when I caught my reflection in the mirror an icy dread swept Over Me horror wasn't the right word it was deeper sharper an unsettling mix of disbelief and fear I felt paralyzed rooted to the spot as though the chair beneath me was the only Solid Ground left in the world the image staring back was far worse than anything my mind had conjured moving forget it I was ready to sit there indefinitely unmoving and unwilling to face what came next stand up sweethart we need to get the Dress On You Came mom's voice cutting through my
thoughts like a blade I don't want to wear a dress mom my protest was as much a plea as it was Defiance I'm sure you don't but it's not about what you want now is it the whole mess had started with a bad decision a really bad decision feeling cocky my friends and I had messed with the door to the girl's locker room at church trapping three girls inside the aftermath was anything but funny parents had to break down the door to free them and let's just say the grown-ups weren't amused my dad he was
Furious his face Crimson with rage when one of the other guys blurted out everything and we got caught and the cherry on top the girls were the ones allowed to decide our punishment what they chose still sent chills down my spine every time I thought about it two whole weeks dressed as girls school included and since we all went to the church Affiliated School everyone was already in the loop about what we'd done and how we were being punished yesterday mom had suggested a trial run to see how I'd look I'd refused fought her tooth
and nail but this morning my reprieve ended dad shoved me into the chair with no room for argument standing by while mom got to work she started with my hair thanks to my decision to keep it long she managed to style it into two pigtails each adored with a red ribbon woven neatly into the strands and tied into giant bows at the ends then came the makeup foundation smooth my skin tone soft eyeshadow brightened my eyes Isa gave them an almond shape I barely recognized and the lipstick it matched the ribbons a deep red that
seemed to screen look at me once mom was done with my face they led me to my room dad steadying me while mom pulled out the next round of humiliation first came the 's pink nylon that slid up my legs which were now smooth from Mom's insistent shaving then the corselet an instrument of torture if there ever was one mom wrapped it around me hooked it in place and yanked the laces so tight I thought my lungs might give up it forced my chest upward and my waist inward creating the illusion of Curves I'd never
wanted next panty hose a short slip that puffed out like it belonged to a doll and finally the dress the dress was a vision of juvenile innocence blue with white piping a bid collar and a red tie at the neck it flared out at mid thigh teasingly short but undeniably girlish the Final Touch was a pair of low black heels that I wobbled into as Mom handed me a dark red lipstick go ahead she said trace your lips I did feeling the weight of Shan pressing heavier with every second the mirror confirmed what I already
feel my reflection wasn't mine anymore it was a strangers a stranger in a childish dress with shapely legs and a Flawless face if I hadn't hated it so much I might have admitted I didn't look half bad but I wasn't ready to make peace with that yet all girls carry a purse mom announced handing me a small bag there are no pockets in dresses your wallet lipstick tissues and lunch money are inside I stared at the person in my hand its presence sealing my fate the transformation was complete and with it my humiliation was absolute
I looked at mom then Dad scanning their faces for any sign of Mercy there was none dad thrust my books into my arms and pointed firmly toward the door the message was clear either I walked to school willingly or he'd follow behind to ensure I got there my throat tightened as I fought back tears stepping outside the crisp mming air brushed against my bare legs sending an immediate shiver through me the skirt swayed with the breeze and the faint scent of the perfume mom had insisted I were clung to me like an unwelcome reminder of
my predicament under the watchful eyes of my parents I forced myself to take that first step towards school I reached the corner before it started two girls caught up to me they gave me a once over their faces betraying not a hint of amusement then one of them spoke her voice disarmingly cold what's your name I hesitated the lump in my throat growing heavier but I knew the rules failed to answer any questions about my attire and I'd earn an extra week like this summoning all the courage I could muster I recited the words mom
had drilled into me hello my name is Lori short for Lauren the corners of their lips twitched but they stayed composed that's a lovely name for a sweet Little Girl Like You Lori one said we should walk you to school we wouldn't want you trying to cross the street alone would we humiliation burned in my cheeks as they flanked me on either side I was only a block from home and already the day felt unbearable the girls escorted me right up to the school's entrance but thankfully they left me to face my first class alone
I stepped inside every gaze in the room loing onto me like spotlights the teacher's Stern expression ression cut through the tension silencing any Whispers or Giggles before they could start I slinked into my seat head low and endured the endless staring for the rest of the class the day unfolded in much the same way silent stairs pointed fingers but no one dared to speak up I caught sight of the other two boys who'd shared in My Punishment and for a fleeting moment I felt almost lucky dressed like toddlers they each clutched a teddy bear as
