"All The World's A Stage"
By
Julie O
Edited
By
Itinerant
Chapter 1
"Well, how bad is it?" growled Rose Bellamy as she looked up from her
desk.
Even though she was used to her boss's bad temper, Lori White braced
herself as she entered Rose's office.
"I just got a call from the hospital," stated Lori, an attractive,
short, thin woman with red hair.
"And?" interrupted Rose.
"It's a ruptured appendix," replied Lori.
Rose removed her glasses and gritted her teeth.
"So, Miss Barnes won't be able to fulfill her duties then," stated Rose.
"Janet almost died," interjected Lori.
Rose glared at her.
"Will she live?" asked Rose
Lori nodded.
"Then we must focus on the other problems," snapped Rose. "The fashion
show starts in less than 3 hours; where will I find a model? Janet was
the perfect size for the costumes, and it's not like I can have the
outfits altered to fit someone else."
Lori knew from experience not to say anything and to let her boss vent.
Rose Bellamy was a very wealthy and powerful woman. At fifty-one, she
had been married twice, divorced once and widowed once. In both cases
she had increased her personal wealth and power. She was an excellent
businesswoman and had turned her first husband's failing business into a
multinational corporation. Rose was respected and feared; both of these
things made her happy.
She no longer participated in the day-to-day running of the corporation.
Instead, she focused on the town's historical society. When she got
involved ten years earlier, it was little more than a social club.
However, under her leadership -- or dictatorship depending who you
talked to -- she had revitalized it. The 19th Century mansion that
housed the collection had undergone a total historically accurate
restoration and now contained an excellent research library.
The organization also no longer depended upon bake sales to raise funds.
Rose had acquired a donation of women?s outfits ranging from the Civil
War era to the just before World War I. The collection was considered
one of the finest in the country. The historical society?s original plan
was to place them on display. Rose had another idea: she proposed that
they hold a fashion show and use it as a fund raiser for the society.
It now sold out tickets months in advance and was considered the social
event of the year for the upper-class residents of the town. In fact, it
was so successful, the event ran every weekend for the month of July.
Each day two of the outfits would be shown off to the guests.
This was also the year that Rose had agreed, for a price, to export the
fashion show to other towns. While the money it would raise was
important, it was the prestige that Rose was seeking.
The outfits were all the same size. The collection had once been owned
by an actress, and she had bought them to be used in her movies. The
main problem was that the outfits were very petite, and it was difficult
to find models that could fit into them.
Every year, there was a frantic search to find someone who could fit
into the outfits and was willing to put up with Rose?s domineering
personality. Most models could barely last a weekend of shows; none
would consider doing it a second time.
Rose knew she was difficult to work with, but she also knew that the
success of the shows was due to her leadership. She had great hope for
Janet, as the young woman was very ambitious and needed the money badly.
?It would have to happen this year,? grumbled Rose as she began to pace
back and forth.
She knew that her enemies would take pleasure in her failure, and this
infuriated her.
Lori kept her mouth shut, knowing it was not smart to interrupt her
boss.
Suddenly Rose slapped her hand on her desk and broke out in a big smile.
?I?ve got it!? she exclaimed.
Lori readied herself for what came next.
?Call Theresa Burns, and have her come here immediately,? said Rose.
Chapter 2
Theresa Burns wondered what the Wicked Witch of the West wanted with
her, as she stood outside Rose?s office.
She was a local high school social studies teacher and had been a member
of the historical society for twenty years. Theresa acknowledged that
Rose was responsible for the society?s growth and success, but this
didn?t stop her from disliking the woman.
It wasn?t just the fact that Rose was a dominating bitch -- Theresa
could work with that -- but rather the fact that Rose could care less
about history. Theresa knew that the only reason that Rose worked with
the club was to boost her sizable ego.
She acknowledged that Rose had done an excellent job in getting the
building renovated. Some members didn?t like the fact that Rose had
insisted that the building be upgraded to include central air
conditioning and heat, as it wasn?t historically accurate. But now they
no longer had to shut down in the winter and summer. The climate control
also allowed them to increase the size of their collection.
Theresa knocked on the door.
?Come in,? stated Rose.
Theresa entered the office to see Rose sitting behind her desk. There
was a sly smile on Rose?s face.
?Did you hear about poor Janet?? asked Rose. ?I hope she has a full
recovery.?
Theresa nodded and was slightly shocked by Rose?s concern as it was out
of character.
?Please, sit down,? continued Rose.
Theresa sat down in the antique chair that was positioned in front of
Rose?s desk.
?I assume that we?re going to have to cancel the fashion show,? stated
Theresa. ?It?s a shame, considering all the work that we?ve put into
it.?
?Nonsense,? replied Rose.
Theresa cocked her head.
?You found another model? I?m shocked to hear that, knowing how
difficult it was to find Janet.?
They had spent over two months searching for a model, before they found
Janet.
Rose stood up and walked around her desk and stood in front of Theresa.
?You understand how important this show is, correct?? asked Rose. ?I
mean, unlike many of the other club officers, you actually care about
the history.?
Theresa nodded, ignoring the backhanded compliment.
?And so, you agree that the show, as they say, must go on, right??
continued Rose.
?Yes of course, assuming we can find a model,? replied Theresa.
?Finding someone at this short notice, who can fit into the costumes, is
very difficult but not impossible,? continued Rose.
?Who do you have in mind?? asked Theresa.
?Your nephew,? replied Rose.
Theresa, shocked, stared back without saying a word.
?He?s the right size and, let?s face it, with the right help, would make
a very attractive young woman,? continued Rose.
Theresa had just recently gained custody of her seventeen-year-old
nephew, Jon. His parents had been killed in a car crash the previous
winter. He had just finished out his junior year before moving in with
her.
?You can?t be serious,? stated Theresa.
?He?s perfect,? said Rose. ?I have an eye for sizes and he?s the perfect
fit.?
Without thinking, Theresa nodded. Jon was 5'7? and very thin, almost the
same size as Janet. He had shoulder-length blonde hair, and she agreed
that he inherited his mother?s looks.
?I suppose we could ask him, maybe he?ll step in for this weekend,? said
Theresa. ?He was in the drama club in his old high school.?
Rose shook her head.
?No, I want him -- rather, HER -- for the whole summer,? stated Rose.
?Did you say her??
Rose nodded.
?Yes, we?re going to put the collection on display for the entire
summer. I have dates scheduled for almost the whole month of August.
Jon, or rather Jean, will be better off dressed as a girl all the time
as we travel around. I can tell that she?ll be perfect, so there?s no
need to search for another model,? explained Rose.
?I can?t order Jon to do this,? replied Theresa.
?Yes you can -- and you will,? replied Rose with an evil grin on her
face.
She then reached around and retrieved a folder that was on her desk.
?Please read what?s in here,? she stated as she handed the folder to
Theresa.
Theresa read the contents of the folder and gasped.
?Before you reply, the superintendent owes me several favors, and I?m
willing to claim them to make this happen. If you want to keep your job,
you will do as I say,? stated Rose.
Theresa glared at Rose.
?Before you say a word, be aware that I know some would call this
blackmail, but I don?t care. I did worse when I was active in running my
company,? stated Rose. ?Oh, and I also happen to know that you?re barely
holding onto your house. If you lose your job, I will make sure that the
foreclosure is carried out very swiftly.?
