A New Style of Education: Hidden Gifts
By: Annette MacGregor

An authorized story, based on the characters and environment of A New Style of Education by Karen Page.

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Part 9

As I was putting things away after rehearsal, Renee and Fran came over. "Come on, Dan, we ran over a bit, Ingrid doesn't want our table to be the last one to get to dinner."

"Okay, Fran. I've got my stuff put away now." I grabbed my music folder as we headed for the meal.

"Why the music, Dan? You can't practice in your room, can you?"

"I sorta can. By playing it on my keyboard, I can get the various passages straight in my head. That'll make it easier playing, I think. I'll just have to concentrate on hitting the right notes."

"Makes sense I guess."

When got to our table, sure enough, everyone else was still sitting in the same seats. Fran joined Ingrid on Tracy's right, and we took our seats to her left.

"Hi, I hope you all had a good day, and got to take advantage of the nice day outside."

Several nodded agreement with Tracy's comment. Then, Mr. Hobson got up, and said a few words about how well we'd all done with our visitors, then he sat back down. I couldn't figure out why folks were looking at me though, until Renee poked me, and Ingrid asked "You too tired tonight, Dan?"

Then it hit me. "Oops, sorry. Excuse me everyone." Renee and I got up to go get the food for the table. "Sorry, Renee, my mind was all over."

"It's okay now, Dan. If you want, we can talk while we get our homework done."

I nodded acknowledgement. The rest of the meal went off more or less normally. The only surprise was Tracy's quiet comment at the end, "Good Luck tomorrow, Dan. Any of us are available if you need to talk." I looked up at that and realized she's followed Renee and I as we cleared the table. "Your plan for tomorrow was relayed to us, so we could keep our eyes on you."

"Thanks. I may need it."

"You'll do fine." she said, smiling. with that, Renee and I joined the rest of the year walking back to the year room.

Back in the year room, folks were chatting. I could see Sally and Wayne talking. It was nice seeing someone taking the time with him. Mark was trying to get some folks to play some game on the computer.

I decided they all needed to know what was going to happen in the morning, and now was as good a time as any. "You guys, got a minute?"

"Whacha want? A different game, Dan?"

"No, Mark. I just wanted you all to know that I'm going to be wearing a skirt tomorrow."

"You've gotta be kidding?" He seemed to be taken aback at this.

I shook my head no. I'm gunna have to explain it some, I guess.

"You one of those transwhatsits girls the Head was talking about? No, sorry, shouldn't have asked." Mark's mouth seems to get ahead of his brain sometimes. Best respond, though.

"No. I decided that since we'll eventually have to do it anyway, I wanted to be able to do it right." Taking a breath, "I started ‘deportment' classes today."

"Was that where you went this afternoon, Dan?" queried Pru.

I nodded. Apparently Mark had been thinking about what I'd said, "Come on, man. You don't have to be so serious about this, do you?"

"I do, Mark. The rest of you don't, but I do. I don't know how to tell you why either."

"Well, it's your head, mate. I don't see how you're going to pull it off. I'm just going to clown it up when it comes time to do one of these mix-up days."

I nodded, "Andy, the percussion lead, said a buncha kids do that. I just didn't want to surprise you all in the morning."

"Thanks, Dan. Good luck."

"Thanks, Sally. And the rest of you, I appreciate you not laughing at me."

"We wouldn't do that, unless you were clowning, Dan," rejoined Pru.

I could see Wayne looking nervous, but wasn't sure what to do, so I walked over. "You alright with this, Wayne?"

He nodded. "Y-Y-Yes, D-D-an. C-C-C-an w-w e t-t-t-al-lk l-l-a-tt-er?"

"Sure, I'll poke you when we've finished our homework.

"P-P—P-oke?" He looked at me questioningly.

"Sorry I'll send you a text message. I'm used to just calling that poking."

"Th-Th-a-anks." He nodded understanding.

"Anytime."

I headed back over to Renee, figuring it was time we got some homework done, since we'd not had much time in the afternoon.

Pru was still there talking to Renee, "That's brave of you, Dan."

"Thanks, Pru."

"What are the classes like?"