if their dignity depended on it twice I needed to use a restroom and both times I was sent to the office to avoid using the regular facilities the walk home was no less mortifying the same two girls reappeared like clockwork escorting me all the way to my front door with knowing Smiles plastered on their faces the moment I stepped inside mom was waiting her expression curious but patient how was your day she asked softly that was it the broke and the tears I've been holding in all day spilled over sobs racked my body as Mom
led me to my room without another word she unzipped the dress gently removing it before sitting me down to undo the pigtails from my closet she pulled out a simple skirt and blouse the kind the other girls at school wore with practiced hands she touched up my makeup brushed out my hair and trimmed the ends just enough to soften the look when she was finished I glanced in the mirror mirror and felt a wave of relief I looked normal not like a little girl playing dress up but like an average teenage girl the difference was
enough to make me almost cry again but this time the tears were from sheer relief do you understand why we made you go to school like that Mom asked her voice calm but firm to teach me a lesson I replied barely above a whisper yes she said but do you know what the lesson was I hesitated before answering that girls are fragile and shouldn't be picked on M shook her head gently no dear it was to teach you humility from now on we'll let you dress more like the other girls but remember any infractions will
result in more time wearing dresses like this are we clear yes ma'am I answered my voice steady good she said her tone softening just be yourself follow the rules and before you know it you'll be back in pants her words were both a promise and a warning but for now I clung to the promise the next morning brought an unexpected shift in tone when the two girls who had walked me to school before saw me they greeted me as if I had always been one of them their teasing Edge was gone replaced by a strange
almost casual camaraderie for the first time they didn't speak to me as if I were a child it was a relief especially since my two friends were still still stuck in their humiliating little girl outfits seeing them reminded me how much worse it could be and for the first time I felt almost lucky the following day Mom dressed me in what she called a shift a short pull of a dress that while simple left most of my legs exposed by then I was growing accustom to that vulnerable Breezy sensation even if it still felt odd
I kept my head down and made every effort to stay out of trouble things seemed manageable at least until Thursday that's when it happened one of the guys in habitual pest snuck up behind me and snapped my breast strap with a loud painful snap the sharp sting on my back triggered an instinctive reaction before I knew what I was doing I had spun around and landed a punch squarely on his jaw he get the floor with a thud the girls who witnessed it erupted into cheers and Applause but their enthusiasm was shortlived a teacher from
the near classroom stormed out having caught only the aftermath the boy sprawled on the ground and me standing over him moments later I found myself marching to the office protests falling on deaf ears even with the girls backing up my story the principal wasn't swayed the call to my mother was made at home M listened patiently as I defended myself but he snapped my bra and it hurt I cried those girls saw it they told you themselves he's done it to other girls before too so why am I the one being punished mom side her
tone calm but Resolute I believe you dear that's not the issue at first I was going to extend you time in dresses until the end of the year but since the goals vouch for you and I know from experience how much that can hurt I'm only adding a month a month I protested incredulous but I didn't do anything wrong it's not about right or wrong she explained it's about Behavior girls don't react with violence like that and we warned you to avoid getting rowdy but I'm a boy not a girl I shot back desperation creeping
into my voice well yes technically mom replied her voice measured but that doesn't excuse what you did however you do make a point I'll reduce your time in dresses by a week that leaves you with one month but hear me clearly if there's another fight you'll spend the rest of the year in dresses understand yes ma'am I muttered defeated good girl she said with a small smile now come help me get dinner ready her words stung but there was no use arguing further I followed her to the kitchen trying not to dwell on the fact
that I just earned myself another month in this peculiar nightmare from that point forward my wardrobe was aligned with what the girls in school typically wore but never slacks not even once it was always a skirt pair with a blouse or top sometimes a dress but pants were completely off limits every skirt and dress mom picked out landed at mid thigh forcing me to become acutely aware of how I walked how I sat and how much care I have to take to avoid giving the world an accidental show by the second week mom upped the