Theresa fought back her rage, as she glared at Rose.
?On the other hand, if your nephew/niece does as I ask, you will keep
your job, your house, and I will even ensure that there?s a full
scholarship awarded,? continued Rose. ?I despise failure. And while some
may see the cancellation of the shows as unavoidable, I know others will
use it against me.?
?And what will they say, when you force a young man to dress up as a
girl all summer?? asked Theresa.
?Jon only arrived in town this week; I doubt anyone else, besides me,
has even taken notice. There?s little that I don?t know about what's
going on around here. Besides, he?s not very masculine. I wouldn?t be
surprised if some think he is a girl,? said Rose smugly. ?And I can see
in your eyes that you hate me; good. But you also know that I will keep
my word.?
Theresa bit her lip, as she debated what to do.
?Now, we only have a few hours to transform Jon into Jean, so I
recommend that we get started,? said Rose. ?Oh, I have taken the liberty
of sending Lori over to your house to pick him up.?
Chapter 3
Theresa sat across from Jon and explained Rose?s plan.
?Now, I?m not going to force you to do this,? said Theresa. ?Pardon my
language, but Ms. Bellamy can go fuck herself.?
Jon laughed slightly.
?Seriously, we can get by. I can always get another job,? continued
Theresa.
Jon shook his head.
?And what about your house? Aunt Theresa, I?ll do it. Not for Ms.
Bellamy, but for you. I don?t like the idea of you losing your job and
house,? he replied. ?I also like acting, although this is a bit
extreme.?
?Please think about this,? she said.
?I have. She?s right about one thing: no one knows me here, and it will
all be over by the time school starts. And if someone finds out, so
what? I have enough credits from my old school that I can graduate
early and leave here. I just want to help you; you?ve been so nice to me
since the accident. I mean you let me stay with my friends so I could
finish my junior year back there.?
Theresa leaned close and hugged Jon.
Chapter 4
?Okay, Jon, we?ve got a lot to do in a short period of time. We?re going
to focus on getting you ready for today?s event. When it?s over, we?ll
work on your everyday look,? said Lori. ?Don?t worry; I know what I?m
doing. I used to work in a salon, before I shifted careers and became
Ms. Bellamy?s assistant.?
?Less talk Lori and more work,? stated Rose, who was sitting on the
couch on the other side of the room.
?Yes Ma?am,? she replied.
Lori turned and examined Jon.
?We?ll get you into your undergarments first, and then I?ll do your
makeup and wig. Then I?ll help you into your dress,? explained Lori.
?We?ll dress you in 2 costumes each day.?
?So what will I be wearing today?? asked Jon.
?Both are from the 1860?s. One is a ball gown, and the other is less
formal. We?ll try to do themes each day as it will make the makeovers
easier and faster,? said Lori.
?How long will I be out there?? asked Jon.
?Around forty-five minutes. Ms. Bellamy will describe the outfit and its
history. Just follow her directions; you?ll get the hang of it pretty
quickly.?
?And what about the rest of the time?? asked Jon.
?For July, you?ll work with me,? said Lori. ?In August, we?ll be doing
shows every few days and traveling.?
?And why do I have to pretend to be a girl all the time?? asked Jon.
?It will help you stay in character,? said Rose. ?Also some of the
places we?re going are rather conservative and wouldn?t like the idea of
boy dressed as a girl.?
Jon found this answer less than truthful but didn?t say a thing.
?Okay, Jon, why don?t you strip down, and we?ll get started,? said Lori.
Chapter 5
?How?re you doing?? asked Lori.
?It?s a little hard to breathe; does it have to be so tight?? asked Jon
as he ran his hands over the corset that was wrapped around his waist.
?You?ll get used to it,? interjected Rose.
?She?s right; just take it easy and you?ll get used to it,? added Lori.
Jon nodded as he looked at himself in the mirror. He was also wearing a
boned, flounced hoop skirt, long cotton bloomers, a camisole, and period
shoes. Silicon breast pads had been attached to his chest giving him a
very feminine appearance.
?The undergarments and shoes are reproductions, but the outerwear is all
authentic period clothes,? stated Lori. ?That?s why we needed someone
the right size.?
Jon nodded.
?Your first outfit today will be a two-piece calico, and then we?ll move
you up to something fancier -- a pink silk ensemble, perfect for a
ball,? continued Lori as she pointed to the dressing dummies that held
the outfits.
?I can?t wait,? replied Jon with a smile.
?I have to go see that everything is ready,? stated Rose as she looked
at her watch. ?Remember, Jean, from now until the end of the summer, you
are a girl. You know the consequences, if you let me down.?
Jon stared back at the older woman.
?Do you understand, my dear?? asked Rose.
?Yes, I do, Ms. Bellamy,? replied Jean in a softer feminine tone.
?Not bad; your aunt said you liked acting. I think we can pull this
off,? said Rose.
Chapter 6
?I?m sorry about this Jean,? replied Lori. ?You don?t mind me calling
you that do you??
?It?s okay; I might as well get used to it,? replied Jean matter of
factly.
?You?re being a great sport,? continued Lori as she applied Jean?s
makeup.
?I can?t let her hurt my aunt,? replied Jean. ?I couldn?t do anything to
help my parents, but I can prevent Aunt Theresa from losing her job and
home.?
Lori nodded. She admired what the teenager was doing.
?How long have you worked for Ms. Bellamy?? asked Jean.
?Sometimes it feels like forever,? said Lori. ?Oops, I shouldn?t have
said that.?
?I won?t tell her,? said Jean.
Lori smiled back.
?I started working for her five years ago. Yes, she?s not the easiest
person to work for, but I have learned much from her. And believe it or
not, she?s a generous person. But also she can be very vindictive; don?t
underestimate her.?
Lori stepped back, admired her work and nodded. Thanks to the makeup and
wig, Jean passed quite nicely as a woman.
?I don?t think anyone will suspect your real gender,? said Lori.
?What about when I?m not dressed up like Scarlett O?Hara?? asked Jean.
?Don?t worry about that, you?ll look great,? replied Lori.
She then reached over and touched one of Jean?s earlobes.
?How long have you had pierced ears?? asked Lori.
?Two years. I was playing a part in a play and the clip-on earrings hurt
too much,? replied Jean.
?What was the part?? asked Lori as she looked for a pair of earrings
that would match the outfit.
?Juliet,? she replied. ?Our town used to do Shakespeare every summer and
one of the performances was done with an all male cast.?
?And you chose to do this?? asked Lori.
Jean nodded.
?It was a great part, and it was better than only having 2 or 3 lines in
one of the other performances,? replied Jean.
?Did you get kidded about it?? asked Lori.
?At first I did, but the jokes stopped as soon as they saw my
performance,? replied Jean.
?Do you want to go into acting as a career?? asked Lori.
Jean nodded.
?My parents told me it was risky, but they always supported me,? she
said.
?That?s cool,? replied Lori. ?Theresa told me what happened, I?m very
sorry.?
?Thanks.?
?I?m also sorry about all this,? continued Lori.
?I don?t mind the dressing up; I would have done it, if I had been
asked. I?m just pissed that Ms. Bellamy didn?t think to ask me,? said
Jean.
