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The Sweetest Thing By Jena Corso Edited By Angela Meyers Chapter 7 "Oh that's gorgeous," said Emily as she stepped back. "My gawwwd Alex! You look stunning in that." "Me too! I just love her in that!" said Claudia, putting her hand over her chest and staring. "Please just be careful when you walk. Lift and march for us, sweetie. It takes some adjusting, especially in those shoes." "Wait? This doesn't look right for dinner?" said Alex, looking down, seeing that his legs were completely covered now in a sea of seemingly a dozen or more ruffled layers of hot pink. "What is this? My dress! What's on top of it! It's huge!" As he moved his feet a few inches, this huge mass spun with him, wavering and sliding across the floor in all its grandeur. This was something he'd never ask her to wear. "What it is... is spectacular," said Marlene, before speaking back into the head set. "Ok Charlie, birthday hat pinned in place, dress secured, curls all set and her makeup is looking flawless. We are all systems go on the final touches on the birthday girl. Send in the fellas." "Fellas? No, there's no fellas," cried Alex, beginning to totally freak out, looking around as perfume was being spritzed on his neck. "I'm just having dinner with Kayla, and then we're partying. She's my girlfriend." "Of course she is, and probably the best friend any girl could have, sweetie. Now breathe," said Marlene, before speaking into the headset as Emily was lifting his arms one last time, coating his pits. "Let's go now, the princess is getting restless. Where are the boys, Charlie? Deep breaths, Alex." "Sorry, here we are," said two hunky teenage boys, dressed identically in all black suits with hot pink ties and their hair gelled back, hurrying in and standing at each side of Alex. "Finally?" said Marlene, rolling her eyes. "Bradley, Lucas, get her in position and be gentle, please. She's awfully nervous, but Cinderella's ready to take her place as the Belle of the ball." "Yes, ma'am," said Bradley as they hurried over, taking him by each forearm. "Oh, I do not think so," yelled Alex, pushing them off. "What position? What are you doing?" "Careful, she's delicate, and so is that dress," said Marlene, as they lifted Alex by each bicep as softly as they could about six inches into the air, turning him to his left and then carrying him across the room. "But that is a bit of the spunk and spirit we've been waiting from you, Alex. You go, girl!" "Put me down," yelled Alex, being lifted and spun before being placed down ten feet away with his back to the wall, facing Marlene. "Marlene, please get me to Kayla this instant." "Finally some attitude we've been looking for princess, and you're just about on the way. Charlie, cue the birthday girl," said Marlene, giving him a wink and speaking into the head set. "But my last suggestion is you don't let go of the cute boys just yet, as I'm pretty sure you're not at the point where you can jump off a platform in those heels or that dress." "And we're moving in 3...2...1..." said Charlie over a speaker now as everyone could hear. "Happy birthday, honey. You look beautiful," waved Marlene as Alex felt a slight jolt like an elevator slowly rising and looked down, seeing the carpet separating. "She's breathtaking," said Claudia, blowing him a kiss in conjunction with Emily blowing more as the floor rose slowly. "Muh! Muh!" "What the hell is this ?" yelped Alex, stunned, realizing that the floor was continually rising and he was now a foot off the floor. "Oh my gawwwd where is this taking me?" "Don't worry, Alex and it's really not that high, but just don't look down if you're afraid of heights," said Lucas, holding his arm. "Relax, we do this all the time, and we've got you. You look beautiful by the way." "Lucas, what's happening?" asked Alex, freaking out, starting to realize the girls were looking up at him as they rose and everything above him looked pitch black as the ceiling had opened. "What the hell is this dress? Holy shit! I was in a short dress, and now i can't even see my feet. I don't understand any of this." "It will be light in a minute once we get through this in between shaft area," said Bradley, taking Alex's right hand and placing it around the outside of his left arm to hold his bicep. "But hold on, and we'll guide you inside as I'm not saying this is you, but a lot of girls are not used to moving too easily in in these big dresses and heels." "Oh, I'm not used to anything like this." Alex was shaking. "Please guys. Take me back down this instant." "It'll be fine, and that we have no control over," said Lucas, taking Alex's left hand and looping it to hold his arm just like Bradley did. "Trust me, your adrenaline will take over like you can't believe in a second. You getting excited?" "Excited?" asked Alex, feeling goosebumps. "Me too, and it was our honor to be your dancers tonight," said Bradley, bowing his head. "Happy birthday, Alexandra." "My what?" said Alex, almost forgetting he was rising slowly, now fixated, looking up and seeing a hint of light as the guys suddenly went silent, bowing their heads into their chests and then he heard some faint music from the opening above. "Wait.... What did you call me?" What was the faint sound of music started getting louder, as a somewhat familiar guitar riff was getting clearer, playing over and over as the disco music began to ring a bell in his mind. He was concentrating on listening, not being able to make out the quick initial words in the song, as it went right into the familiar cluster of notes as he listened intently before it seemed to fade once again. "Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, please put your hands together for our special guest of honor, and your beautiful birthday girl this evening," said Charlie, announcing over the music as suddenly Alex realized the floor was opening. "Oh my gawwddd!" gulped Alex, as his entire body went numb as the entire floor was open now above them and he began hearing some applause and whistling. "She didn't? She couldn't have? She wouldn't?" "I'm coming...." sung the familiar voice of the music as the disco grew now and the riff looped around again. "Alex, hold on," said Lucas, as their heads now rose through the floor as Alex was staring at a large mirrored wall with dry ice shooting around him. "It has a little kick when it stops, and then it will slowly spin us all the way around before we'll take you off." "Oh my gawwwdd. Oh my gawwwdd. Oh my gawwwddd!" said Alex, closing his eyes, feeling a panic like never before. "Please tell me I'm dreaming. Please be the only one here, Kayla! Oh my gawwwddd!" "Here comes the stop, so mind your balance and just don't let go now," said Bradley, looking down and talking, making eye contact. "Just think of it like the slowest merry go round you've ever been on, and it takes about twenty seconds to get around before you can go party." "I'm coming...." sung the music as the disco grew stronger now and the riff looped once around again. "Ohhhh... myyyyyyy..... gawwwddddd," shivered Alex, unable to function at all now, scared out of his whit's about what was about to take place. "And now ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, we are proud to introduce your guest of honor. The glamorous, drop dead gorgeous and the special girl you all know as Alex. Ladies and gentlemen it gives us great pleasure to introduce your special birthday girl, this evening's enchanting princess on her sweet sixteen.... The beautiful Alexxxx...andraaa.... Micccc..helle.... Aaaalllessioooo." Alex could no longer breathe, stunned at what he just heard, as it felt like his heart stopped and his lungs ceased to function. He felt alone in the clouds, surrounded in silence, yet there was a thunderous roar of applause emanating from behind him that he mentally tried to drown out. "I'm coming.... Out," sung the music as the disco grew even louder. As the platform began spinning he was scared shitless, thinking he was about to piss his panties, yet in some strange way his curiosity began trumping his terror as he slowly peeked open one eye, needing to look to see what he was fearing. Opening one eye swiftly transitioned to both eyes popping wide open, and he was suddenly mesmerized by the girl in the mirrored wall holding the arms of the boys standing motionless on either side of him. Framing the feminine image he just couldn't accept, were of course the two teen men he'd just met looking down to the floor, almost mannequin like. With their eyes seemingly staring at their high gloss polished black shoes and their chins pointed inward, all of his sightline was without any eye contact, staring at their greased back hair as his eyes rolled from side to side, stuck between the handsome young boys. He was already too nervous to even wiggle his long French