Authors note. This is a sequel to the story of Mike and Sam that I wrote in 2004. It follows their son, Sam, from his preteen years through college. If you haven’t read the original five parts, it might help you follow this story better if you do. You can find the five parts here:

Read [Mike and Sam]

If you went back and read the first five parts, you can skip down to The Story Starts, as this part just describes the four main characters.

Our little family has four members to it. Masumi, Miyuki, and the twins, Toshi, and Samuel, or Sam.

Masumi, who was also known as Sam, was the mother of the twins, and Mike’s wife. We won’t call her Sam any longer, to stop any confusion between her and one of the twins. She was born, and raised, in Japan. And, spent a year, as a high school exchange student in the States, where she met Mike, and fell in love with him. After she finished high school in Japan, she came back to the States for college, and married Mike. After they finished their Masters, Mike found a job in Washington with a certain government agency, and Masumi finished her Doctorate in Psychology at Georgetown University. She continued to use her married name, Gifford, after Mike vanished.

The twins, Toshi and Samuel were born in Washington. Toshi was a very pretty girl, taking after her mother. Samuel, or Sam, was the typical boy. But, both were mature for their age, and were in advanced classes in school. More on these two later.

Miyuki, or to the twins Aunt Mi, was a story in herself. You see. Miyuki is really Mike, and was the basis of the Mike and Sam story. On Mike’s first trip to Japan with Masumi, he admitted to her that he liked to crossdress, and she helped to bring out Mike’s feminine side. His first feminine persona was Michelle, and the two of them had a great deal of fun with her. After they were married, his second feminine person started to evolve. This was Miyuki. Mike and Masumi really worked on his female side. He learned how to make his voice feminine. He became very good at female mannerisms. Makeup became second nature. And, he became very fluent in Japanese. It turns out that Masumi was very fond of Mike’s feminine side.

The government agency that Mike went to work for, was one of those “if I tell you what I do, I have to kill you” ones. And, because one of the professors at his college, that knew of his crossdressing, had told the people that were doing Mike’s background checks about it, the agency knew about his crossdressing, and Miyuki. And, it didn’t seem to bother them. After he had been with the agency for a while, there was a need to do some clandestine work at the Japanese Embassy. And, that work would require an agent with Mike’s talents, but it had to be a female agent that was Japanese. There was no one in the agency that filled the bill. Except Mike, or was it Miyuki?

Mike was asked by the agency director to take on the challenge, and he accepted. Mike, with Masumi’s full support, visited a plastic surgeon that worked for the agency, and when all was said and done, Mike looked more like a Japanese woman than Masumi did. But, could still function as a husband to Masumi. As Miyuki he used the surname of Tanaka. He did his stint at the embassy, and disappeared for a while. Then it was back to the agency, but as Miyuki, and the couple started presenting as a lesbian couple, with two children.

When the children were about thirteen, Masumi and Miyuki sat them down, told them the story of a Japanese girl, an American boy, that had fallen deeply in love, and the story of their lives. This new part of the story starts before the twins were told about Mike and Aunt Mi.

Hopefully you went back and read the first five parts. They are much better than my attempt at a short background.

This story begins when the twins were about eleven.

Sam was sitting on the front steps of their Georgetown Brownstone townhouse, just staring at the street. Toshi, with a couple of her girl friends, was walking down the street, coming home from one of the other girl’s homes. They stopped in front of the steps, and one of the girls, who really liked Sam, and said “Hi Sam.”

Sam, just sat there.

Again, she said, “Hello Sam.”

Still, nothing.

Finally Toshi said, “Samuel Gifford! That’s not nice. You say hello.”

Finally Sam, looked up at the three girls, and said, “I’m sorry. I was just really thinking about something. Hi Sue. Hi Vanessa. Hi Toshi.”

“That’s better, little brother.”

Sam hated that. Toshi was only ten minutes older than he was, but she always tossed it up to him by calling him ‘little brother’. Vanessa, even though she was a year older than the twins, had always been Toshi’s friend. Sue, was just about the same age as the twins, and was also a very good friend.

“That’s all right, Toshi.”, Vanessa said, “Little brothers can be a pain.”

Sam just glared at her.

“I’ll see you guys at school tomorrow.”, Toshi said, as she started up the steps.

“Okay. See you tomorrow.”, the two girls said in unison, as the started walking down the street.

Toshi walked up the steps to where her brother was sitting, and sat next to him. They sat there in silence for a few minutes, before Toshi said, “Sam. You know Vanessa likes you. That was no way to act.”

“I’m sorry. I was just thinking about something.”

“What?”

“Nothing important.”

“I know better. I can tell . . . ”

She wasn’t able to finish her sentence, as the front door of the Brownstone opened, their mother stuck her head out, and said, “Good you’re both home. Dinner is ready. And, Aunt Mi will be home late tonight. So, come on in, and get cleaned up.”

“Okay Mom.”, they both said, as they got up, and headed inside.

Dinner was accompanied by the usual chatter about each others day. Sam was a little quieter than usual, and Toshi picked up on it. But, said nothing. The twins did the dinner clean up as usual, Sam washed, and Toshi dried. As, Masumi sat drinking a cup of tea. After they were through, they headed up to their rooms to finish any school work that they had for the next day. Toshi’s mind was still working, trying to figure out what was going on with her brother.

It took Toshi about an hour to finish her work. And, as she headed back downstairs, she walked past her brothers room, he was standing at the window staring at the street out front. She stood at the door for a few seconds, before saying, “All right little brother. Give it up.”

“What do you mean?”

“Something is bothering you. Tell me.”

“Nothing is bothering me.”

“Liar.”

“What!?”

“There is something bothering you. Tell me.”

“There isn’t.”

“Sam. You remember the psychology book on twins mom told us about?”

“Yea.”

“Remember. It said that twins are closer than anyone else.”

“Yea. So?”

“It said, that a lot of twins know when something was going on with the other twin.”

“Yea.”

“Well, this twin knows that something is going on with her brother.”

Sam finally turned around, and looked at his sister.

Toshi asked, “Sam. What’s wrong?”

“It’s dumb Paul.”

“Paul. What’s he gone, and done now?”

“It’s more like what he’s talked me into.”

“Are you two going to get into trouble?”

“Hopefully not.”

“What’s he talked you into doing?”

“It’s about a costume for the Halloween party.”

“Is that all?”

“It’s more than you think. He got me to say yes to something that I wasn’t sure about. But, now I want to say no. But, he’ll be mad at me if I do.”

“What’s he want you to do?”

“Come on in, and close the door.”

Toshi knew she wasn’t supposed to be in her brothers room with the door closed. But, his last statement had a little hint of being serious. She listened for her mom, and she heard the television downstairs. She walked into his room, quietly closed the door, sat as his desk, and said, “All right. What’s Paul gotten you into this time?”

“He talked me into a costume like he’s going to wear.”

“And?”

“He wants to dress like girls.”

Toshi giggled a little, and said, “That’s all?”

“Isn’t that enough?”

“It’s no big thing. I do it every day.”, she said as a little dig.

“You’re a girl!”

“Sorry. But, it really isn’t that big a deal. It’s just for Halloween. And, Paul is going to be doing it too.”

“I know. But, I just don’t know. What if someone recognizes me?”

“So what. It’s just a costume.”

“But, I’ll have to ask mom.”

“I think she’ll think it’s funny. She may even have fun with it.”

“You think?”

“Yea.”

“I think Aunt Mi just got home. I heard a car door.”

“I’d better get out of here.”, Toshi said, as she turned, walked out of the bedroom door, and right into her mother.

“Young lady. What are you doing in Sam’s room with the door closed?”, Masumi asked in Japanese. The twins knew she was mad.

“Mom! Ah. Ah. Sam wanted to have a private talk.”

“You both know that you’re not allowed in each others room with the door closed.”

“Yes, mother. But, it was important.”

