Michelle's Story - Part 18 free porn video

Michelle's Story - Part 18 Following June's departure, Emma and Michael went to have another look at their baby brother. "Is he always going to sleep?" asked Michael. "Babies do sleep a lot," said John. "Just don't disturb him." "And don't disturb your mom either," said Judy. They looked over and saw that Liz had fallen asleep. "Your mom is tired," said John. "It's hard work giving birth." "How would you know, dad?" asked James. "I've seen all 4 of you born, and your mom was tired each and every time," said John. Emma and Michael moved aside so that James could have another look at Andrew. "Daddy, what was that long snake from his tummy?" asked Michael. "I saw Marian cut it." "Oh, that is what is called the umbilical cord," said John. "Andrew got his food through it." "He ate through that?" asked Michael. "The cord was attached to the inside of your mom. Food was passed through the pipe to him," said John. "Now that he is out of your mom's tummy, he can eat through his mouth." John carefully lifted the blanket that covered Andrew and showed where the cord was. There was still a small amount left. "That bit will just shrivel up," he said. "It becomes your belly button." Michael would have lifted his dress if possible, just to look at his. Emma, also wearing a dress, was in the same predicament. Liz slept for most of the evening, only waking to feed Andrew and to change his nappy. Emma and Michael were keen spectators and often watched Liz performing the various tasks. John and Judy prepared dinner that evening, with Liz still recovering. John, still waiting for a good time to call Sally, found the phone ringing sooner. "Oh, hi Anne," he said. "I presume mom told you?" "Yes, Helen told me," said Anne. "Congratulations on getting the son you wanted." "You mean the brother James wanted?" said John. "Ok, you make the point. " said Anne cheerfully. "So, Liz is alright I presume?" "Been sleeping most of the day, between looking after Andrew. That's the name we've chosen," said John. "Have you told Sally yet? Helen did say you were going to call her yourself." "I am planning on calling her," said John. "She should be back from work about now. I'll call her shortly. Oh, and I've heard you've got a birthday today?" "Oh yes. My soon to be step-daughter Kelly. She's 7 today. Lovely girl," said Anne. "You'll be seeing her in August if not sooner." "Well, my daughters have already met her. Wish her happy birthday from me," said John. "I will do. Now I'll get of the phone and let you contact Sally," said Anne. "And we'd love to see some photos when you get round to doing it." "I'll take some photos, no fear," said John. "Ok, bye for now." "Bye John," said Anne. Once Anne had hung up, John called Sally. As thought, she was in. "Hi bro," she said. "Got some news for me?" "What makes you think that?" he asked. "Well, I have been led to believe that something was going to happen this month," she said. "Was there?" he said. "I thought there was," said Sally. "But you must have a reason for calling?" "Well, just a small matter," said John. "Liz gave birth to a son in the small hours of this morning." "CONGRATULATIONS!!!!" said Sally, unable to hide her joy. "Hold on a sec, just going to tell Carol." John held on for a few seconds as Sally told her partner the news. She was soon back. "Carol is thrilled too," said Sally. "Still ok for me to come up for the half term week?" "By all means," said John. "Would like to see your girlfriend." "You can," said Sally. "She wants to meet you. So, she has met the girls already, but she wants to complete the set." "One of you will need to use a sleeping bag," said John. "You know there is only one bed in the spare room." "We don't mind sharing," said Sally. "We spent the first few nights together in a single. Quite enjoyable." John just shook his head. His sister had a sense of humour for sure, but he wouldn't have her any other way. "One will have to use the sleeping bag," he said. "Rules." "Have you got a double?" asked Sally, knowing that her answer was going to be negative. "No, we haven't," said John. "Ok, you win bro," said Sally. "I'll hang up now. Got dinner to prepare." "What you got?" he asked out of curiosity. "Dominoes 12 inch Hawaiian and garlic bread," she replied. "Ok, forget I asked," he said. "Bye sis." "Bye bro," she said. * * * Any chance of a first photo of Andrew would have to wait till the weekend. But the weekend also had a birthday party for Emma and Michael to attend. But for them, it proved a problem. They had wanted to go to the