The next day I got home before anyone else. As usual I dropped my bag in the hall and took my shoes off. I walked into the dining room and couldn’t help but notice the make up that Suzie had used last night was on the table. I stood for. A moment in silence wondering if it had been left there to taunt me following my debut as a make up model, or just a coincidence.

I was curious, not sure why but I picked up the lipstick that had been used. ‘Pretty in pink’. Something compelled me to look at it. I took the lid off and slowly twisted the coloured stick up. I was just twisting it back as the back door flew open and in walked mum and Sophie,

‘Well, what do we have here?’ Said Sophie.

‘Looks like someone is taking an interest in your wedding make up Sophie’ mum chuckled ‘it’s a lovely colour, I’m sure it would suit you, do you want to try it on sweetheart?’

‘No it’s ok, um, thanks’ is all I could manage.

Sophie winked. I put the lid back on, put it back on the table, made my excuses and left [quickly] feeling a little embarrassed.

The next morning I stayed in bed until mum had left for work. Annie was out at a friends so just Sophie at home, and me.

After a quick wash, walking past Sophie’s room
I heard her quietly sobbing so I knocked on the door and went in. She was upset as she had arranged to meet Suzie for an evening make up rehearsal, but Suzie had let her down and she was getting more anxious about being ready for the day. I was puzzled that the evening make up was that much different from the day make up but she explained that Suzie was there for the day, and she would be doing it for the evening. She wanted to practice so everything would be perfect. I apologised I couldn’t help and started to leave when she dried her eyes and said ‘actually, you can!’

‘Oh, you don’t mean!?’ I replied.

‘Yes, it’s ok it won’t take as long as it did the other night and i promise it will help me feel better.’

‘Ok, but in half an hour I’m taking it off, no pictures and we never talk of it again’

‘Ok’ then a wink.

She sat me at her dressing table and started.

I’m not sure how I again found myself in this predicament but Sophie seemed to really cheer up at the prospect of being able to practice, so I thought maybe it was the right thing to do.

She started with a light dusting of foundation ‘just to even things up’ she said, then straight into the colour on my eyes. I must’ve been shivering a little but she didn’t stop as she moved between my eyes first applying the same pinks and blues as the first time but she said in the evening the look needed to be more dramatic and glamorous so she added a darker blue and was happy when she thought they were smokey ‘enough’..

‘Ahh, you’re shivering, she said to break the silence.

‘Yeah, I’m a bit cold just sitting here in my underwear!’ I said sarcastically ‘can I go and grab a TShirt?’

‘It’s ok I have just the thing’ she replied and picked up a black garment.

She slid it over my head while my arms were held upright as instructed, careful not to mess up my foundation and smokey eyes, she said. It was very soft, it was thick shiny material and very stretchy but it didn’t cling to my body and was over me so fast I couldn’t work out what it was. Some thick straps seemed to hang down in front of me and it kind of bunched up at my waist but no time to complain as we were on to finishing my makeover with final touches to my eyes and then on to my lips.

I was pleased that it didn’t take nearly as long to complete my [my!?] make up as the first time. Black mascara was added, but with a promise that it wasn’t the same long lasting one Suzie used. Sophie did apply a thicker line of eyeliner that seemed to go further out of the corner of my eye that she said was the best way to wear it for full effect in the evening.

‘Ok, now your favourite part’ she said smiling.

‘Huh?’ I replied, then I could see what she meant.

She lined my lips with a dark red outline, no lip plumping this time but the colour was darker and bolder, more definite that the pinks from before. ‘Ok’ she started to explain ‘ we want a long lasting movie star smile for you, really glamorous for the evening’
She chose a lipstick from her selection that was called ‘Ruby Movie Star’. She kept eye contact as she took the lid off the red and black tube and twisted the dark red perfumed stick up. Applying it first to my bottom lip, then the top, she asked me to smooth my lips together and open my mouth slightly for a second coat. She made me blot it onto a tissue then a final touch up before she stood back and confirmed i was ‘ready, except a couple of finishing touches’

She asked me to stand up, I complied. Then with what seemed like one sweeping motion she pulled the bottom of the black silky material, that she had slipped on me earlier, until is settled about mid thigh, stepped behind me pulling up the two thick straps that were hanging down in front of me then crossed them behind my neck and then tied them. It was only in that moment I realised I had been wearing a little black dress while she worked on my face.

