Part 1
The year was entering its final phases. Bonfire Night had just passed
and for Paul the times were getting difficult. He had just started that
very September his final year at school, and that meant exams. The
teachers had all given their lectures on how everything between
September and May was to be focused on those all important GCSEs. For
Paul getting good results in those exams was important. It wasn't that
he feared getting bad results - he was fairly good at most subjects,
though not top of the class. His older sister Joanne had done her exams
almost two years ago. She had some fairly good grades and was now
studying hairdressing at college.
Paul was basically the average student, no overtly bright, but not
stupid by any means. He had friends and didn't cause trouble. It was
just that this year, with the exams, the workload has increased
dramatically. Homework had more than doubled, which was annoying, for
it hampered any chance of having some time to himself, to hang out with
his friends. Besides, it was Friday, which meant the weekend was here,
and that offered his best hop of free time. He rode home on his bike
and arrived looking downbeat. The teachers were overly keen to keep him
busy over the weekend - a ton of homework.
"Good day at school dear?" came his Mom's voice.
"This homework is getting me down!" he replied in a defeated tone.
"Well, you know that the teachers want you to do well in your exams.
All this homework is for your own good," she added.
"Yep, son, if you want that engineering course next year, you'll need
top marks in maths and science," his Dad called from out of the living
room.
For now Paul retreated to his room and having dumped his bag by his
desk, fell on to his bed and sighed. He took time to admire his room:
it was adorned in posters of racing cars and famous drivers. Paul loved
motorsports and fast cars, whether it was F1 or WRC. He wanted to work
in the sports car field, hence his interest in an engineering course.
He continued to gaze at his memorabilia, which also included model cars
and signed photos, either acquired in person (he had been to racing
events) or purchasing them from approved dealers. His reverie was
broken by the arrival of his one and only sibling arriving back from
college.
Joanne was 18, two years older than Paul and very much the fashion
icon. She always tried to keep up with the latest fashions. Her hair
was naturally light brown, though Paul had lost count of the number of
colours it had been. Joanne was always altering her hair - she'd had it
in various lengths too, ranging from nearly to her bum to pixie short.
Her current length was just shy of her shoulders. It was in a stylish
layered look - the colour being light auburn.
Paul had been puzzled by how girls fussed over their looks. Joanne
spent most of the morning in the bathroom doing herself up. It didn't
help that it was the only bathroom too. Paul often ended up having an
argument with her over it, as he needed to wash too before school. The
need to shave had also added to his woes, meaning he needed more time.
He didn't have too much stubble - he never let it grow enough to be
highly visible.
Joanne had made it her first duty to go into the bathroom to freshen
up. Paul could hear the shower running from his room. He remembered the
day - Friday. The family had long agreed to eat out every Friday. They
had a number of restaurants in the area and had visited most of them.
Paul realised that he too would need to wash himself down and change
into something casual but smart. Knowing Joanne, that would take ages -
she was always at odds with herself over what to wear.
To pass the time while he waited for the bathroom to be free, he went
to his bag and fetched out a number of school books. He thought he
might as well start on the homework, even if only to get a small
portion of it done. He was at his desk doing it when there was a knock
at his door.
"Remember, we eat out tonight." It was his Mom. "And it's your turn to
decide," she added.
"I know," he replied, answering both statements.
The family had also decided to let everyone have their turn on picking
the eatery. Today it was Paul's turn. He listened for sound from the
bathroom and heard nothing. He left his room and noticed that the sound
now issued from his sister's room. The bathroom was now obviously free.
After taking his shower, he returned to his room and changed in to
something more comfy - a shirt and a pair of jeans. He looked in the
mirror to check his stubble - it would pass. Having applied some
deoderant, he went down stairs. Joanne had decided on her attire and
was now at the dining table with his parents. They were obviously
waiting for him.
"So, what will it be tonight?" his Dad asked him as he entered.
"I was thinking of that new Chinese place on the other side of town - I
heard it's quite good."
"Sounds fine with me," added his mom. "What about you Jo?" she added,
looking at Joanne.
"Been a while since we did anything Oriental, so my vote is yes," she
answered enthusiastically.
"Well, thats decided," said dad. "Chinese it is."
They set off 20 minutes later when everyone declared themselves ready.
Paul sat behind the driver seat with Joanne beside him. 'What was it
with girls?' he thought, as he glanced at her. His relationship with
his sister had never been good, though it had never been this bad.
Before puberty had given her her womanly curves, the two had been OK
together. It seemed as though that 'sexual rivalry' had set in along
with her figure. He never seemed to understand girls and she thought
likewise in reverse. The only boys she understood were those she had
dated, and there were a few of those. Joanne had always been good
looking. She didn't have to work to attract boys whilst at school. Paul
knew this too well. He had seen her and her pals being chatted up no
end by would be suitors. Maybe the problem was just sibling rivalry.
They soon arrived at the recently opened Chinese place "The Lucky
Dragon". Paul had got wind of it from friends at school. As well as the
restaurant, they did a takeaway service too.
Upon entering a waiter came up and showed them to a vacant table. The
place was certainly doing well - though there were a few tables
available, it was clearly busy. They looked at the menus and decided
what to have. They had been to Chinese places before, but it had been a
while since the last.
A waitress came up to the table and asked for their drinks order. When
that was done and the drinks had arrived, they placed orders for their
meals.
"So, how's your studies getting on?" said Dad, aiming the question at
Paul.
"Which subject? Maths or Science?" he replied, not so enthusiastically.
"Either," his dad responded, trying to keep the subject cheerful.
"OK in both. I know that I need to do more on trigonometry - that's
tough as..." he responded, seeing the apprehension on his mom's face as
he started to finish.
"Old bootlaces?" his Dad suggested, seeing the problem.
His mom had never promoted swearing. There was occassional swearing in
the house, but in public places, she demanded clean mouths. She was
only slightly taller than Joanne, but shorter than both her son and
husband. She had shoulder length dark red hair. She had worn it longer
in her youth (Paul had seen the wedding photos) but since marriage and
having kids, she had settled in having it at just above her shoulders.
Paul's dad had always put mom's hair down as one of the things that
drew him to her. Even now she was a looker.
Paul understood what it was like to have red hair - he had inherited
his mom's colour, though slightly lighter. He wore his hair short, as
he saw fit for a boy. He never understood the attitudes towards
redheads. Though many generally disliked them, he noted how many had
gone on to have sucessful careers partly due to it. Of course being red
meant having freckles too.
Turning back to the subject of maths, his Dad responded, "If you need
help, you know I'm available."
"Thanks dad, I appreciate it." His Dad worked as an accountant.
"Now, what about you, young lady?" he said, turning to Joanne, who was
glad to get some attention at last.
Their meals arrived and the talk soon died down as they began to tuck
in. They were just cleaning their plates when the waitress returned,
not to collect their plates, but to hand them some small crackers.