"The deportment classes?" at her nod, "I've only had the one, the dressing is supposed to help me accelerate things. But, so far the class, or part of anyway, is an effort to make me be graceful and walk like a lady and such. I don't know how far the classes go." I couldn't suggest she ask Fran, though she'd have more of an answer.

"Is the teacher nice?"

"Oh yes, Kelly's really nice. She explained whatever I asked," I paused a moment, "but I just wasn't sure what to ask most of the time. We started with spending some time on why I wanted the lessons."

"That makes sense. Do you think she could help me become less awkward?"

"Hmmmm. Maybe. Other things can as well."

"Really?"

I nodded. "Dance for example; have you ever seen an awkward dancer?"

"No, now that you mention it, I've not. Nor gymnasts or ice skaters, either."

"Exactly. I think there are a lot of things to this deportment class, and if you want to try, I'm sure they will let you. But if all you're trying to do is be less awkward, something that works specifically there might help more."

"Maybe you could take Judo lessons with me," chimed in Renee.

"Oh, I could never do that?"

"It's actually a good suggestion, Pru; martial arts are not necessarily about fighting, though some have more aspects of that than others. It's more a way of thought and movement. You learn to know yourself. If the introductory teacher is as good as the guy I met this morning, he can really help you."

"Maybe. Could you..." she started hesitantly, "could you find out if I could do it, too?"

I thought about it. I didn't know how to contact Mr. Smith. Maybe Dan would. "I'll see. I don't know how to contact the teacher directly, but I've got an idea."

"Thanks, Dan."

With that Renee and I returned to our rooms to get our studying done.

"Before we get started, Renee, let me fire off a quick note to Dan about Pru's request."

"Sure. I'll go get my stuff and join you in your room." I nodded and sat at my computer to compose the note. I figured he knew about my plans for tomorrow, since Tracy had. So, I didn't bother mentioning that and just passed on Pru's query about joining in Judo practice. I was surprised at how fast he got back to me. I mean I know I sat there thinking about judo and Pru's request a bit after I hit send, but, before I could turn the chair, there was a chime indicating I had mail.

Dan, I'll forward the training request on. BTW — Sounded like you did well today with Kelly. Send me a note tonight with a name to go by when dressed as a woman and I'll get it into the computer. And, before you ask, yes everyone has to do this. You need a name for people to refer to you by when in female mode, and in male mode. It helps you keep yourself straight. For tomorrow it'll be just one more thing, but eventually it will just be one of those things. I'm here if you need me. - Dan

Wow, what the heck should I call myself? I can't put it off any more. Dani's too close to what my family calls me. I don't need that reminder. Five years will be long enough without getting reminded all the time. Anne? Nah, that's not enough different sounding to help me remember, I need something different.

Sitting there lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Renee return. "Dan?"

"Whaa? Oh, sorry, Renee. I was lost in thought about what to call myself." At her blank expression, remembered we'd not had time to talk about our sessions before rehearsal. "Sorry, I'll explain in a minute. We should talk about how our classes went before rehearsal. I saw the end of your time with Mr. Green. How was the first half hour?"

She gave me a quizzical look, then "It was hard. He was asking me why I wanted these lessons, and I didn't really have a good reason. Sorry, Dan. The best I could come up with was that you were taking lessons on acting like a girl and I wanted to support you."

I had trouble knowing what to say to that. I'd thought she and Ingrid were interested in learning how, for the same reason I had. "Thanks, but it's not needed. Just helping me, and not teasing me is all the support I need. You don't have to keep going, if you don't want to."

"I will, for now. I don't like quitting. But, if I can't get comfortable talking to him it won't really work, will it?"

"Maybe not. I wonder if my martial arts training may have had something to do with my off walk."

"I don't know, Dan. Maybe you can ask your Judo teacher the next time you see him."

"It doesn't really matter right now. Was there anything special that made you uncomfortable around him? You seemed okay when I got there. Was it that he was so formal?"

"No, I'm afraid if he'd tried to be friendly, I'd have completely clammed up."

"You talk to me, and you talk to Dan."

"You're different. I dunno why, but you are. As to Dan, I, I had trouble at the beginning of the interview. But, he was funny enough that I was able to talk after a while."

"Wow, I had no idea."

"Sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. I'll just be more careful from now on!"