‘Hey!’ I said, but almost resigned to the fact I now had to let her have her fun.

‘It’s ok’ she said ‘it’s a ruffle hem halter neck mini dress [a little black dress] and it fits you perfectly, although you could do with a bit more chest but it’s ok for now. Let’s finish your face and you’ll be all set [set for what?]

She dusted my cheeks with a rose blusher, for a bit of colour she said would help me stay looking slightly ‘flushed’, added a silver hair band to hold back my hair then pulled a few strands forward to soften the look and make it look a bit more ‘feminine’ [her words] and then added a delicate silver necklace with a heart charm on it to my exposed neck, and slipped a matching charm bracelet on to my wrist.

‘All Done’ she stood back to admire her work ‘now I’m starving, shall we go downstairs for some lunch?’

‘No way’. I said ‘not until I take all this off!’

‘Oh we can’t stay up here all day silly! And, Well’ a devilish grin spread over her face ‘until mum gets home we don’t have any make up remover, and it’s not going to come off without it’.

I was trapped. Then she took a photo!

‘Sophie! What the hell….’

‘Oh don’t be such a worrier, it’s just a photo. I tell you what, I’ll get all dolled up too and then we’ll both look like we’re ready for a night out while we have lunch waiting for mum and the make up remover. We can come back upstairs before mum gets home and change you back, if you want to’ a wink ‘it’ll be fun and you have cheered me up today’

‘Ok’ feeling like I didn’t really have a choice ‘I’ll come downstairs with you, but only for a short time’.

She sat at her dressing table for what seemed like ages. She dusted her eyes with a dark grey for a Smokey finish, heavy eyeliner and mascara like mine [mine!?], blusher dusted on to her cheeks and the same deep red lipstick. She changed into a long satin dress with a similar neckline as the one I was wearing but hers was longer with a split up one side, all the way to the top of her thigh. She looked amazing.

While she was getting ready she also suggested I slip on some tights to keep me from getting too cold. I did as she asked but it turned out the bundle of material she gave me were hold up stockings, not tights.

‘Ready?’ She said

‘As I’ll ever be’ I replied.

Before we left the room my phone rang, it was Katie, on a FaceTime call! ‘I can’t answer this’ I said ‘what would she say if she saw her boyfriend all dolled up ready for a girls night out’ [yes I really did say that!]. Sophie snatched the phone out my hands and answered.

‘Hi, Sophie. Wow you’re looking gorgeous today, what’s the occasion?’ Said the voice on the phone.

‘Oh, just playing dress up’ Sophie replied as she winked at me.

‘Is he there’ Katie said.

‘Hang on, I’ll see’ Sophie replied.

Sophie turned to me ‘oh what a predicament’ she said ‘you have two choices…1: I hand you the phone and she sees you looking all gorgeous and glamorous or 2: I make an excuse for you!?’

‘Ok, make an excuse’ I replied with very little choice.

‘Ahh, sorry Katie’ she said uncovering the phone ‘he’s not feeling very well and can’t come to the phone right now’ and hung up. Great I thought, I’ll have some explaining to do later!

‘You owe me for that! Come on then’ Sophie said ‘downstairs’

So I followed. With every step I was aware of my webbed stockinged feet, the cool material of the skirt brushing against the occasional bare skin of my thigh, above the stockings. When I blinked I was aware of my powdered, heavily outlined, Smokey eyes but the main reminder of my current situation was the taste of my lips and each time I spoke they were very slightly tacky which I am sure I would get used to with time but for now a completely new sensation.

Sophie fixed us some lunch and made me a rum and Coke to calm my nerves. I felt very exposed but now downstairs Sophie reassured me and played the big sister of looking after me. We chatted about the wedding plans, we Watched some tv, Sophie made me fix my lipstick at one point as she said it had worn away a little with the food and drink, then a second rum and coke and I had almost forgotten about what I was wearing when we heard the key in the front door! ‘Shit’ I yelled out.

‘Shh, I’ll help you’ said Sophie [help me!?]

The lounge was next to the hall that led straight upstairs. Annie had come home and Sophie popped her head out the door without fully opening it. They spoke for a brief moment and Annie trotted straight upstairs.

‘There’ sophie said ‘she went straight up to her room. She said I looked lovely and I am sure if she saw you she would say the same!’