Lori nodded.
?Where did you learn all this?? asked Jean.
?Like you I have a love of the theater, but not acting. I wanted to
become a makeup artist, but real life reared its ugly head, and I needed
a real job,? she explained. ?So I became Ms. Bellamy?s PA.
?Okay, let?s get you dressed and out to your adoring public,? said Lori.
Jean couldn?t help but giggling.
Chapter 7
Theresa couldn?t believe her eyes, when she walked in to see Lori?s
work.
?Wow, you look fantastic,? she exclaimed.
?Thank you,? replied Jean in her feminine voice.
Jean?s outfit consisted of a fitted bodice and a full skirt. The
material was flocked blue check and she had a matching parasol. The
bodice had a V-shaped center front and cut short in the back. There was
a lace ruffle trim at the neckline. The oversleeve had a ruffle flounce
and an undersleeve in white cotton with a lace trimmed buttoned cuff. On
her hands she wore white lace gloves. The skirt was very full with a
flounce of calico trim at the hemline
The wig was brunette and styled in a period updo, with the hair braided.
?Am I acceptable, Aunt Theresa?? asked Jean.
?You look perfect,? replied Theresa.
?Well, if I?m going to do this, I might as well it do it right,? replied
Jean.
?Here?s the last touch,? said Lori as she added a touch of perfume on
Jean?s wrists. ?I?d be stunned if anyone suspects that Jean was once
Jon.?
What she didn?t say was that she was shocked by how quickly the teen had
adjusted to her new feminine persona.
?Well, time to head out,? said Theresa. ?We have a full house today.?
?That will make Ms. Bellamy happy, as a full house means big
contributions,? added Lori.
?Do you need any help, Jean?? asked Theresa.
Jean shook her head.
?This outfit sort of forces you to walk slowly and in a feminine
manner,? she replied. ?Just show me the way.?
Chapter 8
As soon as she walked out in front of the guests, Rose knew that she had
been right to force the teen into becoming her latest model. Jean was
perfect and passed completely as a young woman. Rose smiled and thought
if Jean was this good now, how feminine would she be by the end of the
summer.
For years she had wanted to use a male as her model, but she could never
come up with the right situation. The idea of feminizing a young male
was so arousing, and to see Jon, now Jean, in front of her was
incredible. She did her best to hide her emotions, but she could feel
her nipples harden as she watched Jean parade around in front of the
guests. She couldn?t wait to see what Jean would look like after the
show.
?Patience,? she whispered to herself to help contain her excitement.
The crowd had no idea that the young woman modeling the outfit was
actually a young man. They were enjoying the show too much to even
suspect the truth.
For Jean, it was like some strange dream. Part of her was still angry at
Ms. Bellamy for resorting to extortion, while another part of her was
enjoying herself. It was so confusing sometimes, she thought. Why was
she attracted to female clothing? She had been able to hide these
feelings most of the time. Her acting gave her an outlet. But now she
would get the chance to dress all the time for the rest of the summer.
She knew that she would have to be careful so that no one suspected the
truth.
Chapter 9
?Are you ready?? asked Lori as she examined Jean?s appearance.
Jean nodded.
She was now dressed in a lightly colored, pink silk gown with pagoda
sleeves. Under the skirt was a large hoop skirt to complete the look.
Her makeup had been changed slightly to match the outfit. The wig had
been changed to one with more curls. The color was also different as she
was now a blonde.
She wore matching gloves and held a fan in her hands.
?You look beautiful, if I don?t say so myself,? remarked Lori.
Jean felt her face grow warm and she realized she was blushing.
?Sorry, did I embarrass you? I have to admit that I forgot that you?re
not really a girl,? said Lori.
?It?s okay,? replied Jean. ?I?m sort of lost in the moment myself.?
Lori cocked her head as she stared back at the teen.
Jean caught herself and smiled back.
?I often get lost in my roles,? she replied.
Lori nodded, but suspected that something else was going on. However she
didn?t press it, as she figured she?d give Jean a chance to explain it
later.
?Okay, let?s head back out,? said Lori. ?When you?re done, we still have
one more transformation to make.?
Chapter 10
Rose was even more pleased with seeing Jean in the second outfit. It
looked as if it had been tailored for the teen. She overhead some women
in the crowd wondering where the society got two lovely young women for
the show and smiled at the fact that they didn?t realize that it was the
same model.
The show turned out to be quit profitable. Rose estimated that if all
the shows were as good, then the society would have all its operating
expenses for the year. She also took pleasure in the fact that the
other club officers were so generous in their praise of the show.
She watched as Lori led Jean to the back room and wished that she could
watch the teen being transformed. However, she had to play the gracious
host and greet the contributors. She couldn?t wait to see what Lori did
with teen.
Chapter 11
?It feels so good to be out of that corset,? remarked Jean.
?Yes, but you need to get used to it. Ms. Bellamy has suggested that you
wear it several hours a day,? said Lori. ?Since you?ll be working here
with me, you can wear it then. Once you leave here, you can dress as a
normal teenage girl.?
Jean laughed slightly.
?Sorry, but that sounds so funny,? said Jean.
?I know,? replied Lori. ?Okay, first things first, we need to remove
what little body hair you have. I have a cream that will do the trick.
It?s a bit harsh, but at least you won?t have to deal with shaving. Now
how often do you shave your face??
?I don?t,? replied Jean. ?I guess I?m a late bloomer.?
Lori looked closely and examined Jean.
?Well, for what we need to do, this will be great,? said Lori. ?Okay,
you?ll need to strip down and stand in the tub. Follow the directions
on the bottle. I?ll be outside, call me if you have any questions.?
A short time later, Lori was cutting and styling Jean?s hair. She
decided to give the teen a short layered look. It would make it easier
when dealing with the many wigs she would have to wear. She also waxed
Jean?s brows down so they were thin and highly arched.
?So, will I look like a girl?? asked Jean.
?You?ll do fine, just like you did today,? said Lori as she worked. ?I
have a couple of outfits for you. We?ll go out Monday and get a full
wardrobe.?
Jean nodded.
?Now, I?m going to keep your nails short. They?ll be shaped to look
feminine. You?ll be wearing gloves most of the time with the modeling
and longer nails would be a pain,? continued Lori.
?Okay, I trust you,? said Jean.
By the time Rose walked in, Jean was fully dressed in a pink short
sleeve top, a tan skirt and sandals. Lori had also provided her with
earrings, a watch, rings and a necklace.
?I?m impressed! Lori did an excellent job,? noted Rose.
?Thank you,? replied Jean. ?Where?s my aunt??
?She?s out with the remaining guests,? replied Rose as she inspected the
teen. ?Yes, you look quite lovely, very feminine.?
Lori noticed the change in her boss?s demeanor and felt a chill run up
her spine.
?Did Lori explain your other duties?? asked Rose as she continued to
take in the feminized teen.
?Yes, I?m to help her. I also will be wearing the corset while I?m
here,? replied Jean.
?Among other things,? replied Rose.
?What do you mean?? asked Jean.
?We have some reproduction outfits; they will help you get used to
moving around. You won?t have to wear them all the time. Think of it as
a dress rehearsal,? replied Rose.
