Ruth and Lucy's ballet rehearsals dominate the week. Thursday evening is their dress rehearsal, and they perform Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Lucy and Ruth continue to visit Bikini Beach. A photo-shoot takes place Friday morning.

        The Disclaimer

Bikini Beach and its principle characters are copyright 1998 by Elrod W.

Any comments about Bikini Beach, how it works, what it does, by characters other than Anya or Grandmother are potentially non-canonical and wrong. As this story is told from a particular point of view by the protagonist, this includes comments by the narrator. The protagonist, and thus the narrative, are what the protagonist believes or interprets from what he is experiencing. Thus some of the mechanics of BB are biased by the protagonist's view and experiences. Furthermore, because of the particular viewpoint of the story, those errors often won't be corrected. When the errors are corrected, the correction will often be disbelieved and rejected.

Despite this I will admit to pushing the limits of Bikini-Beach canon, perhaps even going outside on occasion.

This post (https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/blog-entry/64659/muse-wrestli...) persuaded me that waiting to complete and revise my long stories before posting posting may have been an ungood idea. As it is, the sequel still isn't complete more than half a decade later. Consequently, there is NO WARRANTY that this won't be revised as part of the final story.

This part will need huge revision, if I ever get around to it.

        Monday, August 18

"Do you think they'll lure Beth to Bikini Beach, or take direct action instead?" asked Ruth, more to herself than me.

I didn't attempt to answer that question, because I couldn't say. "It seems easier to change a sick girl to a healthy girl than to transform a boy to a girl. I'm going to practice the piano now." I returned to the living room and practiced for about half an hour.

Ma had Breakfast ready by the time I finished, and started the Mental Work. After breakfast, somewhat to my surprise, Ma asked Ruth to join her in recording this week's Lesson-Sermon, reading the Bible section. After this was finished, I went upstairs to change into my ballet leotard and skirt, and gather everything together for piano lesson and ballet rehearsal.

I walked to my piano lesson. Following the lesson, I walked to ballet rehearsal. Fortunately, I remembered that today's two-hour rehearsal would be in the Civic Center. Our first performance was going to be this Friday, and we were going to have a second rehearsal. I got there early, and Ma dropped Ruth off just after I arrived. We agreed that Ruth and I would walk home -- Ruth was quite insistent, and I liked the walk home.

The two-hour rehearsal seemed awfully long today. But it eventually ended, with me all sweaty and thirsty. I drank plenty of water, and they provided Gatorade as well. I finally stripped down and took a shower there, then realized that I hadn't brought anything to wear. I cringed as I put my leotard back on. The skirt was okay, though. I didn't wear the tights again, and I had ordinary sneakers to wear.

Ruth was wiser. She was now in shorts and t-shirt. I don't think I ever saw Peter in shorts nearly as short, proportionally speaking, but Ruth didn't seem to have a problem.

Just more to wonder about. Not really. She'd had no problem with a girl's swimsuit Saturday, or ballet leotard today. Was she all Ruth now? Did she lose Peter? Was Peter gone?

"Hey Lucy! Ruth!" came a familiar voice. Carol!

"There she is," said Ruth, as she grabbed my hand and led me toward her. Ruth got to hug her first and held her tight for a good long time. I decided not to wait, but to grab both of them in an embrace. I loved them both.

"Hey, we're walking home. Wanna join us?" Ruth asked Carol.

"Yeah! I was hoping we would." Ruth grabbed both of our hands, and we started off. Carol continued, "I went to your ballet place in the mall, and saw the notice that your rehearsal was here. We all -- my sister, her friend, and I -- are going to see one of your shows this weekend."

We were within a few blocks of the mall when Ruth said, "My credit card got reality-shifted out of existence. Your tampons and condoms probably have as well. You might want to get some more."

Carol looked strangely at Ruth just for a moment, as I giggled. "You're right," I replied. "They were gone when I took my Pill yesterday and this morning." I was about to agree that I should get mine again, when I realized that most of my pay from babysitting Daisy had also been reality-shifted away. Daisy always slept over whenever Mr. and Mrs. Matsumoto went out -- except that time a week and a half ago when I ran to their house after Pa thrashed me. In this reality, Ruth had joined us at Daisy's. "I really don't need them. My period ended late last week, and June and Fab have forgotten me." I cried again, but softly, at the loss. Carol and Ruth both hugged me, and I stood with my head against Carol's breasts for a long time.

We started walking again. We remained silent, preoccupied with our own thoughts -- at least I was. Then Ruth spoke up. "You won't remember this, but I once said that it would be uncool to hit on my kid brother's girlfriend."

"What kind of big brother would do a thing like that," asked Carol.

"It would be tempting -- really, truly tempting -- if the kid brother's girlfriend were you," Ruth replied, as she leaned hard against Carol.

"That's very flattering, but it's also very peculiar. I take it that's Peter speaking. And somehow or other, you're talking about me as Luke's girlfriend?"

"Yeah," said Ruth, now sounding guilty or embarrassed.

"I may have met Luke once," said Carol. "I met Lucy in the library, the week before she first came to Bikini Beach, when she checked out that sexy novel."

Ruth giggled. After recovering from an impulsive snort, I asked, "Who has the book now? I think it was due last Wednesday."

"Last I heard, Jen and Xena have it. I think that Vanessa returned the book, and checked it out under her own name."

"Oh, good." At least I hadn't lost it. I never received any notice of the overdue book, and now I knew why.

"What was its name?" asked Ruth.

"Lace, by Shirley Conrad," answered Carol, as my mind froze.

"That's not the only sexy book you've read, eh, Luke?" Ruth said to me with a grin.

No, no, no, I reminded myself. I wasn't going to be embarrassed. I was going to enjoy everything. "No, of course not." I tossed her a cocky grin. "Let's see, books by Nancy Friday." I named a couple, and a few others as well.

"I'm interested." Carol's voice turned a tide husky. "Should we stop at the library?"

"I really have to get out of this icky-sticky leotard," I responded. "And shower again. And I don't really want to come home for supper, and have Pa catch me in this short skirt."

Ruth looked my legs up and down with -- was that a lecherous expression? "So you're not going to seduce Pa again?" she asked.