"Ah, fortune cookies!" exclaimed Dad.
They took one each and broke them to reveal the paper within.
"I'm not a great believer in these," put in Joanne.
"Me neither," added Paul.
"Well, it's only fun," said Dad. "A pony will bring great fortune," he
continued, reading out his fortune aloud. "I told you they are just fun
- I don't plan on owning a pony."
"Well, mine says 'A family change is beneficial to all'," said Mom.
"A friend will ask a favour of fortune? What's that meant to mean?"
Joanne asked, not understanding her fortune at all.
"So, Paul, what about yours?" asked dad.
Paul looked ill at ease as he held his own slip of paper. He seemed
reluctant to read it aloud.
"Well?" Dad was keen to know.
"OK, but don't laugh," Paul said eventually. "A wedding in silk awaits
you."
Joanne snickered, trying to not laugh out louder.
Paul's parents smiled, trying to be a bit more respectful.
"Thanks for not laughing Jo!" Paul said with venom to his sister.
"You in silk! You'd look wonderful!" she responded. Her tone reaked of
mockery.
"OK, thats enough Joanne!" Mom said sternly. "Paul, as Dad said, you
cannot take these seriously."
"I know, but even Miss Non Believer here suddenly had a change of heart
upon hearing mine!" Paul was certainly not on peace terms with his
sister at this moment in time.
"OK, Paul! Let's drop the subject shall we? It's obviously going to end
in fighting at this rate," said dad, hoping his words would indeed end
the matter.
Having paid the bill, they headed home. Paul and Joanne were not
talking. Paul was eager to seek solace in his room, but his parents
called him in to the living room. Joanne had taken to her room, so he
would have some solace after all. He was in no doubt that the fortune
was just a piece of nonsense. He still felt hurt by the fact that his
sister mocked him.
He spent the night going over trigonometry with his dad. By the time he
retired to bed, he still hadn't fully grasped the subject.
Part 2
The next week went smoothly, though Joanne still tried to sneek in the
odd comment about the fortune. His extra help with trigonometry was
working, though he still found it hard to grasp.
But much as he wanted to drop the subject, he found he couldn't help
but tell his close friends at school.
"Hmm, silk would look good on you!" said Mike. "Only kidding!" he added
quickly, noting Paul's face.
"As you said yourself, it's just utter rubbish. If you're so ashamed
about it, why mention it?" added Kevin.
"Wait, I had one telling me I would have light brown hair," exclaimed
Mike.
"But you've always had light brown hair! We should know, we've been in
the same class since the start!" put in Paul, spoiling the effect of
Mike's attempt at humour.
"Maybe, it refers to a silk tie - don't grooms always wear one," said
Kevin.
"Perhaps," said Paul, feeling better at that suggestion. "As long as
it's Kelly I take down the aisle!"
Paul had two female friends: Kelly and Linda. Both were bright and
bubbly. Linda had light auburn hair that went beyond her shoulders.
Kelly's hair was equally long but honey blonde in colour. Though his
friendship with both had been platonic, he had the hots for Kelly,
though he had never made it known to her. Kevin and Mike knew, but had
kept quiet. Paul wasn't certain however that Kelly may know about his
crush on her. "So, how's the trigonometry getting on?" Kevin asked,
changing the subject.
"Cool, my dad's helping, but it's still tricky. You need to be Einstein
to fully understand it," Paul admitted.
"Too true!" added Mike, just as the bell for lessons rang out.
Paul managed to get the hang of trigonometry after a few weeks, that
was when he could squeeze the extra practice in between the other
homework he had been given. The whole fortune cookie thing had been
forgotten for now. It was back to normal.
Christmas came and he added another model car to his collection. Soon
the new year was upon them. Little did Paul realise that his troubles
had yet to begin.
It was a Saturday when he decided to empty his coat pockets. He came
across a small piece of paper and almost immediately recognised it. He
looked at the fortune before taking it upstairs and putting it in the
bin next to his desk. 'Thats the end of that,' he thought to himself.
Besides, the others had long forgotten about theirs and they didn't
seem to be worried in the slightest. Why should he?
That night he had a dream, a strange one at that. He saw a red haired
girl in a white dress - if he'd had a twin sister, this could have been
her. Her back was turned to him at first. He was slowly approaching
her. She turned to face him and her resemblence to him was unnerving.
She smiled at him and started playing with her long hair.
"You like my hair, don't you?" she said, her voice was playful.
Paul didn't speak until a few minutes later. "Yes, it's nice," he said
shyishly.
"It took me a while to grow it, but it was worth it," she added.
"Who are you?" said Paul, his curiosity peaking.
"Why, I'm YOU!" she replied.
Paul awoke suddenly, a cold sweat on his face. He had seen himself as a
girl. After a few minutes he managed to fall asleep again, but the
dream still echoed in his mind. He decided not talk about it to anyone
in the morning. After breakfast he decided to tackle the latest round
of homework. He sat at his desk and couldn't believe what he saw - the
fortune paper was sitting on a corner of his desk. He looked at it,
puzzled. How did it get out of the bin? He rolled the paper into a ball
and put it back in the bin. First the dream and now this. What was
going on?
The weekend ended and the new school term began. The Christmas/New Year
holiday had at least allowed him to get through the homework at his own
pace, allowing for more free time. He decided to not mention the dream
to his friends, for they really might think that he was really getting
worked up over nothing. At least the work load wasn't going down - it
was giving him something to take his mind off it. If that wasn't all,
something better arrived during lunch break.
"Hi Paul!" came a voice - it was Kelly.
"Hi Kelly, how's things?" he replied modestly.
"Okay, been busy. Well, I know it's a week late, but Happy New Year!"
she said cheerfully.
"Thanks, and same thing to you," he replied. He had been expecting
Linda to be with her - they were never more than feet apart at any
given time.
"I've something else for you. I know this is really late, but Merry
Christmas," she said, and with that planted a big kiss on his lips.
Paul was lost for words for a moment. When he finally responded, he
looked at her smiling.
"Wow, thanks for that!" he said, his mind was still recovering.
The look on his face wasn't lost when Kevin and Mike found him minutes
later.
"Well, someone is looking like the cat who got the cream," said Kevin.
"Well then Paul, who was it?" put in Mike.
Realising that they were not going to let this go, he told them how
Kelly had cornered him and kissed him.
"Well, we now know that Kelly does know about your little crush on
her," said Mike.
"Or maybe she just happens to like you too!" added Kevin.
It certainly meant that Paul was in a good mood for the remainder of
the day. He was sure not to tell Joanne about it though. He arrived
back home and went upstairs to his room. Yet more homework, though not
as much as had been of late. He sat down and emptied his bag when he
noticed it.
