Byline chapter 3

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Copyright © 2021 Peregrine
All rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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I woke up after my surgery. I was surprised I didn’t feel as groggy as I thought I would. I mean, right as I woke up I was a bit foggy but the fog burned off quickly. I saw a nurse checking a monitor. I was on a stretcher lying on my back. I started to move and the nurse told me to lie still and she would get the doctor. My chest felt heavy. I remembered why I was here. My hands came up and felt my chest. Where once my chest was flat, I now felt two soft lumps. It felt like there was a lot there. What size did my sister give me? What the hell was I thinking? I didn’t need to agree to get implants. I put my hands back by my side just as Doctor Gail Greer and my sister walked in.

“Welcome back Casey,” said Dr. Greer.

“Hey sis,” Abbey teased.

“How do you feel?” asked the doctor.

“Okay, I guess. I’m sore.”

"That sounds about right," she said. The doctor examined her work. “Casey, this is some of my best work. Let get you sitting up.”

The nurse and Abbey helped me to sit up. I felt a tugging on my chest and groaned at the twinge of pain.”

“You’ll get used to the feeling. The pain will go away in a few days. For now, you need to wear this.” She handed me a bra meant to give support after implant surgery. “You’ll be wearing this or something like it for a bit.”

“Here, let me help, sis,” Abbey said.

I put my arms through the straps while Abbey gently guided my new breasts into the cups and fastened the back. I was wearing a bra now. I’d be wearing a bra for the year. I began to think this was a mistake.

“Looking good, sis,” she said. "You're going to have to learn to do this yourself." I groaned.

“Thanks, Gail. I owe you,” said Abbey.

“Make sure I see this article,” said Dr. Greer. “The nurse will take care of the remaining paperwork. I’ll get back to my patients. It was nice meeting you Casey. Follow the instructions. Abbey, don’t be a stranger.”

“I won’t Gail. Thanks again.”

The nurse handed me some papers.

“Here are your aftercare instructions. You have an appointment, back here, in 2 weeks. You can leave after you get dressed.”

I thanked the nurse.

“Come on, sis. Let’s get you dressed.”

Abbey helped me to my locker and unlocked it.

“I didn’t think your shirt would fit you after the surgery so I went out and got you this.”

Abbey pulled out a woman’s yellow polo shirt.

“Really, a woman’s shirt?”

“You’re going to need it. Might as well start now.”

I put the shirt on and fumbled with the buttons which caused Abby to giggle at me. I was going to have to relearn how to button shirts.

She handed me my jeans and a pair of woman’s sneakers with pink laces. I shook my head and put them on. I sat there in my outfit until I felt I could stand. I started to get up.

“Sit down sis. You’re not ready yet.”

“What do you mean? I’m dressed.”

“You have to put on your makeup.” She stood there and held up a lipstick tube next to her face. She twisted the end and exposed the light pink lipstick while making a kissing motion.

“Really? Can’t this wait till tomorrow?”

“Get used to it. You won’t be going out without some makeup for the next year. Now hold still.”

Abbey didn’t stop with just the lipstick. Before we left, she added some mascara and a little eye shadow. I went to the restroom before we left. I saw myself in the mirror and did a double-take. I stared at myself and watched as the reflection made every move I did. I looked so much like Abbey. I finished up and joined my sister. A short cab ride later, we were in my new apartment. I plopped down on the couch.

“You want to get something to eat,” Abbey said.

“Yes. I’m starving. How about we order in?”

“Not tonight, sis. You’re going out to show off your new assets.”

“What assets?”

She laughed. "Your boobs of course," she said.

“Haven’t I been through enough today? Now you want me to show these off?" I put my hands under my new breasts. "How big did you make me?” I asked.

“You said you wanted to emulate me, so you’re a 36 C. With the swelling right now, you’re probably a 36 D. I did what you wanted. You're the same size as me. Is that café still open a couple of blocks away?”

“The one with the good burgers? Yeah. A burger and fries sounds good right now.” I forced myself up from the couch.

“I want you to change first. Get out of those guy jeans. They spoil your look.”

