The Princess and the Plague Part 33 By Anistasia Allread Not Edited! Sorry Erika felt a pull in her groin as she stepped forward. Smooth dark skin and well muscled shoulders stood waiting for her. She ached to touch that perfect skin, to carress it and feel it's silkiness under her fingers, but gained control of herself and zipped her squad leader's dress.

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After she had been filled with pizza and soda Erika and the cheer squad returned to finish getting things ready for the game. Signs had to be made, football helmets polished and finishing touches on the routines to perfect.

Erika's phone sounded. Her mother texted to say that she was out front with Erika's dress.

“How could you?” Erika demanded of her mother.

“Hey now, watch your attitude.” Mrs. Martin warned. “What are you talking about?”

“You told Principal Crawford about my head.”

“Only in concern for your safety.”

Erika took the dress plastic wrapped dress from her mother, “They won't let me be on the Rally squad now.” Erika complained. “Why did you have to tell anyone?”

“You have a tumor in your brain, Eric.” Mrs. Martin stated. Erika ignored the use of her other name. “A tumor. What would happen if you were to get kicked in the head, or fell and hit your head and the tumor ruptured or something? It could kill you. Use your brain.”

Erika harumphed. “So you don't want me to be on Rally squad, is that it?”

“That is not it at all. In fact, I think rally squad has been good for you,” her mother's voice was starting to take on an edge. “I am only worried about your safety. If you have a tumor, you have to avoid certain risks, and that includes Rally squad.”

Erika took the bag small bag from her mother, containing shoes, nylons and extra undergarmets.

“So this is your way to make me have the surgey?”

“No, I am just trying to show you that if you do not have the surgery, that you will have to make certain life style choices and changes.” her mother fired back. “Now, do you want me to do something with your hair?” she asked changing the subject.

“No.” Erika's voice was still sharp. “Samantha said that she would do it.”

“Okay. What time does your father and I need to be here tonight?”

“It depends upon how the game goes. It's at half time. Just come to the game.”

Her mother nodded. “Okay. Are you hungry? Do you want me to bring you any food?”

Erika shook her head. “I'll be fine.”

Her mother reached into her purse. “Here take this just in case.” She handed Erika a twenty dollar bill.

“Thanks.” Erika begrudgenly accepted the offer.

Her mother faced her hesitantly. “See you tonight?” She stepped forward.

“Okay.” Erika's hands were full. Her mother awkwardly wrapped her arms around her, then stepped back.

Erika took the dress and bag into a deserted bathroom. She thought about making this transformation in the girl's locker room but it was too risky with the cheer and rally squads at work in the gym. The only place she could think of was the girls bathroom across the school in the hall where the art and music classes were. No one should be here at this time of day, espacially on Homecoming game day.

She took a extra precaution and entered the handicap stall, hung her dress on the hook on the back of the door and made sure that the toilet lid was down before placing her bag on it. She slipped out of her shell, and turtleneck and skirt and stood facing her dress in her panties, rally nylons and tennis shoes.

Erika slid the plastic sheath off of the dress and looked at it's rich fabric and pretty detailing.

Should she keep her rally nylons on to keep her warm? Or change them into the silky sheer ones that would feel ever so heavenly upon her legs?

She decided to save the sheer ones for the following night, when she hoped Tricia would be exploring their silkiness with her hands. She took the dress off it's hanger, unzipped the back and stepped into it. Already the heaviness and luxuriousness of the fabric was intoxicating her as she pulled the bodice up and secured it into place.

Erika adjusted her breast forms to settle into the cups of the dress and looked down at the skirt. She reached into the bag that her mother brought and pulled out her heels, pulled off the white tennis and stepped into the shoe, instantly adding height and shifting her center of gravity. Erika tucked her rally uniform and tennis into the bag and exited the stall as two girls from the marching band entered the bathroom.

“Oh, Hi Erika.” One of them smiled, “Wow! What a pretty dress.”

“Thank you.” Erika only flushed a little pink. It was a very pretty dress, and she knew it.

“The color looks fantastic on you.” the other commented.

“Julian Rock is taking you to Homecoming, right?”

Erika nodded.

“You make such a perfect couple. Did you know about rumor that you and Tricia Thompson were lesbian lovers?”

Erika nodded again. “Except it's not a rumor.” she smiled at the shock on the girl's face.

“But. . . “

“Quit before you say anything else stupid, Hannah.” the other giggled nervously. She shook her head and looked Erika back over. “You do look quite stunning in that dress, Erika.”

“Thank you. I've got to go get my hair done and put on my face.” Erika excused herself from the bathroom before any more revelations were made, or other rumors started.

