Date: Sat, 20 May 2000 22:26:25 +0100 From: Debbie Sanderson Subject: TG: Story Submission - 'Discovering" DISCOVERING - A SHORT STORY BY DEBBIE SANDERSON (c) 2000 all rights reserved. Individuals may freely re-post it, Archive it, Enjoy it. Not for money, nor commercial use. ~~~~~~~~~ The cool shade of the house was a welcome respite for James as he made his way up the stairs to the bathroom. With the exception of an occasional shriek or giggle from the party that was in full swing in the beautiful sun-drenched garden, the house was quiet. Having made room for further intake of fizzy pop, and Mrs. Clements delicious chocolate cake, he left the bathroom and was about to make his way back down the stairs to rejoin the birthday celebration - when something caught his eye. It was just a ray of sunlight that was glinting off a dressing-table mirror and out through the partly open bedroom door, but might well have been a lighthouse beacon for the effect it had on the nine-year-old. He wasn't sure why, but he found his hand resting upon a pink plate affixed to the door, bearing two simple words: "Denise's Room". He held his breath in reverence and stepped into the inner sanctuary of his pretty little playmate. Eyes like saucers gazed around, drinking in the utter girlishness of the room with its pastel wallpaper, pink drapes and frilly bedclothes. A ballerina looked down from a poster in dismay at seeing a boy daring to enter this holy place, but the dolls on the shelves said nothing - save for perhaps exchanging a knowing inaudible whisper amongst themselves. James was surprised that such a neat and pretty girl might leave clothes apparently strewn around, then realised that the birthday girl had had a last minute change of heart, as girls are prone to. The frilly orange and white dress draped across a chair had been the victim of a substitution. He didn't recall seeing her wearing it, but could imagine her blonde hair decorated with ribbons, draped down over the short puffy sleeves and the short frilly skirt flaring out as she skipped and twirled. What a pity that such a lovely dress - her dress - was left to languish. He wasn't sure why he did it, but he reached out and ran his fingers over cool satin and let them play for a moment with the soft frills. Full of awe he picked up the little dress and held it close to his chest as though it would somehow make the owner closer to him. The elation of being in this little girl heaven was tinged with sadness that such a pretty dress could ever come second in any contest. A bizarre idea entered his head and he fought to beat down the foolishness of it. Why, the very thought was ridiculous, but James was now fighting the surge of adrenaline that caused much stronger men than him to buckle. Reverence demanded that the job be done correctly, or not at all, and despite his tender years James was nothing if not thorough. The dress found its way back to the chair and he set about peeling off his shorts and T-shirt. His heart was pounding and he could hear his blood thrashing in harmony as he checked draw after drawer in the small chest before him. Quickly he found his treasure and chose a pair of pink nylon panties with a white lace trim. Whilst wanting to savour the moment he knew that time was short and quickly slipped them on, delighting in the feminine softness that hid his excitement. A party dress such as this required nothing less than one of those flared and floaty under-dress things that girls seemed to wear on special occasions. A brief foray into the wardrobe came up trumps, and he was soon lowering the mass of layers and frills over his slender frame, marvelling at how such a volume could remain so light. He allowed himself a deep crimson blush as the absurdity of what he was doing fought to get his attention. He couldn't find any shoes to wear, but settled for a pair of white socks, which were trimmed with a rather pretty lace edge that frilled out like a clown's ruff. Satisfied that his underwear was now appropriate to the main event, he smiled at the dress. The orange satin was cool to his touch and slid over his bare arms almost effortlessly as though the dress had been made for him. Unlike the plain sleeves of his discarded T-shirt, the elasticated puff sleeves gently caressed his biceps in a new and gentle way. The buttoned back proved to be a challenge but James settled for fastening the top one only, which brought the lovely white lace-trimmed collar prettily under his chin in a most charming way. He wanted to do more for his hair but didn't think he had the time or the skills to tackle ribbons, not on his first attempt at dressing, anyway. He chose two small white barrettes as acceptable alternatives and slipped them into his hair to give a more feminine touch. He felt guilty at his actions but reasoned that his borrowing would do no harm. The moment had come when he approached the long wardrobe mirror, and the little sweetheart engulfed in layers of pretty frills smiled back at him. He could feel a lump in his throat and his eyes become misty at the joy of it all. He had known for some time that there was something missing from his life but now knew that it was a "someone", rather than a "something". The little girl inside had made her debut at last and he knew he was complete. As James fluffed and frilled his little dress he was in a little world of his own, a world of girlish, feminine fun. So much so that he hadn't realised that a certain little birthday girl had been watching him from the door for some time. Denise knew that something very special had happened and that their relationship would never be the same again. It would be softer, sweeter, and perhaps more intimate - but never the same. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Debbie Sanderson www.girltalk.co.uk