party in their princess outfits, but with Amy still apparently without a similar outfit, they thought it wise to wear something else. They decided upon dresses that were still pretty, but wouldn't stand out. Caroline had agreed to pick them up and take them round to her house, even though John and Liz would have done it. But it soon proved that Caroline had further reason to do it. "Are the girls ready?" she asked, when John answered the door that Saturday morning. "They won't be long," said John. "Come in for a few minutes if you like." Caroline accepted, and sat by Liz, if only to say hello to Andrew. "Girls, Caroline is here to take you to the party," he called upstairs. "Coming daddy," came Emma's voice. Emma and Michael were soon in the living room standing before them. "I thought you were wearing your princess outfits?" asked Caroline. "But Amy hasn't got a princess dress," said Emma. "We didn't want her to feel left out." "I can tell you that she wants you to wear those dresses," said Caroline. "I can wait for you to change." Emma and Michael seemed uncertain. They didn't want to make Amy feel bad. "I'll help you," said Liz. She put Andrew back into his cot and led them upstairs. It wasn't long before Emma and Michael were wearing their princess dresses. Even so, they were still unsure that Amy would not feel jealous. Michael picked up the present that John and Liz had bought for them to give Amy, and followed his sister out the front door to Caroline's car. "Don't fret," said Caroline as she drove them to her house. "Amy really is expecting you in those dresses." It wasn't until they arrived that they realised that Caroline was right. Amy was standing in the doorway waiting for them. Her strawberry blonde hair framed her face in waves and went well with the pastel pink princess dress that she was wearing. "You've got a dress!" said Emma. "But you said you didn't have one." "My birthday present," said Amy. "So, what do you think?" "You look wonderful," smiled Emma. "You look very pretty," added Michael who went up and gave her her present. "Thank you Michelle," said Amy. "Go on in. The others are already here." Michael and Emma found that the other girls had all managed to find dresses too. Jenny, Amy's older "twin" sister was wearing a dress that wasn't as pretty as her sisters. "This is my sister's party," she said. "I'm going to be the prettier when my birthday comes." "You're still pretty though," said Caroline. The party also provided the girls with a rare opportunity: Caroline's husband Mark was present. Amy and Jenny headed into the living room where the other girls had gathered. Caroline took Michael and Emma and introduced them to Mark before they could follow. "Mark, I want to introduce you to Emma and Michelle," she said. "Well, I recognise Emma from the many visits here, but Michelle? I haven't met you before," he replied. "Michelle is Emma's sister," said Caroline. "She's the girl who is going to pretend to be our niece as from August." "Oh right," said Mark. "Well I never." Michael felt a little uneasy, but soon found he shouldn't have been. "So, you have something that girls shouldn't have?" added Mark. "Don't worry. Caroline has told me all about you and she was right. You look nothing like a boy." "Jenny told me you were a doctor," said Michael. "Can you help me please?" "I wish I could," said Mark. "But I'm a bone doctor. I help people with bone problems." "Come on you two," said Amy from the front room. "We're having a dance." "You heard the birthday girl," said Mark. "Go and join in." Michael and Emma went into the living room where the other girls were. All had managed to get fancy dresses in time for the party, and they were now dancing away to some music. They did stop for a moment just to say hello, but Michael and Emma were soon joining in with them. Mark and Caroline were the only 2 adults in the house, but they were not phased by the presence of so many girls in their house. Caroline was used to it more, as she usually had the house to herself when the girls came for their usual visits. After some dancing, the girls got a chance to rest for a short while. During this time, Amy showed everyone her birthday cards and presents. Her favourite present was the one she was wearing, and she gave it a twirl for everyone. "Got some drinks for everyone," said Caroline, moments later. "The tea won't be till later." She then went over to the television and selected a number of DVDs from the nearby cupboard. "Ok girls. Let's watch a film. What shall it be?" she asked them. She then showed the selection