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Tattletale Tail By Jena Corso Edited By Angela Meyers Chapter Two "What kind of girl am I?" gulped Todd. "Yup?" nodded Annalise. "That's the question, princess?" "Petrified. Todd sighed, seeing all the young girls giggling and hugging each other at the bottom of the stairs. "Gee just like I was when my parent's talked to me after our teacher called my house," said Annalise, staring down at him. "Now how's that feel, tattletale?" "I'm so sorry," said Todd, feeling his eyes getting watery. "I bet you are now young lady, and petrified? Wow? That's a big word for a fourth grader, Zoe," said Annalise, turning and looking into his eyes before giving him a wink. "I'd dumb it down a little if I were you pretty girl, but I guess we're about to see how smart you really are right now aren't we, princess?" "Hey Annalise," said another teenage girl, running over. "Liz, you look amazing," said Annalise, hugging her. "Oh my gawd! I love your highlights!" "Thank you, and so do you!" said Liz, stoking her hair. "So where are the girls, and who's this little cutie?" "This is little Zoe, and you know Kerri? She'll make a grand entrance shortly," said Annalise, putting her arm around him. "So isn't she adorable?" "Oh my gawwddd! Yes," said Liz, touching her face. "I love all the little curls. I had all these wild curls too when I was younger. Are those natural?" "Zoe," smiled Annalise, nudging him. "She's a little shy, but answer her honey." "Natural?" replied Todd, steaming inside, biting his finger and shrugging his shoulders, playing along. "I don't know? The girls fixed my hair for me today." "And it looks so pretty with the big bow and that dress," said Liz, touching his hair. "You must be ready to have so much fun I bet." "Fun," said Todd. "Sure. I can hardly wait." "Is Kerri your dance coach?" said Liz. "Obviously you're not in our class, we help out together but she told me she was getting new kids coming for private lessons." "No, I just babysit her," said Annalise. "But were thinking she could meet the class, since a lot of them are here today. She's a grade younger but I think with a little work, she'd make a gorgeous little ballerina." "Oh you really would, sweetie," said Liz hugging him. "I have so many cute third and fourth graders, so I'd love to train you." "How did I know you would, Liz?" smiled Annalise. "Kerri and I were actually talking about that, and we were both thinking you could work with her a little today, Liz." "Perfect, I will," nodded Liz. "Come sit with my girls, and then once we start the dance party later, I'll teach you some basics. Sound good?" "Sure," said Todd, looking back over his shoulder at Annalise waving at him as he was led away. Next thing he knew, he was being introduced to a series of a dozen or more girls babbling a mile a minute, as Liz integrated him in with the five graders. He was soon stuck gluing jewels on sheets of paper and cardboard as they made a series of decorations for Kerri's birthday, until finally she strutted in like the queen of the world in a different dress. She was all made up now with glistening fuchsia lips and her long blonde hair loosely curled back in a sweeping, feathered style from a side part. A little faux tiara with glistening rhinestones and hot pink feathers served as her party hat, and she wore a matching sash across her crushed velvet aqua colored off the shoulder dress that spelled out "BIRTHDAY DIVA." She was the center of attention, always the fashionista, in striking fuchsia pumps, hugging every girl and air kissing their cheeks as she made her rounds. When she finished saying her hellos to all, she then stood up in front of the group, addressing them as they all stood looking up to her in awe. "To my troop, my dancers and some of my younger cousins," Kerri began, talking with her hands. "I just want to say thanks for coming this afternoon to celebrate my birthday and me becoming a teenager. Now let's dance, then we'll hit a few bounce houses I have set up outside, and party everyone!" Just that fast the music began, as they were suddenly all thrust into a full out dance party, as was Todd as one of the girls. Liz took special interest in working with him to teach him some moves, as he struggled with seemingly two left feet, awkwardly dancing stiff as a board. When Kerri and the other girls jumped in spinning him around and making a fuss, he turned beet red, feeling embarrassed, making him show off some moves for the fifth grade girls. He was quickly viewed as the class pet project, receiving endless encouragement and training, yet it felt more like torment than compliment when in reality it helped him to blend in dancing with the other kids. After almost an hour of dancing to pop music, he'd been annointed as the baby of the group, which Annalise only continued to cement as she constantly straightened his dress and tightened his bow. When finally the dancing ceased and she took him by the hand bringing him outside, all he could think about was that just two hours earlier he was kissing her poolside, and instead now she was taking off his shoes so he could follow in some other little girls to bounce. As he jumped and then slid, it was like he could taste her lip gloss on his tongue, but instead it was the cotton candy that Liz shared with him and the other girls between bounce houses sugaring them up. He'd be just another sticky faced like little girl getting a bit sweaty in no time before they were pulled back inside after thirty minutes of jumping and sliding to be cleaned up. With Annalise now nowhere to be found, and Kerri's grand entrance a thing of the past, he'd been dumped to the seventh grade monitors, who now wiped his face and re-buckled his shoes. He looked around, trying to think about how he could make some kind of escape if only he could find his clothes and get away from all this madness. "Hey Zoe," said Liz, snapping her fingers. "Wake up, chickie. You're like zoning out on me? Do you need a nap or something?" "Ummm," said Todd looking away. "No, sorry. Just thinking about some stuff. Sorry?" "You mean like cute boys you're zoning out looking at?" smiled Liz, finger brushing his bangs. "Who could blame you?" "No! No!" said Todd, shaking his head and getting annoyed. "Not at all!" "Yeah sure! And what a mess you are, Zoe," smiled Liz before touching his sweaty neck. "I used to have these same problems a few years ago and maybe that's why Annalise left you with me." "Problems?" said Todd, looking back at her. "What problems? I don't have any problems, except stuff I'd rather not even talk about, ok?" "You're just too adorable, Zoe," smiled Liz, pulling out his bow and tightening the band. "And it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Trust me, you'd be more worried if the boys weren't peeking your way." "Yeah I don't think so," yelped Todd, annoyed at her comment. "And trust me, those are not the problems I'm worried about?" "Seriously, I take good care of you, and this is the attitude I get from you? Annalise did warn me about that with you?" said Liz, getting annoyed, winding his bow back in. "Just go change for cake, and I'll fix you when you come out?" "Change?" asked Todd annoyed. "Into your party dress. Everyone's changing out of their sweaty clothes?" said Liz, rolling her eyes. "Did you not pick one earlier with Annalise or Kerri?" "Uuummm?" stuttered Todd. "They kind of picked everything for me in case you didn't know that by now." "Yeah or else you'd be a total wreck I bet," said Liz, grabbing his hand. "Come on and you know what, I saw a few things that will go perfectly with that snippy attitude." "But," whined Todd, suddenly pulled into a room with a rack of kids dresses. He was mortified seeing other girls pulling down some dresses as the girl scouts were changing out of their uniforms and the dance girls were getting even more jazzed up. One by one they were running off to change as Liz searched the options, until finally she turned his shoulders away from her before unzipping the back of his dress and checking the size. He stood with his back to the wall, not knowing if she knew of his true gender or his situation, almost ready to wet himself as suddenly she began pulling his dress over his head. All he could do now was stare into the corner at the wall, unable to muster even an ounce of objection, not sure if she could see his little bump under his tights and panties. What was probably five seconds topless felt like an eternity as he stood facing away from her before becoming relieved when she asked him to raise his arms again. "Ok arms up, sweetie," said Liz as he lifted them on command. "This should look pretty on you, Zoe." "Sure," nodded Todd, helpless as it dropped past his face. "And let's take off the sweaty tights, Zoe," said Liz, kneeling down behind him and undoing his shoes. "They look nice, but I guarantee those have to be way too hot to be in after all that jumping and dancing." "Thanks," Todd actually felt cooler as she reached under his dress at each hip, pulling them down. "Good girl," said Liz, zipping up his dress from behind and then spinning him around, handing him a big panty. "Here, you step into these, then I'll get you some socks. It just goes right over your other panties, unless you think we need something else, because I wouldn't say it out loud, but Annalise said you might have a little wetness problem sometimes." "Like I wet my pants!" yelped Todd, raising his voice a touch as a number of girls walked by with outfits. "Well?" Liz placed her finger over her mouth then whispered. "It's ok sweetie. I'm here to help you, ok?" "I don't," Todd said softly, taking the big panty and turning around. "Please, just get me my socks and let's get back to the party." "Don't get offended," whispered Liz. "I used to wet my bed all the time to. Back in a second." He reached down stepping in with the right and then the left leg before pulling the big panties up under his puffy skirt. When he turned back around, he saw Liz hurrying towards him with a shoe box and a big bag as he stood wide eyed and defeated as she raced over to him. She sat him back on a little bench, sliding little ankle socks over his feet and then re-buckling his Mary Janes on each ankle. When she finished, she took a little blush to his cheeks, and then touched some eye shadow to his lids before redoing his lips. "Head forward, and look down," said Liz with a pick in her hand. He was staring down at her lap now as she once again pulled out his bow and scrunchie before digging in the point of her pick behind his bangs. To the left and then right she scraped through his scalp, tugging and gathering as she parted his hair. She was careful not to disturb the little tight coils, instead pinching the inside tightly against head and then just that fast it was over, as she pulled tightly on the ends on each side. When she lifted his chin, he could feel the little corkscrews bouncing off each ear as he watched her measure and trim some long lengths of silk ribbon right in front of his face. Looking at their shiny color, he already knew she had matched them to his dress, and then ever so quickly tied them at each side above his ears. "Sorry if they're a bit tight, but with thick curly hair like yours, it's better so they don't move around and now at least we can get a hat on you," said Liz, stretching the elastic attached to a cone shaped hat under his chin as atop his head it went. She reached down, taking a bobbi pin, hiding it under his hair and pinning the hat on the left and then adding another on the right. When she felt it