Made from Clay
By Jena Corso
Edited By Angela Myers
Chapter 2
Cameron headed back to clean up in the kitchen but was extremely
relieved as Mrs. Claiborne quickly put a stop to his work.
"Your parents are here to pick you up, Tracey," said Mrs. Claiborne.
"Since you were such a wonderful help today, I didn't mention your
little incident. I hope you'll be smarter than that in the future young
lady. There's plenty of time for things like that in the future. Now
get moving, because they're waiting for you in the car."
"Yes mame," said Cameron thoroughly embarrassed as he almost dashed
from the back room.
He was never so happy to see his father's car as he quickly hopped into
the back seat next to his sister. The second the door slammed, he felt
relieved but instantly miffed as his mother and father twisted their
necks, starting at him and his sister's jaw fell without uttering a
word before she covered her mouth with a brief giggle.
"What?" said Cameron as his father turned back around, shaking his head
a bit as he began driving.
"Nothing honey," said his mother. "How did it go? Any issues?"
"No, it was fine," said Cameron. "I mean today in general sucked of
course, but it was not hard. We served the poor and just did some
chores."
"Anything else I should know Cameron?" said his mother.
"Like what?" Replied Cameron, annoyed. "Nothing else happened. You made
me do all this mom."
"No problem honey," said his mother. "I just... forget it. It's been a
long day."
"She means how did you end up rocking the pigs, sis," said Tracey,
teasing him as she flicked one.
"Tracey, cut the shit. No, no, sweetie," said Donna, grabbing his hand
as he was about to smash her and pull out the scrunchie. "They look
adorable on you. Keep your hands to yourself girls, and I'll take them
out for you when we get home."
"Mom," screamed Cameron, annoyed at his sister and being called a girl.
"Sorry Cameron," said his mother as Tracey and his father laughed.
"It's just you did so well I almost forgot. It's been a long day honey,
but I still can't believe you could braid that well. That looks perfect
and of course we're all curious what inspired the hair, dear."
"I can't braid of course," Answered Cameron, frustrated and giving them
a look. "Mrs. Claiborne said we had to keep ours tied up since we were
serving food, so some girl did it for me. I had no choice, just like
the rest of this day."
"Enough," said his father, stopping his whining. "We're a family and we
help each other. Be happy I didn't shave your head after all your
lies."
Cameron didn't utter another sound, looking out the window during the
rest of the ride home. His mother and father shared small talk as
Tracey texted away, barely looking up. They stopped to pick up a few
pizzas as their dad ran in to get them before returning and driving to
their house. Cameron looked around as they pulled into the driveway as
it was dark out now, but walked in comfortably, seeing no neighbors in
sight.
"Leave her uniform on my bed and then I'll take out your hair when you
come down, honey," said their mother, undoing the back of his romper.
"It's been a long day, so everyone in their pajamas and then we'll have
this late dinner."
Cameron was never happier as he ran up to his room and quickly he was
in a 52 Clay Mathews jersey and some Green Bay Packer pajama pants. The
second he was dressed, he heard his door closed as he spun around,
seeing Tracey leaning against it.
"So I'm hoping we'll make a little pact of silence here," said Tracey,
giving him a look. "I'm sure you don't want any of this getting out and
being the wonderful sister I am, neither do I."
"Shit, are you kidding me," said Cameron, looking at her phone as she
held up all the text messages. "I did nothing Tracey. He surprised me
and grabbed me. What the hell is wrong with you, putting me in a spot
like that?"
"Oh, I didn't Miss kissy face," Tracey chuckled. "I had no clue he was
going to be there. I begged him to do it and he turned me down flat.
Just him being there was a total surprise."
"Some surprise you got me," said Camero,n turning red. "But obviously
mom and dad don't know about him."
"Ah yeah and I'm hoping we'll keep it that way, right?" Tracey grinned.
"Really! Are you kidding me!" said Cameron. "You can't be kissing boys
at 11. You're in the sixth grade and I'm your older brother. I'm
supposed to protect you. Dad will kill you and me if he finds out I let
you do that."
"You sure that's the way you want to go on this one, sis?" said
Cameron, flipping around a picture of Cameron in his pigtails and her
uniform on her phone. "He texted me some real cute ones of you."
"No way," said Cameron, stunned. "He took pictures of me!"
"Yup and I guess you didn't even realize these couple of selfies during
that little smooch of yours," said Tracey as he was stunned seeing the
few shots of the side of their faces kissing.
"That asshole," screamed Cameron.
"Yeah the asshole has long arms. It's a pretty good shot, and my advice
to you in the future is try not to kiss with your eyes closed. Phones
are so easy to snap shots with these days, especially if you're not
looking," said Tracey seeing her brother look stunned. "But hey! No
harm no foul as he thinks I'm a wonderful kisser, so thanks for that.
It's up to you but I'd like to keep this as just our little secret. I
mean it was our first kiss that you stole from me, so he really wasn't
expecting much? What do you say, my big strong brother?"
"I hate you," said Cameron, steaming as he stormed past her heading
downstairs.
They sat eating pizza as his mother began undoing his left braid as the
phone rang. She answered it on the portable, chatting away as she undid
his hair as she squeezed his shoulder answering question after
question.
"I'm going to need a few minutes, and I'll call you right back," said
Donna, hanging up and dropping the phone on the table.
She was speechless for a minute, running her hands through Cameron's
hair, separating the bonds from the gel.
"What is it honey?" said their father, breaking her trance as she sat
down.
"Tracey, they picked you for a little test shoot," said her mother.
"Yes!" screamed Tracey, jumping up. "That's unbelievable. Awesome!"
"What's wrong, Donna? I thought you'd be ecstatic for her?" said James.
"I am but it's not what we expected," said Donna, trembling. "I mean
it's just a chance for them to get a better look at you for potentially
a bit part, but I can't! I won't. Sorry, I'm going to call them back
and turn it down. I'm sorry Tracey, but something better will
eventually come."
"Mom, no way. Are you kidding me?" screamed Tracey. "I'll do any part.
I've worked so hard for this. This could be my big break. Why would you
make me pass on this? They might never call again if we turn them down.
I don't care what it is."
"Tracey, stop being a brat," said Donna. "The problem is they didn't
just pick you! It's for sisters. They want to get a look at you and
your sister Cameron!"
"You're kidding?" said Cameron stunned.
"I can't put him through this again," said Donna, wiping her brow. "I
stressed all day on it. Now I know he lied badly, but his punishment is
over."
"But mom, come on," said Tracey, immediately objecting. "This isn't
fair. It's what you made him do all this for. Please, let me ask him.
He'd do it for me. Wouldn't you Cameron?"
"Yeah like are you nu--" said Cameron, before he looked up and she was
wiggling her phone at him.
"What's that my wonderful brother? You know what this means right? Oh,
and what this could mean for both of us?" said Tracey, scrolling and
hitting some buttons on her phone.
"You suck Tracey!" said Cameron whispering and tensing up.
"You were about to say?"
