sat down next to her, tucking his skirt as he sat.

Connie didn't say anything but she smiled in acknowledgment. "You have nice table manners as far as I can tell but I haven't seen you sit at a table and eat yet. Most of this you probably already know and it's not much different between men and women. Forgive me if seem to harp on little obvious things."

"Don't worry. I appreciate your help." It was his turn to smile at her.

"I'm glad. This is fun. Are you having fun?"

"Sort of. It's a lot to remember."

"It'll become like second nature. Don't worry. Now, back to table manners. Your napkin goes in your lap the moment you sit down. Whether there's food on the table or not."

John nodded acknowledgment.

"You left hand goes on the napkin at the same time and stays there right through the meal and dessert. There are a few rare circumstances for it not to but as I say, they're rare. Keep it in your lap."

"I'll remember."

"Do you know what silverware to use with what? Salad fork? Dessert fork over the plate?"

"I know how to use a proper place setting." Of course he knew but he didn't loose patience with Connie.

"I'm sorry Laura. Like I said, some of this may sound silly but it's important."

"I don't mind, honest!"

"Good." Connie went on. "Cut up your food. Most guys eat big bites but, if you've watched women eat, they cut up their food into small pieces and place it in their mouths, past their lips. You could find you're eating your lipstick with your food if you don't. Place small bites in your mouth and pull it off the fork with your teeth, not your lips. Ok?"

"That's going to take some getting used to." John admitted.

"Just like the rest, you'll get used to it with practice."

"What do you do when you eat soup?" He asked.

"Tip the spoon back in your closed mouth. Not a lot, just enough to 'dump' the soup off it. You've got no choice but to pull the spoon out past closed lips but the food is already inside."

"That sounds easy enough."

"Ok, drinking. This is for at a table, on the sofa with tea or wine or anything. You need to remember to sip. If you're used to throwing a drink back or taking a big swig, don't do it anymore. Sip it. If you're given a drink and there's a straw in it, even just a little cocktail straw, use it. Otherwise you'll find your lipstick gone in two gulps or all over the lip of the glass. Again, sip and use the straw if one come in your drink."

"I've seen enough girls drink. I can do that."

"I know you can do it, you just have to remember to practice until it becomes habit." There was so much to teach him.

She looked at her watch. "Are you hungry?"

It was almost twelve thirty and it had been hours since breakfast. The exercising had worked off breakfast. "Sure."

"I have a treat for you Laura. I asked Tina if it would be alright if you had lunch with the rest of us and she said it would be ok as long as you behaved and tried really hard to act like a lady." It was essential, of course, that he learn to interact with other people and have the opportunity to practice what Connie was trying to teach him.

John was both shocked and delighted. "Outside?" He asked.

Connie smiled. "In the dining room, if that's what you mean, yes."

After so long in the nursery and now in this room it would be wonderful to see something more. Even if that meant sitting down to a meal with Tina. "I'd like that." He said earnestly.

"Good. You'll want to practice what we talked about this morning. Watch Tina and I for cues as to what to do if you're not sure. The best way to learn how to act is to watch others. Remember that tomorrow too. There'll be lots of people shopping and you can learn a lot by watching and mimicking other women."

"I will." He answered, elated. Was this his opportunity, he wondered?

Connie led him through the kitchen where Tina and Margaret were fixing lunch.

"Hi Laura." Said Margaret with a warm smile. "You look pretty this afternoon. I love your blouse."

"Thank you Aunt Margaret." John replied with more that a touch of genuine appreciation. Margaret was her usual sweet, kind self.

"Are you hungry?" Tina asked.

John's eyes met her's. He didn't care that he projected contempt for her but he didn't want to make her angry. "Yes, very."

"Well, lunch will be ready in a few minutes. Why don't you and Connie set the table." Tina read the message in his eyes but as long as he performed in the way they expected she wouldn't say anything.

"Sure." John replied. He followed Connie to the hutch next to the table. It took no more than a few moments to set out the plates, silverware and napkins.

John's memory of the room had been vague. It was much smaller than he remembered. The book shelves and cabinets that lined one of the long walls seemed endless in his memory but now were not so extensive.

Windows, he thought to himself. How he longed to look out a window. "Connie, would it be alright if I were to peek outside? Just for a minute?"

How docile he was, she mused. "Of course Laura, go ahead."