Each step in her heels caused the skirt of her dress to kick out and move around her making a swishing noise. She smiled at herself enjoying the feel of the fabric and the freedom of not wearing pants.

Her heels made a clicking sound as she moved from the carpeted halls to the hard wood floor of the gym. The cheer squad was in the middle of doing a tumbling pass then Jorge and Krystal tossed one of the smaller girls high into the air. She did a flip and fell back into their waiting arms.

Erika quickly stepped over to the grand stands and took a seat, being careful to keep her knees together, even though they were covered by the skirt of her dress.

“Damn girl! You clean up nice.” Taylor approached. “I was just about to change myself, want to keep me company?”

“I — uh- I was going to watch the rest of the squad to see if I can learn how to dance better.” Erika struggled to find an excuse.

“Oh, come on, I'd like the company. Besides, you could put your makeup on while I'm changing.” Taylor grabbed Erika's arm and pulled her from her seat.

“Really, Taylor, I was hoping to watch.” Erika didn't want to be rude by yanking her arm free.

“You can watch them tonight at the game. I need company. I hate being in the locker room alone. I've seen too many slasher movies.” she smiled. “And the first season of Heros didn't help any either.”

Erika grabbed her bag and gave in to her squad captain.

The locker room echoed with the click of her heels as she entered. Only a little cleaner than the boys locker room, this one smelled a bit better. Less sweat and more of perfume. Taylor dragged Erika over to a section of lockers and opened one up.

“How are you doing?” She asked. “How is the brain?”

“Fine.” Erika looked everywhere but at Taylor who began taking off her shell. “Where's the best place for me to put my makeup on?” She asked.

“There is a mirror over there. The light is a little better, but not much.” Taylor pointed.

“Do you mind?” Erika asked.

“No, I just want someone else in here with me so Sylar doesn't come in here and carve me up.” Taylor smiled.

Relieved that she'd be out of sight of Taylor, Erika pulled out her makeup bag and started enhancing her face. If she were to have the operation, what would she be looking at in the mirror? Whould she be looking at a chissled jaw and facial hair? Or would she be looking at glowing soft skin and long luxurious locks?

Taylor continued talking about rally, school, boys and the excitement of the night. Erika only answered direct questions and gave short assurances that she was still in the area.

Taylor stepped around the locker, showing herself for the first time. A yellow dress with silver sequins and rhinestones flowed over her flawless chocolate skin. Strappy sandals with clear white stones finished off the look.

“Wow.” Erika gasped.

“Could you zip me up?” Taylor asked turning around.

Erika felt a pull in her groin as she stepped forward. Smooth dark skin and well muscled shoulders stood waiting for her. She ached to touch that perfect skin, to carress it and feel it's silkiness under her fingers, but gained control of herself and zipped her squad leader's dress.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.

“Do you find me pretty?” Taylor asked.

“Huh? What?”

“I've heard that you swing both ways. You know, You've been seen making out with Tricia and Julian.”

Erika felt her face redden.

“I was just wondering if you find me attractive as well?” Taylor asked. “I noticed that you looked uncomfortable while I was changing.”

“I. . . I think that you are very pretty,” Erika told her, but you're not really my type.”

“What is your type, Erika? The pretty in pink, Tricia or the dashing Julian Rock?”

Erika was taken back by the question. Which was her type indeed? She was very attracted to the strong and beautiful Tricia, but there was something magnetic about Julian and his wide, strong shoulders and abs of sculptured marble.

“I. . . I don't know.”

“Oh well,” She shrugged. “What are you going to do with your hair?” Taylor tossed her pressed locks to wave and settle back into place about her shoulders.

“I hadn't thought much on it,” Erika confessed.

“You're having it done tomorrow, aren't you?”

“Yes.”

“Well tonight is just a peep of tomorrow, so it doesn't matter too much. Did you bring a curling iron?”

“No. Samantha said she'd take care of it.”

“Cool. They should be about done, shall we dazzle them with our beauty?” She winked at Erika.

--o0o--

“I'm not a hair stylist yet, but this will have to do for tonight.” Jordon said putting the curling iron down. “take a look.” she motioned to the mirror.

Erika stood up and walked over to the mirror. “Wow,” She gasped. She had just gotten used to seeing herself as a girl, She never dreamed she would or could look like this. Her hair had been curled and pulled back into a chignon at the back of her head. A few loose tendrils were kept loose to soften the look. Her bangs were slightly teased, just enough to give them a touch of texture and volume.

