Casey; Que Sera, Sera
Que sera, sera
was a popular song from the fifties, but somehow it is having a big
impact on me in this year of 2017. The translation ‘Whatever will
be, will be’ along with a few phrases in the song seemed to find
their way into my life, and as hard as I tried to avoid them they
persisted.
I managed to
graduate from high school with my body intact. Sis had accomplished
the same trick a year ago. The school was rough, mainly gangs, very
little control from the school administration, the teachers the
bottom of the bucket except for a couple. If you wanted to learn
anything you pretty much had to teach yourself.
f.
Graduating was a
feat in itself, if you showed up to class they usually promoted you,
that way they would not have to deal with you again the following
year. Surviving the physical abuse was the trick though. We were
mired in poverty, living on the edge of several gang territories in
metro Atlanta.
Mom did her best,
after Dad left she was devastated, but managed to somehow keep a roof
over our head and second hand clothes on our backs. Often that
entailed three part-time jobs to accomplish that task. I loved her
for all she did for us, wishing I could somehow improve part of her
life.
After Sis
graduated she worked some to, fast food the only thing available to a
poor girl in tatty clothes. Her added wages to the family fund made
life a little more stable, but really didn’t change anything. The
uniform they gave her at work the nicest clothes she has ever owned.
You could see when she put it on the pride that showed on her face. I
think the job helped her, but often times after a long shift, she
came home tired and depressed.
The idea that her
job might be the best she could achieve in her life very sobering to
a young female. She managed to deal with the life dealt her, but you
could see the depression often in her eyes as she tried to get by day
to day.
Through one of
Mom’s jobs, she learned of a program for poverty level students
where they got tested to see if they qualified for any scholarships
to further their education. Most of the grants were only for poorer
students, but you had to meet certain standards, abilities, or
intelligence. We definitely qualified on the poverty aspect. To me it
was wasted motion, I am sure nothing would come from it.
Well Mom had
other ideas, if it would get her kids out of the mire it was worth
it. Any chance to break out had to be explored. So Sis and I traveled
by bus across town to a full day of testing. An hour into the testing
my head hurt, the questions were hard, all very thought provoking.
After her first
test Lucy was taken to a different room and I didn’t see her again
until the lunch break. My group was being given scenarios, and told
to find a solution to the problem. Then they moved me and two other
students to a room with computers in it.
Since I had never
used one before I was shown the basics, then a question on the screen
would come up. An image next, then I had to find the item that would
best go with it and chose it. I thought the questions were stupid,
but I liked playing with the computer, so I continued. Then different
color splotches, and I had to pick the color that would best
coordinate with the one on the screen.
Then we moved to
pictures of different people, each dressed in different outfits with
varying hairstyles. I had to pick the one that made the person look
the best. Then females with different makeup on, again I had to pick
the one picture that made her look the best. It seemed to go on and
on, like I said the computer was fun to play with.
I met up with Sis
again as we were fed, a delicious meal, better than any school food,
and much better than we could afford at home. Split again after
lunch, I was given different things to match or put on a mannequin.
All of this is on the computer. The figure was neither male nor
female, the items were different wigs, items of clothing, and finally
different accessories. Depending on the items given me sometimes the
mannequin turned out looking female, sometimes male. I thought it was
weird for a male to be doing this, this is something Lucy would like
to play with.
I still harbored
the thought this was a waste of time, but the free food and being out
of the neighborhood was quite welcome. Then there was the computer I
got to play with, a real treat for someone not ever using one before.
At the end of the day, we were told that the results would be sent to
a counselor in our area, and they would tell us what we would qualify
for. We did get another delicious meal, I know I couldn’t pronounce
any of the names of the food, but it was all very good. The bus ride
back home was depressing, I doubt we would hear anything back from
any of them. We were both stuck in our lives, with no hope of
breaking out of the conditions that bound us to being poor.
Sis was able to
get lost again in her job, but the sad expression I saw on her face
every morning made me cringe. A life of this was facing all of us,
working to just make ends meet, never getting ahead, and never
leaving the situation we found ourselves in. Mom was getting weaker,
the stress and exertion of three jobs was wearing her down at an
alarming rate.
She never
complained about her situation, her objective is to get us out of the
downward spiral we were all in at the present. To work every day,
then after the first job ended, on to her second job. It was usually
after five when she finally came home, ate some of what one of us had
warmed up, then she went off to bed.
I tried real hard
to find a job for myself, so that I could contribute to the family
and maybe give Mom some rest, at least from one of her jobs. After a
week of hunting a job I knew why all of the young males joined a
gang, that is all there is available for them. At a lot of places,
they never looked up from their desk when I handed in the
application. In fact, in several businesses when I asked for an
application, I was refused. Told that I would be just wasting paper.
Then one day,
they contacted Mom at one of her jobs, since we didn’t even have a
phone. This was for Sis and me to come in for our evaluations. The
counseling session would be held at our high school, so we dressed in
our cleanest clothes, then rode the bus to the school. It was lunch
time so we were fed then we both got called back fairly quickly after
the meal. We met with the counselors and they talked with us.
They gave us our
IQ’s, occupations we would excel in, our scores on individual
sections of the test, then what scholarships we would qualify for. I
tuned out the first part of the conversation, it didn’t make any
difference if I was smart, the jobs would still be denied me.
When my lady
counselor told me I qualified for a scholarship to learn cosmetology
my one word statement was “huh?” She explained what a
cosmetologist was, and what the scholarship provided for. When she
gave me the description of what a cosmetologist was, I laughed in her
face. “You do realize that I am a male, I wear things from the
Goodwill store, so you have to be kidding me!” She was not phased a
bit. You have one of the highest scores in this area, everything
points to a great career in this field.
I stood up to
leave the room, but she grabbed my arm. Sit here for a minute, let me
get the lady on the phone that is offering the scholarship and please
take a minute to talk to her. I mumbled a little, then agreed, the
food here today was almost as good as the testing facility we had
been sent to. I felt a little guilty, I would talk to her, but when I
got home that would be the end of it.
The counselor and
the lady on the phone talked a bit then the phone is handed to me.
She introduced herself to me. “My name is Francine and I own a
chain of beauty salons. I am interested in new people with an
aptitude in this area. When some of the test administrators called me
with your results I decided to offer the scholarship to you.” She
stated it might not be my first choice, maybe not even your second
choice, but she would like me to try it for a week.
“I will fly you
out to Phoenix, put you up for a week so that you can see what a
career in this field is like. I will include all of your expenses,
maybe some sightseeing, seven days away from your present life. I
really would like to meet you, please say you will come and see what
it is about. No strings attached, if after the week you don’t want
anything more to do with this that is fine.”
After she started
talking, I hadn’t said a word, just listened. I decided to give it
a try, a week away from this life, a gift to treasure. “I would
like to see what it is all about, but I still don’t think I am cut
out for this. So don’t get your hopes up, and to be truthful, any
way to get out of this life for a week is worth the risk. I will take
you up on your offer, just remember I am barely educated, know
nothing about this field, and can’t see myself being a
cosmetologist no matter what I learn.”
She thanked me
for being truthful, she will send me the tickets and arrange
everything. “I still want to meet with you and talk to you” she
said. After I hung up the counselor again told me what is involved in
the scholarship offer. It is two years of schooling/work study. All
school expenses paid, plus room and board. The money I make in the
work study is mine to do what I want with it.
Maybe this wasn’t
as bad as I thought, since I can’t get a job here. But me as a
hairdresser, that is just so wrong. I am not a sissy or gay, surely
no normal male would do that for a living. A way to maybe help my Mom
with expenses, I couldn’t help here with no job or prospects of
one, but this can’t be right. It was quite a quandary, do I take a
chance or just settle for what I can find around here.
I have to wait
for Sis, she is still in with her counselor. Finally she comes out,
smiling like she had just won the lottery. Since it is late her
counselor takes us home, the bus stops running in our area right
after six. Geez we were with the counselors for five hours, time sure
does fly. We are quiet on the ride home, thanking the lady for giving
us a ride.
We enter our
apartment, Sis going to the kitchen to start making dinner. Mom will
be home a little after seven tonight, so we try and have everything
ready when she gets home. Mom looks tired when she walks in the door,
but smiles when she sees us.
We eat first,
then she asks us what we found out. I am not particularly proud of
what I was offered, embarrassed is more likely the reason, so I
insisted Sis go first.
“I was offered
a four year scholarship for college, the only condition is I have to
major in computer related studies. It includes room and board and a
student job in the computer lab for me to earn some extra money. Most
likely I will be offered a job when I graduate, at least that is what
they are telling me.” By the time she has finished her last
sentence she is bouncing up and down in her seat, obviously thrilled
with her news. Mom gets up and embraces her, tears running down her
cheeks. I can also see a sense of relief pass over her, at least one
child getting a chance to escape the inevitable.
Things settle
down and they look at me. I look down to the floor, my news nothing
like my sisters. I try to not divulge much of the details, the
embarrassment of getting a girly type of scholarship too much to
admit to. I simple tell them that I have been offered a trip out west
to talk to the people about my scholarship, a one week stay, then I
will be told what it entails. I desperately hope they will accept
that and not question me anymore.
I get a hug from
Mom and a non-believing stare from Sis. I am sure there will be many
questions from her once we get away from Mom. I tried to waylay some
of the questions by telling her they are sending me the tickets.
“I am proud of
you both, but if something comes up with a chance to get out of this
situation you both better take it. If I find out that you have turned
something down, there will be hell to pay. Do I make myself clear?”
We both answered, “Yes Mom” very quickly. It was not Mom’s ‘I
may let it slide voice’.
I stayed to help
with the dirty dishes, Mom checking my forehead to see if I am
running a fever. Sis is giggling away, she knows I am withholding
something, and is planning how to extract it from me. I head to my
bed, but Sis is right behind me. It is only a one bedroom apartment,
Sis and Mom sleep in the bedroom and I sleep on the fold out couch.
Before bed Sis and I often lay on the couch talking about our day. I
know tonight it will be a full blown investigation, or should I call
it an interrogation?
As I come out
from the bathroom, Sis is waiting for me. I get a hug, we often
exchange them, something between us that we both enjoy and treasure.
She pats the couch by her and I lay down. She starts to ask a
question, I just hold up my hand to stop her.
“Let me tell
you what has transpired. Please no questions until I am through. The
counselor offered me a two year scholarship to be a cosmetologist,
all expenses paid. It is out west, it sounds good on the surface if I
am a female, but for a male it is absurd. They say I have a
propensity for that sort of career. I am not even sure what that word
means. Well, I will get a vacation out of it, but I doubt I will
accept the offer.”
Sis got off the
couch situated herself right in front of my face and stuck her finger
into my cheek. “Look her missy, you will take that offer, you will
study hard and become the best cosmetologist you can be or so help me
I will beat the shit out of you! If you think I am kidding, you
better sharpen your self-defense skills. I will beat you to a pulp in
a heartbeat if you don’t agree to this!” The last words were
almost yelled at me, Mom heard them and came out of the bedroom.
“Is everything
all right between you two?” Sis smiled, then looked at me with
daggers in her eyes. I spoke up telling Mom that everything is fine,
just Sis laying down the law to me again. A phrase we had used in the
past when one of us is upset or mad.
Mom looked at me.
“It might be a good idea if you listened to her, she often makes
sense.”
Mom returned to
her bedroom, Sis hugged me and left me alone as she also went to the
bedroom. Mom could only afford one twin bed and Sis slept on a day
bed that had been salvaged from someone’s trash. I had bolted a
couple of broken pieces together to repair it and Mom had spray
painted the bed to hide the rust. The mattresses were from the
secondhand store, all she could afford.
I laid there on
the sofa for several hours, how could I accept being a hairdresser,
typically a female or gay occupation. I am neither but everybody is
telling me to go for it. Since I was getting a headache, I closed my
eyes and was soon lost in dreamland. Thankfully, I remembered nothing
of them the next morning, I am sure they would have been doozies.
Two days later an
envelope was delivered with Sis having to sign for it, since it was
sent express and I was in the bathroom. It is addressed to me, so I
carefully opened it, expecting something to pop out of the envelope.
Lucy, my sister, is looking over my shoulder at the contents. The
airline tickets fall out of the letter on to the floor. Lucy is the
first one to reach them squealing in delight when she sees they are
first class tickets. “You lucky dog, first class tickets for your
flight out there, I wonder what else you will get to experience on
your trip.”