This couldn't be happening - the paper was back on his desk. What made
it strange was that there wasn't a single crease on it. He had had
enough. He went to tear it up, but was stumped when he couldn't. The
paper wouldn't tear. It simply wouldn't budge. It was just paper, but
for all purposes sake, it seemed as though he was trying to rip a sheet
of steel. He dropped it back on to the desk. This simply was no
ordinary paper and it seemed intent on staying put. He got up and took
it with him. He went back downstairs and put it in the kitchen bin. He
hoped that this time he would be rid of it, but he wasn't sure.
That night he had one of his usual dreams - one involving motorsports.
He had just won the British Grand Prix and was heading for the podium
to collect the trophy and do the champagne thing, when he noticed that
the person coming to give him his trophy was the same red haired girl
from his dream on Saturday night. His female self was wearing a similar
white dress, but this time it was more patterned than the last one. Her
long red hair had been curled.
"Here's your trophy, winner boy! I hope you like the way I look,
thought I'd go the extra distance for this celebration," she said.
Paul didn't wait for the rest of the dream - he just woke up and went
to the bathroom. After washing his face, he looked at himself and
wondered, 'Am I going mad?' He returned to bed and didn't dream again.
Part 3
In the morning he had to wait for Joanne to finish her marathon spell
in the bathroom.
"Come on, you spend too long in there! I have to wash as well!" he
shouted through the door.
"Well, us girls have to keep up appearances!" came the reply.
"It surely can't take that long!" he retorted. This argument had been
done to death. He sometimes wondered why he bothered asking her.
When he finally got in, he did his usual: wash, brush teeth, comb hair.
He then noticed that Joanne had left her tweezers behind. She used them
to do her eyebrows. He picked them up and looked at them. He
subconciously lifted them to his face and started on his own brows,
plucking a few longer hairs. Only when the pain got too much, did he
snap out of what he was doing. He looked down at the tweezers and then
at his face in the mirror. His eyebrows were less bushy now, but
thankfully, still fairly broad. He had failed by a mile to make them
arched. The worried look on his face told him that something was
definitely going on in his head. He made an exit, only to run into
Joanne, who had just come from her room, after finishing her dressing.
"I've mislaid my tweezers, you haven't seen them?" she asked
"You left them in there," he said, offering them to her.
"Thanks," she replied, looking at his face with an expression of
curiosity.
Paul noted the look on her face and wondered if she had noticed even
the minor work on his eyebrows. Nobody said anything over breakfast, so
he presumed she hadn't. Still, he couldn't get the thought out of his
mind. Did he really try to shape his eyebrows? He looked at his mom
casually and took in her hair. Her hair looked really nice, nice enough
to have himself. He was knocked from his stride by her, after she saw
him staring at her.
"Everything OK?" she said to him.
"What? Yeah, I'm OK, just dreaming," he said startled.
He got up and took his dish and cup into the kitchen, picking up his
lunch on the way out. After putting it in his bag, he checked the time
and said his goodbyes before setting off for school.
He rode along with the events of the morning racing through his head.
The eyebrow plucking was one thing, but he now had dreamt of having
hair like his mother's. What was going on? He had never wanted his hair
long. It had to be the dream - the female version of himself. She was
asking him about her appearance and that he had agreed. He was sure the
last dream would have seen him agree too. To like her appearance meant
wanting to become her!
He tried to keep all thoughts from his mind. At least the school work
made that easier - and the sight of Kelly. Her belated Christmas
present had had least assured him that he was happy as a boy. He just
hoped an encore would come soon. He thought lunch would be the best
time for it to happen. He waited in the dining room to see if her and
Linda would show up. Mike and Kevin were the first to arrive however.
"That English lesson was boring, I wish they did something interesting
in way of books to study. Something like Hitchhikers Guide to the
Galaxy instead of Pride and Prejudice would suit me," said Mike,
seating himself next to Paul, carrying his school dinner on a tray.
"Yeah, but that's what you get with female teachers isn't it," added
Kevin.
They had been studying the classic novel for the past few weeks.
Naturally Jane Austen wasn't their preferred choice of reading.
"Hello boys!" said Kelly and Linda as they arrived at their table.
Paul felt a butterfly in his stomach as Kelly sat on his other side.
Linda sat next to Kevin on the opposite side.
"Well," said Kelly, "Pride and Prejudice isn't that bad, surely?"
"Well, that may be the case for you girls, but us boys like action in
our books - preferably the fighting sort," said Kevin.
"I thought the romantic scenes would have appealed to you!" piped in
Linda, who was looking at Kevin with a sickly sweet smile on her face.
"This ain't Lady Chatterly you know!" he responded.
"How do you know that? Read that book have you?" said Kelly, sensing a
point earned.
"No, I haven't!" he answered, a tone of anger in his voice. He knew he
was being roped in.
"So how do you know?" said Linda, menacingly.
"Cut it out, will you," butted in Paul, even though he had been
enjoying his mate's awkward position.
"And what would you know about it lover boy?" asked Linda, turning on
him.
"If you're hoping to leak it to my mates here, they already know -
they've already forced it out of me!" he replied in his defense, humour
in his tone.
The subject was quickly switched by Mike and the 5 of them had their
lunches without further mention of romantic escapades. At least it
added further to distracting Paul from his haunting dreams.
After school, he was stopped on the gates by Kelly, who pulled him into
a corner and quickly put her lips to his. He felt a bulge in his
trousers and tried to restrain himself. When they eventually parted, he
asked her the question that had been bugging him.
"When did you know I had a crush on you?"
"You had a crush on me? Well, thats good news, for I really like you
too," she said smiling brightly. She leant in and kissed him again.
Paul was in heaven, the girl he fancied had admitted having feelings
for him. His moment was cut short when she added, "Have you been
plucking your eyebrows?"
"What?! I have...n't!" he stammered.
"Don't lie, there's some swelling around them - you've had a go but
badly," she responded. Paul was defeated. Girls were often doing it -
they would know the signs anywhere.
"Well, I don't find it a problem, if you're worried about it," she
added, noting his expression.
"You don't?" he said, sounding surprised.
"No, but just make sure you don't make them too feminine looking. I can
help you tidy them up if you like? I can do it at you house - we can do
our homework together."
Paul was taken aback - have her at his house? The offer sounded too
good. He accepted and they travelled back together, with him pedalling
at a slower speed, to allow her to keep up on foot.
When they arrived at his home, he saw his mom and explained things.
"Well, as long as it is just homework you are doing!" she said firmly.
Kelly got out her mobile phone and contacted her parents to inform them
of the arrangement.
They entered his room and he sat at his desk. He noticed a piece of
paper had miraculously reappeared - he had given up on asking himself
how. He turned to face Kelly, who had sat herself on his bed.
"You really like cars, don't you?" she asked, staring at his
collection.
"Yep, the whole speed thing does it for me," he replied cooly.
Her enthusiasm died moments later when she reached into her bag and
retrieved a make up purse. From this she pulled out a pair of tweezers.
Paul looked and remembered the deal. She was just coming over when
Paul's mom appeared round the door and asked if everything was OK.
