My Wonderful Obsession 35 free porn video

My Wonderful Obsession Part 35: Shocking News I case you'd hadn't already figured it out for yourself, that spring of 1999 was the absolute craziest time of my young life. Where do I start? Well, there were all the scheduled activities like school and work, doctor visits, voice training and dance lessons, and there were also important responsibilities to juggle, like housework, Mom's accounting, and looking after myself with proper diet and exercise ... and at the same time I had a whole bunch of important relationships to try keeping on top of. Let's see - there was my best friend Kath, who would be celebrating her eighteenth birthday; my girlfriend Julia, who I wanted badly to keep on good terms with; my ex-boyfriend Mark, who still owned a big piece of my heart and with whom I could still imagine having a happy, fulfilling life; his little sister Megan, who seemed to want and need my ongoing friendship and support; Natalie, who would soon be my big-sister-in-law, and for whom I'd soon be a bridesmaid; and last but not least Rob, my hunky new heartthrob, with whom I'd connected on a very deep emotional and sexual level, and who couldn't be part of my everyday life but now claimed another big chunk of my heart, soul and mind. And then on top of all that, there was my immediate family, and Erica my new mentor, and Doctors Cooper and Westerman, and all the people I'd met who'd influenced my life in a profound way over the previous year or two, all of whom I wanted badly to stay connected with but couldn't seem to get myself organized enough to actually make that happen. Like I said, I TRIED keeping track of everything - but by and large it felt like I was failing badly at the DOING and the resulting guilt weighed very heavily on my psyche. So I spilled my guts about this to Dr. Westerman during one of our counseling sessions, and he gave me some interesting but somewhat disconcerting insights into how people's brains work. "Sandra, I'm afraid what you describe sounds like a textbook male behavioral attribute. There's been some interesting research lately into the differences in brain function between men and women - how they process data, organize tasks, keep track of the different aspects of their lives, those kinds of things." "Really? Like, you mean they're not the same?" I'd always assumed the biggest differences between the sexes were physical, and behavioral differences were all learned. "Quite different, actually. For example, women tend to organize everything that goes on in their lives - all their relationships and activities - into one continuous, interconnected universe. And it can be a very large universe. Men, on the other hand, are unable to do that - so we have to deal with each activity or relationship in isolation. Kind of like having a separate box for each category. You can only have one or two boxes open at a time, and you have to close up a box before you can open a new box. One consequence of this is our universe is much smaller. Another is that we practice a form of triage." "Triage?" I'd never heard that word before. "It's actually a medical term that refers to the prioritizing of patient care. In our case, it's when we focus attention on one or two of the most important things, the things that are immediate concerns, or the most likely to have positive outcomes, and we disregard all the rest. Or get around to them later." These were all new concepts to me. But as Dr. Westerman described how men's brains worked, I slowly came to realize he was describing me to a 'T.' And it wasn't sounding very encouraging for someone who wanted so much to fit into the world of females! He went on, "Women are very good at staying on top of everything at the same time - multitasking comes a lot more easily, and everything tends to be of equal importance. Their brains weave a common thread through all aspects of their lives. I've heard it described like a big plate of spaghetti where there's only one very long continuous noodle on the plate. Everything in their lives touches everything else and this allows them to handle many, many things simultaneously without losing track of anything." "I think I know what you mean. My friend Kath can be talking about one thing and all of a sudden she's talking about something else - I feel like I need a program to keep up. My Mom's like that too." "Exactly. Somehow women can shift topics in the middle of a conversation and other women can stay with them, but not men. I used to get annoyed when my wife did that, but now I understand it's how her brain works." "So ... about my problem - isn't there some training or whatever I can do to make my brain work like that? Like, I always feel so guilty 'cause I'm not keeping in touch with everybody, and I can't seem to get stuff organized ..." "I'm afraid it's hardwired into the sexes from the time of conception, and science doesn't suggest it's changeable. Think about it, Sandra - historically, a man had one job: provide for his family unit. The woman had a whole range of activities and responsibilities, like caring for the children, growing and preparing food, making clothing, keeping the 'nest' organized and functional ... and she was usually part of a communal group where there was a lot of cooperation and sharing of responsibilities like childbirth and child rearing. They functioned best by socializing with, and being supportive of, other women - we see that same thing today in women's support networks. Men don't do those well at all - we have difficulty cooperating or sharing with other men. Instead we compete with them, and that makes us tend more to be loners." Dr. Westerman was making a lot of sense, and it was all fascinating, but it didn't jibe with what I knew about one of my friends. "Well, you know Erica? He - I mean she - thinks like a woman. One thing she doesn't like about her life is how she's cut off from her family, and her friends ... and she's all alone at home, right? I got the sense she really wanted to connect with me ..." "Sandra, I can't discuss my other patients with you ... but I will say this: science has found that gay men's brains are wired more like women's brains than men's - in some areas at least. One of those is in how they're driven to socialize with others of their peer group, and women as well." "Oh yeah ... I think I see what you mean. But she can't really connect with other gay men, can she, 'cause it might put her relationship with her husband in danger - I mean, she has appearances to keep up? But I'm like another girl, so no problem, right?" He chuckled. "It seems that we ARE discussing a patient. But you're on the right track, Sandra. Can I ask how often you two have connected since our group session?" "Sure - only twice so far. But she's really helped me figure out some things about myself ..." "She didn't mention any of this to me. It sounds like I have competition for my counseling!" I laughed. "Oh no, not really ... I did tell her she should go into counseling, but she doesn't want to do that. No, it's just that I'm jealous of her life. She has a man who loves her and looks after her ... you know, gives her security, and buys her nice things? But she told me about the tradeoffs ..." "Yes, I'm aware of those. One is what you already identified. That can be an issue with any woman, though." "And she also told me she thought I was right-brained ... you know?" He chuckled again. "Yes, I know all about that. I'm the one who explained it to her! But I wouldn't go so far as to say you're entirely right-brained, Sandra. You have elements of right AND left-brain behavior. I've found you to be very perceptive of other people, and your analysis skills are very good. Where you exhibit classic right- brain tendencies is in how you make important decisions which affect your life ... like your use of birth control pills, for example." "Erica said that too." I also thought about my recent date with Rob, but didn't want to bring THAT up! Dr. Westerman laughed. "She IS competing with me! I'll have to have a chat with her ... but seriously, Sandra, I wouldn't necessarily see you as lacking any attribute in particular. Every person has advantages and disadvantages, and we're all unique individuals. What's important is that you try to understand your unique attributes - the good and the not-so-good - and work with them, and not beat yourself up over the things you don't naturally do well." "I'll try," I responded, knowing it'd take time for me to digest all this information and advice. "Good," he smiled. "but you should also do some triage - so you have less reason to feel like you're a failure. There must be some activities or responsibilities you can shed, aren't there?" I was silent for a while, trying to think of something. "Uh ... I dunno. Like, everything's really important right now ..." "Well, how about the two extra roles you took on for your play? Can you drop at least one of those?" My right brain kicked into high gear at that suggestion. "Oh no - they're, like, counting on me ..." Yeah, right - I was counting on myself! To get the most applause! "Well, I'm sure there are things that aren't so critical you can't put them on the back burner for a while. I'll leave that up to you." "Okay, I'll do my best ..." "Good," he smiled. "And if it's any consolation, I think you're doing exceedingly well in your new life as a girl. You haven't had any issues at all with your transition, which is very unusual, unless you haven't told me something important?" He raised an eyebrow. "Oh no," I replied hastily. "It's been great. Even at school - like, hardly anyone ever bothers me." "Are you still dressing like this at school?" I was wearing my 'standard' jeans-and-top outfit, having just come from there. "Yeah - but these days I'm pushing it a bit farther. I still don't wear skirts or stuff like that, but like, I have to wear a bra all the time now, 'cause I'm ... you know ..." "Yes, I know," he smiled. "Please go on." "My tops don't hide my, uh, bust anymore. So I figured, everyone knows I wear bras, so I might as well wear tops I like too? And I've been using more makeup lately, 'cause I wanna look like the other girls, not like somebody who doesn't fit in ..." "And how do the other girls treat you these days?" "Well it took a long time, but I kind of feel like I'm more accepted now. A lot of them say hi to me in the hall, and I don't feel like they're avoiding me or talking about me behind my back like they used to ..." "To what do you attribute that?" I laughed nervously. "I dunno ... maybe it's what my friend told me last year ..." "Do you mean, how you present?" "Yeah, that's it I guess." "Well, Sandra, I'm in complete agreement. You do present as a perfectly normal young woman, in fact I'd say you look more typically female than most genetic women of your age. And with your voice and your mannerisms no one would ever suspect you were born a male. So it makes perfect sense that you'd be accepted as a female by people who don't know otherwise. But for those who DO know otherwise, it's much easier for them to reconcile what they see and hear with you as a person, if they just accept you as a female." "Yeah, I think so too," I said, although he'd kind of lost me with that train of thought. He continued, "So the last question I have for you is this: Do you ever have any second thoughts, doubts, misgivings, regrets - anything about your life as a girl that would make you wonder if you should have remained the way God made you, so to speak?" I didn't hesitate before answering. "Oh no - nothing! I love my life now. I'm so glad I took those pills - like, I can't imagine how crappy my life would've been if I had to be a boy, I mean a man, for my whole life. And I love being able to wear nice clothes, and be accepted by other girls, and play a female part on stage, and have a boyfriend, and ..." "Okay, okay!" he interrupted, smiling broadly. "I'm convinced - you have no misgivings at all. But how do you feel about the way your brain functions - I mean, the male-oriented behavioral attributes? Does that give you any second thoughts?" "Uh, that kind of sucks I guess. But like, I DO have the right-brain stuff ... and lots of girls are like that ..." He laughed, "Yes, very true Sandra. Like I said, you do have elements of both sexes. You also exhibit other classic female behaviors, like your nesting and nurturing tendencies, your drive to care for and serve others, keep a clean house - those kinds of things, even though it's not politically correct these days to associate those with women." I just shrugged. 'Doesn't bother me,' I thought. "Well, Sandra," Dr. Westerman continued, "our time's about up, but I want to share this with you first: you should know I'll be recommending to Dr. Cooper that as far as I'm concerned you're good to go any time for reassignment surgery, whenever she thinks you're ready - if that's the path you choose to follow, of course." Now THAT was unexpected! I immediately forgot all about my other concerns, and thanked the doctor profusely, stopping just short of hugging him. On my way home that particular 'box' was still wide open, to the exclusion of all others. To think that I'd only just made up mind once and for all to go through with surgery, and the door to becoming a complete female was already being thrown open - all I had to do was walk through it! Well, after getting Dr. Cooper's final blessing, of course. And after getting Mom's too ... and after figuring out how to come up with the mega-bucks it was going to cost me, and get the time off work ... well, those were just details, according to the right side of my brain. ***** Just when I thought life couldn't possibly get any more insane that year, it went and did just that - and in a most unexpected way, too. Totally shocking, even. You know, I absolutely could not believe it - two of the people I felt closest to had the same thing happen to them, only two months apart: an unplanned pregnancy! You can't believe it either? Don't blame you one bit! What a huge complication, and looking back on these revelations I realize just how profoundly that influenced the future of not only one of those people, but my life as well. The first shocker came when I set off for school with my best friend one late-April morning. We weren't ten steps from my house when Kath blurted it out: "Sandy - I think I'm pregnant." You could have knocked me over with a feather! "Kath! Like, that's not something you should joke about! You're not serious - are you?" She shook her head, the pained expression on her face confirming the awful news. "I wouldn't kid you about that ... I'm not a hundred percent sure, but it's been like, two months since I had my last period." An intense feeling of nausea washed over me. Hadn't I scolded her for not taking precautions? "Kath - you mean you're STILL not on the Pill? Like, how many times have you ..." "A few ... but he always uses a condom. Except one of them kind of slipped off." "What? How could THAT happen?" "Easy - when you both, like, fall asleep when he's still in you. Then you wake up and it's stuck inside, and like, you know - leaking all over the place." "Oh my God, I don't believe it ... what are you gonna do? Do your parents know?" "Not yet. I'm gonna go and get a test first. I haven't told anyone else. Oh Sandy, I'm scared shitless! My folks are gonna kill me - right after they kill Ben." "Oh my God," I repeated, still trying to process this news. A stupid thought went through my mind - now I'd need yet another 'box,' this one labeled "KATH's PREGNANCY" in huge capital letters. The new box was already open, and the one marked "Kath's 18th Birthday," which HAD been open as I left the house, was now taped shut. I'd been planning a celebration get-together with drama friends, as she'd done for me on my seventeenth, and I was all set to deliver the big invitation. It occurred to me that now Kath wouldn't be in any mood to celebrate. We were both in a zombie-like state as we made our way to school that morning. I'm afraid I wasn't much help in the advice department, as if anything I could say would make much difference. What I did do is try my best to listen to anything she wanted to share, and the only things I dared tell her were I'd always be there for her, and that maybe her period was just messed up for some reason. But down deep I knew that wasn't likely the case. Who was the second parent-to-be? Well, you'll have to wait on that one, 'cause first there's a lot more to relate about my final two months of high school. Three days after Kath shocked me with her pregnancy fears, and two days after she turned eighteen (with no fanfare, just an awkward, low-key dinner and cake at home with only her parents and me in attendance), we got together in my living room to practice our lines for 'Kiss Me Kate.' We never even got to start on that. The moment she sat down, Kath broke into full-on tears - something I hadn't seen her do since we were kids. "Sandy, I don't know what to do. I got my results this afternoon ... it's for real." That news wasn't unexpected. I immediately put my arms around her, and she buried her face in my shoulder, sobbing. "I don't know what to say ... like, this is so insane, Kath ... is there any chance the tests are wrong?" "NO. They're not wrong. What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?" she wailed. My 'Kath Pregnancy' box was now open so I could focus on my best friend's predicament. It helped that she was right there in my arms, soaking the shoulder of my top with her tears. "I dunno ... but we can figure out something. We always do ..." "I doubt it. You're so lucky, Sandy - this can't ever happen to you." That was an odd thing to hear, I thought. I'd been spending much of the past three months dwelling on just how unlucky I was in love and life. Still, I couldn't very well argue the point, could I? "I know," I said cautiously, "... but if I could be pregnant instead of you, I'd do it in an instant." I really MEANT that - partly 'cause it would mean I'd be a real girl, and partly 'cause I didn't have Kath's ridiculous parents to answer to. "Yeah, I know you would. And I'd let you, too - believe me." "Uh ... does Ben know yet?" "Are you kidding? I can't tell him - it'd scare him off for good. He isn't ready to be a father yet - he told me he wants to wait till we've been married for five years, at least." "What? You've been discussing marriage already?" "Yeah, why not? We're both old enough now. I told him I wanted to elope - like, there's no way I want Mom and Dad at MY wedding ..." I could see her point. But we were getting slightly off-topic. "Well, I can't imagine Ben leaving you. He's a lot more honorable than that." "How do YOU know how he'd react? Guys always freak out when they find out their girlfriend's knocked up." "I think you have a lot more to learn about guys, Kath." "I know enough to be worried. Anyway, I'm glad we had this talk - I think it helped me make up my mind about what to do." "What are you thinking?" "I'm gonna get an abortion. It's like, the only thing I CAN do ..." "An abortion? Could you actually go through with that? Kath, that's the same as killing your baby!" She shot me an angry glare. "Look Sandy, I don't need you making me feel any worse about this than I do already. You're not the one that got knocked up and you never will, so you don't get a say in this, okay?" Tears began streaming down her face again, and I realized I'd touched a raw nerve, so I put my arms around her again. "Okay, okay ... I understand. I'm sorry. But what about Ben - like, doesn't HE have a say? He's the father ..." "He'll never find out. Neither will my parents." As you can tell, I didn't agree at all with Kath's plan - okay, so I did have my own issues with being honest with Mark, and Rob, and my own Mom, but I've always felt strongly about abortion. But on the other hand she was right - except for the time I borrowed her red pumps, I could never truly walk 'in her shoes.' So on this topic I had to keep my opinions to myself. "Okay, whatever you think is right for you. As long as you know I'll be there for you every step of the way. I love you so much, Kath." She backed away slightly and smiled for the first time. "Thanks, Sandy ... I love you too." And she kissed me right on the lips ... again! ***** From that day on, I tried to make Kath my top priority. I know, I'd been SO self-centered before - everything was always about me, and I always processed everything in terms of how it affected me. I'm not sure why, but Kath's revelation that she was 'knocked-up' changed all that, at least when it came to her. I even resolved to forgo the chance to play her part in the play, and I came right out and told her, thinking that would cheer her up. "No, Sandy," she protested emotionally, "you have to do it." "Why? I thought you'd love to do Lilli for all six shows." "Well, normally I WOULD ... but Sandy, I'm kinda worried - I've been having morning sickness. What if I'm not well enough to do the show at all?" "Not well enough? That's crazy! I've never known you to let a little illness stop you." "This is different. I get really dizzy. What if I can't dance?" "Well, doesn't Michael hold you when you're dancing? Oh, no ... I guess not all the time. Well, how 'bout this? I already know your part, and I'm supposed to be the understudy anyway? I'll only go on if you're not feeling well enough. Anyway, I heard morning sickness doesn't last very long? Maybe it'll be all over with before the show opens." "I hope so. But I still want you to do some of the shows, Sandy." "Hmm ... I'll think about it," I replied. And think about it I did. Clearly this wasn't going to accomplish what Dr. Westerman advised, since I'd still have to do every bit as much rehearsing for Kath's part. But Cindy's part, I mused - maybe I should back out of that role instead. It would free me up to concentrate more of my attention on my best friend. But it proved to be very hard for me to let go of that amazing opportunity - and I'd already learned the part. But it had to be done. So I went to Mr. Nelson and asked him if he'd mind, being as truthful as I could about my reasons. "I'm a little surprised, Sandra," he said. "I thought you relished the opportunity - and I was looking forward very much to seeing what you could do with that role." For an instant it occurred to me that what he was really looking forward to was seeing his male student playing a sexy, voluptuous young woman. But I put that thought out of my head and answered, "I was too, Mr. Nelson ... and I SO appreciate what you're doing for me ... but it's just too much right now? I don't want to do Bianca if I can't be perfect, and I don't think I can be with everything else going on ..." "No one can be perfect, Sandra." "I know, but ... to be honest, I don't think I can be convincing enough? Everybody's gonna know ..." Now I was beginning to deviate a little from the truth. "Sandra, I never doubted for an instant that you could be a hundred percent convincing playing a woman. Remember what we learned in class? Willing suspension of disbelief. Even those who know all about you will be convinced. Sandra, you have a rare gift - correction, MANY gifts - and I wanted you to have the chance to showcase them." I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't gratified by Mr. Nelson's praise, but now I was beginning to feel like I'd lost the argument. Before I could say anything else he spoke