She looked up at me with a question in her eyes. I stood up, "Between the two of us, we'll make sure you don't have to deal with this kinda thing again," I said with conviction.

Renee jumped up, and threw her arms around me. "Oh, Dan, thank you."

I don't know why she trusts me like this, but it's a good thing she does. Maybe I should talk to Dan about all of this. He may have some ideas he can share. I know he said she'd have to tell me her problems on her time, but maybe he'll have an idea as to why she trusts me at all. "Always, Renee; I'm not going anywhere!"

After a few minutes, we separated. "What was your session like, Dan?" I could see her obvious change of topic, but figured it was a good time anyway.

"Let me show you something." I got up and got the shoes from the closet. "I guess I did okay. I got some homework though."

"New shoes?" I turned them so she could see the heels. "Oh. Those are higher than the ones you had in your closet before."

"Yes, she even had me try a higher pair, but they started hurting after a few minutes, so she said I should go back to these to practice." I saw Renee smiling at that, and decided I could go on. "It gets worse, Renee."

"How could it be worse than just practicing in higher heels?"

"She asked if I wanted to maximize the speed I learned, and I agreed."

"So? Does that mean you wear them in the room every night?"

"Well, sorta." At her questioning look, "Starting tomorrow, I'm a girl full time until I either quit, or pass the class." Her eyes got large at this.

"You're doing this for us, aren't you?"

"I can't clown this, Renee. I still believe that. So if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it to the best of my ability."

"Any way I can help, I will, Dan."

"Thanks, Renee. I told Ingrid and Fran while you were getting started and I was back here to get your trumpet. They said they'd help me too."

"Of course they will, Dan."

I happened to look at the time. "Oh, we'd best get our studying done. I also need to see what Wayne wanted."

We spent the next hour and a half working through our homework. I was seeing the benefit of a study partner with this. Whenever I wasn't sure of something Renee usually understood it, and I was able to fill her gaps. When we finally finished, I sent Wayne a note that I'd be down in a few minutes.

"Th-Th-Thanks, D-Dan," Wayne said as he opened the door and indicated I should come in.

"No problem, Wayne. What's up?" I took one of his seats.

"D-D-Dan, I'm w-w-worried a-a-bout th-the..."

I interrupted him, "Wayne, would it be easier for you to type your questions? It sounds like you've got a lot on your mind and it might be easier for you to type and let me answer. We can work with your stutter if you'd prefer.

"N-N-No, th-th-thanks." He pulled out his keyboard and began typing.

>> Thanks, Dan. This never occurred to me before. Most people don't have the patience to talk to me. <<

"Wayne, you've not run into that here at Hayfield have you? I saw you and Sally talking earlier in the year room.

>> Not really, Dan. Most folks just don't talk to me. <<

"Mark? No, don't tell me if you don't want."

>> It's okay. Mark's not bad. We just don't talk, which makes the homework a little harder. <<

"Just text me if you run into problems, Wayne. I'll either text you back, or come down. I'm sure there's no problem with others in the year helping each other. I'm sure once we look at automating stuff I'll be lost and need to be asking you."

>> Thanks, Dan. Maybe Mark will respond to texts too. But, that's not what I asked you to come down about. <<

"I didn't think so. It's about tomorrow?"

>> Only indirectly, Dan. I wanted more information about the special lessons you're getting. <<

I spent a little while describing how the session had gone. He interrupted with a few questions. Then an idea came to me. He seemed to have gotten the idea that my dressing tomorrow was a required part of the training. I assured him that it was voluntary on my part to speed things up. I wonder if the others have the same misconception. Then, I had a thought...

"Wayne, have you ever heard of James Earl Jones?"

>> You mean Darth Vader's voice? <<

"Well, from episodes four through six anyway, yes."

>> What about it, Dan? <<

"Did you know he had a horrible stutter as a kid and it took a special teacher that cared to help him get past it? I think it was in high school, but it may have been after he got to college. In any event the teacher found he liked poetry, and was able to help him work through the stutter to learn to recite the poetry. The rest, as they say is history. I dunno about you, but I can't imagine that voice stuttering, but from what I've read it was worse than yours. Maybe they can find something like that for you?"