“Okay, my turn. Let me at her.” Samantha said from the other side of the locker room. She stepped forward with a bag filled with cosmetics. The blonde girl who had been Eric's love before this last summer stopped in her tracks and stood in front of Erika. “Wow.”

“Yeah?” Erika asked.

“Yeah.” Samantha smiled. “This will be like old times.”

“I already did my makeup.” Erika protested

“I can tell.” Samantha bit her lip when she saw Erika's face screw up in protest.

“Why are you all doing this for me?” Erika asked looking at Samantha and Jordon.

“You're one of us.” Jordon smiled. “You are Rally. We take care of our own.” Jordon put her stuff away and headed towards the door. “You don't have much time, Samantha. We need to get out there and get ready before the game starts.”

“I won't be long.” Samantha waved her off.

“Did you go telling everyone about my tumor?” Erika asked once they were alone.

“No. I haven't said a word to anyone. How did Principal Crawford find out?”

“My mom.” Erika huffed.

“That bites. So you can't do Rally until you have surgery?”

“It seems that way. But I don't know if I want surgery.”

“Huh?”

“If I can keep the testosterone from flooding my body and pushing me into puberty than it'll be easier to stay a girl.”

“I'm sure there are other possiblilities.”

“I don't know.” Erika shrugged.

“Lets talk about this after homecoming.” Samantha suggested. “I've got to finish you up so that you can be the most beautiful princess out there.”

Samantha put the finishing touches on Erika's makeup then helped to set and secure the tierra to her head.

“Okay, go break some hearts.” Samantha smiled.

--o0o--

Erika decided that there were some perks to being a Homecoming Princess. A section of seats had been roped off for Melinda and her court. Cushions on the bleachers kept dresses from being snagged while warm blankets and throws were offered to help keep the Princess's warm during the game. The Home-ec class supplied hot mulled cider and a several trays of finger foods.

On her way out to the stands, Erika spotted her parents. Both parents. Her father was almost speachless as he looked at his new daughter.

“We need a picture.” he stated. He asked a pasing parent and then he and Erika's mother moved in around Erika and smiled for their first family picture with the new family dynamics.

The two sat in the stands across the field where the season ticket holders sat and cheered.

“Excited?” Taylor asked.

“Not really.” Erika shrugged, “What exactly are we doing tonight?”

“At halftime they'll announce and present us to the public.”

“Why?” Erika asked.

“Tradition.” Taylor told her, “Tradition.”

Erika found herself wanting to move to the music and the cheers that her squad were dancing to.

“Hey Julian.” Erika waved and smiled at her date for the following evening.

“Wow, you look . . . great.” Julian's jaw had practically hit the floor.

“Thank you.” Erika felt warm inside from the compliment. “I'm afraid this kind of spoils the suprise for tomorrow night.”

“No. no it doesn't.” Julian grinned. “Wow.” he shook his head again.

Erika couldn't help but smile.

“See, you do like him.” Taylor leaned in and snickered.

“Shhh.” Erika hushed.

The band started playing Louie Louie. The crowd in the stands got up and started clapping their hands, and stomping their feet to the rhythem while singing along with the song.

Erika found herself dancing and clapping her hands, swaying against Taylor and. . . and smiling. Smiling carefree.

Erika turned and spotted Tricia in her red and white sweater smiling up at her with. . . was it admiration? Tricia blew her a kiss and gave her a smile. Erika kissed back.

“Hey there girlfriend,” Taylor greeted Tricia over the din of the singing crowd.

“Hi Taylor, don't you look pretty.” Tricia greeted.

“Thank you.”
Tricia leaned in to give Erika a hug. “You look amazing.” She said into her ear. “I can't wait until tomorrow.” She gave her a kiss on the cheek and stepped back.

“I thought you were grounded until tomorrow.” Erika was surprised.

“Mom let me out on good behavior. Something I will remedy tomorrow night if I get a chance.” She snickered.

When the game suspended for half-time, Washington was just barely beating Adams. What should have been an easy victory was starting to look like a tough match up.

Erika and the rest of the court were guided out of the stands and out to the middle of the field. Many of the fans had gone to find the bathroom or to gather some more food from the concession stands. Many more stayed in the stands watching expectantly as the girls in their pretty dresses were introduced one at a time.

Erika heard her name and stepped forward. She was given a small bunch of roses by a good looking man in a tux. Camera flashes went off all around her. She could barely see anything but floaters in front of her eyes. She tried very hard to keep smiling and was very grateful for the arm that guided her off to one side as the others were being introduced.

