Oh Brother! Jesse's Fantasy Summer
Author's Note: A reader commented on Oh Brother! Those are My Things
with an idea for this continuation. I go back and look for comments
often, and sometimes reread them. This idea suddenly started to become a
story.
Allie, Jesse, and their mom were sitting at the kitchen table waiting
for Dad to join them. He assured them he was going to be just a minute
more and they would all have dinner together for the first time in
months. Allie had just gotten back home after her first year of college.
"OK," Dad called as he came into the kitchen. "I am done with that call.
So, what shall we talk about? How about your first year at college,
Allie?"
"Exhausting!" Allie laughed. "Between studying for classes and trying to
spend time with my girlfriends when we got a few minutes, usually over
the weekend if we didn't have some major exam coming up. Living in the
dorm was different. I haven't had to share my room with someone else
before, and fifty girls all sharing the same bathroom? OMG, what a mess.
It took a while, but we finally settled into a rhythm where we all
worked somewhat together, or at least didn't get in each other's way as
much."
"Oh, Allie-girl," her mom gushed. "I'm so glad you did so well and
enjoyed it. But I am glad that you are home for the summer. I've missed
you so much."
"Well, about that," Dad broke back in. "That call I just finished up. It
looks like I have a long business trip I am going to have to take over
the summer. Three months."
"What?" Mom spun to look at him. "By the time you get back, Allie will
be off to college again."
"Well, maybe not just me," he grinned at her. "I thought maybe you'd
like to come with me this time. London, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, Paris, and
Berlin. About two weeks in each city."
"I can't," Mom objected. "The kids..."
"The kids are old enough to take care of themselves," he assured her.
Allie and Jesse both nodded when she looked at them.
"No, not for the whole summer," she stated. "But maybe I could join you
in Paris?"
The parents went on discussing it, Jesse looked at Allie with eyes wide
and a big grin. He mouthed "two weeks!"
Allie grinned back knowing just what he was thinking about. She was glad
for it too. She had enjoyed their dressing up games and the night they
walked along the stores with her friends, and his current girlfriend all
dressed up in their little black dresses.
"OK, settled," Dad announced.
Jesse and Allie looked at each other, they had missed the final
agreement. They both turned to look at their parents.
"Do you kids think you can keep from burning down the house for a
month?" he asked.
"A month?" Jesse asked.
"Weren't you listening?" Dad asked. "Your mother agreed to fly to
Vienna, come to Paris and spend a week with me in Berlin before she
feels she has to be back home."
"I'm sorry, Allie-girl," Mom moaned. "I wanted to spend the summer with
you."
"It's ok, Mom," Allie reached out and patted her mother's hand. "We'll
have plenty of time together still."
"So, I have to leave tomorrow night," Dad explained. "Which means I'll
have to get my fill of you guys before I go. Anything interesting going
on with you, Jesse? You and Kendra still getting along?"
"Oh, yeah, everything's great with us," Jesse sputtered. He was having
trouble containing his excitement.
"Good, glad to hear that," Dad went on like he didn't notice any change
in Jesse. "These young romances can fizzle in a heartbeat. Don't get too
broken up if things end, you'll find someone else soon enough."
"That's a terrible thing to say," Mom objected. "They are really sweet
together and they have a lot in common. You can tell Kendra just dotes
on him."
"I'm not saying it will happen, but we will both be gone for a month,"
he went on.
"Perhaps I shouldn't go," Mom fretted.
"No," Allie spoke up. "First, they aren't going to break up, they aren't
going to break up while you are gone, and if by some freak of chance,
they do break up I will be here to help him get through it. But we'll
all have a great summer."
Her mother looked at her, grinned, "I have missed you so much, Allie-
girl. OK, everything will be fine, we'll all have a great summer."
"What about summer plans, now that you know you'll be unsupervised for a
month?" Dad asked.
"I need to go looking for a job," Jesse sighed.
"Me, too," Allie added. "I'm going to check in at the restaurant to see
if I can get my hostess job back. I liked doing it and the money was
decent."
"Perhaps Jesse could tag along," Dad suggested. "Busboy, dishwasher,
maybe a waiter. You could put in a good word."
Allie nodded. "Sure, I could do that."
They talked more about the trip and other work possibilities should the
restaurant not pan out.
After dinner Jesse left to go see Kendra. Allie went to her room to
finish unpacking. She turned to her closet and sighed. It seemed there
wasn't as much room in it as she thought there was. She went to work
rearranging some things and examining the extra items that seemed to
have found their way in there.
After she got things put away, she texted Didi and Helen to see if they
were home yet. They texted back and forth for a while and decided to
meet up in a couple days, family wanted time first. She chucked the
phone onto the bed and went to hang out with her parents.
Allie woke up and stretched. Her Dad had flown out last night, they had
a good day together. Her meeting at the restaurant was set for later
that afternoon. She was meeting up with her girlfriends later in the
morning, so she decided to get showered and dress for the interview. A
gray blouse with short translucent sleeves, and a pleated shiny black
skirt, short, but not too short.
"Wow, you look nice," Mom offered as Allie came into the kitchen.
"Got the interview and I'm going to go see Didi and Helen before I go
over so figured I might as well dress for it. I almost went with one of
the dresses I wore when I was working there last summer but thought this
blouse and skirt would look nice but not like I felt like I already had
the job," Allie explained. "Where's Jesse?"
"He left earlier to go do something with Kendra," Mom explained. "He
asked me to tell you he will meet you at the restaurant."
"OK, that works," Allie sat down with a bowl of cereal and started
eating.
"Allie-girl," Mom started casually, "how long have you known about Jesse
dressing up like a girl?"
Allie spit some cereal and milk back into her bowl. She coughed as she
grabbed a napkin to wipe her face. "Wha, uh, huh, I, uh, what?"
"Look, here is the way I figure it," Mom explained, "a couple years ago
I noticed some of my things had moved. It was subtle but I know how I do
certain things. I thought maybe you were looking for something. But
after a while that didn't fit, then Jesse was having a problem and you
talked to him. Suddenly he was doing better, happier and that was great.
I also noticed that my things weren't being messed with anymore, but
perhaps that was because you were away at college. I went to look for
something in your closet shortly after you left for college and noticed
a dress and skirt that surprised me that you didn't take them with you,
they were pretty and in good shape. You'd look terrific in them. Then I
started thinking, so I waited. About a month or so I went back to look
in your closet again and you suddenly had another new skirt, and you
hadn't been home. Since you came home and didn't ask about the new
clothes in your closet, I am assuming you knew where they came from and
since it wasn't me, and definitely not your father, it has to be Jesse."