Jean nodded.
?That makes sense,? replied Jean. ?Anything else??
?Just remember that for the next two months, you are Jean and you are a
girl. I will not tolerate any mistakes. I want you to be in character
24/7; is that clear young lady?? stated Rose.
?Yes Ma?am,? replied Jean.
?Good girl,? she replied. ?Who knows? You might even prefer being a
woman.?
Chapter 12
?She really said that?? asked Theresa.
Jean nodded.
They were in the kitchen preparing dinner together.
?There?s something wrong about that woman,? continued Theresa.
?The good thing is that I like Lori. She?s really nice,? said Jean as
she set the table.
Theresa nodded.
?I don?t know why she stays with that woman though,? said Theresa.
?Do you think she?s being blackmailed too?? asked Jean.
Theresa shrugged her shoulders.
?Anything is possible,? she replied. ?However, be careful about telling
her anything personal; she might not be what she appears.?
?Okay,? replied Jean.?
Theresa then shook her head slowly.
?I can?t believe how good you look. I mean, I?m pleased as it will make
the next two months easier, but you really pass well,? said Theresa.
?Thank you Aunt Theresa,? replied Jean.
?And you can drop the 'aunt'; just call me Theresa, please.?
?Okay,? replied Jean.
Jean noticed that Theresa was still staring at her.
?What?? asked Jean.
?Don?t take this the wrong way, but you look so much like your mother
when she was your age,? commented Theresa as she wiped away a tear.
?You miss her too?? asked Jean.
?Everyday. We were very close growing up,? said Theresa.
?I dream about her and dad all the time,? said Jean.
Theresa smiled back at her niece.
?That?s nice to here. After dinner, I?ll drag out some of the photo
albums if you?d like.?
Jean nodded.
?I?d like that,? replied Jean.
Chapter 13
?Wow! You?re right, I do look like Mom,? said Jean as she looked at the
photos in the album. ?When were these taken??
?That was when we were in high school, so around the same age as you are
now,? replied Theresa.
Jean rubbed her chin.
?I wonder what she would think if she saw me right now,? said Jean.
?I?m sure she would be proud of you,? replied Theresa. ?She would
probably be angry at me for putting you into this situation.?
?Why would she be angry with you? I suspect that she would blame Ms.
Bellamy,? said Jean.
?I put myself into this situation; I made the mistakes that allowed Rose
to take advantage of me and to use you,? replied Theresa.
?It?s not your fault that the school is cutting back, and well, from
what I was taught in school, many people have housing problems,? said
Jean.
?I?m not in danger of losing my job just due to cutbacks. That woman
found out a mistake I made in my past. What I did wasn?t illegal, but
it?s not the sort of thing that would be seen as proper for a teacher,?
replied Theresa.
?What was it?? asked Jean. ?I mean if you don?t mind telling me.?
?I?ll be right back,? said Theresa as she stood up.
A few minutes later she returned with a folder.
?As you know our family was never rich. I struggled to raise money for
tuition and well by my senior year I was tapped out,? said Theresa as
she opened the folder.
Jean stared at the first photo in the folder. It was of an attractive
blonde woman who was totally naked. It took her a second to realize that
it was Theresa.
?This is the mildest one,? said Theresa. ?I made enough from it to pay
for my tuition and then I quit.?
?And this is what Ms. Bellamy is holding over your head?? asked Jean.
?As I said, that is the mildest one. There are others that are more
graphic,? replied Theresa.
Jean just nodded as she closed the folder.
?You did what you had to do to get through college,? said Jean. ?I don?t
see the big deal.?
?I appreciate that, but the school board here is rather conservative and
would pressure me to resign. If I didn?t, they would fire me. I also
think that Rose has dirt on them too,? said Theresa. ?She has dirt on
most important people in this town.?
?So maybe we should dig up some dirt on her,? said Jean as she broke out
into a large smile.
?I?d love to, but the only vice she seems to have is power,? said
Theresa. ?There are many people here who hate her, but they also fear
her.?
?I don?t fear her,? said Jean.
?Maybe, but don?t underestimate her. There?s something else going on
with all this. She could pay for the society?s budget without breaking a
sweat and then write it all off as a tax break. A week or two?s
postponement would have been understood by all. I want you to be careful
around her.?
?What bout Lori??
?She?s a good person, but I suspect that Rose has something on her too,?
said Theresa as she looked at her watch. ?It?s getting late and you
have a busy day ahead of you.?
?Okay, good night, Theresa,? said Jean. ?And don?t worry -- I don?t
blame you for any of this.?
Chapter 14
For the second day of the show, the outfits for Jean were again from the
Civil War period. The first one was a calico set, something that would
have been worn as an everyday outfit. The jacket was fitted with
oversleeves trimmed in lace. The skirt bustled in the back and had a
lace trimmed underskirt. To top off the outfit there was a sun bonnet
and gloves.
The second one was a ball gown. It was very fancy and had an off-the
shoulder style. Like the gown the previous day, Jean was required to
wear a hoop skirt.
Rose was pleased with Jean?s obedience. It surprised her, as she had
expected the teen to put up more resistance. Instead, Jean did
everything that she was told. It gave her hope for the future.
As with the previous show, the crowd was very pleased and showed their
pleasure with their donations. They also sold out the rest of the shows
for July.
Rose decided to hold off some of the more risqu? outfits for the next
month and the out of town shows. It would work better with her long term
plans for Jean.
?You look lovely my dear, I was so fortunate to have found you,? she
said to Jean as they entered the dressing room. ?You were made for this
job.?
Jean fought back her urge to say something rude and just nodded.
?Tomorrow you will work for Lori. Don?t worry, she won?t work you hard.
It will give you a chance to get used to your new ? life,? continued
Rose.
?What do you mean?? asked Jean with a suspicious glance.
?Basically, I want you to become more comfortable as a woman. You will
also wear some of our reproduction costumes, so you can continue to
adjust to wearing corset and petticoats. You have done quite well the
past two shows, but I want your feminine demeanor to become ore natural
and less acting,? replied Rose.
?You make it sound like this is permanent,? said Jean with surprise in
her voice.
Rose smiled back.
?Would that be all that bad?? stated Rose. ?It seems rather natural for
you, and let?s face it, you?re not very masculine; it wouldn?t take much
for you to change.?
Jean wasn?t sure if Ms. Bellamy was kidding or not.
?This is just an acting job that I?m doing to help my aunt,? she
replied.
Rose smirked.
?I?m not so sure, and I?m not sure that you believe that. However, I
won?t force you to change, instead I?ll just let nature take it course,?
she stated. ?I think by the end of summer, you?ll be singing a different
tune.?
Before Jean could reply Lori entered the room.
?Have a nice evening my dear, and I?ll see you tomorrow,? said Rose as
she departed.
Jean didn?t reply and all she could do was nod.
After the door closed, Lori asked her if she was okay.
?I?m not sure,? replied Jean.
?You want to talk about it??
Jean shook her head.
?Not right now, but thanks for asking,? replied Jean. ?Right now I just
want to get out of this dress.?
Lori decided not to push the point -- at least not for now.
Chapter 15
Over dinner, Theresa turned to her niece and spoke.
?What?s wrong?? she asked.