was secured to her liking, she then began gently using her fingers and her pic at each side, fussing with his little curls, before spraying each side and then his entire head. As much as he thought he was finished, she still decided to fuss with his bangs, stretching them with her fingers before spraying them separately as she held them taut. She then wound in her ? inch curling iron, rolling them under across his forehead for just five or six seconds until he felt them spring under above his brow line. A little mascara touch up would be the final last tweak, until next thing he knew she was handing him a little white purse and putting everything else away. It took only a glance as he stood when she took his hand to head back into the party to confirm what he already knew, that the supposed darling of the party was returning, leaving no question now as to who was the youngest girl there. The dance class pet, now party princess, would certainly stand out like the baby of the group for all the girls to fuss over. With big puffy short sleeves and long layered puffy skirt below a form fitting bodice, pink was no longer just an accent color, instead he was now covered in pink from almost head to toe. The pale pink silk dress shone under the light, and around his waist a thin white sash was decorated with small pink silk rosettes before being tied in a big white bow at the back of his dress. Tiny white bows intermingled with pink rosettes at the sleeve's cuff added a lovely accent, and a layer of little rosettes encircled the rounded neckline. Beneath his pink satin over skirt, a layer of white tulle puffed it out to more of a bell shape, and then little white ruffled ankle socks atop his Mary Janes completed the dainty outfit. With his bangs curled under to look shorter, and his little corkscrew curls now rearranged into pigtails, he'd be lucky if he could pull off even a fourth grade image now, as Liz branded him even further as the little princess of the group. White silk ribbon tied in bows at each side finished off the look to help frame the thick wild curls, as the new hairdo worked perfectly so his cone party hat would sit perched atop his head. He was as innocent looking a little girl as there ever was, with some hints of pink color looking natural on his face, while in reality he would need no blush to give any color to his self-conscious face. "Oh Lizzie," smiled Kerri, having to cover her mouth not to burst out laughing. "I totally forgot to pick out something for little Zoe, but you found is even more adorable on her than I could have imagined." "I'm so glad you like it, Kerri," said Liz, holding her chest relieved. "I was hoping I didn't go too... you know?" "You mean like too babyish?" smiled Kerri, with a wink, blurting it out. "No, definitely not! How could you go wrong making her so adorable, right ladies?" "No," said Annalise, wiping her eyes after holding in her laughter. "Not a chance." "Ok, good," Liz nodded then touched his face. "She's just so cute." "The cutest! Right, curly Q?" Kerri touched his hair. "Plus she's really not quite the age for her grade anyway. Right, precious?" Mortified again, he stood there, dying to stomp his feet yet that could only make thing worse, so he looked down, nodding as Kerri reached out, taking his hand pulling him next to her. She had changed her birthday tiara for a huge, hot pink paper cone party hat too now, pulling the string under her chin as they dimmed the lights and out came the cake. He was the little girl sitting next to her now as everyone sang Happy Birthday to Kerri and then she blew out the candles. After a half dozen solo pictures, he was suddenly stuck in the frame as the precious little girl with the popular girl, then her sitter and then all her friends on the outlandish birthday. Kerri loved rubbing some white frosting on his nose doing some silly shots as she held his pigtails up in the air and squished his cheeks giggling. He sat having birthday cake with a napkin spread across his dress from the neckline down, as finally the girls started to get up from their seats when dessert was finished. When a few of the fifth graders pulled him outside to bounce, he finally saw his opening to get away from the fray as Liz allowed him to go with the other girls. As they took off their shoes to bounce, he excused himself to pee and then ducked back inside into a back room. He found the laundry room, searching for his clothes to no avail, or even boys clothes at all in the laundry baskets he could switch into. With all the commotion now mostly outside, he then ducked in and out of a few basement doors, avoiding the girls while he searched but knew he needed to cautiously steer clear of people dressed as an unchaperoned little princess. When he opened the last basement door, and there were still no sign of his clothes or even anything remotely masculine he could change into, he came across a rack of outfits that sparked a light bulb in his head. "Huummm?" thought Todd. "At least this should make it easier to sneak around." He knew he needed to get out of his dainty outfit and at least try to blend in, so he could search upstairs for his stuff and duck out, ending this miserable day. With so many fashion conscious divas and yet a number of girls on watch, it wouldn't be easy but he needed to move quick before someone would notice him missing. Like lightening, he stripped off his dress and tossed off his shoes and socks. As much as he wanted no part of the outfits hanging on the rack, he knew he could probably at least blend in for a short time and draw less attention as he slipped on a shirt. He then pulled on a skirt, zipping up the back before finding some socks in a ball, pulling them up his legs. It took two or three tries until he found the right size shoes that fit, then slid on a vest and scarf. He knew the big bows would need to come off as he untied the ribbons, yet had seen many girls with their hair in pigtails in uniform so he figured that would look more normal until he could get all these little curls off his head. He wet his bangs at the sink with his fingers, stretching them straight and then scooped some more water in his palms, dampening his curls and taming his hair. As he looked up at himself and then stepped back, he almost couldn't believe he had actually changed into something like this on his own, but knew it was better than the alternative as he shoved his old clothes behind some boxes and then peeked out the door. He took a step back nervously to gather himself, looking down to make sure one last time that everything seemed in order. He was now in a basic white shirt, and around his neck a yellow scarf sat tied in a front knot sitting atop his collar bone. Beneath it a beige pleated skort easily hid his little bump, covering his bare thighs above white, thin knee socks and brown loafers. Dressing up the simple outfit was a green vest decorated with all types of patches he knew nothing about cemented his disguise as one of the girl's from Kerri's troop, as again he summoned the courage to peek from the door. With no one in sight, the cute pigtail clad Girl Scout stepped from the room and cautiously hurried up the back stair case, coming out just in front of the kitchen. Quickly he turned his back, avoiding eye contact, seeing a number of girls getting their hair and makeup done at the center island as he scooted over to the main stairs and quietly made his way through the upstairs hallway. He opened a door, trying to remember which was Kerri's room, as the whole thing was a blur and then stopped dead in his tracks as a slim muscle bound boy was pulling his t-shirt on. "Oh so sorry," gulped Todd. "It's cool," said the boy, grabbing a football and coming out, pointing. "You looking for my sister's room?" "Umm." Todd was not sure if he should say he was. "Other side of the hall," said the boy, coming out and opening his sister's door, walking by him. "But who knows where she is right now! She's freaking everywhere." "Oh thanks," nodded Todd as the boy hurried right past him down the stairs and he turned, going in quietly, closing the door behind him before being startled, seeing a woman sitting there with clothes and cosmetics spread out all over the bed. "Oh sorry? I'm just here to find something and change." "Oh sure! Come in, and you're late," said the woman. "I almost just went back downstairs to help some of the other girls, but at least you finally made it." "Oh I did? Sorry? It's fine if you need to go help other girls," said Todd, realizing she was doing makeovers in Kerri's room, as he was looking all around trying to see if his clothes were in plain sight. "I'll just find what I came here for and be on my way then." "Nonsense. You're here, and of course you can't stay in that," said the woman before giving him a curious look. "But you do know there's no one allowed up here except for the girls that Kerri paid for premium services for that are listed on my chart, so unless your snooping where you shouldn't be, which would be a huge problem, you must be here for me, right?" "Oh I'd never be snooping around," gulped Todd. "I just...." "I'm only kidding, darling. Sit down honey." The woman flicked her wrist. "Obviously a pretty little girl scout like you wouldn't be doing that, and I'll help you honey, but I was supposed to be doing one of the eighth grade troop leaders now but I guess she didn't show?" "Oh well that would be me. I'm in eighth grade," said Todd with a smirk. "Better late than never, right?" "Really I'm the one that's sorry then, honey. Sure?" said the woman, feeling bad. "It's just? You look so young?" "Well, I get that all the time," said Todd with confidence. "I've been skipped a few grades." "Yeah, that does explain a lot Bethany," said the woman, checking off a name on the chart. "And trust me, as you grow up, you'll find we always want to look younger, except when we actually are young." "I do hear that from my mother all the time," laughed Todd along with her. "I bet! So don't tell me?" said the woman, checking foundation colors against his skin. "You want something the boys will notice, right?" "The boys?" asked Todd, twisting his neck. "I meant like all the other girls fighting for their attention. Look at them out there playing football," said the woman, pointing out the window. "All I heard about from Kerri and Annalise and all their friends today were about these cute boyfriends and the competition for the guys. The jealousy! The gossip! The drama!" "Yeah, there's quite a bit of all that," replied Todd, seeing the girls checking out the guys throwing the ball around. "Trust me, some of these girls are more than a bit out of control." "Ya think!" laughed the woman. "You girls are so damn boy crazy these days, it's like you'd rip each other's hair out for some of these guys. I know after hearing Kerri and her friends talk, that it's all some of you think about. Annalise was ready to kill herself when she thought her boyfriend might have cheated on her, and Kerri was freaking just thinking her boyfriend was crushing on some cheerleader. You girls get too crazy over the stupidest things, but you're not like that are you, Bethany?" "Hummm?" Todd tapped his chin. "Me?" "Yes, you Bethany?" giggled the woman. "You're not part of the whole soap opera scene are you?" "Well no, definitely not!" Todd pointed to himself. "This Bethany for one values her friendships with so many of these special girls from class, so I'll stick to fashion, and not drama." "Oh that's so nice to hear, especially from a young lady as naturally pretty as you are honey, and I'm Lilly by