nails, seeing his own hands focused on holding their biceps, as the best he could do was muster a twinge of his index finger that didn't invoke even a flinch on Lucas. Their jet black suits seemed to have a hint of a shimmer under the soft lighting as he stood paralyzed, praying he misunderstood the comment about them being his dancers. That he knew was likely a pipe dream, as he still hoped it was a coincidence that their radiant silk pink ties perfectly matched his huge dress. There was no way this delicate female in front of him in the glass wall could be anything more than an illusion he tried convincing himself, yet the subtle image of a lump being swallowed down his throat told him otherwise, as he stood without an apparent motor function, quite frozen. He'd just been announced with his name feminized on the eve of his sixteenth birthday to a round of applause, dumbfounded, staring back at his image, thinking about the comment as the belle of the ball. With the background reflection slightly clouded by the dry ice that filled the air behind him and the soft club lighting, it was like they had posed the princess in the heavens for all to see. What he thought at first was a short flirty dress designed to party the night away dancing with Kayla, had been overlaid and somehow transformed in seconds into a huge ball gown to be adorned by the most delicate debutante. On his legs now he wondered why he needed to be in skyscraper, platform strappy stilettos, as not an inch of his legs or feet would be on display. Instead, a huge tiered ruffled, tulle ball skirt had been secured around his waist and attached to his dress, as he wondered how he could even take a step in it without falling over. With his sparkle tulle short skirt concealed beneath it, he was as wide as three girls, yet captivated by the seemingly endless cascading ruffling layers of tulle that sparkled from the hints of scattered glitter at the edges of ruffles and beneath the layers. Somehow, as much as his bodice had remained as before, it seemed more slimming now atop the extravagant ball gown, and glitter shone from his chest. The sweetheart shape though still gave him at least some moderate cleavage of a young woman during her developmental years, as with his flesh pushed up and stuffed just enough, it helped to complete his 'queen' silhouette. Saturated heavily in chunky AB rhinestones, sequins and beading, the bodice still shone brightly from his cups to his waistline, fronting the lace up back that squeezed in his pretty frame, but instead of drawing your eye in instantly now to just the dress, he was dumbfounded, seeing his diamond nameplate necklace as "Alexandra" was spelled out in script sitting across his chest. If that wasn't enough, an even brighter focal point had trumped his name in diamonds, as sitting dead center on his head he suddenly understood the weight he was carrying was more than just the burden of being labeled Alexandra the girl. A number of times he'd been teased, being called a princess, yet he realized now the only real teasing had occurred to his hair, as no princess would be complete without her sparkling tiara resting upon her head, or her hair bumped up to add some height inside it's circlet. Not only did his tiara rest so perfectly on the crown of his head, but it stood a good six inches upward at its middle of five peaks, covered completely in brilliant rhinestones topping an ornate delicate design. His hair still sat flowing in curls, yet now so many had been rearranged and pinned, forming a half up half down style that glistened from the glittered hairspray and gorgeous scattered walnut highlights. It took no time at all now to begin to decipher where all the pins might have disappeared to on his head, as a two layers of neatly stacked thick finger curls sat towards the back of his bumped up puff atop the hidden hair sponge. The delicate teased style filled the entire tiara's circlet, creating a gorgeous puffy background between the tiara's glistening peaks, and back side of the bump's pin curls finished off the princess-ly grandeur of the inflated bridal like style. Streaming along fronting the tiara flat against his scalp like a small piece of rope, two layers of thin French braids buffered the heavy crown from moving forward and seemingly hid the clips and combs before fading beneath the puffy updo section of his hair in the back. Behind the intricate hair detail in the back and on his left shoulder, the layers of ringlets seemed endless and were of course still perfectly coiled, adding that element of distinct daintiness for any belle wanting to feel so girly with a special hairdo on her big birthday. With all the cascading curls swept to one side now, two rhinestone barrette like combs held his hair off his right shoulder, exposing his right ear and highlighting the huge diamond pendant earrings that swung from his bottom holes. If the heavy earring hovering just above his bare right shoulder wasn't distracting enough for him, it soon was an afterthought as he stared at the little stud in his second piercing, and then was astounded at the new one. It was no subtle glimmer that drew his attention, as he now noticed the big diamond stud that only minutes ago pierced his right ear's cartilage on top. As he tried not to think about the new hole in his ear, it was impossible not to change his focus and stare at the little diamond chip that now sat perched, pierced through his left nostril. He twitched, remembering the discomfort and pain from the piercing guns, finally contracting a muscle for the first time during this slowly rotating gaze of the platform. Instinctively he tweaked his face once again, blinking and flexing his left eyebrow to slide the hair from the edge of his left eye that just moved a millimeter into his peripheral vision. It was so bizarre to feel an involuntary response to the most minor annoyance, as he stared at the intricacy of his mocha brown eye shadow blending to a cream color under his newly shaped brows. Big false dark lashes and very thick black liner seemed to give even his basic brown eyes a cat like glow under the lighting, and hints of some silver eyeliner accents and pink glitter shadow at the edges added to the intricate detail of his dramatic eye makeup. They had also added the same little flare to his white nail tips, as pink French square oval nail tips had been dipped into a silver glitter as if he needed more glimmer, and dark apple rose cheekbones gleamed like beacons from blended shimmery blushes. Some translucent power with a hint of sparkle only added to the porcelain shine that radiated from his flawless face and cleavage, but it was his vibrant lip color that would be impossible to miss. A cherry blossom pink lip liner had been used to define the edges the soft shape of his lips, as they now appeared so much bigger inside the distinct sweetheart shape. With their seemingly enhanced surface area, the desired fullness effect was certainly achieved, but it was the fuchsia pink lip color a shade or two brighter than his dress, combined with a high gloss veneer that incredibly electrified them. Just a hint of a smirk showed off his teeth, looking so white under the bold lip which now began to become a side profile instead of a front view, as the platform continued its leisurely pirouette. The eye that had been slightly obstructed by his new princess hairdo began to fade even further under the delicate wing of the hairstyle more and more, as his line of sight slowly changed. In full view now was the sharp right side part, as he realized the front of the natural sheared bob had been swept across his forehead before eventually turning into a gentle flat curl near his cheekbone, and sitting in a rolled back in a wing just off his left eye. The long length then faded pinned behind his ear, giving the illusion of a pretty side bang just above his flirty curled lashes, so it took the slightest twists of his neck to keep his reflection fully in sight. Another few degrees of the platform's rotation and this was no longer an option, as he realized they were only seconds from completing the 180 degree spin towards whomever may have applauded him. He felt a nasty chill reverberate right down his spine now as he felt himself begin to tremble, feeling his curls and earrings shake while his body stood lifeless. As the slow deliberate turn of the platform finally had rotated enough to prohibit his mesmerized gaze off the reflective wall, all he could see was a pitch black wall until suddenly he was slightly blinded by an angled light into his face. He squinted, struggling to see anything before another white light joined it, forcing him to clos him to close his eyes even further before the lights switched off and everything went pitch black. A moment of serenity in total darkness was more of a millisecond though, as some