The letter was
short and to the point, Francine is sending a shuttle to pick me up
and take me to the airport. The flight is tomorrow, the shuttle will
pick me up at eight A.M. so that I will be at the airport in time for
my noon flight. I am surprised, I didn’t think she would send first
class tickets, spending this kind of money on me is utterly
ridiculous. I told her I doubted I would accept the offer, I can’t
see myself as a hairdresser.
Mom had just
gotten up and came in to see what all the commotion is about. She
read the letter, looked at the tickets, then both Lucy and her went
to where I kept my clothes. Mom was mumbling to herself, throwing out
clothes that did not meet her standards. Unfortunately, there was
none left when she finished rejecting torn or worn out clothing. She
stood there thinking, then Lucy had to open her big mouth. Maybe
Casey can wear some of my pants and tops, they are not that feminine,
but also not as worn or holey.
That said, they
moved to her closet. This was not good at all, I knew my stuff was
worn, Sis getting more clothes than me because she is working. I had
no trouble with that, all I did was hang around the apartment, except
for when I applied for some jobs. They came back a few minutes later
with their choices, I frowned seeing them, this is going to be worse
than I thought. I was made to try them on, they fit alright, since
Lucy and I are relatively the same size.
I looked at my
image in the one mirror we had in the apartment, let out a big sigh,
but had to admit it didn’t look that girlish. I was sure that Mom
would not let me go with any of my male clothes, so I kept quiet,
accepting my fate and their choice of clothes. We had one small
carry-on type of bag that was to be my suitcase. We normally used it
to go to the grocery store, since we had to ride a bus to get there,
and the grocery bags usually did not hold up to the return trip on
the bus.
Since the flight
is tomorrow I was sent off to take a shower, the bath tub in the
apartment not good for anything but to stand in while showering. When
I got out Mom was there, inspected me and then made me shower again
this time washing my hair and using a conditioner on it. “Gee,
this is only an interview tomorrow, ease up Mom.”
Lucy dried my
hair, using the fan we used in the summer to cool the apartment. Then
she brushed it over and over till it shined. I tried to put it in a
ponytail for sleeping, but she wanted the ponytail higher on my head,
redoing it and fastening the rubber band. She told me tomorrow she
would let me use one of scrunchies, for the trip. I knew this was
important to her, she only had two, and babied them to make them last
longer. She was giving me one to use, I guess a gesture on her part
to help me make a good impression.
I didn’t sleep
much, too many thoughts running through my mind, although being this
clean probably contributed to not being able to sleep. Lucy woke me
the next morning around six, dragged me out of bed and helped me to
dress. All the time I was trying to fight her off, but she would have
none of it. Finally she smiled, that will have to do. My hair is in a
very high ponytail, with her favorite scrunchie holding it. As she
was putting it in my hair she told me it was for luck.
I was set down at
the kitchen table and then she started the speech that I expected Mom
to give me. “Casey whatever you do please be polite to the lady,
this is a big chance for you to do something with your life. Francine
seems to be a nice lady so do not foul this up. Be yourself, not what
you are around here trying to be something you are not. Talk with
her, try out the hairdresser thing, but keep an open mind. You can
refuse the scholarship if you feel it is not right for you, but I
will never talk to you again if you do.
We both have been
offered a chance of a lifetime to better ourselves, they don’t come
often, so think before you act. I love you, and I will miss you, even
though it is only for a week. We heard a beep outside, the shuttle
must be here. I got a kiss, then Mom came running out to give me a
kiss and a hug before I went down the stairs to my ride.
The driver took
my bag, opened the door for me than returned to his seat. There was
one other passenger, a very beautiful lady, dressed elegantly. She
gave me a wonderful smile, then asked where I was headed. I told her
Phoenix. “Do you have relatives or just visiting?”
I told her I had
an interview for a scholarship out there, the smile I got in return
even bigger. Several more passengers joined us later, so we didn’t
talk much on the trip to the airport. Fifty minutes later we arrived,
the driver got us our bags, and then I made my way into the terminal.
It was so big, I was suddenly lost and afraid. She was right behind
me pulling her cart with her luggage on it. I started to wander off,
but she steered me to the Southwest Air counter. We both are flying
to Phoenix, this is our airline, so get in line.
“Give them your
ticket, and if you want your luggage checked, that also. Since you
have only one bag it will fit under the seat if you wish.” I gave
the guy at the counter my ticket, he checked it then punched it. I
decided to keep my bag, and I turned to leave.
She stopped me,
“wait over there we have the same flight, and we can go to the gate
together. I stepped to the side while she got her ticket and her
luggage checked, she kept out a small bag from her several suitcases
to carry with her. She grabbed by hand, “let’s go we can get our
boarding passes, then how about a beverage before we get on the
plane.”
I realized I had
no money so I declined, but she apparently didn’t listen to me. We
went through security, her telling me what I had to do, before we got
there. I had nothing in my pockets, but they still had me reach in
and turn the pockets inside out. I didn’t even have a belt on, so
that was not an issue. But taking off my shoes was embarrassing. Lucy
had lent me a pair of hers, a little tight, but in much better shape
than mine. When I had taken the shoes off, the long pants legs no
longer covered them, exposing them as ladies flats. They had a cute
bow on the vamp, hidden most of the time with the pants, but now
quite visible.
As quickly as I
could, I put them back on, resettling my pants to cover the bows.
Stephanie was right behind me, steering me to the counter at the
gate. She handed both of our tickets to the agent, asking for seats
together. We got our passes and she dragged me to one of the
concessions down from the counter. I tried to refuse, but she
insisted on getting me something.
I asked for a
water, hoping there would be no charge for it. To my surprise I got a
diet coke instead. I looked up at her, her heels making her taller
than me. She smiled, “Just drink it.” I did it tasted real good,
another treat we seldom got to experience.
She suggested the
restrooms before we boarded, I headed off to the men’s restroom,
but she stopped me, pointed to the ladies, a much better choice. I
look puzzled, “With your shoes and slacks no one will know, but you
may have a little trouble if you use the men’s.” I started to
tell her that I was male, she just touched my lips with her fingers
and led me to the ladies. There was not anyone else in there, so it
was not a problem. I used a stall since there is nothing else
available, then waited for her, not knowing what to do next, and not
wanting to be alone if I ran into someone.
She stopped to
wash her hands, I did the same to occupy my time. She fixed her
lipstick then turned to me. “Let me put a little lipstick on you,
it will make you less conspicuous. It won’t kill you, you will live
through it I promise.” She had me pout my lips, then applied a
coat, blotted it then another coat. I didn’t pull away, she had
this way about her, and I trusted her. I ran my tongue over it, it
tasted funny, but not that bad, and I turned to see my image in the
mirror and nearly collapsed. All I saw was a pretty young girl,
wearing lipstick. My top, the high ponytail all adding to my new
image.
She had my hand
leading me out of the restroom, giggling away. When we got back to
the counter they were calling our flight, so she led me to the gate
after we had picked up our bags. I was still in a daze, any thinking
about anything, impossible due to the short circuiting in my brain.
We found our
seats stowed our bags under the seats, and got comfortable. When
things settled down after the pre-flight warnings, I turned to her to
thank her for helping me, and I even thanked her for the lipstick.
That is something so far fetched from the normal Casey persona.
She asked if it
was my first time wearing any, I nodded in the affirmative. “I am
sure it won’t be your last, you look really cute in it. By the way
I love your hair, it is so pretty. You could do with a salon
appointment to make it look better.”
Her giggling at
that last comment contagious, even I giggled a little. Imagine me
wearing lipstick all the time and getting my hair styled that is
funny. The weird part, is I never regretted her putting the lipstick
on me, even several times running my tongue over my lips to savor the
feel and taste.
The flight is
three hours, I relaxed a little, then apparently fell asleep. The
stewardess asking if I wanted lunch waking me up. I nodded my head
too sleepy for words. “Here you are miss, enjoy your meal.” Then
the stewardess right behind her asked what I wanted to drink. I
replied water, but Stephanie told her that I would take a diet coke
instead. The stewardess checked if that was what I wanted, then
handed me the coke. I had told her, yes, please and got your welcome
ma’am in return.
The flight wound
down as the engines made a lot of racket as they reversed, slowing
down the plane drastically. Then with a jolt the wheels touched down
and the plane taxied to the terminal. When it stopped everyone rose
from their seats and grabbed their bags from under the seats and from
the overheads. Stephanie grabbed my hand, with her other hand holding
her bag and her purse. We were one of the first to depart, down the
ramp, then through the gate. I was looking for Francine to pick me
up, but Stephanie steered me towards the center of the terminal.
She stopped then
leaned over to whisper in my ears, “Francine is not coming. When
she found out I am on the same flight as you, she asked me to pick
you up and take you to her house. I am one of her salon managers here
for some more training, so we are going to the same place. Now let’s
get my bags and then a rental car, and we can head to her house. Is
that okay with you?”
I nodded my head
in the affirmative, then followed her to the baggage claim area. I
was just glad to be in someone’s company, the airport is a scary
place. She grabbed a cart and loaded her own bags, although I tried
to help, then set off to the rental car area. She had a reservation
so it was only a few minutes before we were at her car. I helped her
to put her luggage in the car, then went to the passenger side to get
in. In my eighteen years on this planet, this is only the fourth time
I have ridden in a car. Now buses I was very familiar with, that
being the only means of transportation for families that are poor.
That or walking the only transportation we could afford.
She seemed to
know her way, and in a little over an hour we pulled up outside a
huge ranch house. From the driveway it seemed to go on forever, I
could hardly see the other end of the house. I got out of the car and
followed Stephanie into the house. She didn’t knock just opened the
door and walked in. We were greeted by two very beautiful females,
both quite tall and dressed elegantly. I was quickly hugged, the
taller lady almost squeezing the life out of me.
Then she pushed
me back a little to take a closer look at me, “My name is Francine.
It is so good to finally meet you Casey. We are anxious to get to
know you better, your week with us will be quite enjoyable I think.
This lady next to me is Dallas, the individual that runs all of my
companies and of course you know Stephanie. Incidentally, I love you
lipstick it looks so good on you.”
The blush made me
stagger, that much blood running to your face bound to cause problems
with the rest of the body. Before I could respond I am smothered in
another hug from Dallas, then kissed on the cheek. “We are going to
have so much fun this week, I know you will be pleased. After being
released from the hug and managing to take another breath I looked at
the three. I have never seen three females so friendly and outgoing.
They asked Stephanie about her trip then we walked down a hall to
some bedrooms. I was shown mine, then Stephanie walked into another.
I presume she has stayed here before since she seems quite
comfortable and knows her way around.
My bedroom is
huge, almost as big as our whole apartment. I laid my bag on the
floor, then looked around. Although the room was not overly feminine
there was a vanity, a table with a computer set up on it, and two
dressers. The walk-in closet had female clothes in it, apparently
from a previous guest, but quite large. The view from the window is
spectacular. The foothills behind her house quite beautiful with some
cactus silhouetted against the backdrop of a late afternoon sky.
Stephanie showed
up, telling me that I needed to hang up my clothes so they would not
wrinkle. I smirked, I doubt she knows they are always wrinkled, a
fact of life for the poor. She opened my bag and started removing the
clothes. She laid them on the bed as she went through them, then
folded them back up neatly and placed them back in the bag. She
turned to me. “I need you to take off your clothes, everything
except your underwear.” I looked startled, but with her tone of
voice I figured I better do it. It was said with a sense of
authority, expecting the one she was talking to do as she says. I
took off the top and pants she folded them neatly and placed them in
my bag. She zipped it up and put it in the closet.
She took my hand
and led me into the closet and looked for something for me to wear. I
was red in the face, truthfully red in more than the face. She handed
me a nice pair of ivory slacks, then a top in burgundy with ivory
trim around the sleeves and neck. I stood there looking at her like
what am I supposed to do. Giggling she said you need to put them on
and then come out to the vanity. I did, the sensations of the soft
luxurious fabric making me woozy, it is like I am being caressed.
I walked out to
the vanity, set down and tried to think pure thoughts, every nerve in
my body is sending sensations to my mind, causing a burning smell to
emanate from it. She removes my scrunchie, laying it on the vanity,
then starts brushing my hair like Lucy did. I close my eyes and just
melted, it feels so good, if I could purr, they would hear me in the
next county. She uses a couple of barrettes in my hair, then hands me
her lipstick and tells me to redo my lips.