again. "Why don't we stay the course with your rehearsals, and make sure we have all your costuming in place? Then you'll be ready to go on if Cindy can't do one of her performances. Do we have a deal?" How could I say no to that? He was being entirely sensible, especially after all the time he'd spent helping me prepare for that role. And I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't secretly relieved. "Okay - it's a deal," I replied. ***** But there were a couple of other things I thought I could back out of, and I did follow through with one of them - as did Kath, who was more concerned about her morning sickness than her schedule. So we both went ahead with Mrs. White's spring voice recital, but neither of us participated in our dance studio's end-of-year performance. Our dance instructor wasn't pleased, but that's life, we reasoned, and besides the show was mostly made up of young girls doing tap or ballet, and our dance number kind of sucked, owing to the new instructor that year who didn't really have much of a plan. Which is why we spent so much time doing ballroom - which in retrospect was the best thing ever for Kath and me that year. The way we accommodated Mrs. White's recital was by performing songs from 'Kiss me Kate' - 'I Hate Men' by Kath, and 'So in Love' by yours truly, so we didn't have to learn any new material. Our show costumes weren't done yet, so we simply borrowed dresses from Kath's mom who seemed to have quite a few but rarely wore anything but pants. I would've raided my mom's closet but by then I was two sizes bigger than her and a few inches taller as well. Kath and her mom, on the other hand, were the same size and that meant I was, too. I think Mrs. Thomas was a bit reluctant to let me try on her clothes, or maybe she just thought it was all too weird, you know, like she was rubber-stamping her neighbor boy's cross-dressing behavior (of which I knew she didn't approve) but she gave her grudging assent after Kath pleaded our case. Then, while Kath and I were in Mrs. T's bedroom helping each other in and out of her dresses, she came in without warning and got a full view of me with nothing on but my bra and panties. And she immediately turned heel and left the room without saying a word. "Am I in trouble?" I asked my friend. "I hope not," was Kath's reply, "but I don't think she knew you had such a bod." "Great." Well, Mrs. T must've thought up quite a few words to say while she was sitting there stewing on the living room sofa, 'cause I got what Kath later described as an 'evil rant' when we went down to ask her opinion, and permission, for our final choices. She silently regarded me for a few moments before addressing both of us in a stern voice. "All right, I already said you could borrow my dresses. But I have something to say, and I need to get it off my chest right now." Then she turned her attention back to me. "Sandy, I think you already know I'm not in favor of what you're doing," she began. I instinctively knew I was in for a blast. "Yes, Ma'am - I know ..." She cut me off. "But I didn't realize how far you've taken this ... this obsession of yours. I went along with it up till now because I thought, 'Oh, he's just a kid, trying to figure out who he is - he'll grow out of it.' But for heaven's sakes, you don't look the slightest bit like yourself anymore. If I didn't know better, I'd think you really WERE a girl. Your mother told me you're taking hormones, so I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised at what I just saw upstairs, but I ... I just can't accept it! Boys are boys and girls are girls - you can't change that. Now you might look like girl, and sound like a girl, and have the, uh, shape of a girl ... but you're not really a girl - and if you think it'll be fun to grow up like this, you need to think again - you're never going to be a real woman ... do you understand what I'm saying?" I nodded mechanically, trying not to let her harsh words reduce me to tears. "I bet you think you're being really cute," she went on, her voice taking even more of an accusing tone, "playing at being a female without having the faintest idea of what it's really like to be a female. There are costs, Sandy - things YOU'LL never have to worry about. Like periods, and cramps, and eating disorders ... it's no fun at all, believe me! We get cellulite, and mood swings, and we put on weight if we so much as LOOK at a piece of chocolate cake. AND we can get pregnant." That last statement almost sounded more like a boast than a complaint, and I'm sure I could feel Kath stiffen when her mom said the 'p' word, even though she was standing at least two feet away. Mrs. T continued, "And then we get stretch marks, and our skin starts looking old, and we get grey hair, and hot flashes ... and then we're at home alone wondering if our husbands are out cheating on us with some young honey ... someone who looks like you!" At that moment I noticed Mrs. Thomas' eyes were damp, and I had a sense of dread wash over me. Was Kath's dad, who did seem to be away from home a lot, seeing someone on the side? Some hot young chick who resembled me? Was that why I was the target of this unexpected diatribe? I inadvertently glanced over at Kath, but she just looked totally steamed, so I wondered if she picked up on the same thing I did or missed it because she was so pissed with her mom, who wasn't quite finished talking. "What I'm saying is, we EARN the right to be women, Sandy - the HARD way. Something you'll NEVER understand!" "I'm sorry, Mrs. Thomas," I blurted out inadvertently, even though I felt I'd done no wrong myself. Kath must have agreed. "You've got nothing to be sorry for, Sandy," she stated flatly, her voice trembling with anger. "But my mom sure does! Mom, how could you be so mean to Sandy - she's never done a thing to hurt you! And she has the right to live her life any way she pleases." I think Mrs. Thomas was completely taken aback by her daughter's venomous defense of me, because she immediately went into full retreat mode. "All right, all right ... I shouldn't have said those things. I'm sorry, Sandy. It's just that ..." She didn't finish her sentence. "Just that what, Mom?" Kath demanded. Obviously she really had missed the oblique reference to her dad. "It's nothing, Kathleen, nothing at all - forget it. Look girls, I hope you two do very well at your recital. I'll be there to cheer for both of you. And Sandy?" "Yes, Ma'am?" "You ... you look very nice in my dress. It's a good color for you." "Thank you Ma'am - I'll take really good care of it. And thanks so much for loaning it to me." "You're welcome, Sandy." With that unpleasant experience seemingly over, Kath and I exited the living room and went straight to her bedroom, closing the door behind us. My friend still seemed to be really pissed. "I'm moving outta this hole right after graduation," she hissed. "Kath, please calm down. Your mom apologized, didn't she?" I'd already decided not to delve into the possibility of her dad cheating, since I didn't know for sure and Kath didn't need anything more to resent either of her parents for. "Yeah, but only 'cause I called her on her stupid comments. Why do they both have to be such jerks?" "Forget it, Kath - we've got other things to think about, like the play and the recital and everything. Why don't we just work on our lines and it'll take our minds of all that stuff?" She nodded agreement, and for the next couple of hours we sat on her bed, still wearing those nice grown-up dresses, practicing parts we didn't know well enough and offering constructive criticism to each other. When I finally got up to leave, we hugged each other for at least five minutes and I could tell she was on the verge of tears again. 