‘But she’s not going to see me!’ I replied ‘I need to get upstairs and take this all off!’

‘We need to wait for the make up remover little sis’ she smiled at me, clearly enjoying it.

We waited a while, more TV and me getting more and more anxious with Sophie clearly enjoying it.

Then the doorbell rang. It was mum with too many shopping bags preventing her from using her key.

‘Ok’ said Sophie ‘I’ll help you again, this will be the third time and you’ll owe me three times now!’ she whispered with a big grin ‘I’ll open the door to mum, take her straight into the kitchen, you sneak upstairs and I’ll meet you in my room, ok?’

I didn’t really have any choice ‘ok!’

The Door bell ring again. Sophie let mum in and they talked about her dress and make up. Mum gushed at how lovely she looked and they went to the kitchen. I sneaked out of the room. I ran upstairs hoping I wouldn’t see Annie and straight into Sophie’s room. Now there it felt like ages and I got bored, quickly. The make up was all over the dressing table and again I felt compelled to have a better look. No idea why, was I starting to enjoy the attention? The lipstick was on the table in front of me and Sophie walked in just as I opened the tube.

‘Want some more’ she chucked at me.

‘No’ [well what else could I say!] ‘not today, I think I’ve had enough!’

‘Ok’ she said ‘I’ll let you get changed as long as you agree now that you owe me three times. In return I won’t share the photos and the video I took of you fixing your own lipstick earlier while we were downstairs, and pulling on your stockings earlier, will stay our secret!’

‘Oh my god, what!’ I knew I was heading for more embarrassment ‘ok, ok I owe you three times! Now please, give me the remover’

Before she gave me the make up remover I had to write out three owing slips. They said ‘I Owe you! I promise to do as you ask, when you ask, to help you with your wedding planning on production of this owing slip’ I signed and dated them as instructed and handed them to her.

Finally satisfied she gave it to me. ‘Here’ she said handing me the tube of liquid ‘go for it’

I took it from her and went to the bathroom. It took a while but I managed to clear all traces of make up from my face. I couldn’t untie the neck of the dress (I suspect she tied it so tight so I couldn’t) so had to ask for Sophie’s help which she seemed to find very amusing, her bare faced brother standing in front of her, asking for her help, wearing a little black dress!

Dress off I returned to my usual TShirt and jeans. I handed back the dress, stockings and hairband to Sophie just in time for dinner.

Not much was said at dinner but at one point mum did ask me about my necklace that I had forgotten to take off. I just said it was Katie’s she left behind the other day but Sophie and I knew why I was wearing it. Sophie grinned at me a few times during dinner.

I went to bed early, relieved the day was over. I text Katie a few times but she didn’t reply. Just as I was drifting off to sleep a feint knock at the door was Sophie.

‘Goodnight sweetie’ she whispered ‘thanks for today, I had fun. I have left a few things for you in your top drawer and wardrobe, you can keep them. See you tomorrow’ and blew me a kiss.

I didn’t reply and waited a few minutes before looking for the ‘things’ she mentioned. It seemed I now owned that little black dress, some accessories and even a few bits of make up including the lipstick. There was even a set of purple satin and lace underwear (panties, bra and what looked like just a pile of straps I would later learn were suspenders for the stockings) in the pile of gifts that Sophie had put in my room there was a note that simply said ‘for next time x’.

I thought about returning the dress and everything else straight away but decided it might cause a commotion and didn’t want mum or Annie hearing and getting involved so I decided it would be best just to leave it for another time.

To be continued….

Katie was not happy. Ever since Sophie hung up on her after telling her I wasn’t well and couldn’t come to the phone [but really it was because I was dressed in a little black dress and full make up] she had an underlying suspicion she was being lied to. One thing led to another and a few crossed words and things got difficult but she was one of Sophie’s bridesmaids [to be] and so part of the arrangements and in the end we were seeing each other mainly for that reason.

On Saturday mum had asked Katie for dinner and we we’re all going to spend the evening together. We had a good meal and were a couple of drinks into a film when the girls decided it was rubbish and Sophie turned it off.

‘‘Hey, why don’t we sort each others nails out?’ She said. The room erupted in positive response with the exception of me. Ugh, really!
Sophie called me to one side and produced one of the ‘i owe you’ slips. ‘Tonight’ she said ‘if you get involved, have fun and enjoy yourself, I might give you one of these back. and that will be one less you owe me!’ A smile and a wink.