Looking in the
mirror most of it had worn off, so I applied another coat, blotted
it, then
did it again.
Stephanie smiled and led me to the dining room for something to eat.
It was set up as a buffet, both hot and cold items. My eyes must have
looked as big as saucers with all the choices available. Another
giggle, not just from Stephanie, but also from Francine and Dallas.
They suggested that I take a little of everything, that way I could
decide what I liked the best.
The food is so
good, I cleaned my plate in no time, halfway through I remembered my
manners and ate slower. I saw the ladies ate with one hand and kept
their other hand in their lap. I tried to emulate them, keeping my
hand in my lap, hard to do when the food is so good and I am so
hungry. I usually ate with one hand but the other hand is always
occupied with the water glass, or a roll. I noticed they didn’t get
anything else from the buffet, but Dallas leaned over telling me to
get more if I wanted. “Females have to watch their figures, so no
seconds for us.”
Their figures
were gorgeous, I don’t understand why they had to watch them. I got
up and added a few more spoonfuls of the best tasting items, but I
did limit what I took. I could eat there all night if they would let
me. They tried to include me in their conversation, but one and two
word answers was the limit and the extent of my participation, being
that I was occupied with the delicious food.
After dinner
Stephanie and Dallas went to an office down the hall and discussed
business, At least that is what they said they were going to do.
Francine took me to the living room, had me sit on the couch and
after getting a notepad set right next to me. “You and I need to
talk some. All of my employees know that I want to learn as much as I
can about them, their families, their education and their life. So
tonight, you are going to tell me everything. I am interested in you,
and for me to be able to help you, I need to know these things. It
will not change the scholarship I offered you, but it might make the
relationship between you and me more comfortable.”
She just looked
at me, I tried to look away from her, but she raised my chin so that
I was looking at her face, then nodded. At first I was scared, but
she made no comment about what I told her, so I gave her the whole
story, including things about Sis, and how hard Mom is working trying
to keep a roof over our heads. She asked about school, what courses I
liked, how I related to the other kids. She shook her head several
times, when I mentioned tough times, but never made a comment. She
asked about any hobbies, if I could use a computer, about Lucy’s
scholarship. I made the necessary replies, but didn’t overdo it.
I liked Francine
a lot, she didn’t make judgments, didn’t make comments that might
bother you, just listened and took everything in. After I had wound
down some she suggested some hot chocolate, my smile the only answer
she needed. We went to her kitchen, and I set at one of the bar
stools while she made the drink. I had only had the treat once
before, just a mix added to water, but this tasted so much better,
the milk she used made the drink exquisite.
She took me to
her office, had me sit behind her desk, and showed me how to get on
the internet, then how to browse and search. I was fascinated, the
computer at the testing place was fun, but this is worlds different.
She set in another chair in front of her desk while I browsed the
internet. She is writing on her pad and watching me intently. I look
over at her and her eyes are focused on me. “Do you want me to
stop, this is fun but maybe you need to use the computer?”
“No I am fine,
I can’t believe your schools didn’t offer any computer training
in this day and age. Can you tell me about the apartment that you’re
family lives in and where in Atlanta is it located?”
“Mom can only
afford a one bedroom apartment, it has a living room, a kitchen and a
bathroom. Mom and sis sleep in the bedroom and I sleep on the couch
in the living room. The bathroom has only a shower, since the tub
faucets don’t work. The apartment is located on the fringe of
downtown Atlanta, kind of between two rival gang areas. Usually they
are fighting among themselves, so we tend to be left alone. If we had
anything of value we wouldn’t have it for long, the stealing in the
area is pretty bad. The buses stop running at dark, too dangerous to
do so afterward.”
A few more notes
were written on her pad, then she asked me what I wanted to do
tomorrow. “Do you want to sight see some, maybe go to a ballgame,
what would you really like to do.” I thought for a minute, then
responded.
“I want to find
out more about being a cosmetologist, whether I might be able to
study to be one. They said there was some work study involved where I
could make some money for myself. I need to be able to send some
money to Mom, she is getting worn down, three part-time jobs for the
last four years is affecting her health and she is always tired. I
need to help her somehow, since I can’t get a job back home, this
way I can send her some money to help with expenses, so she can quit
one of her jobs.”
Francine wrote
some more things in her pad, then said take another hour on the
computer, then off to bed. “We will leave for the salon at eight
A.M. We will see what you can do and you can see what is involved. Is
that okay?” I nodded my head and then went back to the computer.
Forty minutes later I turned it off and went to my bedroom. Francine
had left earlier to talk to Stephanie, so I was alone as I made my
way to the bedroom.
When I entered I
saw some clothes laid on the bed with a note attached from Stephanie.
I was to put the clothes I had on now in the laundry basket in the
bathroom and take a bath. Then put on the sleepwear and get into bed.
If I needed any help, her bedroom is just next door. I did as the
note said, the bath was awesome, the water had bubbles in it without
me doing anything, so by the time I lowered myself into the tub the
bubbles nearly covered my body. They smelled good, a flowery scent
that clung to my body. I am reluctant to get out, the hot water and
the scent felt heavenly.
I was ashamed
too, a male enjoying a bubble bath and smelling like flowers, unheard
of. Back in my neighborhood I would be beaten regularly for any such
action. I did enjoy it though, what does that make me?
I eventually got
out, dried off and made my way back to the bed. The pajama top looked
huge, but the feel of the material was wonderful. When I picked it up
to slip it on, a pair of underwear fell out. It matched the shirt, so
I slipped it on. That feeling of the soft material on my body made me
sigh. I am guessing they are a type of panties, and the shirt is a
female’s sleep shirt, but I didn’t care at the moment. I snuggled
under the covers, the slick sheets so cool feeling and comfortable.
Within minutes I remembered nothing, sleep overcoming my need to
think things through. All of this just so wrong for a male, but
feeling so good at the same time.
Stephanie woke me
the next morning, having to pull off my covers to get my full
attention. “Come on, let’s get moving, a big day ahead for you. I
have laid your clothes for the day on that chair. Hair in a ponytail
please, we will work on it at the salon. You have twenty minutes to
get ready and I will meet you in the kitchen.”
I looked for my
bag, I am sure Stephanie had put it in the walk-in closet yesterday,
but now there is no sign of it. I walked over to the chair, pants, a
blouse, and a pair of panties are there, neatly folded with a pair of
flats on the floor in front of it. Reluctantly I dressed in the
items, thankful in a way to be able to wear nicer clothes than what I
brought with me. The panties and the silky blouse the hardest to get
accustomed to. I knew they were clothes for a female and I was a
male, but the silkiness and the fact that they were new won out. I
don’t remember ever having anything new in my life, everything
either hand me downs or from thrift stores.
I brushed my hair
in the bathroom using the scrunchie from yesterday, then checked my
appearance and went to find Stephanie. I was handed a burrito, made
with eggs and sausage, and a bottle of water, and then hustled out to
her car. As we made our way to the salon, Steph told me that this
salon is one of five in the Valley of the Sun, but is the largest of
the group. When we got to the salon my jaw hit my chest. The place
was huge, the parking lot nearly full, lots of people inside being
taken care of. I followed behind her, taking time to gawk at the
customers and the stylists. Everywhere I looked there is more
stylists, some in individual rooms, others at stations spread out
over the floor of the salon. Their pink and burgundy outfits clearly
identifying them as employees.
Stephanie had to
slow down several times to let me catch up, my head swiveling around
trying to take it all in. Finally she grabbed my hand and led me on
back to an office at the back of the salon. She walked right in,
pointing to a chair in front of the desk. I sat there trying to
process all that I saw on the way in, my mind clogged with all the
scenes I saw, even some male customers getting makeup and curlers in
their hair was the most I remembered.
Francine came in
next, sitting behind the desk, trying to get my attention. “Casey
you have to wake up, you will have time later to process what you
have seen, we need to show you some things and get your feet wet, so
that we can see how this is going to work. None of this is a test, I
just want to see how much talent you might have and if you accept the
scholarship where we need to start your training. Stephanie has taken
a liking to you so she will show you some things then we will set you
up with a place to show us what you can do. Have fun with it, do your
best and we will talk about all of it later.”
Another short
walk, to a more private room, around the corner from Francine’s
office. Stephanie slipped a short apron over her dress had me sit in
a chair then leaned the chair back. This room had mirrors everywhere,
so that I could see what she is doing from several different
directions. She washed my hair, then added a conditioner, telling me
what she is doing. I watched her in the mirrors, as she performed the
steps.
Placing the chair
back up in the upright position she combed my hair, then sectioned it
off. Going through each section she released it combed it straight,
then cut it. Then to the next section, working from the back of my
neck forward to my forehead. When she had finished with the cut she
started placing curlers in my hair. That got my attention real quick,
she continued, but never explained why. It was a private room, so I
tried to stay calm, but I had many questions, number one why a male
would be getting his hair in curlers?
I like Stephanie,
she is a lot like my sister, helping me but making sure that I behave
also. I withheld my comments, but watched even more intently to see
what else she is going to do to me. After she had completed that
task, she started working on my nails. Filing them, removing
something from around the edge of my nails, and then applying polish
to them. A clear coat first, then two coats of color, followed by
another clear coat. I couldn’t believe how they looked, the light
shining off them as I moved my fingers.
I was moved to
another chair under a dryer, and she turned it on giving me a
hairstyles book to look at while my hair dried. Boy, I would have
never thought I would end up in a salon, hair in curlers, under a
dryer looking at a hairstyle book with polished nails in a vibrant
pink. I wasn’t sure whether I should be upset or happy to be
pampered, but the tears were threatening to make their way down my
cheek, none the less.
When the dryer
clicked off she had me move back to the styling chair, and removed
the curlers. She brushed it lightly, just teasing the curls a little
without pulling the curl out completely. As she did more and more of
the curls, I was amazed at my transformation. Anything masculine
disappeared and a cute young girl appeared in the mirror.
She had me stand
up, asked if I had been watching everything she had done, then
pointed to a life size mannequin in another chair at the back of the
room. It had hair similar in length to mine, and finger nails
slightly longer than mine. “She is all yours, take as much time as
you want, but I want you to do the same thing with her as I did to
you. If you want to make changes be my guest.”
“It is nine
o’clock now, we will take lunch at one so have fun, and you can’t
damage anything or ruin anything so just have some fun. There is a
computer if you want to look something up on the counter, similar to
the one you used last night. I have a class I need to take, so I will
be busy for a while. Both Francine and Dallas will be by to watch for
a while, but don’t let them bother you.” I received a hug and she
was gone. I sat down hard in the chair, yeah no pressure at all.
I figured I would
have some fun so I started by moving the mannequin to the styling
chair. I doubted I could do what Steph had done to me, but it will
kill some time. I really didn’t want someone to peek over my
shoulder so I closed the door to the room. In the past, at high
school that has happened several times, so maybe with the door closed
I wouldn’t attract as much attention.
I leaned the
chair back, washed the hair several times, and applied conditioner
after carefully rinsing the shampoo out. I liked running my fingers
through the hair, it just felt right somehow. I rinsed the
conditioner out then toweled dry the hair. I set the chair back up
and sectioned the hair. It took me a couple of minutes to be able to
grip the comb right, and hold on to the hair until I could clip it
together.
After finishing
that, I looked in the mirror at my hair seeing how Stephanie had cut
my hair, focusing on the length of each layer. I sighed, started on
the lower neck and tried to emulate what Stephanie had done for me.
Every once in a while I checked the length from side to side to make
sure I was cutting it even across the head. When I had finished the
hair on the mannequin is very similar to my cut. I started on the
curlers, it took me several attempts before I could even roll the
hair and not have it look like half of the hair was not in the
curler.
Another sigh,
when the last roller went in. Now for the hard part, the manicure.
That was the name Stephanie used for what she did to my nails. Filing
the nails was not too hard, although I had to straighten out a couple
where I did not have them even. The cuticle part was a little more
adventuresome. I learned the word cuticle from the bottle that
Stephanie had got the liquid from. I did as she had done pushing back
the extra skin, then watching it dissolve so that I could wipe it
off.
The first attempt
at putting on the polish was a disaster, even a kid could stay within
the lines when coloring, and I was not even close. Then I thought at
how Stephanie held her hands when applying the polish. When I laid
the palm of my hand flat, it was much easier. I had four nails that I
had to redo, it took me several minutes to find the polish remover to
be able to get the disaster off, so that I could try again. This time
I managed to stay within the lines, and was able to add the other
coat, then the topcoat.