?Nothing. Why do you ask?? replied Jean.
?How about the fact that you?ve barely said ten words since the show,
and also you?ve barely eaten your dinner,? said Theresa.
Jean noticed that she was just pushing her food around with her fork and
nodded.
?So, what is it?? asked Theresa.
Jean leaned back in her chair. She was dressed in a sleeveless t-shirt
and a skirt.
?I have a lot of things running around my head,? said Jean. ?I mean, you
have to admit that this has been a pretty weird weekend.?
?That?s an understatement,? interjected Theresa. ?It?s natural that you
would have regrets about this deal.?
?It?s more that just doing the shows and dressing like this. I really
don?t mind doing this ? in fact, it feels almost normal,? admitted Jean.
?Not the shows, but this, right now ? I sort of like being a girl.?
Theresa didn?t speak.
Jean lowered her head.
?I guess I said too much. I?m sorry,? said Jean.
?You have nothing to apologize for, my dear,? said Theresa. ?Are you
saying that you want to be a girl??
?Maybe ? I have had feelings, as long as I can remember, that I was
different. My acting was an outlet, and I thought I had it under
control,? admitted Jean.
?Is it just the clothing, or is it the whole thing? I mean, not just
dressing up, but being seen and treated as a girl?? asked Theresa.
?The second one,? said Jean softly. ?Is that okay??
Theresa got out of her seat and immediately hugged Jean.
?Of course it is, it?s who you are,? said Theresa.
?And you, don?t mind?? asked Jean as she felt tears roll down her
cheeks.
?Honey, I just want you to be happy and to be you. No, I don?t mind, in
fact I began to suspect that you were dealing with something like this,?
replied Theresa as pulled her chair closer to Jean.
Jean wiped away the tears.
?Was I that obvious?? asked Jean.
Theresa nodded.
?Oh,? said Jean.
?I have worked with many LGBT students. I can?t say that I know what
you?re going through, but I will always love and support you,? said
Theresa.
?Thanks, I really appreciate that,? said Jean. ?But it?s not everything
on my mind.?
Jean then told her about the strange conversation she had with Ms.
Bellamy.
?She really creeped me out,? said Jean.
?That?s understandable,? said Theresa. ?However, just like we talked
about earlier, let?s keep this between us for now. I want you to tell me
if she does anything else ? odd.?
?I will, thank you,? replied Jean. ?I sort of feel that Lori is on our
side.?
?That may be, be careful around her; stay in character, but keep your
thoughts to yourself,? stated Theresa.
?Okay,? replied Jean.
?I?ll talk to her and try to feel her out. She?s close to Rose, but I
have never sensed that she has a great lover for the woman; it?s more
out of loyalty. However, you might not be the only one who is acting, so
be careful.?
?Okay. I?ll be working for her in between the shows and traveling with
her once we go on the road,? said Jean.
I?m sure she?ll treat you fine, but let me know if Rose says or does
anything else.?
?I will,? replied Jean.
?With your permission, I?d like to talk to our school therapist and see
what she suggests regarding your feminine path,? said Theresa.
?I?d like that,? said Jean. ?Thanks for everything.?
?It?s my pleasure,? replied Theresa as she leaned over and hugged her.
Chapter 16
Jean was dropped off at the historical society the next morning by
Theresa. Before she drove away, Theresa repeated her instructions from
the previous night.
Jean nodded and headed into the building where she was greeted by Lori.
?You look nice,? noted Lori.
Jean was dressed in a skirt, blouse and sandals.
?Theresa did my makeup,? said Jean. ?I can do some stage makeup, but I?m
not ready for real life.?
?That?s fine, you?ll learn like the rest of us do,? said Lori.
She then paused and shook her head.
?Sorry, that?s not what I meant to say. You look so natural that I
slipped up and thought of you as a girl,? said Lori.
?It?s okay, I?ll take that as a compliment to my acting abilities,?
replied Jean.
Lori decided to let the issue drop for now.
?Okay, we?ll head out to the mall as soon as the stores open. Ms.
Bellamy gave me an expense account to fill out your wardrobe. In
addition to everyday items we?ll need to get you some outfits for social
events,? said Lori.
?What sort of events?? asked Jean as she followed Lori.
They entered a small room that served as Lori?s office.
?When we hit the road next month, there will be dinners and other social
events with the groups. Ms. Bellamy wants you there,? said Lori. ?Have a
seat.?
Jean nodded as she sat down.
?Don?t worry, I?ll be there too,? continued Lori.
?Thanks,? replied Jean.
?Now, as you know, Ms. Bellamy wants you to practice wearing historical
outfits. You won?t have to worry about being seen as the main part of
the house is only open during the weekend. The research library has its
own entrance,? said Lori.
?What sort of outfits will I have to wear?? asked Jean.
?Corsets, period reproduction undergarments, shoes and outerwear such as
dresses and skirts,? said Lori.
?Will wearing a corset every day have any long term affects?? asked
Jean.
?No, not really,? replied Lori. ?The main thing is that you?ll get used
to wearing the items and will move more naturally. You did okay this
past show, but I could tell that you were concentrating to stay in
character.?
?I was trying not to fall down on my face,? admitted Jean.
?I doubt anyone besides me noticed,? said Lori. ?Unlike you, I never had
any desire to go on stage; I preferred the behind the scenes part of
theater.?
?Really?? asked Jean.
?I?ve trained many models in wearing these outfits, and I can do the
same for you. I?ll also help you pass as a girl, although you really
don?t need that much help,? said Lori. ?I doubt anyone will give you a
second thought when we?re at the mall.?
Jean nodded.
?That?s good to hear,? replied Jean.
?Well, we might as well head out now. We have a lot of shopping to do,?
said Lori.
Chapter 17
?I can?t believe we bought so much stuff,? said Jean as she carried the
last load of items into the house.
?Well, you needed a whole new wardrobe,? replied Lori. ?You also needed
toiletries, cosmetics, jewelry, shoes??
?Okay, I get it,? interrupted Jean with a slight laugh. ?What are we
going to do with all of this, when I?m done being a model??
?I?m sure we?ll think of something,? replied Lori as she followed Jean
to the bedroom.
Jean set the bags on the floor.
?So what do we do now?? she asked.
?We unpack and put everything away. Oh, I also have orders from Ms.
Bellamy to pack up all your male clothes. She doesn?t want you changing
back, so she wants me to remove any temptation,? explained Lori.
Jean cocked her head.
?Doesn?t all this, I mean Ms. Bellamy?s control, seem weird to you??
asked Jean.
?I?ve grown used to it. I don?t bother fighting battles I know I can?t
win, and neither should you. Accept what is happening, and it will go
smoother for you,? said Lori.
?Okay,? replied Jean.
?The days will fly by, and soon this will be over, and you can get on
with your life,? continued Lori.
Jean wondered if Lori sensed the truth.
?So tomorrow I?ll be in a corset,? said Jean as she began to put things
in to the dresser.
?Yes, we?ll start out slowly, and you?ll only be in it for a few hours.
We?ll build up your tolerance each day until it feels like second
nature,? said Lori. ?There?s one other thing I should tell you. Ms.
Bellamy wants you to watch your weight.?
?Well I doubt I?ll be eating much when I have the corset on,? replied
Jean.