Tina watched from the kitchen door as he pulled the heavy drape aside and stood staring. She had heard him ask so nicely.

Ben had been right about the effects of having castrated him. "An aggressive, high spirited stallion turns into a mild tempered, calm gelding when his testicles have been cut off. Our boy should be much more tame and submissive without his." Tina was delighted with the change in him.

The sky was overcast and it looked cold out there. Cold and foreboding. He felt as if he were looking out on a world he didn't know. A chill went through him. John was afraid and he drew the curtain closed. Here he was safe and protected. Out there, he would be a stranger in a strange environment.

Connie watched him stand there with his back to her. He was just standing there, facing the closed curtain. Interesting, she thought to herself, he was standing with his feet together and his hands clasped in front of him. Did he remember what she had taught him or was it an unconscious act. What matter? He was doing fine. Connie and Tina exchanged a glance and Tina smiled her approval. Connie was pleased that she was doing so well with John.

Tina announced that lunch was ready as Margaret set the last plate on the table.

John awoke from his daydreaming. He had been in a large bustling mall. He had on his pink dress and his white heels and was carrying an armful of packages. His purse hung over his shoulder and he was walking with Connie and they were laughing and having a good time. The daydream faded into the mist of his mind.

Tina sat at the head of the table, her back to the windows. John sat at her right with Connie next to him. Margaret was across the table from him. They occupied less then a quarter of the chairs at the long table.

John remember everything, to Connie's delight. His hand rested on the napkin in his lap. He sat up straight in his chair, his shoulders back. He cut the chicken into small pieces and placed them in his mouth the way she had told him too.

As self conscious as he felt it was not difficult to remember it all. He practiced his new table manners and dainty eating habits with ease. It was strange at first but he quickly grew accustomed to them.

He had a passing thought when he was cutting the chicken. The knife in his hand would probably be a useful weapon when the opportunity came. He knew it would be unwise to try to steal one now. It was too soon. They were watching him too closely and, hopefully, they were just beginning to trust him. They were beginning to believe they had broken him. No, give it a little more time. They had just given him his first taste of freedom. They would give him more and more as time passed if he played their game. Tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, while they were shopping.

He helped clear the table at Tina's request. He was surprised when he wasn't escorted back to his room immediately.

"Why don't you girls spend the afternoon out here. Margaret and I want to help Laura too." Tina knew he need as much freedom as they could give him to get ready for tomorrow.

Connie turned to John. "It's ok with me. How about you?"

"That's fine." He agreed. He was tired of being locked up in small rooms. He would definitely prefer this.

Margaret spoke up. "Laura, why don't you show us what Connie's taught you so far and we'll go from there."

John agreed readily. They spent the entire afternoon drumming the little details into his head, correcting him constantly when his natural male gestures and speech betrayed him.

By late afternoon his feet were killing him from wearing the heels all day. Connie suggested that he go to his room and relax for a while.

"If you'd like Laura, you can have dinner with us out here. You've done so well today I think you deserve that." Tina had spent the afternoon being as nice to him as she knew how. She wanted to try to put him more at ease with her now.

"I'd like that, thank you Tina." John still knew better than to trust her. She was the one that held the power over him and he was not about to forget it.

"Why don't you change before dinner. Put on one of your new dresses." Connie suggested as she opened the bedroom door for him.

"Which one?" He asked hesitantly. He had his preference but he wanted to be sure it wasn't inappropriate.

"Whatever one you like. You decide." Connie answered smiling as she pulled the door closed behind him.

That make him a little uncomfortable. It had been easier for him when they told him what to do, what to wear. The idea that the decision was up to him made him feel odd. He was choosing for himself to perpetuate this farce.

He gratefully stepped out of his shoes and stretched out on the bed. He no sooner lay down than he got up and undressed. Laying down in his skirt and blouse would only mess them up. He lay back down after the skirt and blouse were hung up.

He had an hour and a half before dinner and he was tired. Not physically tired, but mentally. He lay there on the bed with his eyes wide open. Sleep was not a possibility, he had too much on his mind.

He had been a cooperative student, even willing. Initially, he went along out of fear of retribution. There had been moments this afternoon when he forgot himself and actually had fun with them. He had even laughed and joked with them at times. Now that he had pause to reflect on his actions, he felt odd that during those times he almost forgot who he was and what he was doing. He was the young woman they wanted him to be and enjoyed himself.