I looked at the
time on the computer, I still had over an hour, so I decided that I
would try some makeup. It was on the counter top at the side of the
room, so fair game for me to play with. While I was figuring what
makeup I wanted to use I checked the dryness of the hair, deciding it
needed a few more minutes to dry. I had done the manicure with the
mannequin under the dryer, like I had seen some of the stylists do as
I walked into the salon.
I picked a few
things that I figured that I could handle, laid them to the side,
then went back and removed the mannequin from the dryer. Back in the
stylist chair, I removed the curlers, then looked at the mass of
curls before me, trying to think what I could do to be a little
different. I tried the brush through some of the curls at the side of
the head, pulling the curl up with a slightly smooth side. It looked
good so I looked for something to help keep the hair that way. I
found some pins on the counter and carefully pinned the curls near
the top, leaving the side somewhat smooth, although it was still
slightly puffed out.
I brushed the top
curls up arranging them in neat little circles all over the top of
the head. Those also were pinned to keep them in place. I tried the
front curls several different ways, but ended up brushing them
forward, then to the right side. Now for the back, I tried several
different things, not liking anything I tried. I finally decided to
pull the curls straight back and up, then teasing them lightly to
drop a little like tendrils. The hair could have been a little
longer, but I liked the look.
Now for my
attempt at makeup. I knew that I liked when Stephanie added lipstick
to my lips at the airport, feeling guilty that I liked it. Ever since
I flew out here, nothing has made sense to me. I didn’t make a
scene when I was given different clothes to wear, enjoyed the
lipstick, and loved the female sleep shirt, wondering if I would have
the same one tonight or something different. Just too weird, but at
the same time fun. I applied some mascara to the mannequin’s
lashes, using several coats to make them look darker. I had seen
Stephanie apply it to her own lashes at the airport, so I tried to
duplicate what she had done.
Then a little
blush on my customer’s cheeks, taken off and reapplied when I got
it too near the nose. I giggled when I thought of the mannequin as my
customer, but that is exactly what it would have been as a person.
Thankfully there was a box of makeup wipes for that purpose on the
counter next to where the pins were. Then lipstick using a darker
pencil to outline the lips, then a lighter shade to fill it in. Since
it is a mannequin, I didn’t bother to blot the lips.
Stephanie was not
back yet, so I took the mascara to my own lashes, just to see what I
would look like. Well that didn’t work out because I ended up
sticking the brush right in my eye. Alright fall back and let’s try
that again. Second time I almost messed it up again, but managed to
get some where it should be. It took me twenty minutes to get enough
on my eyes to show up, blinking my lashes looking so seductive. After
the fight with the mascara, the blush got dropped, so I just did my
lips in the burgundy outline and the light red lipstick.
This time I did
blot and reapplied the lipstick. I heard the door open, and Stephanie
came in looking gorgeous. It turned out she was here for a class in
new cosmetics that the salons were going to carry. While she was
telling me this she walked around the mannequin looking at it very
closely. “Have you had any help” I told her no, I was just
playing around.
She excused
herself for a minute and came back in ten minutes with Dallas and
Francine in tow. Both had their faces done in the new makeup, looking
quite beautiful. I complimented them on their looks, but Francine
wanted to know who I had talked into helping me.
I looked at the
floor, whispering that I had no help, also telling her that people
around me when I am doing something bothers me. Francine and Dallas
both conferred on the other side of the room. I couldn’t understand
what was said. Meanwhile, Stephanie was smiling as if she had just
had a tasty meal, one that was too good to be ignored. She touched my
lips, checked my mascara, telling me that I needed a little more on
my top lashes. She handed me the mascara and watched as I applied
another coat to the top lashes.
Francine
suggested we go to her office, she had some things to talk over with
me. This time I was told to sit on the sofa, with her right next to
me. “I have seen many students over the years, some good, some with
skills so good that they spent only months getting their license.
You, however, have blown all of them away. You will take my
scholarship, there is no discussion on that any more. I have made
your mind up for you, your skill and ideas are way ahead of a lot of
my stylists I have working for me now. You just need some of the
basic anatomy and hair care courses. Now are you going to be a
problem, or will you cooperate with me?”
I giggled a
little. “Okay, I will accept your scholarship, and I just hope you
will not be disappointed with me later. It is fun, I had a ball
today, almost forgetting where I came from and my family. I do want
to earn some money so that I can help my Mom though.”
“What type of
jobs does your mother have?”
She works as a
cook at one place, at another she is a waitress, and her last job is
as an assistant in a beauty salon. She cleans, does their laundry,
and restocks the supplies for the salon. The owner is nice enough to
allow her to get phone calls there, since we have no phone at home.”
Francine looked at Dallas and before she left the room, she told us
that she had to make one phone call, but would be right out.”
Stephanie suggested lunch, my stomach growling its approval.
Steph and I
walked to the front reception desk, and she picked up one of the
salon’s weekly newsletters. She opened it up to the next to back
page where new employee arrivals were listed. “I will get your
picture here next week, since you will be joining the group, but I
think we need to work on your appearance some. The hair could use
some more work, and you definitely need to practice with your
makeup.”
“You want my
picture as a female? I am a male you know, maybe not much of one but
never the less a male.” Stephanie has offered me many opportunities
to dress like a female and I have not refused her, I wonder if she
sees me as a female. I am sure that the scholarship is for the male
Casey, but yet they haven’t said anything either about the clothes,
lipstick, and mascara. I presume the curly hair was a test to see if
I could do something like that on my own.
Stephanie leaned
over near me, talking quietly. “Who do you see yourself as? If I
remember correctly you put the mascara and lipstick on yourself,
after your session with the mannequin. Don’t look down at the floor
when someone calls you on some incident. You like it, and you know
it. So let’s own up to it and be the best person that you can be,
whether male or female. Okay.”
I nodded my head,
but she still had to raise my chin till I was looking at her.
“Remember what I said.”
Francine came up
from her office and we headed to her car. As we were driving to a
restaurant Francine told Stephanie to enroll me in the makeup class
that they were sponsoring at the salon. You can teach Casey this
afternoon what she missed this morning. Then tomorrow morning she can
join us. I looked at Francine, puzzled at what she said, then over to
Stephanie who was giggling at me. “Well no time like the present to
work on your makeup skills. By the end of the week you will be
gorgeous.”
I immediately
looked at the floorboard, but Stephanie calling my name made me look
up. She smiled then looked out the other window. I swallowed hard, I
can see where she isn’t going to let me forget her advice anytime
soon. The restaurant was a little Italian place, small but cozy. We
were seated and given menus. I looked at the selections and almost
choked. The cheapest thing was seven dollars, my family could eat for
three days on seven dollars. I looked up to say something but
Stephanie’s look made me swallow those words.
I decided on the
spaghetti with meatballs, then Stephanie told the waitress that I
would have the side order of spaghetti and meatballs, and a small
salad. I looked over to her, she was trying hard to stifle a giggle,
but not succeeding very well. When the waitress left the table to
turn in the orders, Steph leaned a little closer, you now have to
watch your figure, smaller entrees and a salad pretty much a
requirement for a young female to stay attractive. I started to
object, the hard look and scowl on her face I got from her killed
that thought instantly.
“If you are
going to be wearing makeup, and have a cute hairstyle you will have
to wear female clothes. To stay attractive in those clothes you will
have to curb your appetite and eat healthier. Now do you understand?”
I nodded, but this time remembered to look at her and not at the
floor.
Both Francine and
Steph ordered salads with chicken on them served with a tomato sauce
to use as a dressing. It looked good, but then anything I hadn’t
had looked real good now. We talked a little more Francine then
suggested that Steph and I go horseback riding tomorrow afternoon
after the makeup class. The thought of me on a horse made me laugh,
yeah right, I doubt you could even convince me to try it. Then I
doubted I would stay on one long, probably falling off right after I
got on.
When we got back
to the salon, Dallas met us at the door and Francine and her went
back to the office talking. I thought I heard my sister’s name in
the small part I was able to hear. Steph dragged me to a private
room, handed me some makeup wipes and told me to cleanse my face real
good. She had brought in a tray loaded with makeup, different than
what was left in the other room. We set down in chairs facing mirrors
and she asked me if I had to shave often. I blushed but told her I
had nothing there to shave, not even one stinking whisker. She handed
me a cream and told me to apply it to where a male usually has a
beard, then let it set for thirty minutes.
While that was
doing its thing she had me pluck my eyebrows. The first one hurt a
lot, in fact they all hurt. Steph told me eventually the pain would
not be sufficient to be felt, a few months and I would not even think
about it. I am not sure if I want to continue to pluck my eyebrows,
but maybe dressed as a female all the time might require that
procedure. She didn’t get carried away with what she told me to
take out, but it sure changed the appearance of my face. My eyes
became more noticeable my forehead less conspicuous.
Then she picked
out my colors, from the large selection on the tray. As she tried a
spot of each to make sure they accented my features and not
detracted, the selections were set in front of me. Then she pointed
in what order they were to be applied to my face. I thought she was
going to put the cosmetics on for me, but she had other ideas. I had
to remove the cream on my beard area, then a moisturizer and I was
ready for the makeup. The first one is a concealer, she explained its
uses and where it is usually applied and with what. Then she handed
it to me and told me to get started. I just looked at her, “Aren’t
you going to help me?”
She smiled. “I
am helping you. I told you where to use it and why, it is your face
and you need to learn to do this for yourself, so get started.” I
frowned, actually it was more like a pout, Stephanie giggling at my
facial expressions. I used my finger and applied it where she told me
to. It seemed to be too heavy so I rubbed it a little more and it
smoothed out so that it didn’t look I had any on. The spots I had
put it on did look brighter, the darker areas now gone.
As I moved
through the selections each one done in the same way. I applied too
much eye shadow, it obviously showed so she handed me some makeup
wipes and told me to clean all of the makeup off my face. After
completing that she smiled and told me to start over again from the
concealer. That happened twice more before she was happy with my
makeup. I enjoyed the mascara and the lipstick the most, licking my
lips to taste the lipstick after I applied it. Stephanie smiled,
then told me to go to Francine’s office and show her what I did.
As I walked down
the aisle I was nervous, proud of what I accomplished, and somewhat
ashamed of letting myself doing something so feminine. I peeked into
her office and without looking up she told me to come on in. I walked
over to her desk, and stood waiting for her to finish her work. She
looked up at me, then got up and came around to hug me, holding me
very tight, just like what Mom and Sis did back home. She saw me
wavering and moisture in my eyes. “Don’t you dare cry and ruin
that beautiful face.”
We moved to the
couch and set down. Her right beside me holding my hand tightly. “Do
you like how you look? You make a very pretty girl you know. I think
for your time here it would be better if you stayed as a female, the
way you move, your hand movements, your voice, all of those things
very feminine. I won’t push the issue, but if you want to I would
be very supportive of having a female Casey for my pupil.”
“I don’t have
any female clothes to wear, Stephanie has been nice enough to let me
wear what is in my room, but I can’t keep borrowing them, the owner
will be upset.”
Francine giggled,
“Those clothes are yours so let’s not hear about not having
clothes again. As you get comfortable in your stay, we will let you
pick out some clothes that you like from our store. So now that is
settled let’s talk about your beautiful face.
When we get
through I want you to walk through the salon, observe the faces of my
stylists and the customers and then find a mirror and look closely at
yours. You are very pretty, and as a female you are gorgeous. Your
makeup confirms that the woman underneath is totally female from the
inside out. Anybody can put makeup on, but the inner beauty is what
makes the makeup spectacular” she concluded.
I thought of lots
of things as I walked through the salon, taking time to look at the
faces of the stylists and their customers. Since I have accepted the
scholarship, I wonder where I will be staying. Dressing as a female
might make living alone a bit of a problem. How does a female react,
what does she do, how will I be perceived by others? All questions to
find answers to. I also need to find out more about my chance to work
some, the need to help Mom a major concern for me.
There were quite
a few totally beautiful faces in the salon. I know several of them
were male, but a lot of them were a question mark. All of her
stylists dressed and acted like girly gurls, walking around in their
towering heels, making their customers even more gorgeous. When I
made it back to where I did my makeup Stephanie was still there. I
walked back to the vanity I had been seated at and stared at the
image in the mirror. I sighed, my face is pretty, almost as pretty as
the faces I saw in the salon. So wrong for a male to be prettier than
a lot of females.