?We don?t want you to get sick either. I have some diet shakes and
smoothies that you can have when you?re wearing the corset. Don?t worry,
they?re actually quite tasty,? said Lori.
?Okay,? replied Jean.
?You?ll be weighed and measured daily,? continued Lori. ?The historical
outfits cannot be altered so you must stay within specifications.?
?Well, that shouldn?t be a problem. I?ve never had much luck putting on
weight,? replied Jean.
?A lot of other girls would love to have that problem,? said Lori as she
began to place some outfits in the closet.
Jean heard the ?other girls? comment, but didn?t say anything.
Chapter 18
?I don?t like the idea that Ms. Bellamy had Lori remove all your old
clothes,? said Theresa, barely holding back her anger.
They were sitting in the kitchen having dinner.
?I know, but there wasn?t much I could do. I mean, I feel comfortable
with looking like this,? said Jean. ?But at the same time I don?t trust
Ms. Bellamy.?
Theresa nodded.
?On the plus side, Lori was very nice to me today,? continued Jean. ?I
just can?t figure out why she works for Ms. Bellamy. Do you think she is
also being blackmailed??
?I doubt it. Rose pays her quite well. I suspect that?s part of it. She
has given Lori a very comfortable life, and this would make it hard for
Lori to leave. Control can come in many forms.?
?I suppose you?re right,? said Jean.
She then told Theresa about the weight and size restrictions.
?Actually, that?s the most reasonable thing that I?ve heard in all this.
The girl you replaced was told the same thing.?
?I suppose that?s good to hear,? said Jean. ?I mean the fact that I?m
not being singled out.?
?To Rose, this show is everything; she?ll spare nothing to make it
succeed,? said Theresa.
?I know! You should see all the clothes and other things Lori bought me
today. I can?t believe how much money she spent,? said Jean.
Theresa nodded. She felt the size of the wardrobe was excessive and also
very expensive. Many of the outfits were from major labels.
?Well, Rose doesn?t do anything half way,? said Theresa. ?We?ll just
keep an eye on her for now.?
?Okay,? replied Jean.
Chapter 19
?How does that feel?? asked Lori.
?It?s tight,? replied Jean as she ran her hands down her waist, feeling
the corset under her outfit.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror and studied her appearance.
She was wearing a long skirt, and a matching long sleeve blouse. Under
the skirt she wore a full petticoat. It was a rather plain outfit, and
Lori explained it was what a housewife would wear.
?How about the shoes??
?They?re not so bad,? said Jean as she lifted her skirt to look at the
black laced shoes.
?As you move around, pay attention to how the outfit moves,? ordered
Lori. ?The goal of this daily training to make this seem natural so
you?ll do better in the shows.?
?I understand,? replied Jean.
?You?ll be wearing more outfits from the Civil War collection, this
weekend,? said Lori.
?And then what?? asked Jean.
?The pioneer and Old West,? interjected Rose as she walked into the
room. ?We?ll be saving the Victorian, and Edwardian for the out of town
shows. Oh, we?ll also show off the bustle dresses too. You?ll look
lovely in those.?
Jean nodded.
Rose ran her eyes over Jean and nodded approvingly.
?Yes, you look quite nice. I?m very pleased,? noted Rose. ?I can?t wait
to see you in some of the fancier outfits.?
?She?ll be ready,? interjected Lori.
?I expect nothing less,? said Rose. ?Try to stay in the outfit all day
my dear.?
Jean looked over at Lori who just nodded.
Chapter 20
?How do you feel?? asked Lori as they sat down for lunch.
?Okay,? replied Jean.
?Here try this smoothie,? said Lori. ?It?s fruit flavored. Only sip a
little at a time; let your body adjust.?
?Okay,? replied Jean.
Lori was right; the flavor wasn?t bad thought Jean.
?I can give you some to take home, that way you can have them for
breakfast,? said Lori. ?However you should eat a solid meal for dinner.
Oh, I also have some vitamins that you should take. We don?t want you to
get sick.?
?I doubt that Ms. Bellamy would allow that,? said Jean with a laugh.
?There are some things that she doesn?t have control over,? replied Lori
as she handed Jean a bottle of vitamins. ?You?re under a lot stress
right now, so you should watch your health.?
?I will,? replied Jean.
?So do you want to see the outfits that you?ll be wearing this weekend??
asked Lori.
?Right now?? asked Jean as she sipped her drink.
?After lunch,? replied Lori.
Chapter 21
The week flew by and soon Jean found herself dressed in a blue and
yellow plaid outfit. The jacket was buttoned in the front and had pagoda
sleeves with attached white undersleeves. Under the full skirt she wore
a hoop skirt. As with the other outfits she wore white gloves.
The crowd loved the outfit and it was obvious to Jean that none of them
suspected her true gender.
Jean was very relaxed. Part of this was due to the fact that she was now
used to the outfits. She had worn a corset and full skirt all week
making the modeling much easier.
Rose was very pleased with Jean?s performance. The girl was coming along
much faster than she could have hoped for. Rose looked at the crowd and
could tell that they would make major contributions as soon as they were
asked, it was becoming so easy.
Lori as also pleased with the performance of Jean. It was as if the teen
had been wearing period clothing her whole life. She couldn?t wait to
see Jean in some of the clothing of other eras.
As Jean departed to applause, she turned to Lori and smiled.
?They sound pleased,? said Jean.
?You were wonderful out there. Now, let?s get you in the next outfit so
you can dazzle them again.
Theresa was also watching the show, and she had to admit that Jean was
doing an excellent job, although she was still bother by what Rose had
done. Her fears were only increased when she saw the way Rose stared at
Jean during the show. There was something about the look on Rose?s face
that didn?t seem right, but she couldn?t quite put her finger on it.
Chapter 22
After the show, as Jean was getting changed, she asked Lori about the
trip.
?We?ll be driving in two vehicles. You and I will be riding in an RV.
Rose will drive alone and her car,? said Lori as she unbuttoned the back
of Jean?s dress. ?Don?t worry, we won?t be sleeping in the RV, we just
need a large vehicle to transport the costumes and accessories.?
Jean nodded.
?So where will be spending the night?? asked Jean.
?Hotels most of the time, but also some B&Bs,? replied Lori. ?Don?t
worry, the places are nice and we?ll each get our own rooms.?
?Cool,? replied Jean. ?I looked the schedule, it looks very busy. I mean
we?ll be doing five to six shows a week.?
?That?s one of the benefits, as it will make the time fly by. You?ll
definitely be glad when the shows are done.?
?I?ll have a week until school starts,? replied Jean. ?Not much time to
relax.?
?It?s also not much time to adjust to being a boy again,? said Lori.
Jean shrugged her shoulders.
?It won?t be that hard,? she said.
?Don?t be so sure. I mean, you?ve been doing this for just a week and to
be honest, you?re pretty deep into your new life as a girl. I thought
I?d have to be constantly correcting you, but I haven?t had to do that.
You seem very comfortable as a woman.?
?I admit that I?ve thrown myself into this role, but it?s just that,?
countered Jean.
Lori gave Jean a skeptical look.
?Okay, if that?s your story, I won?t press you. But should you want to
talk about it, I?ll be there,? replied Lori.