He lay there listening to the music for almost an hour before he decided he better think about getting ready for dinner. He brushed his hair, fixed his makeup and was standing in front of the open closet trying to decide what to wear.

His eyes kept coming back to the pink dress with the drop waist and flared skirt. He had mixed feelings. He liked the way it had looked on him but that was wrong, so wrong. He shouldn't be thinking like that. What the hell, he decided. Did he have a choice but to wear one of the outfits? No. So he might as well wear one that he liked. He put away the half slip he had worn all day and put on one of his full slips. He managed the zipper on the back of the dress without too much difficulty.

He stood in front of the mirror and marveled at the way he looked. Pretty, he thought to himself and he smiled, tilting his head just slightly the way Connie had shown him. He made a very attractive woman. They had told him that time and time again but he had just sloughed it off. Now as he admired himself in this dress, he knew they were right. He ran his hands over his shapely breast, down his narrow waist and hips and felt an excitement he never felt before.

John heard the combination being punched on the door. It was too late to change his mind about the dress and something inside him was glad.

"You look lovely in that dress. I'm so glad you like it." Connie remarked.

"It is pretty." He stole one last look in the mirror.

"You're going to wear your white heels, aren't you?"

"Of course." John answered, as though he would wear anything else? He slipped them on and they were off.

Jack sat on the couch sipping his scotch. When he saw John he set the drink down and stood up. He looked beautiful. Jack was amazed at the change in him.

John had not expected this. He had not seen Jack in weeks and had almost forgotten about him. He stopped dead in his tracks in the doorway. John had not forgotten that night. That night when Jack wanted to rape him.

"It's just Jack, Laura. It's alright. Go ahead in and sit down." Connie assured him.

John didn't move forward with the same bounce, the same confidence he had felt earlier. He didn't want to be anywhere near Jack.

Tina called from the kitchen, "Do you girls want a glass of wine before dinner?"

Connie answered for both of them. "That sounds nice, sure Tina." She had to almost push John over to the couch, across from Jack. He was obviously terrified of him and she didn't know why. It would be natural for him to be a little nervous in the presence of another man, dressed the way he was but not this nervous. "What's the matter Laura?" Connie asked.

He couldn't bring himself to tell her. She hadn't been there that night and it was too embarrassing for him to admit that he had almost been raped. "I'm just nervous. I thought it was only going to be the four of us." John wished he had worn something else. He kept his eyes down. He didn't want to meet Jack's.

"There's nothing to be nervous about. Jack has dinner with us most nights. Don't you sweetie?" Connie left John and went over and sat next to Jack, nuzzling his neck.

"Almost every night Babe." He answered, not taking his eyes from John for an instant.

Tina arrived with a tray with three glasses of wine. Margaret, who followed her from the kitchen, already had hers. Tina offered the tray to John first.

He remembered the last time he accepted a glass of wine from Tina. He took the glass furthest from him.

Tina turned to Connie and Jack. She purposely stood between John and Jack as Connie took a glass from the tray. She caught Jack's eye as she put the tray in front of Connie. She shook her head just slightly. Jack got the message. Tina didn't want him upset, he should knock it off. Jack redirected his attention to Connie.

"A toast," Tina raised her glass. "to tomorrow. The first day in Laura's new life. May she find her new life satisfying, rewarding and full of joy." They all raised their glasses to him. He sipped the wine but not as part of the toast. What new life he asked himself? Did they actually expect him to meekly accept a life as a woman and not try to revert back to the man he was inside? He caught himself, Try? That was the first time he had not felt so positive about going back. What had changed in him? No, he insisted, I will do it.

John refused to look at Jack during dinner. He kept his eyes down whenever he was addressed by Jack and he answered him in short, one word, answers. It was awkward, since Jack sat directly across from him. Tina had her place at the head of the table and John had his same place. Margaret sat on John's left and Connie sat across from her.

Jack retired to the couch after dinner and John helped clear the table. He would do anything to avoid having to go sit near him again.

"You did very well again Laura. I'm proud of you." Connie told him as they carried the dishes to the kitchen.

"Thanks"

Connie didn't understand why the change in him. Was being around men so traumatic for him. That could be a problem for them if they couldn't get him over that. She would have to have a talk with the others later.

Margaret and Tina knew what the problem was but they were reluctant to tell Connie. She would be hurt to learn that Jack was lusting after their charge. Tina would have to find a way to handle this.