So I sat quietly as mum and Annie gathered everything they would need. Katie was first. They tidied up her nails with files and special treatments and while they were drying ready for the nail polish Sophie, then Annie, did the same. Katie looked over at me. ‘How about it?’ She said ‘shall we give you a quick manicure too?’ She smiled wanting me to feel Involved.

‘A quick manicure’ Sophie exclaimed ‘the full works i’d say’ she chuckled, and everyone followed in laughter.

‘Ok, sit still, this won’t hurt’ Katie got to work. Filing, rubbing and tidying until my nails looked better than I think they ever had. I had another drink and drifted off to sleep while Sophie painted Katie’s nails.

I woke up to mum and the three girls looking at me with great big smiles on their faces. Immediately I looked down and my nails were longer and painted a pink colour similar to the ‘pretty in pink’ lipstick I was familiar with from only a few days before. Very feminine and perfect, they matched Katie’s and Annie’s.

‘Ahh, you’re nails look lovely’ said ‘Mum’

‘But we couldn’t reach them all while you were sleeping so we need to finish them’ said Sophie.

My thumbs and little fingers on each hand were still bare so the girls had me reposition my hands while they got to work ‘have fun’ said Sophie with a wink.

They slightly extended each of my nails, filed and shaped them so they blended in then started to coat them with the pink liquid. They were really careful and when satisfied the nails were properly coated, and after about 10 minutes wait, a final glossy top coat was applied. I was instructed to sit still for another 20 minutes to avoid spoiling their hard work and getting nail polish on the sofa.

While this was all going on Katie and Annie were messing about with the make up Suzie had left. Neither were as made up as I was the other night, but they played about with the eye shadows and lipstick.

‘Pretty in pink’ lipstick’ mum said ‘someone’s favourite colour’ smiling at me.

She then delighted in telling everyone how she and Sophie had found me admiring the colour the other day and Katie made a joke about maybe I’d like to try it. I laughed it off and nothing more was said…I relaxed. I just had to get my nails cleaned off and I might just get away with it for tonight.

‘I know’ said Sophie ‘let’s turn this into a slumber party! A few drinks, some snacks and sweets and we can tell stories and maybe play a few games’

‘Great idea’ said Annie ‘let’s change into our pajamas first’

They busied around. I simply said ‘I don’t really have pyjama's [hoping to get out of it], I might turn in’ when Sophie replied ‘oh no, you can’t miss out on the fun. We can fix you up’ Gulp! Now what!

Sophie came back wearing a satin nightie, red with black lace that clung to her slim body and she wore a very thin gown over the top that matched. Katie had pyjama bottoms with a tight crop top. Annie wore what she called her ‘favourite babydoll nightie’ light blue and very pretty. Mum just changed into her usual pyjamas and then it was my turn. They fetched a pair of shorts and TShirt for me, phew! They were a bit small and made of slightly silky sheer material but still not too feminine. They were real stretchy so no problem slipping them on. Then they handed me a white satin robe, I slipped the robe on and they were all delighted. It was only then I realised the word ‘Barbie’ written on the back of the robe and a pair of bright pink lips on the front pocket [great!]. Katie said I looked cute and I tried to play along.

‘Ok, let’s play Truth or Dare’ Annie’s idea to really getting into the spirit of it. So we sat in a circle and with an old pointer from a board game to select whose turn it was. One spin to pick who would give the Truth or Dare then a second time to select the ‘victim’

We spun the pointer….it landed on me. Then again. It landed on Annie! ‘Ok, I said while thinking what could I put up with if the tables were turned ‘drink a raw egg’

‘Yuk’ said Sophie and Annie pulled a face but fair enough she cracked an egg into a glass and downed it. We spun again.

Sophie got selected as the darer and Katie for the Truth or Dare. ‘Truth’ she said.

‘Ok, tell us your most embarrassing secret’

Katie proceeded to tell us about an incident that happened a few years ago. She went a bit red telling it but laughed at how silly it all was then we moved on.