"I mean...like ...well," Replied Cameron, ready to boil over as he closed
his eyes. "I guess if it's that important to her."
"I'm shocked. I am really shocked, Cameron," said his mother, hugging
him and getting emotional. "I've never been so proud of you helping
your sister like this. It's just amazing how we turned something so
horrible into something so wonderful. See James, I always tell you
things happen for a reason."
"I guess," said their father, shaking his head as Donna quickly dialed
them back.
"Yes, they're in," said Donna, barely able to control their excitement.
"Yes, 10 am tomorrow is fine and I'll have them ready. Sure all that
works just fine."
"Mom, wait," screamed Cameron as she hung up. "I didn't know you meant
tomorrow. It's my game. You said my punishment is over. I can't miss
it."
"It'll be fine honey," said their mother, grabbing her purse. "This
will be in the morning and I'll get you ready early. You'll get it over
with and then we'll head to your game. Now get to sleep you two as
tomorrow is a busy day."
"Where are you going, Donna?" said James as she hurried away. "What the
hell are we doing here?"
"Relax, honey," said Donna, kissing her husband as she grabbed the car
keys. "I need something appropriate for them to wear there tomorrow.
Now off to bed, as I've got to hustle as the mall closes in two hours."
"I hate you," whispered Cameron as he followed his sister upstairs.
"I know," said Tracey, all smiles. "But thanks anyway for supporting my
dreams."
"Like I had a choice," Cried Cameron as he reached his room.
"Now get your beauty rest sis. I'm sure mom is picking you something
really cute for tomorrow. Nighty nite," said Tracey as he slammed his
door.
As Tracey closed her door, Cameron was lying awake in bed trying to
figure a way out of his latest situation. He tossed and turned, finding
no solutions until he was startled by his mother turning on the light.
"Morning sleepy head," Donna pulled off his covers. "Rise and shine.
It's a busy day."
Cameron was pretty tired as he sat up and staggered out of bed. The
moment he stood up, his mother handed him his tooth brush and he headed
into the bathroom. As soon as he returned, he noticed a few things laid
out on his bed as his eyes instantly widened as she waited little time
coming towards him.
"Change your underwear and then I'll help you," said his mother pulling
off his jersey and turning around.
"Mom, you sure we'll be done in time?" said Cameron, annoyed as he
dropped his pants and pulled on the pink cotton panties.
"I know you're nervous dear, and I'm so proud of you doing this for
your sister," said his mother, kissing his forehead. "It'll be plenty
of time so don't waste it Cameron. We've got a lot to do and we're on a
schedule."
As Cameron turned around, his mother already had his matching little
pink training bra held out and slid his arms right into it. It just sat
there on his flat chest for whatever stupid reason he thought as
quickly she snapped it in the back.
"Here," said his mother, holding open one of his sister's silk robes
before yelling to his sister. "This is just while I get you ready and
until I dress you. Hurry up and meet us down stairs, Tracey."
Before he could even object, he found himself in a cranberry silk robe
decorated in lipsticks, perfume bottles, and girly shoe illustrations
as his mother knotted the robe's belt. She took his hand, leading him
to down to the kitchen where he saw a series of canisters, sprays and
hot irons laid out on the kitchen table.
"Sit at the end, Cameron," said his mother as Tracey joined them. "I'll
do Tracey and she'll do you."
She spun the chair furthest from the end, pointing for him to sit down.
It was odd as he sat with his legs straddling the sides of the chair as
he sat backwards facing the back of the chair with his chin rested on
top of it. He looked over his shoulder, realizing his sister was right
behind him oddly doing the same thing and then instantly he knew why as
she began brushing his hair.
"His hair is pretty with a little wave mom," said Tracey, annoying him
as he glanced back, seeing his mother sitting behind Tracey brushing
his.
"I know, it's from the braids but it's mostly gone anyway," said Donna.
"Just do what I told you as I'm not sure what they'll do with you girls
later."
"I know, quick and simple," said Tracey, making a face. "It's kind of
fun having a sister, so I'd love to do something fancier mom. Come on
mom, I want to look really pretty when we show up. You always tell me
to leave an impression."
"Mooomm," Cried Cameron, turning and ready to kill her.
"Turn around please, Cameron," Donna giggled. "Let's just get this
done. I'm not sure if they want that."
"Mom, please," said Tracey, as Cameron could hear a constant clicking
sound as Tracey was quickly pressing open and closing the handle on her
curling iron as she held it up, showing it off. "Unless you and dad are
going to give me a little sister, when am I ever going to get to do
this again? Please mom, I want to make that perfect impression and I
know it'll look perfect with our dresses?"
"Fine," Donna giggled as Cameron spun back around, trying to see what
his sister was doing. "I guess you're right about that now that I think
about it, but let's not dilly dally."
"Sit still, sis," said Tracey, turning his face as his sister sectioned
his hair as her mother did the same to hers. "This is going to be so
much fun."
He could feel her tugging now and working with her fingers before he
looked over, seeing her grab the flat iron and glide it through his
hair. She worked over and over as he listened to the sizzling sound as
he felt it tug through section after section. This little session
didn't seem so bad as it was over quickly as she put it down as he
thought he was finished.
"What are you doing?" Asked Tracey, as he started getting up and she
pushed at his shoulders.
"Aren't we done?" said Cameron, looking confused.
"Sit still, Cameron," said Tracey, lifting her curling iron in his face
and twisting his shoulders. "All I did so far was straighten out the
mess you had from those braids you seemed to love so much. It's time to
make all that hair look pretty."
"Just quick and loose though, honey," Donna lectured her. "They want
simple and natural, so they can do what they want later."
"I know but it sucks," said Tracey. "I'd love to do more, but this is
fun anyway."
Cameron was ready to explode as she clipped a big section of his hair
up atop his head and he watched out of the corner of his eye stretch a
thick section behind his left ear. He was struggling to control his
anger as he noticed the silver barreled iron in her hand and felt her
glide the curling iron into place, as he lost sight of it when she
positioned it behind his head. If the initial tension as she stretched
it wasn't bad enough, it was absolute mental agony as he felt it wind
in and listen to it sizzle as he knew she was baking in some form of
curl sensing the intense heat near the nape of his neck. She finally
released it pressing at it with her fingers and wasted no time doing
another as he could feel her fingers scratching near the middle of the
nape of his neck.
"OMG mom," said Cameron after she did a few more gently placing them
across his back. "I love how these look. There coming out gorgeous, and
they're pretty quick."
"I've always loved them on you too, but just don't make them so tight,"
said her mother, working on Tracey's hair. "I know how you must feel
doing them. It's so much fun and he does have that same pretty hair
that you have. Just no more than another layer, and then I'll separate
them with my fingers."
"You got it mom," said Tracey, releasing the rest of his hair and doing
the top layer.
He sat fuming as he could hardly stomach her enjoying his misery. She
was quite adept now at tugging at his hair as she circled him
stretching each thick section and humming to herself as she baked in
each long curl. As she finally released the last section, she put down
her iron, nodding as she smiled at her work before turning to look over
her shoulder at her mother who had just finished her hair.