Allie sat there with her spoon poised over her bowl. She looked down to
be sure there were no wet spots on her blouse or skirt. She was a little
in bit in shock and not sure how to respond.
"Dear," her mom continued, "I'm sure you don't want to betray your
brother's trust, but we are past that. I haven't said anything to him
because I wanted to talk to you about it first."
"Um, well, I guess I found out just after graduation last summer," Allie
whispered. "I was going out but came back for earrings, I caught Jesse
hiding in my closet in, um, some of my things."
"I see," she nodded. "So you decided to help him."
"Well, not just like that, "Allie objected, "at first I was really upset
but I had to go meet Helen and Didi. Then when I got home I had calmed
down a little so Jesse and I talked about it some before I decided I'd
help him. He got so much happier again. We became so close bonding over
it."
"His girlfriend, Kendra," Mom pressed on. "Is she really a girlfriend or
just a girl to keep up appearances?"
"Oh no," Allie blurted, "she's a girlfriend in every way. I mean, he's
told me about some things but says they haven't, you know, done it."
"Well, that's a relief," Mom leaned back in her chair. "He's too young
to be getting into that kind of trouble. Does she know?"
Allie snickered. "Would you believe they met and scheduled their first
date when Jesse was dressed up in one of my work dresses?"
"Um, how did that happen?" Mom asked.
Allie gave her the details about the whole adventure.
"OK," Mom sat back. "That's quite a story. I am going to have to talk to
Jesse about this."
"Mom, are you sure?" Allie pressed. "He's happy."
"For one, I don't want him to keep sneaking around," she explained. "You
father's gone for the summer, and God only knows what you two had
planned for the month I am going to be gone."
"Nothing specific," Allie grinned.
"Yeah, but I'm sure you would have come up with something," she shook
her head. "I..."
"Hey," Jesse called as he burst through the back door. "Kendra had
something else she had to do so I came back home. I hoped I might catch
Allie before she left."
"I think you ought to sit down," Mom suggested.
Jesse's face immediately fell as he glanced back and forth between
Allie's face and his mother's.
"What? Am I in some kind of trouble?" he slowly slid into one of the
vacant chairs.
"Jesse," Allie started.
"No, Allie-girl, I'll do this," her mother interrupted. "Jesse, I
figured out what's been going on and pressed Allie on it. She admitted
that she's known about you dressing up as a girl and that she has been
helping you or did before she went off to college. I'd like you to
explain it to me. Why?"
"Well," he turned to Allie, tears visible in his eyes, "I like the
clothes. I like how they feel on me, I like how I feel when I am wearing
them. I feel different, good. It is hard to explain, I just know I like
wearing a dress more than I like wearing these shorts."
"OK, first, don't blame Allie," his mom explained. "I laid out all my
facts on how I figured it out before she would utter a word. She did not
want to tell me, but she knew I already knew a lot. Now, what do you
want to do? What would you do if I had already gone off to Europe with
your father and you knew you had the whole summer with just you and
Allie? Oh, and I understand Kendra already is aware of this predilection
of yours."
Jesse wiped at his eyes. "Guess it's a good thing I'm not wearing
mascara," he choked out a laugh and sniffled. After a couple moments he
sat up straighter. "When I heard we would have the house to ourselves
for a month I started thinking I'd save some money so I could buy a
couple nightgowns. I like the idea of slipping into one and cozying up
to watch TV before climbing into bed. I guess you know I already have
other clothes."
"That was part of how I figured it out," Mom told him. "Allie was
accumulating all these cute cloths and wasn't even here."
"I never thought you'd look in her closet, and if you did, I didn't
think you'd think much about it," Jesse shrugged.
"It was an odd series of events," Mom admitted. "But I worry about my
children and I couldn't let it go. So, here is what I'd like to see.
After you go by the restaurant, I'd like you to come back here and we
all have dinner together. And Jesse, I'd like you to dress up for
dinner, there is a blue dress in Allie's closet that I believe is
actually yours? I think that would be nice for tonight. Allie, you and I
will also dress up appropriately. I don't want Jesse to feel
uncomfortable being the only one dressed up. What you have on now is
nice, but maybe something a little nicer? A bit more color? Could you
both do that for me?"
"Um, sure," Allie answered.
"Really? You want me to do that?" Jesse asked.
"From what Allie has told me you look really pretty," Mom told him. "I'd
like to see for myself."
Jesse leapt up and went to Allie first and hugged her, then went to Mom
and hugged her. He started to leave but stopped at the door and turned.
"I love you both so much." He left without waiting for an answer.
Allie finished her breakfast, gave her mother a kiss, and called out,
"Jesse, I'll see you at the restaurant, don't be late."
She heard a muffled, "OK". Satisfied, she left to see her friends.
When she got to Helen's, Didi was already there.
"Well, hey girl!" Helen cried out, jumped up and gave her a big hug. As
soon as she let go, Didi embraced her.
"So, Kendra and Jesse are pretty hot and heavy, eh?" Helen jumped right
in.
"Sounds like it to me," Allie agreed. "He started telling me some things
but I cut him off, I don't need to hear about him letting a girl reach
up his skirt."
"Her hands aren't the only ones wandering," Didi giggled.
"He told me they weren't doing the deed," Allie added. "At least so
far."
"Kendra told me the same," Didi added. "They are so sweet together; my
folks just love him."
"He's a good kid," Helen opined.
"Yeah, he is," Allie straightened her skirt as she sat on the edge of
the bed. "My mom grilled me this morning about Jesse dressing up, then
confronted him with it when he came in."
"No!" Helen exclaimed.
"How?" Didi asked.
"She figured it out," Allie told them. "Now she wants to have dinner
tonight, the three of us, all dressed up. She wants to see how Jesse
looks."
"I think if anything he has gotten even cuter," Didi told them. "Kendra
showed me a couple pictures. He's gotten really good at doing his make-
up, and his hair has really grown out and he does a good job styling it
as well."
"Can't wait to see him tonight," Allie laughed.
"Perhaps he should teach some of the girls around the high school how to
do it right," Helen laughed.
They all laughed and talked about their last year and plans for the
summer until Allie decided she needed to head out.
"Good luck!" Helen wished her as she headed for the door.
"Yeah, hope they have a spot for you, I know you liked working there,"
Didi added.
"Thanks! Talk to you later," Allie waved and started out the door.
"Hey, tell your mom next time we'd all like to come to dinner," Helen
spoke. "After all, we were there for his first outing."
"I'll tell her," Allie laughed. "She might even go for it. She sure
surprised me this time."
Allie drove over to the restaurant and saw Jesse's car already in the
parking lot. She pulled in next to him. "Ready?" she called through the
window. Jesse nodded.