“I don’t care how important it was. Never again. You both understand.”

“Yes, mother.”, they both answered.

“Your Aunt Mi is home. Come on downstairs, and say goodnight. Then off to bed with both of you.”

“But, mom. It’s early.”, Sam said.

Masumi just looked at him.

“Yes, mother.”, Sam said quietly.

A few days later, at dinner, the conversation turned to the Halloween party, which was only a couple of weeks away. Masumi brought up the subject of costumes for the twins, by saying, “Toshi, what do you want to be for Halloween?”

“I’m not sure mom. Some of the girls are talking about cheerleader outfits. And, I kind of thought that might be neat.”

“That just might be fun. How about you Sam?”

“I haven’t given it much thought.”

With that, Toshi kicked her brother under the table.

“Ouch. Why did you do that?”, Sam said, looking at Toshi.

Toshi just looked at him in such a way that he knew if he didn’t say something, she would.

“Paul, and I have kind of been talking about something.”

“You and Paul. He’s not going to get you into trouble again. Is he?”

“I hope not.”

“Well. What have you two been talking about?”

“Can I go as a girl?”, Sam blurted out.

Masumi looked at Miyuki. Miyuki looked at Sam, smiled, and asked, “Are you sure you want to dress up as a girl? Won’t your friends make fun of you?”

“Yes, I kind of want to. Besides Paul is going to, and we thought it would be fun to do it together.”

“Well, I guess you can.”, his mother said, “We may have to find some clothes to fit you.”

“What about Toshi’s clothes? Were the same size.”, Sam asked.

“She may not want you to wear her things”

“That’s all right mom. I don’t mind as long as he doesn’t get them dirty.”, Toshi said.

“Well I guess we know what Sam is going to be.”

After the twins went to bed, Masumi and Miyuki were sitting in the den, spending some quiet time together. Miyuki asked, “Do you think it’s a good idea to let him dress as a girl?”

“I don’t see a problem. It’s his buddy Paul’s idea, and I’ll bet they both back out before Halloween.”

“We’ll see.”, Miyuki said, with a knowing smile.

The following Saturday, Masumi cornered Sam, and asked, “Well. Are you ready?”

“Ready? Ready for what?”

“Well, Halloween is less than two weeks away. We have to find you a costume.”

“So soon?”

“Yes. We have to know what you need.”

Sam just sighed, looked at his mom a little befuddled, and said, “I guess.”

“By the way, your sister told me what the little closed door meeting was about. And, I understand your reluctance to do this. But, Paul is your best friend. And, the three of us think it might be fun.”

“Fun for who?”

“For you.”

“Yea. Right.”

“Just relax, and go with it. It’s only for one night.”

“Yea.”

“Your sister is waiting for us in her room. Come on.”

Unknown to Sam, Toshi and his mother had gone through her things, and picked out some things for him. When they walked into Toshi’s room, she was standing there with a smile on her face. Sam saw a number pieces of clothes laying on Toshi’s bed, and stopped in his tracks.

“I don’t know about this.” Sam said, and started backing out the door.

Masumi blocked his way, and said, “Sam. It’s just clothes.”

“I know. But, they’re girls’ clothes.”

“Well, that’s what you wanted for a Halloween costume. Isn’t it?”

“No. It’s Paul’s idea.”

“But, you told him that you would do it. Won’t he be disappointed?”

“Like mom said.”, Toshi chimed in, “It’s only clothes. And, it’s only for one night.”

“Yea. But, why do we have to start so early?”, Sam answered back.

“So, that we can find what looks best. And, if we need to buy anything.”. Masumi said.

“Buy anything?”

“Yes. Just incase something doesn’t fit or look right.”

“Oh, all right.”

“Come on dear.”, Masumi said, putting her arm around her son, and guiding him further into Toshi’s room, “We’ve picked out some things for you to try.”

As Sam got closer to the bed, he saw skirts, blouses, dresses, socks, shoes, and underwear. Underwear!

“Underwear. Why’s that here?”

“Honey. It goes with the other clothes.”

“I can just wear my own.”

“Sam. It just wouldn’t look right. If you bent over, and someone saw your boy’s underwear, they would make fun of you.”

“Uh. All right. I guess.”

“Go on, and get undressed.”

“Not with Toshi here!”

“Oh, little brother. You’re too modist.”, Toshi said with a big grin.

“Go on honey, wait in the hall. And, I’ll call you when he’s changed.”

“Okay, mom.”, Toshi said as she walked out of the room, and closed the door.

Sam just stood there, looking at the clothes.

“Go on honey, get undressed.”

Sam looked at his mom, and slowly started to unbutton his shirt. He dropped that on the floor. Next came his shoes, pants, and socks. All in a pile. He was standing there in only his undershorts, and t-shirt. Finally the t-shirt came off, and was added to the pile. And, he just stood there.

Masumi finally said, “Go on. Take off your shorts.”

“Mom. I need something to put on.”

Masumi walked over to the bed, and picked up a pair of panties, and handed them to Sam. He took them, a little reluctantly, and just looked at them. They were cotton like his own underwear, but were pink, with little flowers, and a narrow waist band.

“Go on, honey. Put them on.”

He looked at her, turned his back to her, slipped off his underpants, stepped into the panties, and slowly pulled them up. Finally when he turned back around, Masumi said to him, “Now, that wasn’t so bad. Was it?”

“I guess not. But, pink, with little flowers?”

“I think they’re cute.”

“Uh huh.”

“Toshi. Come on back in.”, Masumi called through the door.

Toshi opened the door, walked in, saw the pile of clothes on the floor, put her hands on her hips, and said, “Boys! They never hang up their clothes.” Then looking at her brother, with a grin, she added, “My pink panties look very nice on you little brother.”

He frowned at her.

Masumi picked up something else from the bed, and handed it to Sam, saying, “Here honey, put this on.”

“What is it?”

“A training bra.”

“A training bra! No way.”

“Honey. You’ll need it to look proper under a blouse or dress. It won’t bite.”

He looked at it. Looked at his mother, and said, “How?”

She chuckled a little. And, Toshi put her hand over her mouth to hide a giggle.

“Here I’ll help you.”, Masumi said, as she helped him into the strange piece of clothing. “Okay, socks next.”

Toshi handed Sam a pair of ankle socks. They were white with a pink cuff, which had embroidered red hearts running all the way around the cuff, and a bit of lace. He sat on her bed, just looking at them, and finally slipping them on his feet.

From that point on they tried on a number of skirt and blouse combinations, and party dresses. The dress that looked the best was a very light blue dress with white trim, the skirt flared out, and it ended just above the knees. The skirt and blouse that looked the best was a white blouse with a pretty ruffles, and a pleated, dark red, plaid skirt. Next were the shoes.

All the dress shoes that Toshi had, are the typical type that young girls wear, low heals, black patten leather, with a strap. And, try as they would, none of them would fit Sam. He smiled to himself, and thought, ‘Good. Maybe I can get out of this whole mess.’

“I guess I can’t do this. None of Toshi’s shoes fit me.”, Sam said.

“We’ll just add this to our shopping list.”, Masumi said.

“Shopping lists?”

“Sure. We’re going shopping this afternoon for what you need.”

“Shopping?”

“Great! That will be fun.”, Toshi said.

“Shopping for what?”

“Well shoes for one.”, Masumi said. “And, a wig.”

“A wig! That’s it. I’m done. I’m not wearing a wig.”

“Sam! Do you want to do Halloween with Paul or not? You’re acting like this is some big thing. It’s a costume. Something you are going to wear once. It’s supposed to be a fun thing. And, you’re not making it fun!”, Masumi said, as she turned and walked out of Toshi’s room, leaving the door open.

Sam just watched his mom walk out of the room. He knew she was upset with him, he sat down hard on the bed, and began to cry. Toshi had also turned to look at her mother, when she turned around, she was going to yell at her brother for upsetting everything. But, as she turned to face him, she saw that he was crying, and couldn’t bring herself to yell. She walked over to the bed, sat down next to him, and put her arm around him.