ant she insisted I wear low heels daily and began patting my br to give me the appearance of a full a cup after finishing my homework each night there was always another lesson waiting for me how to apply makeup properly or style my hair over time these lessons began to feel less like punishment and more like routine as the days passed something surprising happened I started to form genuine friendships with some of the other girls hanging out with them gave me a sense of belonging and safety I hadn't expected their acceptance made me feel like
I didn't stand out as much as I feared Meanwhile my two friends those who had been stuck in their juvenile dresses even longer were caught cheating on a test and were back in their Todd style outfits we avoided each other completely as if acknowledging one another would only add to the embarrassment then came Monday the beginning of my third week Marcus a friend of mine approached me during lunch and asked casually hey are you going to the dance this Saturday no I replied repli quickly the idea hadn't even crossed my mind and I had no
interest in going but then he asked something that left me stunned well would you go with me like as my date I was about to say no again when out of nowhere our principal appeared she overheard the question and stopped in her tracks I think that's a fantastic idea she said with far too much enthusiasm going to the dance as a girl with an escort will give you a deeper appreci a for what girls go through to prepare for a date I'll look forward to seeing you there Lauren and with that she walked off leaving
Marcus grinning and me completely mortified our school dances weren't just casual events they were many proms held only every two months the girls treated them like a big deal dressing up in fancy dresses and heels getting their hair professionally styled with only two weeks left in my punishment the fault of attending one of these dressed as a girl with a date was horrifying but there was no way I could refuse the principal without risking worse consequences so I nodded reluctantly by the time I got home I was wounded tighter than a spring I told M
first hoping she'd see how much I didn't want to go instead she thought it was a wonderful opportunity to learn another lesson and announced we'd be going shopping the next day for a party dress she even started jotting down notes a dress is just the beginning I thought ginly since this punishment started my parents have been strict about my wardrobe but more lenient in other areas mom had me helping in the kitchen every night something I'd never done before and she made sure my skin was constantly smooth and soft yet oddly enough she seemed closer
to me now she no longer hovered over me while I did my makeup or hair because I gotten good enough to handle it on my own but this dance was different something new something special and I dreaded every part of it I couldn't stop wondering why Marcus had asked me did he think this was funny was he mocking me I wanted to confront him but I didn't dare by Tuesday Morning the news had spread across the school like wild fire everyone knew Marcus had asked me to the dance most of the girls accepted it without
much fuss but a few of the boys were Relentless with their teasing until one of the teachers overheard and asked if they'd like to attend the dance girls too that shut them up quickly but the damage was done I understood exactly what some people thought of the whole situation the moment I got home M whisked me off to the mall the place I dreaded most it was a magnet for every kid in our neighborhood and while most already knew about My Punishment few had actually seen me now walking through the mall with Mom I knew
I'd be on full display the thought of running into someone I knew made my stomach churn but refused refusing would only prolong my ordeal what choice did I have as we stroll through the department store mom suddenly stopped her eyes lighting up since you're almost 15 I think it's time we let you develop a bit more she said cryptically my heart sank as she added ah here it is we approached the store mom had pointed to and my heart sank when I saw the sign a lingery shop with M leading the way I trail behind
her into the Maze of silen fabrics and vibrant colors the air was Heavy with floral and powdery scents an atmosphere that only added to my discomfort I barely had time to take in the sea of lace and Satan before M took my hand and guided me behind a curtain her voice calm but insistent take off your blouse she instructed I hesitated but complied pulling it over my head mman fastened my bra and handed it to me leaving me standing there exposed to the idea that someone could peep behind the curtain at any moment on a
small shelf next to her were two small boxes she opened one and to my surprise pulled out something that looked startlingly real a perfectly formed breast hold still she said I barely had time to process what was happening before she was applying some kind of adhesive and carefully attaching the forms to my chest one after the other she pressed them into place and when I glanced at the mirror I nearly gasped the effect was disturbingly convincing not only did I look like I had real breasts but the weight of them tubed on my chest adding
a strange foreign sensation to the visual shock these are a little bigger than what you've been wearing mom explained with a smile they'll fill out your bras better and give you a wider selection of dresses to choose from for the dance and the best part they'll stay in place for almost 2 weeks 2 weeks just long enough to cover the rest of my My Punishment I sighed heavily realizing there was no point in protesting mom seemed thrilled that I didn't argue though and proceeded to pick out a few new BRZ two for everyday wear and