She looked him over, khaki slacks and a pressed shirt. "You look nice,
that's a good start."
"So do you," he grinned. "I think I'd be more comfortable wearing that."
"You've really taken to dressing up like a girl. I thought you might
tire of it," Allie stopped for a second. "Let's talk some after this and
before we go home, ok?"
"Sure," he pulled the door open. "After you."
They walked into the manager's office together.
"Hi Steve," Allie smiled at him. "This is my brother Jesse that I told
you about."
"Hey Allie, Jesse, go ahead and take a seat," Steve greeted them. "First
I have some good news and some bad news. I'll get right to it. Allie, I
had a girl tell me she wants the summer off, so I have a hostess slot
open for you. It will be great for us because you already know the lay
of the land and can hit the ground running. Could you start this
Friday?"
"Yeah, sure, that would be great," Allie grinned.
"Now, the bad news," Steve continued. "Well, maybe doubly bad. Right now
I am totally staffed up in the kitchen. And you are too young to be
serving alcohol so I can't use you as a waiter. Jesse, I am really sorry
about that because if you are half as good a worker as your sister, I
really would like to have you working here."
"You said doubly bad," Jesse asked.
"Yeah, well the other half is more for Allie," Steve leaned back. "Last
night another of the girls decided she needed the summer, only she
didn't give me any notice. That means Friday, you will be working the
hostess station alone. And you know how busy weekend nights are. I'm in
a jam and can't get anyone else to work it with you."
"I could," Jesse spoke up.
"Sorry, Jesse," Steve shook his head. "We hire guys or girls for any
other position, but the restaurant has a policy of having girls at the
hostess stand only."
"That's ok," Jesse nodded, "I can do it. Black dress, heels. Nobody
would know."
Steve stared at him for a second. Turned to Allie, "Is he serious?"
"I'm afraid he is," Allie squirmed a little. "Frankly, I'm a bit
surprised he is doing this."
"Look," Jesse pressed. "I've been going out with my girlfriend for the
last year and at least half the time we go out I wear a dress or skirt
or something and nobody even gives me a second glance. Let me come by
tomorrow and show you. If you agree, I can work Friday night with Allie
and learn the ropes. Any problems come up you can always fire me."
"Your parents are ok with this?" Steve wondered.
"Well, our dad's out of town for the summer," Jesse continued. "And my
mom told me this morning that she figured out what I was up to. We are
having dinner tonight all dressed up."
Allie watched Steve sit there staring at Jesse for what seemed like a
long time. When he did look at her, she shrugged, and he went back to
looking at Jesse.
"I must be desperate to go along with this, but I don't have time to
find someone else," Steve sighed. "Tomorrow, be here tomorrow, 3:30
dressed as if you would be working that night. Allie, if you know a girl
that would like the job, let me know, wait. Do you know someone?"
"I'm afraid I don't right now," Allie admitted. "Maybe later in the
summer I might."
"Right," Steve stood up. "OK, Allie, see you Friday at 3:30, Jesse, see
you tomorrow. I can't believe I am going to try this."
"You won't be disappointed," Jesse beamed.
"Get out of here," Steve waved them off. "I've got work to do."
Allie followed Jesse out to the parking lot.
"Are you insane?" she grabbed his arm and turned him to face her. "There
are a lot of people that come to this restaurant. Someone will figure it
out."
"I've been out a lot," Jesse explained. "And Mom knows so I don't have
to worry about sneaking out of the house to change. I could live all
summer like a girl."
"Except when you go to Kendra's house," Allie pointed out. "Or do her
parents know about it too?"
"No, you're right," Jesse dropped his head.
"Why this big push to live like a girl?" Allie asked him. "I understood
the curiosity, the newness of something different, the thrill of doing
something against the rules. But you keep talking about living as a
girl, are you thinking you want a change?"
She watched Jesse as he thought about what he wanted to say. Her stomach
knotted worried about what he must be dealing with.
"No," Jesse finally spoke. "I thought about it for a while because I am
so happy when I get all dressed up and do my make-up and fix my hair.
But in the end, I like being a boy. This summer could be a real
challenge and a chance to immerse myself. I think it could be fun."
"I don't know," Allie hugged him. "I'm worried about you. You could get
into some real trouble here. Now, we better get home and get changed for
dinner. This will be interesting, especially when you share the news of
your new job."
"Maybe she'll be so impressed with how I look she'll just be happy for
me?" Jesse added.
"Don't hold your breath," Allie answered. "See you at home."
Some time later Allie was standing in front of the mirror looking
herself over. She knew Jesse would be in a blue dress, her mom wanted it
colorful and she had no idea what she would wear, so she went with a
lime green minidress. It fit her pretty tight down to mid-thigh. "Here
goes," she told herself in the mirror.
She walked into the kitchen and saw she was the first to arrive. She
went to the stove and found everything still hot, so she started fixing
everyone's plates and setting them on the table.
"Oh, Allie-girl, thank you," her mother squealed as she entered the
kitchen.
Allie looked her mother over, a little surprised. She wore a red
minidress, and like her dress it was tight down to the hip but then
flared out in a full skirt every bit as short as the dress she was
wearing. Another difference was the low-cut neckline showing more than a
bit of cleavage. "Wow, Mom, nice dress. I don't think I've seen you in
anything quite that short, or that low."
"Is it too revealing?" she placed one hand over her breasts, the other
went to the hem. "I bought it today. I thought I might take it to
Europe, seemed like something I would wear while in Paris. I thought
your father might like seeing me in it."
"Oh, I'm certain he will," Allie smiled at her. "And no, you look
terrific. You can definitely pull it off."
"I agree," Jesse spoke from behind their mother. "You look amazing."
Mom spun to look at Jesse and stumbled backwards toward Allie who
reached out and steadied her.
"Oh, my Lord," Mom gasped.
"Jesse," Allie stared, "you have really stepped up your game. I don't
think Dad would recognize you."
"I certainly wouldn't have," Mom whispered. "I thought I would have to
be supportive in your efforts, but you look really pretty. You could
fool anyone. Except your eyes, I can still see you in your eyes. Amazing
job on your make-up and hair. And that dress really looks good on you. I
need to sit down."
"Are you ok?" Allie reached out to help steady her mother and led her to
the table.
"Oh, yes, I'm fine," she sat. "I just thought I was prepared for seeing
Jesse in a dress, but I wasn't prepared to see a young woman who is
supposed to be my son."
Allie turned to look Jesse over once their mom was taken care of. He
really has improved immensely since she has been away. And he has great
taste in clothes as well. The blue dress fit him well. She could tell he
increased the size of his breasts since last summer, not a lot, maybe
just a little larger than average. The dress had short sleeves with a
little ruffle that matched the ruffle on the full skirt. It was just a
little longer than the dresses she and her mom were wearing, and the
neckline was nice, down but not anywhere close enough to show any part
of his breasts.