music began to register in his brain once again and then the slow spin came to a stop. As if on command, goose bumps arose down his arms while his fingers instinctively pinched the boys' biceps and then a soft light seemed to creep down, engulfing his image. "Breathe, and remember to just march when we step off," said Lucas, flexing his bicep ever so gingerly to send a small jolt to Alex's fearful mind. "We'll do the rest, Alex." "Once again, everyone! Let's have a big round of applause for the beautiful Alexandra on her Sweet Sixteen!" yelled Charlie as series of house lights came on in unison with his final words. "Huuuugghhhhh!" gasped Alex, uttering the only sound he could muster, overcome with fright as his hands jolted off the boys arms and raced up to his face, with Lucas holding his place as they were giving him his moment. "Ready? Oh my gawwwdddd! Oh my gawwwdddd! Oh my gawwwdddd! Oh my gawwwdddd I can't believe it!" mumbled Alex, feeling ready to faint, looking out at all the faces. "Oh my gawd, this can't be happening. My parents! My family! All my friends and relatives!" "Ok, here we go Alex," said Bradley as they softly looped their arms inside his once again, and it was like he held on for the ride of his life as the music was instantly pumped up. "I'm coming...Out... I want the world to know!" The music blared as the disco theme timed perfectly in full gear now. "Want to let it show.... I'm coming......" Just stepping down an inch was like the first step of his life in baby shoes, as his knee barely bent before his heel clicked down, all wobbly. The monstrous dress easily concealed the minor misstep, and then by the second step he was being escorted across an empty dance floor lined by his friends and family to the thumping disco. "There's a new me coming out..." resounded from the speakers, as suddenly his legs were somehow moving under his dress as he looked straight ahead at every face, yet nothing really registered while the song went into full gear. He had just made as dramatic an entrance as any sweet sixteen could ask for, and if anyone was blind to the fact it was him that had underwent this fabulous extravagant birthday girl makeover, then their ears would tell the story. In every direction, he was instantly bordered by screaming and jumping women dressed up and coiffed, fronting the men, almost swooning over him as they cheered easily, drowning out the non-stop applause. He could not feel his feet touch the ground, walking as the boys led him past his family and then friends, making an entire circle past everyone not once, but twice, until they were once again back where they began and the music changed. Even as they paraded him more slowly after the first time, he struggled to gather each face as his emotions were a wreck from being revealed to the world as girl. In a matter of seconds, they had shown off the belle of the ball to each and every person in attendance, strolling him past them and then they escorted him towards the center of the room. The music changed now to more classic pop, as suddenly the boys began twisting him around. Lucas peeled off taking his hand while Bradley guided him by the elbow as he was suddenly being spun ever so delicately with his hand in the air. Having a tall boy grabbing his waistline to stop the twist, and then being handed back the other way for the second spin in reverse even as slow as he was spun was incredibly dizzying. He was like a deer in the headlights, stunned by every moment looking over his shoulder as he twisted, staring through his long curls, trying to make out the faces that seemed to be endlessly smiling and clapping for him. He had somehow placed himself in this unimaginable position of no control with nowhere to run or hide like never before in his life. Even if he could dash like the sprinter he was in high school, it would be impossible, being imprisoned in a ball room gown and skyscraper stilettos as he finished slowly spinning, completing his grand entrance as the stunning birthday girl. When they stopped under a huge disco ball with the multi-colored club lights swirling and reflecting off of it, the boys bowed to their princess before stepping back, leaving him standing there to continual applause. He had no idea what to do as he stood there befuddled, seeing tears flowing down his mother's face, and then a pink spot light shone down on him. "And for her first dance as a sweet sixteen with her dad, please welcome her father, Michael Alessio," said Charlie, holding out his hand and ushering in his father. "Michael, please join Alexandra Michelle at the center of the dance floor, and they'll be dancing to daddy's little girl." As embarrassed as he was about everything, it couldn't get much more worse than this, as his stocky, tough construction worker father walked towards him dressed in a suit and tie. On his lapel, Alex noticed the single pink rose that seemed perfectly coordinated with his dress, as he just stood there, not sure what to do. "It's ok, Alex," said his father, putting out his hand and taking Alex's. "You don't need to explain anything to me. I love you no matter what, and you look beautiful, Alexandra." All he could do was welcome the gesture from his normally rough, cold father and then as he looked up into his eyes, the crowd softly applauded again. When his other hand went around Alex's back, he had welcomed more than a handshake, as instead they embraced as he was suddenly awkwardly slow dancing with his father. He could feel himself fighting some inevitable emotions that had been trying to come out from the second he was lifted to the platform earlier, yet now his fear, anger and trauma turned him into a basket case. His entire life, he had never saw his father look at him like this before, and then he sniffled a few times, struggling to hold it back, as suddenly he was that little girl needing her daddy to comfort her. "Dad, I," Alex began, feeling his lips trembling as he just couldn't get the words out. "I.." "I know, Alexandra," said his father, smiling, and then rubbing his bare back, pulling him in. "I know, my beautiful girl." Alex could no longer fight back the tears, as he softly gasped and shivered, crying as his father pulled his head on top his shoulders. He had never been held his entire life like this by his normally aloof father, yet now he rested his head tightly against him, cuddling as they danced as father and daughter. Alex reached up to wipe one of his tears, truly adoring their tender moment, and then looked into his father's eyes, almost forgetting he was surrounded by guests, as this was an embrace he never expected to ever come in his life. He couldn't help but smile and then wipe his other tear before leaning in and kissing his father's cheek for the first time in his life and then saying. "I love you daddy." He could see his father twitch, and his eyes get glassy as he stared at the gloss stain he had made on his cheek, and then couldn't fight back the second wave of tears streaming from each eye. "I love you too, princess," said his father, squeezing his hand and then kissing his cheek as they slow danced together like they'd practiced all their life. Alex dipped his head back down to his shoulder, feeling a tingle and warmth he had longed for his entire life, wiping his tears against his father's suit as he snuggled in like a baby and continued to dance. For the next minute or so, it was like they were the only ones in the room, as he'd almost forgotten where they were or the years of anguish and tension between them as they slowly turned. It took until the final verses of the song before Alex could lift up his head again, looking into his father's eyes and when it finally ended, they hugged, seemingly frozen in time as he struggled to hold back his emotions, feeling one last tear stream down. "And that was absolutely beautiful! Alexandra and her father Michael, everyone," said Charlie, applauding for a moment. "We'll take a very short break from the dancing now so everyone can soak up those tears of joy, then we'd like everyone to join her on the dance floor once our lovely sweet sixteen has a moment to powder her nose. Congratulations again, Alexandra." "Oh that was so beautiful. I've never been so happy!" squealed his mother, racing in and almost breaking his spine hugging him the moment their dance ended, and then letting him go, holding his hands, looking at him. "Oh my gawwd, don't do this to me, Alexandra." "Don't do this to you?" Alex struggled with the way she seemed to be inspecting every inch of him as she reached down, fluffing a few of the ruffles on his dress while he wiped at his left eye. "What about me, and please still call me Alex, mom?" "Oh come on. Allow me to just help you to feel special tonight, my gorgeous princess. Alexandra is such a beautiful name, and it just seems so natural for