the way!" said the woman. "Some of the girls though love those mind games, so all it seems to take is a little harmless flirting or the guys looking the wrong way to get them nuts." "Really?" smirked Todd. "And you really think I'm that naturally pretty?" "So modest. I love that, sweetheart," said Lilly, lifting his chin and looking into his eyes, sizing him up. "So how about we do something fun, since you got that young happy perky thing going on here? Sound good?" "Sounds wonderful Lilly, but that wouldn't be much of a makeover, would it?" Todd glanced out the window again, seeing the guys showing off their football moves for the girls. "I mean I can't go to the main party like this troop leader girl without the troop leader outfit, could I?" "Oh I guess not?" Lilly answered. "Exactly," said Todd, flicking his wrist and playing along. "So I was thinking for my actual makeover, I could like to look a bit more mature?" "You mean a little more made up?" giggled Lilly. "Like a little sexier?" "Kinda?" Todd wiggled his shoulders. "You know, like a bit more of a Bethany?" "So then you are another boy crazed teen?" Lilly shook her head. "I guess I should have known better or, you wouldn't be one of the in girls up here for a private makeover." "Well not exactly, but there are a few boys I need to discuss a few things with if I can get their attention?" Todd raised his brows into his bangs and flexed them as he thought. "You can help me with that, right?" "Sit down Bethany, and I'm sure we can do that?" laughed Lilly. "And don't you all today!" "Perfect," said Todd as she wrapped a cape around him. "Thank you." "You're welcome." Lilly slid a head band over around his face, pulling back his bangs. "And let's start by getting rid of some of this mess you're raising up and down right in front of me here, honey." "I'm sorry," said Todd as Lilly squirted a little foam in her hands. "I didn't mean to make any mess, or even know I did." "No, sweetie. The mess you've been raising up and down above your eye balls that's half hiding under those bangs," Lilly giggled as she rubbed some of the foam near his brow line. "They're a disaster, and by a mess, I'm being kind." Quickly she began working with a straight razor as he instantly realized she was reshaping his brows. He wanted to object but wasn't even sure what to say as she jumped back and forth, arching each side. To the right and the left at the bridge of his nose, her work seemed much more rapid and concise, and before long she had finished and began adding some liquid foundation to his face. He was suddenly getting the makeover he had requested, yet only now was he beginning to understand what that meant, as a second girl entered the room, joining in and dipping his fingers in a bowl on the left and then the right, as suddenly his fingers were soaking in a pungent solution. "Ok Monica," said Lilly. "Wet down the curls and start taming the frizz, please." In no time he was being doubled teamed, as Lilly held open his eyes, lining his water lines with a pencil while Monica pulled out his bows. When Lilly finished, she began dabbing a small brush into a palette of colors, blending his eye shadows as he opened and closed on command. It was tough just to be still, as Monica was now ripping through his hair as she saturated it with a fruity conditioner, stretching section by section combing through the kinky curls. He sat cringing as she broke the tight bonds, brushing hard now through his saturated head while eventually Lilly attacked him with her lash curler, squeezing each side until she had pinched their angle to her liking. "I guess your mother doesn't curl your lashes or straighten your hair too often, does she?" smiled Lily, seeing his angst as she coated his lashes and Monica lifted his left hand, wiping his nails now. "Well, not really?" said Todd, knowing he'd gotten more than what he bargained for now as the blush brush whisked across his cheek bones while Monica began filing his nails. "Not really like you don't ask, or like you're more of a tomboy type?" teased Lilly, patting under his eyes with a compact. "Don't ask I guess?" Todd replied as she was working on highlighting his cheekbones. "Or maybe kind of both, but I'm not exactly the tomboy type either?" "Then this should be some wonderful pampering for you today, honey," said Lilly, putting down her brushing and pulling off the headband playing with his hair. "With this gorgeous face all made up, I'm thinking we go shiek and sassy here, honey? I think that would be a wonderful change for you if you're game?" "Oh?" Todd said as she worked under his eyes. "I guess that's the idea, right?" "Well to turn a few heads with those pretty eyes. I'd say so!" said Lilly, unscrewing a salmon pink lipstick and dipping her brush into it as he stared at the color. "And trust me, your mother won't even recognize you when I'm done with you sweetie! Sound good?" "I guess, and I'd hope not actually," joked Todd, barely getting out the words before she painted his lips. "Don't worry, you're already looking gorgeous, and when I'm done with your hair, they'll be no tom or no boy when she sees you again. Eyes closed please," said Lilly, taking out a spray and setting his makeup. "Shiek and sassy it is then, former tomboy! I've been dying to do a cut like this today!" "Wait?" said Todd, getting nervous, thinking maybe she knew he wasn't actually Bethany now as she began brush his hair, sectioning. "Why do you say that?" "Well because you're almost in high school, and I'm sure she'd rather have her little curly headed princess than this sexy diva we're creating, right?" said Lilly with a giggle, working in the back, combing. "Chin up girl. You're going to look beautiful! Promise. Unless you changed your mind?" "Oh?" said Todd, getting it now as she walked behind him, stretching his hair. "Gotcha! Sassy, right?" "Right, Bethany. We all want our girls to stay little, but you all grow up," said Lilly as he could hear her scissors working feverishly. "You grow up and then you want your hair and makeup done more often. Fancy cuts, colors, fake lashes and you become so much maintenance. But at least she'll be happy, because today it's free, and I'm sure the boys are going to love you." "Oh my gawwwd!" gulped Todd, looking down at his hair sliding down his cape now as she worked on the left. "I was thinking about that as a good thing for a maybe the wrong reason before, but maybe I really didn't think that through Lilly?" "Of course you did! There's always some initial worry when you go a bit shorter, but it'll fade," said Lilly, coming in front now, brushing through his bangs and then widening them on the left and then the right. "You wanted to look as pretty as you could, and trust me, you will! You're stunning honey, and you have such beautiful eyes, I want them shown off!" "Oh, I'm stunned alright!" Todd sighed, looking down at all his hair sliding down the cape. "I can't even look up, Lilly." "Why?" Lilly asked, still trimming on the left side. "Don't be afraid to make eye contact? He's really cute?" "What?" Todd was confused as she was trimming on the right now. "Oh come on, sassy girl," giggled Lilly. "Now don't hold back on us. So who's the cute guy that keeps walking by and has been checking you out for the third time now?" "Isn't that Kerri's brother?" said Monica, pressing on his left index finger. "He really is handsome." "Seriously?" gulped Todd as she trimmed in the back again. "Kerri's brother has been like...? Checking me out? Me?" "Tall? Dreamy blue eyes? And look up towards the ceiling and do not move, Bethany!" smiled Lilly, coming in front now, brushing through his bangs and then trimming them on the left and then the right slightly at an angle. "I really don't know," Todd answered as she held his chin, sculpting his bangs, trimming on each side as they rounded down his face. "Well if you don't, you better find out," smiled Monica, as Todd sat as she pushed continually at his fingers "Because that boy wants to know you, and I know just the outfit to get you, honey." "Oh jeez," sighed Todd, as on went the blow dryer as Lilly blew through his hair. "All I know is his room is across the hall." He looked down, stunned at how much of his hair was gone, as what the girls had down to him earlier was nothing, as this time he had gotten more than long bangs and kinky stick curls. As the flat iron made its way through the right side of his head, he noticed the tall boy again wander by, this time ever so awkwardly, releasing the tiniest smile as they made eye brief contact. The slightest nervous smile now parted his lips ever so gently, as the boy gave a soft nod and then stopped dead in his tracks. "Uumm hi?" said the boy. "Hi," said Todd, barely able to look at him, almost happy he couldn't turn his head and make full eye contact as the flat iron and Lilly were between him and the boy. "Oh hello," said the boy, acknowledging Todd before looking at Lilly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt, miss. I'm Kerri's brother Michael, and she was pressuring me to just get my hair cleaned up a little. It looked like you were almost done, and I was just asking when was a good time for me to come back." "Oh Michael, we're really backed up right now," said Lilly, looking at how nervous he was. "But how about you come back in ten minutes after we have a chance to help Bethany change, and we'll see what we can do." "Ten minutes," nodded Michael. "Sure. I'll be back then." "Oh to be a tween again," joked Monica, walking by him as she returned with some clothing, handing it all the Todd. "Go try this on and let's see how this looks, honey." "Oh." Todd looked down at the bra and panties atop the folded clothes. "Ok." Into Kerri's bathroom he walked, closing the door and staring at his made up face and new haircut. He gasped and turned, looking at his side profile, needing a second to accept that his hair now hovered in a straight line just above his shoulders. Even the blunt bangs he cried over receiving earlier had been widened outside his brows, angling down towards his ears a bit as his new cut framed his face. He watched his hair shake as he shivered yet slide right back into place, as he was now the owner of a sassy sleek bob with thick bangs. His salmon pink glossed lips now popped off his face, and his cheekbones shimmered from a highlight of apple blush. For the first time, thin eyeliner surrounded his blue pupils beneath distinct thick lashes, and darker shadows from the outside of lids blended into shimmery pinks beneath his thinned out brows. She was certainly right that his mother would never recognize him, as he barely recognized himself as Monica's knock on the door startled him. "You ok in there?" Monica asked through the door. "I wasn't sure about the bra size, but does everything fit?" "Uuumm one more second and I'll tell you, ok?" gulped Todd, quickly stripping off his girl scout uniform. "Ouuchhh! Damn!" He cringed a little at scratching himself, pulling off his skirt, not used to having long nails as the teal, almond shaped, glued on extensions with silver ombre highlights protruded well past his fingertips. Luckily though, the peach bra was a front clasping push up type, as he slipped his arms inside it and then noticed the slight amount of padding in the little A-cups he couldn't fill. He stepped into the matching peach hip cut panties, now aware of his little bump in them, but the moment be unzipped his dress, stepping into it and pulling it up, he realized there was no need for alarm, as the flairy skirt covered it. He struggled to pull up the back zipper, yet