"Now what, mom?" said Tracey, patting his hanging thick big sausage
rolls. "Should I..?"
"Just leave it sweetie," said Donna, running her fingers through
Tracey's hair separating the sections. "You did all the hard work. Give
me a minute to finish yours, and then I'll finish Cameron's hair. One
more second and you can go get dressed."
"Cool," said Tracey, as her mother finished her hair and she ran
upstairs. "Thanks so much mom."
"You're welcome, honey," said Donna. "Just go get ready and then bring
down your brothers dress when you come back. I'll dress him down here
and we should be right on schedule."
"Sounds good," said Tracey, excited as she ran upstairs.
Donna switched to Cameron'chair now as Cameron sat there while she
picked through the back of his hair with her fingers. She then took her
wide tooth brush, digging it in behind his forehead as he sat there
having little choice as she pulled pretty hard brushing a few times. In
front of his face now appeared the thin sharp end of a rat tailed comb
as it approached in his line of sight before digging through his scalp,
seemingly creating a part within a flash. She was much rougher than his
sister as she worked rapidly, brushing and tugging at certain sections
with her fingers before she held his forehead leaning it back a little.
It was awkward staring at the ceiling as she held him steady for a
moment before finally he felt a snap near his right temple before she
got up and came around in front of him lifting his chin. As she looked
him straight in the eyes studying her work, she nodded as Tracey now
returned as he could hear her standing behind him.
"Ok, let's get you dressed and we're out of here," said his mother,
kneeling as she was putting some shoes on his feet. "Ok up and step in
when I tell you sweetie."
She wasted no time, as he stood she took off his bathrobe. She reached
behind, taking his dress from Tracey before pulling the chair out of
her way.
"Shit" Sighed Cameron softly as he watched his left leg step into the
girly looking dress followed by the right.
"That's no language for a young girl, Cameron," said his mother with a
grin as he watched the dress slide up his body. "But in a way that's
the wow factor we're hoping for. At least once they see you girls later
when you're totally ready."
"Sorry," said Cameron meekly as his mother slid his arms through the
short sleeves and he knew it was time as he felt zipper slide up and
then a button being closed near his collarbone.
"Ok girls we'll leave in a minute. Get his purse, Tracey," Donna
ordered, before feeling the tight tug as she tied the bow at his waist.
"Ok, sweetie. What do you think?"
"Oh mom," said Tracey as her brother spun around seeing her. "I love
it."
He was speechless, seeing his sister standing there staring at him in
her dress, pink sandals, and her hair filled with loose curls as he
looked up and down, realizing they were dressed identically.
"Good call on the hair, Tracey. I have to say it really makes you girls
look so adorable together," said Donna beaming. "Let's get out of here
before your dad realizes how much I spent on these dresses. Cameron
used to be cheap to dress in jeans and football jerseys, but not
today."
"I'll handle that mom! He never likes to deny his little girl! Wait,
he's not coming with us?" said Tracey, getting upset.
"Honey, relax! Of Course he is, and it's not time yet," said Donna,
taking a little clear lip gloss and coating Cameron's lips before
handing it to Tracey. "He'll be meeting us there. You girls have a nail
appointment first. I can't take Cameron there with those disaster nails
he's got."
Cameron rolled his eyes as Tracey glossed up her lips before she put
her arm around him as their mother snapped a cell phone picture. He was
so annoyed as she dragged them from the house as they sat together in
the back seat, belted in.
"Lean forward Cameron, and just let me sweep your hair on your
shoulders for the car ride," said their mother. "You'll need to be
mindful when sitting, or you'll flatten those curls and it'll be a
disaster. If you want to have pretty hair you'll get used to it
Cameron."
"Who said I asked for pretty hair," Replied Cameron, shaking his head
as he could feel his hair oddly flow with some body to it.
"You may not have, but it's pretty now and you've got it none the less
sweetie," said Donna, adjusting her rear view mirror to look at them.
"You really did such a good job Tracey."
"Yeah, I know," said Tracey, beaming as she patted his hair, annoying
him.
Cameron sat their quietly perturbed as they drove about ten minutes,
until finally pulling up at the nail salon. The women were gushing
about how pretty they looked the moment they came in, as Tracey was
enjoying every little compliment as they were led to stations side by
side. Cameron was instantly dumbfounded by all the pungent smells and
odd sensations as they began working on his fingers. They filled and
scrubbed and worked on his cuticles as it was hard to watch them
transform from natural to a shiny salmon pink. Before he knew it, his
hand was resting under a small dryer as they worked on the other as he
glanced over, realizing the smile never left his sister's face. When
they finally finished the other hand, they led them to adjoining
leather chairs, where they were working on their toes while Cameron
couldn't believe he was doing this.
"Let me see, girls," said Donna, returning as happily Tracey held out
her hands. "You too Cameron. It's a very pretty color and they match
the dresses perfectly."
"Moooommm!" Whined Cameron, holding out his hands.
"This was a good call mom," said Tracey, knowing it was really pissing
him off.
"I just figured this would help set the mood," said Donna smiling.
"Right Trac!"
"Thank you so much for all this mom," said Tracey, hugging her and then
surprising her brother. "And I love you too, sis."
"Ok, enough of the lovie dovey sister stuff," said Donna, taking their
forearms and carefully avoiding their nails. "Time to get you girls to
work."
As they stopped at the counter, their mother paid the bill as Cameron
couldn't stop looking down at his sparkling pink toenails poking out
from under the hem of his dress. He moved over as she dug through her
purse looking for her credit card and was able to really see his full
image next to that of his sister in the mirrored walls near the
counter. It was sickening as he couldn't believe how much they looked
like twin, with identical dresses and hairdos. There wasn't even the
slightest trace of the 8th grade football player that needed to emerge
later that day, as all that looked back at him was blonde haired, blue
eyed princess in a pretty dress.
Certainly he knew that his long blonde hair helped easily aid this
crazy charade, especially now that it all sat across his shoulders in
long loose picked out tendrils. His sister also surely did know what
she was doing as he turned his face from side to side, watching his
hair bounce and sway in lose curls and waves, as all this new body
flowed from temple to temple in his new extremely girly style. On top,
he realized what his mother had done now when she stepped in to finish
his look, as his hair was parted to the left and pulled tightly across,
before a large satin bow tie shaped salmon pink and black bow was
clipped above his right temple, keeping his curls from his eyes and
face.
His dress made quite the impression and perfectly accentuated the look,
as he could really see it pop in the mirror now. On top, the dress was
a black crushed velvet fitted material with black satin ruffled sleeves
at the shoulders, before streaming down to a long tapered sleeve and a
little salmon ruffled wrist cuff. Below the waist were three tiered
layers of salmon pink satin short tiered ruffles, forming a delicate
almost knee length skirt, and surrounding the waist was a four inch
thick satin ribbon that was tied in a gorgeous flowing bow at his back.