Stephanie watched
my face as I looked at my image, wondering what is going through my
mind. I felt closer to Steph than the others, Dallas and Francine
were just as nice as Steph, but I felt more comfortable around her.
“Okay, enough
of that thinking, you are going to be wrinkled and old before you get
to your next birthday. What is on your mind? I will not tolerate any
evasive maneuvers. I need to hear what is bothering you so I can
help. Now out with it,” she said looking at me like a loving mom
talking to a child.
It all came out,
like the floodgates suddenly opened and my thoughts and worries were
splattered all over the place. “Where will I be staying when I am
studying to be a cosmetologist? Can I still earn some money to send
Mom? Am I going to be dressed as a female all the time? It seems so
wrong to be dressing as a female, I do like parts of it, but I am a
male, surely this is not right.” The tears followed right behind, I
was now leaning on Steph’s shoulder, bawling my eyes out. That even
made me ashamed, young men aren’t supposed to cry, now seemingly
crying at the drop of a hat.
Steph finally
managed to calm me down some getting me to sit up again, her blouse
wet from my crying. “I will answer your questions then we will have
a long talk. You are going to stay here at Francine’s during your
training. We will make sure your Mom is taken care of, a reward for
having two such sweet daughters. You will not be required to dress as
a girl, but you and I both know that is what you want. As for being
wrong, there is no right and wrong, everybody deserves some happiness
in life, so if you acting like a girl makes you happy, what is wrong
with that?”
“Casey, you
have a lot of talent, once you get some training you will go far, a
career in Cosmetology that will make you financially secure for your
entire life. Dallas and Francine are working at helping your family
become more secure, and allowing your Mom some rest from her efforts
to provide for you two. After your training, you have a guaranteed
job here for the remainder of your life.”
“Now as to your
dressing, since we have some time this afternoon, let’s get you
dolled up, heavy on the femininity, and spend the rest of the day as
a young woman, both in looks and actions. Then tonight we can discuss
whether you want to continue or revert back to the young man image.”
I nodded and was dragged off to experience a dose of femininity.
Nervous, yes,
scared, yes, curious definitely. I think terrified would be a better
choice of words in this case.
When we got to a
treatment room, she asked me to disrobe, then hop up on the table.
Several techs showed up and three pairs of hands started working on
me. My nail polish is removed and extensions are added to my existing
finger nails. Fake breasts are next, measured and then glued to my
chest, and finally the third tech worked on my toenails. This time I
was going to receive a bright red polish, both toes and fingers, the
extensions making my fingers look thinner and more lady-like. As soon
as the tech took her hands off my new breasts they started moving,
every breath causing some movement of my new additions. I moved my
newly manicured hands to stop the motion, the motion quite disturbing
to me.
I looked at my
image in the mirror, something that I noticed I was doing much more
often. Laying on the table is a pretty young woman, holding her
breasts tenderly. I sighed, so wrong yet it felt and looked so
natural, a female obviously having some salon time, getting ready to
go out. They helped me up to a sitting position and a bra is slipped
over my arms and fastened. That helped immensely, the movement now
somewhat restrained and less obvious.
Stephanie handed
me a robe then led me through a door at the side of the salon. My
eyes got as big as saucers when I saw all the clothes in the store.
Apparently this is part of the salon, a part I knew nothing about.
There are quite a few customers shopping, the three changing rooms in
the back of the store currently full. I am led to a section of racks
that have some of the most beautiful dresses hanging there that I
have seen. I look down for a minute, I just stared in awe at the
beautiful dresses, something a male would never do. Stephanie quick
to catch my downward glance and called my name. I looked up
immediately, blushing at being caught again. Still ashamed about
noticing how pretty the dresses are, something a male would never do
unless it was on a beautiful woman, the female his object of desire,
not the dress.
We shopped for a
proper dress for quite a while, I even tried on one to see how I
would look. It was narrowed down to a Red silk dress and an Ivory
sweater dress. The red dress hugged my body coming to only mid-way on
my thigh. The skirt was very tight and restricted movement as I tried
to walk. It had a scoop neck, helping to frame my face even more. The
bodice of the dress was hugging my upper torso, just like the skirt
did down below.
The sweater dress
had a delicate stitch to it, making it look like part of the dress is
lace. The sweater dress was just plain tight all over, hugging my
breasts and butt like it had been sprayed on. I couldn’t make up my
mind, so Steph took both selections back to the salon. She talked to
both Dallas and Francine then we took her rental car and headed home.
Yes, Francine’s house seemed like home, I was already feeling like
I belonged somehow.
When we got home
I was led to my bedroom. “Get undressed, take another bath, then
put on the lingerie I will lay out, then select the dress you want to
wear tonight. You and I are going out to dinner, then to a club for
some dancing.”
I panicked, “I
can’t go out with you in front of other people, they will see that
I am a male and I will be picked on, maybe worse.” She turned me
towards the mirror in my room, “There is no male here anymore, just
Casey and she needs to interact with other people as a female, so do
as I say. You have one hour to get ready, including applying the new
makeup. Now get to it, girl!”
I looked at the
floor again. “Casey stop that and get ready.” I swear she has
eyes in the back of her head. I did as she said, but my stomach was
doing somersaults as I got ready. I finally managed to finish and
went to the floor length mirror to check my appearance. There was no
male showing that is for sure. Now whether that is good or bad, that
is to be determined. I went down the hall to the kitchen all three of
them waiting for me. I swallowed hard, but kept my head up before
Steph could admonish me again. I got a big hug from both of them, but
before I could say anything else I am being led to Steph’s car.
Back towards
town, this time going to one of the suburbs of Phoenix. Scottsdale is
the ritzier of the suburbs surrounding Phoenix, according to Steph.
We pulled up in front a young adult dance club, the valet getting our
doors for us. We walked in, although I was holding back a little,
still hesitant about any of this. We were shown to a table, helped
with our chairs and Steph ordered us two diet cokes.
There were a lot
of people here, both males and females, but as soon as we sat down I
noticed lots of eyes focused on us. Steph moved a little closer to me
so we wouldn’t have to shout. There is music playing from a big
jukebox in the center of the dance floor. There were some revolving
spot lights moving over the dancers adding to the excitement of the
room.
I was intrigued,
but held back by my body trying to shrink and sneak away before
someone came up to me, exposed me and I got thrown out. At least,
that is what my mind is telling me that would most likely happen if I
stayed. Steph made me look her in the eye, “Nobody will see
anything other than a young female out on the town, so relax, look
around and if someone comes up to the table we are going to be polite
and talk to them, okay?” I nodded my head, but did manage to look
around some.
Sure enough two
young males did show up at our table, wanting to know if we wanted to
dance. I went instant red, but Steph told them no, not right now but
maybe later. They did ask our names, Steph telling them hers and
looked at me. Damn she is going to make me talk to them. I gave them
my name and then asked if Steph wanted to use the ladies room,
something I had read in one of the magazines at the salon while my
hair is drying. Steph is giggling away, as we made our way to the
restroom. Then as we approached, I suddenly stopped, I can’t go in
there, but when I looked at myself, I realized I couldn’t go to the
other one either. So into the ladies room and quickly into a stall to
keep talking between me and Steph to a minimum. As we cleared the
door I saw the line, and knew I had screwed myself royally. I looked
to Steph, she just smiled and we stood in line waiting for a stall to
open up.
By the time one
was empty I really did have to go, I made my way in facing the
toilet. It was suddenly a duh moment. I quickly turned around and
began to figure out what clothes had to come off for me to be able to
actually use the bathroom. It seemed like forever before I was able
to get undressed, use the toilet and then redress. I almost walked
back out without my purse, but remembered it at the last minute.
Steph was at the sinks repairing her lipstick, so I joined her and
did the same.
We made our way
back to the table, luckily the young men were gone. Steph set right
next to me and began to explain what went on in these clubs. I
relaxed some, realizing that although I was being stared at, it was
exciting in being not found out.
After she had
informed me of quite a few likely scenarios tonight, she just told me
to follow her lead. It wasn’t but a few minutes later that another
two some approached us. They introduced themselves and we did
likewise. They asked us to dance and Steph graciously accepted. I
looked at her, with daggers, I can’t dance and especially with a
guy. Ben and Steven took hold of our arms and helped us up from the
table. We were led to the dance floor, where the next number just had
to be a slow romantic song. Steven held me like you would hold a girl
and I copied what Steph was doing with Ben. The dance was alright, I
didn’t step on any toes that I remembered, being held like that was
nice, but then I shouldn’t allow it to start with. They played
another slow number, so we remained on the dance floor. Finally,
Steph told them thanks for the dance so we could head back to the
table. Both of our hands got kissed, that right there turned me
upside down. I now was clueless about where I was and what I am
doing.
I did manage to
follow Steph to the table, and plopped down in my chair. Steph ever
the taskmaster made me stand again and sit properly. She is having a
hard time from breaking out into laughter, even some tears forming
since she is about ready to split a gut. I lean my head down in
shame, but quickly straighten up before she calls me on it again.
Finally everything and everybody recovers some and we talk.
“To dress as a
female, especially an attractive female, males become a part of your
life whether you desire it or not. That is just how it is, so you
have to learn how to deal with the attention, how to tell them no,
and how to stay safe around them. That is what we are doing here
tonight.”
“You might want
nothing to do with a male, but pretty women attract males like flies.
You can’t just tell them to go away, a male figures you are just
playing hard to get, so he tries harder. It is ingrained in them to
pursue pretty females till they catch them. As you have seen here
tonight, you are going to attract a lot of attention as a female. So
it is vital to learn how to manage that attention, stay safe, and
still have a little fun and enjoyment.”
“You probably
weigh about a hundred and thirty pounds, now put you in a dress,
proper undergarments, and heels, then have a two hundred and fifty
pound male seeking your attention. How are you going to handle him if
you tell him no, and he decides to ignore you. I doubt you could beat
him up or physically keep him from raping you if he gets drunk and
decides he deserves some attention from you.”
“There are ways
to handle men, so pay attention and learn, it could save your life
later. First, if possible on dates never go out alone, another female
often makes such a difference in reigning in inappropriate behavior.
Second, a cell phone, some pepper spray, cash money, and condoms are
essential for any young female. A cell phone to call for help, the
pepper spray to stop aggression toward you, the cash money to get you
back home safe from a situation, and condoms to assure that you don’t
catch some disease that you really don’t want.”
“Casey do you
follow me so far?” I nodded in the affirmative, but shaking some as
I did it. “You are going to be a gorgeous woman, even in sweats and
minimal makeup you exude a female persona that is going to attract
lots of attention. I am not trying to keep you from enjoying the
female life, but to be smart and confident in that life.”
We stayed longer,
her pointing out ways to leave me in control, what to look for in a
male and how to tell if a male has too many drinks besides the
obvious slurred speech and repulsive breath. If a male is dressed
nicely and is courteous to others, that is one positive sign. When
first met, does he try and take control immediately or does he try
and get to know you first? She made me do the talking when the next
two males showed up.
It was funny no
matter how many were in their group, since it was only two of us,
only two of the males came to introduce themselves and ask to dance.
After I relaxed some I actually had a little fun. A particular cute
guy came up to the table, introduced himself and wanted to know if we
wanted to dance. I looked him right in the eye, “No I don’t but I
wouldn’t mind talking to you.” Stephanie almost spit her drink
out her nose and this guy’s sidekick started laughing. They did sit
down and we talked for ten minutes before they figured out nothing
else was going to happen and made their excuses to leave.
Another couple of
gentleman came over and we made the same small talk, but they too had
to leave. Then a single guy came over, introduced himself, and asked
if he could sit for a minute. He was staring at me, never even
looking at Steph. He was nice to talk to, interesting too, trying his
best to draw me out. Where I lived, what did I do for a living, all
of these and more were asked as sincerely as he could muster. Steph
signaled me that it was time to leave, so I told him that I loved
talking to him, but he was a little older than I had in mind for a
boyfriend, but I have a gay brother that might be interested in you.
He walked away shaking his head, never saying a word.
Steph did lose it
that time, grabbed my hand and we left. As we got out to the parking
lot she was howling doing everything she could to keep from
completely losing it. “Casey you are truly amazing! I wondered if
you were going to recognize the smooth talker, but you not only
recognized him, you totally shut him down. Way to go girl!”