'Wow,' I thought, 'being pregnant sure brings out your emotions.' It made me think of some of the things Kath's mom had said to me, and I found myself feeling regret that I'd never get to experience everything a woman might - remember, that had been a big ambition for me - even though none of those female-only issues she mentioned appealed to me at all. Well, except for being able to get pregnant. I didn't bother changing back into my jeans and top, and instead I threw that stuff into a bag and walked over to my place still wearing my borrowed dress, which was a white and deep blue shift, about six inches below the knee, giving it a classic look even though it was very much a mid-nineties style. It had a very pretty accessory sewn into the front of the left shoulder strap - a white fabric flower set against the all-white bodice. The only problem was, being a shift dress it was kind of loose through the waist, so I'd already figured on looking for a white or black belt to snug it up so I could show off my figure a little better. Kath's selection was an even more classic early nineties style - a taupe and white geometric-print dress with a full, calf-length skirt gathered at the waist, a front-button bodice and collar with lapels, padded shoulders, and near-elbow-length sleeves. No question, the fashion Nazis would just as soon jail anyone seen wearing that dress in 1999, but we'd both agreed that it would work fine for a fiery red- headed shrew spouting her venom against all manhood. And seeing her in it did give me an idea for a little change I could make to my appearance for the play. As a practice run for performing those songs in front of an audience, Mrs. White's recital was excellent. Kath and I both got great applause and she even got a lot of loud whistles, not from any males present, mind you, but from women of all ages who obviously thought dumping on men was the best entertainment ever. And I'll admit, for that reason alone I was glad I was wearing makeup and a dress instead of a shirt and pants! Other than the older lady who regularly came to those recitals, and congratulated me on my singing and presentation as a girl, I'm not sure who knew about me and who didn't, and by then I honestly didn't want to know. ***** At long last the big musical production was upon us. Dress rehearsals were scheduled for a Monday and Tuesday early in May, there was a student preview on the Wednesday afternoon, and the show would open that evening and run for five public performances to accommodate the expected demand for tickets. Everyone involved with the play was excused from their afternoon classes for dress rehearsal, as Mr. Nelson ramped up the pressure on us to get every part, every song, every dance, and every set and costume change nailed down to perfection. I'm sure he often felt that he'd bitten off more than his students could chew with this musical, but we all had no alternative but to see it through to the end. I was so happy that we once again had a live orchestra. This year our music department had a crop of unusually talented students, who'd been rehearsing the score in the band room for a great many evenings and weekends over the previous month or so. The guys doing lights and sound were more organized than usual too, and our costumes were ready for their final alterations. We were all very excited to see it all come together at last! On the afternoon of the first dress, I wolfed down my lunch and hurried to the theater where I found Ms. Griffith beginning to set up at the production table. "Will Mr. Nelson be here soon?" I inquired. "He's running a bit late, Sandy. Is there something I can help you with?" "Uh, no ... well, it's about dressing rooms?" She smiled thinly. "Oh, I know - you're wondering where you should do your costume changes. To be honest we haven't had a chance to discuss that yet. But today you're only playing Suzanne, so why don't you change in that staff restroom you always use? Just for today." "Uhh ... okay, thanks." Crap! That would be really awkward for me, since it was a long way back to the theater from that restroom. 'Oh, what the hell,' I thought, shaking my head - 'school's almost over for me anyhow. As long as I don't run into Justin ...' So I made my way to the green room where Mrs. Parsons and another lady were working on some costumes, retrieved the 1940s-style dress, slip, stockings and shoes I'd be wearing all that afternoon and evening, and began making my way towards my 'change room.' The corridors were packed with students, some of whom stared and snickered at the sight of the by-now-well-known cross-dresser Sandy Johnson carrying a stylish dress on a hanger. I could feel my face turning red so I hurried up and locked myself into the restroom. Now, my first inclination was to just stay put and wait for classes to resume so I'd avoid the throng on my way back to the theater, but we were all supposed to be in costume and on-stage at that exact same time, with no excuses for being late. My costume wasn't unfamiliar to me - I'd been through two fittings with Mrs. Parsons, so I knew I'd look okay in it - but I'd be making a very unusual sight as I paraded back down the hallways looking for all the world like I'd stepped out of the pages of a very old Sears catalog. So reluctantly I went ahead and got changed - first peeling off my jeans and socks, then pulling the stockings carefully up my legs, making sure the seams were straight at the back. Next I removed my top and held the shimmery, lace-edged, off-white slip in front of me by the straps. Mrs. Parsons had said she hoped I wouldn't mind wearing it, 'cause I'd need it to keep the dress from bunching up around my waist and butt. As you can imagine, I didn't need much convincing! So I wiggled the slip down over my head and torso, straightening it out evenly around my bra and smoothing it all round with my hands. It felt perfectly lovely! Of course I couldn't resist checking myself out in the mirror, and even wondering what Rob would think if he saw me now. Like, I already looked so vintage! Removing the navy-blue dress from the hanger, I first held it up to my body and looked again at my reflection in the mirror - 'What a treat,' I thought. It was such a great dress-up opportunity for me, even if I wouldn't get much stage time as Suzanne. The dress was VERY forties - snug in the bodice and a generous, pleated skirt, about calf-length, with a matching fabric belt and prominent shoulder pads. I slid it on and struggled a minute with the rear zipper before winning the fight. But as I brushed out my hair I started to feel panicky - like, how the hell was I going to get myself back to the theater, like THIS? Then I had the craziest idea. I grabbed my shoulder bag that I kept all my money, I.D. and cosmetics in, and found the special makeup items and other accessories I'd loaded into it that morning. There was still another fifteen minutes before I had to be on stage, so I had just enough time. Eleven minutes later I was more or less satisfied with the results - thank God I'd become adept at quick makeup jobs getting ready for work! My lips were now a bold, deep red and I sported rouged cheeks, penciled eyebrows and long eyelashes. My hair was pulled back from my face with a wide navy hairband, and attached to my earlobes were old-fashioned pearl earrings in flower-shaped silver settings, borrowed from Mom. She'd also loaned me a matching brooch, which I'd fastened to the left of the V-shaped neckline of the dress. 'One final thing,' I thought, rummaging through my bag. Out came my sunglass case, and a moment later my big movie-star sunglasses were in place, concealing my eyes, and, I hoped, my identity! 