On his feet were matching salmon pink sandals, which allowed his
glistening pink toes to wiggle freely, finishing off this look he was
still shocked to believe he was about to spend his morning in.
"Yes, we do look pretty, don't we?" Tracey joked, awakening him from
his momentary trance as she put her arm around him.
"Oh, I was thinking of something else," Cameron answered, amazed at how
they did look so similar.
"Whatever sis," Tracey teased him as she knew she startled him as he
stared at her, annoyed. "Just get in the right frame of mind, because
you're just another girly girl this morning."
"Girls, we're ready, right?" said their mother sternly as she put out
hand, grabbing him. "Yes you both look adorable, but it's time to go
Tracey."
"You mean Cameron," said Cameron, getting a bit steamed as she giggled.
"Sorry sweetie! I just get a bit nervous for Tracey at this stuff,"
said Donna as they headed outside. "Come on girls."
"He's left and I'm right, in case you got confused," teased Tracey as
they got into the car, clicking in their seat belts. "I figured you did
that for a reason, but I didn't realize it was you couldn't tell us
apart."
"Thanks honey," said Donna, still giggling a bit as she looked at them
in her rear view car mirror, realizing she had parted their hair on
opposite sides. "You know I didn't girls. That was just me rushing, but
it does help. Mommy's allowed some blonde moments too."
"Really, hers is from a bottle," teased Cameron, rolling his eyes.
"I heard that, my pretty little Cameron, and just because I've dressed
you like a little pop star doesn't mean you get to mouth off like some
little diva," Shooting back at him as she didn't appreciate his
comment. "I'm your mother and this is stressful enough. Show some
respect."
"Ok mom," said Cameron, getting put in his place before mumbling under
his breath. "Whatever."
"My intention when I bought these outfits was to match you as well as I
could so no one would doubt you as sisters, but I never realized how
much you really would look alike. Yes it's true you both got your
blonde genes from your father, but sorry to break the news to you
honey, that it's also a fact you both got those pretty little features
from me," said Donna, getting pissed as she pulled over the car before
turning back and looking at him. 'Whatever' me again and you'll be
singing soprano permanently, missy!"
"Sorry," said Cameron meekly.
They finally got to the addition as Cameron wasted no time getting out
of the car, anxious to get this over with. They sat with two other
families with sisters in the waiting room, before finally getting
called in last after sitting there for about an hour.
As they were brought in, the ladies on the staff were gushing over them
as they positioned them, taking some shots before posing them a few
different ways. They asked them to make some happy and also silly faces
as they tested their acting skills with little situations. After a half
hour, they were brought back out to the sitting area, waiting for they
weren't sure what, until finally a producer came out and addressed
them.
"Mrs. Martin, I'm Blake Vandermeer," said the producer. "The girls'
test shots turned out wonderfully, and we'd like to use them for the
little shoot this morning."
"That's fantastic!" said Donna, excitedly. "Of course! Of Course."
"Great, just understand it's no big thing, but it's a nice start, ok
girls," said Blake, crouching down and smiling at them. "We'll try a
few things and then we'll see how it goes and if we'll proceed
further."
"Thank you so much sir," said Tracey, very grateful as she squeezed her
brother's hand. "We'd love that."
"Perfect," said Blake, reaching out his hands. "Follow me girls to hair
and makeup."
He glanced over at his mother as he realized it was more than a test
shoot now, as he was being led down the hallway as his mother followed.
It wasn't long before he found himself being helped into the elevated
makeup chair, which was well off the ground as a woman wound a black
cape over his dress. He looked to his left, seeing his sister getting
the same treatment before his chin was turned by an older woman,
forcing him to face straight ahead as she began sponging at his face.
"Your girls are adorable, Mrs. Martin," the woman told her, as another
was wetting his hair with a spray bottle and holding his head firmly as
he was fidgeting a little. "I'm Lynne, and that's Justine doing her
hair."
"Thank you, and wonderful to meet you ladies," said Donna smiling at
Cameron. "Sorry, they're a bit nervous, especially Cameron, as she's
not used to all the fuss like her sister."
"Oh don't worry honey, we're going to make you look amazing," said
Lynne, blending all around his face. "It's easy when I have girls this
pretty to work with."
Cameron sat quietly, hoping this would all go quickly as the mascara
wand slid across his lashes while he felt the tugging through his hair
as he watched out of the corner of his eye, seeing his hair being
stretched while the flat iron steamed through it. He watched Lynne rub
her brushes into some different pallets and opened and closed his eyes
on command as brushes were ever so gently sweeping across his lids and
cheeks in a very different manner than when his mother had given him
just a hint of color. Finally his eyes were being shielded by her
fingers as they coated his head in some spray and set his face with a
large powder puff.
"We're ready for wardrobe in thirty seconds," said Lynne as she painted
at his lips.
"Oh, why don't you dress Tracey and I'll help with Cameron," said his
mother. "She gets a little nervous, so we'll need to make a quick trip
to the ladies room before we start."
"No problem, Mrs. Martin," said a helper, handing her a garment bag.
"It's just around the corner on your left."
They pulled the cape from Cameron's neck as his mother helped him from
the elevated chair, taking his hand as they headed to the ladies room.
The moment they entered, she looked the door as Cameron could barely
utter a word, seeing his made up reflection as she wasted no time
stripping off his clothes.
"Always make sure that no one dresses you or I'm there to help. Don't
forget, regardless of how pretty you may look that you've got something
a little extra we need to make sure is hidden. I know what outfits
won't reveal it, but I'm not sure what they'll put you in," said his
mother, taking his outfit from the garment bag and looking it over.
"Although this should be no problem."
She wasted no time sliding a pale pink tank top over his head before
holding out a sweater as he slid in his arms and she dropped it
carefully over his head. She knelt, rolling some tights up his legs and
then stretched them tightly, making sure they were taut. She then held
open his skirt as he stepped in and then dropped some little flats in
front of his feet as he stepped in while she zipped up his skirt.
"Very cute," said his mother, admiring her work as she stood back up.
"Come on, let's go see how your sister turned out!"
Cameron rolled his eyes, looking over at his complete outfit in the
mirror, annoyed at the sight of himself now resembling some little hip
over made up preteen. He was in a faded blue denim skirt with red flats
on his feet and opaque tights on his legs. On top, he was in a soft red
? quarter length loosely knitted sweater which sat off one shoulder,
showing the pink tank beneath at his neck and waist. His hair had been
parted down the middle and flat ironed to be completely pin straight as
it sat on both shoulders. His makeup was much bolder today, as his
lashes looked round and thick and his lips sparkled with a bold cherry
gloss. His cheeks never looked so pink and his blue eyes stood out
almost sparkling under the soft pink shimmery eye shadow. It was hard
to imagine that this could be worse than yesterday, which now seemed
like nothing, realizing he was overly made up to stand out on camera.
"Hey honey," said Donna, kissing her husband as he was waiting for them
as they came out of the bathroom. "Perfect timing. Doesn't your
daughter look adorable?"