you," said his mother, shaking her head, squeezing his hands. "I just can't believe it's you all made up like this, and that dress. Oh my gawwwd it's stunning on you! You're stunning!" "Please, mom," said Alex, looking down and turning red. "Please just don't embarrass me more than all of this already has." "Oh stop it, and I'm in love with your hair like that. What an amazing job they did on it," said his mother, reaching up and moving around a few curls. "Just be careful when you rest your head on anyone's shoulder not to flatten your curls. Turn away from the sweep." "Uumm ok." Feeling weird that his mother was fussing with him like this and stepping back a little. "Sorry, Alexandra. That means turn to the other side that they're pinned away from," nodded his mother, stepping right back in and moving one more curl. "Sorry, maybe I'm just too nervous. You're just so beautiful... I can hardly..." "Please, mom," said Alex, turning his head. "Sorry," said his mother. "It's just waiting for this day to come, and seeing you like this, has been tough enough. We all love you so much, sweetheart." "Mom, what does that mean?" Alex shook his head a bit, taken aback. "Oh nothing," said his mother, flicking her wrist. "Now, also just be careful with your tiara, and avoid shaking your head like that if you don't need to. Did you feel any movement from it when you were dancing?" "Well no, and I don't think so," said Alex, feeling a bit subconscious, reaching up touching it, all confused now. "Should I, and you didn't answer my question, mom?" "Hopefully not, if they put it in properly," said his mother, twisting him around a bit and looking. "I'm sure they must of, but you never know? I know it's very heavy dear, and I love how they weaved in those little braids to help keep it from shifting. That's both brilliant and pretty on you. Did you notice how many pins they used, and I'm assume they must have used some strong combs as well?" "How many pins?" asked Alex, getting weirded out by his mother inspecting his head. "A lot from what I saw, but you're asking me this stuff like I'm really a girl, and now please answer my question, mom! You knew about this?" "You mean I'm not looking at a girl?" whispered his mother, rubbing his shoulder and then opening a little makeup bag, taking out a compact. "Could of fooled me, Alexandra Michelle, and just be still one moment please. Good thing everything is water proof?" "Ok, you can call me Alexandra tonight but...." said Alex, looking at her getting huffy as she powdered under his eyes and then pushed her finger to his lips. "Sssddhhhh! I know it's a lot of pressure being the girl everyone stares at on her special day sweetheart, but trust me, the last thing I'm going to do is fight with my pretty daughter on her birthday," smiled his mother, checking his makeup before leaning in and giving him a big hug and then letting go. "Now please just allow me to enjoy being the mother of the most beautiful girl in the room for the first time in my life, because I had to wait sixteen years for a daughter, so I'm going to enjoy every damn second of it." "Ok, but just tell me. I need to know," said Alex taking her hand softly and looking at her. "Were you were involved in planning this too, or was this..?" "Hey, enough with the water works," said Kayla, interrupting and grabbing his hand and then leaning in, air kissing each of his cheeks. "Muh. Muh. I love you so much, and I know this is about you, but did you forget me, already?" "Seriously?" Alex stared at her and lifted the ends of his dress. "Forget you? I want to..." "Kiss me?" winked Kayla with a smirk, softly pecking a kiss. "Feel better, and so how do I look?" She was in a pale pink, short flaring strapless dress similar in shape to his, before the huge ball skirt was attached. It was absent of all the bling like his bodice, yet your eye sight would instantly be drawn to her big boobs in the sweetheart shaped top. At the mid- section, a fuchsia sash and matching fuchsia pink stilettos were perfectly coordinated to accent him. Her long blonde hair was now pulled back off her face from temple to temple in a soft bump on top before the rest hung in the same gorgeous big curls down her back. Her makeup still looked flawless, featuring big lashes and basic pink shadows. Of course he was now much more made up than she was, except they seemed to be in the same lip bold color, yet his was finished off to glisten in a high gloss while hers sat in a matte finish. "Gorgeous as always," sighed Alex, staring at her for a moment. "But...." "But nothing! Now come on," said Kayla, squeezing his hand and winking at his mother this time. "You're so freaking stunning in this, it's absolutely ridiculous, and this is a party you know." "Kayla, I'm going to...." moaned Alex, as she yanked him mid- sentence. "Thank me, later," joked Kayla, leading him by the hand. "Fine! Because right now you are fucking partying, bitch!" "You really are fucking nuts," Alex said as she pulled him right to the middle of the dance floor and looked over at Charlie, giving him a wink. "Yup, and I'm probably nuts enough for the both of us," teased Kayla, leaning in softly kissing him on the lips and hugging him so tight. "Now you dance your ass off, and maybe if you do you'll get to use those nuts of yours later, birthday girl, because right now I want you to just relax, have fun and party your ass off like you damn well never had any." "Like I have a...." Alex starred to say, as suddenly he was joined by what seemed like a sea of pale pink, as half dozen girls mugged him with Kayla in a group hug. "We love you," yelled one of the girls. "You fucking rock, Alex," screamed another. Once they gave him an inch of space, he realized it was all the girls from school he was close with, and then suddenly the music began blaring. The twins, Mindy and Cindy, Brittany from Chem class, Mandy that he ran with, and Susanna from homeroom, plus his cousins Alanna and Francesca, were all dressed as Kayla was, and suddenly he was surrounded by them, all clapping. He really wasn't sure what to do, and then in jumped Kayla, lifting his arms into the air. In the blink of an eye, he was dancing in the middle of everyone, partying as the girls all took turns jumping into the center with him to show off their moves. In no time, he realized he was surrounded by all his family and friends, as the party really got going and the dancers jumped in. Being led around or gently turned by the two boys was one thing, but now he was suddenly thrust into being the girl in the midst of their choreographed routine. Spun quickly one way and then dipped back another, it was rapid and dizzying like nothing he'd ever done as a boy, until his dance lessons kicked in. With little experience on a dance floor before this weekend, he was usually one of the kids playing video games sitting out the hoopla at the few weddings he'd been to or the seldom family event. Instead now he was being tossed around in a dress and shoes he could barely believe he was walking in, as the 'girl' that everyone was watching her every step. He was almost dizzy by the third song, yet somehow he handled it pretty well, popping and locking, whipping and doing the Nae Nae and roly poly-ing before arm swinging. All his walk back, sassy moves and hip hop training would not be wasted, as the other girls pushed him to follow their moves. By the fourth, he thrust into a group line dance, turning and twisting like every girl there, before becoming totally confused when Lucas dropped a chair behind him, and Bradley lifted him into it. "Guys?" yelped Alex, caught off guard as they began lifting his chair. "Guyyysss?" "Up you go, princess," said Bradley as they lifted him up above their head. "Hands up, and woop it up, Alexandra," said Lucas. "Woop it?" Alex asked. "Push up while they carry you to the song, silly," said Kayla, pushing her hands to the ceiling up and down. "Oh great," smiled Alex sarcastically, as in no time he was wooping it up. He was the now the wild prima donna, being carried high in the air, dancing with her hands up in the air, as in no time he had gone from princess to queen as they carried him like they worshiped him. Worshiped he was by everyone, seemingly for this brave act of revealing to the world he was now coming into his own as the beautiful Alexandra. Twenty minutes now of hot dancing and a few of being carried, all seemed like it had to be a dream, but when they dropped his chair back down and his pumps touched back down on the floor, he stood straightening his almost buckling ankles in the huge dress, reminded it wasn't. After two more fast dances, people finally started heading back to their seats, and then he was happy to hear Charlie's voice as the music stopped. "Ok great job everyone, and she is some dancer, this gorgeous Alexandra," said Charlie, clapping. "We'll