The Chick Magnet
By Jena Corso
Edited By Angela Myers
Chapter 3
Peyton woke up, looked over at his alarm clock and realized he had
overslept. He jumped out of bed and ran into his father's room, seeing
Bret passed out.
"Wake up! Are you alone?" said Peyton. "We overslept."
"Kara's left early this morning," said Bret. "Go back to bed."
"I'll already late for school," said Peyton, shaking him. "Get up! You
need to drive me and I need some help. How am I getting this nail polish
off and these earrings out?"
"Enjoy the benefits while they last, sissy boy," Bret replied, rolling
over. "Did you forget my brother's been kicked out of school? Now go back
to bed, or just play video games or something!"
"Oh crap," Peyton realized as he walked downstairs.
He looked down at his pink toes from under his long nightgown and
shrugged his shoulders, grabbing some milk and cereal. It wasn't that bad
he thought, playing video games all day, until finally it was mid
afternoon when his brother wandered down.
"Can I at least have some of my clothes while we're at home hanging out?"
asked Peyton, killing some soldiers in his video game. "I could use a
break from all of this. It's 3 o'clock, and I've been in a nightgown all
day."
"Your break is relaxing all day, when you should be in school this last
week," said Bret. "Your clothes are in storage because there is no way am
I taking a chance of you screwing up this good thing I've got going on."
Bret ate and then sat chatting on the phone with girl after girl. After
an hour or so, he walked back in the living room with some clothes,
tossing them next to Peyton and clicking off the television.
"Get dressed," Bret demanded, pulling Peyton's nightgown over his head.
"Francine will be here to sit you soon."
"You're kidding, right?" Peyton complained. "You're going out again?"
"Damn right I am," answered Brett, pushing a royal blue glittery long
tunic over his head. "Now put your arms through and pull on your pants."
"Bret, come on," Peyton pleaded as Bret pulled his arms through. "This is
three days in a row. Doesn't your body need a break?"
"Yeah, in two weeks I'll take one," said Bret as Peyton pulled on his
white capri pants. "In the meantime, just shut up and act all cute and
girly. Or would you rather go to the beach and work on those tan lines
again?"
Peyton was steaming as Bret grabbed him under the chin, brushing through
his bangs and then pushed back all his messy waves behind his ears with a
thick headband. He tossed him his white sandals, hearing the doorbell
ring and he answered it, hugging Francine.
"Hey girlfriend!" said Francine, coming inside with a few bags and
hugging him. "Ready for some fun?"
"Oh of course she is!" said Bret. "So Francine, we're good for Monday's
and Wednesdays right?"
"Yup, we're set for the next two weeks," said Francine. "Just remember I
can't do Dr. Mullen's days off, though."
"Oh that's fine. She'll be in dance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus I'm
working on activities on the weekends," replied Bret, enjoying watching
his brother boil inside before heading out. "Have fun you two."
"Oh, I love this color on you. You look adorable with the wavy hair and
your nails done." Francine took his left hand. "Come on, let's play some
games."
Francine took out some crafts and they began making bracelets and
necklaces. Peyton knew right then it was going to be a long two weeks,
knowing full well his brother must have arranged for every one of his
waking moments to be with one hot girl after another.
Somehow he made it through the week and as Friday rolled around, Peyton
was mentally exhausted. He had played dolls and girl's games with Francine
while she sat with him, and made it through two long gruelling dance
classes, figuring how much worse could the weekend be?
"Crap, get dressed." Bret raced into the house, startling Peyton as he
played video games. "We're already late."
"For what?" asked Peyton. "I didn't even know you weren't here?"
"Jan will be here any second for you," said Brett, tossing some shorts
and a tank top at him. "Hurry up."
Peyton shrugged and slipped on the little peach shorts and then was
pretty sickened seeing the white and peach frilly long shirt, which he
dropped over his head. His brother quickly snapped his feet into some
little socks and followed them with some white sneakers with peach laces.
It all happened so quickly, like he was sleepwalking through it until he
was instantly awakened, screaming in pain as his brother did his best
trying to make pigtails and pulling them tightly behind the scrunchies.
"You're killing me," screamed Peyton as his brother was brushing and
tugging trying to get them in. "Stop please. I'll do it myself."
Luckily for Peyton, the doorbell rang and Jan came in, hugging him and
chuckling.
"I can't even take her outside looking like this," teased Jan as she
kissed Bret. "Next time, just leave it until I get here. Where are the
clips that go with this outfit?"
"Umm, in the bag I guess," said Bret, unsure.
"Oh these are so cute," Jan said as she unwound the crooked, uneven
pigtails and took a brush to Peyton's hair as it hung loosely.
Peyton looked over, seeing a series of bows and clips attached to a piece
of cardboard packaging as Jan was brushing.
"How did you even survive taking care of her hair before myself and
Francine? Did you send her to school every day looking like a mess?" said
Jan.
"Pretty much," replied Bret, smiling as she sprayed Peyton's hair,
dampening it.
"Just learn a little braiding. It's not that tough for dads. It can be
done with wet or dry hair and can be twisted to the bottom like a french
braid, or done with just a portion of the hair and then pinned back,"
said Jan as she brushed back and forth, parting Peyton's hair in the
middle. "Just watch me as these are really cute and with her face any
type of pigtails work on her if you keep them neat."
Jan began on the right and took a few small sections between her fingers.
It was a new annoying feeling for Peyton as he felt little hairs being
pulled at times, as the tension was beginning in the front right side as
she worked.
"Like I would have any chance of doing that?" said Bret as she finished
the right and selected a band from the packaging before winding it in.
"Oh stop! It's easy." Jan demonstrated on the left side and secured the
end. "Create your part and then collect the little sections and add it to
the braid. You must twist it tightly within that strand, before you rope
it and collect hair into the next strand. At the bottom, twist your
strands several times by hooking your finger around the strand and
twirling each time you rope it. It's no big deal and this will make sure
her twists stays tight all day and of course she'll look adorable!"
"I can barely tie my shoes," Bret quipped as he walked over and kissed
her. "I think I'll keep you around just for your twisting skills alone."
"Oh you've only begun to see how well I twist," said Jan winking at him
and kissing him back. "Wait until you see how well I tie."
Peyton was getting nauseous from all the tension on his head and their
revolting flirting. It felt nothing like his normal pigtails, as he
didn't feel them sway as he moved his head. He could see still see a
series of bows and clips on the table as he watched out of the corner of
his eye, feeling his secured pigtails oddly sitting on the back of each
shoulder.
He began to get up, thinking she had finished the other side.
"One more sec sweetie. I've got to blend these bangs," said Jan as she
was brushing and then twisting his bangs. "This hair needs a good
washing, and deep conditioning."
He felt a snap on the right and then again on the left as he felt a
little pressure at his forehead as she dug in some clips. She gave a
quick spritz with her hairspray, and before he knew it she was dragging
him from the house, rolling a small suitcase behind her.