They all sat down at the table. Allie watched her mom watch Jesse walk
around the table and take a seat.
"I really am having a hard time wrapping my head around this," Mom said.
"Right now I feel like I've got two daughters. I don't see anything that
would tell me otherwise. The way you look, the way you move. I'm
shocked.
"But, I'll learn to deal with it over the summer when I see you dressed
up like this. Don't be too surprised if I don't end up calling you
Jesse-girl sometimes. Oh, wait, do you have another name you use when
you are dressed like this?"
"No, Jesse works both ways," Jesse grinned at his mother, Allie could
see how pleased he was.
"OK," Mom took a deep breath, settled in, and picked up her fork. "So,
Allie-girl, how'd things go at the restaurant. Did you get your old job
back?"
"Yes," Allie grinned, "they were getting into a jam and was happy to
have me come back. I'll be starting this Friday night."
"Wonderful," Mom praised her. "Do a good job and it pays off in more
ways than one. And Jesse, how about you? Did they have something for
you?"
"Um, well, not at first," Jesse hesitated. "I need to go back tomorrow
for a second interview."
"A second interview?" Mom looked back and forth between them. "Who needs
two interviews for kitchen work?"
"Well," Jesse glanced over to Allie, took a breath and began, "they
didn't have any jobs in the kitchen, but, like Allie said, they were in
a jam for hostesses so I told Steve I could do it. He wants me to show
up tomorrow to prove I could pull it off."
Mom stared at Jesse for several seconds, then at Allie and back to
Jesse. "You can't be serious."
"Yes, he is," Allie offered her support. "After Jesse insisted he could
do it I told Steve that he could. Steve wants to see him dressed for
work tomorrow before making a final decision. Jesse felt that since you
already know, obviously, that he wouldn't have to worry about sneaking
around. Except for when he needs to go over to Kendra's, he plans on
spending the summer as, uh, my sister and your daughter."
"Oh my," Mom put down her fork. "A lot has changed today. But, I don't
see any reason Steve will turn you down from what I see here at the
table. Goodness. It is going to be very strange for me to have a house
full of girls for the summer with no men around."
"Well, sometimes I'll need to dress in my other clothes," Jesse told
her. "Not often, but sometimes."
Allie could see Jesse was just so thrilled with the way things were
going. She just hoped nothing happened to get him hurt.
They ate in silence for a little while. Allie figured it best to give
their mother time to adjust to how far Jesse had taken all this. She
figured it was a little easier for her, having known for more than a
year and seeing the growth he had gone through last summer into his
feminine persona.
"Well, you both like this dress?" Mom finally broke the silence.
"Absolutely," Allie answered. "If you had worn that before Dad left, he
might have stayed."
"I agree," Jesse added. "You're hot."
"Hot! Oh my," Mom giggled. "Well, because I just happened to find this
the other day. I wasn't shopping for anything, I just happened to see it
and bought it. I really need to do some more shopping for the trip, and
I was planning on asking you, Allie-girl, to go with me one afternoon
but I am wondering if maybe both my girls would like to come along."
"I'd love it," Jesse broke into a huge smile.
"Of course, I'd love to help you do some shopping," Allie answered.
"Wonderful," Mom offered them both a genuine smile. "Jesse-girl, it is
still early enough, I think after dinner you might like to go to a store
and find yourself at least a few nightgowns. I'll lend you my credit
card but keep the cost down some please. You don't need to be buying
$100 or more of nightgowns. I'm certain you can find something you can
live with until you have your own money."
Jesse jumped up from his seat and wrapped his arms around his mother.
"Thank you! I know just where to go. I've looked at them before and
probably get three for about $100 total, if that's ok."
"$100 total for three?" his mother looked at him. "I bet at least one or
two of them are a bit nicer than a cotton nightgown. But, that's fine. A
girl should have some things that make her feel nice."
Jesse went back to his seat and Allie was certain he was eating faster.
As soon as dinner was done, Jesse hit the door as fast as could move in
the heels he was wearing.
"That was really nice of you," Allie told her mom. "I wish we'd told you
earlier. He was so happy once I decided to help him, he would have been
delirious knowing you supported him as well."
"Well, it wasn't easy to come to terms with," she explained. "At first I
wondered if I had made some kind of mistake raising him. How could I
have gone so wrong with him when you turned out so well? Maybe it was
because your father was gone all the time and he was influenced by being
around just the girls so much. Then I started reading stuff about it on
the internet. From what I read; this seems to be something that is just
ingrained in him. Another aspect of his unique personality. I can accept
that. I would love you both regardless of anything. Of course, if you go
out and get drunk and kill someone while driving I will still love you
and I would turn you in if you didn't get caught right away. And I would
visit you in prison every day." She giggled.
"Thanks, Mom," Allie laughed. "What about Dad? Do you think he could
accept this?"
"I don't know," she sighed. "Men are generally so, oh, what am I trying
to say, so stubbornly male. They aren't allowed to show weakness and
there are some who would see anything other than their narrow view of
what makes a man as weak. It's sad."
Allie got up, went over and hugged her mom. She held on for a long time.
"Thank you, Mom. You are such a terrific mother, never doubt that. And I
promise if I kill someone while driving drunk I'll turn myself in so you
don't have to."
Her mom gave her a swat on the bottom that made her dress flip. "You
brat!"
Allie laughed and left the kitchen.
Sometime later Allie was sitting on the couch in some shorts and an
oversized tee watching TV with her mom when they heard Jesse come in.
"Hey, we're in the living room," Allie called out.
"OK, I'm going to change, then I'll come in and watch with you," he
called back.
"Bet he can't wait to get into one of those new nightgowns," Allie
snickered.
"What sort do you think he bought?" her mother asked.
"Well, judging from the lingerie he likes, I'd say some pretty sexy
stuff," Allie answered. "But I'm sure he'll take into account that he'll
be around us so likely not a sheer baby-doll."
"Likely?" her mother asked. "Oh my."
A short time later they heard him coming down the hall, bare feet
slapping against the hardwood. Allie was practically wanting to run into
the hall and see. It had taken most of her strength to not go knocking
on his door to see what he'd purchased.
Jesse walked in and went to the couch. He had on a floor-length, white
satiny nightgown. Thin spaghetti straps at the top, it hugged his body
to his hips and flared only slightly down to his feet. Allie could see
the dimples in the fabric where the panty he wore underneath it lay.
"Wow," his mother spoke first. "So, I am going to say that one took the
lion's share of the $100? Very nice."