"I guess that's one way to put it," said James, shaking his head and
snickering.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Vandermeer would like to see you with
Tracey as soon as possible, and we've been discussing a few little
tweaks with Cameron that we'll need your consent on," said a well
dressed assistant, interrupting them. "Sorry mame, but we're in crunch
time, so if you could hurry back."
"This is Cameron's dad. Honey, you do the consent forms while I go see
Mr. Vandermeer and help Tracy now please," said Donna. "I'm sure she's
a bundle of nerves without me all this time, since I've been with
Cameron."
"Sure, no problem ladies," said James as Donna scurried down the hall.
"Thank you Mr. Martin and I'm Mandy, Mr. Vandeermeer's assistant and
head of wardrobe. Just go have a seat for a minute Cameron and we'll be
right with you sweetie," said the girl, handing Mr. Martin a clipboard
as he initialed a few boxes.
"Is this just standard stuff?" said James, signing the bottom.
"Pretty much," said Mandy. "Your wife handled most of the important
paperwork, but we need your consent because normally girls her age have
this stuff done already. It's no big deal, and just takes a second. I
was a late bloomer too when I was her age, so I understand the nerves
but we do this stuff all the time here."
"Oh, I'm glad you girls understand," said James, handing her the
clipboard and taking out his phone.
"They're cool with it Justine. Go ahead," said Mandy, nodding over to
the hair dresser as she slipped a headband over his head pulling back
his hair.
"Dad!!!" screeched Cameron, almost jumping from his chair, never
expecting the initial pinch at his right ear.
"Ssshhh! Almost done and you'll thank me later," said Justine, patting
his thigh, positioning the gun on his other ear. "I'm so sorry to
startle you honey, but it's always better that way with girls you age."
Cameron closed his eyes, feeling the next pinch popping on the left
side as Lynne anticipated his emotions, coming over and wiping the
quick tears and touching up his makeup. When she finished, they took
the head band from his head, fixed his hair and replaced it with a red
glittery headband, which had a red daisy angled to the left.
"They're just starters, and yours to keep, sweetie," said Mandy. "For
shoots like this, we use nice pear shape that pops on camera. It's the
little touches that our director never does a shoot without. Don't they
look so pretty on her dad?"
"Ah, yeah!" said James, startled as he realized he should have paid
attention. "You have always wanted them Cameron, and now you've got
them."
Cameron did want them like some of the other football players, but
certainly not like this. He got up now, following Mandy down the hall
with his father,, where he could see the look on his mother's face,
instantly noticing the studs in his ears as she was inspecting him from
head to toe.
She didn't utter a word to him as Mandy didn't give him a moment to
stop as he looked over his shoulder, watching his mother apparently
lecturing his father.
He was behind a large scene now where he was joined by his sister, who
didn't notice, just giving a passing glance at him, more preoccupied
with herself than him. They were no longer dressed identically, as she
was in skin tight white jeans, purple flats, and a raspberry tunic. She
also resembled a cool preteen, only wearing more makeup that he had
ever seen her in, and her hair had also been flat ironed, yet swept
from a side part.
"Don't mess this up for me. You know how much I want this," whispered
Tracey, taking a deep breath as they were pointed through a doorway to
a set that resembled an indoor mall.
"So girls, we're going to take a few shots of you just browsing through
the racks and shopping," said the director. "Just act excited and happy
to be shopping, like you normally would."
It didn't seem that bad as they smiled and pretended to browse and look
thrilled to be shopping, until the director was happy with his cuts.
"Ok, bring in Logan," said the Mr. Vandermeer. "Ok girls, just look
thrilled and show me raw enthusiasm the second he walks by."
Cameron wasn't exactly sure what the director meant, but was
immediately stunned, seeing Logan strut towards him. His jaw dropped,
realizing the boy in tight football pants and a cut up jersey was the
quarterback of the team he'd be facing later that day.
"Cut! That was amazing, Cameron. I love that stunned look. Total shock.
You are really good honey," said Mr. Vandermeer. "Now let's do it
again, and this time give me something different like Tracey did. I
want you both to scream and cry like you just saw the hottest guy from
your favorite boy band!"
Cameron did his best, though not really delivering exactly what the
director had in mind until finally they cut.
"Let's pose them for a few stills," said Mr. Vandermeer. "I like the
initial emotion from Cameron, but not the squealing stuff. Tracey's
better at that part. We've got enough to slice and dice it so I can
make a decent short video. Position everyone please. I want a few
shoots of the pretty girls holding the stud."
Cameron soon found himself holding one arm of Logan, while his sister
was placed on the other arm. Shot after shot was taken as he was being
paraded from front to back of the set over and over holding Logan's
bicep smiling. Finally after being paraded, filmed, and their pictures
taken over and over, they stopped repositioning them.
"Pucker girls," said Mr. Vandermeer, as Cameron now found his body
being turned with his face towards Logan's left cheek. "And action! Go
ahead and plant and hold your kiss!"
Cameron was about to explode, seeing the disgust in his father's eyes
as it was revolting holding a kiss on Logan's cheek. As he backed away,
it was nauseating seeing the imprint of his lips marked in cherry gloss
as he couldn't believe he was doing this.
"Ok, same spot again girls, and hold while he shoot. Lift and curl one
leg girls," said Mr. Vandermeer, making them do it six more time until
he was satisfied. "And cut. Nice job girls. Mrs. Martin, we're going
jump right in right to do more of a hip girlfriend type scene with the
older one first then just a few minor little sister shots. We're right
on schedule, so I'll need the girl's full cooperation."
"That's sound great," said Tracey, butting in, answering for her mother
and shooting her a look. "I can change quickly and as the big sister, I
certainly don't need a break."
"Excellent! That's such a wonderful attitude Tracey, and we'll need
some extra time with your little sister anyway," said Mr. Vandermeer,
nodding approval. "Follow my assistant, as we'll need to give you a
slightly more mature look. It'll be quick and we'll get right back to
work. Mandy, can you jump in and we'll divide and conquer."
"Of course, Mr. Vandermeer," said Mandy. "I'll take the younger one
with me back to hair and makeup."
"Stay with Tracey and we'll switch once I make sure all is good with
Cameron," whispered Donna to her husband. "He's probably freaking out
inside."
Donna followed Cameron and the team back down the hall as Mandy handed
Donna a robe.
"Here have her change into this while they do her hair and we figure
some wardrobe options," said Mandy. "I'll go get her hairdresser and
run a few things by Mr. Vandermeer."
Quickly, Donna helped Cameron off with his outfit and he soon found
himself in nothing but a simple white bathrobe as Justine entered.
"So, she did so well before," said Justine. "You're a natural Cameron.
I'm Justine. Sorry but we weren't formally introduced before!"
"Great to meet you Justine. So I'll need to get back down there once
they start shooting Tracey," said Donna. "But I just didn't want to
leave her here not knowing what you're planning. She's more the nervous
type than my older daughter."
"Of course Mrs. Martin," said Justine plugging in some devices. "My
boss wants to create a little age disparity between them for the next
shots. Sisterly yet not so much like twins like before."