He looked at her, and said, “I’ve messed this up big time, haven’t I? Mom’s mad at me. I know you are.”

“Yea. I guess you did mess this up.”, Toshi started in. “I was going to really yell at you for being such a big baby over such a little thing. But, I think that you’re feeling bad enough. Mom was willing to go the whole way with you on this. But, I think you blew it, and now she’s done with it. I’m mad, but I’m more disappointed. You know that this is a one time thing. It’s a costume. So what if it’s to look like a girl. It’s only for a few hours.”

He looked up at his sister. The tears were just running down his cheeks. Toshi hugged him, and held him for a minute. She heard him sniffling, and trying to stop crying. She whispered to him, “It’ll be all right. Mom will get over it. It may take a little while. But, it will be fine.”

He sat back, looked at her, and said, “Toshi you really are a neat sister.”

She smiled at him, and said, “I’ll leave, and you can change back into your clothes. Just leave mine on the bed.”

She turned to walk out of her room. And, Sam said, “Wait.”

“Wait?”

“Yea.”

“For what?”

“I... I...”

Toshi stood there and looked at her brother, waiting for him to finish his sentence.

“I... I want you and mom to help me finish.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I have been a big baby about this. And, you’re right, it’s only a costume, and only for a short time. Ask mom for me, please?”

“You need to ask her yourself.”

“Please?”

“Oh, all right. Stay here.”

Toshi turned, walked out the door, turned left, and there stood her mother with a finger to her lips. Toshi smiled, when she realized that her mother had been outside the door the whole time, and had heard the whole conversation.

Masumi whispered, “Lets wait a couple of minutes, and then go back in.”

After a short time, Toshi and her mother walked back into Toshi’s bedroom. Sam looked at them, and Masumi said, “I hear that there is something that you want to ask me?”

“Yea. I’ve been a baby about this whole thing. Toshi got me to see that it’s only a costume, and only for a short time. And, I’ve ruined the whole thing.”

“And?”

“I do want to do this. It will be a neat costume. Will you please help me?”

“Only if you promise to behave yourself. No more tantrums. Understood?”

“Yes, mom. I promise.”

“All right. Go into the bathroom, and wash your face with cold water. Then come back, and put your own clothes back on. But, leave the ankle socks on. Toshi and I are going to fix a little lunch, and then we’re going shopping.”

“Shoes, and wig?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

After lunch the three piled into the car, and headed to one of the mall. Sam was very nervous about this shopping trip. They arrived at the mall, and found one of the shoe stores that carry the type of shoes, that his mother thought would look the best. As they walked into the store, a sales lady met them, and said, “Can I help you find anything?”

Masumi, as she put her hand around Sam, said, “Yes. We’re looking for a pair of girls, low heel, black dress shoes that will fit him. He’s dressing up as a girl for Halloween, and we don’t have any that are his size.”

Sam wanted to run out of the store, but remember his promised, and just turned red.

“A girl for Halloween. That should be cute. And, I think that I just have what you’re looking for. Right over here.”, the sales lady said, as she started walking to the girls area of the store. She showed them a pair of classic Mary Jane’s in black with a strap, and one inch heel. And, another pair without a strap. Toshi saw a pair of pair of boots with big chunky heels, and thought to herself, ‘These would look good on him. And, then I could have them.’ But, she figured that she had better not say anything.

The sales lady helped them find the right size, and try on a couple of pairs, before Masumi was happy with the shoes. They settled for the Mary Jane’s with the strap. As they were walking out of the store, the sales lady said, “Have fun dressing up young man. And, I really love your socks.”

Sam turned around, and gave her a half-hearted smile.

They got back in the car and headed to a strip mall, about 10 miles from the big mall. Masumi pulled up in front of a very large costume shop, Mr. Fun’s Services. They where a little busy, as Halloween was less than two weeks away, so the three of them walked around looking at the various things. Masumi found a very feminine mask for Sam, it was pink, with rhinestones, a couple of feathers, and just covered the eyes. They then found the area where the wigs were. And, since Sam’s hair was black, they looked at black wigs. But, most were for a larger, adult, head. Finally a salesman came over, and asked if he could help.

Masumi, looking at Sam, said, “We’re looking for a girl’s wig, that will fit him.”

“No problem. They are right here.”

He showed them where the smaller sized wigs were. The salesman had Sam sit in a tall chair, and he and Masumi then went to pick out a couple of wigs. They came back with two, both black, one short, one long. The salesman placed something over Sam’s hair, telling him it was a wig cap to help hold his hair out of the way. Then he carefully placed the shorter wig on Sam’s head, and brushed it out a little. Then they tried the longer wig. Sam just sat there, and put up with the fittings.

Masumi told the salesman, “I think the longer one is better, but it needs something.”

“These can be styled a little bit, even though they’re synthetic.”

“Can you do that here?”

“No. But, I can give you the name of a salon nearby that can. And, they accept walk ins.”

“Good. We’ll take the wig, and a wig cap.”

As they were walking out of the costume shop, Sam asked, “We’re going home. Aren’t we?”

“No. Not yet.”, Masumi responded, “We need to get the wig styled.”

“We’re just dropping it off. Right?”

“Probably not. They will need to see it on you.”

“Oh.”

They drove the short distance to another smaller strip mall, and parked in front of Ruth’s House of Beauty. Sam was a little more than reluctant to get out of the car, and go into the shop. But, Toshi reminded him of his promise by saying, “Remember what you promised mom. This won’t hurt, and shouldn’t take long.”

The three of them walked into the shop, which had only two operators, and one customer. The woman, who appeared to be the owner, greeted the trio with a pleasant, “Hello ladies, and sir. My name is Ruth. What can I do for you?”

“One of the salesmen at Mr. Fun’s said that you could style a wig for us.”, Masumi replied.

“I sure can. Let me see it.”

Masumi handed Ruth the bag, she removed the wig, shook it out, and looked at it. Then looked at Toshi, and said, “Young lady. I don’t know why you need a wig like this. Your hair is very beautiful. But, jump up in my chair, and we’ll see what we can do.”

Toshi got a big smile on her face, looked at Sam, and said, “It’s not for me. It’s for Sam.”

“For Sam?”

“Yes. He’s going as a girl for Halloween.”

Ruth looked at Masumi. She smiled, and nodded yes.

“Well then, Sam. Up in my chair, and we’ll see what we can do for you.”

Sam looked like a scared rabbit, ready to run, but got up in the chair. Ruth carefully put the wig cap over Sam’s hair, tucking it all in, then also carefully placed the wig on Sam’s head, and used bobby pins to hold it in place. She stood in front of him, looked carefully at him, then smiled. Ruth looked at Masumi, and asked, “Do you mind if I cut it?”

“No. Not at all. The man at Mr. Fun’s said you were good with wigs.”

“I’m going to have to send him a thank you card.”, Ruth said with a grin. And, went to work on the wig. Masumi and Toshi went, and sat in the waiting area.

Sam had his first, and he hoped his last haircut at a beauty parlor.

When Ruth had finished, she called Masumi and Toshi over for a look. Toshi’s hand went to her mouth to hide a smile, and Masumi just smiled. Toshi thought to her self, ‘If I didn’t know that was Sam, I’d think it was a real girl.’

Masumi said, “Very nice Ruth. That cut fits his face just perfectly.”

“Thank you. The wigs they carry, even though they are synthetic, are good ones. And, are easy to work with. I want you to get two different sprays, one is a cleaner for the wig, the other is a special hair spray. If you use regular hair spray, it will ruin the wig.”

“Can I see?”, Sam asked.

“Oh. Sorry Sam.”, Ruth said, as she turned the chair to face the mirror.