one specifically for the dance you might as well wear this one Lori just in case we find the perfect dress she said holding up a black lace trimmed bra with underwires it fastened in the front and pushed everything upward creating a look I couldn't help but associate with a girl trying to be sexy on me it felt surreal almost ridiculous but Mom wasn't done she handed me what looked like a pair of padded panties slip this on she said reluctantly I stepped out of my skirt and into the Garment the padding on the hips and
seat was subtle but effective when I pulled my skirt back on the effect was undeniable my hips were now in proportion with my new chest I stared at my reflection equal parts fascinated and and horrified mom however was beaming you look fabulous Lori she exclaimed I didn't share her enthusiasm but I didn't argue either mom pay for the items and we left the shop heading straight to the department store for a dress now we can find something that shows off your new charms mom said with excitement you're going to look so cute I can't wait
to see you all dled up for real Lori I don't want to be all doled up mother I protested though my voice lacked conviction you keep saying that but I can't see why she replied undeterred you're absolutely gorgeous honey that's why Marcus asked you to the dance I winced At The Mention Of Marcus but mother I'm a boy too well technically yes she admitted with a shrug but you don't look like a boy to not now but your friends she cut me off her tone sharper are they still dressing as little girls I'm not reluctantly
understanding her point but hating the comparison no matter how I tried to rationalize it there was no escaping the fact that my situation as humiliating as it felt was still better than theirs still I couldn't shake the knowing feeling of unease as we continued our journey through the mall mom's excitement growing with every step while mine only deepened into dread M's Point hit me like a freight train and I knew better than to ignore it she didn't just want me to look good she wanted me to look like a deputat the daughter she never had
any complaints on my part could easily land me back in one of those ridiculous little girl dresses and I'd still be going to the dance if I went along with her plans at least I'd look nice and fit in with the other girls after watching my friends and do all their humiliating outfits for weeks I knew I wanted no part of that so without a word I followed her into the dressed shop inside I hovered by a rack near the door flipping through hangers aimlessly mom to my surprise announced that I could pick out my
dress as long as she approved of course the thought didn't comfort me much choosing my own dress meant she could tell everyone I had picked at myself as if I like dressing this way with no way to win I resigned myself to the task and began looking for something in a color I at least liked styles were a mystery to me so I had no idea what would actually look good I pulled a red dress and a black one onto the hook to try on Mom added her own pick a Black Sheath dress with a
v- neck and cap sleeves after searching the entire store we went to the fitting room to try them on the red dress was the first it was fine I guessed but its knee length flamy skirt didn't thrill me next came the Sheath dress mom had chosen both of us shook our heads at the same time it didn't work finally I tried on the black dress I had picked it was Empire wasted with a square neckline that stopped just above my padded chest the sleeves were barely there just wists of fabric that rested on my shoulders
the skirt was made of sheer black Chien over a satin underlayer and it flowed down to my ankles I stared at myself in the mirror and for the first time I had to admit I looked good even mom agreed that's the one she said with a satis IED nod and we bought it I foolishly thought we were done but mom had other plans now we need the right shoes and jewelry she declared at a costume jewelry store we found a necklace and earrings set with black Stones surrounded by rhinestones the pendant hung just above and
between my breasts of course the earrings are pierced mom said matter of factly when I pointed out my unpierced ears within minutes I had a pair of gold studs one in each here my protests died in my throat next came the hunt for shoes three stores later we found a pair M deemed acceptable black sandals with 3-in heels floral strap designs and an ankle strap a matching purse came from another shop now that we have everything mom said as we walked out let's stop at my salon to book your appointment for Saturday afternoon I knew
this was coming solah kept quiet as we entered her salon mom introduced me as Lori her daughter which honestly was a relief dressed as I was the last thing I wanted was to be known as her son the stylists didn't even bat an ey one of them handed me a book of hairstyles to take home and we headed back at home I flipped through the book overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices each style seemed more elaborate than the last until I stumbled on one that stopped me in my tracks it was on page 128