>> Why should they? They tried speech therapy in my last school, and got nowhere. <<

"It doesn't hurt to ask does it? I mean, the worst they can do is say no. Everything I've seen about the school says they go out of their way to maximize our potentials."

He agreed to talk to Tracy about it the next day. I thought he should send her a message tonight, but he didn't want to bother her. I made a note to think about it myself. "Is there anything else you wanted to know? We're approaching curfew."

>> I'd no idea how late it was getting. Thanks so much, Dan. <<

I got up, "Anytime, Wayne. And remember to text me if you run into questions."

I went back to my room, thinking about what had just happened. It bothered me a bit that folks had not talked with Wayne much. I think I'll have a talk to Mark tomorrow. My thought about speech lessons for Wayne stuck with me too. When I got back to my room, I could hear Renee practicing on that pipe trainer. Now, what did she call it? Oh yeah, a practice chanter. I think I'll see if Dan knows about a speech therapist. I composed a quick e-mail query asking Dan about it. I was about to go next door to talk to Renee, when the PC chimed.

His note was a simple acknowledgement and that it was covered. I wonder what that meant. Not my issue? Or that they already had it scheduled but he didn't know, or what?

>> Dan, does that mean it's not my problem, or help is already planned? <<

>> LOL. I knew I should have either postponed replying to your message, or given you the long story. Here's a longer answer. In a small way, it may be your problem, just like Wayne's problem or any other problems that come up in your year is a problem for all of you in the year. <<

I thought about that, and then realized he'd sent more.

>> But, we are well aware he has a stutter, and are working on a solution for him. I'm sure he and Tracy will be talking soon. What brought it up tonight? <<

>> Oh, when I told the others I was going to be dressing up tomorrow and that I was taking lessons, he was one of the kids that came up afterwards wanting to ask questions. We just finished talking about it before I sent you the mail. <<

>> I see. <<

There was a bit of a pause then, and I was thinking he was done when, >> How was the conversation? <<

>> Oh, we got on fine, once I suggested he type his questions in so I could respond. <<

>> Was it that you were uncomfortable with his stutter? <<

I wondered where that question came form. >> No, I thought he had a bunch of questions, and if he wanted to get them answered he should have a clear way of asking. That way our time was spent talking about what he wanted, not me trying to understand him. He seems like an alright kinda guy. <<

>> Quick thinking. Have you decided on a name yet? <<

I acknowledged his question and sent him the name I'd chosen to use. It was the name my parents had planned on using for my younger sister, if she'd have survived birth. Hmmm, I wonder if I'll ever introduce my parents to this girl I'm going to learn how to pretend to be. Then an idea hit me. With all this mixed up dressing and such, it's not surprising they don't want too many outside visitors. I've never heard of a school that seemed to encourage this kind of diversity. I wondered if my folks would understand. I know they seemed to take Karen's declaration in stride. They'd not had her back to visit with her friend though. I guess I'll find out how that's going when I graduate.

About then, Renee finished, well stopped anyway, so I got up and headed over to her room. "Sounded like you knew what you were doing Renee." I said with a smile on my face. No, I'll not think about my folks right now and spoil the evening.

"Just getting done for now, Dan. I'd forgotten how much work this was."

"Are the actual pipes easier?"

That got a laugh. "No way. That's why we have these things. I'm glad the mirror's big, watching myself, I found myself curling my fingers to play, like I do on the trumpet. If I'd kept that up, I'd have developed a really bad habit.

"You don't put your finger tips on the holes?"

She laughed, and handed it to me. "Why don't you try?"

I took it, and noticing it had the same number of holes as a recorder, so I tried placing my fingers like I had on one, and found my wrists very uncomfortable. So, I moved my fingers around a bit more so the very tips lined up over the holes. "Something's not right with this. You'd get very tired hands really fast with this, and when I've seen pictures of pipers, their hands look relaxed. What's the trick?" I handed the chanter back to her.

"You don't use the tips of the fingers, of course. You use the pads. Here, let me show you." She positioned her fingers where the middle of her fingers were over some of the holes.

"But, how do you play that? You'd have to move the whole finger."

"Exactly, and if you're good, the fingers stay nice and straight." She demonstrated a little so I could see it.

"Okay, I see it now. Would you play a scale on that? It sounded off to me, consistent, but off."