Sam’s eyes got very big. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He knew it was him. But, him with long hair, done in a feminine style. He did look more like a girl than a boy.

“Are you going to wear it home?”, Ruth asked him.

“No way!”

“I think you should. You look cute.”, Toshi added.

Sam glared at her. Ruth smiled, looked at Masumi, and said, “A little reluctant about being a girl for Halloween?”

“More than a little. But, it was his idea. Well really one of his buddies ideas.”

“I think he’ll pass. He looks good right now.”

“We do to. It’s just getting him to relax about it.”

Ruth carefully removed the hair pins, then the wig, and placed the wig on a Styrofoam form. She then brushed out Sam’s hair. And, as Masumi was paying the bill, Ruth handed her the two cans of spray, and said, “Be sure to use these on the wig instead of your regular sprays.”

Masumi handed the wig form to Sam, and said, “You can carry this. Be careful. Ruth did a really nice job.” Then looking at Ruth, she said, “Thank you very much!”

“You’re very welcome. And, Sam, have fun being a girl for Halloween.”

Sam, turned, and looked at Ruth, and said, “Yea. Thanks.”

Ruth just smiled.

After they arrived home, Masumi had Sam take the wig and shoes to his room, and carefully put them away. Sam then went out to find his friends, and play away what was left of Saturday.

Nothing more was said for the next week, except that every time Sam saw the wig, or shoes, he shook his head, wondered how he had gotten into this, and then he would remember Paul. He should be mad at Paul for getting him into this. But, Paul was his best friend. Friend?

The Saturday before Halloween was rainy, so everyone was at home, and not long after breakfast Masumi went, found the twins, and told them, “Sam. I think we need to get you dressed up, and see how things look.”

“Can’t we just do that at Halloween?”

“No. That would rush us to much.”

With a deep sigh, Sam said, “All right.”

He couldn’t see Toshi, who was standing behind him, with a big grin on her face.

The twins followed their mother up to Toshi’s room. And, Masumi said, “Toshi. Would you get out the underwear that we used last weekend, and the blue party dress?”

“Yes, mother.” And, she pulled the pink panties, training bra, and ankle socks out of her drawers, and laid them on her bed. Then went to her closet, retrieved the dress, and placed it on the bed.

Before his mother could say anything, Sam said, “I know. Get undressed, and put on the underwear. But, Toshi has to leave first.”

“All right, I’ll leave.”, Toshi said, with a fake hurt look.

“Toshi. Go to my room, and get the bag I showed you. Then go to your brothers room, and bring back the wig, wig cap, spray, and shoes.”

“Yes, mother.”, Toshi said, as she walked out of her room, and closed the door.

Sam, again, reluctantly removed his clothes, and put on the pantie. But, he looked at the training bra, then his mother, and she said, “Need help?”

“Yea.”

Masumi helped Sam put on the training bra, with a comment of “It really isn’t that hard.”

There was a knock on the door, along with, “Can I come in?”

“Yes.”, Masumi said.

The door opened, and Toshi walked in carrying everything. She set the shoes on the floor, and the wig, on its form, on her dressing table, along with the other items.

“Come on Sam. Sit at your sisters dressing table, so that I can work on you.”, Masumi said.

Sam looked at his mother like he was going to walk the last mile. But, he walked over, and sat on the bench. She walked over, bent down, and said, “It’s not that bad.”

She then took the wig cap, carefully placed it on his head, and tucked all his hair under it. Sam figured that the next thing was going to be the wig, but was he wrong! Masumi picked up the bag that she had Toshi bring in, and removed a number of makeup items from it. Nail polish, a very light brown eyebrow pencil, a container of very light blush, a tube of lipstick, powder, and a few brushes.

Sam looked at the items, and said, “What’s that for?”

“For you.”

“For what?”

“To make you look like a girl.”

“All that?”

“It’s not much.”

“Oh.”

She took the bottle of nail polish, and shook it. He looked at her very questioningly, like is this really necessary. She just smiled, as she took his right hand, and carefully did each of his nails in a pearlescent pink. Then she did his left hand. She said, “Don’t touch anything, or we’ll have to start over.”

Then she went to work on his face. A very light touch of eyebrow pencil, to just give them some shape. Then a dusting of powder, to just smooth things out. A light touch of blush, for just a hint of cheekbone. Then the lipstick, a pink that matched the nail polish. When she was done with his face, she put a second coat of polish on his nails.

Then came the wig. She carefully placed it on his head, adjusted it, and used a couple of bobby pins to hold it in place. She brushed it out, trying to get the same look Ruth had, and then used a little spray on it to hold it in place. She looked at it, and looked pleased.

Next was the dress. She helped him into it, zipped up the back zipper, and buttoned the little button at the top. Then came the shoes, Sam did these himself, but had problems keeping the dress out of the way.

Masumi and Toshi stood back, and took a long look. Masumi said, “Something is missing? Jewelry. We need just a little jewelry.”

“A small chain neckless would look cute.”, Toshi added.

“Yes. And, some small earrings.”

“All of mine are for pierced ears.”

“You’re not piercing my ears!”, Sam yelled.

“No. No. No. We won’t do that.”, Masumi responded.

“I know!”, Toshi said, “Remember that pair of small studs with a magnetic backs, that look like pierced, that you got me a long time ago. I still have those somewhere.”

“Go find them. And, bring a neckless of some kind.”

Toshi started hunting in her dressing table. First she found a neckless. It had a small gold chain, with a gold heart on it. Then after doing some digging, she came up with the earrings. She walked up behind her brother, and placed the neckless around his neck, and fastened the clasp. He just stood there, not really happy with all the fuss, but taking it as he had promised. Toshi, then placed an earring on his left ear, then his right. Masumi, who was still standing back, smiled, and nodded yes.

“Come with me.”, Masumi said to Sam, crooking her finger.

Sam followed his mother to her bedroom. They had a full length mirror on the back of their closet door, Masumi guided Sam to the door, and then opened it. Sam just stood there. He saw a young girl looking back at him. A young girl that looked a little like Toshi. Then, he saw his mother’s and Toshi’s reflection in the mirror, and they were just beaming.

“Lets go show Aunt Mi.”, Toshi said, with a little to much enthusiasm for Sam’s liking. She took his hand, led him downstairs, and toward the den, where Aunt Mi had been doing some work. As the three of them walked into the den, Toshi said, “Aunt Mi. Look.”

Miyuki looked up from the desk, stared for a minute, a big smile spread over her face, as she said, “Is this my new nice?”

Sam looked at her, and said, “No way. This is only for Halloween.”

“Okay. But, we can’t call you Sam, when you look this pretty.”

“I know.”, Toshi said, “We can call him Samantha.”

“Samantha? No way. My name’s Sam.”

“Toshi. Now that we know that the look will work for Halloween, take Sam back upstairs, and help him get undressed. Be sure everything is hung up, and put away. And, help him remove the makeup, and nail polish.”, Masumi said.

“Yes, mother. Come on Sam.”

After the twins were out of ear shot, Masumi said to Miyuki, “What did you really think?”

“He looked good. In fact he looked just like a girl.”

“He looked almost too good. But, maybe it’s because he hasn’t reached puberty yet.”

“That could be. You don’t think he’ll join the family tradition of his grandfather, and me. Do you?”

“I doubt it. With as much fuss as he’s put up over doing this just for Halloween. I’d better go check on them. I’ll be really surprised if he goes through with it, even though he promised.”

The following Saturday was the Halloween party, and a little trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. So, shortly after lunch, the twins started getting ready. Masumi helped Sam with his dress, makeup, and wig. He was very nervous about this whole thing.

“Mom?”

“Yes honey?”

“I know that I promised that I’d do this. But, I don’t think I can. I feel like I’m going to be sick.”

“Honey. It’s just nerves. You’ll be just fine.”

“But, what about the other kids?”

“What about them?”

“They’ll think I’m a sissy, and make fun of me.”