"Fine, just fine, Mrs Fletcher," replied Kelly, now reaching for her
school books.
"Yep, just fine mom," agreed Paul, also retrieving his books and
putting them on his desk.
"Phew, that was close!" he sighed as his mom turned and left. They
daren't do more until she was back downstairs.
"Now let's have a closer look," said Kelly, the tweezers back in her
hand.
"This won't hurt too much, will it?" he said with concern.
"No, but surely you know that," she answered. Paul realised his
mistake.
She leaned in and started to pick out the hairs to pluck.
"Ouch!" he cried as the first one was removed. He knew he had to be
quiet. His sister would be back shortly and keeping her nose out of it
would be difficult in the least.
After a few minutes she withdrew. "That should do, they are move even
and not remotely girly."
She offered her compact so he could see for himself. She was right -
his eyebrows still looked boyish. "Now for the homework - what about
English first?" she suggested.
He agreed and soon they were reading Jane Austen and doing their
essays. By the time they had finished, they went downstairs to have tea
(it had been arranged for Kelly to have hers here too). They went back
afterwards and started on science. It was during this time that Kelly
picked up on the piece of paper that had been giving Paul headaches.
"What's this?" she said, picking it up.
"That ruddy fortune cookie paper! It's spooked!"
She read it and turned to him. "The one you told us about two months
ago?"
"Yeah, and it won't leave me alone!" he said, feeling agitated.
Kelly was puzzled about his comment and pressed him for more.
"I keep throwing it away but it always turns up on my desk. I can't
even tear it up!"
She tried it herself after hearing him and she too was stumped.
"You're right! It feels like paper and yet it appears stronger than
steel. You don't think the fortune will come true do you?" Her voice
was suddenly filled with concern.
"I don't know. I hope it doesn't. I don't want to be a GIRL!" he cried.
He noted her face and realised he'd said too much.
"You reckon the fortune will turn you into a girl?" she said, looking
bewildered. "How can you be so sure?"
He looked at her and decided that it maybe for the best that someone
knew.
"I've been having dreams, about me - as a girl. I see her and she
flaunts herself at me. I like the way she looks - it seems she is
persuading me to become her!" His voice was filled with uncertainty. He
was almost in tears.
He explained about how he plucked his eyebrows and then admired his
mother's hair and how it would look on him.
Kelly looked at him and walked over to him, taking him in a hug. The
fear in his voice persuaded her that he wasn't playing a joke. Besides,
she had seen the "indestructible" paper, so she realised that something
strange was going on.
"You won't tell anyone else, will you?" he said, the words were meant.
"No, I promise!"
He held her tighter in their hug. "I love you!"
"I love you too!" she said.
They broke apart and, looking at the time, started to pack her things.
"It's getting late, I'd better be going. Cheer up, being a girl isn't
that bad!"
She went downstairs and Paul heard her use her mobile. Her dad would be
coming to collect her. He went back to his desk and tidied it, putting
the necessary books in his bag for tomorrow.
"Got yourself a girlfriend?" came the voice of his sister around the
door.
"Mind your own business. Besides, we were doing our homework!" he
scowled. He was no mood for this.
Joanne took the hint and left him.
Part 4
He continued to sit there at his desk, wondering. Was this paper behind
the dreams - was he being pushed into becoming a girl? At this moment
in time, and likely never, was he going to ask for a sex change. He was
more interested in keeping up this blossoming romance with Kelly. The
fact that she had stood by him after what he'd told her, told him that
she was a true friend after all. Many would call for the men in white
coats if they'd heard him. He soon found himself subconciously running
his fingers through his hair. It was definitely too short, he thought.
That night he dreamt again. The girl appeared once more. She was
looking more pretty than ever. She walked to him and spoke softly.
"Don't be afraid, I'm not here to hurt you."
"Why are you doing this?" he replied. "I don't want to be you!"
"But you are me, and I am you. The fortune you had will come true, but
it will benefit you."
"How can becoming a girl benefit me? My life will be ruined!" he said.
"The other fortunes will come true too. Their receipiants just don't
know it yet."
"Theirs will come true too? But how come they haven't been pestered by
dreams or pieces of paper?" he added.
"You don't know that. They don't fully understand what theirs means,"
she told him.
"But I know what mine means - becoming you and getting married," he
answered glumly.
"So?" she said.
"So, I'm going to loose my life, my new girlfriend, my life as a boy!"
"If you think it's going to be so bad, why do I look so happy?"
Her statement left him lost for words. It appeared he was stuck. The
dream ended and he slept uneasily. He couldn't believe it, the fortunes
were all destined to be fulfilled, but when? Could the others be being
pestered by the papers they got from the cookies? Was it because he had
taken his so seriously? The others were not offput by theirs, but maybe
because they didn't foresee a sex change in the offing. Was it because
he was so obsessed by it that the fortune was doing this to him? He
knew he would have to tell Kelly about this. He wasn't sure he could
explain that he was apparently doomed to be a girl. The next morning he
again waited for Joanne to use the bathroom. When his chance came, he
stood in front of the mirror and pictured the girl in his dreams - she
was pretty. But was he prepared to see that face in the mirror
everyday? If he was going to change, would it be slow, would it be
quick, during the day or during the night? He did notice that his
stubble had lightened - it didn't appear to grow as quick as it had
done. He quickly got on with washing and went downstairs for breakfast.
That day at school he tried to get Kelly alone. Not easy, for Linda was
hugging her side like always. Not that it stopped her from talking to
him.
"Hi Paul, how's things?" she called to him.
He approached them and talked to them cheerfully. He however made an
anxious look that was aimed at Kelly.
"What is it? Oh, OK, see ya later," she she enquired, only to answer
her own question.
So it was that his chance came at the end of the school day. He waited
at the gate, standing by his bike and saw the two girls coming. Kelly
turned and said her goodbyes to Linda who turned and went off towards
her own house.
"I presume you wanted a private talk?" she asked quietly as she walked
up to him.
"Yeah, it's about the dreams - I had another last night."
"And?" she said.
"It may be that I'm doomed to being a girl," he said, not feeling
happy.
He explained the dream in full as they made slowly their journeys home.
"So, all the fortunes are destined to come true, but only you seem to
know how?"
"Yep, crazy ain't it?" he said glumly. "But only mine, that is - I
don't know about the others."
"So, when will the changes happen?"
"I dunno, they may have started. My stubble seems to be disappearing."
"I'm worried for you, you know that, but I'll be here for you."
"I'm worried about when the changes become prominent, what will people
say?"
They were approaching the point where their paths separated. They
turned to face one another and kissed. They looked longingly in each
others eyes, then turned and walked apart.
Paul wondered as he finished his journey about what had he said to her
- when the prominent changes appear. Walking around with boobs would be
almost impossible to hide. Someone would notice them sooner or later.