"Thanks again," said Bret. "You sure you don't mind taking her tonight."
Peyton didn't mind Jan so much, as she was gorgeous, but knew being with
her was never good for his masculine image. He caught a glimpse of
himself in the hallway mirror as they left, looking more girlish than
ever. What he thought were peach shorts actually looked more like a skirt
in front and shorts in the back, as he realized he was in a little skort.
On top, his little frilly tank top had a large pink and peach hello kitty
logo in the center of the shirt and the same logo was on the outside of
each of his peach ankle socks. His hair was back in its daily pigtails,
but this time they hung behind his ears, expertly weaved into tight thick
rope braids that sat behind his shoulders. The end of each rope braid was
held in place by a cute little Hello Kitty ballet ribbon, and above each
temple Jan had pulled back his bangs into little twists, which were held
off his forehead on each side by small sparkling Hello Kitty snap
barrette clips.
"I was going to have to do her hair anyway, right?" said Jan rolling down
the window as he stuck his head in, sickening Peyton as he watched the
brief make out session.
"True." Bret smiled and gave her one last kiss.
"Then I may as well take her or you'd be the only father there and that
would be awkward for all the girls," said Jan. "I never had a daughter,
so you know I never mind getting her ready. See you tomorrow."
"Have a nice sleepover, Peyton." Bret grinned as Jan was backing out of
the driveway.
"Sleepover?" Peyton asked, shocked. "At your house?"
"Yup, it'll be so much fun," Jan begandriving away. "Johnny's very
excited, but first we've got some girl's stuff to do honey."
Peyton had that nasty feeling in his stomach again as they stopped at a
number of stores as Jan was a pro, buzzing in and out buying things.
After a few hours they finally picked up Johnny and he soon found himself
at the park. They were on swings next to each other and sat having a
little picnic, relaxing a little as he played like any other kid. It was
strange watching the other kids toss the football around as Jan had him
playing hopscotch.
"Come on kids," said Jan packing up and then wiping his back and skort.
"You're getting filthy sliding and it's time to go."
They got in the car without issue and drove for about a half hour, until
finally they pulled up at her job.
"What are we doing here?" asked Peyton as Jan got out.
"You're such a nervous nilly, sweetie," said Jan taking his hand.
"Washing out that dirty mop of yours and getting you ready. You're going
to have so much fun tonight."
"Tonight?" said Peyton as they walked inside. "I thought I was sleeping
over at your house?"
"You are later, but first we've got to get you cleaned up. I'll be taking
you to Francine in an hour," said Jan, leading him to the back. "Unless
you'd rather come to Peyton's game again tonight? I think they're playing
that same team again."
"No thanks," said Peyton as she wrapped her cape around him. "I'll hang
with Francine."
"I figured as much," Jan giggled as she took out his braids. "Now let's
wash your hair and let me do something a little fancier for the party,
and then you can get dressed."
"Party?" replied Peyton, surprised as she switched on the water and he
sat up. "What party?"
"Oh, I hope I didn't ruin the surprise," said Jan, pushing him back down
and wetting his hair. "Francesca's taking you to her niece's party with
her. I won't say more than that, but I know from other people going there
that you are going to just love it. She's such a good babysitter. She's a
gem and certainly more fun to be with than watching a boring baseball
game."
Jan shampooed and then conditioned his hair, as the floral smell filled
his nostrils. When she finished, she wrapped his head in a towel and
brought him to her chair. She switched on the blow dryer, stopping any
further conversation as she dragged her brush through his hair, drying
it. When she switched it off, he was expecting the usual pigtails but she
surprised him as it just hung loosely in a straight style.
"Your dress is hanging in the back room on the doorknob," said Jan. "I
forgot the bag with your shoes in the car. Get dressed and I'll be back
in a minute with them, and to finish your hair now that it's dry."
Peyton walked over, taking the hanger from the doorknob and locked the
door. It couldn't be worse than what he was wearing and he stepped out of
his Hello Kitty outfit and opened the small attached bag, seeing the
white ruffled panty. He lifted the white plastic off the dress and rolled
his eyes before he quickly stripped down, knowing Jan would be back soon.
He knew the drill, changing his panties and pulling the dress over his
head. His did his best zipping up half the back and opened the door,
seeing Jan awaiting him in his bare feet.
"Are you just adorable or what? Let me help you with that, sweetie?" Jan
zipped up the back as she came in. "You like this one. I picked it with
your dad. I figured we go a little more delicate for the party!"
Peyton was through with any compliments as she spun him, tying the bow in
the back of the dress. He sat back on the bench as she lifted his right
foot and then the left, slipping on his socks and shoes. She led him by
the hand back to her chair and wasted no time snapping a long cape around
his neck, covering him completely. He watched in the mirror as she took
the end of her rat-tailed comb, creating a straight part at his left
temple and then another at his right temple, securing most of the long
hair behind his bangs on top of his head into a high half pony, winding
in a little band. It sat sticking straight up as she pulled it taught and
then released it as it sat at top his head like a little fountain. She
now separated the sections beneath the part in front of each ear and
inserted a long clip, separating them. She stepped behind him now,
brushing over and over as he felt her again creating a part from left to
right near the nape of his neck and twisting as he watched her snap in a
large jaw clip.
"Ok, sweetie just tilt forward for me a little," said Jan as he could see
her holding a large can of hair spray in her hand. "This will be a good
test to see how your hair holds a spiral anyway."
It was but a few seconds as he felt her separating a little section to
the extreme left and could see her stretching it outward in the mirror.
He watched as she coated it, feeling the stickiness of the pink aerosol
spray near the nape of his neck and could clearly see the gold spiral
iron wind into his hair. Maybe he should have chosen little league in the
bleachers he thought, as she released the curl and he saw the thick
banana curl sit softly on his shoulders, but there was no turning back
now as she began the next section. He couldn't really see the back of his
head when she was completely behind him, but he knew exactly what was
happening as she filled his shoulders with curls. Once she did the bottom
section, she moved up, doing the next section, and after fifteen minutes
she had finished the fourth row.
She placed the iron down now and stepped out in front of him, lifting his
chin. She now worked on the small section she had created in front of his
left ear, diving up the small section. He could see out of the corner of
his eye as she again saturated it in hair spray, but this time took a
very thin round iron and wound it vertically into his hair. He could
really hear it hiss near his eardrum before she slowly unravelled it and
repeated the process a few times before repeating it on the right. He
could see her lift the small iron again and worked on the top pony for a
good ten minutes before she stepped, back satisfied with her work.
"I've been dying to curl this hair all week and I'm glad I finally got
the chance," said Jan as he again felt her pulling at the section on top
of his head and adjusting it. "No way I am letting you grow up so fast.
Wait until they see you at this party. You're adorable."
Jan now pulled the cape from Peyton as he instantly felt a cold shiver
down his spine.
"Maybe I should change and come to Johnny's game," said Peyton, ready to
pass out. "I'm his good luck charm right."