she had in her hands. There were Disney classics and those that were only for girls. "Barbie in Swan Lake!" said Amy. "Please, please!" There were other suggestions, but everyone did seem happy to let the birthday girl choose. So, they all watched Barbie together. Michael had watched a few films that were girly and many that were not. He certainly was enjoying this one. While they were watching the film, Caroline was in the kitchen preparing food for later. * * * When the film had finished, the girls were busy talking over the story. Even Michael was enthusiastically joining in the talk, and was happy to admit that he would like to be a princess and marry a handsome prince. Such talk would have drawn attention, but amongst the girls who knew him, it didn't. He was a girl like them and dreaming of being a princess was a dream that was very common in their age group, Eventually, their talk was brought to a close by the prospect of party games. With the weather being nice, and because there was more space available, they all headed to the back garden. First up was musical chairs. Caroline was in charge of removing the chairs while Mark was in charge of the music. Louise, being the eldest of the girls, thought she had an edge with her being slighty bigger. Caroline, on more than one occasion, had to determine who was safe after two sat on one chair. But in the end, it came down to Michael and Lucy. Though the others now wanted Michael to win, it was Lucy who came out the winner. But seeing how close Michael had come to winning, she offered him the first share of her bag of sweets: her prize. The next game was musical statues. Before the game had started, Emma and Michael told the others about the game that was played at Jessica and Sandra's party. But this game didn't involve underhanded judges. Caroline was the main judge, while Mark watched from his seat by the CD player. Lucy, champion of musical chairs, found this game to be a different affair altogether and her ability to stay still was not as good as her ability to sit down quickly. She was caught out in the second round. Michael also fell short, but he made it to the last 4. Emma came out the winner, edging Louise into second after it required several stop/starts of the music to determine the winner. The next game was charades on paper. Mark was good at drawing and using a pad, he set about drawing clues on the paper. All the girls watched and tried to work it out. They were told to hold their hand up when they wanted to guess. Correct answers got them a point. After 20 games, and much paper, Michael had come tops with the most points - six. He shared his bag of sweets prize with Emma. Amy was feeling a bit unhappy, having not won any of the games. Jenny went over and gave her a hug to try and cheer her up. "Cheer up sis, I didn't win anything either," said Jenny. "But I still had fun." "But I've won games in previous parties," said Amy. "So have I," said Jenny. "And the winner of the best dressed girl goes to................ Amy!" said Caroline. Amy turned and found a bag of sweets put in her hand. "I didn't know we were having a dress competition?" asked Jenny. "Well, the other girls did say that Amy's dress was better than theirs," said Caroline. Amy wanted to hear it from the girls themselves. She discovered that her mom was telling the truth though as the girls had all agreed earlier that Amy was wearing the best dress. "Ok girls," said Caroline. "I'm sure you're hungry now. Well, the food is waiting to be eaten." The girls went into the kitchen and found the kitchen table laden with food. They were asked to line up and move around the table, filling their paper plates as they went. Amy was told to go to the front of the queue, but it appeared she knew this - this was the routine for birthday parties. After filling their plates, they headed back to the living room and talked while they ate. Mark called his wife over when the last girl had headed back to the living room. "Caroline, are you sure that Michelle is a boy?" he asked. "Because she doesn't act like one." "She is," said Caroline. "But she most certainly is a girl at heart. She has certainly enjoyed this party so far." The sweets and desserts were kept for afters, and Caroline wanted to see empty plates first. But even then, before the desserts were served, there was an important thing to do. Amy's birthday cake was placed on the kitchen table. It was a Barbie themed cake from the supermarket, but Caroline had added "Happy Birthday Amy" to it in icing. Seven candles arranged in the shape of the