take a short break so you can enjoy your appetizers now, and our birthday girl can make her rounds. We'll see everyone back out here shortly." Alex wasn't too sure what that meant, but was happy to get a break from dancing, as he followed the girls off the dance floor, seeing his mother looking like she was awaiting him. She was looking at him with a smile on her face he had seldom seen for a long time, and then as he began to sit for a breather, she grasped his arm to stop him. "Honey, not that I wouldn't love to sit with you and talk, but you sit over there Alexandra," said his mother, pointing to the front of the room and the long table. "Your chair is the only in the middle in case you didn't know under the pink balloon letters that spell out A- L-E-X-A-N-D-R-A." "Oh," said Alex, seeing the big chair and balloons as she wasted no time again patting his forehead quickly. "With all the girls with the same dresses as Kayla..... Got it." "Yup, that's your table, silly," said Kayla, taking his hand and swinging it. "All your besties that wear the same thing to symbolize well... kind of like we're your team, and the sweet sixteen is the QB if that helps." "But the QB wears the same uniform?" said Alex, thinking and getting a brainstorm. "But in soccer, the goalie is in something different?" "Better! See we're getting it now," smiled Kayla, leaning in and giving him a kiss. "I know a little soccer. Everyone in the same outfits except the goalie in bright colors to stand out, just like our birthday girl." "Got it, same uniform... I mean outfit," said Alex, pointing to his head. "Different helmet?" "Yeah, kinda like that, and I'm guess glad you noticed after how much they puffed this up for you," laughed Kayla, touching his hair. "I'll give you a moment with your family, because you might want to acknowledge a few things you kind of should already? See you over there in bit." "Oh like you never did answer my questions, mother?" Alex said, turning towards his mother and folding his arms. "I do not think that's what she meant, my lovely older daughter," said his mother, shaking her head and throwing up her hands. "And I'm not complaining, because I love your hair, but maybe you picked the wrong one of you two to go blonde?" "You lost me, mom?" said Alex, as Kayla giggled, shrugging her shoulder as she walked off. "Oh thank gawwwwddd... you're so pretty," said his mother, rolling her eyes and hitting her forehead. "Now maybe just think about that while you go say thank you to all your family and friends for wanting to share your sweet sixteen with you. Then come back and we'll talk." "But mom, you keep avoiding this?" said Alex, pushing. "What does it matter anymore? I just want to know?" "Ever seen your father in that suit before?" smiled his mother. "Ahhhh? No?" sighed Alex, thinking. "Wait, yes for a funeral?" "Does this look like a funeral?" said his mother, with a stern face. "Sorry, forget I said that." "Good, because I'm pretty sure I had a heart attack and died like three times already today," joked Alex. "Do not even joke like that," lectured his mother. "Now you think a party like this happens overnight and is cheap?" "So then you planned for this to be like this?" asked Alex. "You planed on me being mortified? To be embarrassed as a gi--." "Stop that right now, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about," interrupted his mother. "Sure, we wanted you to be surprised and both Kayla and I planned a birthday party for you for a long time now, but truthfully never this. At first it was a little party, and then we decided to get a hall and then thought you deserved something really special. That little party at the house just changed and morphed, but so did you and for a long time now. Kayla and I talk all the time you know." "Mom, I know that but...." Alex said. "Look at me?" "I can't stop looking at you and neither can anyone else here," said his mother softly touching his face. "You're the most beautiful sweet sixteen I've ever seen, and I don't think anyone is talking about anything other than having a good time or how jealous they are about how pretty your dress is. Believe me Alexandra, you're a hit." "A big time hit," said a voice, walking up next to their mother. "Girls, are you already trying to figure out how they could possibly top this for their parties?" "Squirt!" said Alex, swallowing hard and holding his chest. "Is that you?" "Hi, Alexandra." His little brother waved. There was Ronnie dressed in the little girl's version of the pink dais dress. Instead of being off the shoulder with a sexy sweetheart shaped bodice, it had a high neckline and a fitted sleeveless body. The dress of course wasn't short like the teenagers, yet still had the same crinoline skirt that instead fell past his knee. With white tights and little fuchsia ankle strap 1 inch pumps, he was made to feel a bit like a big girl in kitten heels that he confidently stood in. Like every other girl, he had his nails done in a soft pink color, except his had rounded tips just a touch off his natural finger nails, and a few added pink gem stones on each index finger to dress them up. With a coral pink gloss on his lips, soft pinks on his lids and cheeks and curled coated lashes framing his crystal blue eyes, his soft boyish features were easily transformed. His natural golden blonde hair, already shoulder length, now sat no longer messy and stringy on his collar bone, instead it was supplemented with rows of extensions half way down his back in golden ringlets. Pulled back off his face, a few ringlets hung in front of each ear that was now pierced with a pink sapphire, and a delicate pink bow with a large pink sapphire in its middle finished off his precious look. "Holy crap, mom," said Alex stunned. "Why would you do that to him?" "She didn't force me. I wanted to be like you, Alex," said Ronnie. "All mommy said is I should get some curls like you." "I don't believe it," said Alex still shocked. "I saw you a few times and didn't even know it was you?" "I think that's a good thing, because I don't think I looked that pretty before today," smiled Ronnie, with his hands folded, swinging his dress. "It took some work, but I have been practicing, so I wouldn't disappoint you?" "Disappoint me?" asked Alex, feeling his heart drop. "You kidding, he's been practicing all week, and asked a million questions trying to learn how to be the perfect little sister," said his mother, rubbing Ronnie's back softly. "The kid has been unbelievable." "Yup, a huge trooper! Right honey?" said Kayla, putting in her two cents. "This pretty little one has been practicing diligently for a week so he could handle these little heels, and I still wish I had his patience, as I think I tried about six or seven hairdos on him, experimenting on three different occasions this week while you were out doing whatever you were up to?" "Oh yeah, well it was a busy week after school you know....Wait, was he the little girl in the salon today?" said Alex, turning towards Kayla. "I thought something seemed familiar." "When I kind of stepped in your way? Yeah," smiled Kayla. "He was under one dryer, and your mother was only a few away. You were supposed to stay on your side of the salon." "Unbelievable! I can't believe you did all this for me, squirt?" said Alex, taking his hand. "Your hair is amazing. Look at your nails. You got tips." "Yup, and they do feel weird, but I'm glad they found the right pretty hairdo for me, and I did this," said Ronnie, pressing his nails. "I wanted you to be comfortable and not feel alone, since you might be pretty nervous dressed up so pretty around everyone that loves you." "Please don't make me cry again." Alex leaned down and hugged his little brother. "Ok, but I look pretty, right?" Ronnie asked, while being hugged. "Mom says I do, and that's a good thing?" "Oh my gawwddd," Alex said as tears flowed again as he hugged and kissed. "Even I'm happy all this stuff is water proof now. I love you so much Ronnie, and I think you're the prettiest little girl I've ever seen." "Oh girls, you're killing me," said his mother, as a tear rolled down her cheek now. "Please, how about a hug for your mother since with the exception of Kayla, I did all the hard work here, and I'd like a tear shed my way." "Fine," Alex smirked, with almost continual tears sliding down his face now as he leaned in, hugging his mother and brother together. "I love both of you so much, girls," said their mother. "Oh, I hope my tear ducts are empty now," replied Alex, putting up his hand as Kayla swooped in, grabbing it, using a tissue. "Me too," smiled Kayla, wiping his eyes as he sucked up any mucus. "But even waterproof we could use a little freshening up. Pretty girl, you want to come too." "Yes please, I do have to pee now," said Ronnie, cracking them up as Kayla took his hand and then they headed towards