"Nope," I answered. "Not this time. You aren't big enough and strong enough to pick me up and dump me on the sofa. I was hoping you could do that at Bikini Beach."

"Huh?" asked Carol.

"I was expecting a strong, muscled, and very hot and sexy bikini-clad babe, totally fit from Taekwondo," I answered, not mentioning how the notion of my big brother Peter as a sexy bikini-clad babe had nauseated me just a bit.

"I admit, I was expecting someone of the sort as well," said Carol. "Hot and sexy in a different way from Peter, but still hot and sexy. Someone I could still very much go for. I'm sorry, Ruth, I can't see you like I saw Peter."

"That's okay." Ruth hugged Carol. "I'll simply observe you from afar, enjoy my unattainable crush, and look forward to returning as Peter." Carol lifted her up as she continued, "Meanwhile, I'll enjoy to the utmost having fun as a little girl."

When we got home, I let Carol take the first shower, as she said she was feeling a bit hot and sweaty. I didn't feel like sitting the sofa or any of the chairs in my still sweaty leotard, so I sat on the floor and relaxed into a middle split. I occasionally stretched my torso to either side.

The doorbell rang. Ruth jumped up to answer the door. "It's Daisy!" I heard the excited greetings, and returned shortly with Daisy in tow.

"Hi, Daisy!" I pulled my legs in and rose up on my knees to hug her. "Sorry, my leotard's still grimy from rehearsal and walking home."

Carol came down shortly afterwards, wearing -- surprise! -- a lovely dress!

"Wow!" exclaimed Ruth. "I don't think I've ever seen you in a dress before!"

"I'm sure I haven't," I said. I couldn't help looking her up and down.

Ruth did the introductions. Meanwhile, I went upstairs to shower and change. Change clothes, that is. Not gender or body. I put on a simple dress, with socks and flats -- and white bra and panties of course.

The living room was absent when I returned downstairs. "They're down in the playroom," Ma said.

"Thanks, Ma." I promptly went downstairs to join them.

"Oooo, you're lovely!" exclaimed Carol.

We spent the rest of the afternoon mostly chatting. At one point Daisy asked when I would be Luke again. She winced as Carol shrieked, "Am I the only one here who doesn't remember Luke?"

Daisy started crying at the rebuke, and I went to hug her to myself. Ruth turned her head, looking at both Daisy and Carol, then went to hug Carol.

"Oh, Daisy, I'm so sorry!" said Carol, almost in tears herself. We came together in a group hug.

Once we came apart again, I said, "If this helps, I'm the only one here who can't say `Lucy'." I sighed an exaggerated vocal sigh.

Daisy giggled. "If she says she can't say `Luke' she lies." We all laughed at that.

I answered Daisy's question. "By the way, Daisy, I become, um, I revert Saturday night, if I recall correctly."

Daisy and Carol stayed for dinner. Following dinner, Ruth and I had an extra-long rehearsal where we first put on our costumes. Half the rehearsal consisted of us learning not only how to don our costumes, but also how to help each other with costumes, hair, and make-up. Then we went through sections of the ballet, accompanied by music and the voice narration. It was an abbreviated version of "The Sleeping Beauty" by Tchaikovsky. The sections were interspersed with costume and make-up changes. The changes needed to be done quick.

Unfortunately tempers were flaring as well. Fortunately, I was fairly good at helping others with their hair and make-up, which wasn't too surprising because I'd been doing it for several years.

We went at least an hour overtime that evening, and I was quite sleepy when Ma picked us up and drove us home. Ruth and I promptly went to bed as soon as we got home.

        Tuesday, August 19

After the usual Mental Work and Lesson-Sermon, Ruth and I took the bus to Bikini Beach. We met Tracy and Becky at the transit station, and Carol ran up to us and joined us in line for the turnstile, bubbling in excitement just like Becky and Tracy.

"Girls! Nancy and Cindy were invited to a photo-shoot this Friday morning, and a friend was invited too! They want me to join. We could all join. They're giving away free weekend passes!"

"Friday?" I asked. "My pass ends Saturday. I think we should all come Friday. Would they welcome us?"

"I'm sure they would," answered Carol.

Tracy excitedly said, "Oh my God, it's them!"

"Who?" asked Becky.

"The hunks! Over there!" She pointed at front of the line for the guest-pass booths.

"Those boys waiting at the front?" asked Carol. A couple of older boys were at this moment walking up to a window, and now talking to the saleslady. I couldn't make out anything, but Tracy was bubbly-hyper.

Before I knew it, she was running along the line toward the turnstile. One of the Bikini Beach staff members out in the lines ran and caught up to her, and rebuked her. I couldn't hear what the staff member said, but Tracy turned and grumpily walked back toward us.

A little ways away, Tracy grumbled something. I think I heard it, but it made no sense. Becky must have seen my expression, because she said, "Damn cunt-blocker."

"Huh?"

"That's what Tracy said," said Becky.

"I still don't get it."

"It means that Bikini Beach worker's blocking Tracy's cunt from the two hunks."

I said nothing further, although I watched the two boys, obvious brothers, walking steadily toward the Men's room. I saw Tracy's face grow longer as well. She sighed as they entered the changing room. "Now I'll never find them."

Meanwhile, our line of women and girls (and, I noticed, an occasional man or boy) who already had their memberships went steadily toward our own turnstile, and finally pushed through.

Ruth had worn her swimsuit with shorts over, so she quickly showered and ran off to join friends, whom she'd apparently befriended before ever becoming Ruth. I was reminded that Peter had been Ruth before, and I was going to ask her about it some time.

Vanessa, Jen, and Xena joined us later. We had a nice morning at Bikini Beach. Faline never showed up. Vanessa said, "I think that she's still angry at us from Saturday. I hope that we'll see her again." We all hoped.

We also discussed coming on Friday, as Saturday would be the last day of some of our memberships. This led to discussing our various memberships and when they would end.

"Lucy and I got three-week passes, uh, two and a half weeks ago Saturday," said Becky with a titter. "So ours end this Saturday. It's still good for the day then, at least."

"Mine also ends Saturday," said Carol. "A summer membership ending the weekend before school begins."

"My membership's for life," said Tracy. "Becky, you might want to get one yourself."

"No thanks." Becky shuddered. "Femininity is fine and all that, but not forever."