John offered to load the dishwasher while Margaret stood at the sink washing the pots and pans. With that task complete, he busied himself with helping to clean up the rest of the kitchen with her. Tina and Connie had retired to the living room to join Jack.

"I'll finish up here Laura. Why don't you go join the others?" Margaret was pleased that he wanted to help but she was accustomed to the duty.

Avoiding joining the others was his reason for helping her. "I'm a little tired Aunt Margaret. It's been a long day." He explained.

"Alright sweetheart. Why don't you go tell the others goodnight and then go get ready for bed."

He stood in the doorway, looking at them as they relaxed with their tea and coffee.

"Come join us Laura." Tina said.

"Yes, come sit with us." Connie patted the cushion next to her.

Jack waited anxiously. He was enthralled by him. John had undergone a metamorphosis since he had seen him last. He was as pretty a young man as he had every seen. He had lived up to his expectations and more. The dress he wore was filled out nicely and Jack longed to caress his soft curves and full breasts. There was a persistent throbbing in his groin when he watched the pretty, feminine man.

"I'm very tired. If it's alright, I'd like to go get ready for bed." John didn't budge from the doorway.

"Wouldn't you like a cup of tea before you go in?" Connie asked. She was disappointed that he didn't want to join them.

"Just one cup?" Tina stood. She didn't insist.

Tina had the power and he didn't want to make her angry. A few minutes in Jack's company was infinitely better than experiencing the pain of Tina's punishment.

"Alright." He walked slowly over to the couch and sat next to Connie, taking care to sit properly. On the other end of the couch sat Jack. At least Connie was between them and he didn't have to endure Jack's staring at him.

Acting like a girl in front of Jack was so strange. Especially since Jack seemed to enjoy it so much. Connie poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him. He held the saucer in his lap and sipped the hot tea.

"Don't you think Laura has come along beautifully Jack?" Tina asked.

"She's every bit the lady. And I can't believe how beautiful she's become." Jack leaned forward and smiled at John.

He looked away, at Margaret who was finished in the kitchen and was coming to join them. He took another sip of his tea. If it weren't so hot he would drain the cup and excuse himself.

"I hear the three of you are going shopping tomorrow. Are you excited about buying a new wardrobe Laura?" Jack was teasing.

Connie didn't like the way he was picking on John. "Laura's very excited." She answered. She made sure that she make it apparent in her voice that she disapproved of the way he was acting.

John appreciated the way Connie supported him. His tea was almost gone and he took one last drink and set it on the coffee table. "I'd like to get ready for bed now." He stated meekly to Tina.

"Alright Laura. Connie, would you open the bedroom door for her?" Tina asked.

Connie glared at Jack and them looked to Tina. "Of course. Come on Laura."

"Good night Aunt Margaret, good night Tina." He was reluctant to address Jack but he decided he better acknowledge him. "Good night Jack."

"Good night Laura." Jack said sweetly. He enjoyed treating John like a girl.

The others also said good night as John and Connie left the room.

"I apologize for Jack, Laura. I don't know what's gotten into him. He doesn't usually behave so badly. I'm sorry." Connie didn't understand him at times.

"I'm afraid of him." John admitted to his friend.

"Why?" That surprised her. Nervous she could understand but fear?

He thought she knew. "Because of what he almost did to me." He explained.

What was he talking about? "What did he do?" Connie sat on the end of the bed next to him.

This was embarrassing to admit. Men don't get raped, women get raped. He would have to admit he was weak. That was akin to saying he wasn't virile or masculine. How ironic. "He came into the nursery one morning very early, when I was still recovering from the surgery."

Connie's nerves were tensing. "What happened?"

John looked into the girl's eyes. He tried to tell what she was feeling. Her voice was strained. He didn't see contempt. "He fondled me." His eyes began to fill with tears at the memory.

Connie stiffened.

"He touched me all over and put a finger inside me." Tears flowed from his eyes and ran down his cheeks.

She reached out and pulled the frail figure to her. He started sobbing on her shoulder. Her anger started to build. It wasn't directed at John. He had only been Jack's helpless plaything. Connie was amazed that was not the end of it.

"He was about to pull down his pants when Aunt Margaret came in and stopped him." He told her in a whisper as he cried.