Sophie’s turn, she chose ‘dare’ and mum had to think of one. It kind of came out of nowhere and I think it’s because mum thought it would be a good giggle. ‘You’ she said ‘must dress up in the bad taste outfit Annie wore last Halloween’. ‘Oh no!’ Sophie exclaimed. Annie fetched the items. It was a horrendous collection of heavy thick materials, long skirt with a horrible coloured jumper. She had to back comb her hair all frizzy and to match the photo on the fancy dress outfits packet Sophie had to slap on a think layer of brightly coloured make up. She hated it as she was a very pretty girl who liked to be well turned out. Everyone laughed, including me…Sophie glared at me and I started to worry about my turn. I couldn’t choose truth as Sophie might expose the last few days of make up and dressing and share the photos. But a dare might be worse!?

Mum was next and chose ‘truth’ Annie asked her about her first love and she told us about a bit of a fling she had when she was 16. Nothing too shocking but lovely to hear her being so open and honest.

The pointer was spun again, My turn! [gulp] I chose ‘dare!’ Sophie mouthed ‘lucky escape!’ at me, suggesting if I had chosen truth she would’ve asked me something like ‘have you ever worn a dress’ or ‘tell us about the time you wore make up’ but I didn’t give her a chance.

The pointer landed between Annie and Sophie, to choose who would dare me. To my surprise Sophie suggested Annie do it.

She thought for a while, looked at Sophie and then a wry smile transformed into a huge grin. ‘I dare you, little bro, to dress up in the Halloween outfit that Sophie wore last year!’

‘Oh shit!’ I said out loud….mum told me to stop swearing, Katie asked me why I was so worried and that it was just innocent fun. I couldn’t remember if last Halloween Sophie had dressed as a ghost, a nurse, a French maid or Harlequin from the Joker film….but I knew she had at some stage dressed as all of them and this was not going to go well for me unless it was the ghost. I also knew if I didn’t do it I would either be exposed for the previous days make up and dressing and I would still owe her or worse it would all come out about the make up, dress, lying to Katie and so on.

‘Ok, hit me with it’ I said reluctantly, ‘I think you were a ghost last year, what do I need to dress in?

‘Ha, Ha, I’ll show you my sweet little sis, she wasn’t a ghost!’ said Annie ‘but first a clue’

‘….SHE, is beautiful, she will cause havoc and she is a bit crazy. She wears lovely bright outfits and she’s very sexy’ and Sophie ran off. When she came back she was holding a bag and a few items for my transformation to begin. Sophie whispered in my ear ‘now is a good time to try out those purple undies!’ Out loud she said ‘here, in this bag are a mini dress that is satin with a tight bodice, layered mini skirt and thick satin stockings, with diamond patterns. Put it all on, and come back as we have to fix your hair and make up to really set this costume off. Great dare Annie!’

Katie smiled ‘aww, my own little harlequin!’ Can’t wait to see you all dolled up’ A big grin.

Mum just chuckled ‘sorry’ she said ‘it feels like I set the scene for this’

‘Yeah, thanks mum’ I said sarcastically.

I took the bag and skulked off to the downstairs bathroom to change. I took off the satin barbie robe, tight shorts and TShirt that I had been wearing and looked in the bag. Gulp! The purple underwear were in there, the bra and knickers and a dress that was satin, laced up at the back with little puff lace sleeves. It was white with red and blue patterns on it. There were some very small shorts (hot pants) to wear under the skirt of the mini dress these were blue and red two tone. A pair of stockings, shiny and kind of short, just above the knee. Straps from the hot pants dangled down. Wow. This was a very feminine outfit.

A knock at the door. It was Sophie. ‘Hey, do I need to help you with your bra and stockings’ she said ‘no what I mean is I do need to help you with your bra and stockings’

‘What?’ I yelled back.

‘Don’t make me share that video of you putting on that pretty lipstick’ she said.

So, I pulled off my underpants, slipped on the purple satin knickers and opened the door. ‘Ooh, lovely!’ She said.

The bra was strapped around me, the dress was slipped over my head and the straps at the back pulled really tight pulling in the midrift that gave me a slimmer shape. Hot pants on, stockings on then the straps from the hot pants attached to the stockings. I could feel everything pull tight as I walked. Sophie went to the under-stairs cupboard and came back with white 4 inch heeled platform sandles. ‘He he’ this will finish you off’ she said as she helped me put them on and then pulled me into the lounge where Annie and Katie were waiting.

‘Oh, wow’ said Annie…that costume looks awesome on you!’

‘Pretty’ said Katie…’now let’s finish you off’

What is it with people wanting to finish me off!