How would his family cope? He would have to explain somehow that he
wasn't taking illegal hormones. Was his behaviour going to change to
reflect the imminent ones in his body? The only benefit was that he
knew what was coming. He could at least plan ahead, providing the
changes were slow.
The fortune cookies had not prevented further trips to the Lucky
Dragon. It was down to Paul mainly, that the family had refused the
free fortune cookies offered. It still made him wonder about their
fortunes from that fateful first visit. How and when would they come
true?
A further dream arrived a few nights later. The female Paul continued
to wear white clothing, her firey red hair down past her shoulders.
"You are seemingly ready to embrace me," she said.
"Like I have a choice," he replied in a deflated tone.
"You do have a choice though," she replied.
"How? The choices I have will be gone due to this. My career choices,
my romantic choices, all those will change because of this!" he argued.
"Some will change, some will not, but even so, you will still have
choices." Her answer didn't quell his frustration.
"But they won't be the choices I want!" he added.
"Some choices are never exactly what you want. To have choices all of
your design is never the way. I'm sorry if this isn't how you want
things, but it's fated. All is not lost however, as the choices that
face you will be influenced by your actions now. Plan carefully, my
fledgling self." With that she disappeared and the dream ended.
The following morning he pondered over the dream. 'What could she mean?
I don't see a career in engineering, or motor racing for women. My
romance with Kelly will be over as soon my change is complete.' He went
on to admire his mom's hair again, only to be found out again.
He didn't know whether to inform Kelly of this latest dream. But one
thing for certain was that he was taking more attention to the way he
looked. February came and things were starting to get awkward. His
stubble had clearly gone, his face was smooth as a baby's bum. He had
found himself avoiding his regular trips to the barbers. His hair was
now becoming fuller, even if it hadn't started getting longer. He was
even complimenting Joanne and his mother openly about their looks. Both
looked at him in wonder, not knowing what to make of it.
Even at school, these subtle changes didn't quite go unnoticed.
"Getting tired of the short look, are we?" said Mike, noticing Paul's
new mullet.
"I'm experimenting," he said he said with an air of uncertainty.
"Well, I bet he's been listening to rock music a little too much of
late!" quipped Kevin, trying to be the comedian this time.
Only Kelly knew the truth and when ever possible, tried to talk to him
alone.
"So, Kev and Mike have noticed your new hair trend?" she said on one of
those occassions.
"Yeah, they think I'm suddenly into rock and roll," he said jokingly.
"I have to admit, it's growing nice," she admitted, putting her fingers
through it as she said it. "How's your family taking it?" she added.
"OK, just that I'm now admiring my mom and sister openly. They must
think I'm going crazy - I'm complimenting them on their clothes and
make-up!" he answered manically.
"Well, that's what most girls do," she said smiling. She meant it as a
compliment.
Paul looked at her and admired her for the friend she had become these
last two months.
"I'm... wondering... what... girls clothes are like," he said,
struggling to get the words out.
She looked back at him, wondering. "I would let you come to my place,
but I'm not sure about what my parents would say."
"They were OK letting you stay at my place, so why not?"
"That's it, it's settled. You can come to my place tomorrow. I'll sort
it out with my parents while you sort it out with yours," she said
firmly.
So it was settled. Paul said that it was merely returning the favour
for letting Kelly stop the night there. He had had to admit that he did
like Kelly a lot, so he was told to be on his best behaviour with her
from now on.
"I didn't think you wanted to grow your hair?" came his mom's voice as
he went back to his room after tea. He gave her the answer that he had
given Mike and Kevin.
He hadn't wanted to grow his hair. That idea was now in the past. He
now saw fit to grow it - the thought of his hair resting on his
shoulders now fascinated him. It just wasn't long enough to style yet -
it might be a couple of months before it was long enough. With no
stubble to shave, he turned to shaving the other parts of his body, but
soon this became a useless task - those hairs were disappearing too.
His mannerisms were still very much masculine, but every now and then a
feminine one crept in. He couldn't help himself, but he had to try -
just to avoid being teased by the unfriendly kids. Besides, there was
just three months of school left. He could hold on till then couldn't
he?
After school he met up with Kelly as planned and they headed for her
house. Once there he went out of the way to introduce himself to her
parents. Her father was tall with short brown hair. Her mom had long
curly blonde hair. He couldn't help but look at it, then complimented
her without thinking. 'Very nice young man, knows his manners,' she
thought to herself.
"Blimey, you've got it bad!" exclaimed Kelly, having overheard him.
"I know! I can't help myself," he said quietly as they headed for her
room.
They had hardly reached the door when Kelly's mom called up the stairs,
"Sausages and mash OK Paul?"
"Yes!" he shouted back. "Does she prepare dinner early all the time?"
he said, turning to Kelly.
"All the time. Now let's sit you down."
Paul wouldn't think he'd ever want to ever do this, but he looked
around Kelly's room with a look of admiration on his face.
"Just sit on the bed for now - you like my room don't you?" She noticed
his face. "Most boys would throw up at the sight, but..." she cut the
sentence short.
"I'm not just any boy am I?" he said with a sigh.
"No," she said, sighing herself. She sat beside him and held his hand.
Their lips met and stayed that way for what seemed like ages.
"Your lips are softer," she said when they eventually broke. "But it
makes no difference to me, you're still my Paul."
"Are you still going to say that in a few months time, when Paul is
probably gone?" he asked.
"You are still Paul inside and thats all that matters to me," she said.
Her words were pure comfort to him at this moment. "Now let's get some
homework done!" she added matter of factly.
"Oh, I thought..." he said looking deflated.
"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten," she answered his question before he
finshed.
They started on their latest batch of maths homework - most of it was
now revision work - redoing stuff from previous years. They managed to
finish it quickly and decided to find some more to do. The smells
drifting up from the kitchen signalled that tea was almost ready. The
geography work was half done when Kelly's mom announced that tea was
ready.
They sat around a table whilst eating. It wasn't out of place for Paul,
for it was common practice with his family too. He was trying not to do
anything remotely feminine. It was brought up however about how close
he and Kelly were becoming. It felt as though he was being put on
trial, but his friendly banter seemed to appeal to Kelly's parents. He
just didn't want to think what they would say if their daughter's
boyfriend suddenly became her girlfriend. The fact that this was going
to happen made him feel uneasy. Thankfully the talk turned to school.
He explained about how he wanted to go into engineering after school
and hopefully get a job in motor sports.
"Motor sports, hey?" said Kelly's dad. "Any particular type?"
"I don't mind really, though being based in the UK would be best for
now. I suppose if there had to be a choice, it would be Rally Tour,"
answered Paul
"I'm not connected to people like that, but I know where you can look.
When you've got your grades and are looking for work, let me know."
Kelly's dad was showing a keen interest in what he may have believed
was his future son-in-law.