"Oh, I thought that's what they liked about my girls," said Mrs. Martin
annoyed a bit.
"No don't take that the wrong way Mrs. Martin, he does. He told me he
has some great twin type shots from earlier and he believes your girls
give him great options for even more types of shots," said Justine
brushing through Cameron's hair. "Believe me if he didn't there would
be other girls sitting in these chair right now for the next shots.
It's a big time compliment!"
"I feel so flattered then," said Donna holding her chest, feeling
better. "So then I'm assuming you're doing something age appropriate
with Cameron then?"
"Yes! The plan is to widen the age gap as much as we can. So as you
know, we're taking Tracey's look up a notch and that means we go a
little younger for Cameron. I think as a mom you'll enjoy it as maybe
it'll bring back some memories of a few years back," said Justine,
sliding some pins into his hair. "I'm going to try some bananas. I
think they'll help chop a few years and be absolutely gorgeous on her.
You good with that Mrs. Martin?"
"Oh, that sounds adorable on her," said Donna with a little giggle,
before getting sarcastic. "I'd say these would be new memories though
right Cameron?"
"I guess," said Cameron, annoyed.
"Relax sweetie," Justine told him, brushing through his hair, creating
more sections by inserting clips and pushing a lot of his hair forward
slightly into his face. "You'll be cuter than ever when I'm done with
you."
"I don't doubt that," said Donna, taking a deep breath as Cameron felt
his hair being stretched at the left side of the nape of his neck.
"I'll be back in a bit, as I'm going to go check on Tracey. From the
looks of things, they'll be working on you for a while so I'll be back
when they're ready to dress you. I'll have your father come back in a
bit to keep you company."
None of that made Cameron feel any better as he looked to his left,
seeing Justine pick up the silver aerosol can and cringed listening to
the sound of the spray saturate the section which was stretched out. He
immediately knew this was'nt going to be good, watching a gold barrel
slide towards the edge of the stretched section before clamping down
and disappear from his view as it was tightly rolling towards his neck.
What was only seconds seemed like hours as he could hear his hair
sizzling from behind his head, as he knew she was baking in curls. He
could feel the tugging and the gentle way she placed it on his
shoulders as she stretched the next. The process was quickly repeated
another three times on his back before she finally stopped for a moment
sipping her soda.
"Your hair holds it nicely Cameron and you're so easy to work with,"
said Justine, taking her rat tailed comb in her hand and getting back
to work. "Just sit here patiently and you'll be pretty as a plum in no
time."
It was nauseating, feeling her separate the next layer and humming each
time she wound in the next section., He tried not to focus on the
squeaking of the iron's handle, but it was impossible as this seemed to
last much longer than when his sister worked on him feeling the strain
with each series of hair strands being stretched. He was staring
straight ahead at the wall feeling the soft weight and spring as each
curl that was being added to his head as this was quite a rigorous
process. He was at the point of getting sick as he counted each time,
when at the twenty fourth curl his mother finally returned as Lynne
released it looking over at Donna.
"Wow," said Donna, inspecting as she lifted his chin. "Her hair is
amazing. Damn, you're good."
"Thank you, Mrs. Martin," said Justine, pulling back tightly at his
forehead and snapping in a clip pinning it back
"How much longer until she's ready to be dressed, because Tracey's on a
five minute break so I thought I'd help dress her," said Mrs. Martin.
"I need at least another ten minutes to do the sides and then we have a
bit of makeup to adjust," Replied Justine, looking at her watch. "Maybe
fifteen minutes, but you don't have to worry, wardrobe will dress her."
"She's more comfortable with me here, but I'll come back," said Mrs.
Martin. "If anything I'll leave my husband here now and he'll help with
some of it."
"You kidding?" said James.
"Here Mrs. Martin," said Mandy, coming in and handing her a white
frilly garment. "Since she's so shy, why don't you just put on her slip
and then we can just drop on her dress and she won't feel too
uncomfortable. We'll be trying a few outfits over this anyway. We'll
turn around for you sweetie."
"That'll work," said Donna, taking the garment as the girls turned
around. "No tights then right?"
"No, not with what we've picked," said Mandy. "I was thinking sandals,
but I'm not sure yet. I'll avoid the tights."
"Sounds good," said Donna, as Cameron felt ready to puke as his mother
quickly stripped off the robe, as even his father had his back turned.
It was embarrassing stepping into a new snow white cotton panty and
then his mother ever so carefully dropped the white silk slip tank top
with its attached soft layered petticoat bottom over his body. As he
sat back down they slipped some soft white slippers on his feet and re-
wrapped a cape around his neck getting back to stretching his hair as
his mother headed back down to watch Tracey. Lynne now also jumped in
front, wiping away some of her old work on his lids and lips quickly
embarking on his new look while his father was happy to take a seat in
the hall just outside the door, texting away on his phone.
"Not bad ladies," said Mr. Vandermeer, coming in now and inspecting as
they stepped back, allowing him to look over Cameron. "Ten minutes ok,
but I think she needs the right touches?"
"Yes sir," said Lynne.
"Just a little more 'precious' though I think. Can we do more precious,
more dainty please," said Mr. Vandermeer, holding out his hands in
front of Cameron's face and opening his palms as only his thumbs
touched each other as he framed Cameron's face like it was being looked
at by the lens of a camera. "I need her to look so different than
before. Remember that she is the younger sister of the girl that hung
on Logan's arm. Think of her as Tracey's adorable little sister and
let's get a move on."
As Mr. Vandeermeer left, Justine gently tugged his hair at the crown a
few different ways, adjusting her thinking slightly.
"Yeah I can do younger? You good with that Mr. Martin?" asked Justine,
looking over at him through the doorway as he was reading email on his
phone. "I was going to frame with a few ringlets anyway, but instead of
pulling back everything tightly off her forehead, then I'll fringe down
across the front and go precision across the brows. That'll definitely
get us a younger look, but I never do things like that without asking.
You good with that sir?"
"Uuumm, sure if that's what Mr. Vandermeer wants," said Mr. Martin.
"All this stuff is Greek to me, but let's get it right I guess, as I'm
sure Cameron is anxious to get this over with."
"Good, then let's get you finished cutie," said Justine, brushing at
the left side now. "I'm sure you're dying to get out of this chair."
"You're not kidding," whispered Cameron softly to himself before just
making a soft sarcastic smile at the girls.
They got back to work, making some final adjustments on his face while
the hot iron wound into sides near his temples again, creating curl
after curl. After another five minutes, he realized it was finally
almost over as Justine finally put down the hot iron and was coating
the back of his head in hair spray. Just as he thought she might be
finished, she released the tension near the crown of his head as he
noticed her place a silver clip between her teeth and dig her comb in
across his forehead.
"Almost ready?" said Mandy coming in behind her now. "Mr. Vandermeer
says he will be ready for her soon."
"Just a sec Mandy. I'm trying to accomplish what he asked," said
Justine snapping the clip tightly back in his hair and suddenly a thick
section of his hair feel in his face. "And you know him, as he has a
hissy fit if a single hair is out of place or a part's not straight."