number were place to one side so as not to ruin the picture. "Ok, we want a picture first," said Mark, who had his camera at hand. Amy and Jenny stood closest to the cake while the others gathered around. It took a bit of organising before Mark was happy to take the photograph. Caroline then lit the candles and shut the curtains. "Ok, one, two, three.... Happy Birthday to you!" started Caroline. Amy stood there blushing as everyone sang. "Ok, make a wish," said Caroline. Amy smiled and blew out the candles. She knew the rules about not saying your wish out loud. "Ok, now help yourself to cakes and jelly," said Caroline, now opening the curtains. The girls started filling their plates with cupcakes and biscuits. Caroline started serving the strawberry jelly in paper dishes and handed them to the girls. "Once you've eaten all that, you can have a slice of birthday cake," she added. As they ate, they talked about anything in general, as though it was one of their regular meetings. Maddy was keen to point out how her mom had relented in the Michelle affair and was now willing to accept Michael in her house as a girl. Mark happened to overhear it. "You're telling me that June was barring Michelle from her house because she was afraid that her husband might find out?" he asked. Maddy just nodded. "My dad wouldn't like it if he did. That's what mommy says." Mark looked at Michael and shook his head in disbelief. "How could anyone believe that Michelle is a boy? She looks nothing like one," said Mark. A large quantity of smiles told Mark that the girls agreed with his comment. "Talking about June, are we?" asked Caroline as she came in with the birthday cake. "She's been barring Michelle from her house in fear that Roger will find out," said Mark. "As if he would ever find out." "June and Roger don't believe in sex changes," said Caroline. "I certainly know that about June, but she has tolerated it. She believes her husband won't though." "But the only way he'll discover Michelle's secret is if he is told, or he does the wrong thing and catches her with her panties down," said Mark. "But mommy is going to let Michelle into our house now," said Maddy. "Oh, she has seen sense then."said Caroline. "Ok, now who wants birthday cake?" Several girls answered yes at once. But as they still had jelly and cakes still to eat, they were told to finish that first. "Ok, but Amy gets the first slice," said Caroline as she eventually started serving the cake. * * * After Caroline had finished serving the cake, she followed it up with more drinks, having served some earlier. The time had nearly come for the girls to go home. "I really hope you enjoyed the party?" asked Caroline as they all prepared to say goodbye. The girls waited in the living room while they waited for their parents to collect them. Caroline was taking Michael and Emma back home herself. It did allow her and Mark to have a talk with them first. When June came to collect Maddy, Caroline had a word with her. "I hear you have decided to let Michelle into your house?" said Caroline. "Yes, after John told me that there was no way of her being found out," said June. She wasn't in the mood to talk about it, but Caroline wasn't going to stop just yet. "Of course there isn't a way of her being found out. Unless someone is told," said Caroline. "But I tell you, Michelle really is a girl. She belongs on that side of the gender fence." June was itching to get away. "I can't believe you're buying this. Sex is defined by whats between your legs," she said. "And gender is in your head," said Caroline. "Michelle's lower parts are a mistake." "God doesn't make mistakes," said June. "I know," said Caroline. "And we make many." She let June leave, but shook her head. Eventually, all the girls had left, leaving Michael, Emma, Amy and Jenny. "I'm sorry about that girls," said Caroline. "But Maddy's mom refuses to understand." "What was that about God making mistakes?" asked Jenny. "June was right sweetheart. God doesn't make mistakes," said Caroline. "But I'm a mistake?" said Michael. "Your willy is a mistake," said Caroline. "Oh, this is getting awkward." "What is awkward?" asked Amy. "God often talks to us. He does it in many ways, but people don't always listen to him," said Caroline. "Because sometimes they think they know better or they totally misunderstand him." "Shall we get started with our plan then?" asked Mark. "Yes," said Caroline. She was keen to get off a subject that was becoming more complicated. "So, you know that Michelle is becoming our "niece" as from September," said Mark. "We