once it was up, he stood realizing he certainly was a little girl no more in the short skirt. He reached down, stepping into the white bejeweled sandals, sickened at the sight of his toes glistening in a salmon pink polish. There was little he could do now but unlock the door, as Monica and Lilly stood awaiting his appearance to model his new look for them in his short sleeve, cold shoulder, apricot colored clingy mini-dress. "Now that's what I'm talking about, Bethany," smiled Lilly as he stepped out. "Damn girl! So you like that or what? Great choice, Monica!" "I'd say job well done, Lilly," said Monica, high fiving Lilly. "My favorite makeover of the day. You look sensational, sweetie." "I can't even believe this is me?" said Todd, holding the ends of his flaring skirt. "I barely recognize myself." "Well I'm sure you were already used to being pretty," said Monica, coming over and clipping on a necklace and then a bracelet. "It's just you'll have to get used to being sexy." "And don't worry, we all easily adjust to that," said Lilly, covering his eyes and then saturating his head in hairspray before hugging him. "We're going on a break now, so did you need anything else, sweetie? "What else could there be?" asked Todd as Monica touched some perfume to his neck. "Not a damn thing! You look perfect, so let's try to keep it that way," said Lilly, stuffing a few things in a small pocketbook and handing it to him before shaking her hairspray. "Eyes closed honey." Lilly covered his eyes with her palm, and then saturated his head in hairspray before finally the fizzing stopped. As he looked up through the fumes, the girls grabbed their pocketbooks and waved goodbye as they exited, heading off to break. He had gotten the makeover he asked for, even if it was so much more extreme than he expected, thinking he could use this for some revenge against Kerri and the girls if he caused just a little angst by teasing their boyfriends. He stepped back into the bathroom, wondering if he had the courage at all to act the part and mess with their heads, staring at himself, wondering if it would even work anyway. He knew he looked pretty damn convincing though, if guys might like this shiek, perfectly coiffed type, yet the more he twisted and turned looking at himself all made up in the sexy dress, the more he began to freak out, trying to figure out how he get out of all this later. "Holy shit! Look at this haircut! This dress! This is..!" Todd stared at himself from every angle, touching his hair and his dress before getting startled. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were there?" "No, I'm sorry," said Michael, standing there. "I didn't mean to sneak up on you! I was just here for my haircut?" "It's ok, but the girls are on break?" said Todd. "And sorry you had to hear all my whining." "What whining?" smirked Michael. "Guess you're not used to shorter hair like that, huh?" "Well kind of that, and kind of a lot of things really," said Todd embarrassed, looking away. "Is it that bad?" "Bad? You kidding? You must be used to looking pretty hot no matter what haircut you have," said Michael, softly touching his back for a moment, comforting him. "And truthfully, I think you look amazing?" "Seriously?" said Todd, looking up at him, turning towards him. "Yeah seriously?" said Michael, extending his hand. "I'm Michael by the way. Kerri's brother." "Bethany," said Todd, softly shaking it back. "And yeah, I kind of knew that and heard you say it when you came over before. Plus I kind of walked in on you before, and you directed me to your sister's room." "Wow! That was you!" asked Michael, surprised. "Sorry? Well you look a little different now, and really you kind of don't seem like their type of friend honestly. You seem more normal." "More normal?" giggled Todd. "Meaning like less stuck up," smirked Michael. "Ahhh yeah that part I'd agree with, but the normal part just so you know... not so much," smiled Todd, batting his lashes nervously. "Cool. I like that?" laughed Todd. "Really?" said Todd, not sure how to act. "Definitely!" smiled Todd. "So what do you say I pass on my haircut now, since honestly I'm not into it at all and we go hang out a little?" "Oh sorry, I was originally going to go take care of a few things with some guys, but at this point I'm mostly just trying to leave," said Todd. "It's been a long day." "But didn't you just get changed and made up for the party?" Michael asked. "Well kinda," replied Todd, trying to figure out how to get away and look for his clothes. "Then come on," said Michael. "Hang out a while, unless you have a boyfriend or something." "A boyfriend?" said Todd, wanting to die at the thought. "Ahhh no!" "Then come on. It'll be fun," said Michael. "I promise it'll be cool, because I'm trying to avoid some of my sister's annoying friends as long as I can today." "I don't know, Michael." Todd hesitated. "Come on," said Michael, reaching out his hand. "It'll be cool. Come on, Bethany?" "Michael, you seem really nice, but trust me, you really don't want to hang out with me," said Todd, stepping back. "Yeah I do," said Michael, getting on one knee, grabbing his hand. "Come on. I really don't have a lot of friends, so please don't make me beg, but I will if I have to." "Ok! Ok. Please get up! Fine, but just for a little while," said Todd, looking down, having his hand gripped. "And how do you know exactly that I'm not one of those you know... annoying friends." "Cause you don't seem like them?" smiled Michael. "Or am I wrong?" "No, you're right? Trust me, really right and I don't have that many friends either actually!" Todd rolled his eyes. "So sure, what the hell? Let's go hang out." "Awesome!" yelped Michael, standing up. "But just not with everyone, ok?" said Todd, looking around and stroking his hair. "I'm cool with hanging out with you if you're cool being with a girl that just lost half her hair." "I remember when Taylor Swift cut her hair like that with the bangs and got rid of all the curls just like you did," said Michael, taking Todd by the hand across the hall and pushing open his door. "You remind me of her!" "Really, but she's so freaking ho..." Todd started to say, seeing the poster of her in Michael's room and then catching himself. "Uuumm like that's some poster you've got there, and she's like trendy and sassy I guess." "And now so are you?" smiled Michael, pulling his door closed. "Yeah, that I'm not exactly ready for," said Todd, looking down at his nails and dress. "Well in the meantime while you're getting ready, then maybe you're ready to go hang outside a little?" said Michael. "Sure, I could use a break from all the fumes in your sister's room," smiled Todd, touching his hair. "Why not?" Before he even knew what hit him, Michael took him by the hand down the stairs and they went outside into the huge yard area. Michael was fun and easy going, which was the polar opposite of the uptight, pretentious fashionista crowd. They sat poolside, kicking the water with their toes, taking turns telling stupid jokes. He was no longer treated liked some little grammar school princess, instead he was now just one of the kids again, laughing with a Michael while enjoying casual conversation. They had hit it off as friends, which was all Todd had longed for since he had been moved to this eighth grade class and school, yet never did any of the other kids care to really befriend him at any point. It was what he was hoping for by attending the party today, never expecting to be dressed as he was. Yet he was completely himself, apart from being made over as Bethany. It felt so bizarre to have the boy dry his feet, but so comforting as they ran barefoot, holding hands to the huge jungle gym. When Michael lifted him like a rag doll, unexpectedly placing him on a swing, he was suddenly holding down his skirt from blowing in the wind while being pushed by the muscular boy. "Oh my gawwwddd! Easy Michael," squealed Todd as he was going really high now. "No way, higher," Michael chuckled as Todd crossed his legs and held onto the ropes. "No," yelped Todd, almost parallel to the top bar. "Please." "Nope," said Michael, amused by his angst. "Maybe I'll flip you." "Please don't or I'll...." whined Todd, feeling it completely drop now and feeling his stomach drop, getting queasy. "Ok, ok," laughed Michael, grabbing the ropes as he came back and digging in his heels, stopping it. "Don't make me scared, since your threatening me." "Thank you," said Todd, breathing heavy as he sat on the swing seat and gave him a look as it stopped, while he was laughing. "And it wasn't that funny, was it?" "Well?" smiled Michael, holding up his hands. "I wouldn't want to piss you off. You're too tough for me." "Really?" laughed Todd, softly pushing him into his chest, sending his own swing slowly back a few feet as Michael never budged. "Scared I was going to kill you huhhh?" "Oh, I wasn't scared," said Michael, stepping right back towards him, grabbing each side of the ropes. "And that's not why I stopped pushing you?" "Oh yeah? Why then?" smiled Todd, rolling his eyes before pointing at him as he held on. "And don't you dare do that again?" "Nah, rather keep you closer," said Michael, pushing back the swing a little, raising it a few feet higher until Todd was looking down at him. "Because I'm pretty sure you said kiss, not kill." "No, I said," Todd swallowed hard as he was helpless sitting in the elevated swing, never expecting Michael to reach up, touch his face and press down his lips, interrupting his sentence. Gravity now only made things worse, as his body was leaning down towards Michael's, giving him nowhere to go as suddenly he'd been caught in a passionate kiss. As much as he wanted to pull away, it would be impossible physically, yet something inside him was just as curious. The former little girl with the curls from just hours earlier, had been physically transformed into a pretty tween now, a giddy teen lip locked with her feet dangling in the air. When finally it ended and he let the swing slide back down, they stared at each other, both seemingly with their heads in the clouds, as even once Michael lifted Todd from the swing and they walked holding hands, he still couldn't feel his feet touch the ground. They walked back to the pool area, putting their shoes back on before kissing some more, enjoying each other's touch and the moonlight. When they were smooching behind the cabana, he suddenly heard some whispers, and then pushed Michael back as his ears perked up. "Anyone seen my brother, ladies?" asked Kerri. "Any of you?" "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I saw him with some chick I've never seen before," a girl relpied. "Does he have a new girlfriend or something?" "No," said Kerri with a giggle. "Not that I know of." "You sure?" said the girl. "I thought I saw him kissing some girl with like this stupid bowl haircut. At first I thought he was kissing a little boy." "You mean like a bob or a pixie or something?" laughed Kerri. "I mean I doubt it, because he likes more girly girl types with long hair, so if he likes boys now that's news to me! Ok, just tell me, I'm looking for him if you see him." As Kerri walked away, Todd turned towards Michael, giving him a look as steam filled his eyes. "So I'm news, now," said Todd, staring at him with his hands on his hips. "You've been wanting to kiss a boy and that's why you kissed me!" "No," said Michael. "Not at all!" "Bullshit," said Todd, extremely distraught. "Look at all this makeup, and this outfit, and all you wanted was the boy underneath!" "Calm down, Bethany," said