She heard Melinda's name and a huge roar went up from both sides of the field as people cheered for their Homecoming queen. Melinda joined Taylor and Erika as well as the other girls and again camera flashes blinded the girls. The girls were then escorted to the track. Erika, who silently thanked Samantha for making her wear heels at camp, was glad to leave the uneven field behind for the security of better, stable footing.

The Adams cheerleaders stood with smiles pasted on their faces as they watched the homecoming ceremony. Two red headed cheerleaders stood out amongst the squad.

“Hi.” Erika greeted.

“Oh hi, Erika.” Annie waved. “You look great.”

“Thanks.”

“You know them?” Taylor asked from beside Erika.

“I sat next to them in church last Sunday,” Erika explained. “Annie and Allie.”

“Hey, Erika.” Allie's eyes wandered over Erika's dress. “You look fantastic.”

Erika beamed. “So I've been told tonight.”

Another cheerleader next to Allie elbowed her slightly in the ribs.

Melinda stepped forward, “Hey, will you guys come over and do a cheer off with our cheerleaders?”

“It depends upon what the Captain says.” Allie smiled.

“I am the Captain.” Melinda beamed. “I would love to have you come over for a little back and forth.”

“Sounds great then.” Allie smiled.

“Can we get a few minutes to get out of these dresses first?” Taylor asked.

“Sure. Say twenty minutes?”

“Great!” Melinda sparkled, “This will be great fun.”

Melinda took Taylor by the hand and led her off to the locker room. Erika began to follow when she was intercepted by her parents.

“Wow, I can' believe it, my daughter is a homecoming princess.” Erika's dad beamed. “I want another picture.”

“Dad, you already have a bunch.” Erika protested.

“Ah, but now I want one now that you have your flowers. I know we need to get you and your mother together so that I can have a side by side of the two of you.”

“Whatever.” Erika rolled her eyes. “Can we make it quick? I need to change into my squad uniform.”

“You aren't to be doing any dancing.” Erika's mom enforced.

“That may be, but I still need to show support for the squad.” Erika stated.

What seemed like hours later, her father finaly put his camera in his pocket and gave her a Erika a big hug. “We'll be waiting for you after the game.”

“But I think everyone is going out after.” Erika whined.

“But not everyone has a brain tumor.” Her dad whined right back.

Erika raced into the locker room. Where she saw Melinda and Taylor pulling on their uniforms.

“Can you unzip me?” Erika asked Taylor.

“Sure, but you don't need to change.” Taylor pulled down the petite zipper, “You aren't allowed to dance.”

“I know, but I am a Rally member.” Erika stated.

“I like your attitude.” Melinda grinned.

The three girls emerged from the locker room dressed. Two in red with white and one in white with red. All three still wore their evening make up and their hair, although curled and up, didn't expect to make it through five minutes of dancing and tumbling.

The cheer squad of Adams were in the middle of a cheer as Erika passed them. They were good. Real good. A small part of her was glad that she wasn't competing agaist them. This way if she screwed up, no one could blame her.

“You changed.” Tricia sounded dissapointed.

“Got to show school spirit and support for my squad.” Erika explained.

Melinda and Taylor quickly explained to the others about the cheer off and started moving things around to make space.

“How do we know who wins?” Erika asked.

“No one wins, it's just to see what new things each squad has come up with and what we need to work on.” Jordon informed her.

“Erika!” Melinda called.

Erika sprinted over to the cheer captain.

“Can you operate this video camera?” The Homecoming queen asked, “You know our routines. It would be nice to have someone record it so we can watch and critic later.”

“Sure. I guess.”

“Thanks.”

Erika studied the camera for a few minutes, playing with its zoom and panning to get a feel for it. When she looked up, the Adams High cheer squad was approaching.

“It's your field, your homecoming, you go first.” Allie waved a hand.

“But you are our guests,” Melinda argued. “We'd be horrible hosts not to allow you to show off first.”

Allie nodded. She and Annie gathered their squad together and began their cheer. Erika was quite impressed with the athleticism of the Adams cheer leaders. Their routine was creative and had a lot of high skilled tosses and tumbling.

The Washington student body cheered with appreciation at the finish of their routine. The two squads changed places and Erika filmed her cheer squad's second best routine.

They nailed it. Erika almost forgot that she was holding the camera and started cheering as well.

“Not bad.” Allie nodded with a smile. The Adams squad changed places again and began their next cheer. Erika saw the red headed twins start to set up for something big and zoomed in on them.

She heard some commotion then saw a blue blur flying straight for her. She threw up her arms in warding and tried to duck but too late as two bodies plowed into her, knocking her backwards to the track, hitting her head.