'If they're going to stare, may as well give 'em something to stare at!' I smiled to myself as I exited the restroom into the crowded hallways. And stare they did! I'm sure everyone's jaw dropped as I walked briskly back to the theater, my heels clacking loudly on the floor and my full skirt making this wonderful swishing sound. I heard the words "Who's THAT?" behind me at least four or five times, and I was very relieved not to hear "Is that Sandy Johnson?" I don't think anyone connected the dots - that this elegant-looking woman from the past was actually me, or that she was a character in the play - since most students weren't likely to be clued in about that, until they actually saw the show. So it was fun to make a splash without having to worry about being ridiculed. And yes, Betty's story did come to mind. But my drama friends weren't so easily fooled. As I climbed the steps onto the stage a dozen heads turned in my direction, and most of them crowded around me. "Sandy - is that YOU?" exclaimed Jordan Harris, who was in Italian Renaissance costume as Baptista, the father of Kate and Bianca. I pulled off my sunglasses with a flourish and replied, "It's me ... in the flesh!" Cindy Cohen, who was wearing her sexy 'Lois Lane' dress, piped up in her cute high voice, "Sandy, you look awesome - but like, we're not doing makeup till tomorrow." "Yeah, what a show-off she is," Kath snickered. "Always trying to be the center of attention!" She should talk, I thought - she was also wearing a forties dress, only a lot more elegant and colorful than mine, and she had a mink stole wrapped around her shoulders and a very cool fascinator pinned to her upswept red hair. I could hardly wait to wear her costume myself! Michael Bell winked at me and said, in his characteristic artsy voice, "Looking good, Sandy!" "Where'd you get changed?" asked Cindy. "I didn't see you in our dressing room." "Or ours," said Doug Peterson, sounding let-down. "We were kinda looking forward to having some fun with you." "I bet you WERE," I laughed. "But that's the problem - they haven't figured out what to do with me. So I had to change, like, way at the other end of the school." Kath laughed too. "And you got to say hi to a million people on your way back. I think I get the idea now. So how'd it go?" "Like, they never knew what hit them," I giggled. "When they see the show they'll figure out it was me, but like, I wouldn't wanna have to do that a second time." "This is crazy," said Cindy. "I don't see why you can't use the girls'. I'm gonna tell Mr. Nelson to let you." "Thanks, Cindy," I smiled. "But I don't think he will. He's worried about somebody's mom or dad going off the deep end, like they did last time ..." "Well I'll check with the other girls. I'm sure they'll be cool." "Not me - I'm gonna tell MY folks," sniffed Kath. "I LIKE seeing them go off the deep end." I resisted the urge to remind her that they do that all the time without any help from me. "Well good luck, and thanks Cindy ..." "What about us?" Doug interrupted. "I really think Sandy should stick with the boys. We don't mind helping him with all his dresses and stuff ..." "You mean HER dresses," Cindy interrupted. "Yeah, her dresses - whatever. We don't mind at all, do we guys?" He scanned the other faces for approval. They all shook their heads, and "Uh-uh," and "Not me" were the unanimous responses. But their faces all had this devious look! Just then Mr. Nelson appeared on stage, and he loudly cleared his throat. "PEOPLE!" he called out. "Let's all listen up. We're already late getting started." Everyone went silent. "This afternoon we're going to run through specific scenes you're having trouble with. We'll take a fifteen minute break at three-thirty, then we'll do a first run- through of Act One. That'll take us till at least six, then a half-hour for dinner. We should be able to wrap by eight or eight-thirty. Any questions so far?" "Yeah," Doug spoke up. "Us guys really wanna help Sandy with his ... uh, HER costume changes, sir. Can you please make her use our dressing room?" The other boys nodded their agreement. "As if THAT's gonna happen!" Cindy objected loudly. "That's all she needs - you guys playing practical jokes on her. Mr. Nelson, she should use our dressing room. Isn't that right, girls?" There was a chorus of female voices, maybe not quite as emphatic as the boys were, but all saying variants of "Yes" or "Uh-huh" in unison. The guys were all going "No way" and "We want Sandy!" I should have felt so wanted and appreciated, but I just felt centered out! "Calm down, people!" Mr. Nelson's voice rose above the din. "We haven't decided how we're going to handle that situation yet. But in case you haven't noticed, we have a show to put on, and we're way behind. So can we focus on that first?" And we tried to do just that. Emphasis on the word 'tried.' As the music and our first song-and-dance number, 'Another Openin', Another Show' got off to a shaky start, I found myself feeling very sympathetic for Mr. Nelson's plight. Like, I wouldn't want his job for the world! Of course, I didn't think I needed much help compared to SOME of the junior kids in the ensemble, who maybe weren't quite as committed to perfection as us seniors. Ms. Griffith stopped the number a couple of times to haul people back to where they were supposed to be, or give others on-the-spot instruction for their footwork, and I noticed a girl next to me trying her best to follow my moves. 'Why are they only learning this in dress rehearsal?' I asked myself with not a small measure of annoyance. And for the second time that month, I thanked Kath for convincing me to go back to dance classes with her! This first three-hour session was pretty brutal. We jumped all over the place in the show, mostly practicing dance numbers but also going over and over the same scenes to get the blocking or entrances right. Kids who weren't in those scenes tried to nap or do homework in the audience seating, but were always reprimanded by Mr. Nelson, who ordered them to "Pay attention and learn." I wasn't needed on stage much - just for my bit part as the 'assistant stage manager' for the show within the show, and for the opening and closing numbers where I was part of the ensemble cast, so Ms. Griffith enlisted me to help mentor the juniors and keep them disciplined. That felt kind of weird - like, they must have known there was a boy in that dress, a boy who was acting like a woman and one of their instructors at the same time. There were a few moms watching the whole thing, and I wondered if they thought I really was a woman, with my mature-looking garb and made-up face and hair. After the break it was down to serious business. Now we'd have to do the whole first act in proper sequence, preferably without stopping (although there was no chance of that happening). Mr. Nelson had allowed more than two hours in the schedule (though running straight through would only take just over an hour). We used up every minute of the time allowed, mostly waiting for actors who missed entrances for whatever reason like costume changes taking too long, but also correcting blocking and helping certain people with their lines. But when we broke for dinner, I could almost see Mr. Nelson's 'train wreck' getting back on the tracks. The second act would normally run about sixty minutes, and it seemed to go a bit better than the first. We only wasted a half-hour or so with stops, and after the finale our drama teacher gathered everyone, cast and crew, on-stage and pronounced, "Ladies and gentlemen - I never thought I'd be saying this, but I believe we now have a show." We all looked at each other and cheered! He waved his arms for silence and continued, "Now don't get carried away - we have a lot of work left to do, and only one day to do all of it. I want everyone to go straight home and spend the rest of the evening reading and re-reading their parts. We can't have anyone needing help with anything tomorrow - we only have time for two complete run-throughs and let me tell you, we NEED them - badly." Then he dismissed us and I headed for the seating area where I'd left my bag. Mr. Nelson caught up to me and asked me to meet with him and Ms. Griffith for a minute. "So, Miss Johnson - we seem to be having a little competition for your favors," Mr. Nelson said. "The men want you in their dressing room, and the ladies want you in theirs." "What do YOU want, Sandra?" asked Ms. Griffith. I was kind of taken aback by the question. "Uh ... I'm not sure how to answer," I stammered, searching for something to say that wouldn't make it sound like I was desperate to go with the girls, which of course would be the truth. "Just be honest," smiled Mr. Nelson. "There's no wrong answer." "Well," I began, "I AM kind of worried the guys will play jokes on me. I mean, like, they did last year?" "And last year you had Mark looking out for you," Ms. Griffith added helpfully. 