Lily did my hair and makeup. She wanted to do more, but the chime of the front door filled the air. Mom and dad were home early it seemed. Lily blinked and stood me up, and took me by the hand and guided me down the hallway and then down the stairwell and finally we reached the foyer. And there in the doorway stood mom and dad, see mom and dad worked together, my family was.. I guess you would call us bourgeoisie. We owned and operated a store in downtown Benton ‘Potter Mercantile’. It was among the oldest businesses in operation. And my sister and I attend Benton Academy. We both attended worship services at the local Episcopal Church St. Mary’s also located downtown. So yes, we had all the hallmarks of the southern bourgeoisie.

But none of that mattered as I stood shoulder to shoulder with my sister, My mother was the first to notice, followed by father. Both just kind of stood there for a minute. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Lily shifting her weight from one foot to the other and I quickly did the same. Our mother was the first to speak.

“Lily.. Who is she?” She said pointing toward me with a clearly confused look written upon her face. “Is she one of your cheerleading friends?” She inquired.

Dad was the next to speak.

“I guess your little sisters passed that tomboy phase?” He said reaching up and removing his tie. “But before we get into that. I would like for us to have a little family chat.” He turned around and peered toward mom. “Don’t you agree honey?”

Mom took a deep breath and walked over to me. She looked me dead in the eyes and without saying a world, she reached over and pulled me into a hug. “So, I guess my little tomboy is finally going to become my little princess.”

I blinked and blinked again as I peered toward my mom, then toward my dad. Both just stood there, dressed in there work clothes as if nothing was going on. Dad spoke again.

“I think we should move this meeting to the living room.” He said in a firm, commanding tone of voice. He then removed his tie, and his blazer and hung both of them up on a coat rack. Then without waiting for us, he started to walk toward the living room. Dad had retired from the army, I think he was a commissioned officer or something. Because when he gave a order, he expected you to follow it. And often he was right beside you. Mowing the lawn, he’ll be there. Cleaning out the gutters, he’s working right alongside you.

Mom and Lily fell in right behind him. I just stood there blinking, finally I followed suit. When I reached the Living room. Dad was sitting in his chair, mom and Lily where sitting on the sofa. And Dad, Dad was patting his lap. Taking a deep breath I moved over there and stood beside his chair. Dad peered toward me. Then something licked, blushing like a bride, I climbed up and sat down in his lap. Almost on instinct, I folded the helm of my skirt down as I found myself seated upon his lap. For support I reached over and wrapped my arm around his strong shoulder and before I could catch myself, I found my head resting upon his shoulder.

“She such a daddy’s girl.” Lily said taking a deep breath as she sat next to mom.

“Just like you. You were quite the little daddy's girl growing up. I’ll fuss at you and you’ll run crying to daddy.” Mom said as she wrapped her arm around Lily shoulder and gave her a look.

“So,” Dad said clearing his throat. “Before we go any further, I would like to know a few things. First I want to ask Jamie a question. And I expect her to be totally honest with me.” He looked me dead in the eye. “Why are you wearing a cheerleader outfit?” There was nothing but love and understanding in his voice.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lily open her mouth. But dad silenced her with a stern look and then he turned her eyes toward me again. His brown eyes, seemed to almost sparkle. He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze and nodded his head.

“Lily needed somebody to play the hostage at the homecoming game. And we’ll.. She wants me to it. Since the other cheerleader put up her baby sister, she decided that she.. She should put up her own baby sister. And since I’m a boy, she decided to dress me up as a girl and have me play the part..” I said, the words just spilled out of my mouth and before I could catch myself I had told more than I wanted to.

“I see,” Dad said as he peered toward me. “Are you okay with this?” He asked me. It was a direct question.

“Yes..” I said blushing as I looked down and folded my hands in my lap.

“Are you okay with this, because you want to help your sister, or do you want it? Do you want to dress up as a girl, because you think you should have been born a girl, say instead of a boy?” My dad asked again as he peered directly into my eyes.

“I don’t know how to answer that question.” I said taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry daddy.” I quickly added as I peered down at my lap.

My dad nodded his head and took a deep breath.

“It's okay sweetheart, but in time I’ll need a answer. Right now, just enjoy being yourself I guess.” He said chuckling as he reached up and pulled me into a hug and after he released me. He said, “I guess I have three women to keep me straight.” He said smiling as he settled down into his chair.

Much to my surprise, I found myself giggling along with my mom and Lily. Finally once the giggling settled down, dad pushed me off his lap and reached into his trousers. It was then I noticed something in his eye. A look that had always been there, but a twinkle and a glow. I felt a sudden surge of love, love that had always been there, and would remain there, no matter if I was a boy or a girl.

“Here..” He said handing mom two twenty dollar bills. “Why don’t you and the girls go out to eat tonight. I’ll scrap around the kitchen for something. Just be sure to pick up a few things from Sunflower. There a list of odd’s and ends pinned to the fridge door.” He closed his eyes and smiled. “Bundle up too, make keep each other safe and be careful.” He called out. And then he was out like a light.

Mom by now had placed the money into her wallet and her wallet into her purse. She then placed her purse over her shoulder and smiled softly as she reached over and picked up her car keys. “Sounds good. Okay girls. Let's get going. Jamie, the cheerleader outfit looks cute on you.. So you can keep it on for now. But tomorrow, I expect Lily to come up with some other outfits. And she should still have some old uniforms hanging around too.”

And another chapters come to a end.