Vanessa entered, rather quickly I thought. "I got a two-month membership on July 17. It's supposed to end September 17."

"I thought that Mom got both of us five-year memberships," said Jen, referring to Xena as well. "The same day as you two." She indicated Becky and me. "But really, it's different and confusing. I have to check my card every time I think of it."

Jen began rummaging through her purse when Xena said, "It's like this. Both passes expire June 16th, just after we finish ninth grade. That's one year and ten months."

"Wait a minute!" said Tracy. "Your mom purchased five-year passes, but you got less than two years?"

"That's not all!" said Jen quickly.

"No, there's more," continued Xena. "We get four years and 310 days more, afterwards, that we can divide up into guest memberships of any length. Grandmother offered us that, and we agreed to it, because now we get six years of membership total."

"That's really strange," said Tracy. "I can't see why Grandmother would offer something like that."

"Mom doesn't know about it, I don't think," said Jen.

"Stranger still," said Vanessa. "You were born before Xena the Warrior Queen was shown on TV, right?"

"Yeah," said Xena.

"Things are beginning to make a certain amount of sense," said Vanessa. "Both of you are thirteen, right?"

"Yes," answered Jen.

"So you would have been eighteen when the five-year membership expired. Hmmm..."

Carol intervened, rather quickly it seemed. "It is a mistake to theorize before one has all the facts. It leads to twisting the facts to fit the theory, rather than theory to fit the facts."

"You're right," said Vanessa. "And we definitely don't want another horrible argument like last Saturday's."

"After all," said Becky. "Xena might have been merely a rare name before the Warrior Queen."

"We'll still do things together, won't we? I mean, after your memberships expire?" asked Jen, brushing a couple tears aside.

"Of course." Vanessa hugged Jen. "We'll find various things to do together. Best friends forever, right everyone?"

"Right!" we all said. That led to another group hug moment.

"Faline, too?" asked Tracy.

"We hope," I replied, and everyone agreed.

"My friend and my sister have both been invited to a photoshoot here Friday morning," said Carol. "They've invited me as well. I think we should all join the photoshoot."

"Great idea!" everyone agreed. "Let's crash the photoshoot!" said Xena.

"Let's spend Friday here as well," said Jen. "We'll get to see more of you before your passes end." She looked at each of the three of us.

Everyone agreed to that, although I had my own issue. "I can come in the morning, but then I have clarinet lesson after lunch. And our first ballet performance is that night. I'll want to rest in the afternoon."

"Ballet performance?" asked Xena.

"They're performing Friday and Saturday night," said Carol, "and Sunday afternoon. I'm going to watch one, at least."

"We have a major rehearsal tonight, so Ruth and I have to go home earlier this afternoon. And our dress rehearsal is Thursday night." I didn't mention another major rehearsal the next day, Wednesday afternoon, nor the Wednesday Evening Meeting.

We had a nice and fun morning here at Bikini Beach. After lunch I decided to play a little with Ruth for an hour or so, and then we returned home after I made sure to say goodbye to my friends (and that she said goodbye to her friends). Faline apparently never showed up.

Ma accosted us as soon as we got home. "You're home early," she said.

"Ma," I said, "we need to rest some before tonight's rehearsal."

"Great idea," Ma replied. "The owner of Bikini Beach called this morning, and she said that you--" She indicated Ruth. "-- have to be at Bikini Beach by eight in the morning. She said something about a photoshoot, but that you were essential for it."

"I heard about the photoshoot," I said. "We'll definitely be there, won't we, Ruth." I wasn't going to admit my surprise about Ruth being not only involved but -- essential?

"I'll drive you there myself," said Ma.

We did relax that afternoon. Ruth joined me in bed, and we both slept until almost dinner time.

After dinner, we had another intense rehearsal, very much like Monday's. Both Ruth and I went promptly to bed when we got home afterwards.

        Wednesday, August 20

Ruth and I stayed home that morning. Daisy came over to play with us. She was feeling boisterous, while Ruth and I both wanted to relax. However, Ruth decided to join Daisy's boisterousness, and they both went out to play with neighborhood children.

We went to the Civic Center for another lengthy ballet rehearsal after lunch. It was more of the same. Things were definitely coming together, though. We weren't going to have a rehearsal tonight. Tomorrow, Thursday night, was the dress rehearsal, and the first performance would be Friday evening.

The idea was to relax tonight. But for Ruth and me, there was no rest for the weary. Only during the afternoon. We had the Wednesday Evening Meeting at church.

After the opening hymn, the First Reader read a short Scriptural Selection, usually the most interesting part except for the hymns themselves. Tonight, this Scriptural Selection included a familiar statement of Jesus:

Matthew 7:22 -- "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"

Matthew 7:23 -- "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

If the Scriptural Selection was the most interesting, the last part, consisting of healing testimonies from the congregation, was the most boring. The gaps between testimonies kept reminding me that some time, I would have to stand up myself to give a testimony.

Ruth whispered to me, "Don't worry. You don't have to give a testimony if you don't want." It helped some, but that part of the service was still boring.

The Wednesday Evening Meetings always ended with the final hymn. Once we finished singing it, one could stand up, leave the bench, and depart. However, we generally stayed and listened to a few minutes of incidental music while Ma socialized with various church ladies.

Ruth got up and went over to the seven-year-old twin girls who were in Ruth's Sunday School class. They were among the few children who came to Wednesday Evening Meetings. I absently watched Ruth with the twins, thinking about Peter back in the other reality -- never coming, having been barred from church. I wondered about Ruth's willing socialization with girls a couple years younger, considering how she remembered her life as Peter. She was seriously into her role as the nine-year-old Ruth, and had been from the start.

Ma was talking with the twins' grandmother, Mrs. Rochester, and my ears perked up when Mrs. Rochester mentioned Bikini Beach: "They had a lovely time, burning off excess energy with all the attractions, and I had a nice, relaxing time. We ended the summer on a high note, and I shall sorely miss them when they fly back tomorrow."

"Lucy's been visiting Bikini Beach the past couple of weeks," said Ma. "She's made nice friends there. She took Ruth with her last Saturday, and again Tuesday. Ruth enjoys it as well." I was just a bit uncomfortable at being talked about, and wondered if anyone would bring up Bikini Beach transformations. But nobody did.