"That's for two reasons. Here." She quickly played a scale.

"It sounds almost like a major scale, but the fifth is relaxed."

"Yeah, my dad said it was in mixalydian mode or something like that. I'm afraid I never really paid that much attention when I was a kid." She stopped suddenly. "Oh, Dan, I miss him so." She suddenly was in my arms. Whoa, I guess I need to be careful there. The piping questions sure brought back memories.

I just held her for a minute standing there, until she stopped.

"S-S-Sorry, Dan. I thought I was over that kinda thing." She gulped air, still clinging to me tightly.

"It's okay, Renee, I think it was my fault. I bet my questions about piping theory brought it back to you."

She sorta nodded into my shoulder. "Yeah, but, don't worry, it won't happen again."

I wondered if there were other topics that might set her off, and I wasn't so sure that she'd dealt with things yet after all. "It's okay if it does, Renee. You can talk to me any time. You've been there for me, and I'll be there for you. Together we can handle stuff."

"Uh, huh. Th-Thanks." She sniffed. "Oh, I've got your shoulder all wet." she said, stepping back.

Laughing, "I'll not melt, and the shirt will dry, so we're okay."

Renee smiled a little at my try at humor, "How was your meeting with the Minister this morning?"

Talk about changing the topic... Well, why not? I can tell her my suspicions as well. "It was strange. Initially, I thought he'd just picked me at random."

"It wasn't?" she interrupted.

I shook my head, "He asked if there was anything I'd like him to pass on to my folks." I sighed. "As much as an extra way to communicate with them would be nice, it wouldn't be fair to the others. Even worse would be if he got to know me, and had an unannounced visit on a mix-up day or at a time like in the next few weeks when I'm learning. Somehow, I get the feeling that the outside world doesn't realize how, oh, I dunno the right word. I guess how strange some bits about the school are. Can you imagine Westminster having a Mix-up day?"

Her eyes got a little wide at that, then "Can you picture those bullies in skirts?" Suddenly, she was laughing.

I roared at the picture. "They'd never survive." After a bit I settled down; "but, I'm willing to bet that this openness to differences and things like Mix-up day are a big part of why they don't allow parents and families to visit."

"That makes sense, Dan. Even if their kid weren't dressed funny, from their eyes, when they arrived, it's likely that someone they'd met before might be. Even worse, what if Fran's mum and dad were to visit."

I shook my head. "Not a good scene, from what she said." No, that can't be right. She's only twelve, and being a girl now. By the time she graduates, she'll have been full time for a long time and I can't imagine her changing back. I hope this isn't right. I'll have to keep my eyes and ears open to see if something comes up to confirm or let me reject that.

"Dan, where'd you go?"

"Oh, I had a strange thought, but it's really silly."

"Really?"

"What do you think will happen when Fran tries to go home when we graduate?"

Renee sat there a moment, and then her eyes got really big. "Oh, wow, Dan. Her dad will probably be home again by then, too. I hope someone from the school is with her then."

I thought about that. Yeah, that's easier to believe than what I was thinking. "That has to be it. After all the help they're giving her here, how could they send her home to her parents without backing her up in some way." Why do I sound like I'm trying to convince myself? Maybe I just want that to be the answer. I sighed. I'll just have to keep my eyes open. "I mean, the school has to protect itself too. If Fran had a bad experience going home, imagine how that would flare up, and maybe cause the school troubles." I guess that's why I don't really believe Renee's answer. I sighed again.

"Well, enough of that morbid stuff. Wanna help me pick out my outfit for tomorrow? I've gotta get something that goes with these shoes, since they're the only pair I have."

"Sure, Dan."

We spent a few minutes in the closet discussing the various blouse and skirt combinations. I ended up choosing a plaid blouse in greens, browns and orange shades and a khaki skirt, Renee said I could wear the white shoes with just about anything. I was laying out the clothes for the morning, when it suddenly hit me. I didn't know where to put my PDA.

"Renee, where do I put my PDA?"

"Hmmm. That's a good question, Dan. That skirt doesn't need a belt, so you can't put the clip through one of the loops it doesn't have."

"If I try to put it on the waistband, it'll jab me in the side. Besides, it would probably slip off sooner or later." She came over, and we looked the skirt over. "No pockets." I said, shaking my head. "No pockets. Whoever designed a skirt with nowhere to put things?"