Poor John. His emotions were running wild. What an awful thing to have happen. True, they were preparing him to discover new experiences but not that way, not so soon. They hoped, as with the others before him, that with conditioning, he would come to accept and relish the new sexuality he would be introduced to. Connie felt betrayed. Jack was one of their partners because of his occupation and his sexual orientation but they never knew he took advantage of their 'girls' solely for his own gratification. They used Jack to slowly, tenderly introduce the 'girls' to the sexual role they would play in their new lives. Rape was not an acceptable alternative to that role.

Aside from the fact that what he did to John was despicable, it was an affront to Connie. She believed that they were in love. She believed that he wanted only her. Now she learns that he still has a roving eye and not just for girls. Connie had believed that she was satisfying all his desires and now he'd betrayed her. She could never forgive him for that.

Staying with John while he got ready for bed helped to calm him down. He removed his makeup and moisturized. He slipped into one of his pretty nighties and climbed into bed. He was much more composed when she kissed him on the cheek, goodnight.

"I'll never let him do anything like that to you again Laura. I promise." Connie only hoped she could keep her promise. He would be gently and caring when the time came or he would be out. There was no reason to tell John what was to come. It would only upset him.

John laid his head back on the pillow. "Thanks Connie."

She turned off the light on the way out. "Good night Laura. Sleep well." The lock clicked into place.

"Why didn't you tell me!" Connie yelled.

"I didn't want to upset you." Tina explained.

Jack could only sit there and say nothing.

"And you." She turned to Jack. "What were you thinking of. Couldn't you wait. You're going to have him anyway. You've only made things harder."

"I was only playing with him a little." Jack professed.

"Playing! You were going to rape him."

"But nothing happened."

"You fondled him and he hasn't forgotten that." Connie wanted to tell him how much she was hurt by his impulsive lust. He had been unfaithful to her and she couldn't forgive that. "Well I hope it was worth it because you can just go find some other bed to crawl into tonight."

"Just because I touched him once? Come on Connie, you know how I feel about you."

"No I don't, not any more!"

"I love you."

"You have a strange way of showing it."

"Come on you two. Look at what you're doing. Don't let one of our 'girls' come between you." Tina turned to Connie. "Think about it Connie. Jack goes to bed with each of them a number of times before they leave here. You know it's just part of preparing them for their new lovers. It's never bothered you before."

"I know that but this is different. He's never raped one of them before."

"I told you, I didn't rape him." Jack insisted.

"Jack made a mistake Connie. He won't do it again. Will you Jack?"

"No, I promise." He insisted. He didn't want to lose Connie. Connie was anything but satisfied. "Just the same, until Laura is gone, I sleep alone."

Jack didn't like that but he knew better to argue with her now. Tomorrow she would be calmer.

"We may have to use a mild tranquilizer on him when the time comes and Jack will have to be particularly gently and considerate. It will be alright." Tina was determined not to ruin this deal. They stood to make too much off him.

John didn't fall asleep easily. Seeing Jack and talking about what had happened had opened a floodgate of emotions. He was repulsed at what had almost happened but it brought other thoughts to mind. What would it be like to have someone lovingly caress his sensitive breasts. To have them stroke his soft skin. He had often wondered what it felt like for the woman he conquered. How it felt to have a man inside them. Was it as satisfying for the woman as it was for him. He was almost sure with what they'd done to him that he would never know that feeling again. He wondered as he fell asleep what it would feel like to be on the receiving end of a man's passion.

John slept deeply that night, and dreamed.

 

SATURDAY - DAY 29

He woke up a little after five. He was sure he awoke so early because he was nervous. He always did that when he looked forward to something new and exciting. Surely his subconscious didn't see shopping for a woman's wardrobe for himself as exciting.

He tried for an hour but couldn't fall back asleep. He got up and showered and washed his hair. By seven it was set and he was putting on his makeup with the dryer cap on.

Connie came in at seven thirty to wake him and was surprised to find him up and getting ready. "Good morning?"

"Hi." He answered, sounding more cheerful than he actually felt.

"You're up bright and early. You excited about going shopping?"

"Yes and no. Connie, I'm scared to death about going out."

He was honest about this at least. "Why are you scared?"

"They're going to know right away that I'm a man." There, he said it. That one thought terrified him more than anything.

"No one is going to know any such thing Laura. You look as much like a woman as I do. Don't worry." Connie was being sincere. John was their best effort yet, he had nothing to worry about. Going out today would do a lot for his confidence.