just want her to know a bit about our family." "It's just in case anyone asks you any questions," said Caroline. "Though Amy and Jenny will help you lots." "Ok, so your name will be Michelle Clark," said Mark. "You can call me Uncle Mark and my wife is Aunt Caroline." "Can I call you that too?" asked Emma. "Perhaps when nobody else is about," said Caroline. "But this is just to help hide the fact that you and Michelle are sisters." Michelle was then given a tour of the house, though he knew about Jenny and Amy's room, and he knew where the bathroom was. Caroline then told him about her "mother". "My sister Laura lives in Lincoln," she told him. "Now, you'll never see her as she never ever visits us. We've decided to look after you because she is too sick to do so herself." "Now, that means you don't know the local area," said Mark. "Since you've come from somewhere a long way away." "But I know about Newcastle," said Michael. "But this is pretend," said Caroline. "You have to pretend that you don't know anyone at school." "But we'll introduce her to our friends at school," said Jenny. "Even our best friend Emma." Emma just smiled. But it reminded her that even she had a part to play in this charade. In September, Amy and Jenny would introduce their "cousin" Michelle to the others and she would become part of the group. There wasn't much really for Caroline and Mark to say, as Michael would be living with his true family all along. It was just the trip to and from school that would require the masquerade. "Well, time to take you two home then," said Caroline. "Did you enjoy the party?" "Yes we did," said Emma. "Yes Aunty Caroline," said Michael. Caroline just smiled. "Not yet, but good that you've got the idea." Emma and Michael followed her to the car and got in. It was just a short drive and minutes later, they were back home. "Welcome home girls," said John as he opened the door. "Your mom is just feeding Andrew." "Hi John," said Caroline, who had followed them to the door. "I just want to say what wonderful daughters you have." "I take it they enjoyed themselves?" said John. "Yes, they did. But I just want to say that raising Michael as a girl is the right thing. He is a girl at heart. You can see it in how he behaves," said Caroline. "I know," smiled John. "Thanks for bringing them back." "No problem," said Caroline. "Bye then." "Goodbye," said John. He shut the door and returned to the living room. * * * Liz was gradually regaining her mobility. Even though she was spending time sitting down to feed Andrew, she wanted to go out. With a pram to carry Andrew in, it was certainly possible. But she wanted to go out of a weekend, just so Emma and Michael could be with her. She missed those mother and daughter outtings, just as much as Michael and Emma did. The following Saturday was to see the first of these outings. With Michael also keen to spend every minute outside school as Michelle, some regular arrangements had to be altered. With the girls due to visit on Wednesday, John planned to take James and Michael for their monthly visit to the barbers on the Tuesday, after school. Michael was certainly beginning to dislike his visits here, even though this one would be his next to last. He certainly couldn't help but show it either. "What's the matter son?" asked the barber as Michael sat in the chair. Michael didn't answer. He was just thinking of the half inch of hair that was about to hit the floor, and the time it would take for it to grow back. "Don't tell me you don't want it cut?" he asked, after an answer to his first question didn't arrive. Michael continued to be silent. John watched on, understanding Michael's mood. But with Michael refusing to speak, he knew he had to step in. "Come on Michael," he said. "Just let the barber do his job." Michael just nodded. "He just isn't in a good mood today," said John, quickly thinking of a reason for Michael's stubborn silence. "He does want his hair cut. Just the usual." Even James, who was in the neighbouring chair, looked across. As they left the barbers, John had a word with Michael. "I know you wish to grow your hair, but you were not helping yourself by keeping silent," he said. "Why didn't you say something?" "I didn't want to," sighed Michael. John stopped and crouched in front of him. James stopped and looked on. "Listen Michael. You still have one more visit here, then that is it," said John. "Next time, do not make it awkward. I don't want to tell the barber that you are planning on growing your hair down to your waist, or more to the point, that you