Renee was looking at the band, "Looks like the seam is not tacked all the way across the back. You could put the clip through that."

I thought about that option. If I pulled it out before sitting down, it'd probably not be a problem. But, if it was just this skirt, it'd probably rip or something. "I'd better check some other skirts, to see if this loop is common. If it's not, then I bet the thing will rip on me tomorrow."

She giggled at this. "It's NOT funny, Renee!" and she laughed harder. Here I was stressing out, and she was laughing. I made myself mentally take a step back and look at myself and the situation. Taking a deep breath, "Okay, I guess maybe it would be a little; the idea anyway."

I went into the closet, and saw that in fact most of the skirts had a small bit of the band open. I just pulled at one, to see if it were strong, and saw there seemed to be a vertical seam on each end. Putting the skirt back on the hangar, I went out to see Renee again. "Well, if this one is made like those, you found the trick." I picked up the skirt I would be wearing in the morning, and showed Renee the extra stitching. "Looks like they recognized that we'd need to put our PDA somewhere, it's not like there's a purse in the closet that I could carry, even if I wanted to."

"Purse? Why would you put it in one of those? I could see using a handbag or shoulder bag."

"What's the difference? Isn't a purse one of those things you girls carry over your shoulder? That's what my mom always called it anyway."

"Ahhh, we don't call them purses, Dan. A purse is what we put money in, and a purse is put into a bag." She paused a moment, "And, you didn't look closely enough. There are some small handbags and even some clutch bags in there. The clutch bags look like they're intended to be used with the evening gowns." I'm sure my eyes got really big. "Oh, don't worry, Dan. Even though they're in there, I doubt you'll be expected to wear one, unless you wanted to."

I laughed at her teasing tone. "Not much chance of that..." then, feeling I should tease back, "around here, anyway."

"I can just see you madly hammering away on your glockenspiel, while standing there in an evening gown, Dan." laughed Renee.

I laughed at that picture myself. No, not much chance of that happening was there. "Can you think of anything else I might need for tomorrow?

She thought a few minutes. "I don't know whether you need tights or not. I doubt it, but you've been wearing trousers, socks and shoes, so you might not be comfortable in bare legs. Also, since you're not used to wearing the shoes like that, I'd guess that you'd want something on your feet until you're used to going bare."

"So, knee highs or pantyhose, I mean tights?" I asked, shuddering at the thought. I guess I'd have to get used to them, but I'd never considered wearing them before."

"Unless you want them to show, you'd best go with the tights, Dan. The skirt stops above the knees. If you were wearing flats, you could use socks of some sort, but those heels need tights or bare skin. Why don't you ask Andy his opinion? He said you could ask any time."

"Good Idea." Suiting words to action, I went over to my PC and as I sat down, I realized I didn't know his last name. "How do you send a note to someone when you don't know their name?" Not waiting for a response, I continued. "Maybe there's an orchestra listing. Well, what do you know, A. Robinson and A. Haynes ... Danged, he must be one of them. Let's see, the foot note. A. Haynes is the section lead. So, that must be Andy, as he's older than Andrea I think, bigger anyway. Andrea would know the answer and be able to tell me anyway."

"Wow, I love the way you just worked out Andy's name, Dan."

"What. Oh, was I thinking out loud?" At her confirming nod, "Sorry about that."

"It's okay. It was fascinating watching and hearing you go through all of that."

"''kay. I'll send Andy a note now. Maybe he'll get back to me tonight."

>> Andy, Do you have a few minutes to answer a question? Dan <<

Renee and I sat chatting about things for a bit, and then the computer chimed. I clicked the flashing icon, and up popped a window with Andy's smiling face.

"What's up, mate?"

"Ummm, you remember what we talked about when you were visiting the other day?"

"Yeah, but you got a reprieve didn't you?" he said with a big smile on his face.

"Sorta. But I stuck my foot back into it."

"Oh?"

"You remember how I didn't want to ham it up?" At his nod, "Well, I, umm. I started taking lessons with Kelly today."

I guess he wasn't expecting that. "You what?"

"I started lessons today. I want to learn how to do it right, so I'm not poking fun at any of the girls!"