"You are sweetie, but don't be nervous. The party will be fun and you two
can be together later," replied Jan, holding up a mirror behind his head.
"No way could you sit in those dirty stands in a dress this delicate, and
I didn't put all this work into your hair to have the wind destroy it in
no time."
Peyton closed his eyes for a moment and then reopened them, realizing
nothing was changing as he stared at the rows of spiral curls layered on
his back. As she put the mirror down, it was hard not to focus on the
smaller tight curls that streamed down in every direction like curled
ribbons from behind a huge blue bow at the center of the top of his head.
The same tight curls hung in four or five permed like strands in front of
each ear, and his bangs sat as they normally did, slightly rolled under
on his forehead.
"Can't stop looking at yourself I see." Jan smiled. "I'm in love with you
in curls too. Don't worry, I'll curl it more often for you sweetie. Now
come let's get you there."
It had been a week to forget for Peyton as he stepped out of Jan's chair.
He followed her across the room, unable to remove his eyes from his own
reflection as he watched some little girly girl's curls bounce from his
head as he walked. His dress was also the fanciest he had been in so far,
as he stopped behind Jan as she made a phone call. He waited as she
gathered some items, staring at himself in a sapphire blue velvet party
dress. On top it had short puffy sleeves at his shoulders, and at the
round neckline hung a doily like white lace collar. At the waist sat a
thick white ribbon tied in the back in a huge bow, and throughout the
entire bodice it sparkled in a glitter like manner. The dress was shorter
than they normally put him in, puffing out under a number of layers of
white crinoline, and he lifted his foot, seeing all the elaborate lace
around the ankle of his short socks above his blue velvet Mary Jane
shoes.
Jan took his hand leading him to her car and straightened his dress as he
sat and she adjusted his seatbelt. When he sat back, he could see how all
the layers popped up and he realized why he had in the ruffled panty
since he had on no tights.
"Sit forward or you'll flatten some curls. Please try to sit like a lady
in this dress at the party, Peyton," said Jan as they drove. "You tend
to sit like a boy with your legs open sometimes."
He sat looking out the window as they drove, while she mostly talked on
the phone. They arrived at a large multi-colored castle like store front
and immediately Peyton knew this couldn't be good, as they exited the
car. She took him by the hand leading him in and they immediately spotted
Francesca waiting for him.
"OMG Peyton, you look incredible," said Francesca, running right over and
hugging him. "Oh Jan, you've outdone yourself here."
"Thank you," replied Jan, loving the compliment. "She is so precious."
"It's like you brought me Peyton's little sister," said Francesca. "The
bangs with her curls are going to be perfect for what I had in mind for
her."
"So I can go, right, because I've got to get to my son's game?" asked
Jan, looking at her watch and handing Peyton a present for the birthday
girl.
"Yes, go ahead!" said Francesca flipping her wrist. "I get it from here.
I'll bring her to you later."
Peyton looked around, seeing a bunch of other little girls and he stood
there dreading this entire experience.
"Aunt Cindy, this is little Peyton," said Francesca. "I'll leave her with
you while I go change ok?"
"No problem," said Cindy. "Come on sweetie and I'll introduce you to the
other girls. You're going to have so much fun today dear!"
Peyton was immediately embarrassed, knowing he was two or three years
older than the other girls but realized he no longer looked it. He was
brought to an area where they were gathering as he sat quietly while they
played dolls. He was happy to be mostly excluded, knowing no one and
after about fifteen minutes, another ten or so girls arrived.
"Oh look honey," said a woman. "It's the new girl from your dance class."
He looked up, startled hearing Francesca's voice and was stunned seeing
how she was dressed.
"So, welcome all my pretty young maids to the party," said Francesca.
"I'll need everyone to line up and follow me and we'll begin your
adventure."
This was no party like he had ever attended before, seeing Francesca
dressed as a princess in a long yellow gown with overdone makeup and her
hair pinned back. Peyton had no idea what to expect as he followed with
the other girls. They weaved down a long hallway and before he knew it,
they were each handed a doll.
"Girls, everyone pick an outfit and dress your doll for their tea party,"
said Francesca.
Peyton had no idea what he was doing as he watched the other girls and
grabbed a few things, dressing his doll.
"I'll help you," said Francesca, handing him some clothes and then taking
some back. "I think Aurora would be perfect for her Peyton. I really do
think pink is your color, girl, so let's make everything match."
Peyton rolled his eyes and dressed his doll in the pink outfits as she
showed him. He sat with the other girls playing tea party with the dolls
and then Francesca got them all up dancing. He felt so strange dancing
with all these other girls and even more out of place as they had pizza
and cake, talking about things that made no sense to him. Finally they
all handed in their presents and he seemed relived, thinking it was
almost over until Francesca stood at the front of the table unrolling a
scroll.
"Princesses, please line up in the order I call you," said Francesca. "I
need all my Cinderellas first, followed by Princess Jasmine, then Belle,
Little Mermaids, Snow White, and my only little Aurora today, Princess
Peyton at the end. This is what you've all been waiting for girls, so
let's get moving."
Peyton was slightly confused, not really knowing what was happening as he
got on the end of the line. They followed Francesca to a large dressing
room. Instantly he got nervous as girls were being handed costumes and
beginning to change with some of the moms.
"Turn around Peyton and I'll help you," said Francesca, undoing the
buttons at the top of his dress and before he could even blink, she
pulled it over his head, lifting it off him.
He was startled, immediately putting one hand near his groin area to hide
his little package as Francesca grabbed the other.
"Come on, help me honey," said Francesca, dropping the costume over his
head and grabbing the other arm. "It's chaos in here and I have to help
some other girls too you know. Now take off your shoes and socks, and
I'll hang them with your dress."
Quickly she zipped up and fastened the back of his costume as he saw how
crazy it was with everyone changing. He realized there was nothing to see
concealed under his little ruffled panties as he sat down and unbuckled
his shoes. He kicked them off and then waited for Francesca to be
finished helping others. Another mom came over and sat him down, trying
shoes on his feet and before he knew it he was in some little plastic low
heeled shoes.
"Come on Aurora," said the mom, taking his hand and another girl's
leading them out of the dressing room and down the hall.
He was stunned, realizing he was now inside a mini-salon seeing all the
girls from the party hopping into chairs as the woman helped him into
his. The second he was seated, a teenage girl stepped behind him and
immediately cranked the pedal, lifting his chair up a few rungs higher
and wrapped a glittery silver cape around his neck.
"Welcome, Princess Peyton. I'm Lindsey and I'll be assisting with your
transformation to Princess Aurora today," said the girl in the perkiest
voice. "Are you ready for your magical day princess?"
"What does that mean?" asked Peyton, ready to jump from the chair as he
looked around, seeing them begin working on the other girls. "Um I'm not
sure."
"It means take a deep breath and don't be uptight, Princess Peyton," said
Francesca, putting her hands on his shoulders calming him down as they
spun his chair just like the other girls away from the mirror. "I know
you were cooped up getting all these curls, but sit back and relax,
because trust me, you'll enjoy the pampering."