Jean didn?t say anything.
?I think you should be free to be the person you were meant to be,?
continued Lori. ?We?ll talk more about this later.?
?Okay,? replied Jean.
Chapter 23
?You look tired,? said Theresa.
?It was a long weekend,? replied Jean as she looked out the window of
the car. ?In some ways it?s like doing two plays a day. When I walk out
in front of the crowd, I think of it as not just modeling an outfit but
playing a role. When I was in that ball gown, I played it as if I was
going to a big party.?
?It shows. You?re blowing away the audience,? said Theresa.
Jean nodded.
?Is there something else on your mind??
?Yes,? replied Jean.
She then told her about the conversation with Lori.
?She?s pretty observant, and I know that I?ve been too comfortable since
I?ve become Jean. I try to say that I?m just playing a role, but I know
she isn?t buying it,? said Jean. ?It?s just that I had to hide these
feeling for so long. I don?t think that I can hold them in now.?
?I understand,? said Theresa. ?I have a name of a therapist, she was
recommended by a friend at school. Would you like me to make an
appointment for you??
Jean turned and nodded.
?This would be the first step for me becoming Jean full-time right??
asked Jean.
?Yes, that?s correct,? replied Theresa. ?It is required for transition.?
?Okay, then I want to do it. Lori was right; I can?t picture myself
going back to being a boy. I like being a girl too much, even if I have
to do it because of Ms. Bellamy,? replied Jean.
Chapter 24
?Very nice,? said Lori as she inspected Jean.
It was Monday and they were in the office of the historical society.
Jean was dressed in a corset, and a reproduction dress. The dress was
high collared and long sleeve. Under the dress, Jean wore lace upped
boots and a petticoat.
?This calico dress is very similar to one you?ll be wearing this
weekend,? said Lori. ?It?s the type that a woman would wear as an
everyday outfit out in the west.?
?And besides this type, what else will I be wearing?? asked Jean as she
looked at herself in the full-length mirror.
?Have you ever watched western movies?? asked Lori.
Jean nodded.
?Picture a bar-room girl,? said Lori.
?Really?? asked Jean.
?They?re quite sexy. I can?t wait to see you in one as this is the first
time that we?ve shown them,? replied Lori.
?I can understand how the fancy outfits survived, but I wouldn?t have
thought that salon outfits would have lasted,? said Jean.
?The woman who put together this collection found a bunch in the attic
of an old brothel. According to her notes, she was on location out west
to film a movie when she found the outfits. She wore them in several
movies. Too bad they were all in black & white, because they are quite
colorful,? said Lori. ?We special ordered the wigs for this show.?
Jean laughed.
?I can?t wait,? said Jean. ?This is like Halloween every weekend.?
?That?s a nice way of looking at it. Now, I took the liberty of putting
together some film clips for you to watch. They?ll help you understand
how to move in each outfit. We?ll do this for each new era that you
model. Okay??
Jean nodded.
?Are we doing anything else today?? asked Jean.
?Well, this afternoon, I need to run some errands for Ms. Bellamy. If
you want to come along, of course, I recommend that you change into a
more modern outfit. As you?ll be with me, which means an outfit a little
dressier than your normal skirt and top.?
?Okay,? replied Jean.
?Great! I was hoping you?d say yes. I took the liberty of bringing along
a professional looking skirt, blouse, and heels for you,? replied Lori.
?Your hair looks good, but I will have to redo your makeup.?
?I understand,? replied Jean.
?Well, let?s get you dressed then,? said Lori.
Chapter 25
?Not bad at all,? noted Lori as she inspected Jean?s appearance.
Jean was dressed in navy colored business suit, consisting of a skirt
and jacket, white cotton blouse, and matching heels. Under her outerwear
she wore a waist cincher, stocking, panties and a bra.
?I?m sorry if the waist cincher is tight, but it really helps give you a
feminine figure, not that you need all that much help,? said Lori. ?I?m
so impressed with how much like a girl you look and act. It?s difficult
for me to image you were ever a boy, and I know the truth.?
Jean just nodded softly.
Ms. Bellamy walked into the room and smiled.
?I?m very impressed Lori; Jean looks lovely. The perfect example of a
young female intern,? said Rose. ?The question is will she also act the
part??
?What do you mean Ms. Bellamy?? asked Jean.
?You will do everything that you are told to do,? replied Rose. ?You are
working for her, and there can be no mistaking who is the boss. You will
address her as Ms. White or call her Ma?am. Is that clear??
?Yes, Ms. Bellamy,? replied Jean.
?Very good, but I know you accept that I am in charge. Just show the
same attitude towards Lori and you?ll do fine,? continued Jean. ?The
people that Lori will be dealing with expect this sort of behavior.?
?Don?t worry, Jean, you?ll do fine,? added Lori.
Jean turned and nodded.
?Yes, Ms. White,? she replied.
Rose couldn?t help but smile. As she suspected, the teen had a
submissive side and if it was cultured correctly then things would fall
into place naturally.
?This will also help you with your performances. Women back then were
more docile and obedient. You?ve done a good job showing this, but I
want you to emphasize it more, is that clear?? asked Rose.
?Yes Ma?am, I understand,? replied Jean.
?A correct young woman back then obeyed their superiors, both male and
female; they knew their place and accepted this. Do you understand,
Jean?? asked Rose.
?I understand, Ms. Bellamy,? replied Jean automatically.
?Very good. Now, I know you talk to your aunt about your days here. You
will not repeat this conversation; she might take it out of context. Do
you understand?? demanded Rose.
Jean hesitated for a moment before replying.
?Yes Ma?am, I understand and will ? obey your wishes,? she replied
softly.
?Very good, my sweet girl. See how easily that was??
?Yes Ma?am,? replied Jean.
Rose smiled and then turned towards Lori.
?Lori, I don?t expect you?ll have any problems with your intern.
However, let me know if she doesn?t live up to our expectations,? stated
Rose firmly.
?Of course,? replied Lori. ?Jean and I will get along famously.?
Chapter 26
To Jean?s surprise, Lori didn?t say a word about Ms. Bellamy?s orders
and neither did she relax them.
?Our first stop is will be at one of our major contributors. You will do
any administration tasks I give you without question,? said Lori as she
led Jean to the car.
?Yes, Ma?am, I understand,? replied Jean softly.
Once inside the car, Lori turned to Jean and smiled.
?Just think of this as playing a role. Ms. Bellamy?s clients expect to
be treated with great respect, probably more than they deserve. They
take offense at the slightest form of disrespect, real or imagined. So
it?s best to go to the far extreme of being overly formal. Does that
make sense?? asked Lori.
Jean smiled back slightly.
?Yes, Ms. White,? replied Jean as they
?Good girl,? said Lori. ?So tell me more about yourself.?
?What would you like to know ? Ms. White?? asked Jean.
?Whatever you want,? she replied as she drove away from the historical
society.
Jean nodded and then began to tell Lori about her life. She told Lori
how she had had a relatively normal upbringing. Her parents encouraged
her to follow her own interests, and this led to her love of acting. In
addition to being the school drama club, Jean also participated in the
local theater group.
?You mentioned before that you played female roles, did that bother
you?? asked Lori.