"Are you sure Connie? What if I say the wrong thing or forget how to walk or sit?"

"You're not going to forget, trust me." Connie had been through this before. They were always too nervous to forget any of the lessons they were taught. There had been a few awkward moments but they had never actually betrayed themselves. "You'll be fine. Now, which of your outfits did you want to wear?"

"I don't know?"

"You should wear something that's easy to get on and off, a dress." Connie explained.

They expected him to go into the ladies dressing rooms in the stores and try on the new clothes. He didn't look forward to that but he had decided that would afford him his best opportunity to escape. He didn't know for sure but some of the stores had to have back doors, employee entrances. He would slip out the back and get away.

His next problem was money. He had to get his hands on enough money to get back to Houston, to his apartment. He would have his own money then and could undo everything they had done to him. He would resume his life. And finally, if there was a way, he would get even with Tina.

He pushed the scrambled eggs around the plate. He took only a bite or two of his toast. The orange juice was the only thing he could get down.

It was not only obvious to the three woman that he was nervous, but expected. Margaret and Connie felt compassion. Tina relished in it.

"You need to eat something Laura. It may be quite a while before lunch." Connie advised him.

"I just can't eat. I'm too nervous." John explained.

Margaret cleared the table. John made an emergency trip to the bathroom. Tina and Connie disappeared into their room.

When John knocked at the bedroom door for someone to let him out Connie and Tina came to release him. They were wearing their coats and Tina had an extra coat on her arm. John's stomach churned again.

"You need some jewelry to go with that dress Laura." Connie held up a gold serpentine necklace to his neck. "This goes nicely. Try it on."

He fumbled with the clasp a moment but finally managed to get it.

"Now slip these over your left wrist." Connie handed him two gold bangle bracelets.

He did as he was told. They were snug going over his wrist.

"That looks much better Laura. Now, just one last touch." Tina handed Connie the gold hoop earrings she had brought. To Connie she said, "Maybe you better help her with these."

Up to now, since that first night, the little diamond and the pearl studs had never left his ears. He had gotten so used to them that he had forgotten he about them. Connie removed the pearl studs and replaced them with the hoops.

"There, they look nice on you Laura." Connie stood back and smiled. That was the final touch, he was ready.

John turned and looked in the closet door mirror. He and Connie had decided on the dress that Connie had bought him. The two piece jacket dress. The gold chain hung down over the jeweled neckline of the white top. It looked nice under the print jacket. They had decided on the black pumps without the bow because he would be in them all day and they were the more comfortable of his black shoes.

The bracelets dangled at his wrist. They felt a little funny on him but not too annoying. It was the earrings that were going to drive him crazy as the two inch hoops bounced against his neck when he moved.

"You'll get used to them in no time Laura, don't worry." Tina said smiling. "Here, I brought you one of my coats to wear today." She held it up for him to slip into. "We'll get you some of your own today."

He put his arms into the sleeves of the tan, three quarter length wool coat. A beige scarf was draped around the neck, under the collar and lapels by Connie.

"Button up, it's cold outside." Connie advised as they ushered the nervous young man out of the bedroom.

Tina and Connie grabbed their purses from the dining room table and they were halfway to the front door before it dawned on Connie, "How stupid of me. Wait a minute." She told Tina and John as she turned and hurried back to her bedroom.

"What did she forget?" John asked.

"I don't know." Tina answered.

Connie returned carrying an extra purse in her hand.

"Good thinking. I completely forgot." Tina said.

"Here Laura." Connie slung the strap over his shoulder. "You wouldn't look complete with out this."

The dark brown shoulder bag hung empty at his waist. At least it gave him someplace to put one of his hands.

Connie whispered to Tina. "I dumped everything out on the bed, it's empty."

"Good." Tina whispered back.

When they stepped out of the elevator in the parking garage the cold air hit him. The stockings did little to insulate him from the cold air that wafted up under his dress.

His knees shook as he walked with them to Tina's car. It was not the cold that made him shiver.

John was impressed to discover that Tina drove a new Lincoln Mark VII. The red LeBaron was parked next to it. They took the Lincoln.

"Sit in front next to me." Tina told him. Connie climbed into the back, behind Tina.

The leather seat was cold and even after John adjusted his dress under him the chill still went right through him.

"It warms up quickly." Tina told him. She could see how uncomfortable he was.

He wanted to slink down in the seat as Tina drove them up the ramp to the busy street. The bright sunlight hurt his eyes.