are becoming a girl." John brought the point up to Liz when they got back. Michael was off to his room to get some of Michelle's clothes. "I hope we don't get this problem next time," he told Liz. "He was making it all too clear that he didn't want his hair cut." "What do you expect, after he found out it will take ages for his hair to reach the length he wants," said Liz. "But when the barber asked him why he looked glum, he didn't answer. He kept silent all the way through," said John. "I'm still wondering what to tell the barber next time, since I'll be only taking James from then on." Michael was already changed into girls attire and stood looking at himself in the bedroom mirror. He was in mourning for the lost hair. "Cheer up sis," said Emma. "I have to have my hair trimmed now and again." "I don't want my hair cut again!" he sobbed. "After next month you can let it grow," said Emma. Michael just sighed. There was now just over 2 months before he could end his life as a boy and start a new life as a girl. But it still seemed like ages to go to him. Satisfied with his clothes, he went downstairs for his wig. Liz was waiting to talk to him. "You want your wig?" she said. "Ok, I'll put it on for you." Michael sat down as she fitted the hair net and wig to his head. "You know you've got to wait till June before you can start growing your hair," she said. "You've just got to be patient." Michael just sighed. He knew it was true. Once his wig had been fitted, he walked over to the cot where Andrew was. The baby boy was asleep again. "He sleeps too much," said Michael. "You'd prefer him sleeping than crying his eyes out," said Liz. "He does wake us up during the night." Michael couldn't remember hearing Andrew during the night. He decided to let his brother sleep and went upstairs to join Emma. "Now you look much better," she smiled as he came in. He sat on her bed beside her. She put her arm around him and gave him a friendly squeeze. "I'm going to pray to Jesus every night asking him to make your hair grow quicker," she said. "Thanks sis," he smiled. "Ask him to take away my willy too." "I will ask him that too," she replied. "Now Victoria has been wondering where you have been. She wants feeding." Michael took his doll and hugged her before taking her bottle and feeding her. * * * Now, after Michael's last visit to the barbers had seen him being awkward, Liz's planned trip to the hairdressers was going to be difficult too. It would be impossible for Michael to go with them, even as Michelle, and not feel jealous. The only solution was to leave Michael at home, but that had a problem. Michael was now used to the company of girls, and preferred them to boys, even his own brother and father. Liz had planned to visit the hairdressers on Friday afternoon. Emma would be going along to have her trim. But before then, Michael would be spending time with his preferred company on Wednesday afternoon. The girls were going to spend a lot of time downstairs this time, as they would be keen to get a good glimpse or several of the baby. Liz was well aware of this, and hoped that Andrew could get his afternoon nap as planned, without too much disturbance. At school earlier, Amy and Becky had noticed that Michael's hair had been trimmed. They felt sorry for him, knowing how much he wanted to grow it out. They explained it to Emma over the break, but she told them to talk to Michael that afternoon. That afternoon arrived and when the girls did arrive, they did as expected: they went to see Andrew. Andrew was taking his nap in Liz's arms. Despite Liz telling them not to disturb him, he awoke as if realising he had an audience. His attention span was short though and it required the girls to do something to keep it. A few smiley faces did the trick. Whether he was happy himself or just trying to mimic them, they couldn't be sure. He was curious though to see so many faces looking at him. Maddy went and offered him her right index finger. He grasped it in his left hand and squeezed it. "You shouldn't offer him fingers," said Liz. "You won't get it back." Maddy now realised this, as Andrew continued to hold her finger. The other girls chuckled as Maddy found out that Andrew's grip was good, even if his hands were tiny. "Ok Andrew. Maddy wants her finger back," said Liz. She prised his fingers open, allowing Maddy to remove her finger. It was slightly sore. "Andrew is a strong baby," said Jenny. "He's cute too." "Do you think he'll be cute when he's older?" asked Liz. "Well, I'm not sure," said Jenny. "He is a boy. But babies are cute." While