the bathroom. She locked the door behind them, helping Ronnie into the stall and pulling his dress out of the way while he dropped down his panties to pee. "I'm ok, and I think I need a little privacy," said Ronnie. "Of course," nodded Kayla. "I have to go help your sister a little too with her face, and you call me when you need me, ok?" "I'll need a few minutes," said Ronnie, letting loose a small fart. "Sorry." "It's ok, sweetie," giggled Kayla, fanning her nose. "So will she." Alex was doing his best holding in his laughter as Kayla came out giggling and softly punched him. When the laughs subsided, Alex couldn't prevent himself from putting his arms around her, looking into her eyes and then pressing down his lips against hers. They kissed for a minute before being interrupted by the next round of Ronnie's gaseous explosions, pausing their tongues from rolling inside each other's mouths as their lips broke momentarily, cracking up. It was the most relaxed Alex had been for the night, having a touch of privacy with his girlfriend as they went right back to work enjoying each other tonsils. When finally a few rounds of flushing was complete and they heard Ronnie pop off the bowl, Kayla patted his chest and pushed back to check on the little guy. "You need me to come in, honey," Kayla asked, knocking on the stall. "Yes, please," said Ronnie, unlocking it. "I got up my panties, but theses stockings are another thing." "Oh my gawd, you're so adorable and mind your nails, honey," said Kayla, as she had to cover her giggle as she went in helping him pull his hose back into place. "You're already all twisted." Once she straightened his stockings and straightened his dress, out they came as she brought him over to the vanity and picked him up to sit on the counter. She was in full makeup repair, touching up under Alex's eyes and shining up his cheeks with a shimmery blush before turning and smiling as she softly brushed just a touch onto Ronnie's. "Oh, thank you'. said Ronnie, twisting his face in the mirror. "Oh, I could just eat you up," teased Kayla, brushing at his nose with the big soft powder brush and then unscrewing the mascara, dipping the brush in and out. "Here, just a touch though honey, on those pretty blue eyes." He smiled as she gently coated his lashes just a bit and then concentrated on Alex and then herself, recoating them. She slowed down the pace with a lip brush, repainting Alex and then herself before glossing him up and then reaching around, dropping Ronnie to the floor. "Oh ladies. We're about party again," said Alex, unscrewing a little pink applicator and turning, touching Ronnie's lips. "Go run to mommy, and we'll be right there, princess. Your sister needs another minute." "Ok, and thank you," Ronnie said as she unlocked the door, heading out. "And thanks for including me on the dais, sis. I feel special now too." "Damn weird, as all this is...what a good thing you did here, Kayla," said Alex, taking a breath, feeling it a little. "Hey toughen up, and we've got a party to return to. I can't fix you up all night," teased Kayla, squeezing his hand briefly before stuffing away all the makeup. "Now come on, let's set that face again. Close your eyes, and don't you dare shed a tear, girlfriend. You're the big sister, so act it." "Yes, ma'am," smiled Alex as she misted his face. "Jeez, that sounds too crazy." "Only thing crazy are a few wild curls, so stop fidgeting," joked Kayla, spraying his hair. "Stop, you know what I meant," said Alex, stopping her from spraying and leaning in to kiss her, but she turned away. "And you know what I meant that we better get back out there," said Kayla, looking at him and then leaning in, spraying and moving a few curls. "Plus, I'm hoping we did more than one good thing tonight, Alex." "Oh yeah, my dad," said Alex, looking down at the floor while being soaked in hairspray. "Well yeah, that and so much more Alex," said Kayla putting away the hairspray. "But we'll talk more about that later. Come on, people want to see Alexandra." Kayla threw open the door and he followed her out, immediately being engaged in embraces and conversation. He was being hugged and almost mugged, adored by family and friends, taking pictures with more people than ever in his life. He was posed with his relatives, classmates and just above everyone by the professional photographer, and for just about every camera phone in the place. With the conversations centered mostly around how beautiful he looked or how wonderful the party was, it became routine, air kissing cheeks and endlessly flicking his wrist, smiling. There was little to do but politely engage like he was a debutante, being handed envelopes and thanking people for sharing this day. He was mostly being asked questions about how he picked his dress or hair style that Kayla helped him to answer, as people seemed to mostly avoid any more personal questions, although casually some were slipped in. Thank goodness for Kayla though by his side, as she was like his personal assistant, body guard and slave all rolled into one. With her carrying his purse, a bag full of his cards that he'd hand off to her and wiping any stray lipstick from his face that found its way to him during greetings, she was the buffer he needed to be able to handle the attention. She casually interrupted here and there when conversations would stray to sensitive areas, deflecting any questions that could lead to any discussions the wrong way. He smiled silently through a few stray comments in the background that sometime felt a bit hurtful, "like it's about time", "should have done this years earlier" or even "watch your boyfriend around her." She helped him avoid any gossip that she wanted him to be no part of, so he could just be happy and enjoy being the birthday girl. When finally he thought he had greeted everyone and would be given a break, he was grabbed by the professional photographer to take family shots with his parents and Ronnie, and then the entire dais. It was exhausting at this point as they placed him in the middle, flanked by dais girls at both sides in poses with attitude, blowing kisses and as the center of attention, taking endless shots as they kept moving them to all different locations around the room. Next came shots with his dancers, posing him like a diva, having the boys picking him up and then holding him leaning in, holding their lips on his cheeks. Being softly smooched on the cheeks was bad enough by people he really didn't know, but then it caught him completely off guard, as half the boys from his class jumped in too to copy the shot, turning his stomach in knots. Just seeing Kayla get a kick out of his angst made it even worse, as finally just when he thought he was done being the model, more people came up engaging in conversation. After another twenty minutes of smiling and gabbing, he was at the point he almost couldn't remember if he'd spoke to them already or not, hoping he'd finally made the rounds as the queen of room. He was pretty sure he'd hugged and kissed everyone he saw from every table, dying to sit for a minute, his cheeks hurt more than his feet. "Come on, birthday girl," said Kayla, noticing him zoning out during some chats. "Let's go sit for a few before you keep saying yes to things you might regret when you wake up tomorrow." "Oh crap," said Alex, as they started walking off. "Did I do that tonight?" "I'm not exactly sure, myself," smirked Kayla. "But you might have just agreed to become your Aunt Gertrude's neighbors' prom date, and what I am sure you did say yes to is attending your little cousin Kirssy's princess party in January as Belle." "Wait?" Alex was shocked. "No way?" "I wouldn't worry about it," giggled Kayla, pulling him along across the room. "Is it dinner yet?" asked Alex, starving. "I didn't get any of the appetizers." "No, not yet, but you missed more than appetizers. You just talked through the next two courses and didn't you notice everyone eating pasta and salads when you were walking around?" Kayla shook her ,leading him towards the dais. "Come on. Let's just get you a little break off your feet, and before you know it, dinner will be served." "Ok," nodded Alex, following along. When he finally got to sit at the head of his dais, the girls helped puff out his big dress just so he could sit down. It was weird hearing some speeches and toasts from his parents about things in his life that he'd done as a boy, yet now seemed so gender neutral as they described them. Doing some good deeds and charitable work, laughing and enjoying school and sports with friends and relishing wonderful family time were all things they reminded him and everyone, were all about the delightful person he was inside. It was a day where his heart never felt so warm, even though it was nothing he could have dreamed he'd want any part of, yet here it