"I'm sorry that I don't have an extra pair for you Laura." Tina said as she put on her sunglasses. "We'll get you a pair today."

"That's ok." He didn't mind. He was just happy to finally see the sun again. His joy was quickly diminished as they sat waiting for an opening in traffic. Tina had blocked the sidewalk and several people stood by John's door, waiting for her to move. He instinctively looked out at them but then turned back and looked down. There was a man standing there looking into the car at him, not two feet away. Did he know? Could he tell? Surely he could see that John was a man in drag.

The opening Tina waited for came and John was saved. When he composed himself he asked, "Where are we going?"

Connie answered from the back seat. "We know some very exclusive shops down by the lake. They're a little trendy and a little expensive but I think they have the nicest clothes in town."

Joy, thought John. A mall might have been easier to get lost in. Embarrassing certainly, because of all the people, but it would have been easier for him to disappear in a crowd.

He had only been to Peoria one other time and had met with the buyer at his office downtown. He had used cabs because he didn't know his way around. When he slipped away from these two he would have to take a cab again, but to where?

No one had much to say during the ride. John kept his head down or looked straight ahead as they came to red lights and cars pulled along side them. He was too afraid to look around for fear that someone might be looking in the window at him.

"Here we are." Tina announced happily as she pulled into a parking lot.

John watched nervously as a man walked to the car from a little booth. Tina opened her door.

"Good morning ladies." The sandy haired man of about fifty said pleasantly. "A little shopping today?" He asked Tina.

"Yes," She answered with a smile. "We'll probably be shopping most of the day. Take good care of my baby."

John hesitated. He didn't want to leave the safety of the car. Connie opened his door and looked over at him. "Come on Laura. Don't be afraid."

Both Tina and Connie were out of the car. The man was waiting for him to get out before he climbed in to park it. John reluctantly put a foot on the ground. He couldn't, the slim skirt was too smug to allow it. He pivoted on the seat and put his feet on the ground. He was sure he looked very clumsy and awkward as he stood up. All he wanted to do now was get away from the man. He walked to the rear of the car where Connie and Tina waited.

The parking garage had been cold but here, only a block from the lake, the wind chilled John to the bone. When Connie suggested they get going, he didn't hesitate to join them. Connie and Tina walked on either side of him. The things that Connie had taught him flooded back on his consciousness. Just as they did, he deliberately put one foot in front to the other. He put heel and toe down together. Shoulders back and keep your head up, he reminded himself.

The walk to the lake front shops was only a block but it seemed like a mile to John. Walking on the carpets in the apartment was one thing, but out here on the sidewalk was something else altogether.

They turned a corner and there, stretched out in front of him, were the restored shops of the waterfront. One after the other with their refurbished brick facades. Half way down the first block, tables and chairs lined the wide sidewalk, an outdoor cafe.

The hour was early, and for that, John was thankful. He supposed if it were any later, the waterfront would be bustling.

Tina guided him toward the first of the stores that were so familiar to them. Not only did they shop here for themselves but this is where they brought most of their 'girls' for their wardrobes. Their clients expected the 'girls' to be elegantly dressed and have exquisite taste in clothes.

"Here we are Laura. Just remember to smile and be pleasant and you'll do fine." Connie assured him.

His knees were shaking as he ascended the steps. In the window of the shop were mannequins adorned in evening gowns on one side of the door and in fashionable sleek dresses on the other. John's palms were sweating as he walked past Tina who held the door for him.

Rene looked up from behind the rack of slacks as door opened. She instantly recognized Tina and Connie and her spirits soared. She had only two customers walk in since she opened the doors a half hour ago and they had not purchased anything. The arrival of these women meant that today was going to be one of her best days in weeks. Any day they came in was bound to be a four to five thousand dollar day.

Rene had long ago deduced that Tina and Connie had to be fashion consultants because they consistently brought in new clients for complete makeovers of their wardrobes. She asked no questions. She gave them her complete attention even if it meant sacrificing sales to other customers.

"Good morning ladies. It's so nice to see you again." Rene rushed to greet them.

"Good morning Rene." Tina replied. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Seeing you always brightens my day."

Tina and Connie laughed. John tried to smile but his nerves made it difficult. The woman was looking directly at him. She was looking him over from head to toe. Surely she could tell that he was a man.