“I have a look?” I said. Abbey nodded. "Okay, The magazine did provide clothes.”

I went to my room and opened dresser drawers until I found the one holding the jeans. I took off my old jeans. I looked at my legs as I sat on the bed. There wasn't much hair there but I needed to shave my legs tomorrow. I struggled to put on the new jeans. The magazine must have gotten the wrong size. I finally got them on. I hoped they would stretch out as I wore them. I walked out to the living room carrying my wallet and keys.

“Wow, they fit you great! And they look good on you. I might borrow them.”

“Fit me? They’re so damn tight I can hardly move. I think they’re the wrong size.”

“They’re fine. Woman’s clothes are tight. You want to show off that figure.”

“I have a figure?” I said.

Abbey came over and started walking around me.

“You definitely have a figure. I never noticed before you had breasts. I’m almost jealous.”

“Where the hell am I suppose to put my wallet and keys? I can’t get them in these pockets.”

“In your bag,” she said.

“My bag?”

“Your handbag. Women use them to hold their wallet, keys, makeup, and stuff.”

“I know what a handbag is,” I said.

“Did they provide you with one?”

“I don’t know. I guess. There should be something here.”

We searched and in the bedroom closet, we found a selection of different handbags and clutches.

“Wow! I am jealous. These are nice.”

“If you say so,” I said.

“What am I going to do with you?” Abbey perused the closet, reached in, and pulled out a tan cross-body bag. “Put your wallet and keys in here.” She saw my wallet as I did as she told me, “We’ll have to get you a new wallet. One to match your new look.” I glared at her.

She then handed me the makeup she used at the surgical center. I looked at her. "Why..."

“You’re going to have to freshen your lipstick after dinner. Especially the way you eat. I doubt you’re going to be able to keep your lipstick off your burger.”

“Lipstick on my burger? How do I keep lipstick off my food?”

She laughed. “We’ll have to find you a video on eating with lipstick.”

“There’s a special way to eat when wearing lipstick?”

Abbey laughed as we left for dinner. Now I was sure I had made a mistake.

~~0~~

Walking to the burger place was an experience. I could feel the extra weight on my chest. I could feel the bouncing of my new additions with each step I took. With each bounce came some pain. The support bra helped a lot. I folded my arms up to my chest in an attempt to stabilize my new boobs even more. Abbey noticed.

“You okay?” Abbey said.

“Yeah. I’m a little sore. I know what you meant when you said I needed something to remind me of what I’ve gotten myself into. With these, I’m not likely to forget.”

“Wait until you run with those boobs." I rolled my eyes at her. I couldn't imagine running right now. "We’ll get you a good sports bra.” I saw her smile.

As we walked, I was sure everyone would know I was a guy with breasts. However, I found no one was paying me any attention. In fact, people seemed to be paying less attention to me now than when I was dressed as a guy. Well, except for a group of guys we passed.

We were seated a table at the burger place. The waiter came right over.

“Can I get you ladies something to drink?”

“I’ll have water with a slice of lemon,” Abbey said.

“A chocolate milkshake, please,” I said. “And a water.” I noticed he was checking us out.

We looked at our menus while our waiter went to get our drinks. He returned, setting our drinks down.

“Ready to order or do you need more time?”

We both ordered burgers and fries. As the waiter was taking our order, I noticed he was looking at me. It was not the kind of look I usually get. He was checking me out. I was sure he was looking at my chest. He collected our menus while continuing to look at me. He smiled at us as he left. I immediately buttoned another button on my polo shirt. Abbey noticed and smiled. When the waiter was out of earshot, I turned to my sister.

“Did you see him looking at me?”

“He was looking at both of us, sis.”

“But you didn’t try to cover up.”

“Cover-up? What for? He can dream and I’ll let him. No harm done. Look, with those boobs, the guys are going to be paying a lot of attention to you.”

“I hope the swelling goes down soon,” I said. “Then I’ll look more like you.”

She laughed. “Like that’ll change anything. Get used to it sis. You’ve got a year to go.”