"Tastes gross," mumbled Cameron blowing the sticky hair spray laced
hair from his tacky lips.
"It won't in a second sweetie," said Justine as he watched her comb
pierce through his hair before his eyes a few times stopping past his
lips. "Close your eyes please for a moment and don't move a muscle
honey."
As he closed his eyes, he felt her pull the hair taut in front of his
face before she combed through it, gathering more from temple to temple
until she was satisfied. He felt an odd cold metallic sensation across
the top of his left eye socket now and couldn't help but pop his eyes
open the moment he heard the initial snip. At first he didn't put two
and two together, having un-obscured vision out of one eye until
suddenly his view was completely clear as the shearing happened so
fast. He could feel his eyes slightly watering as his eye balls glanced
down, watching a few long blonde strands sliding down his cape.
"Chin up and don't open until I tell you this time," said Justine,
lifting his chin so she could finish. "We don't want them crooked
honey."
His heart was racing now as he began a little panic as there was
nothing he could do, feeling her comb against his forehead and make
some final adjustments trimming until she was satisfied.
"Oh this look is going to work well with the A-line Lilo dress," said
Mandy, staring at him. "I was leaning towards a different dress, but
this is going to be so much better now. I thought she looked too mature
for it but after all your amazing work ladies, I'm pretty sure she can
pull it off now. Mr. Vandermeer is going to be so pleased when he sees
her in this look."
"I think that's perfect," said Justine, combing against his forehead
again. "Just let me turn under the front just a touch and spray them so
they sit perfectly."
"Just do it quick while I put on her shoes, and then you can help me
dress her," said Mandy.
Cameron could feel Mandy putting some socks and shoes on his feet as
Justine took a round brush to his forehead, rolling through his hair as
she hit it with the slight warmth of her hairdryer. The moment she
finished she pulled the cape from his neck as he could see all the long
fragments of his hair on the floor as quickly they had him up from the
chair.
"Honey, arms up and let me guide this on so we don't ruin your hair,"
said Justine, as in the blink of an eye his vision was blocked as they
ever so slowly slid down his outfit.
When it cleared his eyes, he looked down, seeing nothing but a sea of
pink silk and ruffles as they lifted his hair ever so gently and tugged
at the hem, adjusting the dress into place. As they spun him around, he
began slightly trembling now, seeing his reflection in the mirrored
wall, barely able to accept that this could possibly be him. He had
little room to flex his toes, which were now inside shiny little white
patent leather flats, and it was uncomfortable feeling the tight single
strap across his foot. He was used to hi-top sneakers, but never a Mary
Jane shoe that had a little buckle holding it snugly in place, and
surrounding his ankles exploded a few layers of white lace ruffles from
his nylon ankle socks. His calves were barely noticeable, yet appearing
so milky white as his knees were just hidden under the big tea length
skirt of the dress. He could see the white crinoline ruffles of his
petticoat slip, which puffed out under the shiny silk coral pink skirt
which looked so wide creating the precious A-line silhouette.
"Be still sweetie, as I need to make sure this fits right," said Mandy,
working behind him from a kneeling position as he could feel himself
being closed in as each button was fastened on his back. "It'll just be
another moment, as these Lilos run a little narrow but I think it's a
nice fit."
It was surreal now watching the bodice of the dress perfectly form to
his skinny upper body, as his hair at the back of his neck sat softly
on her wrist while she fastened the last few top buttons. The top of
his dress featured a pristine white satin bodice with a simple rounded
boat neck collar and short ruffled sleeves. At his waist, a thick
fuchsia satin waistband delicately separated the white bodice and pink
skirt and featured a large fuchsia silk rose and tulle ribbon detail
off center to the right.
"Cameron, please don't fidget," said Mandy, giving a little tug as she
stretched the long silk fuchsia ribbon behind his back and he got a
glimpse of her twisting it creating the large silk bow.
"I think it's is perfect on her," said Justine, inspecting as she came
in front of him bending own as he felt something snap near the crown of
his head. "There, that should be the final touch."
"Damn, we're good," said Mandy, as his hair dresser joined her behind
him lifting some of his hair and positing it on his shoulders.
He felt ready to pass out as he watched her ever so carefully placing
some long ringlets on each shoulder and just fuss with a few sections
with her fingers. She blocked his vision momentarily with her left hand
while she took a silver aerosol can giving on last coat to his head. He
wanted to cry but couldn't even must a tear when his new likeness was
still there as fumes and her palm unclouded his view.
For the second day in a row, he felt sick to his stomach,knowing that
the long hair he loved more than aided to his image, never imagining in
his wildest dreams it would ever be styled anything like this. He
twisted his neck slightly, amazed for a moment that he now had layer
after layer of distinct long barrel type curls streaming from the back
of his head, cascading across his shoulders. On each side they hung
more like a row or two of delicate tendrils, unable to hide the shine
from his new sparkling studs. On top, his hair was pulled back tightly
as there was no missing the large fuchsia rose clip which held it
taught behind the most disturbing sight of all which was new thick
bangs. At least his makeup was simple and subdued now as he realized
how light and flawless his complexion looked, featuring only thick
curled lashes and coral pink glistening lips.
"Mr. Martin, your daughter is ready," said Mandy, calling him into the
room. "They're ready for her on the set, so would you like to come with
us."
"Oh, sure I'll ----," said Mr. Martin, as he stopped dead in his
tracks, stunned he was looking at his son.
"And that's the impression we were hoping for," said Mandy, thrilled at
his reaction. "I know she looks so different than you might of expected
and much younger, but that was our assignment. I mean doesn't she look
so absolutely precious?"
"That's one word I guess," said James, shocked. "My wife is going to
just freak!"
"That's fabulous!" said Mandy, hugging him and then taking Cameron's
hand as they started down the hall. "I know it's crazy wonderful when
we can invoke some sheer emotion! I know it probably brings back some
memories of when she was younger. Bet you miss those days of having her
looking so delicate, like a little china doll."
"Yeah, missed is pretty accurate," said James, following them to the
set.
"Excuse me, Mr. Vandeermeer," said Mandy, stopping in the doorway
breaking up the conversations with him, Mrs. Martin, and some others.
"You ready for us, sir."
"Excellent, you're right on schedule," said Mr. Vandermeer, looking at
his clipboard. "I'm not sure about this though. Will I be pleased?"
"I hope so sir, as Cameron won't be joining us for this scene," said
Mandy, invoking an angry look from her boss. "But I think little Cammi
should do just fine."
"Holy sh--" mouthed Tracey, as her mother quickly put her hand over
Tracey mouth mid-sentence, as Mandy stepped out of the way revealing
Cameron.
He looked up, seeing his mother's jaw drop, stunned, before quickly
racing over to see him.
"I can't even," started his mother, getting choked up as she stopped
mid-sentence, taking both of his hands in hers while looking him up and
down.
"She's perfect," exclaimed Mr. Vandermeer. "What a job, ladies. You
took her from that perky little pre-ten and gave me a delicate little
flower. Mrs. Martin, you ok? You need a minute?"