They set to work. It didn’t take very long. I just stood still praying it was a dream and I would wake up just in bed but no, it was reall. When they had finished I was led to the full length hall mirror. What I saw left me gobsmacked!

Balanced on four inch platform heels my shiny stockinged legs were strapped to tight hot pants peeping below a mini dress that was pulled tight around my waist with lace and frills but that was the least feminine part of me. My face was unbelievable. Bright red, slightly smudged lips, pale face with smudged black eyeliner, bright blue shadow and a few little red hearts on my upper cheeks, a red wig tied in side bunches and little drop earrings clipped to my ear lobes. I was , again, the girliest looking person in the house (as I had been that day Sophie dressed me up in her little black mini dress).

Come on, enough admiring yourself. Time for more games!

Mum went to bed. The girls just seemed to enjoy tormenting me more and more, their little brother and Katie’s boyfriend, with more dares. By the end of the night my pink nails had been transformed and were now bright red and impossibly shiny. My harlequin costume had been swapped for the French maid dress (another Halloween costume). It was black satin with white net underskirt, white apron, black satin sleeves and white lace gloves. I wore sheer black stockings and black 6inch heels. I could hardly walk but that didn’t stop the girls asking me to fetch them drinks and food and in the end they just sat around chatting while I cleared up. My only breaks were to stand still while they adjusted my skirt or stockings and twice (yes, twice) Katie, prompted by Sophie, applied more lipstick and gloss to my already stained lips to keep me looking perfect.

The night, and party, was over a couple of hours after mum left for bed. Katie went home, she said she thought I needed some time to get myself cleaned up and as she had an early start in the morning anyway. She didn’t even kiss me goodnight as she said I was wearing too much make up!?

I sat on the edge of my bed, still all dressed up, a bit dazed and again wondering how I became a thing of torment to my sister when all I was trying to do a few days ago was help her.

Sophie came in ‘aww, are you reluctant to get changed?’ she smiled. ‘You do look adorable today! Here my little maid, here’s one of the ‘I owe you’ slips! You did great. I’ll have to think of something better than this for the next one’ and winked at me.

I just laid down and went to sleep, still dressed.

To be continued…..

I woke up to the sound of mum calling ‘come on, it’s time to go!’

It took me a minute…but I sat up in a start. Mum called out again.

In a moment it all came back, the events of the night before, and how I’d been so tired and defeated going to bed I didn’t stop to change, I just laid down and slept. I was still wearing the black satin maids dress, stockings and heels. I could sense the powders and creams on my face and my nails were still perfectly manicured with a generous spread of red gloss polish on each.

I was desperate to use the toilet and didn’t have time to change. I did make an attempt at removing the shoes, then dress, but the buckles of the shoes were too fiddly to undo quickly and I realised I would need help with the zip of the dress that was done up behind me. So I opened the door.

‘Ahh, there you are sleepy head’ mum greeted me on the landing ‘oh, not what I expected to see but ok, are you going out dressed up and if so we should fix your make up a bit as it’s a little smudged’ she chuckled.

‘No’ I groaned ‘I’ve just woken up, why are you saying we’re going out?’

‘It’s the dress fitttings today’ mum replied ‘and you have a suit to try on.

Ugh really! This wedding is taking over my life (I thought but knew better than to say anything!)

I went into the bathroom and when I looked in the mirror I saw what she meant about the makeup. It hadn’t lasted well overnight although my features were still highlighted with blue and a black outline on my eyes and red lips as before, just a bit smudged. I went to the toilet and mum knocked on the door. ‘We really do need to go, shall I help you clean up?’

‘Yes please!’ I reluctantly responded.

She came in just as I was pulling up my purple satin knickers and straightened the hem of the mini skirt of the dress that only just covered them up. She slightly tilted her head as she looked at me, smiled a sympathetic smile, then sat me down on the side of the bath and proceeded to off my make up. She took a while before exclaiming it was the best she could do. I stumbled into my room, mum following, with Sophie grinning at me from her doorway. Mum unzipped the dress. ‘I can take it from here’ I said not wanting her to see me just in a bra, knickers, stockings and high heels. I was embarrassed enough. Dress off, I changed back into my own underwear, pulled the shoes off and slipped into a pair of shorts and TShirt and went downstairs.

‘What about these nails?’ I asked.