Francesca rubbed his shoulders for a moment as he looked down, seeing
Lindsey take a little sponge and began dotting against his face. It was
shocking as she took her little compact in hand as he could feel the
little creamy sensation across his cheeks and then under his chin as she
blended. He felt ready to wet himself seeing her swish her blush brush
into a rose type color and she lifted his chin as he felt the soft
strokes glide across his cheeks. He tried not to panic but it wasn't easy
as she approached, pinching his lashes as she curled them. He did his
best following instructions, opening and closing his eyes while she
worked a little with her pencil but just dipping her mascara wand in and
out of its tube was quite disturbing. She coated his lashes a few times
and then worked on his eye shadow as he sat there watching Lindsey
sharpen a dark pink pencil. He opened wide as she instructed as she
outlined his mouth and then knew what was coming next as she filled in
his lips with a little brush.
"I'll help you, Lindsey," said Francesca as she walked behind Peyton.
"For this precious princess, we're doing the works."
"Thanks," said Lindsey as she opened a little table and placed his left
hand on it while he felt Francesca taking the bow from his hair.
He watched as Lindsey rubbed at each of his nails, removing the pink
polish and massaged his fingers a little. When she finished, she opened a
kit that looked like it had all sorts of small stickers on it and stuck
the first one on the nail of his index finger. He couldn't believe how
quickly they seemed to almost melt onto his nails as she held his fingers
briefly under a small ultraviolet light and before he knew it, all of his
nails were covered with multi-tonal glitter filled fuchsia decals. He
instantly knew the smell of nail polish as she began clear coating each
finger while Francesca snipped out the band from his high pony. It was
odd feeling her dig into his scalp seemingly undoing some of Jan's work
as he could feel some tension and weight on his head. Finally as Lindsey
finished triple coating his nails in clear polish, Francesca held a
plastic mask over his face as he had both hands under nail dryers.
"I give you Princess Aurora," announced Francesca. "Let us honor this
precious beauty!"
Peyton couldn't really see too well through the semi-transparent plastic
mask, but could feel the hairspray circle his head.
"Behold our new beautiful Princess," said Francesca, spinning his chair
towards the mirror and tearing off his cape. "Princess, please enjoy your
reveal!"
It was like a bad Halloween dream as Peyton stared at his fully made up
face, now dressed as Sleeping Beauty. He stood up and walked toward the
mirror in a floor length, bright pink elegant velvet and satin character
dress with white off-the-shoulder pointed peplum collar. The authentic
dress of course was decorated with beautiful gold, sparkle, jewel, and
sheer embellishments, and had a full long underwire skirt giving it some
shape. Around his neck was a gold sparkle choker and her signature gold
tiara crown sat at top his flowing curls, which had now been completely
coated in glittered hair spray. On his feet were little clear sling back
low heels and his fingertips were coated in glimmering fuchsia decals.
His lips were a gentle glossed cotton candy pink, now sparkling as he
licked the flavor. His cheeks a lovely rosy red and his eye shadow was
blended from a soft to coral pink for accent. His lashes looked
incredible long and were curled ever so beautifully, and his eyes stood
out like never before, defined by a thin liner. He felt teary eyed as the
ten year old baseball star he once was, was nowhere to be found, replaced
by a princess as Francine interrupted his mini-trance.
"Come, Princess Aurora," said Francine, yanking his hand. "Your Prince
has arrived."
"What?" said Peyton, startled as Francine led him off.
He was again in line with all the Cinderella|s and Snow Whites as he
looked up, seeing a series of teenagers dressed as princes waiting. It
was revolting, realizing he was in line to be photographed as a princess
as the girls all took their turns. When it was finally his turn, they
took some individual shots, posing him in front of a castle background
and then had him lie down and close his eyes like sleeping beauty. He
heard the flash bulbs snap and he was instantly sickened, popping open
his eyes as he felt a kiss touch his lips. He looked up, seeing Johnny
dressed as Prince Phillip and before he could even react, watched him
lean in and kiss him harder the second time.
"Easy there Prince," said Francine, stepping in now and helping Peyton to
his feet. "I know she's beautiful but this is a G-rated party."
She posed them, handing Peyton a bouquet of flowers as he stood there
dazed, looking at a touch of his lipstick on Johnny. A few more pictures
were snapped until Jan waved over Francine as Peyton and Johnny were
ushered over, sitting with the other kids.
"Why would you do that?" asked Peyton, scolding Johnny and still somewhat
stunned. "I thought you were at your game?"
"My game's been over for hours," said Johnny. "You know besides me, my
teams stinks. I'm just more of a lover than an athlete. I know you like
that better."
"You have no idea what I like," screamed Peyton. "You know nothing about
me."
"I know you're prettier than any other girl I've ever seen," said Johnny,
taking his hand. "Pretty enough for a macho kid like me to dress up like
this."
"Kids, we have to get moving," said Jan, giving her son a stern look as
Peyton was almost sick. "We've got a stop to make before our little sleep
over."
He followed them, hearing his little heels click on the sidewalk and
stared down at his princess gown. He sat in the back seat with Johnny as
Francine was in the front with Jan.
"So, I think Miss Peyton made a very beautiful princess today, Francine,"
said Jan looking at him in his rear view mirror.
"Oh, I definitely agree," said Francine, turning and looking at him.
"She's been quite the stunner, hasn't she?"
"No doubt about it," Jan grinned. "I talked to your dad honey, and I
believe there's lot more princess time is in her future, according to
what we've agreed upon."
"Great," mumbled Peyton, rolling his eyes.
"I'm glad you agree honey, because if I would have known how much you
loved wearing makeup, we could have experimented all week." Francine
smiled. "But we've got plenty of time for that."
"Sounds like so much fun, but I'm sleeping over at Jan's tonight, so
maybe some other time," replied Peyton, rolling his eyes.
"Take it slow Francine," said Jan as she parked. "I'm trying to keep her
in pigtails and cute dresses and you're growing her up too fast on me."
"Don't worry, we'll find a happy middle ground for her dance recital,"
said Francine as she got out.
"I know, I heard they're in red lipstick and tight spirals with big
headbands and red sequin tutus. Shouldn't that be a lot of fun," said
Jan, helping Peyton out.
Jan took Peyton by one hand and Francine held the other as they walked
down the block with Johnny. As they turned the corner, he was surprised
seeing them leading him into Dr. Mullin's office.
"What are we doing here?" Peyton asked, feeling the grip of their hands
tighten.
"Oh just having a little chat before our sleepover," said Jan as they
marched into her office and she pointed to Johnny to wait in the
reception area. "You wait here over Johnny. We'll be back in a few
minutes."
"Have a seat, princess," said Dr. Mullen, spinning around in her chair.
"Don't you look adorable with yourself all made up."
"She does," said Kara, coming in now as Peyton's jaw dropped. "Doesn't
she?"
"Not expecting us all together at once," Jan smirked. "Were you,
princess?"