“Honey. It’s a costume, and all the other children will be in costume. In fact, I’ll make a bet with you?”

“What?”

“I’ll bet that you won’t be made fun of. In fact, I’ll bet you, that with the mask on, no one, unless someone tells, will even know that it’s you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. You really do look good.”

“What’s the bet?”

“If you get made fun of, I’ll do your chores for a month.”

“And, if I don’t?”

“You do Toshi’s chores for a week.”

“You’re really sure. Aren’t you, mom?”

“Yes, honey. I am.”

“All right. It’s a bet.”

Masumi carefully placed the mask on Sam’s face, trying not to mess up his hair. She said, “Come on into my room, and have another look in the mirror.”

He followed his mother, and stood in front of the mirror. Masumi said, “Tell me who you see?”

“I see a girl. A girl in a dress, and a mask. But, I know it’s me.”

“If you didn’t know it was you. Would you know it was you?”

“I don’t think so.”

“See. I told you. Now, I want you to have fun. Paul, and his dad, will be here soon to pick you up, so just relax.”

The two of them went downstairs, to where Miyuki, and Toshi, in her cheerleader’s costume, were waiting for her friends to pick her up. Toshi saw her brother first, and said, “Wow! Little sister, you look great.”

Sam glared at her, and said, “I’m not your sister.”

“Tonight you are. Samantha.”

“Ugh!”

Miyuki said, “Sam, it might be good to go by Samantha tonight. You look more like a Samantha, then a Sam.”

“Oh, all right.”, Sam said, as he flopped on the couch.

“Samantha!”, Toshi said, “I thought that I told you to sweep your skirt under you when you sat. And, a girl doesn’t flop.”

“I forgot.”

“Don’t forget while you’re out.”

The doorbell rang, Miyuki answered it, it was Paul and his dad. Paul looked like a boy dressed like a girl. Miyuki said, “Sam. Paul’s here.”

Sam walked up behind Miyuki, saw Paul, and felt a knot in his stomach. Paul looked like a boy in a dress. Paul asked, “Where’s Sam?”

“This is Sam.”, Miyuki said.

“No way.”

“It’s me.”, Sam said.

“Wow. I thought you were a real girl.”

Paul’s dad said to Miyuki, “I thought so too.”

The night was a little cool, so Miyuki retrieved one of Toshi’s coats from the closet, and placed it around Sam’s shoulders. Gave him a kiss on the cheek, and said, “You kids have fun.”

Masumi and Miyuki stood, and watched them walk down the street, and Masumi whispered to Miyuki, “The nut doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

It wasn’t much later that Toshi’s friends showed up. And, Vanessa asked, “I thought that Sam was going with us?”

“He left a little while ago.”, Toshi responded.

“We passed Paul, his dad, and a girl, walking down the street. Paul was dressed as a girl, but it wasn’t very good. The girl was cute. Too cute for Paul.”

“We’d better get going, or we’re going to be late.”, Toshi said, with a knowing smile, as she hustled the girls out the door, and tried not to tell them that the girl was really Sam.

Masumi and Miyuki settled down, and waited for the twins to return. It would be around seven, after the trick-or-treating, and party.

About seven, they heard the chattering of a group of girls at the front door. The door opened, and Toshi, Vanessa, and Sue entered the house, as only three preteen girls can. They could tell that the three had, had a great time. They were all chattering at the same time, trying to tell what had gone on. Masumi finally got them quitted down long enough for Toshi to tell them about it. It was funny. She never mentioned anything about Sam. The two girls stayed about ten minutes, and then ran out, after saying that they both had to be home early.

Masumi asked Toshi, “Ah. Did you see your brother?”.

“Yea.”

“Well?”

“When I saw him, it looked like he might be having fun. He stood in a corner for a while, but a couple of girls started talking with him, and then I saw him only once in a while. There was a ton of kids there. I never did talk to him. But, Paul just hung on him.”

Just then the front door opened, and they heard Sam say, “Thank you Mr. Robinson. See you tomorrow sometime Paul. Bye.”

Sam bounced into the room. And, sat very properly on the overstuffed chair, and removed his mask. The three real girls just looked at him. He finally said, “Hi.”

“Hi yourself.”, Miyuki said, “It looks like you might have had a good time?”

“Yea. Sort of.”

“Want to tell us?”

“Later. But, I’ll be doing Toshi’s chores for a week.”

“What?”, Toshi asked.

“Mom and I had a bet, and if I lost I would do your chores for a week.”

“So, you lost? And, you are going to be doing my chores for a week.”

“Yea.”

“Yes! No chores for a week.”

“Why don’t you two go, get changed, and I’ll make some pop corn.”, Masumi said.

Toshi got up, waited for her brother, who was just sitting there, looking at the floor. Masumi asked, “Something wrong, honey?”

“No.”

“Well, go on upstairs and get changed.”

“Do I have to?”

Masumi looked at Miyuki. Miyuki shrugged her shoulders.

“I guess not. Buy why?”

“We went to all this trouble, and it seems a waste to end it so soon.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But, can I put on the red skirt, and blouse?”

“Only if it’s all right with Toshi.”

He looked at Toshi with a questioning look.

She just said, “Why not.”

Sam got up, ran upstairs, with Toshi on his heels.

Miyuki looked at Masumi, and said, “Oops.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions. It may just be that he feels comfortable right now. And, as he said, it was a lot of work.”

“We’ll see.”

About fifteen minutes later, the twins came back down. Now looking more like identical twins, than fraternal twins. Sam was dressed in the white blouse, and the pleated, dark red, plaid skirt. And, it looked as if he had freshened his pink lipstick. He sat back down, just as a girl would, sweeping the skirt under him.

Toshi finally said, “So, when are you starting on my chores?”

“Tomorrow, I guess. You know I was really nervous about this whole thing. I thought I was going to get sick, really sick. But, once I saw Paul, and how bad he looked, I was more worried for him, and I started to relax. Especially after his dad told me that he really thought that I was a girl when he first saw me.

“We went trick-or-treating on the way to the party, and a number of people told me how nice I looked. I really started to relax, and have fun. Paul and I also decided that we should tell everyone that I was his cousin, Samantha from North Carolina, up for a visit. But, when we got to the party, I got really nervous again, and just stood in a corner. Paul just hung around me the whole time.

“A couple of girls from my class walked over to me, and I almost freaked. But, Paul told them about my being his cousin, and that I was shy. So, the girls took me under their wing. We talked a little, danced a little, and talked a lot more. They did most of the talking. And, when I talked, I talked very quietly, like Toshi told me to. So, I guess I didn’t sound like me.

“A couple of boys started to make fun of Paul. I just glared at them, and one of the other girls, just told them that he had more guts than they did, and to leave him alone. They just snickered, and walked away. I took Paul aside, and told him, ‘Look. Like my mother told me, it’s just a costume. You thought it would be fun, and I think you’re having fun. So, just ignore those guys, and have fun.’ He came back with, ‘But, you’re so pretty. And, I look like a fool.’ I told him, ‘You don’t look like a fool. I look this way because my mom and sister went overboard making me look like a girl. Tomorrow, I’ll be back to the old Sam. No more Samantha.’

“When the party was over, we just walked home. Mr. Robinson just couldn’t get over how much I looked like a girl, and said so a number of times.”

“Toshi and I went overboard making you look like a girl?”, Masumi asked.

“I was just trying to make Paul feel better.”

“Did it?”

“I think. But, it was good that the party was almost over when all that happened to him.”

“So, you had fun?”

“I guess.”

The four of them sat and chatted about many things over the next few hours. When it was finally time for bed, it appeared to Masumi that Sam was a little reluctant to go up to bed, and change.

As the twins reached the top of the stairs. Toshi asked, “All right little brother. What’s going on?”

“What?”