Paul could only keep up the pretence, knowing that his future was now
blurred. He couldn't wait to finish his meal and return to Kelly's
room. He had to wait for Kelly to finish hers first before leaving the
table.
When they returned, she turned to him.
"They really like you, I can tell. Just awkward with what's about to
happen to you," she told him.
"I know, but you've already answered for me," he said as he sat back on
the bed. "What's bothering me is that I'm now expected to go into
engineering."
"Well, you still could - there are plenty of women studying mechanics
and all that. It's still a minority, but you wouldn't be alone."
She sat by him and looked down at the half done geography work. "I
don't fancy doing any more, wanna play dress-up?" she smiled. She got
the desired reaction.
They put all the books to one side (in case someone entered, they could
always return to doing it). She then went to her wardrobe and removed a
few items of clothing.
"I'm not sure what size you are, but hopefully these may fit."
The clothes were some skirts, trousers, blouses and a dress. She then
went to her chest of drawers and removed some panties and a bra.
"You can strip off now," she said to him bluntly.
Paul was hesitant, but slowly he removed his clothes down to his
underpants. He seemed unsure about going the whole hog. His hairless
body was all too clear.
"Well, we'll still need those off," she said pointing at the pants. "By
the way, great to see that you don't need a razor, but then your
armpits may need doing," she pointed out further.
He removed his pants on condition that Kelly didn't look. Kelly took
offence and almost shoved the panties into his hand. He put them on
immediately and gave her the nod to look again.
"Why they fit quite well - they'll be better when your butt and hips
fill out, but still."
Paul didn't know what to say at that moment - being told about physical
changes he should expect had had a mixed reaction. The idea of larger
hips and bottom appealed in a way.
The bra was a little tight. Kelly got some socks to put in it to give
him some cleavage. She noted that he was beginning to enjoy it.
"And weeks ago, you said you didn't want to be a girl - you're enjoying
this!"
She had him try on various skirts and blouses, along with tights and
stockings. Shoes had to be avoided - his feet were too big. After
getting him into a light blue dress, she made him sit at her dressing
table.
"OK, all girls have to look good. Your hair is still too short, but I
can still maybe brush it a little. But we can go all the way on make-
up," she announced, picking up a jar of foundation.
She applied the foundation, then mascara. She finally took some lip
liner and a lipstick. She took a brush and tried to make the most of
his shortish hair. When she was finished, he turned to look in the
mirror. He was stunned - looking back was the girl in his dreams, only
with short hair. "I look amazing!" he whispered, still in shock.
"I'd do your nails, but time is dragging on," she responded. Indeed,
the time was getting late.
Paul was forced to say goodbye to his female appearance almost
immediately. He felt a tinge of sadness. Kelly worked overtime to get
the make-up off him double quick. After that he quickly removed the
clothes and offered them back. He then quickly put on his own clothes.
"You didn't mess them," Kelly said, looking surprised. "I should have
remembered, but it seems you didn't." She was holding the panties.
"That's why I didn't want you to look - I'm not getting erections now."
He was looking ashamed as he said it.
"Since when? Does this mean?" She was sounding concerned.
"No, it doesn't mean that - I still love you to bits, but I'm not
getting aroused as a man should."
"Do you get aroused elsewhere?" she said, coming closer, her hand
approaching his chest.
"Why, I don't knoooohhhhh!!" He suddenly gasped as she found a nipple
beneath his shirt and started to pinch it. She made him undo his shirt
again. She looked at the nipple and smiled.
"I thought you would have noticed - they are getting darker. They
haven't grown yet, but it's a sign."
"A sign?! Of what?" He sounded puzzled.
"Your breasts, silly! The area around the nipples is getting darker.
They'll get bigger soon and then the breast tissue will form
underneath."
"I'M GETTING..." he started to shout.
"Shhhhhhhh!!! Be quiet - you don't want my parents to find out!" she
told him.
He redid his shirt and packed his bag. He couldn't have timed it better
- for a voice called from downstairs. It was Kelly's mother.
"Paul, your dad's here to collect you!"
"Well, see you tomorrow then," said Kelly, and she pulled him close and
planted a kiss on his lips.
He went downstairs and found his dad at the bottom.
"Ready to go, lover boy?" he said with a chuckle.
"Sure thing dad," he said, looking back up the stairs. Kelly was
standing there.
"You really like her don't you?" he said to him.
"I sure do, she's the best girlfriend a boy could ask for."
Part 5
The rest of the day went without comment. Paul went to the bathroom and
removed his shirt. He studied his chest - the nipples were darker. How
come he hadn't noticed? How long before anyone else noticed? The thing
he feared most was now on the verge of happening.
He found himself saying to himself as he tucked up in bed, "I'm getting
breasts! I'm getting breasts!" He was actually saying it with utmost
joy, he was actually pleased!
Joy turned to fear next morning as he considered school. He felt as
though his breasts were already fully developed, though they hadn't
changed at all since last night. He wore a plain t-shirt under his
shirt to try and hide his darker nipples. At least next week was half
term. He'd have a week off school and maybe could spend some time with
Kelly.
His plan to hide his nipples had one draw back - they started to itch.
Resisting the urge to scratch was proving difficult, especially with
boys around. Even his own mates were a problem to that degree. He
simply couldn't afford to let them see him scratching. He had to resort
to sneaking around corners or behind doors just to relieve the itching.
He again waited for Kelly at the final bell.
"I should have told you about the itching - I know, it happens to all
girls. We have cream to put on it, but I should warn you, it promotes
breast development," she said matter of factly.
They were both walking, Paul's bike had suffered a flat and was waiting
for repairs.
"Promotes development? You mean it makes them grow more?" He was
concerned at that.
"Yes, the cream has oestrogen in it, you know, female hormones. But it
will relieve the itching. I'll call round and give you some if you
like," she said.
"Sure, my dad is OK with you popping 'round."
"By the way, anything on their fortunes?" she asked.
"No, I'm sure of it. I can't remember them to be honest," he said
defeatedly.
They reached that point where their paths divided. They said their
goodbyes and kissed one another.
"I'll bring that cream around later!" she shouted to him.
He forgot to tell her that on Fridays, they usually ate out every
evening.
He therefore hoped that she wasn't long in coming with the cream. They
had decided on the local pizza restaurant that evening (dad's choice)
and Paul was getting ready. He hoped this cream worked on the itching,
when it arrived that is. He had decided on a dark shirt to help hide
his new burden. The whole thing had brought him closer still to the
most awkward moment he still faced - explaining his plight to his
family.
Thankfully Kelly arrived just minutes later. Paul rushed to the door to
greet her when the bell rang.
"Here it is, now follow the instructions on the tub," she said.
"OK, but not too loud, I don't want anyone finding out," he whispered.
He took the small tub of cream and quickly put it in his pocket. "Who's
that son?" called his mom.
"Just Kelly, she was bringing me some notes for my homework," he said
in a hurry.