"Umm, well," mumbled Peyton in shock.
"Honey, the cat's out of the bag!" Jan grabbed his arm. "You better talk!"
"Jan, relax," said Kara, staying professional as Peyton was trembling.
"So my precious Peyton, it's unfortunately come to our attention that
regrettably we've all been used," said Dr. Mullin. "You see we've found
out that Bret has enjoyed being a real player, and played all of us.
You're too young so I won't go into any of the details, but I'd like to
know is there anything you'd like to tell us before we confront him."
"Doc, please," cried Peyton, stuttering. "He forced me. I couldn't speak
up. I'm sorry. There's a lot you don't know."
"No there's not!" said Jan, scolding him. "If you remember, that woman
Candice you met at little league also has a daughter in your dance class.
Between Candice, Francine, and a bunch of other mothers, we've connected
everything. Women talk honey! You'll learn that someday!"
"And obviously you wouldn't want to be played or deceived either, would
you?" said Dr. Mullin.
"I guess not," said Peyton, looking down.
"Especially by someone in such an underhanded way, and you've been pawned
off on us while he's been getting around!" Jan was annoyed. "That's the
part that really pisses me off! Do you understand that!"
"Yes," said Peyton, meekly avoiding eye contact.
"We realize how sensitive a little flower like you is, and we want to
protect you while we certainly make sure he gets what's coming to him,"
said Kara, bending down and talking to Peyton as she lifted his chin.
"Peyton, we're not here to confront you and I know this has to be hard
for you."
"You're not?" said Peyton, relieved.
"No honey," said Dr. Mullen. "We think you're beautiful and all of us
have had a nice week with you."
"Really?" said Peyton grinning. "So I'm not in any trouble?"
"You're not sweetie," said Dr. Mullin. "You're fine the way you are and
you want it to stay that way right?"
"Is that a yes?" said Jan as he gave a slight nod. "Speak up and
clearly."
"Yes," said Peyton.
"Ok, you run along with Francine now dear," said Dr. Mullin. "She'll be
watching you and Johnny tonight, and we've got some things to deal with."
Peyton found himself wondering what they were going to do to his brother,
knowing Bret deserved whatever he got as he walked out with Francine as
they took Johnny with them. It seemed like a normal day at least for him,
if being dressed like a princess could be considered normal, but he was
relieved that they didn't suspect him of any wrong doing. He was all
smiles, thinking that this was almost over as they would surely all
confront and break up with his brother, and he could soon go back to his
normal life.
"I've never seen you glow like this before, Peyton?" said Francine as
they were in the cab. "I'm so happy to finally see you smiling."
"Oh, thanks," said Peyton, grinning. "Not having to hide all his running
around makes me feel so much better. You know how much I like everyone."
"And they all love you too," said Francesca, hugging him. "I'm sure it's
a relief, but I got a feeling it's more than that. You can tell me?"
"What do you mean?" said Peyton, confused.
"I know it must be hard growing up without women in the house to help you
with the things you're going through. Here let me fix you," said
Francesca, turning his face and taking out her lipstick and freshening
his. "I remember how much I loved wearing makeup when I was young too,
and I never looked this good as a princess. It would be tough to wipe the
smile off my face too!"
As they got to Jan's house, Francine was sitting with Johnny and Peyton
as they played well with each other as all three played some board games
at the kitchen table. After a few hours, Jan came in kissing her son and
Peyton before walking into her bedroom.
"Guys, you two go put your pajamas on while I talk to Francine for a
minute," said Jan. "Peyton, they gave you a princess nightgown as a favor
from the party. It's on my bed, so go put it on and I'll wash all the
makeup off you."
Peyton ran upstairs, happy to change out of the costume but just as
annoyed pulling the long pink Sleeping Beauty nightgown over his head.
"Very cute on her. You make the most adorable princess, honey!" Francine
hugged him. "See you tomorrow you two. Good night!"
"Sit honey," said Jan. "You play with Johnny while I get you ready for
bed. I'll be a while so you guys can have some fun. Set up everything for
the new game while I clean her face."
Peyton sat there as she scrubbed his face with some moist towelettes. It
was a relief to see the black and then pink smudges filling the
towelettes as he opened and closed his eyes. Finally after her last full
wipe, the sheets were mostly clean and she took a white moisturizing
solution, rubbing it onto the skin on his face.
"Ah, now little Peyton's back," teased Jan, taking the bow from his hair
and brushing. "You just sit and play now and don't mind me, ok sweetie.
I've got a lot of hairspray to brush out and some work to do."
Peyton sat playing Monopoly with Johnny as they shared some laughs while
Jan seemed to be brushing forever. Finally when she took a break, she
left and then ten minutes later returned with a large spray bottle and a
plastic bin. She placed a little tissue type box filled with small papers
next to him and then opened the container as Peyton now saw a large array
of thin colored rollers on the table next to him.
"What's all this?" said Peyton, looking terrified as he turned his neck
and watched her pinch open a large jaw clip. "I thought you were brushing
all those curls out!"
"I did sweetie," said Jan, turning his head forward, combing down the
back before closing in the large jaw clip pinning most of his hair on top
of his head. "I'm guessing this is your first set?"
"Set?" asked Peyton, gulping as she began saturating the small loose
sections at the nape of his neck.
"Don't worry, let's just play," said Johnny, reaching over and taking his
hand. "I've seen my mom do this many times. I'm pretty sure it doesn't
hurt."
"But why now?" said Peyton, surprised. "I thought we were going to bed
soon."
"I know this is all new for you honey. Hand me a paper please," said Jan,
stretching a very small section from the nape of his neck as she took the
paper from him. "It's better to be tired so you sleep well with them in."
"I'm sleeping with these on my head?" said Peyton, stunned as she rolled
it in and secured it.
"Yup," said Jan smiling. "Sets like this need to take, honey."
"Oh, I'm a rough sleeper. Maybe we can just do some pigtails," said
Peyton, trying to get out of it. "This probably won't work. I bounce
around a lot when I sleep."
"Glad you told me honey and I'm so happy you love my pigtails," said Jan
holding out her hand for another paper. "But don't worry, I'm using a
super hold setting lotion and I've got a few tricks to handle things so
you sleep well and don't wreck your hair."
Peyton realized he wasn't wiggling out of getting his hair set as Jan
stretched stand after strand, applying the rollers. After she did a half
dozen or so, she removed the jaw clip, selecting the next sections and
then snapped it back in place working on the new sections. Peyton sat
there playing the games with Johnny during this annoying tedious process,
seeing one thin pink roller after another leave the container.
"Are they supposed to be this tight?" said Peyton as he could feel the
weight changing on his head. "I'm getting tired and can you loosen some
of them?"
"You'll adjust sweetie," said Jan tapping his shoulder. "Stay strong for
another half hour and you can watch some tv while I finish."
"Fine," said Peyton, rolling his eyes seeing Johnny glance up at his hair
every once and awhile.