"Yes," Jesse sat, pulled his knees up and wrapped his arms around his
legs. "I got lucky and it was on sale for $60."
"Want to show us what else you got?" Allie pressed wanting to see the
rest.
"Not tonight," Jesse answered. "I'll show you later."
Allie bit back a plea and turned to watch the TV again. She saw her
mother trying to steal a peek at Jesse without appearing to be looking
at him. She could see a slight smile on her face.
Allie knocked on Jesse's door and pushed it open. Jesse was standing
there in lacy black panties and bra preparing to put on a black dress.
"Ready for your meeting with Steve?" Allie asked.
"Just about," Jesse answered. He pulled the dress down his body. "Think
this will be good? I wanted to look like I would at work but not look
like I was trying too hard."
"No, I think it is perfect," Allie went and zipped it up for him. Not
too low a neckline, short full skirt, slightly puffy sleeves. "If he
decides to give you the position you might want to wear that the first
night."
"Thanks, Allie," Jesse hugged her. "You are the best. And what about
Mom? Can you believe how cool she has been about this whole thing? All
the time I was sneaking around while Dad was out of town and I could
have been dressing up that whole time."
"Yeah," Allie agreed. She moved a hair back that had gotten stuck in his
mascara. "She really is amazing. Now, go shock Steve and let us know how
it goes."
She watched him walk away down the hall before he turned out of sight.
"It is getting harder and harder to remember I have a brother and not a
sister."
A couple hours later the door slammed, and Jesse came rushing into
Allie's room.
"Well?" Allie dropped the book she was reading and stared at Jesse. She
already knew the news was good because he couldn't stop smiling.
"OK," Jesse sat in a chair, crossed his legs and carefully arranged his
dress. "So I walked in and knocked on Steve's door. I was about 10
minutes early. He looks up and starts telling me that he already
promised the hostess job to someone else, and I was starting to feel
really rotten, but then he says if I'd leave my name and number, he
would keep me in mind if an opening came up and I realized he didn't
recognize me. I told him who I was, and he looks me up and down and says
'Bloody, Hell'. He actually said that! Then he told me I had the job. I
had eliminated any doubt he had. I start training with you Friday
night!"
"That's wonderful!" Allie cheered.
"What's all the noise?" Mom appeared in the doorway.
"I got the job!" Jesse screamed.
"I got that," she nodded. "Jesse, I am enormously proud of you. But you
need to be really careful. You've been lucky so far with the people who
know about this, some won't be as understanding, some will be down-right
jerks about it."
"I understand," Jesse seemed to settle back down to Earth again.
"OK, so, how do we celebrate?" Mom asked.
"Maybe we should all go out for a nice dinner?" Allie offered.
"Since neither of you has started working yet, I guess that means I
would be buying?" Mom sighed.
"But you get to pick the restaurant," Jesse offered.
"Fine," she laughed. "There is a nice steak and seafood place over by
the freeway. How about that?"
"Um, are you ready to go someplace with me like this?" Jesse asked, "or
do I need to put on my other clothes."
"I think you need to change," Mom said. Allie was shocked and felt her
mouth drop open as she turned to stare. "I think we need to be more
colorful than black. So, get changed, something other than what we wore
for dinner the other night. Let's go have a good time!"
Allie felt like a weight had fallen on her and then melted away. She
watched as Jesse leapt up from the chair and rushed to go pick a dress
to wear to dinner out.
Allie went to her closet and picked out a red dress, it was long to just
above her ankle in a full skirt. It had short sleeves and a round neck
and was made of a lighter material that would be comfortable in the warm
weather. It felt like a nice combination of dressy and casual. She
changed out her lingerie opting for a red g-string and bra. After fixing
her hair and make-up she went to Jesse's room.
The door opened as she was about to knock.
"Oh!" Jesse ducked back from the knuckles that were about to rap him on
the forehead.
"Sorry, I was just coming to see if you are ready," Allie answered.
"Great dress!" Jesse reached out and pulled at the skirt examining the
fabric. "I thought a long dress would be too much fabric. Too warm and
all."
"And yet you got that long nightgown?" she asked.
"Oh, right," he let go of the skirt and stepped into the hallway.
Allie looked him over, he wore a minidress, white with flowers. The
skirt was full, half sleeves, V-neck. They marched on to their mother's
room.
She came out in a yellow sleeveless dress. It had a high circle neck;
the skirt was full and about halfway down started stripes of brown and
black to its knee-length hem.
"Well, ladies," she looked them both over. "I think we look fabulous.
Let's go to dinner."
They walked into the restaurant and Allie saw the attention they were
garnering. Men without dates were openly staring at the three of them
and those with dates were repeatedly glancing their way. She felt good,
but also wondered how many of those were ogling her brother in the short
dress. Though it was certainly possible they were checking out Mom as
well.
"Would you like a glass of wine, Allie-girl?" Mom asked. "No, Jesse-
girl, you aren't old enough yet."
"Sure, I'll go with whatever you think," Allie answered. Her mom is
buying her wine, it made her feel just a little more grown up.
They enjoyed a wonderful dinner, chatting away the whole time.
"Well," Mom put her fork down after finishing her cheesecake, "I need to
do some more shopping for my trip. Would you girls like to accompany me?
I thought maybe Sunday if you aren't having to work."
"I get to go?" Jesse grinned.
"Of course," Mom reached over and patted his hand. "I said so before and
from what I've seen so far, you both have excellent taste in clothes,
and I would love for both my girls to help me be as fashionable as
possible."
They went back home and decided to settle in with some television before
heading off to bed. Jesse was the last to come in and Allie's eyes went
wide when she saw him.
"Wow," Allie gasped. "I thought last night's gown was nice. That one is
pretty sexy."
"Yes," Mom added. "If you were able to get that and the long gown and
another for under $100 I need to go there. I think your father would
love to see me in something like that. Maybe in red, though. Did they
have it in red?"
Jesse moved to the couch. He had on a short silky nightgown in blue. It
had spaghetti straps, and barely reached low enough to cover his rear.
The hem was lined in white lace. Added to that was a slit up the left
thigh that showed a small strip of a matching panty. He sat carefully.
"I saw one in pink, green and black. Also, a white one with black lace
trim. I had to buy the panty separate, it didn't come with it."
"Maybe pink could work," his mother mused. "Black and white could also
be nice. Thanks, definitely made the right choice about asking you to
help shop."
"I wonder what Kendra would think if she saw you in that?" Allie winked
at Jesse. She watched him shift in his seat and decided he wasn't going
to answer, which was fine.