'How did she know that?' I wondered. "Uh, yeah, he did. So like, I guess I'd be better off with the girls. But like, I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable ..." "They came to me during dinner break and specifically requested that you use their dressing room." "They did? Oh ... but what if someone's mom or dad ..." "You can leave that concern up to us, Sandra," interrupted Mr. Nelson. "You see, I'm afraid I got you into this by asking you to play multiple parts." "It means you need easy access to a dressing room where there's lots of room for people to help you with your costume changes," added Ms. Griffith. "I'd prefer if those were girls. We have three female costume assistants and no males. So I'm afraid we only have one choice ..." "It's settled, then," Mr. Nelson announced with an air of finality. "Now the other thing I need to tell you ... you'll be playing both your understudy roles tomorrow. Did you get your Bianca fitting all organized with Mrs. Parsons?" 'Oh crap,' I thought - 'forgot to see her about that.' I shook my head. "Well you'd better see to it right now. You'll be wearing it tomorrow!" I nodded sheepishly and hurried backstage. See what I mean? Important stuff always kept falling through the cracks! Like this one - I needed my own period costume for playing Bianca, younger sister of the 'shrew' Kate and the 'nicer' daughter of Baptista, 'cause Cindy was at least two dress sizes smaller than me, and a lot shorter too. I'm sure Mrs. Parsons was none too pleased at having to make two of those fancy dresses, but hey - as Kath had mentioned, understudies usually need their own costumes. Not always, though - she and I were close enough in size that we could swap costumes, and that's just what we did for that show. For Cindy's other role, Lois Lane, they'd found me another forties-style dress and only had to make minor alterations, like shortening it quite a bit. Mrs. Parsons was super-busy with some other cast members, including Kath, so I grabbed my Bianca dress off the rack and went behind a black stage curtain where I quickly removed my Suzanne dress and carefully slipped the ornate costume on. With the slip still providing coverage it wouldn't have been the end of the world to be seen changing, but all I'd need is one of those bratty guys sneaking up behind me ... An hour later Kath and I were being driven home courtesy of her mom, who was being reasonably pleasant for once. Of course, she still didn't know about Kath's bun in the oven (and I'm sure Kath was going to keep her in the dark about that), otherwise my friend would've probably been kicked out of the house. Instead, Mrs. Thomas was making small talk with both of us - asking me if I knew all my lines yet (naturally!), how many costume changes we both had to do (lots!), and whether everyone else would be ready for Wednesday (no chance!). Now, you'd expect someone in Kath's situation to be acting different, so that her folks would know something was amiss with their little girl, but my friend was obviously a great actress 'cause she never let on a thing and I don't think they ever suspected. When it came to me, though, it was an entirely different matter. In fact, it's just about all we talked about - except for the play, of course - and I did my best to listen, encourage her, and just be there for her. I mean, what are best girlfriends for? Did I just say that? I guess by then I really DID see myself as her best female friend, or 'BFF' as we say it nowadays. Going through that whole pregnancy kerfuffle with Kath - like, trying to keep her spirits up, being as super-attentive and supportive as I could - must have made me feel that way, and she certainly helped matters by treating me as her special confidante. ***** The next day Kath and I skipped our last class before lunch so we could both dash off to Turning Heads. I'd talked her into doing this with me, partly to cheer her up and help get her mind off her 'condition' for a little while, but also to satisfy an 'urge' that came upon me a few days earlier. Karen was wonderful as always, treating Kath like gold and working her usual magic on both of us in record time. We got back to school with minutes to spare before our on-stage call, hurried to the now-empty girls' dressing room, and quickly helped each other into costume - Kath in my Suzanne dress and me in Kath's stylish Lilli Vanessi skirt-and-jacket combo - then we scurried upstairs and found everyone waiting on-stage for us. "SANDY!" at least ten people exclaimed. "What did you DO?" "Why ... is there a problem?" I replied innocently. Oh my God, it was hilarious! Nobody said a thing ... and I'm sure Mr. Nelson was all set to dump on us for being late, but instead he just had this silly-looking grin on his face as he, too, stared wordlessly at me. Then I saw him look at Kath, and back at me again. "So what do we have here ... are we supposed to be twins now, Miss Johnson and Miss Thomas?" he laughed. "It was entirely Sandy's idea," Kath said, pointing her finger at me. "I have NO idea why ANYONE would want red hair ..." "But I love it!" I protested, patting my hair and loving all the attention at least as much as my eye-catching locks, which were now the same flaming red as Kath's. You already know I always admired her beautiful hair, and the show was a perfect excuse to have my very own head of it. Besides, how boring to go through life with the same hair color! Karen had also cut and styled Kath's hair so it was now about the same length and shape as mine - so I guess we DID kind of look like twins, if you totally ignored our skin coloring. The best part was, I had that classy-looking mauve suit on, with its slim skirt with the long slit up the back, the pretty off-white blouse with the ruffles around the neckline, and the fitted jacket with the crazy shoulder pads. AND the forties-style heels, the seamed stockings and the fascinator pinned to my hair. Vintage Hollywood, as Cindy had commented the first time she saw Kath wearing the outfit. And now it was MY turn to look like the movie queen! I still felt that Kath should play Lilli/Kate for the whole run, as long as she felt up to it, but it was important for me to do each of my two understudy roles in dress rehearsal and this would be my only chance. So, after our little distraction, and after the expected speech by Mr. Nelson, we all got on with the first run-through. And my God, was it ever a blast! I was just totally thrilled to be able to play that wonderful part, with her great songs and beautiful costumes, and after dinner break the OTHER wonderful part of Lois Lane/Bianca with HER great songs and beautiful costumes. Talk about being in seventh heaven! Now I'm not going to bore you will all the little details - not just yet, anyway - but suffice to say I made it through with no more miscues and flubbed lines than anyone else. I did manage to nail all the songs and dances, though, which still amazes me because they should've