Finally she was rolling right behind his bangs as he noticed her taking a
large roller instead of the thin ones.
"Just your bangs sweetie, and you guys watch some tv as I know you're
getting tired," said Jan rolling his bangs in a large blue roller away
from his face and using some bobbi pins.
She used two more large ones and then ever so cautiously stretched a
black thin hairnet over all the rollers. She took his hand, knowing he
was tired and led him to the couch with Johnny. She placed a few pillows
behind his back and he sat down, realizing he could not lean his head
back purposely. She switched on the television as he fidgeted, trying to
get comfortable, not used to the tension on his head or the position he
was sitting as she returned, handing him a glass.
"Drink this, it will help and the heat will relax you too," said Jan as
he drank down the juice. "Once it switches off you can head off to bed. I
just want to take the initial dampness away before you hit the sack."
Peyton turned his neck, seeing her roll over a large bonnet dryer behind
the couch and adjust the height and angle. Before he could even say a
word, she turned him facing back towards the television and lowered it
over his rollers. It did feel good as the hot air surrounded his head and
he was becoming drowsy after an episode of cartoons he could barely hear.
Finally after another fifteen minutes it clicked off, and he could barely
keep his eyes open and Jan brought him to their guest room and he was out
like a light.
"Francine, you're here already?" said Peyton, wandering into the kitchen.
"Yeah, Jan let you sleep in, honey," Francine handed him a bowl. "Have
some cereal. She had to go to work so I'm watching you two for a while."
"When's she coming back?" asked Peyton. "I'd like to get all this off my
head. Can you take them out?"
"That's her department, honey," said Francine. "You look cute in all
those curlers, but they'll be out soon as Jan's on her way back home. She
had some critical work to handle this morning. As soon as you finish
eating, I'll help you get ready for dance."
"Dance again?" whined Peyton, milking his cereal wasting time as Jan was
texting away on her phone.
"Save the attitude missy," said Francine, taking nothing from him and
opening the button on the back of his nightgown. "Go change and get right
back out here. Jan said your tights are on the bed and your outfit is
hanging on her bathroom doorknob. Be careful pulling it over your head."
Peyton wentupstairs and took the panties and tights from her bed. It
wasn't too bad slipping into the thin white panties and then he pulled on
the nude Danskins' tights. He went into her bathroom, revolted when he
saw his outfit. He heard Jan come in downstairs now and quickly removed
it from its hanger and stepped into it. He wiggled his body, pulling the
leotard type material up as it tightly molded around him and slipped his
arms into the long stretchy sleeves.
"How pretty is that?" said Jan, coming in startling him. "Here let me
straighten you a little and I'll help you on with your shoes. I'm sure
you're dying for me to get those rods off your head, right?"
"Yes please," said Peyton as Jan wasted no time twisting the leotard just
right until she was happy with the way it sat on him. "Dying like you
can't believe."
"That's all nerves Peyton. Lean back on the edge of the bed, but don't
sit on the skirt," said Jan, lifting it as he leaned back while she put
on his shoes. "These costumes are gorgeous, but so delicate!"
She lifted his left leg, sliding on his shoe and fastening the two
buckles and then did the right. When she finished, she took him by the
hand back downstairs seating him oh so carefully on a small stool,
fluffing out the skirt as he sat while she stepped behind him, unpinning
his hair net. He felt her unroll the first roller stretching it and felt
the odd sensation of his curl springing back as she nodded, seemingly
happy with the result.
"It took well, honey," said Jan, feeling it and then all around his head.
"They should hold up well today."
It was like a mini-sigh of relief seeing the hair net tossed onto the
kitchen table, but it was odd as she re-rolled the curler she took out.
She covered his eyes with her palm and circled his head with a silver
aerosol spray. When she finished, she took out her hair dryer, setting
the hairspray circling him with it on low and then gave his hair a few
minutes to cool down as she made herself some coffee.
She sipped and chatted on the phone, gossiping a little before finally
turning her attention back to Peyton as she began removing the rods at
the back of his head while she gabbed. He was actually pretty surprised
seeing how many rods were being tossed back in the container as finally
Jan hung up.
"That's some afro you got Peyton," said Johnny, coming in and startling
him.
"Behave Johnny," said his mother. "I expect you to be complimenting her,
young man. No teasing. Girls are sensitive when they've spent hours to
look beautiful."
"Sorry Peyton," said Johnny. "You look pretty with a perm!"
"A perm!" said Peyton, stunned reaching up to feel his hair.
"Don't listen to him. He knows nothing about girls or hair, but that's
better Johnny," said Jan pushing his hands back down. "He's just seen me
perm many women in this kitchen, but I would never perm anyone's hair
this young. It's just tightly curled Peyton for today. It's the style
your teacher chose for recital to go with your costume. Honestly I think
it's perfect for you."
"Recital!" whined Peyton. "I just started."
"It's recital pictures today, silly," teased Jan, taking the large
rollers from his bangs. "Now relax, everyone in class will be in pictures
with you honey. I realize you're nowhere near recital ready. That takes
months, but Kara thinks you'll at least know a few steps so you can
participate in this first one, and then you'll advance as time goes on.
She says you're a natural."
Peyton was doing the math in his head, calming down a bit, figuring his
dad would be back before he would have to take the stage. He watched Jan
open a package and unwrap a red sequin band and then another with a
circular flat plastic device. The plastic device was round like the size
of a cd, but flexible and filled with groove type teeth like a comb.
"Ok lean forward and don't fidget," said Jan as she put both her hands
inside the round device and was stretching it open. "It's only itchy for
a moment, but I have to lift your curls and dig it into your scalp a
little while I get it in tight. This won't show but it'll hold everything
where we need it."
He leaned forward as she dug in the sharp little points of the combs on
the back of his head first as he felt it lift his curls off his neckline.
She worked her way from the nape, precisely digging it in on the left and
right side, alternating as it squeezed in and then finally she really
stretched it forward before it dug through from his forehead until it
stopped at the middle of his head. She filled her hands with gel now,
greasing all the hair from his forehead back and then took a small hand
held comb creating the little distinct seems on his head. She inserted
bobbi pin after bobbi pin securing the tight round plastic flexi-comb
exactly where she wanted it, and then again saturated his head in hair
spray.
"That feels so strange," said Peyton, watching her take pin after pin
from her teeth and coughing a little from the fumes. "Is all this
necessary? It all feels so tight and sticky."
"Maybe not today since you're not dancing," said Jan taking a thick red
sequin headband and stretching it open. "Sorry, I'm a perfectionist
honey. I just want it perfect, and these are the times it's not great
having bangs as I have to make sure they stay slicked back and blended.
You'll see how pretty this looks when I'm done."
She slid on the stretchy headband surrounding his curls and positioned
it, hiding all the pins. He wasn't exactly sure what she was doing as she
lifted her hot glue and pressed on the head band but it wasn't more than
a few seconds before she was picking at his curls lifting and pinning the
headband. She took out a curling iron with the tiniest barrel and redid a
few curls and then for one last time saturated the back of his head in
spray.