“You fought hard when mom was working on you. And, when you got home, I figured that you’d run right to your room to change. You wanted to change all right, but into another one of my skirts and blouses. Why?”

“I don’t know. I guess, it just felt good, and I got comfortable with the clothes. I just wanted to try something else.”


“Okay.”, Toshi said. But, was still wondering. “Come on in the bathroom, and I’ll help you get the nail polish, and makeup off. If you want me to?”

“Yes. I want you to.”

The rest of the school year went along normally. No more talk about Sam dressing in his sisters clothes. But, Toshi did notice a few times, when she got really dressed up to go somewhere, that Sam looked at her a little longingly. And, there where times when some of her things would not be where she left them. Or, things would disappear, and reappear. She never said anything to anyone about it. Except . . .

Toward the end of the school year, they had to take proficiency exams, and Sam was very nervous about them. Then the morning of the exams, Toshi felt that Sam was relaxed. More relaxed than he had been in a week. As they were walking to school, Toshi asked, “You were really nervous about the exams yesterday. But, this morning you’re more relaxed than I’ve seen you in awhile. What gives?”

“Ah . . . Nothing.”

“Wrong, little brother. What gives?”

“Nothing.”

“You borrowed some of my things again. Didn’t you?”

“Borrowed some of your things! No. I never . . . ”, Sam argued. Turning red at the same time.

“Little brother. I know that you have been into my things off and on ever since Halloween.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Remember the twin thing? I can tell that something is going on. I’m not mad. Just tell me.”

“Okay. I love your things. They’re so pretty, and soft. And, I feel good wearing them. I feel good inside.”

“And . . .”

“And, I was so wound up yesterday, that I needed some way to relax. So, last night I took one of your nightgowns, and a pair of your panties. And, I wore them to bed. I actually slept good. And, I’m still wearing your panties. There, tell mom on me.”

“Little brother. I’m not going to tell mom. Maybe you should. But, I’m not going to.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t have a problem with it. As long as, you don’t get my things dirty. And, they are only clothes. But . . . ”

“But, what?”

“I’d be careful that no one else finds out.”

Just before the twin’s thirteenth birthday, Masumi and Miyuki decided it was time to tell them about the family secret. Well, as much as they could tell them. The twins were very mature for twelve year olds, and Masumi and Miyuki figured that they would understand. In addition, they had a surprise for them.

One Sunday evening, after dinner, Masumi called the twins into the living room, and had them sit together. The twins knew that it was time for a family talk, they had, had these before.

Masumi told the twins, that what they were about to hear was to go no further. That if it did, people could get hurt. That it was something that was to be kept among the four of them. The twins, both looking as serious as twelve year olds could, agreed that they could keep a secret.

Masumi took out a photo album that the children had never seen, and set it on the coffee table in front of them. She sat crossed legged on the floor in front of the coffee table facing the twins. While showing them the pictures in the album, she started telling them the story of a Japanese girl and an American boy, that had met in high school, when the girl was an exchange student. She told them how they had fallen deeply in love. How he had told her about his love of wearing girls clothes. How she had helped him bring out his feminine side. Their travels in Japan. Their marriage. How he had started living full time as a Japanese girl. And, finally how he had helped his country and Japan.

As Masumi was telling the story, you could first see a look of puzzlement on the twin's faces. Then, Toshi got a little smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye when she looked at Aunt Mi. Sam was still thinking this all over, and when Masumi was done, he said, "Mom. That sounds like you and dad. Except for the part about crossdress . . . " He looked at his Aunt Mi, then Masumi, then whispered something to Toshi. Toshi whispered something back.

Masumi said, "Sam, you know it's not polite to whisper. Do you have something to share?"

"Yes, mom. I think that Aunt Mi is really dad. And, so does Toshi. Is she?"

"Yes."

The twins sat, and just looked at their Aunt Mi. Finally Toshi got up, walked over to Miyuki, wrapped her arms around her neck, gave her a big hug, and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too, Toshi.", Miyuki whispered back.

As Toshi stood back, there was a tear in her eye.

"What's wrong honey?", Miyuki asked.

"I'm just so happy. I thought that dad had left us, or that something bad had happened to him. And, now I have a dad and an aunt. Even though they are the same person." Toshi again gave Miyuki a hug, and a kiss on the cheek.

Masumi looked at Sam, and said, "Honey, do you have anything to say?"

Like a typical pre-teen boy, Sam said, "I think this is cool."

"Cool?"

"Yea. My dad is here, but he's really my aunt."

"That's not strange to you?"

"Yea. It’s strange. But, he wasn't afraid to be who he really is. And, he helped the country by doing it.” Sam then walked over, and gave Miyuki a big hug.

Masumi got up, walked over to the twins and Miyuki, and said, "We need to continue the family tradition that Grandma Gifford first showed me."

"What's that mom?", Toshi asked.

"A family hug.", she replied, as she wrapped her arms around Miyuki and the twins, and they responded, by wrapping their arms around each others. Of course, Sam being a boy, tickled his sister, making her laugh.

"Now, remember you two. No one! And, I mean no one! Can ever know what we've told you. Understood?"

"Yes, mommy.", the twins said in unison.

Toshi continued, "Mommy, some of the kids at school say that you and Aunt Mi are lesbians."

"Well, now you know the truth. That's what's important. And, I think we'll just go on letting them think that. Don't you?"

"Yea. Our family secret."

As had been the custom of our family of four, once the twins were old enough to travel, they would visit with Miyuki’s family for a week, and then fly to Japan, to spend a couple of weeks with Masumi’s family. The twins, had picked up Japanese as a second language. They were very fluent in it, as well as being able to read and write it. But, their parents had been sure that English was their first language.

“Do you think we should tell them the other thing?”, Miyuki, with a big grin, asked Masumi.

“I don’t know. Maybe we should keep it a secret until later.”

“What? What? Tell us. Please.”, the twins said together.

“Calm down you two, and sit back down. We thought that you might like to do something really special this Summer, as part of your thirteenth birthday.”

“What? What?”

“Your Aunt Mi, and I, thought that you might like to spend the Summer in Japan with your Aunt
Sachiko, Uncle Jeremi, and your cousins.”

“Oh wow! Cool!”

“So, I guess from that outburst, you two would like that?”

“That would be so cool! A whole Summer with Sobo (grandmother), Sofu (grandfather), Oda (aunt) Sachiko, Oji (uncle) Jeremi, Aiko, Kioko, and Taro.”, Toshi said very excitedly. “I really love going there.”

“We know you do. You both do. So, you think you’ll be able to give up your friends for the Summer?”

“Yea.”, Sam said. “It’ll be fun being in Japan. Are you going to be there the whole time?”

“No. We’ll fly over with you. But, we’re only staying two weeks. Then at the end of Summer, you two can fly back alone. And, Akio, if things work out for her, maybe coming back with you. She has applied for a high school exchange student opening here in Washington.”

“Alone! Oh neat. Aiko, would she be staying with us?”, Toshi asked.

“No. She would be staying with a host family. It’s part of the experience. Sometime ask your mother about it. She had a great time with the Gordons’. But, we would be seeing a lot of her.”, Miyuki said.

Later, Toshi called her two closest friends, Sue, and Vanessa, and told them about the planned summer in Japan. When she was talking with Vanessa, Vanessa asked, “Is Sam going to be gone all summer, too?”

“Of course he is. Why?”, Toshi replied.

“Oh nothing. I’ll just miss you guys. The summer is a long time.”, Vanessa said with a sad note in her voice.

“Do I hear some sadness?“

“Sure. We’ve always had a lot of fun during the summers. It won’t be the same around here without you guys.”

“Will you miss both of us? Or, more Sam than me?”, Toshi said with a knowing smile.

“Of course, both of you.”

“Uh huh.”

“What?”

“I’ll bet you’ll miss Sam, more than you’ll miss me?”

“No. I’ll miss both of you.”

“Nessa. I know that you like Sam.”