As we drove back
to Francine’s we discussed the evening, what I learned and whether
I was still as gung-ho after seeing how the sexes related to each
other normally. Steph emphasized that not all males were like the
ones tonight, but a fair percentage did fit that category. Some would
as the dating process moved ahead tone it down, dropping back into
what amounted to their normal behavior. Some of these will be good
prospects for husbands, usually their macho friends causing the
distorted and over the top behavior.
When we got to
Francine’s I was suddenly shy and sullen. I was acutely aware that
I am still a male and tonight I acted like a young boy hungry female,
flirting and sometimes encouraging a response.
We made it back
home, and I had to recant the evening for Francine. Several times she
was looking at me, almost staring right through me. Since I was
getting more comfortable in her presence, actually more comfortable
around any of them, I asked her what she is thinking.
“I am just
amazed at the person that has been hidden deep under your male self.
There is no similarity between your female side and your male side
whatsoever. I know you have not had access to any of what you are
experiencing now, but it seems at times that you have done these
things many times before. For a product of the male gang scene, you
are talented, caring, and absolutely 100 % female.
Enough of that,
you have a full day tomorrow, makeup class in the morning and
horseback riding in the afternoon. Maybe even something special for
tomorrow evening, who knows. Time for bed, after you remove your
makeup. Shower in the morning then to the salon. One of the techs
will do your hair there, we will eat out after the class, and then
you and Steph can go horseback riding. Now vamoose.”
I slipped out of
the clothes once in my bedroom, looked for what to wear to bed, then
saw a long pink nightie laying on my bed. I slipped it on, the
feeling of it enveloping my body so good. I found a matching pantie,
then headed to the bathroom to remove my makeup. I almost felt naked
without the clothes and undergarments. Only a few days, and I want to
wear them all the time. A little bit of shame surfaces, but then I
looked at the clothes that I had slipped out of, knowing that Steph
would be on me in a heartbeat if I left them there on the floor. I
hung the dress, the undergarments put in my clothes hamper, something
the male me would never have done.
I got the makeup
off, looking at my image in the mirror, I looked rather plain,
nothing like I had looked when at the club. I thought back to a
couple of the encounters, a smile playing on my lips at the words
spoken and the lessons learned. I realized then how much different a
female’s life is compared to a male.
I got comfy in
bed, I heard the door open and Steph peeked in, wished me good night,
and then went to her room. Before I could count the first sheep, I
was sound asleep, but luckily no dreams, at least none that I
remembered. The alarm the next morning was persistent, I finally
relented and eased out of bed. The silk of the nightie caressing
every part of my body it touched.
I brushed my
teeth, then sadly left the nightie to take a shower. The pulsating
jets made a wreck of me, after I managed to turn the water off, I
stood there for at least ten minutes wondering how anything could
feel better than that shower. My self-imposed contemplation ended
when Steph poked her head in and told me to get it together, ten
minutes until they leave for the salon.
Casual dress
prevailed, a tight pair of jeans, and a camisole top. I thought about
not wearing a bra, but knew I would never get it by Steph. After I
slipped it on I was glad for the support, my breasts feeling a lot
better being cradled by the bra. I remembered no makeup this morning
since this was a class in applying makeup. I made it downstairs, all
three looking at their watches and then at me. “Hey I am a girl and
being late comes with the clothes.” They all laughed.
Dallas drove to
the salon this morning, parked in the back and we entered the salon
by the side door, the one used to access the clothing store. Through
the store, across the salon and into another store set up with
vanities, and brighter lighting. Steph showed me to a vanity, then
set at the one next to mine. An instructor entered along with ten
more stylists, their cute outfits making then stand out. Today is
apparently evening makeup, the instructor showing us what she wants
on a model in front and then we are to duplicate the look on
ourselves. As we attempted to do the same thing to ourselves she
walked around offering suggestions and hints to make it easier.
After the
foundation she excused her model, and asked me to come up front. I
gulped but obeyed, I am sure I would be made a laughing stock very
quickly. She had me sit at the vanity, same as the model, but facing
the mirror, instead of away from it. She showed me what each step is
to be by pointing it out on my face, but made me do the actual
application of the makeup. It seemed easy, each time she showed me
something new she did it but with a lot less detail. On the final two
or three things she just told me what is next and gave me no
instruction. I managed it without much difficulty, waiting for her to
go to the next item.
When we got done,
she had everybody cleanse off their face and do it all again but
without help. I seemed to not have any trouble, finishing way before
any of the other students did. I was looked over, but then she smiled
like a cat that had just finished a delicious fish. Now all your
other ladies, take it off again and do it once more, Casey will be
around to help any of you needing some help. I just stared at her,
then looked at Steph and Francine. Their smiles from ear to ear
showed me how much they appreciated my talent, knowing that I had
excelled again with very little help.
I made the rounds
helping everybody some, but purposefully tried to stay away from the
three girls, an upstart poor kid outdoing them in makeup application
that just shouldn’t happen. Most everybody got it right this time,
the instructor Lisa complimenting me on my skill and speed in doing
the makeup. She asked if I had formal training, maybe at one of the
theatrical universities. I told her no, but left the other facts out.
Well Francine heard part of this and walked over. “Casey is here on
a scholarship to learn to be a cosmetologist, no formal training so
far.”
Lisa just stood
there mouth agape, Steph shortly joining the conversation. “Think
what she will be able to do when she has some classes, providing we
can find somebody that knows enough to teach her something she can’t
just look at and do with no instruction.” Lisa was sure we were
pulling her leg, I know technicians back at the company that are not
as good as you.
By the way when
you get finished your training I am sure my company would be glad to
hire you. Before any of the girls could speak up, “I already have a
job here, so no thanks, but I do appreciate you offering it to me.”
Surprisingly I was proud to make that statement, quite a turn around
for a former male. Then another thought, I wonder how much of a male
I actually was.
We all left the
room stopping to check on things in the salon, then out to Francine’s
car. The short ride to the restaurant was passed in quiet, my mind
wondering why things so feminine appear to come so easy to me. We
went in and got seated in a private room in the back. Our drink
orders were placed, then we discussed what we were going to order for
lunch. I figured a chicken salad, already my figure is influencing my
menu choices. While we were waiting for the waitress to return I
reached into my purse and opened my compact to check my lipstick. We
had all visited the ladies room before we left the salon, but I
wanted to make sure my lipstick is fresh, not sure why, but it seemed
to be the thing to do.
Steph started
giggling, the other two joined in shortly thereafter as soon as they
became aware of what I was doing. I looked at them then giggled a
little myself, then in typical female teenage mode stuck my tongue
out at them, causing the giggles to be transformed into outright
laughter. We finished the meal in some chit chat, nothing really
being said, but just conversation shared among us.
As we got back to
the salon, Steph pulled me away, “We have a date with a horse, so
let’s go.” I tried to pull back, this was more than I wanted to
try, for some reason being on a horse scared me to the core. Well
Steph had other ideas so soon we were out at Francine’s at her
stable. Steph wanted to know if I wanted to ride in a saddle or
wanted to ride sidesaddle. I kind of slumped my shoulders, I didn’t
want either, but doubted I would get that choice. She showed me how
to saddle the horse and put the bridle on, the horse turning to size
me up before I mounted her. I figured she saw how new I was to this
and would dump me as soon as we cleared the barn.
I was helped up
on to Salon Star and waited as Steph mounted her horse. She took the
reins for my horse and led us out into the pasture. A nice easy walk,
I was amazed I was still on the horse, leaning forward to hang on to
its mane, for fear of falling off. I gradually set straight in the
saddle when I realized I wouldn’t fall off, then Steph handed me
the reins so that I had control of the horse. That was even worse,
what do I do with the reins. We rode around the perimeter of the
pasture, as I became less terrified of the horse. Steph started
showing me what the reins were used for, and how to use my feet in
the stirrups.
I actually got
Salon Star to a trot, me bouncing wildly in the saddle, but it was
fun. We went back to the barn, took the saddles off and brushed down
the horses. When I finished Salon Star turned her head and gave me a
kiss, shocking me. It was more a lick with a wet tongue, but never
the less it was nice. Steph giggling away as I wiped my face with a
towel. We walked outside a little, talking about the horses, life in
general and if I was looking forward to my training. “Yes this week
has been terrific, more that I have ever hoped to experience. I am
still ashamed of me dressing as a female, it feels right, but also
not something a young male should partake of.”
As an
afterthought I told her I missed my Mom and sister, hoping things are
going alright with them. A smile from her and we headed back to the
house.
When we got to my
bedroom, she told me have guests tonight, so I had to dress in some
nicer clothes. The gray A-line skirt and the black and grey sweater
would be fine for dinner tonight. Four-inch heels and, of course,
evening makeup. I wandered in to the bedroom, slipping off my
clothes, then made my way to the bathroom to take a shower. I have
taken more baths and showers out here than I did in three months back
home.
I had wrapped a
towel around me as Steph had shown me, went to my closet to pull out
the garments for tonight. I dressed in my lingerie, having very
little trouble with my bra, it almost seemed second nature to me now.
I slipped the panties up my leg, then a garter belt with stockings
attached. The skirt slipped over my head, and zipped up, then the
sweater. I set at the vanity and did my makeup, just like in the
class today, then worked on my hair a little.
I took a curling
iron to the top, making lots of medium curls. The back in a ponytail,
and the curls arranged around the base of the ponytail. I found some
ribbons, narrow and in the right colors of black and gray. I applied
a fresh coat of lipstick, now almost my favorite thing to do. One
more check in the mirror, then downstairs.
Entering the
dining room I saw two females standing and talking to Francine. As my
heels clicked on the floor, they turned to look at me and I let out a
high pitched squeal. Running to them I hugged them and got hugged in
return, the females were my Mom and Lucy. I didn’t even think of
how I was dressed, just so happy to see them. Mom was holding me
tight, and Sis had both of my hands in hers. When we pulled away I
suddenly remembered how I was dressed and turned bright red.
Steph was nearby,
so she came over, took my hands from sis, and made me look at her.
“We will have none of that young lady, you will not look down or be
ashamed of yourself. Your Mom and Lucy love you for who you are, so
behave or I will have to paddle that cute fanny of yours.”
Francine took
that time to tell everybody the details of the new arrangements.
“Your Mom now will live out here, a house a few miles from here.
She will work in the salon, her full time job and her only job. Sis
is now going to UCLA, a full scholarship there for four years. She
will be able to visit quite often, due to the shorter distance. Then
we have Casey. As you can tell she is all female, and quite talented.
She will stay with me at the house, since I can make sure she does
her homework and keeps her appearance as it should be. I imagine she
will have her license within three months, and then will be working
in the salon, or helping out in other salons.
I was shocked but
happy, especially for Mom, Sis too. We would be a family once again
short distances apart but still a family. Mom dragged me to a love
seat and we set down, her eyes never leaving me, I smoothed my skirt,
her eyebrow raised slightly, but nothing was said. Since I didn’t
offer any explanations Steph interceded and told every one of my
exploits, my time at the salon and my accomplishments. Mom and Sis
listened intently, smiling often as my tales were told. I was
extremely embarrassed, dressed as a female, all of the things that I
did as one and now sitting next to my mother, dressed as her youngest
daughter.
Francine stopped
us, it was time to eat. We made our way to the dining room and all
were seated. I was immediately put on the spot as Francine asked me
to say a little prayer. Through the redness of my embarrassment I
thanked the lord for my Mom and Sis and Francine. Thank you for these
caring people and this food. Last but not least for my substitute
mother Stephanie, who has made me see the truth among a jungle of
falsehoods? I love you all and ask the lord’s blessing. Amen.
I looked up,
tears in Steph’s eyes as Mom got up and went to Steph to hug her
and thank her. Lucy and Francine were all smiles. The food was great,
and for once no one told me I had to watch what I ate. I did though,
the idea had already been set in my mind, pretty for a female means
some sacrifices. After finishing dinner Mom and Sis grabbed me and we
went to my room to talk alone for a while. Francine and Stephanie had
some business to discuss. I think it was just so we could talk alone.
Mom was so
thrilled at what I had done for her and Sis. Francine had told Mom
that I was so special that her and my sister needed to be rewarded
for putting up with such a wonderful daughter. By the time they had
been told everything had been arranged, her new job, her new house
and sis’s scholarship had been transferred and enhanced. Mom and
Sis both got cars so they could get to work and school, Mom got
driving lessons, while sis had gotten hers in school.