"Whoa, slow down, mate. I know you were saying that when I was there, but this is a big step." He paused, "You decided to take her up on her suggestion to go full-time, didn't you?" His smile was returning.

At my nod, "Way to go, mate. It does work, though most guys here don't go through that, until they've been through several mix-ups. Even then, it's only a few. Others take the lessons as she teaches them, but don't go full-time until they've got a big chunk of it under their belts. Well, there are exceptions." He smiled, and looked over his shoulder as if someone else were in his room.

"Is your partner in there with you, Andy?"

"Yes, Stacy's right here." He paused then, and gave me a look, then continued "Study partners don't have secrets, Dan. Stacy knows about my visit over there." He paused again. "I'll be willing to guess that your study partner, Renee is right there, too." At my nod, "Hi, Renee."

"Hi, Andy."

"Well, enough of this chit chat. Let me guess, tomorrow's your first day full-time." I nodded again. He's really good at guessing this stuff. I hope I am when I get older. "What's the problem?"

"I'm trying to figure out if I need to wear pantyhose, I mean tights, or not."

"Why not just wear some socks?"

"They won't go with the shoes."

"Why not pick some shoes they will go with?"

I hesitated a minute, "Kelly gave me the pair I'm supposed to wear."

"Back up a minute, mate. You're kidding me now, right?"

"No, let me go get them, and I'll show you. Then maybe you can answer better." I turned to go, and found Renee standing there with the box. "Oh, thanks, Renee." Turning back to Andy, I pulled one of the shoes out of the box, and held it up so he'd be able to see it."

"I can see why you said socks wouldn't work, and you're right there." He shook his head.

"What's wrong, Andy?"

"Nothing, Dan. It's just that I'm surprised, that's all. I don't know of any guys that got to wear heels like that until they'd finished Kelly's class. I mean I was wearing the shoes in my closet, just like the ones you have, for a few months before she let me wear anything more. Well, enough of that. The answer to your question, for tomorrow anyway, is look at your legs. If you don't have any hair you can see from a few feet away, then you can go either way. If you do, you'll probably have to wear some darker tights to hide it until you can arrange to get rid of it." He paused again looking at me closely. "You're not shaving yet, are you?"

I sighed at that. "No, there's nothing to shave."

He laughed, "For what you're doing, that's actually a good thing. If you have a choice with your legs, try the shoes barefoot and see how it feels. If it's okay, you're probably fine. Unless you spend a lot of time outside tomorrow, you're not going to overheat with the tights, and most folks don't have too much problem with the interior temperatures, bare either."

"Thanks, Andy."

"Anything else, mate?"

"No, you're a lifesaver, Andy."

"Any time; good luck tomorrow. I'll probably make sure I bump into you to encourage you. What should I call you?"

I looked at him blankly for a minute, and then remembered. "Oh, Sophia."

"Nice name. See you tomorrow."

"Bye, and thanks, Andy."

With that, we both signed off. I thought about his comment that Stacy knew about his visit and how he and so many others had kept saying study with partners even when I'd just said partner. What's the difference? It's almost as if they really mean more, but don't want to admit it to new kids. Something else to keep my ears open for, I guess.

"Dan?"

I turned to Renee, and put the box and shoes down. "What's up?"

"Would you like me to dress up like a boy to keep you company?" came out in a rush. I knew she had been uncomfortable today in her class with Mr. Green.

"Thanks for offering, Renee. But, just being around to call me Sophia will be a lot of support, and to be there to talk to if I get buggy or anything. I think, knowing you're there, and accept what I'm trying to do will be so much more help."

I could see her relax at that, and knew I'd said the right thing in turning down her offer. I wonder how much it had taken to make the offer... "Okay, Dan. I'll be there."

We studied a bit more that evening, and before heading for bed, she gave me a quick hug.

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Author's Note: I want to thank Karen for allowing me the pleasure of continuing this story and I hope you all get as much pleasure out of reading it as I've had writing it. I also want to thank the individuals that proofed and commented on the story as it developed and moved toward what you see posted here (Karen, Penny, Gabi and Holly). Their comments and criticisms helped immesurably! Any problems remaining are mine and not that of any of these remarkable ladies.

Comments are greatly appreciated!