“Sure. He’s a really nice boy.”

“Nessa. This is Toshi you’re talking to. I know how you like to be near him when we’re together. How, you’re always looking for him. How, you always try to walk home from school with him. Trying to hide it all the time, because you’re a year older than he is. Be honest.”

“Maybe a little.”

“A little? More than a little?”

“All right. Yes. I’ll miss him more than a little. Please don’t tell him.”

“You know I won’t, but maybe you should. But, I’ll email you guys all the time we’re gone, and I’ll keep you up to date as to what he’s doing.”

The twins thirteenth birthday party was a really successful one. You only become a teenager once. All of their friends were there. Toward the end of the party, Sam went into the kitchen, and Vanessa followed him. They chatted a bit, then Vanessa handed Sam a little package, saying, “Open this after everyone has left, and you’re alone.” Then she kissed him on the cheek, and ran back out of the kitchen. Sam stood there, not knowing what to think. He touched the place on his cheek where Vanessa had kissed him, his first kiss from someone not a relative. He thought, ‘That felt nice.’ He then looked at the small, nicely wrapped present, and slipped it into his pocket.

Shortly after everyone had left, he was sitting on his bed, and looking at the present. He slowly unwrapped it, opened the little box, and just looked at it. Toshi was walking by his door, and looked in. She saw the small box, and asked, “What’s that?”

“Vanessa gave it to me when we were alone.”

“Can I see?”

“Sure.”

Toshi walked over, sat next to her brother, and looked at the contents of the box. And, then at him. She smiled, and said, “I promised Vanessa that I wouldn’t tell you. But, you do know, that she really likes you.”

“What?”

“Nessa really likes you.”

“Yea. She gave me a kiss, too.”

“Oh . . . ”

“Only on the cheek. Don’t tell.”

“I won’t. What’s the card say?”

“What card?”

“This one, silly.”, Toshi said, pulling a small card out of the box, and handing it to Sam.

Sam opened it. It just said, ‘This is just something to remember me by while you’re in Japan. Nessa.’

Sam was a little confused, and asked, “Why would a girl give me something like this?”

“Because she likes you.”

“She doesn’t likes me.”

“Yes, she does. Actually, she like you a lot. Why do you think she gave you that? I think she has always had something special for you. You should have heard how sad she got when I told her we were going to spend the summer in Japan.”

“Probably because you’re going to be gone.”

“Nope. She admitted to me that it was because you were going to be gone.”

“Oh.”

Sam slowly pulled the silver chain out of the box, and looked at the two dog tags that were attached to it. One simply said, “Sam”, and the other just said, “Nessa.” He looked at Toshi, and said, “I don’t wear jewelry?”

Toshi with a little smile, said, “This is more of a friendship thing. Maybe a special friendship, she only lets special people call her Nessa.”

“Oh.”

“Are you going to wear it?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Nessa will be disappointed if you don’t.”

Sam slowly slipped the chain over his head, and slipped the dog tags under his shirt.

The remainder of the school year slipped by, and the four were leaving for Grandma Gifford’s the Sunday after school was out. So, a small goodbye party was planned for everyone’s closest friends on the Friday before. Sam, Paul, and a couple of Sam’s other friends were playing computer games. Toshi, Vanessa, Sue, and a couple of Toshi’s other friends were listening to CDs’, and talking. Masumi, Miyuki, and some of their friends were in the den talking.

Vanessa hung around after the party, helping Toshi, and Sam clean up. Masumi and Miyuki were still talking with Vanessa’s parents. As Toshi, and Vanessa were putting food away, Vanessa whispered to Toshi, “Do you think I could get Sam alone for a minute?”

“Sure. Why?”

“I have something for him.”

“You already gave him something.”

“I know. But, this is special.”

Toshi, smiled a knowing smile, and said, “Just grab him the next time he comes in the kitchen, and take him out back.”

Within a few minutes, Sam walked back in the kitchen with a couple plates of food. As he set them on the counter, Vanessa sidled up to him, took his arm, and quietly said, “Come on.”

“Huh?”, was all that Sam could say.

Vanessa led Sam out the back door, and closed it behind them. She turned him, so that they were face to face, in the small alcove that protected the door. He started to say something, but she stopped him, by kissing him. Not a kiss on the cheek, but one on his lips. He was utterly surprised by this. She broke the kiss, and pulled him close in a very tight hug. He couldn’t help it, but he also held her tight. She whispered in his ear, “I’ll miss you.”

He pushed her back a little, so that he could look at her, and said, “I’ll miss you too.” Then he pulled her closer, and kissed her. It was as passionate a kiss as a thirteen and fourteen-year old could muster. They broke the kiss, and hugged again.

Vanessa finally whispered, “We’d better get back inside.”

“Yea.”

They walked back inside holding hands. Toshi was still in the kitchen, with a big grin on her face, and she said, “Nice show guys.”

“What?”, Sam and Vanessa said together.

Toshi pointed to the window that looked out on the back alcove. Vanessa realized that Toshi had seen everything, she turned a bright red, and started to almost run toward the dining room. But, Sam still had a grip on her hand, and stopped her.

Toshi, looking at Vanessa, said, “Don’t worry, Nessa. I won’t tell anyone. But, little brother, I didn’t know that you liked Nessa so much.”

“I’ve always liked her. She’s always been really nice to me. So, much nicer than anyone else at school. Besides she’s cool.”

Vanessa squeezed his hand. Just then, Miyuki stuck her head in the kitchen, and said, “Vanessa, your mom and dad are getting ready to leave.”

“Thank you. I’ll be right there.”

“Will you be going to the airport with us on Sunday?”

“I’d like to. Will there be room?”

“I think so. Your dad’s van is big. And, it will just be the four of us, your mom and dad, and you. And, most to the twin’s things have been shipped ahead.”

Sunday morning, the Martin’s van pulled into the driveway. And, Mr. Martin helped Sam load the suitcases that they would be taking on the plane. Mr. And Mrs. Martin sat in front, Masumi and Miyuki sat in the center seats, and the twins and Vanessa sat in the rear seat.

On the drive to the airport, Sam was holding Vanessa’s hand as secretively as possible. But, Toshi noticed. Sam also noticed something about Vanessa that he had never seen before. Vanessa was one of those girls that always dressed very nicely. Usually it was a skirt and blouse, or a dress. She did wear shorts, but it wasn’t a usual thing. What Sam noticed was Vanessa’s legs. She was wearing nylons, or maybe it was pantyhose. Toshi had never worn nylons, but his mom, and Aunt Mi did. He had a hard time keeping his eyes off of Vanessa’s legs.

At the airport, goodbyes were said. Toshi and Vanessa hugged, and cried, like they would never see each other again. Sam and Vanessa also hugged, but not like Friday night. Though, Vanessa did whisper, “I really will miss you.” And, Sam responded, “I’ll really miss you too.”

One evening at Grandma Gifford’s, after everyone had gone to bed, Masumi and Miyuki were sitting together, enjoying some quiet time. When Masumi asked Miyuki, “Did you see the way Sam was holding Vanessa’s hand on the way to the airport?”

“No. But, I saw something interesting in the kitchen last Friday.”

“Oh. What?”

“When I went in to tell Vanessa that her parents were ready to leave. She and Sam had their backs to the door, and they were holding hands. When they heard me, they let go like each other was on fire. And, when they turned around, their faces were very red. And, Toshi had a very big grin on her face.”

“I guess we’ll have to warn Sam about older women.”

“Older women?”

With a smile Masumi said, “Vanessa is a year older than the twins.”

The week with Grandma Gifford, Mike’s/Miyuki’s mother, just crawled by. But, the twins loved her as much as they did their grandparents in Japan. She gave both of them some substantial spending money for their time in Japan. The flight to Japan was a long one, but being in first class always helped. The twins sat across the isle from Masumi and Miyuki. And, it wasn’t long before Toshi’s head was resting on Sam’s shoulder, and they were both sound asleep.