It was a month later and Allie was getting ready to head to work. The
summer had been good and tonight she would be working with Jesse at the
restaurant. He was an excellent hostess, picked everything up quickly.
Steve was very impressed and had told her that he was glad he decided to
give Jesse a chance rather than writing him off immediately.
She finished getting dressed, short black dress, of course, and headed
to meet up with Jesse.
Jesse stepped out of his room and Allie couldn't help but stare. He was
dressed in a short black dress, full skirt, short sleeves, which was
usual. But from the neckline down to just above where his bra must be,
was sheer, and he had a cleavage! She stared at it, her mouth hung open.
"What do you think?" Jesse shimmied his shoulders shaking his breasts.
"I found some fake breasts online and ordered them. They look pretty
real, even have a nipple! I bought a bra with a half-cup for this dress.
I really like it! No more rice in hose!"
"Um, wow," Allie stuttered. "You really look amazing. Has Mom seen you?"
"No, I just finished getting dressed," Jesse turned. "Let's go show her
and then we need to get going."
Allie watched her brother strut in to show off his new breasts to their
mother. To her credit, she took it all in stride complimenting him on
keeping the size close to what he already had been doing.
"I thought it best," Jesse answered. "I didn't want to have to go and
buy all new bras, plus this size just feels right for me. I didn't want
to bring more attention to myself by marching around with DD."
Allie shook her head after listening. She started wondering just how
much further Jesse was going to want to take this. It had been more than
a year since they took that walk and Jesse went from dressing up at home
as a sort of game, to living almost all day every day as her sister.
Whatever he chose, she knew she would support him.
It was a busy night at the restaurant. Allie was glad Jesse was working
with her, they had a good system and could keep things flowing
seamlessly.
"McDaniels, party of 4," she called out. Jesse grabbed the menus and led
them to a table.
"Hi!" Didi called as she approached the podium.
"Didi! You having dinner here tonight?" Allie asked.
"Yeah, whole family. Mom, Dad and Kendra are coming in," she grinned.
"Long wait?"
"Um, about 35 minutes," she jotted down the request. "You know Jesse is
working tonight."
"Oh, shit," Didi hissed. "Dad said we were going out to dinner but
didn't tell us where. Oh, damn."
Jesse had just walked up. "Oh, hey Didi."
"Um, nice dress," Didi nodded at his breasts.
"Thanks," Jesse blushed a bit.
"Kendra and my folks will be in any second," Didi told him. "I'm going
to head them off and try and keep them away from you." She turned and
went back through the crowd waiting for their table.
"When it comes time to seat them," Allie explained, "I'll take them to
the table. I don't want you to chance them realizing who you are."
When their name came to the top of the list Allie went to get them
rather than call them to the podium. She told Jesse to be sure to move
away when it came time to walk past.
Allie returned. "OK, I think it best we keep you away from their table.
It's going to take a little more juggling to do the seating, but we can
handle it."
"I wish I could say hi to Kendra," Jesse sighed.
"Would you like to say hi to her parents too?" Allie hissed. "Think,
Jesse. This is not the place you want to have that conversation. I'm not
sure it is a conversation you want to have at all."
"I know," Jesse huffed. "But it would make things a lot easier."
"That's true," Allie told him. "Her parents could forbid Kendra from
ever seeing you again. You think it is tough sneaking around now? And do
you think Kendra would be able to keep lying to her parents about
sneaking out to see you? It couldn't last under that kind of scrutiny."
"You're right," Jesse sighed. "Thanks for helping me keep my head on
straight."
"My pleasure," Allie answered. "We need to talk more later when there
aren't as many folks around."
A couple hours later Didi and the rest of her family paraded past. Didi
turned to grab a mint from the dish on the podium.
"Great dinner," she smiled. "Everything went great." She winked at them
both.
"Oh, I want a mint too," Kendra came to get one. "Oh, Jesse!" She
quickly looked around to see if her parents had stopped. When she turned
back she looked at Jesse's breasts. "Jesse?"
"I'll tell you about it later," Jesse whispered.
The girls turned and left.
A few hours later Allie was heading out the door with Jesse. "I can't
wait to get out of this dress and into my nightclothes."
"I have to say," Jesse added, "these breasts added more weight to my
bra. Definitely made a difference. I am ready for my nightgown as well."
Just then Jesse's phone gave off its tone alerting that a text had
arrived. Jesse pulled it from his purse and stopped.
"What's the matter," Allie turned.
"Kendra," Jesse told her, "she says her mom would like it if Allie and
her sister could come by tomorrow around one."
"Me and my sister?" Allie worried.
Jesse turned the phone toward her.
"Well, what do you want to do?" Allie pressed. "I'll back you up all the
way. You had to know this would probably happen sooner or later."
"I just hoped I could get through the summer," Jesse began walking
toward the car again. "I figured once Dad got home things would have to
go back to where they were before, but at least I might get a summer of
living this fantasy. It has been great so far." He tapped away on his
phone.
"Well?" Allie waited.
"I told her we'd be there," Jesse answered.
Allie waited in the kitchen. She had put on shorts and a top, she wanted
to be casual for however this meeting would turn out. When Jesse entered
the kitchen, she was surprised but realized she shouldn't have been.
Jesse had on a denim miniskirt with a frayed hem, a white camisole with
a built-in bra, a white short-sleeved shirt unbuttoned most of the way.
On his feet he wore white canvas shoes with pink and white laces.
"She must have seen me all dressed up last night," Jesse explained, "so
I thought I'd show her casual today.'
"You look terrific," Allie told him.
They rode over to the Andrew's house where Kendra immediately came out
the door to greet them. She wrapped her arms around Jesse and kissed
him.
"She won't talk to us about it," Kendra told them as they started back
toward the house. "She set this time because Dad is going to be gone all
afternoon. I don't think he knows but I'm not sure."
They walked in and found Didi and Mrs. Andrews already waiting in the
living room.
"My, my," Mrs. Andrews made no effort to hide her giving Jesse a good
look up and down. "Aren't you a pretty little thing. Please, have a
seat."
Kendra led Jesse to the couch gripping his hand tightly. Allie took a
chair near where Didi was seated.
"OK, first, I've not talked to either of the girls yet," Mrs. Andrews
opened the talk. "Last night while eating dinner, I could see my husband
seemed to be unable to take his eyes off a particular hostess at the
restaurant. Since Allie had shown us to the table, I assumed it would be
whoever you were working with that held his attention so. At last, I got
a glimpse of the girl, quite pretty, and when she turned around there
was something familiar about her but I couldn't quite put my finger on
it. Oh, your father wouldn't have known, besides, I don't think he ever
really looked at your face. After a while I went to the bathroom and
while I was coming back out, I heard someone call out to Jesse from the
bar area. When I got another look, I realized who the girl was. I did
not wish to make a fuss there, or at home here until I was provided some
explanation. I can tell from the way my daughter is clutching Jesse's
hand that this is not much of a surprise for her. So, who wants to start
and tell me just what is going on?"