all the girls were gathered round Liz and Andrew, James felt a desire to go to his room. The whole room had become too girly for his liking. And with John reading the newspaper, he was feeling alone too. "Ok, James has just headed upstairs," said Liz. "I'm thinking that he presumes you're staying in here." "Why can't he be like Michelle?" asked Becky. "She hasn't got a problem with being amongst girls." "Michelle is a rare case," said Liz. "James is a boy through and through." John decided to put the newspaper down and went upstairs. Soon, he was coming back down with James. They were soon heading to the back garden to have a game of football. "But Michelle isn't all that rare," said Louise. "She has a cousin too." Michael and Emma sighed and hung their heads in shame. Liz frowned and looked at them. "You didn't tell them?" asked Liz. "Your cousin's identity is as important a secret as yours, Michelle." "We're sorry," said Emma. "But they won't tell anyone." "We've already promised," said Lucy. "It's just a good job that your cousins live such a long way away," said Liz. "Now, I'm sure Andrew needs another nap." But Andrew wanted his bottle instead. He started to cry, but as soon as the bottle came within sight, he stopped and tried to bring it to his lips. With Liz's help, he was soon feeding. The girls had gone back to sitting on the floor or on the chairs, where they started their talking. Again, Michael's journey to girlhood was discussed with his latest haircut being the top story. Liz listened to their talk but decided not to intervene. "I'm sorry that you've had your hair cut again," said Amy. "It was looking nice." "It will look better when her hair covers her ears," said Louise. "Her hair is too short at the front." "But it will grow," said Jenny. "All hair grows." "We know that," said Liz, now interjecting. "But it grows evenly. By the time her hair at the front is long, the hair at the back will still be longer. Her hair will need cutting to make it all the same length." "You're not having your hair short again?" asked Lucy. "No she isn't," said Liz. "Though it might have been better. Michelle will be wearing her wig at school next year." "But her hair will get longer?" asked Maddy. "It will, but slowly," said Liz. "But wearing the wig will have problems. Which is why letting her grow her hair out first is important. The sooner she can go to school without it, the better." "You mean it could fall off?" suggested Louise. "Yes," said Liz. She decided to put Andrew (now asleep once more) back in his cot, before going to the kitchen to prepare drinks. She was wondering what to do with Michael on Friday afternoon, since he would be bored at home. But then she had an idea. When the time came for the girls to go home, their moms came round to fetch them as normal. When Caroline came to fetch Amy and Jenny, Liz called her in for a few moments. "Caroline, can I ask you a favour?" she asked. "Sure," said Caroline. "Go ahead." "Friday afternoon, I'm going to have my hair done along with Emma," said Liz. "Now, I don't want to take Michelle as she'll get jealous. If I leave her here with John and James, she'll get bored. I'm just wondering if I can drop her off at your house for a short while?" "Of course you can," said Caroline. "She and Emma are welcome at our house anytime." "Thanks, I appreciate this," said Liz. Emma and Michael had come over to hear what was being talked about. Liz soon explained the plan. "Why can't I go with you?" asked Michael. "Because if you do, you'll want to have your hair styled too," said Liz. "But not while you're still a boy at school." Michael just sighed. He did see her point. "So, you either stay here with your dad and brother, or you can spend some time with Amy and Jenny." Amy and Jenny, who were standing close by, and waiting for Caroline to take them home, were not complaining. Michael didn't have to think it over, he wanted to stay with Amy and Jenny. "Ok, that's sorted," said Liz. "Ok, I suppose I'd better start dinner." "Yes, I need to do that too," said Caroline. "Come on girls, time to feed you and your dad." With that, they left. * * * It was becoming quite clear that Michael couldn't wait for school to end, the year that is. Friday summed up his feelings with Emma and Liz going to the hairdressers after school. After seeing what the place looked like through the window, he certainly wanted to go inside and experience it. But he would have to wait till July. The problem was that his own hair wouldn't be long enough for another 12 months at least. "Mommy, I want to have