Michael, grabbing both of his hands. "What the hell are you talking about? All I know is I met a fantastic girl that just so happened to get a haircut at my sister's stupid makeover party. Sure, I've never been with a girl with a bob before, but I already told you how hot you looked with it, didn't I?" "Well?" gulped Todd, holding back his emotion. "I guess." "And I showed you the sexy Taylor Swift poster, so you know I like the type," replied Michael as he reached up, touching Todd's hair. "You're gorgeous Bethany, and the sexiest girl I've ever met. Come on, kiss me again?" "Really?" Moaned Todd, getting visibly upset as a tear rolled down his cheek. "But I didn't want my haircut like this, and you know it! Did you make them do this to me? Is that what's going on here? You wanted the girl in the poster?" "No, Bethany," said Michael, taking his hand. "That was the stylists. You know I'm not involved in any of that?" "I wish I could believe you, Michael," said Todd, shaking his head, gasping and wiping his tears. "It's like everyone is out to get me at this party." "Not me, and I'll tell you again I think you're gorgeous," said Michael, scooping him up and softly planting a kiss. "What are you doing?" yelped Todd, suddenly being carried in his arms. "Put me down." "Helping you feel better?" said Michael, as he carried him in the back door and then up the back stairs. "And making sure you don't run off. Now kiss me again." "But?" Todd began to say before being interrupted as they kissed while Michael carried him up the stairs and then softly put him down in Kerri's room. "What are we doing here?" asked Todd, having horrible memories of being there earlier. "Borrowing something from my sister," said Michael, ripping open a bottom drawer and pulling out a mound of hair extensions, tossing them on the bed. "Turn around. I know they just snap in. I've seen her do it a million times, and no one even knows when she has them in." "I can't wear these?" replied Todd, feeling one snap in and touching another one, lifting it into his hands. "She'd probably kill me, but they look so perfect." "I'll handle her, and who says we tell her?" said Michael, snapping in another. "She probably has like tons of them all over the place." "Oh that part is true I bet," said Todd as the third one snapped in. "Ok, then," smiled Michael, snapping in the fourth one. "There you go. Long pretty hair, Bethany!" "Whoa!" said Todd, spinning around and then running into the bathroom looking in the mirror. "Now that's a lot of curls. Holy moly?" "Not that I didn't like the bob because you know I did, but now that's sexy on you!" said Michael, looking at him. "You just might need like a headband or something though?" "Yeah, I guess?" said Todd, touching his long wild hair. "Or like a weed whacker?" "Maybe, but still really hot on you," smiled Michael. "Can't you kind of fix them a little?" "Uummm maybe, but I just kind of had even a rougher morning taming my tiny curls, but that's a different problem," said Todd, sliding hair from his face. "Maybe I can figure something?" "First time trying wefts, honey?" said a woman coming in. "Uuummm well," said Todd, spinning around embarrassed. "That obvious huhh?" "Well a little, especially to the trained eye, but thing is," smiled the woman. "Some of them are kind of in the wrong order, and they go under your hair honey. That's how you hide the seams." "Sorry, I helped her?" said Michael. "Well then you're a wonderful boyfriend, dear," said the woman, walking over and unsnapping one and tossing it on the vanity. "And so how about I take over and we won't take it personally, but I guess you didn't like your new haircut today, honey." "Honestly, I guess it looked fine, but maybe I wasn't ready for it," said Todd as the next one came out. "A lot of this stuff has been kind of a shock to my system today." "I bet," said the woman. "Well I'm Evelyn, and all the stylists here work for me, so I'll tell you what? How about I fix you up, tweak a few things and then you can go catch up with your boyfriend in about say fifteen minutes, sweetie?" "Oh sure," nodded Michael, coming over, squeezing his hand and then letting go. "Come down the back way, and I'll meet you outside, ok Bethany?" "I'd like that," replied Todd. "Great, and I'll be right there waiting for you!" said Michael. As he left the room, Evelyn and Todd really started talking about likes and dislikes, fashion, and then all about what boys like. It didn't take her long to redo the way the extensions should go and then she began tweaking with her flat iron. The trimming now would be more about shaping the extensions, and then the tweaking would be more to his fix his makeup. She walked over to the rack, picking a new outfit and then helped him with a quick change, as quickly Bethany had more confidence. When she finished, he had now concluded his fourth makeover for the day, except this time he turned, more amazed than ever before, as she had nailed a style he was completely in love with, like he was looking at the girl of his dreams in the mirror, except the reflection was his. He hugged her, thanking her for her help and then slowly navigated the stairs in his new shoes after getting some quick navigating instructions from her. A few practice walks and spins in the bedroom were enough to give him enough confidence to go outside, and then suddenly he stood waiting just outside the sliding glass door as the boys were tossing the football around. "Think I can get in on this catch or what?" smiled Todd, standing there trying to look cute, calling for the ball. "Come on, toss it. Just nice and easy please." "To you?" Michael stuttered. "Well yeah?" smiled Todd, clapping his hands. "Easy? You wouldn't want to screw up my nails, right?" "No way," gulped Michael. "You look..." "Different, I know?" Todd winked before calling for the ball with his hands. "Just toss it already." Michael shook his head, throwing the ball as Todd caught it ever so cautiously, and then turned, throwing it to one of the other guys. When he called for it again and caught it, Michael couldn't wipe the smile off his face, coming over and halting the catch and leaning down, kissing him. "Time out a sec," said Michael. "You didn't let me finish before." "Yeah I know, and you don't have to," said Todd. "Girlie enough for you now though?" "Bethany, I don't give a shit what anyone says. You were girlie enough before," Michael was kissing him deeply. "And you're an absolute knock out now." "Good," said Todd, kissing back. "Now let's have some fun with all your friends here, and enough with the fashion bullshit ok? Toss the ball guys." He pushed Michael, calling for the ball and then was cracking up laughing as Michael half tackled him when he caught it. He was thrust into goofing around with guys who now had a few little beer nibs hidden in the bushes as they all goofed around, playing some games. He was never the athletic kid, always the nerd, yet he knew sports pretty well, and for a' girl', knew a lot. He was now having the time of life with everyone somehow assimilated to this cutesy girl finally fitting in with a group of guys instead of being the outcast. They played outside together until it began really getting dark and then the girls were calling out to everyone to come in, as the nighttime disco portion of the party was beginning. They of course told them they'd be coming soon and played a bit more under the lights as the girls started gathering to party again. "Oh my gawwwd Kerri," said Emma, seeing Kerri enter the room. "Your makeup looks amazing." "Oh thanks," said Kerri, loving her more made up look with bold lip color. "I'm so glad I just whitened my teeth. It really pops now." "It does, and I like the highlights, Annalise," said Katie. "Gorgeous on you?" "Well hopefully my boyfriend will agree with you if he ever comes in," said Annalise. "Are they still out there? It's pitch black out now." "Yeah, there on the sport court behind the pool. We have lights there," said Kerri. "But I just called them all in." "Oh, I can kind of see them throwing the football around," said Annalise, peeking out of the basement level French door blinds. "Well the food is ready, and so is the DJ," said Emma. "Hopefully they'll be in soon! Let's get this party started again." "I think Michael's keeping them there," said Kerri, peeking out. "I'm pretty sure he's staying there and avoiding me getting him in that makeover chair." "Of course he is," laughed Annalise, staring at her nails. "You've been teasing him all week about it." "I know, but he needs something," said Kerri, fluffing her hair in the door's reflection with some attitude. "Now's the time, since he's between girlfriends and looking a little ragged lately." "Seriously, he's so cute, but the buff long haired macho shit is out this year," said Annalise, fixing her lips. "Just seeing him, I'm wondering how he could ever be your brother." "I try with him. I really do?" said Kerri, shaking her head. "He used to gel his hair back, use cologne and look at least decent. I am so having them do something with him the second he gets in here." "Oh stop. He's still hot, and I don't mind seeing him all sweaty," teased Emma. "I mean the boy is an Adonis, but has zero fashion sense." "Ok, ease up on that, wild woman," laughed Katie. "I do agree, though he'd look so cute with his ears pierced and a fade, but now he's making all of them sweaty." "You're right," said Kerri. "Hopefully they won't all be coming in sweaty and gross?" "Ewww," said Annalise, making a face. "You're right. Call them in again please Kerri." Kerri slid open the sliding glass door and yelled out at her brother and their boyfriends. "Come on guys! Enough now!" yelled Kerri. "Appetizers are here, and let's get this party really started now." "Cool, on the way," yelled Michael, dropping the football. "Come on fellas. Food and round two with the ladies." "Is that a girl out there playing catch with them?" asked Emma looking out. "I guess your brother does have a new girlfriend," said Annalise, seeing Michael with his arm around a girl and then kissing her. "Whatever?" Kerri rolled her eyes. "At least my mother will be happy again." "Ewww Anthony," said Annalise, touching her boyfriend as he ran in. "Please go change that shirt and wash up." "And I left you another outfit, Gregory," said Kerri, kissing her boyfriend and then pushing him away. "Wear the blue top and the black slacks please. And don't forget a little cologne. You'll be sweaty again soon dancing, and if you don't you'll stink to high heaven." The guys ran past them, grabbing some food like animals before heading into another room and changing into some of their new wardrobes. As the girls shook their heads, annoyed that their guys were a bit disheveled when they wanted them perfectly coiffed, the DJ began pumping the tunes again as the girls huddled in a little group, dancing. "You can clean them up, but they're still so gross," said Emma. "Well, not Michael," said Katie, looking up as Michael was heading down the stairs. "Looks like he took your advice, gelling his hair and changing his shirt." "Hey girls," said Michael, hurrying down the stairs. "What were you doing up there?" said Kerri. "You went in the back way?" "Yup," said Michael. "Need to clean up a sec at least." "So you're hanging with us," Kerri asked as he came over grabbing some wings. "I thought you had a High School party tonight." "Yeah I did," smiled Michael, stuffing his face. "But I'm blowing it off now." "Why, because you met whoever the hell that was, and you think you can just bring her to my party?" said