I looked at my beautiful sister sitting across from me. She was dressed similar to me in jeans and a top that discreetly showed just enough of the top of her breasts. I took a sip of my water. I realized she was right. Did I make the right decision in taking this assignment?

~~0~~

After we paid the check, we were almost to the door when we heard someone calling out. We turned to see our waiter carrying my bag.

“I’m glad I caught you. You left this at the table.”

He handed me my bag. I felt myself blush.

“Thank you so much. I can’t believe I left it there.”

“It happens more than you think. Have a nice night.”

He went back to take care of his tables. I checked my bag to be sure my wallet was still there and realized the waiter had also given me one of the restaurant’s business cards. He had written his number on the back and the words call me. I stared at it outside the café. Abbey turned to me and saw the card.

“Oh my gosh, your blushing!” she said.

“No I’m not!”

“Yes you are.”

“It’s the light from the exit sign.” It was a flimsy excuse.

“Sure it is. I bet he thinks you left it on purpose.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Flirting sis. You left it there. He took the opportunity to write down his number and he brought it to you. Definitely flirting,” she teased.

Open-mouthed, I turned and began walking to the apartment. “I was not flirting.” I put the card in my bag.

“Now you’re pouting! Hey, wait up!” She caught up to me and started giving me instructions.

“You’re going to be carrying a bag for a year. It’s going to have everything you need in it, all your important stuff. The waiter found it and caught us before we left. You might not get so lucky next time. Think of it as a backpack for now until you get used to the idea of carrying a purse.”

I endured some more harmless teasing. By the time we got to my apartment, we were both laughing about the incident.

I dropped my bag on the table next to the door as we entered. Abbey hung her bag on the coat rack next to the table. I was beat.

“Let’s get you cleaned up and ready for bed. I want to check your incisions.”

“Cleaned up? What do I have to clean up?”

“Makeup sis. You have to take off your makeup before bed. Then use moisturizer on your face.”

“I do?” Damn. Another thing to get used to.

“Yes, you do. So do I. Now into the bathroom with you.”

Abby helped me take off my top and bra. She checked and cleaned the incisions then helped me put the bra back on.

Next, Abbey instructed me on removing my makeup, washing my face, and using moisturizer. When we were done, we went to my room.

“Let’s see what night clothes they provided for you.”

She looked through my drawer and pulled out a pale blue nightie with matching panties.

“This is cute.” She continued looking and found a similar nightie in pink. She handed me the pink nightie.

“Put this on and get ready for bed.”

“I’d rather wear the blue.”

“Not tonight, I’m wearing the blue one. I’m staying the night.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know I don’t. It’s late so I’d rather stay here tonight. This way I can check your incisions in the morning, help you get washed and dressed and help you with your makeup. You’re going to try doing it yourself tomorrow. Night sis”

She hugged me, avoiding my chest, and left me in my room. I changed into the nightie she had given me. As I sat on the bed, I realized this had been my first day, well half-day, as a woman. I already hated it. The implants, makeup, clothing, learning to eat, all seemed too much. The more I thought about it, it seemed this was good for the article. I can contrast today with living as a man. I decided to start writing. I got my computer, booted it up, and began to write about the events of the day.

I wrote for about an hour. It was more of an outline. I’d flesh it out later. When I finished, I heard a noise in the living room and smelled the scent of popcorn in the air. I walked out and found Abbey sitting on the couch, wearing the blue nightie, watching a movie, and eating popcorn. She heard me close my door and looked over. I walked over to join her.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you. I couldn’t sleep. Did you know you have a ton of premium channels on your cable?”

I sat down next to her. She put the bag of popcorn between us. I enjoyed the moment. The two of us, in our nighties watching a movie. At a pause in the show, Abbey turned to me.

“Oh, I thought of something else you need. After breakfast tomorrow, I know exactly where I’m taking you.”

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Cover picture Credits
Photo by Daria Sannikova from Pexels
Photo by Valeriia Miller from Pexels
Photo Composite by Peregrine

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Thanks for reading.
Comments welcome.