Eventually, we went home. Ruth seemed preoccupied with her own thoughts. My long-time disquiet about having to give a testimonial kept raising its head, no matter how often I replayed Ruth's reassurance. Even when I reminded myself, from my earlier time as Lucy, that I was no longer going to be embarrassed or mortified.

I was standing in Church, giving a comment on Christian Science. "I found Jesus's warning so insightful. I mean, there are those who think they are doing Jesus's work, but in reality act contrary to Jesus's teachings." I was wearing a one-piece swimsuit, with flip-flops and an anklet of beads, because there was going to be a Bikini Beach photoshoot just after church. I didn't think it would be a good idea to wear a bikini to church.

"The Hunks!" OMG, there they were, the hunks, Fab and June! I tried to run, to catch up with them. My muscles were utterly paralyzed, and Fab and June were always about thirty yards ahead.

Fab said, "We never knew you!" followed by June's, "Depart from us!"

I yelped and yanked awake in distressed horror, and balled my eyes, heart, and agony out. I continued weeping, even as I sat relieving myself in the bathroom.

Thursday, August 21

I woke up that morning feeling bittersweet relief. Things with Fab and June were never going to work out anyway. I was going to become Luke again Saturday night, if I understood things correctly. Come to think of it, what was going to happen with the ballet performances? I would probably change after Saturday night's performance, so what was going to happen Sunday afternoon?

I shouldn't be worrying about that, especially as I could do nothing about it. We had our dress rehearsal tonight, and that was probably going to be a pain.

As usual, after the morning activities at home, Ruth and I took the bus to Bikini Beach. As usual, we separated and met up with our respective friends. Even as we swam and did the activities, it seemed as if we couldn't talk about anything except tomorrow's photoshoot. I admit that I got caught up in the excitement. We'd even mostly forgotten that one of our dear friends, Faline, wasn't with us.

I also reminded them that our dress rehearsal was tonight, and our first performance was tomorrow night. That also meant that Ruth and I would have to depart early to rest for the evening.

Ruth and I departed a couple hours after lunch, and we napped a couple hours during the afternoon. I read a bit when I couldn't sleep, making sure not to awaken Ruth in the process. We went to the Civic Center, where the stage was all set up for the performance.

I thought that we would run straight through the performance, but there were always cuts and corrections and suggestions here and there. It took an hour longer than it should have.

Friday, August 22

Ruth and I woke up early. Ma was taking us to Bikini Beach for the photoshoot, and we wanted to arrive before eight. The girls were all planning to arrive early as well. Because of rush hour, Ma had us depart by seven, just after a short breakfast. She played the Mental Work and the Lesson-Sermon in the car on the way. I was wearing shorts over my one-piece swimsuit, while Ruth wore shorts and a t-shirt. I made sure that I had everything I needed, including my clarinet kit and a change of clothes. There was no ballet this afternoon. Tonight would be our first performance.

Ma dropped us off and said, "I'll park the car and join you. I'm trying out Bikini Beach today."

A sign indicated the photoshoot gathering place, and Grandmother was waiting there, along with a few girls. Ruth ran straight over to Grandmother, but I spotted Carol along with Nancy and Cindy walking toward us, and joined them. I embraced Carol and asked, "Looking forward to this?"

"Absolutely!" she answered.

Aunt Yuko's car stopped near us and let Becky and Tracy out, and they joined us. We ambled toward the photoshoot area, and the bus from downtown arrived at the bus stop. Girls and women poured from the exits, along with a few boys and men. Two older boys, siblings, approached the photoshoot assembly area.

"Oh-my-God, the Hunks!" Tracy rushed toward them, and we followed behind.

A car pulled up and let out a couple redheads. Carol ran up and greeted them, enthusiastically hugging the younger girl about our age, Nancy and Cindy joining them. They both hugged the older girl. I was going to join them, but I whipped around when Tracy wheezed, "It's her!" and collapsed.

Ruth just happened to be there and somehow caught Tracy mid-fall, letting her down slowly. Ruth whipped her t-shirt off and fanned the unconscious Tracy's face. Grandmother came up a couple seconds later and leaned over her. Becky was there as well.

Anya appeared from nowhere that I noticed, and somehow managed to persuade the crowd to stay away. "Keep away please. Give the girl room to breath!" I had no idea what to do -- this was so out of the blue. For now, I stood and watched as Tracy came to. I could barely hear her words. "She's alive! She's alive! Oh God, she's alive!" She was crying.

What the heck?! I inched a few feet closer to hear better.

"Ruth," Tracy was saying with difficulty. "You hated me... Jill... the darkness... that dead face haunting me... that name... the sense of strangling someone..." With difficulty, she rummaged through her purse and found her Bikini Beach card, and stared hard at it. "A lifetime membership." She took a long, deep breath. "Ruth, did I do something unforgivable?"

Ruth answered in tears, "No Tracy, you did nothing unforgivable."

Tracy turned to Grandmother. "Grandmother? Is that true?"

Grandmother, looking as if she were about to shed a few tears herself, replied, "Yes, it's true." Tracy's whole body visibly relaxed, and her head flopped back down, in an almost faint of relief.

I had absolutely no idea what this was about, but I figured that Tracy wouldn't want to lose the hunks once we had our hooks in them, so I went over to them. "Hello. Are you guys here for the photoshoot?"

"Yeah," the younger replied. "Our friend Jill told us to come. That's her over there."

I glanced at the redheads. "Carol and Nancy seem to know them well. Okay, um." I didn't really know how to say this. "My friend Tracy -- she's the one who collapsed just now -- Becky there is her twin sister. Tracy's seen you entering Bikini Beach many times, and she's been dying to get to know you. She's never been able to find you inside." They really were hunks. I couldn't help checking them out.

They glanced at each other. They apparently couldn't think of anything to say, so I continued, "You probably look rather different as girls."

Both burst out laughing, "You hit the nail on the head there," said the older one. He held out his hand, which I took and shook. "I'm Stephen." He pronounced it like Steven. "Spelled with a ph, but it's Steph at Bikini Beach. And this is my brother Craig, and he's Crista at Bikini Beach." I shook his hand as well.

"And I'm Lucy." I paused, then continued, "Until tomorrow night." We laughed again.