"Let me get my purse and we're off sweetie. Johnny come on," said Jan
calling to her son. "I'll need you to remember to sit forward in the car
ok?"
He could see Johnny looking him up and down as he followed Jan towards
the door. It was a weekend from hell as it was hard to believe it was
possible to be more girly than he was as a princess, but that's how he
felt staring at himself in the hallway mirror before they left. It didn't
look this bad when he pulled it on but he now got the full effect of
himself in his dance recital costume. It was completely over the top as
he stared at himself in a red sequin long sleeve leotard, which had the
most delicate 4 layers red crinoline with tiny embedded scattered
rhinestones comprising the skirt. On his legs were beige shiny tights and
on his feet were in red patent tap shoes with big poofy crinoline bows
across the buckles.
His hair had been plastered back off his forehead and lifted off the
sides and back before disappearing into the thick red sequin headband. He
realized Jan had hot glued a few large red feathers and some rhinestones
to the head band which were off set to the right adding to the decorative
look. He turned his neck a little, getting the full impact of why he
slept in all those rollers, as all the curls seemed to explode stacked
one on top of another from the inside of the headband, sitting perfectly
in small precision barrel curls all perched at the back of head.
"Yes you are gorgeous, but that doesn't mean we should be late Peyton,"
said Jan, breaking his trance as he followed her outside.
She arranged him in the backseat with pillows, making sure he couldn't
lean back to flatten his curls or wrinkle the crinoline. They drove to
his dance school and the moment she brought him in, it was organized
chaos.
"Peyton, hurry over dear," yelled Kara. "Jan can you help?"
It was nothing like the pampered princess process, as he could see a
bunch of mothers working with makeup scattered everywhere. They sat him
at simple lunch table next to two other girls from his class as Kara was
jumping back and forth between them, blending and powdering. When she
finished, they all moved to the next table as an older woman sat with a
huge tray of false lashes. As she squeezed his lashes with a curler with
one hand, she was measuring false lash after lash against his other eye
with the other hand. There was no gentleness involved as before he knew
it they were being pressed in, placed and squeezed being curled with his.
She moved like lightening, coating lash after lash three or four times
before feeling another mother twist him around on the bench and brushing
at his cheeks and lids. Another woman then approached him with lipstick.
"I remember you from little league," said the woman. "I'm Candice, little
Suzy's mom. How are you today Peyton?"
"Fine," said Peyton as he watched her dip a lip brush into the tube.
"Peyton's such a pretty name. Pucker for me honey," said Candice coating
his lips a few times. "Now rub 'em just a touch."
The second she finished, he found himself being dragged away with some
other girls by mothers he didn't even know, as he found himself suddenly
in the next room waiting his turn for his individual shots. It was only
five minutes, but it seemed like an hour as they posed and positioned him
for shot after shot.
He was sickened seeing the poses on the big video screen after each one,
astounded that he appeared to look natural in makeup yesterday as
compared to the overdone makeup he had on today.
He felt like a paint factory exploded on his face as shimmery blush and
glittered pink eye stood out on top of his powdered porcelain complexion.
No one would certainly mistake the huge false lashes he had on for his,
which had some silver glittered individual lashes mixed in to the dark
long ones matching the silver glittery eyeliner across the outside of the
upper lash, and if that wasn't enough flash, you also couldn't mistake
the scarlet red lip gloss that shined like a beacon when he viewed it on
screen and realizing how perfectly it matched the red sequins in his
costume.
Finally they finished with his individual shots and then he waited again
and before he knew it he was being posed and positioned with the other
girls from his class. It was nauseating doing all the poses and then
finally they were all seated together as he hoped he was finished.
"Tara, I'd like to use Peyton in the big shoot," said the photographer.
"She's got those perfect curls and that cute round face. Most of the
other girls have those cheap clip-on curls which don't photograph well,
and her makeup just came out perfectly."
"Sure, go ahead," said Tara looking over at Jan. "She's a cutie and
obviously I'm sure having a professional hairdresser didn't hurt."
"Is that the mom?" said the photographer. "Do we have full consent?"
"No, but let me check?" said Tara, looking through some papers and making
a call on her cell. "Ok, we're good. I have the sign off and her dad was
fine with everything. I'll get her scheduled."
Peyton sat there annoyed that he would be taking more pictures, but
finally was relieved as Jan interrupted.
"Change in plans again," said Jan, grabbing him and dragging him off.
"This saga gets better every moment, and sorry Tara you'll need to get
another model."
"I need her," said Tara. "We have a contract."
"Deal with her father on that," said Jan, abruptly leaving.
They got in Jan's car as she was annoyed now and no longer careful how
she positioned him sitting in his outfit as she basically pushed him in.
She was silent as they drove and instantly he knew more trouble must be
brewing from her attitude.
"Here again?" said Peyton as they got out at Dr. Mullin's office.
"Yup. You're heading home with your father," said Jan, taking his
suitcase from her trunk. "Unless you want to sleep over again. I'm sure
Johnny wouldn't mind."
"Oh, sorry got it," said Peyton. "That's ok. Not that it wasn't
tremendous fun, but I'd like to get home and back to normal."
"I figured as much," said Jan grinning as they walked inside the office.
"Come on in Peyton," said Dr. Mullen as they came in and she called down
to her receptionist. "Take a seat honey. Your dad will be right in."
As the side door to the office opened, Peyton's jaw dropped as his actual
father walked in. He had no idea what to say as his father stared at him,
looking him over before he sat down across the room from him.
"Never would have guessed it," said Peyton's dad, shaking his head.
"You're right Mandy, he is much cuter in person than in all the pictures
you emailed me last night."
"Dad!" screamed Peyton. "You're back. You're a week early. Let me --!"
"Yup and I know everything," said his father, interrupting him. "Haven't
you and your brother been just a bundle of surprises while I've been
gone."
"Dad, please let me explain," said Peyton. "It all started with some
problems in school, and then it just spiralled from there. This was all
forced on me?"
"Oh it spiralled already, Miss Princess twinkle toes," said his father,
grabbing his hand and leading him to the next room.
"Did you knock him out dad?" chirped Peyton. "Whatever you did, he
deserved it!"
"He's coming to," said Dr. Mullen, pressing the button as her patent's
chair was rising. "How you feeling Bret?"
Dr. Mullen pulled off the mask as Peyton couldn't help but chuckle,
seeing his brother drooling.
"Give him a second for his double vision to clear," said Dr. Mullen,
pulling off the nitro mask.
"Hey dad, you're home?" said Bret. "Holy shit! All three of you are here.
What the hell am I doing here? I thought I was just getting my cavity
fixed?"
"Don't get up yet, Bret," said Dr. Mullen. "The sedative still needs more
time. If you try to stand, you'll do nothing but fall as right now your
equilibrium is off. We had to keep you in a quiet state until your dad
got here."
