The Beginning – Part 1 by Anna Olivia

My heart was pounding. I entered the women’s section of Macy’s. I was excited to look at the lingerie and hosiery. Two of my favorite things to wear. However, I was nervous too. How many eleven-year-old boys like to look at that stuff? My mom decided to go look at household items. She said I could roam around free a bit. So, I slowly walked down the deserted aisle of women’s underwear, pantyhose and lingerie. I got excited but also felt hesitant and nervous. I could not stop too long because I did not want the sales people to get suspicious and ask me uncomfortable questions.

I stopped at the hosiery section and looked at the different pairs when I was sure nobody was watching me. How much I wished I could buy all of those. I grabbed a pair of black pantyhose and studied the package intently.

Suddenly I heard a voice that said: “What are you doing?”

I dropped the package and looked to my left in shock. Standing in front of me was a beautiful girl about my age. I did not know what to say. I stuttered: “Well, I….I don’t know what…”, I mumbled looking down.

“Wait a minute!” said the blonde girl. “Aren’t you in my math class? You are Randy, right?” she asked curiously. My face turned red and I started sweating. How will I get out of this situation?

“Well, yes! You know I picked these up for my sister and…” I wanted to explain but the girl interrupted me again.

“You don’t have to make up an excuse. I saw the look in your eyes when you held the package. Would you like to wear them?” she asked me with a curious and gentle look on her face. I wasn’t sure what to respond. I felt busted so I just told her the truth.

“Yes” I said and looked her straight in the eyes. I was relieved when I saw her smile and it felt liberating to express this secret desire to someone for the first time.

“I know I never really talked to you in math class but the thought that you seemed a bit girly occurred to me.” she admitted.

I felt touched by this but tried to hide that. “You are Samantha, right?” I asked her.

“Well, my friends call me Sammy. But you are right.” she answered with a big smile on her face. “Oh, and your secret desire will be safe with me. I think it’s kind of cute.” she told me.

“Did you make a new friend?” my mom, who was suddenly standing there, asked me. I cringed inside and my face turned red again. I could not say a word when Sammy took over.

“I am Samantha, but my friends call me Sammy”, she confidently said to my mom.

“Oh, it is a pleasure to meet you Sammy! Randy never talked about you.” my mom said with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, Randy and I are in the same math class but we kind of just started talking.” Sammy said. I felt halfway normal again and my heart wasn’t racing anymore.

“Randy and I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Sammy.” my mom said.

“Sammy, can I have your phone number?” I asked bravely. I felt very comfortable talking to Sammy. I wanted to talk to and get to know her more.

“Sure, give me your cell phone number and I sent you a text.” Sammy requested. My face lit up excitedly as I took out my cell phone. I saw my mom smiling in the corner of my eyes.