I looked back at Tracy. Becky was helping her up. She seemed mostly okay now. "Here, let me introduce you to Tracy and Becky, and the rest of our friends -- whoa, Faline's back!" Yay! I thought she might have been permanently mad at us.

I took a hand of each of them, and led them into what was now a good-sized crowd, including a couple more guys. Ma was there now as well.

"Okay you guys," shouted Anya, unnaturally loud as if speakers surrounded us. "Let's line up, and yes, you guys are welcome as well. Participants get three-day memberships."

I quickly asked before we separated, "Any way we'll be able to find you once inside?"

"We'll find you and your friends if you can't," answered Stephen. "Don't worry."

Ma helped Grandmother and Anya, along with a few other adults. They got us all in three lines. Ruth along with the other handful of little girls, one little boy, with Jen and a few other short girls at the ends, knelt on the grass. I stood behind Ruth in the second line, and the tallest girls (including Carol) and all the boys stood among the girls in the third line behind us. Xena maneuvered herself to stand behind Jen, and crouched to rest her hands on Jen's shoulders. Jen straightened up a little, to make it easier for Xena.

Other boys and girls were maneuvering themselves in the third row, to embrace the girl in front or lean his head on her shoulder. A boy had his arms around Jill, who seemed to be the center of this.

A few photos were taken, then we were sent in line to shower and change. It wasn't quite as orderly as row-by-row, because the young girls had their older siblings join them. We were all given three-day membership cards. "If you are already a member," announced Anya, "You may save the guest pass for later or give it to a friend or relative. Introduce her, or him, to Bikini Beach." I sense a certain glee as she spoke those last words. "Most of you already know this. Shower; it's a Bikini Beach health requirement.

"Meet outside the man office once you've changed. The photoshoot is not over, not by a long shot!"

Upon receiving the pass, I stowed it in my purse. I was still a girl, and would be until midnight the following day. As I did, I noticed my bikini in my purse. What was it doing there? Who'd put it there? I for sure didn't.

While waiting in the line for the turnstiles, I noticed that Tracy was hovering around Jill and her boyfriend, while Becky was chatting with the hunks.

I was already in my swimsuit -- a one-piece, and no, I wasn't going to change into the Bikini. Ruth found her bikini as well, and also refused to wear it. We had little to do but shower, so we showered. I returned to the girls. "I'm returning to the photoshoot. I'll see you guys there."

"I'll join you," said Becky quickly. Carol came as well. They were both in their bikinis and had already showered as well. We headed toward the office building, where others were already meeting.

A girl, perhaps a couple years older, emerged in her bikini from the "women's overflow locker room" all flustered and disoriented.

"This is your first time," I said, not bothering to ask.

"You're right. I won't ask--" she whipped around at the exit of two more girls. "Wha--? Where did you come from? I was the only one in there!"

"We followed you inside," said the younger of the two, "only to enter the empty room. It always happens." Unlike the first girl, they appeared accustomed to their girlness.

"This place is insane," said the flustered girl.

"We know the feeling -- at least Lucy and me," said Becky. "I'm afraid Carol has no idea."

"I'm afraid that you're right," agreed Carol. "I have no idea what it would be like to suddenly change into a boy. What's your name?"

"I'm Jackie." She scrunched her nose. "I don't even know how it's spelled."

"We're Lucy, Carol, and Becky," said Becky.

"And we're Crista and Steph," said the older girl.

"They're the two hunks," I told Becky. "They visit here a lot."

"This is a wonderful place," said Crista, the younger. "And it's always fun and just a bit strange being girls."

Jackie seemed calm now, and relieved. I knew how it helped to confirm and validate one's experience. I knew this was nothing but an unsupported hunch, but I said, "Jill's still in the girls' locker room."

"Oh, thanks! She does take quite a while to get ready."

"She's probably chattering with all the girls there," Becky added.

"You could search for her," I said, "but I suggest you join us for the photoshoot. You won't get lost that way. They'll be out eventually."

"I can't wait to see Tracy's reaction to you," said Becky with a titter.

"Guys, shall we go?" said Carol.

I quickly took Jackie's hand and Carol's hand, and Becky took the two hunks' hands. We made our way to the office building.

"I thought Jill's photoshoot was for only a few people," said Jackie.

"I don't think they expected such a large crowd," said Carol as we arrived. "Once she invited her cousin and my friend Alice, we all wanted in. Especially those of us who already had memberships. We weren't asking for anything, really. Just to join in."

We waited, as more girls arrived. I saw June's older sister Jing nearby. She looked around, and her gaze went right over me without sign of recognition. I felt a pulse of grief, reminded that now they never knew me. Carol briefly squeezed my hand.

The rest of us all arrived together, along with other girls, including Jill and the younger redhead our age. Ruth was with Helen and Vanessa. Carol went up and hugged the younger redhead. "Alice! It's so great you could come!"

Jill came and grabbed Jackie. "Jackie! Where did you go? Why didn't you change with us?" She sounded mad.

"I went into the women's overfl-- I mean the women's-- What-the--". Uhoh, it happened. I ran up and tapped Jackie's shoulder, and stood up on my toes.

"She doesn't remember," I whispered in her ear.

"What?!"

I continued to whisper. "It's more than just becoming a girl. Reality has shifted."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll tell you later. I can't now, whispering like this."

Becky dragged Tracy to Crista and Steph, and introduced introduced them as "The Hunks". "Twice the person, quadruple the attraction, eh?" said Crista.

It was funny, now Becky was sticking like glue to them, and Tracy didn't seem so interested. She was always hanging around Jill, acting almost giddy-like.

After a few more photos at the entrance, the photoshoot become a tour of Bikini Beach. Most of us went on the water rides, and were photographed in the process, climbing up, reaching the top, sliding down screaming in hilarity, and splashing at the end.

We were all walking along the volcano trail, and Tracy was as usually hanging metaphorically onto Jill, and Jill was getting annoyed. Ruth went up to Tracy, and pulled her away. At that point, I found the eagle-eye view of Bikini Beach way down below quite attractive and interesting.

I overheard one last exchange between Ruth and Tracy. Tracy said, "Let the dead bury themselves, right?" Ruth echoed, "Right." I didn't bother to attempt to figure out what that was supposed to be, and Tracy spent the rest of the photoshoot with Becky and the Hunks.