"Hi Kelly, did Mr Forgetful here forget something?" she asked
quizically.
"Yeah, going out?" she replied.
"Going to the Pizza place - go out to dinner every Friday. Should have
told you, but still, you made it," he replied relieved.
"Well, maybe see you next week then, bye!" She turned and left.
"Mom, I just need to go to the loo," he said, turning towards the
stairs. Everyone was ready to leave, but he decided that he had to put
the cream away first.
He went to the bathroom and shut the door. He quickly read the label on
the jar and lifted up his shirt. He quickly applied some to his
nipples. The relief was almost immediate.
"Are you done yet?" called Mom.
"Nearly!" he called back, quickly pulling down his shirt and flushing
the toilet, to at least give the illusion that he had been. He went to
the bathroom cupboard and placed the small jar by his shaving stuff,
doing his best to hide it. He then turned and hurried to join them.
The half term holiday allowed him to get out of the house more. He went
to Kelly's house on the Sunday and did another session of homework -
and dressing. He arranged to meet her at the library or in the park
during the week, so that they could talk a bit more privately. His hair
was starting to cover the tops of his ears, and was starting to feel
softer, something Kelly was keen to point out.
"Your hair is going to look nice long, you know," she mentioned to him.
"I know, it's just how everyone is going to react when they notice that
I'm planning to grow it that long," he said.
"Well, sorry to say, but they'll need cutting." She pointed at his
nails.
He looked down to see that his nails were beginning to get long. He
looked embarrassed.
"I don't blame you for wanting, but you'll need to keep them short
while you are still at school. The less feminine you look, the better.
Besides, how's the cream doing?" she said, turning the subject to his
budding chest.
"Fine, it is keeping the itching down. But I've noticed my nipples are
bigger now - and more sensitive."
She smiled understandingly. Seeing a boy transforming however slowly
into a girl was something she found interesting, if only because it was
highly strange. It was bringing them closer together in a whole new
way. It didn't put her off her attraction to him. The only worry was
whether he would start to see boys in a different light. For now that
wasn't the case - she was the only one he had eyes for and she was
happy to know that.
Paul had had a narrow escape one morning. He swore that Joanne had
noticed his breast cream in the bathroom cupboard. Not waiting for her
to take a closer look, he transferred the small tub to his bedside
cupboard.
He continued to live in his room most of the day (unless he was out
with Kelly). He noticed that he often had his free hand in his hair as
he did his homework. He found it relaxing. He was a little disappointed
in taking Kelly's advice and having to trim his nails short. But he
knew she meant well - he would attract the wrong attention that way.
His attitude to his transformation had changed over the past few weeks.
Then, he was absolutely hating the prospect of being female, now, the
thought of being female was now something he looked forward too. He was
surprised at how his attitude had changed. It was explaining his change
to others that worried him most, and that would have to happen
eventually. The week soon passed and it was back to school for another
three months, with a two week Easter break thrown in. Then the exams.
On the first day back, he realised that the last few weeks at school
were going to be tough - for reasons other than exams.
"Hi Paul, erm... you look a little different. Changed your diet or
something?" Mike's greeting ended ominously.
"Yeah, your face looks more.. whats the word... softer," added Kevin.
Paul was lost for words, which made the situation more tricky. What
could he tell them?
"What's wrong with that?" he said defensively.
"Even your voice has altered - slightly higher than normal," replied
Mike.
Paul was on the verge of panic - his voice was altering!
"OK guys, I suppose I can't keep this secret any longer, but now's not
the time." He pointed at the busy corridors. He needed to find Kelly,
she was the only one who could help him now.
He knew that this was a BIG problem. How long before his voice was
totally feminine? His facial features were becoming feminine too. He
knew it was coming, but why now! He hoped that the teachers wouldn't
aim too many questions at him - what would the class say when he spoke
with his new voice?! He would have learn to deepen his voice just to
scrape through.
He found Kevin and Mike waiting for him at dinner. He told them that
his explanation would have to wait until Kelly arrived.
"She knows already, doesn't she?" said Mike.
"Yes, she does, but it's not about her and me, it's just me!" replied
Paul, sensing some disapproval in Mike's voice.
Kelly arrived, with Linda as usual. 'Well,' thought Paul, 'I suppose
she'd better know.'
Kelly sensed the tension between the boys and asked the obvious.
"What's up guys?"
"Paul what's up?" said Mike. His voice sounded cold.
Kelly hesitated a guess, but she had a funny feeling what it was. She
noted the unfriendly tone in Mike's voice. Even Linda was puzzled by
the surprise hostility.
"So Paul, what's it you want to tell us?" Mike said. "The girls are
here, so let's have it."
Paul looked at Mike and wondered what had caused him to be so cold.
Kevin had so far just taken a back seat in this.
"You won't believe this, but the truth is, I'm becoming a girl," he
said quietly, so that only the others by the table could hear.
"So, you're a trans-freak then!" butted in Mike.
"No he's not! It's magic that's doing it - that fortune cookie is doing
it!" yelled Kelly, trying her best to keep her temper. Everyone was
surprised that no one else had noticed this.
"Fortune Cookie? That one from last year?" It was Kevin's turn to enter
the fray, though he was more reserved in the tone of his voice.
"Yep, that one. It appears that part of the fortune involved me
becoming a girl. The change has been slow so far, but it appears things
are speeding up," Paul said, looking glum.
"You can't be serious, theres no such thing as magic!" Mike was keen to
keep up his now clear homophobic views. He was not amused to see that
no one else was taking his lead.
"So, you're growing boobs then?" asked Kevin.
"Yep, though they are not showing yet," answered Paul.
"What about downstairs?" enquired Linda
"Still got the original equipment down there so far," he replied.
It seemed that Kevin and Linda were sympathetic to his plight. Mike had
now shown that he was just a narrow minded fool. The fact that his
views were not shared made him uncomfortable. He picked up his tray and
left, sitting at a table on the other side of the room. Paul was
feeling ill at ease over his friends' desertion. The others remained by
him.
"He needs to be watched," put in Linda.
"I agree, but it won't help - if he starts a rumour," put in Kevin.
"My life will be a living hell," continued Paul, feeling depressed.
"Well, you've no option now," said Kelly. "You'll have to tell the
teachers - only they can protect you now from any possible abuse."
"But who's gonna believe him? They'll claim he's taking hormones or
something," said Kevin.
"Wait a minute! That's it, hold on, no, it won't." Kelly killed her
idea before it was born. "What won't work?" said Kevin and Linda
together.
"I was going to suggest he tell them that he was taking hormones, but
he'd be putting himself in trouble. It's illegal for under 18's," she
admitted.
"Tell them he's a special case!" added Kevin.
"I don't know what to say," said Paul, now looking thoroughly dejected.
"Sorry to ask this, but you and Kelly - are you still an item?"
intervened Linda. She regretted asking. Both gave her dirty looks.