been so much harder to memorize. When Kath and I finally left the school at about ten that night, we were both in such a state of euphoria that we didn't feel remotely as tired as we should have. It wasn't too chilly out, so we walked home instead of calling for a ride. "Can you believe it?" Kath said excitedly. "Nelson was right - like, we really DO have a show!" "I KNOW," I agreed enthusiastically. "Like, two days ago Nelson said it was a train wreck, and I thought he was right. I guess everybody was like, able to dig really deep ..." "... and pull out good performances!" Kath finished for me. "Like me - I was feeling kind of shitty all afternoon, so I'm really glad you did Lilli for me. But I was fine for the second run." "I'll say you were! Oh Kath, you just nailed that part - like, all of it! I still think you should just go ahead and play Lilli for the whole run ..." "Like, NOT! I was probably just lucky tonight, that's all. Anyway Sandy, I NEED you there for me. Like, I've been so stressed about feeling sick in the middle of the show ... but when you were on this afternoon I realized you could jump in anytime and take over for me. I mean, half the audience wouldn't know the difference." "Probably not!" I giggled, feeling pleased that our mini-makeovers made us look a lot alike. "So you're saying you're not stressed anymore? Well that's great! So I don't need to do Lilli unless you're sick, and maybe now you won't be?" "Oh, I will be, you can count on that. I just don't know when ..." "Well, I'm your bestest friend and you can count on me." Then I remembered something. "But there IS one little problem ... I have this OTHER friend who wants to come and see me ..." "Oh no, not HIM again!" Kath interrupted, rolling her eyes. "Uh ... no, it's not Rob - but it WOULD be kinda cool if he could see the show. Except he doesn't know I'm still in high school ..." "WHAT?!" she exclaimed, fixing me with an incredulous look. "Like, why would THAT be such a big secret?" I knew right then and there I should have kept my mouth shut. "Uh, well ... it's like this - he thinks I'm OLDER ..." "Like how much ... OLDER?" "Like, maybe twenty-one?" Kath shook her head in disgust. "Sandy, just how many lies do you think you can get away with? First you've got him thinking you're some hot chick, and then you told him you're twenty-one?" "Hey, I never told him how old I was! He just guessed ..." "And of course you'd never straighten him out - like, why would you ever do THAT!" "Why should I?" "'Cause it's still a lie ..." "Well I don't agree - and I don't care. I was just having a good time. Like, what's the big deal? I'll probably never see him again." "That's what you told me after you got back from Vermont. And I saw how crazy he was about you. He'll be back again, don't worry ... and SOON." "Well I sure hope so. I miss him." "Sandy, you are SUCH an airhead sometimes. Haven't you even thought this through? Like, where can that relationship go except down the toilet? After it blows up in your face!" "I know, I know," was my weak response. Of course she was right, but I had such a massive crush on Rob by then that thinking about it wasn't even an option. My right brain was in total control! So it's a good thing he wasn't likely to be around for a while. And rather than try to explain the unexplainable to Kath, I simply changed the subject - or got it back on track, I mean. "Well anyhow, the friend is someone else. I met this person - well, it's a her, who's really a him?" "Someone like you? How did you meet her - I mean him?" "Her. I met her at counseling. My shrink got a few people together and Erica was one of them ..." "People like you?" "Kind of. Anyway I thought she was really cool. She's older, like thirty or something ... and she has a husband - well, not REALLY a husband, 'cause two guys can't get married in Ohio - but she has this amazing life?" "Good for her! So you want her to see you play Lilli, right?" "Yeah I do, kind of. Well, she said she wants to come, and she's gonna bring her husband ..." "That's cool. So tell her to pick a day and you'll play Lilli. No problem." "Yeah, but what if that's one of the shows when you're feeling fine? YOU should be ..." "Sandy, it's NOT a problem. I insist." "Well if you're sure, I'll send her an email and tell her. Maybe Thursday or Friday but not Saturday? Like, you should be doing the last night's show." "Sandy - it DOESN'T MATTER." Of course I knew it really DID matter. The moment I got home I sent the email and two minutes later Erica replied - and luckily she chose Thursday. So I quickly scribbled a post-it note to remind myself to buy extra tickets at school the next day. That was the night Phil, Natalie and Mom were coming, so knowing I'd be Lilli settled THAT issue for me as well. I was about to shut down the computer when another thought occurred to me. I rummaged in my purse for my little address book and looked under the 'S' tab for Bob and Sharon from Knoxville. YES! I had their email address. So I quickly dashed off another message and exactly one microsecond after clicking SEND it hit me: no Mark! Oh shit, I thought - now I'm going to have to explain ... The next morning before heading off to school I checked and sure enough there was a reply from Sharon. She said she was thrilled to hear from me and yes, they'd love to come to the show on Thursday. Bob had been working hard all spring, she said, and they'd been talking about getting away for a few days, so this was going to be their excuse. She asked me to get back to her with all the details. AND she asked if Mark and I would be able to meet the two of them for lunch on the following Sunday, before they headed back home. How could I answer that? Well, by not really answering, which I seemed to be doing a lot those days. I just told her I didn't know for sure if it could be arranged. ***** Well, I was glad I didn't wait any longer to buy those tickets - they were selling fast! I guess word was already getting out - and our spring musicals usually brought in a lot of repeat customers from the surrounding neighborhood, people who didn't necessarily have kids in the drama program, or even in the school. Ms. Griffith had said 'Kate' was a very popular Broadway show in the late forties and with the 1953 movie there was a built-in 'mature' audience wherever a theater company put in on. I could see why - the script is very lively, funny, and nostalgic. And like all great musical comedies, there's an element of farce with mistaken identities and over-the-top personalities. There's also some wonderful dance numbers, and the Cole Porter music is to die for, especially some of the catchy, memorable songs sung by the three leads, but even some the secondary performers get to perform. We'd all been rehearsing these numbers so long that each of us would spontaneously start humming or even singing bits of those songs in the corridors, in study hall, in class and even in the library. And we were all complaining that we couldn't get them out of our heads day or night! Needless to say, everyone who had that affliction, meaning all of us drama students, got major fun poked at us by everyone else, whose musical tastes were about as far from classic Broadway tunes as you could get. I guess that's one cool thing about Kath and me, and our love of old movies, singing and acting - we got exposed to some really wonderful music that we probably wouldn't have cared for if we were more into nineties 'pop culture' like most other young people. And what a savior that show was for Kath - the whole thing was so intense and all- consuming, she barely had the time to stress about her pregnancy. In fact, she'd told me before dress rehearsals began that she wasn't even going to let herself think about it till the show was squarely in her rear-view mirror. To be continued ....