my hair cut to here," said Emma. She was pointing to her shoulders. "Don't be silly. You don't want that surely?" said Liz. They had just come back from school and changed out of their uniforms. Liz was just putting Andrew into his cot. John would be looking after him until she got back. "Please don't cut your hair, sis!" said Michael. "But our hair will be the same length," said Emma. She had not mentioned this at school at all. Her intention was good, but Michael wasn't having it. "I don't want you to cut your beautiful long hair," he sobbed. "Listen to your sister Emma," said Liz. "Your hair is wonderful as it is." "Don't cut it for me," added Michael. "But I thought you would be happy if our hair was the same length?" said Emma. "When we both have long hair," said Michael. Seeing how upset Michael was going to be, Emma relented. "Ok sis. I'll just have my trim," she said. "Ok girls, lets go," said Liz. "Look after Andrew, John." "Of course I will," said John. Michael and Emma sat in the back as Liz made her first trip behind the wheel in a long time. First stop was Caroline's house. As Michael got out and headed to the front door with Liz, Emma held him back. "I'm going to get my hair done really nice for my favourite sister" she said. "Your only sister!" he smiled. "I wish I could make my hair pretty." "You will do one day. See you later," she smiled back. Soon, Michael was sitting upstairs in Jenny and Amy's room. "So, your mommy and Emma have gone to the hairdressers?" asked Jenny. "Yes," said Michael. "You have to have long hair to go there." "No," said Amy. "We've seen ladies with short hair there." "What's wrong with long hair?" said Michael. "Only boys have short hair." "Some ladies do though," said Jenny. "But I agree. Long hair is so much nicer." "Sis said she would have her hair made pretty for me," said Michael. "She wanted it cut short at first but me and mommy stopped her." "She did mention this at school," said Jenny. "But I like her hair as it is." "I do too," said Michael. "I want my hair to be just like hers." At the hairdressers, Liz was looking to have something extra done. She had no intention of changing her dark brown to another shade, but she wanted a different style. She showed Emma what style she was going for in a magazine. Emma liked it too and wondered if she could have her hair done the same. "Don't make your sister jealous," said Liz. "But I told her I was going to look pretty for her," said Emma. "Ok. I'll ask Claire to work her magic," said Liz. Claire was one of the head stylists. "Long time no see, Liz," said Claire as they greeted each other. "Well, I have been carrying a load for 9 months," said Liz. "But I've left him with my husband." "Oh, you should have brought the baby here," said Claire. "Oh well. Come to have something special to celebrate?" "Yes. I was thinking of upping the volume," said Liz. "Something with bounce." "Sure," said Claire. "Now what about your daughter?" "She wants something similar," said Liz. "To impress her sister." "I didn't know you had another girl?" asked Claire. "Or are you on a about the baby?" "Oh, my baby is a boy," said Liz. "But I do have another daughter now. I need to talk to you about her." Both Liz and Emma were led to chairs, next to one another. As Claire started on Liz, another assistant started on Emma. "So, what about this other daughter?" asked Claire. "I don't want this spread about, but she is actually my son," said Liz, in hushed tones. "Your son?!" said Claire. "Ok, don't shout it out," said Liz. "But she is starting her next year at school as a girl. Now, she is growing her hair out as from the middle of next month. It might be awkward, but I want you to make her hair look as feminine as possible with as minimal length loss as possible." Claire thought about it. This was the first time she had been asked to give a boy a feminine hairstyle. "I'll have to see him first," she said. Her assistant looked over, having heard. "Is he living as a girl?" she asked. "She is, except at school," said Liz. "I didn't bring her today as she would have got jealous. She really wants to have long hair like her sister." "We'll have to see him, I mean her, first though," said Claire. "Plus, how old is she?" "She'll be 7 in November," said Liz. "But you'll see her?" "I haven't said no," said Claire. Liz just smiled and allowed Claire to get on with her hair. She looked over and saw that Emma was now in the process of having her hair shampooed. She was glad that Michael hadn't come. If he knew how much pampering he would get, he would get jealous.