?No, as it was a bigger role. It also gave me a chance to show off, if
that makes sense,? replied Jean. ?I mean, if that makes sense, Ms.
White.?
Lori smiled.
?I?m sure you got ragged on about playing a girl, did that bother you??
asked Jean
?A little, Ma?am, but I just laughed along with the jokes. Once the play
premiered, I got great reviews, and the jokes slowed down. I also
played male roles in school plays, usually the lead; they realized that
I was good, and the kidding stopped,? replied Jean.
?And what about your parents? How did they react??
?Mom was initially more worried than my dad. I know that sounds strange.
But as soon as they saw me on the stage, they were behind me 100%. I
remember at the end of the play, I could see them applauding wildly; it
was one of the proudest moments of my life. Whenever I get sad thinking
about them being gone, I picture the looks on their faces, and it makes
me smile,? she replied.
?That?s very nice,? replied Lori. ?So they wouldn?t mind what you are
doing now??
?The performance, no. The way I was brought into it, they would be
angry,? replied Jean. ?Sorry, Ma?am, but I have to be honest.?
?I understand, and no offense taken,? replied Lori.
Jean nodded.
?One last question, do you ever get lost in your roles? I mean, do you
have trouble telling the difference between the role and real life??
asked Lori.
?In a play, no,? replied Jean.
?And what about this?? asked Lori. ?I mean, you are living 24/7 as a
woman and you?re not following a script. It seems that it would be easy
to drift away and accept it as your life. Can you imagine that, being a
girl even after this role is over??
Jean cocked her head.
?Maybe ... maybe, Ms. White,? replied Jean.
Lori nodded as she pulled the car into a parking spot.
?Well, we?re here. I would like to talk about this again some time,?
said Lori. ?Now, I want you on your best behavior, both as my assistant
and as a woman.?
?Yes, Ma?am,? replied Jean.
Chapter 27
The afternoon was a blur for Jean. She found herself slipping quite
easily into the role of an obedient personal assistant. She did was she
was told and nothing more.
The work wasn?t that difficult, but by the end of the day she was
exhausted.
Before she knew it, she was being dropped off at her home by Lori. She
immediately went up to her room, and changed into more casual clothing
and then collapsed onto her bed. Within a few moments she fell into a
deep sleep.
Lori drove back to the historical society and was greeted by Rose.
?Well? How did she do?? asked Rose.
?She was perfect and did everything she was told. In addition to being
very obedient, she maintained a flawless feminine demeanor,? replied
Lori.
Rose?s lips formed into a slight smile.
?Do you think she suspects what is happening?? she asked.
Lori shook her head.
?No,? replied Lori.
?Are you sure?? demanded Rose.
?She?s a talented actress, but she?s not that good. No, she is
progressing as you expected,? replied Lori.
?I can?t wait to get her on the road, it will be, quite interesting,?
said Rose.
Lori nodded.
?I totally agree.?
Chapter 28
Theresa also noticed a change in Jean?s behavior. Jean seemed more
subdued and quiet. However, Theresa decided not to mention anything to
her niece so she wouldn?t be alarmed. She suspected that Rose and
possibly Lori had something to do with Jean?s more passive nature, but
she lacked proof.
The weekend shows went off without a hitch. Even though she was
concerned, she had to admit that Jean gave another flawless performance.
On Saturday Jean first wore a white blouse, plaid vest and black skirt
ensemble. Her second outfit was a black ruffled taffeta salon girl
dress. In addition to the dress, she wore matching gloves and a choker.
While the crowd loved both outfits, they especially loved the salon
dress.
On Sunday, Jean wore a floral pattern calico dress and what was
described as a ?soiled dove? outfit. It was one of the outfits that had
been discovered in the brothel.
The red satin outfit had a bustier that was fitted with boning to
enhance Jean?s figure. The matching lace trimmed skirt and petticoat
completed the look.
Jean playfully teased the audience, as she modeled the outfit. Theresa
smiled as she watched Jean work the crowd, but her smile disappeared
when she saw the way Rose was staring at her niece.
Lori walked over to Theresa.
?You okay?? she asked.
?I?m not sure,? replied Theresa as she eyed Rose.
?Don?t worry about her. I will be with Jean during the trip. Rose is
obsessive about these shows. I suspect that she wishes she could fit
into the outfits,? continued Lori. ?As soon as the shows are over, she
will find something new to be interested in.?
Theresa wasn?t so sure, but she didn?t say a thing.
?Jean is a very talented actress, you should be very proud of her,?
added Lori. ?She?s also very smart.?
Theresa nodded.
?I?m counting on you to take care of her on this trip,? said Theresa.
?You have nothing to worry about,? replied Lori as she flashed a smile.
Before Theresa could reply a thin man interrupted them.
?Excuse me, I?m looking for Rose Bellamy, can you point her out to me??
he asked as he adjusted his glasses.
Theresa and Lori turned and looked that short thin man. He appeared to
be in his mid-fifties with thin slightly graying hair. He was dressed
neatly in a navy colored sport coat, white shirt, and plaid tie. Over
his shoulder was a leather camera bag.
?My name is James Locksley,? he said as he handed each woman one of his
business cards.
?You?re a photographer,? stated Lori as she read the card.
?Yes, I would like to do a photo essay on the outfits your organization
is modeling,? he stated.
?For whom?? asked Lori.
?On whoever says yes first,? he replied with a wink. ?I have had my work
published in both Smithsonian and National Geographic.?
James adjusted his glasses again.
?Well, it will be up to Ms. Bellamy,? said Lori. ?I will introduce you
to her.?
Chapter 29
Later that afternoon, Lori, and Theresa were briefed by Rose.
?Mr. Locksley will be photographing Jean at various events during the
trip. The article will give us excellent publicity,? stated Rose.
?Have you spoken to Jean about this?? asked Theresa.
?Why would I? It?s not up to her, this is my decision as president of
the historical society,? replied Rose. ?The photos will appear in a
major publication it?s not like they will be in a tabloid or anything
like that.?
?Still, Jean should be included in the decision,? said Theresa.
?Don?t cross me,? replied Rose sternly. ?You know what I am capable of
doing when someone steps in my way.?
Theresa stared back.
?I have no problem with promoting the society, but I am also Jean?s
guardian. Yes, she agreed to be your model, but you don?t own her,? said
Theresa.
?You two made a deal and I will hold you to it. Part of the deal is
promoting and marketing the shows,? countered Rose. ?Protecting Jean?s
secret is just as important to me as it is to you. Now, you tell Jean
that she will be photographed. If she refuses, then I will consider our
deal broken, and you know what that means.?
Theresa glared back without a word as she contained her anger.
?I will take your silence as a yes,? continued Rose.
?Do you know about this man?? asked Theresa. ?Is he legitimate??
?Lori did a background check on him. He?s a semi-successful freelance
photographer, nothing to worry about. In fact, he strikes me as a bit of
a wimp,? stated Rose with disdain. ?I wouldn?t be shocked if he prefers
men, so I doubt your precious niece would interest him. I plan on using
him to promote the society and give us free publicity. I have used
people like him many times, and as you know I always get my way.?
Theresa stood up and left the office, slamming the door behind her.
?Do you think she?ll cause any trouble?? asked Lori.
Rose shook her head.
?No, she knows that I hold all