was and then happily the speeches ended quickly before his emotions could overtake him again. He looked out at everyone seemingly enjoying this unimaginable night as they sat at their tables laughing and talking. It was impossible not to see so many staring back at him with smiles on their faces, raising an occasional glass his way as he sat, just taking it all in for a moment. "You ok?" asked Kayla, tapping his wrist. "Oh yeah," nodded Alex, fumbling with the pink linen napkin. "Just getting a mental break." "Good, because you're going to need to summon your second wind now," said Kayla, motioning toward Charlie, walking to the middle of the dance floor. "You know this party's only like half over." "And now it's time we pick up this party again everyone," said Charlie. "Alexandra, ladies, please join me at the center of the room." "Sure, why not? What's the difference at this point?" smiled Alex, tossing the napkin down. "Everyone thinks I'm this sexy birthday girl.... So what the hell, it's not like I could fight it... I guess I am." "Sexy Huhh?" Kayla twisted her neck and softly tookg his arm. "Is that how you're feeling now?" "Oh, bad word," Alex said as the girls helped him stand up in the big dress. "Maybe I should have said.." "No, you're definitely sexy, and about to get even sexier out there. I'm just so happy to hear you say it! Be proud and confident, and I'd say your timing is perfect for your next performance," interrupted Kayla, grinning and then flexing her brows, smiling at him. "I told you before, this is a, so it's about time we unleash the wild party girl. Ready ladies?" "Performance?" gulped Alex as she took him by the hand. "Kayla, what does that mean? No more surprises. I just can't handle it." "Oh stop. Don't such a drama queen," said Kayla, as they all walked out there together. As she dragged him to the dance floor, the disco again started thumping as the light show began. This time he was surrounded by all the girls in the dais, and then they formed a tight circle around him and Kayla at the center of the floor. "Kayla, I know you're up to something," said Alex, as she walked behind him inside the circle as he felt her fingers just beneath the laces of his dress's bodice near the bottom of his spine. "Oh stop, and be still. This is delicate shit," said Kayla, as he felt her near his left hip and then the right one. "Lift for me and get ready to pull it, Ronnie." "When did he sneak in here?" said Alex, looking down, seeing his little brother inside as Kayla came in front of him now. "We rehearsed this, and I'm short," said Ronnie, then the lights went out and it was pitch black as he felt something on his left leg. "Woah? Kayla?" said Alex, startled by her touch. "It's just me, and just go with me, girl," said Kayla, lifting his right leg now and then she moved his left hand to his hip. "Do it now Ronnie, and right hand in the air all the way up, Alex. Just let me twist you a second, sexy girl, but do not move until you hear Charlie announce you walk towards the boys and then you work it, girl." "Really?" snarled Alex, knowing he was in for another bout with the dancers. "Really," answered Kayla with a giggle from behind, as she unsnapped the two barrette combs, releasing his hair's side sweep and tossing some curls on his other shoulder now. He felt a distinct breeze he hadn't felt all evening, like the air whisked up under his panties, as suddenly the lights snapped on full blast. He looked up, feeling like he was standing like the statue of liberty as the girls parted the circle, marching away and then looked out at people rising from their seats. Whistles and cat callswere instantly louder than the music, and then he realized gone was his big ball room gown that had covered his legs. He was just that quickly back in the short dress that had been hidden beneath, posing like the sexiest diva with his hand on one hip and the other in the air pointed towards the disco ball. "Once again, everyone," yelled Charlie. "Our birthday girl, Alexandra. Is she sizzling or what?" As he looked forward, he could see the dancers waving him towards them as he stood frozen, not exactly sure what to do. "Work it, Alex," yelled Kayla, wiggling her hips. "Do it, girl," screamed another from the crowd, and then another. "Oh yeah bitch, you go girl." He knew then he couldn't just stand there all day with his weight leaning towards the right hip, and then dropped down his arm. When he swung that first leg forward, his legs looked endless in the short skirt and platform stilettos as he walked with his hand on his hip, swinging the other towards the other side of the dance floor. He had to admit he had never felt sexier, working it across the room as the spotlight followed his every wiggle until he was grabbed by the dancers. Passed back and forth like a top they lifted and spun him like he was a rag doll and like they were on skates, twisting and turning so quickly under the disco ball. Rolling his head back, his tiara never wavered as they dipped him, sliding their hands over his body in a seductive series of choreographed moves as the girls screamed watching him. It was like a rush of water that couldn't be stopped, with their breath near his neck and then finally they lifted him back to his heels as he could feel himself perspiring. "Oh my gawwddd Alex," screamed Kayla, fanning herself as all the girls rushed in. "Where did that come from?" "You kidding," said Mindy, looking at Lucas. "I think I need a shower from just watching that." "Thank you, ladies," smiled Lucas. "We aim to please, and let's get rolling now dancing." Up in the air went Alex's arms inside Bradley's hands now, as ready or not the party went into full club mode now. He was the girl in the middle of all her friends dancing in her short dress and sexy shoes with the hired help. They did take turns dancing with the group and a lot of the guests, but always their concentration returned to boogie with Alex, making sure he wasn't without a man dancing with him for very long. By the third or fourth song, he was used to a bit of bumping and mild grinding with the dancers, as all the girls took turns enjoying dancing with their hard bodies and guys with such skill. Alex danced with cousins, kids from school and even his mother, not getting a break and then the music transitioned from Ariana Grande's voice singing a fast pop song to the dj mixing it, transitioning into a slow song. He wasn't sure if this would be another song with his dad, or even a dancer, and then Kayla stepped in, seeing his angst. "Hey, my birthday beauty," smiled Kayla, taking his waist and pushing his wrist around her neck. "They're playing your song, and I thought I'd share it with my girl." "Really, Beauty and the beast?" smiled Alex, shaking his head, hearing the slow song, looping his wrists and looking into her eyes. "Don't worry, you're still Belle in this dance," Kayla said before leaning in for a quick kiss. "And looks like you're having some fun this evening, sexy girl?" "Don't you ever let down, even for a second." Alex was happy to be slow dancing with her, as couples were dancing everywhere around them. "Not really," replied Kayla with a big grin as they slowly danced, before ending her sentence with a wink. "But you know that about me already, don't you sexy girl?" "Look around?" joked Alex. "Ya think?" "Well, since you brought it up? So what are you thinking?" Kayla asked, looking into his eyes. "I kind of really need to know?" "About possibly crying again, because my toes are crushed," joked Alex. "Stop, that's not what I'm asking," said Kayla, looking down for a second, playing with his curls a little as they danced. "Oh you mean about all this?" said Alex, realizing she was dead serious now. "Uhhhhuuhh," nodded Kayla. "Well, I'm not mad," said Alex softly. "I love you and well..." "I'm glad, but i'm asking about more than that, Alex," said Kayla, stopping as her eyes rolled up to the left. "Hey you know what... now's not the time. Forget I brought that up." "Ok but..." Alex felt a hand touch his shoulder. "Sorry, but do you mind if I cut in, Kayla," said a boy. "Sure, glad you made it, Tony," smiled Kayla, stepping back. "We'll talk more later, Alex. You two have a nice dance." "Tony?" said Alex, surprised again. "I didn't even know you were here. I thought I saw everyone." "I'm really sorry, Alex," said Tony, taking him around the waist and getting in position to dance. "My boss was being an asshole and wouldn't let me off work early." "It's ok?" I didn't even know you were coming? But I guess you're here now? What a nice uumm surprise?" said Alex nervously. "But you didn't miss much." "I'm not so sure about that," said Tony. "But really I didn't miss anything, because I saw your grand entrance on facebook live. Very impressive." "Seriously? Facebook live?" snarled Alex. "Fantastic?" "The look