"As a matter of fact, yes!" said Kelly defiantly.
Afternoon lessons went without a hitch. Mike decided to just keep his
distance and it seemed he had kept quiet too for nothing was said.
Kelly, Linda and Kevin met up with Paul after school, for the main
purpose of offering moral support.
"Your parents should be told, Paul," said Kevin.
"I know, but will they believe me?" answered Paul.
"They'll have to, strip off if necessary. I'll even back you up," put
in Kelly.
"What about your parents?" Paul asked to Kelly.
She didn't reply, though her face told him that the question had been
received.
"Tell your family tonight, I'll come with you," she said eventually.
And so, as Linda and Kevin headed off for their homes, Kelly
occumpanied Paul to his home.
For Paul this had to be the worst day of his life. His one best friend
had freaked out and turned on him and as a result, his day of coming
out had been brought forward to now. At least, he had friends sticking
by him, and the best of them was by his side. Despite this he was
nervous. He had never been so frightened before. Kelly sensed his
discomfort and put her arm around his waist.
"When did your voice alter?" she asked him.
"I presume this morning, it was Mike who pointed it out. If I'd known,
I would have thought my family would have noticed first," he said. He
was beginning to cry.
"Do you still want to do this? You don't look up for it!" Kelly
questioned him, noting the tears that were now flowing.
He nodded and wiped his face. She turned and held him in a hug. Her
presence was a huge comfort, that was for sure.
"You know I'm a lesbian," he said, a smile appearing on his face. Kelly
smiled back, trying fight back her own tears. They looked lovingly at
one another and their lips met. They broke after a minute or two,
though to them it seemed longer. The moment had had least broken the
tension, for Paul was now feeling much better. They turned and
continued on to his house. They soon arrived, and Paul's stomach
turned. The nerves were back. He went to the door and opened it, Kelly
following close behind. His mom appeared from behind the kitchen door.
"You're a bit late son, problems at school? Oh, hi Wendy, come to do
some homework together?"
She momentarily noted her son's face and knew something was wrong. Paul
had gone upstairs to wash the tears from his face. He hadn't been in
there long when his mom peeped round the door.
"Are you OK son? You don't look alright."
He turned, the tears welling up again. He went over to her and hugged
her.
"I need to talk to you... all. Everyone must know," he sobbed.
"Have you been hurt? No ones been bullying you have they?" she asked.
He didn't answer. She looked at him and agreed to meet with the others.
She gathered her husband and Joanne into the living room. At Paul's
insistence, Kelly attended the meeting.
"So what is it son?" asked Dad.
Paul paused for a moment before answering. "It's about that fortune
cookie I had. It's coming true."
"Hey, your voice," interrupted Joanne. "I knew it sounded different,
what have you done to it?"
"Joanne, let your brother finish, he'll answer your question later,"
Dad told her. "Now you were saying - that that fortune you had is
coming true!"
"Yes.....I'm....turn..ing...into.....a.......GIRL!" he stammered, the
tears were gushing now. Kelly went over to console him.
His mom and dad sat in wonder, shocked at this announcement. Paul
didn't sound like someone making things up, otherwise he's a very good
actor.
"How do you know son?" asked his mother.
"Apart from my voice..." He then took off his shirt and tie, revealing
his bare chest and fledgeling breasts.
"Oh my gosh!" she gasped. "I'm so sorry son."
"Kelly, I presume you knew about this?" asked Dad.
Kelly nodded. "I found out that first time I came around. He was having
dreams and the paper was bothering him."
"Paper? Dreams?" he asked in wonder.
Between them, Paul and Kelly explained about the fortune paper being
tear proof and always reappearing on his desk, and then about how his
saw his female self in dreams.
"I'm not fully female yet. I have no idea when that will be. It might
be before I do my exams. There is something else - my friend Mike. He's
turned on me, because of this," Paul continued, his tears had ebbed and
his composure was returning. "Linda and Kevin are both fine with it,
though I don't suppose they fully understand yet."
"Anyone else know?" asked Dad.
"Unless Mike has been spreading gossip, no," Paul and Kelly said
together.
His family sat for a moment, considering what to do. The other problem
was getting the law to recognise Paul as female - they wouldn't believe
that magic was behind it. Joanne broke the silence.
"Now wait a minute, you said your fortune was coming true. Does that
mean ours will come true?"
"It does. Though I don't know how!" Paul answered.
"I'm not going to wake up as a boy, am I?" she added.
"No, if I remember, yours was about a friend asking you a favour," said
Mom.
"And mine concerned a pony making me rich," added Dad.
"A horse could make you rich," piped up Paul. "Bet on a race. The
National is next month!"
"Maybe, outsiders are worth a punt," Dad suggested.
"Maybe, I should get the dinner started. Kelly, are you staying?" said
mom.
"Yeah, I'll stay. Just let me phone home first."
"Back to you son, or should we now say, daughter. Do you think Mike
will cause problems?"
"I don't know, because he's been my mate since primary school. I know
he's a joker, but the way he was this afternoon, he was like a
stranger."
"I think it best that you finish school as a boy. We'll have to explain
to the teachers about your voice, especially if it alters further,
which I suppose it will," dad told him.
Paul saw the point, but his voice could cause huge problems. He could
imagine the kids gathering around to hear the boy with the girly voice.
His only other option was to sound boyish, if that was possible. He was
given leave to go to his room. Kelly decided to follow him. She found
him looking at all the posters on the wall.
"Do you really think I could get a job in racing, as a woman?" he asked
her as she entered.
"I'm sure, you could do them for sexual discrimination otherwise," she
said. "By the way, you appear to have won your family's support."
"Thanks, but I wouldn't have done it without you. I owe you a lot.
You've been by me all the way."
She blushed at this, but soon found herself kissing him, and this time
their tongues met.
"Urghh, two girls kissing!" Joanne called from behind the door in a
tone of mock disgust.
"So what!" the lovebirds shouted together. With that they separated and
decided to get their school books out.
Part 6
They did their homework for the rest of the evening, with only tea
interrupting. Soon Kelly was on her way home, after her dad came to
pick her up. She was still deciding on how best to tell her parents
that her boyfriend was becoming her girlfriend. Shortly after she left,
Paul lay on his bed, thinking to himself. His solace was broken by the
arrival of his mom.
"Can we talk?" she asked calmly.
"Sure, what about?" Though he already knew what.
He could tell that though she wanted to talk, she was still wondering
how to begin. She sat beside him on the bed.
"You're OK with this, becoming a girl I mean," she asked eventually.
"Well, at first I wasn't, in fact I was hating it. Now I'm actually
getting used to the idea," he replied.
"Well, I just wanted to know if you are aware of the changes - I can
see you're getting breasts. You know you'll need to wear bras soon,"
she enquired.
He took of his T-shirt and showed her his chest again. She went to feel
them. "You don't mind?"
"No, go ahead," he assured her.
"Why, they are startin