Kerri, rolling her eyes. "And where is the wench?" "In the bathroom, and of course not, because I was about to get my hair cut like you've been raging on me to do, except shit happens ya know," said Michael. "Is that ok, or am I no longer invited to my own sister's party in my own house?" "Don't be an ass, and you know I still love you, even though you're still a mess," teased Kerri, touching his sweaty hair. "You need something new really bad, and I'm shocked you even met someone looking like this." "I'm not," said Emma, touching his arm. "I kind of like the sweaty muscle thing you've got going on, Mike." "Yeah right? You of all girls who have never sweated even a bead in her life," said Kerri as they all had a laugh. "So where's that diva you were playing kissy face with?" "Powdering her nose of course," joked Michael, wiping his mouth. "And I guess fixing her lips." "My kind of girl then, and where did you find this one?" giggled Kerri. "I'd like to meet her." "Very funny and ahhh... like here of course a few hours ago?" replied Michael, putting down his plate and hurrying up the stairs as he heard the bathroom door click open. "Here she comes." "Wait?" Kerri was confused. "What did he say?" "Oh my gawwdd! Those were the shoes I was going to take later which I left in your room and..," squealed Emma before pausing. "No fucking way, bitch," said Annalise, grabbing Kerri's arm, seeing the girl holding her brother's arm walking down the stairs. All four girls stood stunned, seeing smooth legs in a short skirt and heels, gingerly traversing the wood steps down towards them as they stared, frozen. When the vibrant, canary yellow 3 inch pumps finally stepped down to the basement floor, the looks of shock on the girls faces were enough to bring a smile to Michael's new girlfriend, as her hand slid from his bicep to his hand as they intermingled their fingers. They were completely dumfounded, seeing the pretty girl in a slightly flaring black and silver plaid pleated skirt with a sparkly silver short sleeve tunic top. Her long teal almond shape nails clutched the strap of her canary pocketbook with her left, and with her right hand, she held Michael's fingers. Glistening burgundy lips popped off her professionally made up teen face, and thick lashes batted as she walked towards them looking radiant with a gleam emanating from her rosy cheek bones. It took a minute to sink in, but Kerri couldn't help but recognize her own handiwork, seeing the perfect dirty blonde bangs covering her forehead that turned to long straight hair from a side part, growing lighter as it spanned down her shoulders and well down her back. Behind the bangs, it was pulled back a few inches by a thin, black headband with a small canary offset bow and thin hoops hung from her ears. It almost seemed like slow motion as she approached the girl coupled with her brother, standing arm and arm with him. "No way," gulped Kerri. "I know, right?" said Todd, fluffing his hair. "I had Lilly do my hair and my makeup, plus later got some time with Evelyn. They're so good, right?" "Are you fucking kidding me, Zoe!" said Annalise, looking steamed. "Seriously? Zoe is my little sister? Did the peroxide from your highlights seep into your brain, Annalise?" said Todd, poking his nail into Annalise's forehead. "I'm Bethany moron, and do I look like my little sister to you?" "Not at all," gulped Kerri, staring in awe. "Bethany?" "Well I guess it's the bangs. You know I just got these today," Todd pointed to his bangs. "They take a little getting used to, but somebody likes them, right stud muffin?" "Big time, babe," smiled Michael, dipping down his face and kissing Todd as their tongues entered each other's mouths for a moment as the girls stared, ready to puke. "I'm going to be sick," said Kerri, clutching Emma. "Oh my gawwddd!" "Maybe stop snacking on all the junk food, sis," said Michael, poking his sister. "If you don't, you won't fit in all these fancy clothes that are here like Bethany does." "Do not even go there, Michael!" said his sister, about ready to kill him. "We are going to need to talk!" "Sweetie, she has a gorgeous figure, and we should all be so lucky," said Todd, leaning in, pecking a kiss and reaching up, touching his hair. "Now how about you go get that cute little haircut with Evelyn you've been avoiding, while I chat with the girls and I'll see you in a bit, ok?" "Right now?" said Michael, a bit surprised. "But I just kind of fixed it for you?" "Yeah, but it'll give me a chance to catch up with the girls, and you don't have to go crazy? Just a little something. Ok?" said Todd, rubbing his chest and then leaning in again, planting a deeper, soft kiss. "I'll see you in a few, and don't miss me too much, ok?" "Ok?" smiled Michael, as Todd wiped the lipstick from around his face and then he ran off. "What the hell is going on here?" Kerri asked, getting infuriated. "Did you lose your mind, tattle tale?" "No, just the babyish dress and the big bow," smiled Todd. "But don't worry, I left them with some of the other outfits in the back room, and you can surely have them back now." "How did this happen?" said Annalise. "You're supposed to be with the little ,and going home soon, humbled and embarrassed! I had people watching you!" "Well mission accomplished on the humbled and embarrassed part ladies, but you do realize I have an IQ double theirs and they're clueless, right?" giggled Todd. "Be happy if you go back and the kids don't have those seventh graders tied up in the corner when you get there." "He's right?" nodded Emma. "I told you seventh graders watching them was a bad idea. All those girls are thinking about is that you're letting them come to this party at nine, and it's already 830pm." "Fine, you snuck out and changed," said Kerri with her hands on her hips. "But that's my brother I saw you with?" "I know," said Todd with a big smile. "He's a doll?" "Are you fucking nuts!" said Kerri, pointing. "Get the fuck away from him. He obviously thinks you a girl, and he just had a bad breakup." "I know, and that's her loss," said Todd. "We talked so much, about how she treated him like crap and I'm so glad we met. I really like him." "That's bullshit," yelled Annalise. "Since when do you like guys!" "Well since today, thanks to you girls," smiled Todd, wiggling his face. "Who knew?" "That's so gross, and get away from him," said Kerri getting irate. "You'll freak him out if he finds out you're not a girl! He might be a big tough guy but he's sensitive." "Yeah I know he is, and I for one think that's adorable for a guy," smiled Todd, flicking his hair. "You see thing is, I can totally relate, and who says I'm not a girl? thanks to all of you ladies." "Please stop," said Kerri, holding her stomach. "Like I could?" smiled Todd, putting his hands on his hips. "After that last makeover, I felt even more girlie than the other two. Your makeover artists here are amazing." "Other two?" said Annalise stunned. "You mean like this one and the one we gave you?" "Oh well? Not exactly. I really didn't count that," said Todd, flicking his wrist. "But if you do, I guess this is my fourth?" "Fourth?" said Kerri, doubting him. "Yeah right, in like 4 hours?" "Well, like six hours but I know math isn't your thing, birthday girl," smiled Todd. "Thing is... At first I was so freaked out by being Zoe and you mean girls leaving me there, but then eventually I adapted with the younger girls and I kind of fit in. Then after Liz changed me, I lasted quite a while with the pigtails and bouncing and birthday cake crap there before I was able to easily duck out. Then while I was looking for my actual clothes, I found one of the racks from girl scout outfits and a light bulb went on. I figured it would be easier to wander around looking like I belonged until I found what I came in, so I changed my clothes, pulled out the bow and then got accidentally pulled in by one of the stylists the first time and then again later." "This is so confusing?" said Annalise, dumfounded. "So fucked up?" "Well yeah," nodded Todd. "I was searching and met your brother, and then next thing I knew I'm almost crying, because apparently I agreed to this shoulder length bob! I really don't even know how it happened. It just happened so fast." "That makes no sense?" said Annalise, confused. "Your hair isn't bobbed, and Michael didn't even get a haircut. He just went now for a haircut? You sent him yourself?" "Well yeah it was bobbed, and I didn't say Michael, he did. I met him in his room, and then when he stopped by, and then again outside again later with your boyfriend, Anthony," Todd said with a smirk. "Oh and by the way, I comforted him after what you put the poor guy through getting that stupid quiff and the guys did like my haircut, but it didn't last for me." "You better explain that butch!" said Annalise, growing more angry. "What the hell does that mean?" "Meaning you should go next. Apparently the guys love chicks with bobs," said Todd, taking out his phone. "Let me show you? It was cute and the guys liked it, but I really wasn't ready to go that short. I needed to change it, and eventually I did in the next makeover." "That's not what I'm talking about, bitch," yelled Annalise. "Not the hair! The comforting? What the hell is that about?" "Relax, it was just comforting? I have a boyfriend now?" said Todd, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "A little hugging and touching, but really I hung with all the guys. I hung with Anthony and Gregory, plus Toby and Charlie. Oh yeah, and then we played this game together. It was a little awkward being the only girl, but a lot of fun." "What game?" Kerri asked, not sure she wanted the answer. "Well they called it spin the bottle," said Todd, raising his brows. "It was not at all what I expected." "Oh no," said Annalise. "Now I'm going to be sick too!" "You're so full of crap," said Kerri. "Am I? You know I hate lying?" said Todd, flipping through some pictures. "Maybe you want to check a few of your boyfriend's phones too. All I got were the back of some of their heads." "Huuhh!! What does that mean?" said Kerri, covering her mouth. "You didn't?" "Kiss them?" smiled Todd, spinning his phone. "Well here's the selfies, but they're mostly the back of their heads. They were so preoccupied, they didn't even know I took them, but they'll be some better shots taken by the fellas of each other kissing me." "Oh my gawwdddd," said Kerri, ripping it out of his hand, scrolling down the phone. "I'm going to fucking vomit." "You know I thought that at first, but then it was kind of fun," said Todd. "They're both really good kissers, and they didn't mind at all taking turns with me." "I can't believe you kissed our boyfriends," said Annalise, looking ready to choke him. "This is beyond belief that you'd do this to us, let alone anyone." "Well why? It was just a little kissing, and such a fun game," smiled Todd. "You kissed me remember, and took turns?" "That was different," Screamed Annalise. "Was it?" said Todd. "To you it meant nothing, but to me it was amazing. Those were my first kisses with girls, and now these were firsts as well. The guys were at least not doing it to make fun of me, and it was kind of hot if you really want to know." "Hot?" said Kerri, feeling flush. "It's my birthday, and I haven't even had a hot kiss with him, but you did?" "Don't worry, you can have them back. All of them! Your brother is really my type," said Todd. "Oh and just so you know, Anthony likes pink cherry better than wild raspberry, and Gregory likes the wild rasberry better than pink cherry. That move you girls tried on