the model's long blonde hair was pulled back tightly then styled into cascading ringlet curls that fell elegantly from the back and sides it looked like something out of Gone With the Wind it was the most feminine style in the book and I figured why not by the end of next week I wouldn't have to care anymore I marked the page and showed Mom oh that's lovely Lori she explained you look smashing with that hairstyle satisfied with her approval I returned to to my room that night as I put on my night gown I caught sight
of my reflection the sheer material did nothing to hide the twin Mounds on my chest for a moment I almost found the image alluring the thought unsettled me sleeping on my side or back was the only option lying on my chest pressed the forms into me and it hurt at school the next day I noticed something different my two friends miles now calling himself Mara and the other were no longer dressed as little girls curious I found them in the cafeteria what gives I asked I thought you to had to stay in those silly dresses
miles sighed my mother fixed me up with a date for the dance she said it was time I found out what real girls go through to be pretty I nodded understanding All Too Well it seemed none of us were escaping this lesson unscathed Cory now Caroline said something similar to what miles had sh SC it seemed that all of us had been fed the same lines by our mothers somehow we had all ended up with dates to the dance brand new party dresses and elaborate plans that ensured we wouldn't back out while it didn't exactly
smell like a conspiracy it certainly felt suspicious by now though most of the kids at school had gotten used to seeing us in dresses and the novelty had worn off that said some of the girls had started including me in their conversations as if I were just another one of them they chatted about boys they thought were cute the latest Hollywood heart throbs their favorite perfumes and more one girl even asked if I'd done something different at the time I didn't know what she meant but later I realized she must have noticed the Fuller look
of my chest and the way it moved when I walked with the padded panty brief giving me hips my skirts fit better and suede naturally as I moved completing the illusion on Saturday morning Mom told me to wear a skirt and blouse something buttoned in the front to make it easier to change after the salon we ate breakfast tidied the house a bit and then just afternoon we left for the appointment I clutched the hairstyle book in my hands nerves rattling as we entered the salon The Stylist smiled when she saw the page I'd marked
which gave me a small flicker of hope that I'd chosen something good the process took nearly an hour since I'd never been in a salum before for I had no frame of reference for whether that was a long time or not my back was to the mirror the entire time mom's insistence so I couldn't see what was happening I could however Feel It Whatever products they used smelled overpowering the heat from the dryer made me sweat and the rollers pulling at my scalp were anything but comfortable finally The Stylist finished brushing out the curls with
meticulous care and spun my chair around what I saw in the mirror left me speeches my hair was blond dyed to match the picture and longer cascading down in tight ringlets just like the model in the book The transformation was stunning and unsettling all at once I barely had time to process the change before Mom grinning ear to ear took my hand and led me to the manicurist without a word the manicurist started cleaning and filing my nails which had grown out since I hadn't been allowed to cut them in weeks she shaped them neatly
before painting them a soft reddish brown shade with silver metallic flakes my nails shimmered under the salon lights drawing my eyes back to the mirror where my reflection stared back utterly unrecognizable Lori darling you look absolutely wonderful mom gushed clearly Overjoyed yes the stylist who had done my hair chined in and what's even better is that after the dance her hair will settle into a beautiful page boy curls across the back and soft waves on the sides the perm will make it much easier for her to manage and as she takes care of it it
should last until school starts again in the fall my heart sank perm until school starts in the fall my mind raced alarm bells ringing p i blurted does that last a long time The Stylist chuckled brushing My Curls lightly honey you'll look fabulous for the next 6 months then of course we can redo it if you like 6 months mom I turned to her panic in my voice mom's expression was calm almost too calm remember what I told you Lori you could choose the hairstyle yourself but you have to live with the consequences of that
choice you wanted to decide and I let you this is the style you picked so you'll just have to live with it the weight of her words settled on me and I realized there was no arguing I had made the the choice and now I was stuck with it for better or worse I felt the tears welling up inside me but I swallowed them down six more months as a girl it felt like an eternity by the time I went back to being a boy would I even remember what that was like the ride home
was quiet the only sound my thoughts tumbling of themselves I wanted to ask mom why she let me go so far why she didn't stop me from making choices that would tether me to this life for months but deep down I'd already knew the answer mom had always wanted a daughter and for her this was the closest she would get she confirmed as much before we even pulled into the driveway you'll look just darling in a page boy Lori she said with a warm smile but why did you my voice trailed off Unsure how to