Then Mom looked
at me. “Are you happy this way? It looks like you were born to it,
the mannerisms everything about you says female. Looking at you I
only see my daughter, the other child that used to live with us is
gone. Thinking back maybe you were always my daughter, just dressed
funny to blend in at school.”
“Yes, Mom I
think this is right, I was helped along the way to find myself, but
never pushed or shoved to do something I didn’t want to do.
Stephanie has been my angel looking after me and caring for me like
you do. She has made me behave, doing what is right and never
settling for anything else. Can she be a member of our family too?”
I was hugged by both of them, Mom crying and Sis whispering in my ear
that the real you has emerged, finally.
We talked some
more than rejoined the rest in the living room. Mom went directly to
Stephanie and hugged her again for caring for me. Then both Mom and
Sis hugged and thanked Francine for everything. Francine smiled, you
will have to do a good job for me at the salon and sis will have to
excel at her studies, I always need well trained computer people. By
the way these came for you, and handed each one of us a cell phone.
You are on our salon’s plan so you will have all the minutes you
need to use. Steph will show Casey how to use them and she can show
her Mom and Lucy.
Now let’s
adjourn to our salon in the house and have Casey give his Mom and Sis
a makeover. I quickly looked over at Francine, no you can’t do that
to me. In the meantime Steph had my arm and was leading us to the
salon. I was panicking, but to no avail. Sis wanted to go first, so
she hopped up into the chair. Steph pulled me aside, they love you,
now show them what you can do. I will help if I am needed so get
started.
I did the same
thing I had done with the mannequin, wash and condition, cut and
curlers. Sis’s hair was longer so I used larger curlers. I tried to
think how it would look the best. Sis was kind of no nonsense, not
really girly, but still a female. I decided on a bob for her, easy to
maintain, but still feminine. I consulted with Stephanie, told her a
bob and is this the set for that hairstyle?
She grinned at
me, “You saw it in the hair styling book didn’t you?” I had
remembered and the set I used was the right one for a bob. I went
back to sis and as her hair was drying I did her manicure. Looking at
her face I thought that a peach color would look the best. I selected
a peach nail color with some sparkle in it, not glittery but just
spots of light reflecting particles. I managed to get the manicure
done, I only had to redo one nail when I couldn’t stay within the
confines of her nail.
Then I started on
her face, her eyebrows needing the most attention. Sis never said a
word during the whole transformation. Her eyes were glued to
everything I did, every movement, every action, everything I touched.
When I had her eyebrows looking better, I started on her makeup.
Concealer, then foundation, blended till they almost disappeared. I
managed to get her eyes lined fairly easy, but was shaking when I
tried the mascara. I took a deep breath then started again. Steph
came over and put a hand on my shoulder to give me confidence, after
that I managed to get three coats on her eyes. I added some blush, a
touch of eye shadow to blend with the blush, then moved to her lips.
I got her lips
lined, working so close to her, I decided that a cheek kiss was
appropriate. I got a big hug from her in return, but everybody told
her not to cry, it would ruin the makeup. I applied the lipstick,
three coats, blotting in between. Then I went back to her hair. The
curlers were removed and I started brushing the hair. Gently at first
turning under the brush as I pulled it through the curl. I had to
use a curling iron on her bangs where I didn’t get the curlers set
right. The finished product was what I had envisioned, it made her
look a little older and much more attractive. When I turned the chair
around to face the mirror, she saw her image and squealed in delight.
Before I could protect myself I was engulfed in a massive hug, with
lipstick marks all over my face.
I saw Steph
behind her smiling, and giving me a nod of her head. Francine had the
biggest smile on her face, and Steph was mouthing well done. Mom
looked in awe, her older daughter looking so beautiful as she was
attacking me.
Finally things
calmed down a little and I took Mom’s hand and led her to the
chair. “Madam you are next, I am Casey your stylist for today and I
will make you beautiful.” It took me a few moments to get her to
let me go, her hug was quite encompassing. There was a tear or two
trying to get out, I helped her into the chair and leaned her back
and started to wash her hair. I leaned down close and told her I love
her so much, just relax and I will have you looking as good as Lucy.
I thought a
layered cut, with some curls would be the best for her, but looked to
Steph for some help. Steph showed me how to do the layering then
stepped back to make me do it. I gave her a pleading look, but to no
avail. I managed to get it done, you don’t know how hard it is to
do something with an audience. Sis was watching what I was doing in
between catching glimpses of herself in the mirror. Francine and
Stephanie were also glued to my actions. I heard Mom sigh several
times, not sure why, but I hoped it was because of the pampering.
I did her
manicure, in a muted pink, more suited to her age and looks. No
extensions, her nails a little beyond her finger tips. I stayed
within the lines this time, Steph gave me a quick nod when I
finished. I had used large rollers on Mom’s hair and now it was
drying under the heat of the dryer. When it felt dry I worked on her
makeup, just the basics concealer, foundation, blush and mascara
followed up with a bright pink lipstick, that I covered with an off
white lip gloss.
To me it looked
good, but when I looked at my audience I noticed several open mouths.
Steph always the one to quiz me asked where I learned to do that. I
told her it was in one of the beauty magazines that I looked at when
under the dryer earlier at the salon. All I received was a shake of
the head in wonderment.
I took out the
curlers and brushed the hair lightly, then used a pick to reform the
curls and added a little hairspray to keep them in place. The style
framed her face, the layered curls making her look much younger. I
touched up her lipstick again with some gloss and turned the chair
around so she can look at herself in the mirror. Her mouth opened
wide and she burst into tears. She got up out of the chair and
attacked me, messing up my makeup job, but I could see she was so
happy. She squeezed me so hard, her hug trying to take all of my
breath away.
Francine came
over and hugged both of us. “Now you see why I want Casey to become
a stylist. She has so much talent. She has been here only for a few
days, watched what others did, attended a makeup class and look what
she has accomplished. Most of my career cosmetologists can’t do
what she can, and they have years of experience.”
Lucy didn’t
want to be left out, so she joined the group hug. Dallas came back in
carrying a tray of beverages, diet cokes and hot chocolate. She
looked at my Mom and Sis, then in a voice slightly louder than a
whisper “Amazing, simply amazing!” After mom calmed down some I
fixed her tear stained cheeks, redoing the makeup that had run down
her face.
The next day I
went with Mom to her new house, we had packed Steph’s car with some
clothes and necessities. It was a cute two bedroom house in a nice
neighborhood. Small enough for her to manage easily on her own, but
big enough for Sis and I if we visited. After we unloaded her things
and got them hung, Steph took her to pick up her car. It wasn’t
brand new but a name brand small economy car. It was basic white,
four door, with stereo and automatic transmission. When she set in
the car after getting the keys I saw tears running down her cheeks, I
gave her a hug, wiped her tears and rode with her back to the salon.
As we went into
the salon she found Francine and hugged her hard, Francine just took
her back to the rear of the salon and showed her what her job was
going to entail. She introduced her to everybody, making sure that
they knew that she was Casey’s Mom. Then she left her at reception
for the regular receptionist to teach her the ropes. It was
Francine’s idea that she would be able to fill in if somebody
didn’t show up for a shift or they became really busy.
Mom was in
seventh heaven, meeting everyone, talking with everybody, knowing
that she was appreciated for once in her life. As I was being taught
things I noticed that Mom was always busy, sweeping the floor of
hair, stocking supplies, answering phones, anything that she thought
needed to be done. Francine also noticed, smiling quite often through
the day, the techs also noticed, they wanted for nothing during the
day, Mom made sure that everything was as it should be.
I was switched
around during the day, each tech showing me some new hairstyle or a
new procedure. Francine only wanted me working with makeup or
hairstyles, everything else was forbidden. I wanted to learn the
other things too, the salon doing so many other things to change a
person’s sex, or at least the looks of one’s sex. I was told that
since my talent was hair and makeup she wanted me to concentrate on
those areas. When it was quieter I got treated to many of the
services, my nail color changed almost every day, and I didn’t have
to lift a brush.
Lucy got treated
to several shopping trips through the salon’s clothes and also the
mall getting her clothes for college. Dallas went with her one day to
UCLA, found her housing and helped her settle in getting her clothes
there and seeing about books and a laptop. They took her car, a two
year old sedan, with her doing part of the driving. When they got
back, she was bouncing all over the place. She had a private room in
one of the dorms, she loved her car and was complimented on her
hairstyle and makeup many times. For her life couldn’t get much
better.
Several times she
offered to get a part-time job so she could pay Francine back for her
generosity. Each time she was refused, get your schooling, and then
you are coming to work for me. Dallas had told her the same thing
many times but she felt so guilty about taking the help. Finally
Francine gave her a job to do, involving some of the maintenance
costs involved with the salon locations. It could be done on the
computer with the data accessed from the salon’s server.
I saw her on one
of the salon’s computers most of the afternoon, her eyes glued to
it. She would go to the bathroom, then almost run back to the
computer. She declined lunch, whatever she was working on was very
important to her. Just before five she took some paperwork into
Francine’s office. We did not find out until dinner that she had
finished the project in its entirety, something that Francine figured
would take her months.
Sis was proud of
herself, she had found the programs necessary to do the work, then
learned how to operate them from tutorials on the net. She entered
the data into a new spreadsheet that she had designed, then added
formulas so that the figures would automatically add up as the data
was entered. Of course, Francine was flabbergasted, her accountants
did this, but not someone just learning computers. For the next three
days Dallas spent time with her showing what was needed for their
business and how it was to be prepared. They still would have to have
the accountants but now had somebody to check their work and give
Dallas figures as she needed them to make proper management
decisions.
My time was being
well monitored, Steph my foster Mom kept a tight rein on me. From the
time we left Francine’s house until we got back at night I was
constantly doing makeup or hair. When I didn’t lose enough weight
for her satisfaction my lunches were curtailed down to an energy bar,
and that night I was escorted to a ladies gym for my first workout
session. To be fair Steph took the class too, but she must have been
cheating before she came here. As I was out of breath, my breasts
rising and falling rapidly as I tried to get air into my lungs she
just looked at me and smiled.
I did lose
fifteen pounds over the next couple of weeks. Sis had been gone for a
week now, her emails loaded with all the details of her new college
life. On her second email she requested an appointment with her
stylist for when she came back to town. She had gotten so many
compliments on her appearance that it was imperative that she book
her appointment early. Now she had an image to maintain and needed
all the help she could get. It had been decided that she would come
home every four weeks, sometimes driving herself and sometimes taking
the plane.
Mom was right at
home now in the salon, Francine never had to tell her anything, she
was always early for work and never left until she had everything
done. When a receptionist was late or called in sick she just went to
the desk and settled in for the duration. She still managed to do her
tasks, working them in as she did her receptionist job. I stayed at
her house on the weekend, still had to work the days, but at night I
was home with Mom.
Starting the
second week along with learning new hairstyles I had two hours of
class a day about hair, anatomy of the head, hands, and the face. At
the end of the month I was given a test on a computer. I am sure from
the questions it was for the state license for a cosmetologist. The
next week my studies were switched, apparently concentrating on areas
that I had missed questions about. It was not hard, just took some
concentration.
Stephanie had to
go back to her salon, but Francine and Dallas kept me studying and
out of trouble. I even got to ride Salon Star again this time by
myself, although Dallas did make sure she was around if I had any
trouble or needed help.
So I did my time
at the salon Monday thru Saturday, studied at night at Francine’s
and spent the weekend nights at Mom’s house. Never a dull moment
for me. The fourth week Stephanie came back to town, and that morning
she whisked me off to a state office on the other side of town near
the capital building.
As we were
walking in I found out I would be taking my exam for a license. I
didn’t think I was ready, but since I was standing in front of the
receptionist as she is handing me the exam I presume I will now be
taking it. I am sure that is why they brought Stephanie back, to make
sure I didn’t get away with anything. Two hours later I handed in
the exam, I had sweated through most of it, I thought I knew the
material but had that lingering doubt. The lady in the office graded
it, then announced that I had indeed passed it with a score of
ninety-seven, eighty-five is required for passing the exam.
Next I was led to
another room, and to a typical beauty station. Another mannequin was
awaiting me and the lady told me what I had to perform to complete
the exam. A wash and set, eyebrow plucking, color application, and a
full makeup job. I had three hours to finish, my efforts were to be
filmed and a panel of judges would review the tape and either pass me
or require another exam six months from now. Of course, I would have
to repeat the courses and training. The sheet of paper I was handed
gave me the hair color to use, the type of hairstyle, the type of
makeup and how the eyebrows were to be shaped.