"I'm fine," said Donna, wiping a few tears and sucking back some mucus.
"I'm sorry. The curls. The dress. She's so beautiful. I just never --."
His mother fanned herself with her open hand and took a second
composing herself. She nodded to the director as Logan returned as they
brought Cameron to the set.
"Just sit her on the bench and she won't look too tall. He's a big guy
anyway, so it should create a nice contrast," said Mr. Vandermeer. "I
want you to just use you're mousiest little girl voice when you read
the cue cards honey."
"Yes sir," said Cameron. "I'll try."
"Softer and squeakier little Cammi. Cross you ankles for me but don't
slouch," said Mr. Vandermeer. "Baby type talk sweetie. Come on now
we've got you looking the part now get into character. Action."
Cameron sat on the park bench as Logan walked in, picking up a teddy
bear which was sitting on the ground.
"Here you go honey," said Logan. "You dropped your teddy."
"Thank you," said Cameron in his mousiest voice. "Hey, aren't you that
boy football star?"
"Well not yet, but hopefully when I get older," said Logan.
"Sure you are?" said Cameron, acting excited. "You're a quarterback and
you're amazing."
"Thanks. Here, this is for being so sweet and noticing," said Logan,
picking a daisy and handing it to him. "Most people never recognize
me."
"How could I not, you're so dreamy!" said Cameron, batting his lashes
and sniffing the flower. "Hopefully you'll remember me someday when
we're older!"
"I'd never forget a girl as pretty as you," said Logan, kissing his
finger and touching Cameron's cheek. "Thanks for being a big fan!"
"I'll never wash this cheek again!" sighed Cameron.
"Cut," yelled Mr. Vanermeer. "Good start! Let's do it again! Remember
you're young and precious, honey. Stay mousey and adorable. Logan stay
strong yet be gentle speaking with a young girl."
They began shooting again as Cameron was amazed he could pull this off
and was even somewhat relieved to be getting this over with, doing his
best with his limited role.
"Good job, honey," whispered Donna with some attitude to her husband as
they watched the shoot. "Figuring out how to get him looking somewhat
normal for football later should be interesting. I leave you with him
the first time and he comes back with his ears pierced. The second time
all you have to do is watch and he comes back a little princess. Maybe
you can pay attention next time, because the next time they chop off
something big, you'll really be enrolling him in dance school instead
of football."
"I was confused," whispered James. "I don't know what all this girly
terminology means. I'm sure you'll figure it out for later."
"What terms?" whispered his wife. "You never heard of studs or bangs
before?"
"Think of it this way mom," whispered Tracey. "He'll finally know the
school work. I'm sure little Cammi is very advanced for her age."
"Behave Tracey," her mother scolded. "Little Cammi is adorable though,
and I can hardly believe how well the name fits. Besides, I'm in shock
how natural he looks. He must be absolutely dying inside, but he is
pretty good at acting."
"Exactly mom! Can't we keep her this way," Tracey pleaded. "You know
how I always wanted a little sister . It could be so much fun for me
dressing him up and doing his hair."
"Stop Tracey," said Donna, laughing. "If he heard you he'd throw a
fit!"
"I think you mean a tantrum, mom!" teased Tracey as they shared a
giggle.
"Cut," yelled Mr. Vandermeer, as he came over handing two tickets to
Mrs. Martin. "Donna, I know we're on a tight schedule as Logan needs to
be at the big game, but this last shot will be on location with him and
here's tonight's tickets."
"Wait, I'm sorry but I'm confused," said Donna, looking down at the
tickets. "I thought we were done, and I know nothing about tonight. We
have something we must leave for soon, so I'm not sure about any of
this."
"Mrs. Martin, this was all discussed with your husband and I'm sorry,
but everything's been arranged," said Mr. Vandermeer with a stern look
on his face. "I was told you had a son playing football today on the
team against Logan's, so this would work out since we'd all be going to
the same place. The plan is for the girls to do a few shots with Logan
on location well before game time, and then we're finished. Your
husband said that would be no issue since we were all going there
anyway."
"Oh, I see," said Donna looking over at her husband, not paying
attention, texting.
"I figured we'd be helping you doing this at a place you had to be
anyway," said Mr. Vandermeer, turning a few pages in the agreement he
initialed earlier. "I don't mean to be difficult, but your husband
signed off on all this hours ago. This will be quick and well before
kickoff, as Logan needs to get to his locker room thirty minutes prior
to the game. So don't worry you'll have plenty of time to get situated
and watch your son play. Mrs. Martin, I hope we don't have a problem
because I've been bending over backwards to give your girls their big
break. You do understand that don't you?"
"Of course! Of course! Well I guess that has to work then, doesn't it,"
said Donna, shaking her head as she flipped over the contract's pages.
"But we won't need tickets obviously. We have them for the big game."
"Oh, they're not for the Pop Warner game," said Mr. Vandermeer. "Those
are for tonight's charity event, and they're just for the girls. All
our young people attend and it's no cost to you. My assistant will
provide you some nice designer clothes for the girls and all they need
to do is show up. They sit there with some of their peers and pick a
charity of their choice to have a nice dinner with. For any money they
earn today, I donate an additional ten percent to the charity of
they're choice. It just a little publicity and for a good cause. Again,
it's in the contract."
"I see," said Mrs. Martin, opening the agreement and reading again.
"Good publicity for you for the company I notice, and we signed off on
doing it."
"True on both accounts," said Mr. Vandermeer, grinning as Donna closed
the agreement. "Ladies, get the girls ready for location please. Ok,
move everyone as we're on our way in twenty."
"Next time read before you sign, genius!" said Donna, slapping the
agreement against her husband's chest. "Got any other surprises you'd
like to let me in on."
"Hughhhh?" mouthed James as she broke his trance from working on his
email.
"I've got to go help the girls," said Donna, walking away shaking her
head. "We'll talk on the way. Go see Mr. Vandermeer and then you better
go outside and make a few phone calls."
Donna walked over huddling with the staff as Tracey took her clothes,
pulling out a garment bag to change.
"Just sit here please, Cameron," said Lynne, patting a chair. "This
will be quick."
"I'll be right back after I help Tracey," said his mother as he sat
down. "Everything is on schedule, so don't get nervous about that."
As he sat, he wondered what was happening as he thought he was done,
only to be frustrated again as they wrapped a new cape around him. With
a few quick wipes, she removed his eye shadow and lip gloss as he
relaxed momentarily, thinking maybe they were taking off all his
makeup. It was also a nice relief as Justine joined them, pulling the
big rose clip from his hair as he was happy to see her place it down on
the table next to them.
"This part won't be fun, but I'll need to break the bonds on all the
heavy hairspray and pick out all the thick rolls sweetie," said Justine
as he felt her separating some of the hair in the back with her
fingers. "It's sad but no more little Cammi. You sad sweetie? I bet it
was fun feeling younger and being that adorable, even if it was just
for a short time. I know your mom will be