"We've brought a friend with us to look around. Laura, this is Rene. She had some of the most beautiful clothes in town."

He was afraid to speak because he was sure the first words out of his mouth would give him away. He gave the woman a half hearted smile.

John looked away from the woman, around the shop. The clothes on display were certainly not the kind you'd find in K Mart. The shop catered to young women of taste.

"Rene, Laura is going to need a number of new things. She needs some casual outfits and several formal dresses."

Music to her ears, Rene thought to herself.

"Connie, why don't you and Laura look around for a few minutes while I talk to Rene."

"Ok." Connie agreed.

That was fine with him. He didn't enjoy standing there like a dummy, smiling. He had no idea what to say to the woman. The strange looks he had expected never appeared on her face, only smiles. Was it possible she didn't realize what he was?

Tina and Rene walked toward the back of the shop. When they were out of earshot she told the woman, "She's very nervous and shy." Tina explained. "She grew up in a very protected environment. Her father feels that a new wardrobe might be the first step in making her feel more attractive, more confident."

"She's such a pretty girl." Rene remarked as she watched the two browse near the front of the shop.

"I know, isn't it a shame?"

"Well I'll do everything I can to help. Where do you want to start." Rene was excited.

"You have some of the prettiest dresses. Let's start with casual wear." Tina suggested.

"Alright. She looks like a size seven." Rene had a good eye.

"Perhaps you should measure her just to be sure." Tina suggested. Tina thought he might even be a size five now.

Connie had pointed out a number of dresses that would look lovely on him. "I don't know." Was his only response. Connie would have liked to go right to the evening gowns but she was afraid of scaring him.

Tina walked up from the back of the store. "Find anything?"

John just looked at her.

"Laura's still a little nervous." Connie explained.

"That's alright. Well help you pick some things out. You need to go into the dressing room and slip out of your dress. Rene is going to measure you so we don't waist a lot of time trying on the wrong size clothes." Tina pointed to where Rene was waiting for him.

John shot a nervous glance at Connie. He didn't want to be 'measured'.

"Go along silly. You'll be fine." Connie said with a reassuring smile.

He doubted it. It was with anything but delight that he was ushered into the little dressing room by the woman and stepped out of his dress. She tried to make pleasant conversation with him but he wasn't sure how to respond. He stood there in just his slip but the woman acted as if he was just what he appeared to be. Was he really that convincing?

Rene felt sorry for the young woman. It must be terrible to be so shy, she thought to herself.

At least she didn't want him to take off his slip to make her measurements. He would have been mortified to have to stand there in just his bra and panties. He was not worried so much anymore about her seeing a strange bulge in his underwear. There was none to be seen anymore. It made him sick to realize that he had shrunk up to almost nothing.

"I think that will do it." Rene said standing up. "Your almost a perfect size seven Laura. You have a lovely figure. I have lots of pretty dresses that will look beautiful on you."

John smiled with an effort, "Wonderful." He tried to sound enthusiastic. He thought she should have recognized his voice as a man's but no question showed on the woman's face. Strange?

"Why don't you wait here and I'll bring you the things that your friends pick out." Rene turned and left him standing there. He had fooled her completely. He felt both relieved and depressed that it had been so easy.

He didn't know how long she'd be gone, or whether Tina or Carol might walk in. There were four large stalls with curtains. He was in the one closest to the little anti room that was surrounded by mirrors. He peeked out from behind the curtain and looked to the back of the room. No door there. Damn.

He heard footsteps approaching and ducked his head back in the stall. Through the crack between the curtain and the wall he saw a short brunette enter the stall across from his. John had hoped to endure this alone.

"Laura," Tina called from outside the fitting area. "Come here a minute."

He had on only the slip. She didn't expect him to walk out there like this?

When he didn't answer or come out, Connie went in. She pulled the curtain aside to see him just standing there. "We want you to see a dress we picked out, to see if you like it?" Connie explained.

The curtain across the way was suddenly drawn back and the girl stepped out. She shot a glance in their direction. He watched her eyes and she gave no hint that she thought anything was odd about the way he looked. Amazing, thought John.

If he didn't go out there now, the girl would think there was something odd. "Ok." He said to Connie.

"What do you think of these?" Tina asked holding up two dresses.

"They're pretty." He told her. What else could he say. One was like the pink dress that he liked except it was white and had a low scoop neck. The other was a two piece dress in fuchsia.