We reached the Pipeline. We had to wait while they set up a couple cameras. Then we all splashed down. Apparently Jackie had to be reminded to find his bikini top and put it back on. Jill was surprised and angry about her nonchalance with toplessness.

The photoshoot finally ended. A few of us had something this afternoon, so a group of us went for lunch. Carol paid more attention to Alice and Jill than to us, but I was just happy to relax and listen along, and eat.

Like me, both Jill and Alice had school practice at Westside High the following afternoon. They were cheerleaders. Apparently, Jill was co-captain of the cheerleading squad, and Alice was an incoming freshman like me. I wondered if I'd seen them practicing last Saturday. "But we'll definitely return here tomorrow morning," said Jill.

Ma appeared. "You and Ruth have music lessons in half an hour. It's high-time to get dressed!" OMG, I'd forgotten about clarinet lessons!

"G-bye, everyone! I'll see you tomorrow!" Because of tonight's ballet performance, I wouldn't return after my lesson. I high-tailed it to the locker room, with Ruth on my tail. I managed to quickly shower and change. Ruth simply put on shorts over her swimsuit, as did Ma. I briefly considered that, but decided against it. It might have been too much with Brandon.

Ma first dropped me off for my clarinet lesson, before going on with Ruth. As usual, Meredith came out as I was assembling my clarinet. "Hi, Meredith."

"Hey Lucy," she replied on her way out.

We had rescheduled clarinet lessons for fall, of course, but I was reminded that this would be my last lesson as Lucy. I couldn't help dropping a few tears. We'd already settled our fall lesson schedule, but I would be Luke by then. I greeted Brandon with a brief hug. "Hi, Mr. Oregon."

The lesson went well. I did my best to play my best. When the lesson ended, I limited myself to hugging him and kissing his cheek. I knew that things would be totally different at our next lesson.

There was no ballet afterwards. Ma picked Ruth and me up, and took us home to relax before the performance tonight. It was our first performance, and I was getting progressively more and more nervous. Ruth was as well. She joined me in my room. Daisy came over as well and joined us. It seemed as if she could sense our nervousness.

"I'd love seeing you tonight," said Daisy. "But it's too late. I'll come to Sunday's show."

I slept for a few hours, until dinner time. Daisy was still with us; she had a book in her hand when I awoke. Ruth and I both showered and dressed for dinner. Daisy stayed for dinner as well, but she didn't have to shower and change.

After a quick and not very filling dinner, it was off to performance. We went directly to the Green Room. After changing into my tights, leotard, and tutu, I helped Ruth with her hair, makeup, and sparkles. Although we did hair and some makeup during rehearsals, we didn't do anything with sparkles then. This was our first time. A girl my age named Annie did my sparkles, and did my hair while I was doing Ruth's hair and make-up.

A couple people, including Alice, helped me, and I helped a number of persons. All in good time, we got our opening costuming. The hard part would come later, with fast costume changes during the performance.

Fortunately, everything went well. At the intermission, Ruth and I went to see Ma and Pa. We encountered friends, old acquaintances, and new acquaintances. The other seven of my BB friends were here, including Faline. Candy, Jill, and Jackie (her boyfriend???) were there, as were the two Hunks, Steph and Crista. Nancy and Cindy were there too. It was so wonderful that they all came to support me!

Eventually, Ruth and I had to return to prepare for the second half.

The applause at the end was deafening, and we, the entire cast, danced an encore for the audience.

        Saturday, August 23

The next day was busy. I knew that this would be my last day as Lucy, and I wanted to see one last time all my friends, both old and new, at Bikini Beach. Ruth and Ma both joined me, Ruth after telling me that she was considering staying home and relaxing or playing with Daisy. Of course, once she arrived, she ran off to join her own friends.

Ma had a month-long membership for her help with the photoshoot.

After lunch, Ma drove me to school for Saturday-afternoon marching band practice. She also took Ruth home to rest and relax for the afternoon.

We had our second performance after dinner, and it went as well as the first one. As Ruth and I searched for Ma and Pa in the audience, Ruth said, "Hey, there's your clarinet teacher." How she managed to spot Brandon in this crowd, I have no idea.

We worked our way to him. "Mr. Oregon! I'm so happy to see you here!"

"Lucy! This is a wonderful performance so far. You're lovely in your dance costume."

"Why, thank you, kind sir." I bobbed a little ballet curtsy for him. I couldn't help being just a bit giggly.

We chatted some more, then Ruth reminded me that we should find Ma and Pa.

"Sorry, I really have to go," I said. "I'm really glad I got to see you one last time." I embraced him again and kissed him on the cheek. "Good night."

As Ruth and I made our way to Ma and Pa, she said, "You just weirded him out, you know."

"What do you mean?"

"`One last time'? As if you weren't continuing with your clarinet lessons in the fall? As if you were quitting them forever?"

"I'm continuing them, but as -- you know who," I said.

"Yah, but he's still going to find that really creepy, well, for the next few hours, unless..." Ruth paused.

"Unless what?"

"I'll tell you later. Let's get through `The Sleeping Beauty' this weekend, first."

We found Ma and Pa. Carol was with them, but as far as I could tell, none of my other friends came.

"It's wonderful you came!" I exclaimed as I embraced her.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied.

After some time, I felt Ruth trying to cut in, so I pulled back and let her hug Carol. I looked her up and down; she was beautiful in her simple dress, with her hair framing her face.

I really couldn't do anything other than relax, but Ruth chatted her up enough for both of us.

I decided we should head back to the Green room. While we still had a good ten or so minutes left, I wanted to sample the snacks and begin dressing up for the second half.

We got as strong an applause at the end this evening as we did the opening night, and as before, we performed the encore dance. Ruth and I got home exhausted and went straight to bed.

        Sunday, August 24

I was lying in bed, gradually realizing that I'd been lying in bed for the longest time. I couldn't get myself to rise out of bed. I gradually realized that I felt strange all over -- all this week's dancing must have really gotten to me -- and really had to go to the bathroom.