When I awoke this
morning I had no idea that I would be doing this, I guess I should
have suspected something when Steph showed up, but it was when we
pulled up to the state office building before I became aware of what
I would be doing. I know most of the students at the salon spent at
least a year before being allowed to take the exam, so they were
pushing it with me. I was all for it as I yearned to get to do
customer’s hair for real, it was so much fun. I learned from the
classes but was also eager for them to end.
I glanced back at
Stephanie but she just smiled and told me she would be back later. I
shrugged my shoulders, and got started. The camera in the room
bothered me a little, like I was being constantly watched but I
pictured Francine and the girls there instead and I managed to forget
about it. I did the hair color first, Sylvia at the salon had taught
me well. I washed the hair first, then used two different
conditioners before I applied the hair color. I applied it to the
roots first and then worked it into the ends of the hair, I checked
it often, as Sylvia had taught me to feel the hair as to whether the
processing was done, not to use a timer for the length of treatment.
I figured that the mannequin had been used often for this and the
hair most likely in poor shape. When I felt it the first time I knew
that to be true, that is why I used twice the conditioners. As
expected, the processing was done way ahead of the normal time. I
rinsed it well and sectioned it off to be able to set it in curlers.
I was quite a bit faster in putting the hair in curlers than I was
the first time I tried it so I completed that part earlier than
expected. There was a portable dryer there and I positioned it on the
head and turned it on. I did the eyebrow plucking as the hair was
drying, making swift work of the style they had wanted the brows in.
I had to wait for
the hair to dry before I could start on the makeup. I saw some nail
color there and to stay busy I did a manicure on the mannequin,
applying a nice deep red polish to the nails. Once the hair was dry I
started on the makeup, doing a daytime look. The colors were already
selected so the process was not time consuming. I removed the
curlers, brushed the hair into the desired style, and then set back
down to wait for someone to see that I was done. I figured with the
camera they could tell that I had finished
. The lady in the
office came and got me, returning me to the main office. She handed
me my license, after snapping a picture to use on it. She did tell me
that I had obtained one of the highest scores of any applicant. Of
course, Steph came in at that time, hearing everything the lady said.
She looked at my license, a big smile breaking out on her face. She
took my hand and we were out the door and soon in her car heading
back to the salon.
When we got
there, she told me to give the license to the receptionist so that it
could be framed and hung on the front wall. She took off for
Francine’s office. Nothing much was said from the others as
Francine and Dallas were busy with some other projects. I went to the
stylist that I was scheduled for today and pitched in. They would
show me the set for the curlers and I would put the curlers in. Then
after drying I would brush it out. That way I got to see the style
and how it was supposed to look when finished.
Steph found me
and we headed to lunch. We had found a hamburger joint down the
street that was very good. One of their favorite items was a
vegetable burger, they made the burgers themselves, then fried them
on the grill. The taste was unbelievable, it tasted like beef but was
actually good for us. It was served with a salad, so was quite
popular with the ladies. After polishing one of each, we headed back
to the salon.
In the parking
lot Steph said that we were going to try something different today.
They had arranged for a bunch of students who were interested in
doing hair and makeup to a workshop. I was going to be doing the
workshop, show them some basics then walk around helping the ones
that showed some promise. She wanted me to make it fun, and
interesting, but keep an eye out for ones that have some natural
talent. I gave her a look that would kill a mere mortal, she laughed,
swatted my butt and told me my students were waiting where they did
the makeup seminar when I started.
I stood there
hands on my hips, not knowing exactly how to handle this, but another
swat on my butt, much harder than last time got me moving. As I
rubbed my ass cheeks, I looked back at her a huge smile now on her
face. I did head in that direction, maybe I can figure something out.
When I entered the room I was surprised there were at least twenty
students there, some boys and quite a few girls. I looked around to
see what I had to work with. They had set up ten work stations,
complete with curlers, brushes, and combs and of course makeup.
I looked around
to see what groups they had separated themselves into, maybe friends
or school mates. I divided all of the students into one of the ten
groups. The males were the customers, the females were the stylists.
I could see the males already worried, they were going to get their
hair set and makeup. A couple seem relaxed but the others were
definitely sweating it. I took the one group and kept them with me. I
wet the boy’s head and started placing the curlers in his hair. I
told the groups to do the same with their customer.
The hair was to
be done first, then as the hair dried makeup was next. After I had
the basic layout started I let the one girl in my group to finish
inserting the curlers. I walked around watching what they were doing,
and making some suggestions. Then after the hair was set, I told them
to change places the male would be doing the hair and the girl that
had set the hair would be the customer. It was a little more comical
watching the male set the hair, but most of them caught on pretty
fast.
Now I had
everybody with curlers in their hair and we were ready for some
makeup. We did the rotation as before me telling everyone I wanted a
day time look, very natural in appearance. I didn’t show them
anything, just let them decide for themselves what a daytime look
should be. Most of the males were not macho football players, all
thin and a bit nerdy in appearance. There look became feminine as the
students worked their magic. Of course, the females were better at it
since they wore makeup most of the time anyway.
I made mental
notes of who showed the most potential. So far, I had two males and
five females that were outstanding. Seven more that had some talent,
but obviously had not been able to practice their skills any. They
were having fun, a lot of kidding going on, and at the end of the
session I had them model their looks for the others.
Unbeknownst to me
all of this was being video broadcast to Francine’s office, the
three of them watching what I was doing and my students. As we were
doing the comb out on the hairstyle the three of them joined us,
watching the final unveils. After the impromptu fashion show they
awarded each student a gift certificate for a hundred dollars that
they or a relative could use at the salon. It was also announced that
a few of them would be called back for a one on one session with me
personally.
Two days later
unannounced my first student appeared. Steph and that grin of hers
having arranged this, but conveniently forgot to tell me about the
meeting. Of course, I knew the student from the initial class. Again
no direction, just get the two of us together and make Casey figure
it out on the fly. We had the use of one of the treatment rooms, so I
pulled my reluctant pupil along until we were settled in the room.
I wanted to know
his background, his hobbies, and his desires for a career. It took me
a while to get him to open up, but I eventually got what I wanted
from him. Today I wanted him to repeat the last class lessons, but on
himself. I will advise but he is to do all the work himself. The red
from his face spread pretty much all over his body, but he, at least,
didn’t faint.
I helped him to
get started in washing and conditioning his hair. I made very few
comments, either good or bad, just advised when necessary. He had
trouble rolling his own hair in curlers, but after I helped him with
the first one or two he managed. The set was not perfect, but
considering this was his first time quite acceptable. While he sat
under the dryer we talked a little. He asked why he was asked to do
these feminine things to himself.
“Your customers
will either be female or want to look female, so you have to
understand what it is like to do and experience these things on
yourself. The best way is to go through this for yourself. Now you
know how to set your own hair, in a few minutes you will know how to
apply your own makeup. Afterwards we are going out dressed as
females, so that you can feel what it is like for yourself. I get to
see what you can do, and maybe encourage you to a career in the
beauty industry.”
I could see the
fear coming into his eyes, his mind finally putting together that he
will be going out dressed as a girl. I gave his hand a squeeze,
nothing to be afraid of, more than half the population lives their
lives as a female one more is no problem.
As he started on
his makeup, I went to the clothing store and got him some ladies
pants and a cute blouse. Nothing requiring female underwear or
foundation garments. When I came back, the male was gone, now a young
female set there carefully removing her curlers from her hair. I had
found out that she preferred Nikki, even in boy mode. Nicholas would
never do now, even his mannerisms had softened some. Not campy or
gay, but more subdued and gentle.
I had to remind
him of a better way to brush out his hair, his nerves making him a
little forgetful. Once I reminded him he had no trouble getting his
hair to look as feminine as his face. He was accepting his look now,
the shock wearing off a little. I left the room for a minute to allow
him to change clothes, finding Steph and telling her what I wanted to
do. She told me that all three of them wanted to go out to dinner
with us, but left what was going to be discussed up to me. I gave her
another death stare, but again it didn’t even get her to crack up.
I went back to
check on Nikki, told her what was planned, not to get upset, the
three females quite likable although obviously getting old. Steph
heard that remark and blistered my fanny, then reached over and gave
Nikki a big hug. As we left the room I was rubbing my sore fanny, the
giggling from everyone getting a little carried away.
By the time we
got to the restaurant it was five females in active chat mode,
giggling and having a ball. Steph told Nikki that she had called his
Mom, and she would be by shortly to enjoy dinner with them and then
after dinner she would take Nikki home. I could see some unease there
suddenly, apparently Nikki not sure about being seen dressed as a
female, especially by her Mom.
I couldn’t see
using male pronouns, there was not a male visible. We had ordered
when her Mom showed up. Nikki stood up, apprehensive about how she
would be treated. The huge hug her Mom gave her was just what she
needed. Everybody enjoyed the dinner, her Mom sneaking glances of her
new daughter all through the meal.
After dinner I
told her Mom about the day, that Nikki had done all of this herself,
after participating in a class a few days ago. She has a natural
talent in this and the salon wants to find and develop these talents.
Then I stopped, looking at Steph first then Francine looking for some
direction or help. Francine took over, we are staring a new stylist
training class, to be taught by Casey. We would like Nikki to be
involved. All of her expenses will be covered and a job at the salon
will be awaiting upon her graduation. To give you some idea, most of
my stylists make close to eighty thousand a year, so it is a viable
career choice.
“This is a gift
certificate for both you and Nikki to be used here in the salons.
Give Casey a call when you decide and she will tell you where and
when to start. We encourage our male stylists to dress as a female,
not a requirement but an option if they so desire. I am not sure if
you are aware of our customer base, but eighty percent of our
customers are males wishing to look like females. If either of you
have more questions here is my card and you can call anytime and I
will answer your questions.”
Nikki and her Mom
left receiving lots of hugs and kisses. I got a big hug from Nikki
and a thank you whispered in my ear. Steph later told me that
Nikki’s Mom would call tomorrow and arrange for her to take the
classes, her just letting Steph know her decision. She is already
seeing the difference in her child, the new attitude much better than
before.
We stayed and
talked some more, this time discussing my new job at the salon. They
had a building a couple of doors down from the salon for my classes,
Steph to be my supervisor, getting me what I needed to run the show.
I would hold the searches for the new employees every few weeks,
taking the best into my classes. No time limit on their class
participation, when they knew the material and could get their
license they could move to the job at the salon.
When we got back
to the house Steph led me to Francine’s study. I was set in one of
the chairs in front of her desk with Steph sitting next to me.
Francine appeared with a tray of soft drinks and after each of us
getting one she started. “There is one other matter left to discuss
tonight that is you gender. You have had enough time to experience
the female gender, some of its requirements and its joys. I think you
are grown up enough and level headed enough to be able to pick what
gender you want to pursue in life. Recently you have embraced the
female gender totally, that is fine but continued living in that
gender without being grounded some in real life can be damaging to
yourself.”
“I want to talk
to you about your choice, and then make sure things develop as they
should in your life. So tell me everything about how you feel, about
the proposed job, about your mother and sis, about how you see
yourself, in your mind when you close your eyes. I want every thought
you have had in the last week out in the open, where it should be,
not repressed in your mind. Now spill.”
It took me over
an hour to let everybody know how I feel. Even though I have lived as
a male for many years that is not how I see myself. I connect with
the female, I can be hNow
I had breasts just like her, they even reacted like hers does,
getting hard and pointy if sucked
on or pinched..appy
at accomplishments, can cry at disappointments but being of the
female gender is the only option for me. Now that I have had a taste,
even if all of this was taken away from me I will find a way to
continue as the female I see when I close my eyes.
I went and sat on
Francine’s lap, her having to slide her chair around so that I
could fit in the narrow space. As I plopped my butt down she giggled
some, but did allow me to lay my head on her shoulder. I looked up
into her eyes and thanked her for being so good to me, “I don’t
think I deserve all you have done for me and my family, but am so
appreciative that you have done so. I will try and repay you for your
kindness the rest of my life, a labor of love, to a person that I so
admire. Now that we have handled this gender thing can we have some
ice cream now?” Everybody reacted, giggling and laughter could be
heard all the way to the kitchen.
I loved my
friends, that had made my life have meaning for the first time in
years, I now looked forward to the next day eagerly, such a change
from days gone past. The phrase Que sera, sera, whatever will be will
be, now seems to fit perfectly.
© 2016 thru
2024 by Francesca