"So son, in a way I'm impressed looking at these three gorgeous ladies,
but you had to know this couldn't last," said his dad. "Why did you have
to take it so far?"
"Dad, I'm sorry. They saw Peyton and they thought I was you, and well,"
said Bret trying to explain. "He was just.. Well I mean he was. Did you
see how hot they are dad?"
"Stop Bret. These are women, not objects for your personal satisfaction,"
said his father. "I know all the school issues. I'll deal with that
myself. This is about you. Plus, how could you have been stupid enough to
use my credit card so much! Don't you think they'll figure something is
wrong since I can't be overseas and here on the same day? Plus, you were
dumb enough to write down my cell instead of yours on the dance school
contact list, and I got a call about recital costumes."
"He may be good in the sack your son, but he's not the sharpest tool in
the shed," said Kara, laughing as she looked over at him.
"Ladies, he may lack common sense but he played you three pretty well I
must say," said Brett sr., looking at all of them.
"He's got a point girls," said Jan walking over and squeezing his thigh
near his private area. "I think we all got a little caught up with that
unique little item he's got going for him."
"I guess so," said Dr. Mullen, fanning herself with a sheet of paper. "I
know I did."
"And just fyi. You adults slept with a minor!" said Bret Sr. "Obviously
you didn't realize he's only seventeen!"
"That would never stand up in court!" yelled Dr. Mullen, dropping the
sheet. "You wouldn't do that to us Mr. Murray would you? It could ruin
us. I'm a doctor. Jan's a parent. Kara works with children. We'd fight
you with everything we've got. We got played by your family!"
"Relax Dr. Mullen, and you're a dentist right? Not a real doctor," said
Bret Sr. grabbing her arm and calming her down. "Seems like many wrongs
have happened here, and they'll not be leaving this room as far as I'm
concerned. You'll need to control your emotions and hormones, and we'll
work this out like adults."
"I'm sorry," said Dr. Mullen, calming down. "This is all just quite
hurtful. I thought we had something. Maybe it's just me. I've been
working so much and just been so lonely."
"Well for me, he just filled a void honestly, but I do hate getting
played!" said Kara. "I'm 19 so 17 is cool. I just thought he was much
older but I did really like him!"
"For me it was just amazing sex, honestly!" Jan giggled. "I was never
looking for a steady boyfriend, but it seemed perfect because my son's
got a crush on Peyton and they're so cute together. I guess I
accidentally enhanced the situation doing his hair, but who knew. I
remember how cute she looked the first time I put her pigtails. Maybe I
was jaded by that, but I never would have guessed she was a he. I still
can't believe it."
"We've got more to talk about than I even imagined ladies!" said Bret Sr.
looking at them. "Let's figure out how to put this behind all of us."
"Well, you can all start that and I'll be right back," said Kara. "I need
to call my boss and come up with an excuse for why Peyton can't make the
photo shoot. She's calling and texting non-stop since Jan dragged him out
of there. They'll be expecting her in thirty minutes, and flipping out
that we'll be breaking the contract."
"What contract?" said Bret Sr.
"Bret signed a contract for Peyton allowing them to use Peyton in a
photo-shoot for the brochure," said Tara. "Now were stuck with no one her
age, as they've already gone home and changed most likely."
"We won't be breaking it then," said Bret sr. "Go ahead and take him."
"Great, I'll send him in my car service with Francine so we can keep
talking," said Dr. Mullen, dialling her receptionist. "May as well send
him out with a bang, doing some lovely poses."
"What the heck?" chirped Peyton. "No way dad?"
"What was that, princess?" said his father, puffing out his chest.
"Should we make this worse than it already is? Now shut up and act all
cute and girly like you've been doing all week."
"Whatever," muttered Peyton, deftly afraid of his father as he gave him a
look to kill.
"Good, now do everything they say and this should give me enough good
blackmail material for the rest of your life," said his father. "I would
doubt I'll ever have a behavioural problem with you again."
"Yes sir," said Peyton, hanging his head as Francine came in and got him.
She took Peyton outside as he sat with her in the back of the car, afraid
to cause a fuss. She barely said a word to him, talking on the phone the
entire time until finally they arrived at a private photography studio.
Peyton did as he was told, smiling and posing with a number of other
girls of different ages, all in their dance costumes. He was the youngest
in the group and knew this wasn't going to be good as he saw the other
girls being handed new costumes heading off to change.
"No reason to be shy, Peyton," said Francine, taking him to a dressing
room. "I have little brothers so I've seen it all. Just no way are they
pretty like you."
Peyton had no humility left as Francine helped him off with his costume
and tights. He lifted his left leg and then his right as she rolled the
thick white danceskins over his legs. On his feet she slid on white silk
ballet slippers and then wasted no time as he stepped into a satin white
glittery body suit. She delicately pulled the headband from around his
curls, making sure the pins and combs didn't move and he stepped into a
rigid six layered white crinoline tutu with silver glittered accents
throughout. She took his hand as he brought him back out to the
photographer, where they adjusted his makeup and placed a delicate
rhinestone tiara around his curls and pinned it on. He was posed
representing the tiniest ballerina, before they changed his outfit again
and again. He found himself in shoot after shoot dressed as a salsa
dancer, cowgirl, and then finally a little fairy.
"Finally ready to go home," said Francine as she changed him one last
time. "Jan's here now and she'll fix your hair ok."
"Oh thank goodness," said Peyton, happy he was almost done as Jan came
in. "I hope its all over finally."
"Having fun cutie?" said Jan, gently removing the combs and pins
releasing all his curls. "I bet that feels better."
"It does," said Peyton as she took her finger nail, pushing curls to each
side parting his hair.
"You'll need a lot of shampoo and conditioner once we're ready to wash
out this set!" said Jan, plugging in a large barrelled iron in the wall.
"Now be still so I don't hurt you, because even after everything I
wouldn't want that."
Peyton was wincing as she was separating and pulling and before he knew
it he felt her tugging tight on the right hand side. He obviously knew
this feel as she worked on the left and then it was strange as she
brushed his bangs away from the rest of his hair, breaking the gelled
bond. She lifted his chin clamping down with her iron as she rolled them
under and then took a tissue, wiping off his lipstick. She took a tube of
clear gloss from her purse as he remembered the strawberry taste and
within a moment she was putting everything away.
"See, all's back to normal now sweetie," said Jan, pulling off the false
lashes. "Feel better?"
"Better?" said Peyton, turning and seeing his reflection. "Slightly I
guess."
Peyton turned, seeing himself normal in some strange way as he was back
in a frilly dress. He may have been accustomed to it now but he was
certainly not happy to seeing himself in the pretty a-line mint green
satin dress. He looked as young as ever as he stepped forward as the
large bell type dress swung as one held out by apparent underwire. It was
so toddler like, with short ruffled sleeves and a huge matching satin
sash tied in a bow at the waistline. He was used to himself in white
tights and buckled shoes, but the ruffles of the white petticoats on his
legs peeking out from under his dress added a whole new dimensi