me, I tried on them and it really does work perfectly. They loved kissing different flavors, so I'm glad I had them in my purse. If you want I'll text you both what they really like, since we all know you're not that great at remembering important facts like on the bio mid-terms." "I'm going to scratch your fucking eyes out," said Kerri, ready to grab him by the neck. "Kerri, chill," said Annalise, looking around. "Everyone's here. It's your party, so let's take it outside and I'll help you fucking kill him." "No you won't?" smiled Todd. "Lay one hand on me, and if you do, I'll send out all the pictures I took." "Bullshit you will," said Kerri, grabbing his wrist. "And how can you exactly when I smash this phone," said Annalise, snatching his phone. "Plus I'll send out all yours, fourth grade princess!" "You think they're not on my cloud already?" said Todd, folding his arms. "But you've got me there ladies, and I should also mention that both Emma's and Katie's boyfriends both really enjoyed the bubble gum lip gloss too? Just not on my lips. Scroll and you'll see that." "Huuh! I fucking knew it," yelled Emma, smacking her forehead, looking at the pictures. "I told you Katie. I knew boys should not know that much about shoes." "Oh my gawwddd! You were so right! We should have known when they helped pick out our outfits at the mall," said Katie, grabbing Emma's arm, staring and then twisting away her neck. "They're kissing each other. I can't even look at it. I see tongue." "Don't worry, they still like you girls," said Todd. "Or they're a bit confused kind of like I am now, but what I'm not confused about is how much I like your brother, Kerri, so maybe all this was meant to be." "Bullshit it was," said Kerri, getting wild again. "Stay away from my brother, or I'll rip out your hair, bitch." "So violent, and if you really want to, fine, but wreck them and you'll be sorry I bet," said Todd, stroking his hair. "Even though the boys were into my bob, I wasn't that comfortable with it, so Michael got these from your room. These are your extensions, and they're in there pretty good, as the stylist put them in, so better the professionals take them out." "They can't be? They were in my bottom drawer, and they're for special occasions?" said Kerri, memorized, looking at them. "Well it's a special occasion for me, since I found a new me I'm really enjoying, and a really special guy," smiled Todd, running his fingers through the long locks. "Now before you go all postal on me, which my boyfriend would not like, I think I have a great idea that will work for all of us." "A great idea? Which damn well better not include any more of my stuff, since those are my new earrings too, aren't they?" Kerri asked, touching the big silver hoops in his ears, and then touching his hair. "These were last Christmas's gifts that I don't share with anyone, and I just spent an hour curling these extensions for my cousin's wedding next weekend." "Yeah well, that you'll need to do again, and it only took the stylist like ten minutes to straighten them for me," said Todd, shrugging his shoulders. "And do you know how much it hurt putting in these earrings? You'll definitely need to help me later with some studs before I leave, and maybe now's a good time to bring up that wedding." "What about it?" asked Kerri, already annoyed. "Well I was thinking you could help me a little, since your brother asked me to go with him," smiled Todd. "To the wedding?" said Kerri, grabbing her head. "The family wedding, with like my entire freaking family attending?" "Yes, and I'm so excited about it," said Todd, reaching over and giving a stunned Kerri a hug. "So from this point forward, we're all going to besties! You help me and then I'm going to help all of you. Won't that be fabulous?" "Yeah I do not think so!" snapped Annalise. "Oh come on?" said Todd with a smirk. "Let's just be friends, put everything behind us and let me help you." "Help us with what?" said Kerri. "The only help I need is help to mentally wipe away the thought that you kissed my boyfriend. I know you must have tricked him, just like your tricking my brother." "The only person I was thinking about tricking would be our teachers," said Todd, rolling his eyes. "I was thinking I'd handle all of the homework for all us and let you girls cheat off me." "Seriously?" Emma asked. "Yeah, and then you could help me," said Todd. "You know kind of with all this being a girl and a girlfriend stuff?" "We're talking about like next week? or what exactly here?" said Katie. "No, the rest of the year," Todd answered, raising up his hand. "Girls Scouts honor and all year. Science projects, math and all the papers. I can easily do your four plus mine even faster than one of you dingbats can do one." "Hey! We're not..," Started Emma. "Don't be stupid, Emma," said Annalise, tapping her chin. "You know the dweeb is right, and if you promise to stay away from my boyfriend, then I'm down with that. I fucking hate school work, and so do all of you! Kerri?" "Guys, you're asking me to let him date my brother so we don't have to do homework or study!" said Kerri, shaking her head before getting right in his face. "How can I do that in good conscience? Give me my fucking earrings, bitch?" "Ouucchhh! Easy! Todd cringed as she almost ripped off his ear before he stopped her taking them out and handed them over. "Think about what you're saying, Kerri?" said Emma. "That's a lot of work we'd be dumping." "Extensions too, bitch!" said Kerri, holding out her hand. "And don't bullshit me. You don't need a professional. They just snap out." "Fine," Todd conceded, reaching behind his head and snapping the top clips, pulling one out. "But that's what they told me." "Turn the fuck around," said Kerri, spinning his shoulders and then snapping another one out. "I want all four, not just one." "Ok, ok," whined Todd as she tok out the other two, rapid fire. "You don't have to yank it though." "Stop whining, and I'm not even pulling that hard, but there's still one more!" said Kerri, pulling out the last one and pushing him hard against the wall. "Learn to ease up on the hair spray. You used way too much, but yanking your hair was an accident, even if definitely deserved. I should yank it all the fuck out." "Easy! That fucking hurts! Maybe this whole day was an accident," said Todd, getting teary eyed and then reaching back, rubbing his own back and butt. "All of it." "Hey!" yelled Michael, coming in with all the guys. "What's going on? What's wrong, Bethany?" "Oh nothing," said Todd, sucking up his tears and running his fingers through his hair. "I was just giving your sister back her stuff, and I guess we just better go talk please." "What the fuck, Kerri?" said Michael, turning and looking at his sister. "She was self-conscious about that?" "They're mine," yelled Kerri with a fist full of hair. "Who the fuck is she to take them?" "Come on! I let her use them. Couldn't you just let her borrow them? and you better not have hurt her?" yelled Michael. "Did you have to be so freaking stingy after I did all this work to make everything perfect today, and talked mom into letting you have this insane party!" "Seriously? You did that?" said Kerri, staring at him and shaking her head. "Well yeah," said Michael, putting his arm around Todd and rubbing his back while talking to his sister. "I knew it was important to you, being it?s your last year before high school. I figured having your whole dance class, the girl scouts you work with and then the older kids from class later would really be amazing, since mom didn?t want to do shit, since you?ve been in basically in trouble or detention like almost every day, plus being such a nasty bitch lately." "Oh my gawwddd Michael," replied Kerri, ready to cry. "I can?t believe you did all that for me?" "Yeah, well just go enjoy your party and let?s go outside for a bit, beautiful," said Michael, taking Todd in his arms, kissing him and then stroking his hair, looking into his eyes. "I need to get some air too." "You really think I look beautiful like this?" smiled Todd, touching his bangs. "You know I do," said Michael, looking into his eyes and sliding his hand across Todd?s ass. "They didn?t hurt you, did they?" "Of course not. It was just girl stuff, so your little tale here has got nothing to tattle, honey," sighed Todd, allowing Michael to softly rub his ass while glancing at the girls, biting his lip, loving it and then taking a breath, looking at Michael. "But you?re so sweet, and you were cute before, but I?m lovin? the flip haircut with the fade. Nice choice, stud muffin." "My sister?s idea the stylist said," smiled Michael, kissing Todd and then taking his hand. "Now come on, like I said you?re just as beautiful with the shorter haircut, and who needs all that hair in the way when we play. Remember last time you almost got hit in the face with the ball when your hair got in your eyes." "Well yeah that was the wind, and it mostly just hurt because my finger got bent back," said Todd, stretching his pretty fingers. "I almost broke a nail, which I think might have hurt worse, so do we really need to go outside to play catch again?" "No cupcake, you throw like a girl, and I didn?t ask the other guys to come with us, did I?" Michael pressed down on his lips and then kissed him deeply before looking into his eyes when the kiss broke, touching Todd?s sides softly. "Forget having a catch. I just thought I could give you the hand off and maybe tackle you in the end zone. How?s that sound, unless my sexy tail banged her tail bone too hard?" "No, I?m just fine, especially now," sighed Todd, looking at him with a twinkle in his eyes. "And sounds dreamy." "Oh jeez! Now I?m going to be sick to my stomach too," said Annalise, snapping her fingers at Anthony. "And I can?t believe I?m saying this, but sounds like it?s time for me too?" "Time for what?" asked her boyfriend Anthony as she took him by the hand, yanking him away. "And what did I do?" "Time for me to bob my hair obviously," said Annalise, rolling her eyes as she pulled him upstairs. "So let?s go, and eyes on me you jerk! Now move your ass, because I haven?t had short hair since the fourth grade, so you damn well better look at me like you?re staring at her." "But..." grumbled Anthony. "But nothing?" Annalise pulled him like a dog. "Fourth grade was a really good year for pretty girls, and trust me, I expect you to fall all over me once I cut all this off, or you?re about to find out what it?s like to be surrounded by fourth grade girls in pretty dresses." "What was that about?" Michael asked, shaking his head and leaning down, planting a kiss. "Now where were we? Oh yeah... dreamy right?" "Wait one second, ok," said Todd, pushing back from the kiss, looking up and then biting his lip, taking a breath and looking over at Kerri. "It really has been dreamy, and I really really like you, but maybe we better go outside like you said, except talk first, ok?" "Yeah maybe after some girl talk," said Kerri, interrupting and pulling Todd away. "Sorry brother, but I just need a minute with your girl please! Come on bestie." "What are you doing?" Todd yelped as she pulled him down the hall and then into the basement bathroom. "Something I damn well better never regret. Turn around!" smiled Kerri, spinning him away from her as he felt the first snap. "Hold these!" "You?re putting your extensions back on me?" Todd asked as she snapped in the next one, and took another from his hands. "Yup, although I do think you look really cute with your hair shorter, but I know you like this better," said Kerri, snapping in