finish the question why did I let you do that she said knowingly Lori think about it for 3 weeks now you've been living as a girl maybe don't notice it but everyone else does you've picked up the mannerisms of a girl your age without even realizing it you talk like a girl move like a girl and you can do your makeup better than most girls your age and certainly better than I ever could when we started I opened my mouth to argue but she pressed on you have breasts now Lori I've seen you touch them
when you think no one's watching with the padding in those panties you have a figure that makes you look incredible in anything you wear and you'll face with just a little makeup is stunning no wonder Marcus asked you to the dance you've Blended in so seamlessly that you don't even realize how much you've changed when we get home I want you to stand in front of the mirror and really look at yourself then tell me you don't like what you see her words echoed in my mind as we walked into the house Dad saw me
and his jaw dropped but I avoided his gaze and headed straight to my room there I did as mom said I stood in front of the mirror and studied My Reflection from the crown of my perfectly styled blonde hair to the tips of my polished toes I couldn't find a trace of the boy I had been slowly I peeled off my clothes leaving just the panties I glanced down noticing how everything about me still looked undeniably feminine thanks to the way I had tapped myself away when my hand absent midly fluttered to adjust my hair
my red nails flashed in the light and a small smile crept across my face I was virtually naked staring at my reflection and yet I still saw a girl standing there that's when mom walked into my room her reflection appeared behind mine her expression soft but knowing I glanced at her as my hand instinctively moved to my chest squeezing the mound there lightly before trailing down the smooth curve of my stomach I was right wasn't I she said gently I wanted to deny it to push back against her words but I couldn't she was right
I had adopted the mannerisms and behaviors of the girls around me to avoid teasing and fit in better somewhere along the way those mannerisms had taken root and now they felt natural let's get that skin of yours smooth the silk again Lori come with me I'll help you together we used the depilatory cream again followed by a razor to remove any lingering roughness then Mom prepared a warm sweet smelling bubble bath for me I sank into the water letting the oily bubbles relax my tense body when the water turned cold I stepped out dried off
and wrapped a towel around myself before heading back to my room mom was waiting with a pair of black Satan panties in her hand at this point shame was a distant memory I let the towel drop to the floor and stepped into the panties without hesitation pulling them up to my waist sitting at the vanity I began my routine aware of mom watching me with pride I smooth lotion over my skin followed by a creamy Foundation to even out my complexion a light dusting of powder gave my skin a Flawless matte finish I worked on
my eyes next blue eyeshadow layered with gray and a touch of silver under my brows black eyeliner traced my upper Lids while a pencil defined the lower mascara thickened and lengthened my lashes then Peach blusher blended with a hint of Coral added warmth to my cheeks the result was undeniable looking into the mirror I saw not just a girl but someone who looked poised polished and completely at ease in her own skin once I made sure there were no unwelcome bulges ruining the illusion I reached for the new BR I slicked it on secured the
clasps and adjusted it so my padded breasts sat high and proud in the cups next came the gter belt I hadn't used one before but its purpose was obvious I wrapped it around my waist and fastened it slide the GED tabs under your panties mom advised as she stood by or you'll have a hard time in the bathroom following her guidance I did as she said before rolling the stockings up my legs Mong helped secure the gter tabs to the nyons and adjusted the tension for a perfect fit I glanced at myself in the mirror
and couldn't help but grin there was a playful sultry Elegance in my reflection that surprised me I looked for lack of a better term like a young woman in experimenting with glamour mom helped me slipped the dress over my head carefully zipping it up in the back and I stepped into my shoes I buckled the ankle strats snugly before standing straight the necklace nestled perfectly between my Fork cleavage and the chandelier earrings framed my face beautifully adding just the right touch to my curled blonde hair no other jewelry was needed the simp Simplicity spoke volumes
mom handed me her best perfume and I dabbed it lightly on all the places she taught me behind my ears on my neck and even on the inside of my elbows and knees lastly I painted my lips with the brightest red lipstick we had a bold contrast to my otherwise soft makeup when I looked in the mirror again the transformation was complete Mong pulled out her camera and snapped a few pictures before wrapping me in a warm hug I was right wasn't I Lori she said softly you like being a girl don't you it took
a moment but I nodded and replied almost Whispering yes I guess I do her smile widened now that we have that settled I want you to enjoy yourself tonight tier I turned ahead downstairs but mom stopped me wait until I call you and even then count to 20 before coming down use the time to fix your purse she winked as she left the room I stood in front of the mirror again marveling at the girl who smiled back she wasn't a stranger anymore she was me I picked up my purse and tucked my school ID