Allie swallowed, looked around at everyone and could see Jesse getting
ready to start to speak. She felt it might be better if she started so
she blurted out "Well," before anyone else could say anything. From
there she started telling Mrs. Andrews the story much the same way she
told her own mother. When she got to the first walk with Helen, Didi
broke in about how she and Kendra joined them without knowing about
Jesse being the other girl in the group.
Each of the girls told their part in the story. Allie listened as Jesse
talked about how much fun he and Kendra had going out and how often they
went places as a couple of girls. She was glad he left out how they
sometimes reached under each other's skirts. When Jesse finished up with
landing the job at the restaurant the room was silent for a time.
Allie watched Mrs. Andrews nervously. She knew how attached Jesse and
Kendra were and how devastating it could be to them if Mrs. Andrews
forbade her daughter from seeing Jesse.
"OK," Mrs. Andrews finally broke the tension. "Tell me, Jesse, what sort
of plans you have for the future. Are you transgender? Are you planning
on becoming a girl? Are you planning on attending school as a girl? What
about Kendra? How does she figure into your plans going forward?"
"Well," Jesse looked at Kendra and squeezed her hand, "I'm not planning
on changing anything. When school starts, I'll be back to dressing like
a boy again. I hate it because I like these clothes, and the make-up and
all. I don't want to be a girl; I just like dressing like one. I got
these," he cupped one of his breasts, "because I think the clothes look
better with them, and they do. This summer came about because my Dad is
out of town on business and my Mom figured it out. After hearing this
same story, she decided to let me try it for the summer. And I'm pretty
sure after this you are going to tell me how dangerous it can be for me,
and Kendra if she is with me, if I were to run into the wrong sort of
people. We are careful about where we go, but I also know that even if I
wasn't wearing a skirt we could get into trouble with the wrong sort."
"Kendra, dear," she turned to her daughter, "why are you so caught up on
this boy who wants to dress up like a girl?"
"Jesse is fabulous," she leaned against him and even laid a hand on his
leg below the hem of his skirt. "He isn't like the other boys,
obviously. He's sweet, he pays attention to me in ways no other boy has.
That first night I saw him in that black dress standing on the sidewalk
I knew he was going to be a great boyfriend, even if he'd like to borrow
my favorite skirt sometimes."
Didi laughed and that made Allie snicker. Mrs. Andrews looked at them
both for a moment but then a smile began to crease her face. "You have
thought about a lot of this, then again, having been doing it for more
than a year I guess you've had the time. I will tell you now that I am
not going to say anything about not seeing each other, I don't think it
would work anyway. I am not going to say anything to your father either
because I don't believe he would handle it so well. He has a very narrow
view of what sort of man should be dating his daughters, and one that
would like to go prom dress shopping with her would not be on his list."
Allie could see Jesse melt a bit as the stress left his body. She saw
him give one of the camisole straps an adjustment without realizing he
was doing it.
"This is going to take some getting accustomed to," Mrs. Andrews shook
her head.
I think," Allie interjected, "that if you are around him for any amount
of time, that he does such a good job on selecting clothes and doing his
make-up and hair that you don't really notice it as something
different."
"I guess we'll see," she got up and left the room.
"Anyone want to go see a movie?" Didi asked.
"Yeah, that sounds fun," Kendra jumped up. "But I've got to go change. I
can't have my boyfriend looking cuter than me."
"Sure, I'm in," Allie answered. She looked over and saw Jesse was
feeling very pleased with himself.
Summer was winding down; Allie knew Jesse was beginning to dread the end
of it. Not only would it mean school would be starting up, but their dad
would be back home and that meant packing up a fairly substantial
wardrobe that Jesse had accumulated. They had been talking about how
they could accomplish him keeping everything and keeping it hidden.
Allie was trying to figure out what she would be taking to college and
how much room she could leave him.
Her phone rang and it was her mom calling from Berlin.
"Hey Mom!" Allie cried out, "how's Europe? You and Dad having a great
time?"
"Hey Allie-girl," she called back. "Everything is wonderful, we have
been having a great time. And your father just loves the clothes I've
been wearing, you can pass that along."
Allie laughed, "He'll be happy to hear it. So, you ready to come home?"
"That's what I'm calling about," she told her, "if everything is okay
there, I am going to come back with your father in another week."
"Oh, yes, everything is fine," Allie told her. She was a bit
disappointed that she wouldn't see her mother before she had to go back
to college.
"Great," her mother came back, "I told your father I would stay only if
we could come back a day earlier so I could see you before you leave."
"Oh! Well, that's great! I was afraid I wouldn't see you before I had to
leave," she let out her breath. "And it is good to know you'll be here a
little earlier. We've got stuff to handle, y'know."
"Well, don't worry too much," she answered. "You know your dad doesn't
go looking through too many things. Gotta go now! Love you! Tell Jesse I
love him too."
"Will do, Mom. Love you, love to Dad, bye," she clicked off the phone.
Odd being told not to worry about cleaning out Jesse's closets.
Allie was sitting in the living room; she had spent most of the day
getting things packed up and ready to load in her car for the trip to
college the next morning.
She helped Jesse move some things around but also told him about their
mother's advice about not stressing too much about putting stuff away.
"It would make things easier considering how much he travels," Jesse
told her. He kept a few nightgowns in one of the dresser drawers. Other
things he used space in Allie's room and dresser.
Now, he was sitting with her dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. It seemed
so odd to see him not in a dress. He just didn't look right to her. He
didn't look happy.
The door opened and their parents came in. Allie and Mom were squealing
and hugging each other, and Jesse, and their dad. Everyone trying to
talk at once and move luggage around and it was pandemonium for fifteen
minutes before things started to settle down.
"So, tell us about Europe!" Allie begged. "What did you do? Where did
you go? Come on, tell us everything!"
"Well," Mom started, "I can't tell you everything because that's just
not the sort of thing you tell your kids."
"Ew, Mom," Allie crinkled her nose, "then why even bring it up?"
"Because," Mom started to explain, "our second night in Paris I wore one
of those special nightgowns that I brought and you father was amazed
that I would pick something out like that."
"Amazed and happy," he grinned.
"And, well we had been drinking some wonderful French wine with dinner
and I was feeling pretty good and I told him about our shopping trip and
just how helpful you two were in selecting my clothes for the trip. Of
course he was surprised to hear that Jesse played such an instrumental
part in selecting that nightgown as well as some of the other things I
was wearing and I told him all about it."