the next. "Now just shush and let me do something pretty here, ok?" "Wow? Sure," said Todd, pleasantly surprised as he turned around, looking at her. "And you called me your bestie?" "Turn back around and let me finish please before you?re a mess?" said Kerri with a giggle, opening the bathroom cabinet, taking out a brush. "Just know I love my brother, and if you fuck up his head, I?ll kill you." "I wouldn?t," said Todd as she began brushing hard and then pulling. "Ouchh! That hurts, you know." "Sorry! You?ve got a few knots, and so please be patient," said Kerri, brushing and twisting. "What are you doing?" said Todd, cringing a bit as she pulled. "Something cute I told you," said Kerri, opening the drawer again and finding some clear bands. "You want to look as pretty as you can for him, right?" "Well yeah?" nodded Todd softly. "But honestly I?m not exactly sure what I?m doing?" "You?re looking the part of his beautiful girlfriend," said Kerri, pulling on the other side now. "I saw the way he looked at you." "I know," said Todd, turning a little red. "And I can?t stop looking back the same way." "Yeah I know, and he deserves at least one night of fun after that last nasty bitch broke his heart," giggled Kerri, snapping in a band. "Or really I wish I knew what that was like? So enjoy it while you can, because it?s not like that with every relationship, and certainly not with me and my boyfriend." "Really?" Todd asked, spinning around. "Yeah really?" said Kerri, taking out a spool of yellow ribbon and then spinning him back around. "So can I finish or what?" "Yes please," smiled Todd, turning as sliced some ribbon from the spool and then added it to his hair. She took a moment pushing and pulling across the back of his head, meticulously working and then gave him a hug before letting go, looking at him, smiling. "And be still, this will sting, but these you can wear home," said Kerri, taking out her studs and putting them in his holes. "Oucchh," Moaned Todd, quietly trying to stay tough. "Thanks." "You?re welcome, and don?t take these out! Make sure you take good care, or your ears will get infected," said Kerri, screwing on the backs. "Sure," nodded Todd holding back some tears. "Ok then? So what do you think?" Kerri asked, angling the medicine cabinet mirror so he could see the reflection as she held up a big round hand held mirror in front. "Is that a heart?" Todd smiled, staring at the back of his head. "You braided my hair into a heart." "Well just the top layer, and added the yellow ribbon throughout the braid before looping it into a pretty bow at the bottom," said Kerri, proud of her work, as a heart braid sat atop the back of his head with a yellow ribbon woven through it before ending in a big yellow bow. "It?s kind of a silly girly thing I like to do sometimes when I?m feeling a bit you know.. pretty, so I thought you might like it. If not, I can take it out. So what do you think?" "I think I can?t thank you enough for inviting me today?" replied Todd, moving his neck. "And also I think I?ll be here next Saturday at about ten am if that?s ok?" "Uuumm sure? I guess that?s fine?" said Kerri, checking the knots on the braid to make sure they were tight. "But I was asking about the heart braid Todd? I always find little touches like that to be flirty and romantic. I was just asking if you liked it?" "Oh I?m sorry, and who?s Todd," smiled Todd. "Sorry, Bethany," smirked Kerri. "And the braids, bestie?" "They?re perfect like my bestie, and like I want to look for my boyfriend," nodded Todd, turning and hugging her. "I absolutely love it, and I?m so happy you called me your bestie. That means everything to have you as a friend." "That?s wonderful, and then what?s this about next Saturday," Kerri asked, touching his bangs. "Oh, I was hoping you?d take me shopping for a dress," said Todd. "I need something for the wedding, and I think I have something to wear out Saturday night with your brother already." "Oh sure," smirked Kerri, shaking her head. "And I could help you with your makeup too of course, but I guess I?m curious how you got something already for Saturday night?" "Oh, I?ve got quite a few pretty outfits from the designers, thanks to this party and you of course," smirked Todd. "With just a little help, I should look hot for him." "Got it," laughed Kerri. "Help I?ll be happy to deliver, but how exactly will you be hiding all those things from your mother, or did you plan on telling her about this new you?" "Yeah that?s the thing?" said Todd. "Not just yet. You?ll help me out there, right?" "Of course! I?ll do like whatever?" giggled Kerri, flicking her wrist. "I?m thinking my brother is not ready for that either." "Thanks. Ditto!" said Todd, letting out a breath. "Which is why you?re going to need a new drawer for your extensions? I kind of loaded it with my new stuff in there, plus hung a few dresses in your closet." "Unbelievable," Kerri shook her head. "Sure I guess that?s ok, bestie! I?m here for ya." "Good, because I?m already working on my story so I can sleep over next Saturday into Sunday, because I saw your nails appointment on Saturday and hair booking on Sunday before the wedding on your calendar, so I figured you could add me on with you," said Todd with a big grin. "Cool, bestie?" "I think we?ve created a girly monster here?" said Kerri, smacking her softly head. "Well only if I can?t find the right dress for the wedding," said Todd, opening his pocketbook and taking out his lip, gloss painting it on before fluffing his long hair. "Well that and you know, I?m going to want to wear these extensions again ok?" "Well I was planning on wearing them to my cousin?s wedding," said Kerri, annoyed before catching herself. "But you know what? It?ll be fine. I?ll have them put my hair up." "Thanks, and you know what, maybe I should too, but I?ll leave that up to the salon on Sunday morning," said Todd, hugging her. "Now go enjoy your party! I?ll text you tomorrow if I don?t see you later, because I?ll need to make a quiet exit obviously later out the back way once I finish playing tackle with that gorgeous brother of yours, and I unfortunately have to change back." "Ok," nodded Kerri, rolling her eyes with a smirk. "Have fun, and your clothes are hanging in the spare bedroom next to mine. Use my bathroom to wash your face, and just snap out the extensions. Then when you?re done, just leave everything on my bed, ok?" "Awesome, and if it?s not too much trouble, I was thinking about wearing the red dress out Saturday night," said Todd, pulling his pocketbook strap over his shoulders. "So maybe while I?m doing your homework this week, you could iron it and re-curl all the extensions. It?ll save us a lot of time when you need to get me ready for date night, and after not seeing him all week, I expect it to be really steamy." All Kerri could do was shake her head as the former dweeb strutted from the bathroom and out to her brother. She went back to her party now, peeking outside every so often, only to see her brother and Todd swing on a big swing together, tickling and giggling, or most times with their tongues in each other?s mouths. After two hours they finally parted, as Todd left Michael at the party before sneaking back upstairs to change and wipe away any signs of Bethany. He then hurried out once his mother texted she was outside, and then hopped in her car, checking to make sure he had made a silent exit. "Wow honey," said his mother, stunned at seeing him. "Look at you! You look adorable!" "Thanks," said Todd, looking down. "Ok just drive please, mom." "Just a second." His mother touched his hair and looked at his ears. "Please, mom," said Todd, getting embarrassed. Todd had gelled his hair back behind his ears with a side part, and it was obvious now that a lot of the long length was gone. It was a dashing, slick look that had just a touch of volume next to the part, and his studs shined prominently next to his glowing cleansed skin. "Excuse me, Mr. junior GQ," joked his mother, putting the car in drive. "I just can?t believe you finally cut this hair. I love it, and I wasn?t sure I would but I love your ears pierced too." "Well everyone was trying things, but really it just kind of happened?" said Todd. "Did maybe the cute girl thing maybe have something to do with it?" said his mother, reaching over and touching his ear. "The cute girl thing?" questioned Todd. "Honey, I?m your mother and I?m not blind?" said his mother. "Did you think I wouldn?t notice?" "You noticed?" asked Todd. "Yeah I noticed," said his mother. "Maybe do a better job wiping off the lipstick next time if you don?t want me to question you, honey." "Oh crap," gulped Todd, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "Do not wreck that expensive jacket, and that stuff does not wash off that easy," said his mother, reaching over and pulling down his arm. "This stuff I?m just not ready for Todd! I?m really not, and be happy your father isn?t here?" "Mom, I?m sorry," said Todd, mortified. "Things just happened, and I?m just not sure what came over me?" "You?re not? Well I do, and please don?t try to BS me?" said his mother, rolling her eyes. "You certainly know better, and not that I like it, but I?ve seen the signs of it for quite some time now you know?" "Really?" said Todd cringing. "Yes really," said his mother in a scolding voice. "I?m really not ready for this girl stuff, Todd." "I?m sorry," said Todd, wanting to crawl under a rock. "I didn?t know I was either. I didn?t plan any of this mom." "Hmmmm?" thought his mother, shaking her head, stopping him. "So then this is more than just a one time thing I?m assuming?" "Well I kind of think so?" said Todd, taking a deep breath and looking away as he spoke. "But the thing is, I?ve been invited back here next weekend for the day, a sleepover Saturday night and as a date to a family wedding on Sunday if you?ll allow it." "Wow!" said his mother, pulling over for a minute, shocked and looking at him. "Then I guess this is more than a one time thing, and that?s quite a bit to dump on me all at once." "I know, and I?m sorry mom," said Todd, peeking towards her with his hands folded, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants. "But I needed to get it off my chest." "Well I guess I?m glad you did then," nodded his mother. "Honey, I can understand a little puppy love at your age, but things like that are kind of like small commitments. You sure about this? and please take it slow ok? As it is, you?ve already skipped two grades?" "Ok," nodded Todd. "Promise, but I expect to skip more next year, and I?m sorry if I dumped all this on you." "Don?t be sorry, and just so you know, I saw the cute girl with the sparkly lips hugging you the second you got here," said his mother, patting his leg. "I should have known right then you?d be coming home with her candy apple lip gloss on your lips." "Oh, you mean Kerri?" replied Todd as a small grin appeared on his face, realizing now she was thinking he was just kissing a girl, not becoming one! "Yeah, she?s awesome! And just so you know, it?s bubble gum flavor, not candy apple." "Ok, I know you?re advanced but that?s not something I was thinking you?d be knowledgeable about," laughed his mother. "Remind me to stop at CVS this week and get you your own package of makeup wipes, since it appears my little sweetie might be coming home wearing some lip gloss again next weekend?" "Sure," smiled Todd, breathing a sigh of relief and staring out the window, daydreaming about kisses. "I?ll try to take care of that before I leave to come home, but more than likely it?s a good possibility?"