lipstick and some cash inside then with my heart pounding in my chest I heard mom call my name I counted to 20 and stepped out of my room as I descended the stairs Marcus stood at the bottom with my parents when he saw me his mouth dropped open in sheer disbelief belief Dad's reaction had been almost identical earlier but this time Marcus recovered quickly and smiled a genuine almost shy grin he handed me a wrist corage a delicate arrangement of flowers that I slipped onto my wrist after a flurry of pictures we left the house
and climbed into his dad's car his father didn't say much but the way he glanced at me made it clear I wasn't what he'd expected when we arrived at the dance Marcus offered his arm as we walked in I took it just as mom had coached me and smiled the entire time the room froze as we entered all eyes were on us on me more specifically the top of my dress hinted at my cleage and though it wasn't revealing it was enough to Captivate curious gazes the boys stared openly some even trying to sneak glances
down my dress it was hard not to feel a tiny thrill at their reactions even as I maintained my poise Marcus never let go of my hand we danced together drank soda chatted with the other kids and danced some more by the time the final song played the lights dimmed and the atmosphere softened into something more intimate Marcus pulled me closer as we sway to the music Lori he murmured his voice low I tilted my head to look up at him my heart fluttering before I could say anything his lips brushed mine a gentle fleeting
kiss that felt like the whis ER of a butterfly's Wings yet it sent shivers cascading down my spine leaving me breathless in that moment under the dim lights and surrounded by music I felt something I never expected something I couldn't put into words the next morning sunlight streamed through my window Waking Me Gently as I stretched the Satan of my night gown glided over my skin a feeling that now brought Comfort rather than unease my thoughts returned to the kiss Marcus had given me the night before it had been electric shaking me to my core
his touch wasn't just tender it had awaken something inside me something I hadn't fully understood until now for the first time I felt a sense of belonging not just as Lauren but as me downstairs the smell of coffee and breakfast wafted through the air mom was in the kitchen humming a tune as she cooked she greeted me with a knowing smile when I walked in her eyes sparkling well how was the dance she asked her voice teasing I blushed but I couldn't help smiling it was nice I said softly sitting at the table just nice
she pressed placing a plate of pancakes in front of me I hesitated then nodded okay it was better than nice it was wonderful her expression softened and she sat down across from me I'm glad to hear that you deserve to feel wonderful Lori for a moment we sat in Silence the only sound the clinking of her coffee cup against the sorer then unable to hold back I asked the question that had been on my mind all mom what about Dad how is he going to handle this I gested vaguely at myself knowing she'd understand she
took a long sip of her coffee her gaze steady your father is a good man Lori he loves you and he wants what's best for you it might take him a little time to adjust but I know he'll come around her confidence was reassuring but I still felt a Pang of nervousness would he accept this new version of me or would he see it as something I needed to fix later that day I found myself in my room tidying up and organizing my growing collection of clothes and accessories it felt oddly satisfying like everything in
my life was falling into place then there was a knock at my door come in I called called expecting mom to my surprise it was Dad he stepped inside his expression unreadable I braced myself unsure of what he was going to say Lori he began his voice careful your mom told me everything I froze searching his face for any sign of anger or disappointment instead I found something unexpected a glimmer of understanding I have to admit he continued this isn't what I expected but seeing you last night seeing how happy you were he paused then
smiled faintly you looked beautiful and more importantly you look to tears pricked my eyes as he reached out and rested a hand on my shoulder if this is who you are then I support you you've always been my kid and that won't change no matter what relief washed over me and I HED him tightly for the first time in weeks I felt completely at peace the next few weeks flew by Marcus and I started spending more time together and the lines between just friends and something more began to blur one evening as we walked through
the park he turned to me and said Lori have you thought about what you want I mean after everything I looked at him realizing I didn't have to think about it I already knew I want to stay like this I said I Feel Complete for the first time in my life I feel like me he smiled taking my hand in his good because I like you just the way you are that night as I stood in front of the mirror brushing my hair I thought about how far I'd come this journey had started as a
punishment a lesson in humility but it had become so much more I had found not just acceptance but happiness and even love Lauren wasn't a mask I wore it was who I was all along smiling at my reflection I whispered this is just the beginning and I knew it was true