Allie looked over at Jesse who appeared to be trying to disappear into
the cushions of the chair he was in. She was in shock as well and looked
back at their father. She was confused, he didn't look angry, or
anything but happy.
"At first I was confused about what Mom was trying to tell me," Dad
began. "It actually took us several days of talking about it. As we'd
walk from one place to another, I kept coming back to it. And she was so
supportive of you Jesse, and of what you have chosen that eventually I
started to accept it. Or at least accept that I would see for myself
before blowing up over it. I don't think I still understand it, and not
having seen for myself, I guess I still don't know. But, I have agreed
to not make you get rid of any of your things. And I will not make you
hide anything around me."
"Really?" Jesse sat up again. "You mean if I were to go put a skirt on
now you would be ok with it?"
"Um," he looked over at their mother who nodded, "yeah, I guess so. And
I hope that we can sit down and talk about this so perhaps I can
understand it better. And, your mother told me that the first night you
all had a nice dinner and perhaps we could do that as well if you are up
for it."
"Colorful dresses?" Allie asked.
"Yes, Allie-girl," Mom answered. "Though I don't think your Dad will be
wearing one."
"No," Dad affirmed, "but I will put on a jacket and collared shirt."
"OK," Jesse jumped up and started out of the room but stopped. "Oh, no.
I quit my job because I wouldn't be able to continue."
"Well," Mom smiled, "actually, I called the restaurant and asked him to
hold your job for you. You need to call him and tell him if you plan on
working it beyond the summer."
Jesse ran back in and hugged his mother, then his dad. "Thank you."
Allie felt so proud of him, of them all. She felt like she could head
off to college without worrying this year if Jesse would have the
support he might need. He looked to be in good hands. But first she had
to decide what to wear to dinner.
She watched as her parents gathered their luggage and rolled them up the
hall to their bedroom, then she went to her own room. She heard music
coming from Jesse's room. She was sure he probably had several dresses
laid out on his bed trying to decide on the perfect one for dinner
tonight.
She entered her room and pushed the door closed. Then in her closet she
started pushing through the dresses trying to decide on what she would
wear. She came across a beige minidress with a deep red pattern. She
held it up looking at the asymmetric hem and v-neck. It was Jesse's and
she thought maybe she ought to take it over to him. Then she decided on
a better plan, this was going to be the dress she wore to dinner
tonight. She went about getting herself ready.
She went to the kitchen hoping to be the first one there but saw that
her father had beaten her to it.
"Men don't take near as long to get ready as ladies do," he told her
when he saw her. "You look very nice."
"Thank you," Allie answered and did a pirouette showing herself off. She
decided to wait before telling him it was Jesse's dress.
Mom entered. She was wearing another short dress, blue silk. "I bought
this in Paris," she told Allie. "Your father insisted I get it when we
saw it in the store window."
"Well, he was certainly right," Allie answered. "Your wardrobe certainly
has gotten a lot sexier this summer."
"I like it, too," she moved and gave Dad a kiss then took her seat.
"Who'd have thought that my kids would be the ones to help spark this
resurgence."
"It was the red dress from that first dinner that started it," Allie
pointed out. "If we hadn't seen you in it, then maybe it wouldn't have
happened."
"Speaking of which," Dad interrupted. "Where is Jesse? Does it always
take him this long?"
"Usually about as long as it takes Mom and I," Allie took her seat, "but
he is probably being extra attentive tonight."
"I was trying to be careful," Jesse announced as he entered the kitchen,
"but I am also very nervous." He stepped into the kitchen from the hall
and stopped.
"Oh, my Lord," Dad whispered. "I can't, um, I mean I just, uh..."
"I felt the same way the first time I saw her," Mom told him.
Jesse was in a white dress. It was sleeveless and had a low circular
neckline. The bodice was tight with a couple ruffles that led to the
knee-length skirt with its rows of ruffles. White high-heeled sandals
adorned his feet. Allie saw his toenails were painted the same pink
shade as the lipstick he wore.
"Um, come on in, sit down, let's eat before it gets cold," Dad
instructed.
Jesse moved to the table and took a seat.
"Allie," Jesse started after he sat, "is that my dress?"
"Yes," she grinned. "I found it in my closet, and I thought it would be
perfect for tonight. You don't mind, do you?"
"No, of course not," Jesse snickered. "As often as I have borrowed your
things, I would be happy to lend you some of mine."
"OK," Dad finally spoke again. "I think I am over my shock. Jesse, I'm
sorry but I just didn't expect you to look so pretty. Your mother tried
to tell me but until I saw it for myself there was just no way I could
be prepared for what I saw. I am starting to understand how you've been
able to do all summer working at the restaurant without getting caught."
"Well, about that," Jesse started.
"Oh, no!" Mom blurted.
"No, Mom, it's fine," Jesse tried to calm her. "Kendra's family came to
the restaurant and her mom figured it out."
"From the way she told us," Allie added, "she might not have noticed at
all except Mr. Andrews kept leering at Jesse whenever he was in the
dining room."
"No!" Mom giggled.
"True," Jesse answered. "Then someone called me in the bar as she was
walking by and that is when she figured it out. But, she is being cool
about it, but she doesn't think Mr. Andrews would be so she isn't saying
anything to him and I can't be dressing like this over there if he is
going to be around."
"It seems to me that you really do prefer to be dressing as a girl all
the time," Dad inquired.
"Yes," Jesse answered. "I like the feeling, it makes me happy, I like
putting in the effort to look nice, but I am happy being a boy."
"I understand," Dad answered. "Mom told me over and over again that was
how you felt, or at least that is what you are telling us."
"It's the truth," Jesse sat up straighter. "I like who I am, and I like
being able to express myself the way I do. I wouldn't change anything
from the way things are right now. Oh, and by the way, Steve was
thrilled to hear I would still be able to work part-time while school
was going on. Probably more hours around the holidays. It'll be nice
trying different hose and things when the weather gets cooler."
"Jesse," Dad looked over at him, "I am proud of you. I really don't
understand it but from the way you are taking care of yourself and
defending yourself, I think you are a terrific kid. I'm sure I'll adjust
to it. I already feel like I have two daughters right now. One other
thing though. I hear your mom and sister still saying he and him. Do you
still use male pronouns about yourself?"
"Out in public everyone switches to how I look," Jesse answered. "After
that, I don't really care. It isn't something I worry about. I'll be
good with whatever makes you comfortable."
They finished eating dinner and then Dad surprised them by taking them
all out for ice cream. Jesse texted Kendra, Allie texted Helen and Didi.
They all met up and walked the shops while eating their treats.