on your face was priceless," smiled Tony. "Really don't take this the wrong way, but I didn't even know Alex was short for Alexandra until then?" "Well, you weren't the only one," said Alex, rolling his eyes. "Why? It's such a pretty name, like it's beholder," said Tony, softly rubbing his back. "Really, I just thought it was more like Alexa or Alexis or whatever trendy shit is out there, but I like Alexandra better. But please, I can't apologize enough for being so late, but I didn't even know about this party until this morning." "It's fine," said Alex. "I've been kind of busy." "I bet, but just not so busy that the beautiful princess shouldn't be swept off her feet," said Tony, moving Alex's wrist's from around his back on his shoulders, pretending like he would dip him "It's ok. These dancers have swept me every which way you can imagine tonight, and you've already carried me once, but I'm sober tonight," smiled Alex, at his silliness. "Plus, the princess dumped her ball gown already, and is perfectly fine with her feet on the ground, thank you." "Ok, then then we won't worry about the princess anymore tonight," smiled Tony, moving his face closer. "Because the only reason I quit my job and came here was to kiss the gorgeous birthday girl." "Oh thanks," said Alex, as Tony pecked his check. "Wait, you quit you job?" "Yup," nodded Tony. "And I'm sorry again. I should have quit even earlier and not missed a second." "You can't be serious?" replied Alex, taken a back. "You're saying you quit you job for me?" "Yes, to be with you on your special day," said Tony. "That is what boyfriend's really should do for his girlfriend's sweet sixteen right?" "Well, boyfriend's yeah?" said Alex miffed. "I guess, but.." "But you don't need to say a thing, and just let me make it up to you." Tony put his finger on Alex's lips and then pulled it gently away as he leaned in. "Happy birthday, Alexandra." As much as he wanted to pull away, he was caught in the moment as Tony's lips pressed down on his. His eye instinctively closed for a second, somehow feeling the tingle of being kissed as a princess, like they were out under the moonlight again instead of in a fancy banquet hall, feeling this flash of romance sail though body. His wrists tightened, hanging on and his left heel lifted off the ground, bending back from the squeeze. There was no tongue and no swishing of their lips, but that didn't stop his body from being covered in goosebumps. He was gazing into Tony's eyes, dumbfounded, like they were the only people in the room, when instead he just kissed a boy in the middle of dozens of couples slow dancing. One part told him to lean back in and kiss him again, yet he caught himself, shaking off the inner diva, thinking what the hell was he doing. It was all an instant blur as he wasn't sure if this was two seconds or two minutes of kissing, as he tried to return to slow dancing and not make a scene. Like his head was on a swivel, he looked around, noticing no one was staring, but instantly felt completely uncomfortable as he wanted no part of this at all. "Wow Alexandra," smiled Tony, leaning in closer again, and then he pushed back, growing stiff. "You're so.." "I'm sorry this time," nodded Alex, turning his face, avoiding him. "I appreciate the birthday wishes, but this just isn't the place." "Sorry, my bad," nodded Tony. "I was just dying to see you, and I realize your father might not appreciate some strange boy making out with his daughter in front of everyone." "Thanks for understanding," said Alex, relaxing a bit and then panicking. "But you didn't see him looking at us, did you?" "No, I could see him when we spun, never looking our way, but I noticed your little sister out of the corner of my eye with your mother, talking to Kayla," said Tony. "I don't think they saw, but your sister might have." "Why don't you go mingle a little?" said Alex, leaning in and kissing his cheek. "I'll catch up with you later." Alex walked over nonchalantly, with his mother and Kayla gossiping and talking celebrity styles. There was no talk about Tony or boys, instead the only conversation turned towards Alex was how well he danced in his shoes, and then his mother took to checking his face, telling him to touch up his lips. Was that subtle or circumstance he wondered, doing as he was told without assistance, opening the mirror and re-greasing his lips. Kayla mentioned nothing and offered no help, instead focused on double and triple checking a series of index card before handing them to him. "Ok, you of course don't have to read these exactly, but your mom and I did the best we could," said Kayla, handing him the small stack. "You've got like five minutes before the candle cermony if you want to change it up, but otherwise use your own words, and I'm sure you'll do beautifully." "You're kidding? I'm doing candles?" said Alex. "I've only seen this done once at your party." "Which was nothing like this? I wish I could have afforded this place," said Kayla, rolling her eyes. "Now I'll help you having the big candle lit to use to light each one, but whatever you do, be careful." "Ok, yes I light them with the people I call up, right?" asked Alex, reading as quickly as he could. "Yes, and be careful means you have acrylic nails and enough hair spray on you head to burn down the resort," joked Kayla, pulling his hair off his shoulder onto his back. "Lean over and light on the side where most of your curls are not, and keep your nails way back from the flames." "Who puts all this fire around girls with all this stuff?" moaned Alex. "Probably stupid men who love to see us struggle," smiled Kayla, walking away. "Now walk over behind the candles, and I'll have Charlie bring you the microphone. Hopefully you're not too distracted that you'll burn yourself now that your boyfriend finally showed up." Alex really wasn't sure what that meant, but she returned, standing next to him momentarily with Charlie without saying a word. He was as nervous having to perform the candle ceremony as he was almost anything else at first, but then calmed down, reading off each card. Thanking his parents and brother individually was heartwarming, and just like before he could barely contain the water works, especially with his mother. Next came the dais, family, friends and a number of different school groups, and then as he got near the end, he noticed there was no individual card for Kayla. He thought quickly, combining some aunts and uncles and then the last card finally represented a surprise for Kayla, instead her nailing him with one. She cried worse than a baby when he spoke from the heart about what she meant to him, and there was barely a dry eye in the house when he finished. It was weird hearing some say Alex and others say Alexandra as they sung happy birthday but that was nothing compared to the rest of the evening, as he then cut the big cake with his family and Kayla. With less than an hour left, he pulled Kayla right out to the floor this time when the music began as they danced and partied their asses off without a worry in the world, like two wild party girls. Fast dancing with everyone in a big crowd and even Tony a little, Alex weaved and bopped through the crowd, boogieing like never in his life. Hugging and kissing people good bye were the only interruptions, as the night wound down and then when the last song came on, he sought out his mother. Slow dancing with her and then waving over his brother and eventually his father, they danced together as a big family as the music came to a close. When the music stopped and everyone filed out, it was over and he had made it through the night as a birthday girl. In a way it was overwhelming as he hugged and kissed so many goodnight, with no one worried anymore more about preserving their lipstick or having to fix themselves up again, exhausted. Every squeeze was heartfelt, and every kiss seemed so warm as Alex had thrown everything he had out there and been oddly accepted as Alexandra. He wasn't worried at this moment about how he'd undo all this, but that thought raced in and out of his mind the entire night, without a solution in sight anyway. When Tony's turn to exit came in the long line of goodbyes, he understood Alex's angst, squeezing his hand and pecking a kiss on his lips with a wink as he walked out quietly, making sure not to cause a scene while whispering he'd call Alex tomorrow. Hugging the girls in the dais goodbye took the last bit of emotion, as everything had come to an end as he noticed the workers buzzing around cleaning up and taking down all the decorations. Just that fast it was all behind him, and then finally Kayla took his hand, swinging it like a school girls before staring into his eyes, giving him a look. "I think somebody had a really good time?" smiled Kayla, interlocking their fingers. "Better than she expected?"