Only then did I get up and make my way to the bathroom. I managed to avoid letting loose upon sitting on the toilet just in time to be consciously aware of the dingle-dangles sandwiched between my legs. I clamped down; I'd been only a second or so from making a serious mess. I reached down between my legs, and pushed them all down, and let loose -- ahhhhhh.

"I'm back." My voice was so hoarse and rusty. I cleared my throat, even though there was nothing to clear, and repeated it. And that was what had felt so strange -- not all the week's dancing. Luke was back. I told myself that the strangeness would pass, the way the strangeness of being a girl did. After I finished peeing, I stood and looked at myself in the mirror. I actually wasn't bad-looking, I could even go for myself, I thought as my privates rose. I recalled how I saw both Peter and Pa as hunks a week earlier. I hoped that it was the naughtiness of me checking my naked self out, or a relic of Lucy in me.

I pulled up my pajama shorts, and returned to my bedroom for more sleep.

I did fall asleep, and woke up some time later -- after eight. I returned to the bathroom, this time peeing appropriately as a guy. Upon returning to my room, I decided to dress up for Sunday School and Church. I went to the closet to pick out a nice dress, but opening the closet reminded me that a nice dress wasn't an option. I only had that uncomfortable, ill-fitting black suit.

I grit my teeth as I stepped into the pants and pulled them up around me. They were tight around my butt, and weaseled themselves up between when I sat. Having experienced nice Sunday wear, I told myself to get Ma or Pa to take me shopping for a new well-fitting suit.

I heard a couple knocks on the door. "Come in, Ruth." She entered just as I pulled my pants up to my waist, and hooked them closed.

"Hey, Luke. You're back." She smiled as she sat on the bed. She was already dressed for Sunday School.

I zipped my pants up and sat on the bed facing her, one leg off the bed.

"Yeah." I smiled and sighed a bit. I wasn't really sure how I felt about being Luke now.

"You'll feel better, or at least more normal, in time," said Ruth. "I envy you just a bit. You'll get to watch the show in the audience."

I remembered with guilt that I -- Luke -- didn't go to last night's or Friday night's performance. I had a certain sense of mortification if Ma or Pa or anyone ever thought I might be attracted to pretty lovely girls dancing in tutus, or would learn about the crushes I had on some of the girls in the show, girls I knew last year at school. Then there was my fear that someone would find out that I watched ballet.

"Luke! Ruth! Breakfast time!" Ma called from downstairs. Usually, Ma didn't have to call us down for breakfast; we were already downstairs by then. But we'd overslept. It was clear, too, that Ma no longer remembered Lucy.

Ma played the Mental Work over breakfast as usual, and then she took us to Sunday School. Sunday School was the usual boring nonsense, once we broke into small classes, and as usual, I was relieved once it ended.

Ruth didn't talk with her classmates after school. Instead, she led me around to a rock next to the side of the church.

"The twins weren't in class."

"They flew back to New York last Thursday," I reminded her.

She didn't reply, but she seemed to be pondering over something. After a moment, she said, "Their grandmother took them to Bikini Beach on Wednesday."

"Yes, she told Mom all about it at Church Wednesday night."

Ma and Pa came to Church, and Church Service came and went after dragging on and on. Ma's socialization with the other Church ladies went on and on as well. But we finally returned home for Sunday dinner.

Ruth only ate a small portion of Sunday dinner, following which Ma took her out and dropped her off at the Civic Center. The rest of us didn't have to arrive for another hour and a half.

"Luke," said Pa, about half an hour later, interrupting my reading. "I'm surprised you're still wearing your suit."

"I have nothing else suitable for Ruth's show."

"Oh? You were adamant, really angrily adamant, last night and Friday night, about not going."

"Well, I'm going now," I said saucily. I didn't feel like explaining anything. Just in case, I reminded myself of my vow as Lucy, I wouldn't be embarrassed again. I would enjoy the naughtiness of it all.

Pa was tongue-tied for a moment. Then he said, "Good."

This just occurred to me. "Pa, Daisy would like to see the show, seeing Ruth on-stage."

"Yes," Pa said, "The Matsumotos going to see it today with us."

"Pa." I wanted to bring this up before I forgot. "I really need a new suit. This suit fits terrible."

"I agree one hundred percent," said Ma, who'd just returned and entered without my noticing. "You do need a new suit. One that grows with you, that we can adjust, at least for the next couple of years. We have to get it before Wednesday." Of course. So that I could wear it to the Wednesday Evening meeting. That would definitely make life a whole lot more comfortable.

We left for the show a while later. Mom raised her eyebrows as I joined them, but said nothing.

Pa dropped Ma and me off and went to park the car. We joined Daisy and Mr. and Mrs. Matsumoto in line.

"Luke!" exclaimed Daisy, grabbing me in a hug. I lifted her up. She seemed shorter, somehow. Also, considerably lighter.

Pa joined us, and we eventually reached the ticket booth and got our tickets.

Once inside the lobby, Daisy exclaimed, "Hey, there's Helen and Vanessa!" I looked where she was looking, and sure enough, there they were, about halfway across the lobby. They were with their parents.

"Ma, Pa, we're going to meet up with friends. We'll be back shortly." I let Daisy down, and we made our way to Vanessa and her family.

Carol was with them, when we reached them. "Carol! Vanessa!" I had to remember not to hug them immediately, realizing that they might not immediately recognize me.

Sure enough, they both looked at me with uncertainty. Then Carol said, "I remember you at the library. You had that sexy novel, Lace." She looked straight at my eyes -- we were now about the same height. "You're-- Luke!" She whispered something in Vanessa's ear, then came and hugged me.

We pulled apart, only for Vanessa to come and hug me. She whispered in my ear, "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you there, Luke."

"That's quite okay," I answered.

As we pulled apart, I said, "This is Daisy, Ruth's best friend. She recognized both of you, although I don't think you recognize her."

"You're right, I'm sorry, we don't," admitted Vanessa.

"However, any friend of Ruth is a friend of mine," said Helen, smiling suddenly. Helen and Daisy began chatting.

"We might have met her before, and simply forgot," said Vanessa.

"She has a very good memory," said Carol. "She remembers a lot that we're not supposed to remember." She winked at Vanessa. "Luke, you won't mind if I sit with Vanessa and her family?"

"That's quite all right. Ma and Pa might get strange ideas. Daisy, I think we should go back. Looks as if they're starting to go in."