The two months that the twins spent in Japan flew by. Sam, wasn’t good at it, but he played golf with his grandfather, and cousin Taro, once or twice a week. In that time, Sam and his grandfather became very close. Sam hadn’t really known his Grandfather Gifford, as he had died when the twins were only two. And, Toshi spent a lot of time with Aiko, and Kioko, the three girl cousins did what girls really love to do, shop. The five cousins also had a great time together, doing sight seeing, going to the beach, and clubbing. There was a teen club in town, which Aiko, Kioko, and Taro had spent a lot of time at, And, they took their American cousins there. Being able to speak Japanese fluently helped Toshi and Sam fit right in. And, Toshi found a boy friend.

The week before they were to return to America was spent packing their things, and Aikos’. As Aiko had been accepted as an exchange student. Two days before their flight, the cousins were walking through the shopping area of a town about a half an hour from home. Sam had fallen behind the others, and was looking in a shop window, when Toshi noticed that he was missing. She spotted him, and told the others to go on to the park, and they would meet them there. Then she walked back to where Sam was.

When Toshi got back to Sam, he was looking in the window of a small jewelry shop. She said, “Looking for something special?”

“Kind of.”

“For Nessa?”

“Yea.”

“Miss her. Don’t you?”

“Yea. And, I missed her fifteenth birthday, and I wanted to get her something special. ”

“Thought so. Have you been emailing her?”

“Yea. Almost every day.”

“What do you want to get her?”

“A necklace of some kind.”

“Those are really pretty.”, Toshi said, pointing to a display of names done in Kanji.

“They are. I bet they’re expensive.”

“Do you still have any of the money that Grandma Gifford gave you?”

“Some.”

“Lets go see how much they are.”

The twins walked into the shop, and were greeted by a sales person. They told the sales girl that they were looking for a necklace with the name Vanessa on it in Katakana. The girl showed them what she had . The twins looked at it, and Sam was happy with it. (Authors note: Katakana are the characters that are used for foreign names, etc.)

Sam looked at the price, and swallowed hard. He was short, way short, of having enough money. He shook his head, and whispered to Toshi, “It’s too much.”

She whispered back, “I can lend you some. But, it will cost you.”

“Cost me what?”

“My chores for a month.”

“A month!”

“It’s for Nessa. Isn’t she worth it?”

“Deal.”

The twins paid for the necklace, and the sales girl wrapped it up in a very pretty box.

The twins then caught up with their cousins at the park, they walked around the lake, and Toshi told, Aiko, and Kioko, that Sam had to find something for his girlfriend back home. There was some giggling, and kidding.

The following Saturday the twins, and Aiko were on a flight to the States. It wasn’t first class this time, but they were comfortable, and they had three seats together. Aiko was the first to fall asleep, and the twins chatted quietly for a while. Toshi finally asked, “Did you find the special things I packed in your suit case?”

“Yea. I wish you hadn’t done that. Because, sleeping in the same room as Taro, I had to hide them.”

“Sorry. But, I figured that you might like something.”

“I would have. But . . . ”

“Sorry.”

Toshi curled up next to him, put her head on his shoulder, and fell asleep. Sam’s mind was working, so there was no sleep for him.

They changed planes in Los Angeles, and then flew directly to Washington. They were met at the airport by Masumi, Miyuki, Vanessa, Vanessa’s mom and dad, and the Baker family, mom, dad, Amy, Beth, and Charlie, who would be Akio’s host family. There were the usual hugs all around, and the introduction of Akio to everyone.

Toshi and Vanessa hugged like long lost sisters. But, the hug Sam got from Vanessa, was even more intense. And, she whispered, “You’ll never know how much I missed you.”, and then openly kissed him on the cheek. He just turned red.

Akio whispered to Toshi in Japanese, “So, that’s the famous Nessa?”

“Hai.”, Toshi said.

“All right you two. English only.”, Miyuki said to Toshi and Akio.

“Sorry. Aunt Mi.”, Toshi said.

Akio, said goodbye to the twins, Masumi, Miyuki, Vanessa, and Vanessa’s parents, and left with the Bakers. Everyone would get back together at the Bakers early in the week. The seating for the trip home was the same as it was going to the airport two months ago. And, the hand holding wasn’t as secretive as it was before.

They arrived back at the house, and unloaded the luggage. Everyone sat around, and talked for a few minutes. Then Miyuki suggested that they go out for dinner, and she took them to one of the better restaurants not far from home, as her treat. Afterwards, Vanessa’s parents dropped Masumi, Miyuki, the twins, and Vanessa off at the twin’s house, and told Vanessa not to stay long, as the twins were probably tired.

Masumi and Miyuki, retired to the kitchen, and let the kids have the den, so that they could talk. Sam sat on the overstuffed chair, and Vanessa and Toshi sat on the couch. Vanessa was full of all kinds of questions as to what Japan was like, what they did, etc. After about an hour of this, Toshi excused herself, and Sam moved over next to Vanessa.

“So, did you miss me?”, he asked.

“Yes. Did you miss me?”

He didn’t answer right away, but just kissed her, and held her. Then finally said, “No.”

She pulled back from him, and he was grinning. She took his head in her hands, and kissed him again. He finally pulled back, took a small package from his pocket, and handed it to her.

“What’s this?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Well, all most nothing. Just a little something for your birthday. Open it.”

She carefully opened the wrapped box, and removed the lid. She looked at its contents, looked at Sam, and started crying.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. It’s just so sweet.”

“Don’t cry.”, Sam said, wiping away the tears.

“I’m sorry. But, I did really miss you. Put it on me?”

“Sure.”

Sam took the necklace out of the box, opened the clasp. And, said, “I’m not good at this.”

“Are you good at this?”, she said, as she kissed him again.

They heard a noise at the door. Looked. And, there stood Toshi, watching them, and grinning. She said, “Are you two through?”

After a short pause, Sam said, “Sis. Will you help me with this necklace?”

“You look like you’re doing a good job all by yourself.”

“I can’t get the clasp.”

Toshi walked up behind Vanessa, took both ends of the necklace, and fastened the clasp. All she said was, “Boys!”

Vanessa asked, “What does it say?”

“It’s your name in Katakana.”

“That is so sweet.” Vanessa looked at the clock, and said, “I’m in trouble. Look at the time.”

“Your mom and dad know you’re here. I don’t think they’ll be that mad. And, Toshi and I will walk you home.”

“All right. But, we better get going.”

“I’ll tell mom what we’re doing. And, that we’ll be right back.”

Toshi and Sam walked Vanessa home, it was only two blocks, Sam got a goodnight kiss just before her mom opened the front door, and said, “A little late young lady?”

“Sorry, mom. We just got carried away talking.”

“All right. Forgiven this time. You haven’t seen Toshi and Sam for a long time. What’s this?”, she said touching the necklace.

“Just something Sam brought me back from Japan.”

“Very nice. You did thank him. Didn’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am. She did.”, Sam answered for her.

“Good. Well then, say goodnight. You can visit more tomorrow.”, Vanessa’s mom said as she turned and, walked back into their house.

Vanessa gave Sam a quick kiss, and said, as she followed her mother into the house, “See you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow.”, Sam replied.

“See you Nessa.”, Toshi added.

The twins walked back home in silence. As they reached the front steps, Toshi said, “Are you glad to be home?”

“Sure.”

“You were sure glad to see Nessa.”

“Yea.”

School started two weeks later. Akio was all settled in, and began enjoying school in the States. And, Sam and Vanessa became an item.

Christmas was coming up, and Grandma Gifford was coming to visit for the holiday. Sam was at a loss as what to get Vanessa, but Toshi was helping him. And, they settled on a another necklace, with a matching bracelet. Vanessa also got Sam a bracelet. A little planning on Toshi’s part? Maybe.