"Bye, Helen!" said Daisy, as we returned to our families.

I was about to enter the row of seats after Daisy, when a girl in ballet walked by. "Hey, Annie," I casually greeted her.

She turned and grabbed my by the arms. "Oh, Luke! I'm so glad I found you! We desperately need your help in the Green Room!"

"Whoa, what's this all about?" asked Pa.

"They need my help," I replied. "Some costume changes and makeup work have to be done really fast. Sure, I'll help you." I followed Annie to the Green Room. The previous performances and rehearsals, she'd done some of my hair, makeup, and sparkles.

So I spent the entire performance in the Green Room, unlike the nights before. We had periods of intense costume change, interleaved with relaxing waiting times. I knew all the changes I'd helped with before, and I knew my own costume and Ruth's, so that gave me plenty to do when it was needed.

Intermission finally came. Ruth and I left to join Ma and Pa, and the Costume Lady insisted on joining us. I stopped at the men's room and cleaned myself as much as I could, especially my hands.

"You've been busy," Ma said upon my arrival, indicating my hands. I'd washed them, but the make-up residuals hadn't completely washed out. "You have make-up on your jacket as well." I glanced down. I hadn't noticed.

"Yeah," I said with a bit of a tired sigh. "There's still the second half."

"Luke was a life-saver," said the costume lady. "I just don't know how we would have made the changes in time without him." She offered to refund our ticket prices, but Pa would have none of it.

Pa said, "You probably need every cent you can get, and we easily afford the ticket prices."

Ruth and I returned to the Green Room, where snacks were available, and I ate a few. Some people were already changing into their costumes, so I got busy again, well before the ballet resumed with the second act.

When the show ended, they had not only the cast come onstage for the encore, but also the stage-hands and everyone who worked off the stage. They demanded that I join them.

After we all left the stage, and the audience was walking out, everyone started talking about striking the stage. I remembered Lucy remembering something about strike, although I/she apparently never participated. But now I thought, why not? They probably could use the help. Ruth and children her age weren't allowed to participate in strike.

Ruth and I returned to Ma and Pa. I told them that I was going to help with strike.

"Then I'll help, if they let me," said Pa.

"There's also the party," said Ruth. "They want Luke." We'd never participated in the post-performance party before, either.

Ma shrugged. "Sure, I'm fine with that. Ruth can go, too."

Pa came back with us, and we joined the strike team. It took about an hour to dismantle everything.

At the party, everyone recognized me as the boy who joined and helped with the show. Nobody but Ruth knew or remembered my being with them this past week, or in ballet class the past three weeks. I think that I talked more with girls at the party than I ever talked with girls before as Luke.

I once overheard Ruth saying to a few kids, "See, I told you. Luke's the best big brother ever." That made me feel warm and cosy.

Ruth dozed off leaning against me as Ma drove us home late that afternoon. I realized that I'd been mentally Lucy in the Green Room, or maybe I was just too busy to check out anyone or even think of the situation I was in, surrounded by girls in various states of undress.

Once we got home, I said, "Ma, Pa, Ruth and I both seriously need a nap. We're tired."

"Sure," said Pa. "Take as long as you want. You've earned it. Some time this evening, though, we need to talk."

Ruth and I went upstairs to our rooms. I removed my suit (finally!), slid under the covers, and curled up. It only took a few seconds of conscious, deliberate relaxation, and then I awoke -- it must have been four hours later. I heard everyone talking downstairs -- I recognized Daisy's voice as well.

Pa's "We need to talk" echoed in my mind, and I got up and dressed in jeans and t-shirt with trepidation, and slowly went down to join them.

A rather different Sunday evening snack was set out on the table, with strips of cold chicken and raw vegetables and salads. Daisy was with Ruth, munching at the snacks.

"Have a seat, Luke." Ruth shifted her chair over, and brought a chair between Daisy and her. I smiled, mentally thanking Ruth for sparing me the choice of sitting next to Daisy or Ruth.

"Today has been just about my most surreal day ever," said Pa. "It reminded me of an old joke told by President Ronald Reagan."

"Mmmm?" said Ma.

"It goes like this: how do you know that an ethnic-group-one is at a cock-fight? He enters a duck into the cockfight.

"How do you know that an ethnic-group-two is at a cock-fight? He bets on the duck.

"How do you know the Mafia's at the cockfight? The duck wins."

I couldn't help a burst of laughter.

Pa continued. "At the show, a girl shows up and demands Luke help in the back rooms. Luke goes along with her. And apparently, Luke knows what he's doing and does an excellent job.

"You absolutely refused to go to the show and watch Ruth last night and Friday night. Then you insisted on going today. So."

Pa paused. I awaited the other foot to drop.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Luke?"

I repeated what I'd pulled on Peter at Carol's -- this time sure that BB wouldn't trip up my words. "For all you know, I just might be Lucy, your naughty fourteen-year-old daughter."

"Very funny," said Pa.

Ruth and Daisy laughed and leaned against me. Pa said, "And Ruth never does that with you, either!"

"I did on the way home today," said Ruth.

I changed the subject a little, reminding myself of my vow not to be embarrassed, and to go along with and enjoy any embarrassment. "I'm thinking of starting ballet this fall, perhaps instead of piano lessons." I wondered if Ma and Pa thought I would be taking it because of Annie, or because of all the girls. I added, "I've been reliably informed that Taekwondo plus ballet is a lethal combination."

"Okay, if this is what you've been sneaking around all summer doing during the day..." he trailed off. "Well, there's a whole lot worse you could have been sneaking around with."

Mom said, "We do need to go shopping tomorrow, for school stuff and your new suit."

"Would tomorrow evening be okay?" I asked. "I have a piano lesson shortly after school, followed by Taekwondo." I wasn't going to mention that I'd rigged the schedule so that I could change into my TKD uniform when school let out, and attend both piano and TKD in my uniform. Mrs. Prudence was nicer as a piano teacher when I wore my uniform. And of course, I was never going to mention that I would try to maintain or relearn what I knew as Lucy with clarinet and piano.

As yet, I had no idea how that would work out.

As I went to bed, Ruth knocked on the door, entered, and handed me several hand-written sheets. "Ma and Pa shouldn't see them," she said.