‘They are lovely’ mum replied ‘and no time to clean them off now, they’ll take some work so you’ll have to keep your hands in your pockets or something’ she said ushering me and Sophie out the door and into the car.

The shop wasn’t far away, we could have walked but mum said we didn’t have time so we took the car. All the way Sophie was grinning at me and winking. She was still having fun thinking about the night before and I think the whole distraction of tormenting me was helping her avoid facing her nerves for the wedding.

We arrived. ‘Sarah’s Bridal Boutique’ was a modest shop. Mum parked outside and we went in, me trailing a few feet behind reluctantly going along. The shop was mainly wedding dresses and bridesmaids gowns. It was full of satin and lace billowing from its rails with mannequins dotted around showing a range of styles and colours. The shop was clean, welcoming and had a strong perfumed smell as though everyone visiting had prepared themselves for the event and left a little bit of their excited scent behind. Mum and Sophie were no different. Both were excited this day had arrived and Sophie had dressed up for the occasion and spent a bit longer on her make up ready for the final fit of her dress.

We were welcomed by Sarah, the owner and our assistant for the fitting. She was immaculate, smart and very pretty. Mid 40’s she had Bright blonde hair, a bit like Marilyn Monroe, that framed her well made up face with bright blue eyes, long well cared for lashes, bright red outlined gloss lips. She wore a cream satin blouse and figure hugging skirt that was just above her knees with a slight ruffle to its hem. Patent black high heeled calf length boots finished her look with sheer black stockings and a perfectly straight seam that could just be seen as she walked in front of us to take us to the fitting area.

I was ushered away to a small section of the shop where another employee was waiting for me. Rachel was much younger but no less well turned out, they clearly had a standard they were keeping to ensure their clientele were impressed. She had a white blouse on that was semi sheer, and a black skirt that was more like a mini skirt but equally figure hugging. Her boots were only up to her ankles and between the boots and skirt she wore a pair of fishnet stockings outlining the shape of her legs. Her face was less glamorous than Sarah but no less beautiful. Big bright eyes outlined in blue with pink shadow and bright pink lips, light auburn hair held in two side bunches. I remember her clearly as I was immediately attracted to her. I was in a world overwhelmed in femininity and beauty.

I kept my hands in my pockets or tucked behind my folded arms so my red nails couldn’t be seen but I knew inevitably they would be. I tried not to think about it. Rachel guided me towards the men’s section (a small corner of the shop) while mum and Sophie spoke to the owner about brides dress fitting

My suit was royal blue, I had a soft white dress shirt to put on under the jacket and a pair of black patent shoes. The trousers and sleeves of the suit were left too long, ready to me measured fitted to me. I changed quickly and it felt good. Slightly tighter than I would usually wear. I walked out and Rachel worked quickly pinning the hem of the trousers. When she reached the sleeves, kneeling on the floor in front of me, she paused and looked up. ‘Oh’ she said, ‘what pretty nails’.

‘Yeah, I, um….’

‘Shhh’ she said before I could say too much ‘it’s ok, i understand, no need to explain, I think they look lovely and you shouldn’t hide them. Beautiful’ a grin and slight chuckle and she got back to work. While working she told me how she thought I had such a beautiful complexion she thought I might be wearing make up when she first saw me ‘lovely bright eyes, dark lashes, rosy cheeks and ruby lips, a natural beauty!’ She said. I didn’t reply.

Once the suit trousers and sleeves had been pinned and she was happy there was nothing more to do with it, I returned to the dressing room, took it off and I was back in my shorts and TShirt. Rachel seemed to linger as I left the dressing room and smiled at me as I walked back to Mum and Sophie who were now standing admiring a dress I assumed was Sophie’s.

I sat on a comfy sofa close to where the girls were talking but far enough so I was out the way. Sophie looked troubled and mum was trying to reassure her. She went out to the back and about half hour later she returned with the most beautiful bridal gown on. She looked amazing. She worked her way towards a podium in the shop lifting the skirt of her dress as she went. She was wearing full bridal underwear, stockings and high heels. She stood on top of the podium. Letting the skirt drop, Sophie stood still while Sarah got to work measuring and folding, pulling and straightening the dress to arrive at a point she was satisfied to start pinning it. All the while mum was on the phone. Nodding, then shaking her head.

‘She can’t come!’ She exclaimed ‘Annie is not able to get here for the fitting!’

Sophie went red and started to yell but mum stopped her, ‘it’s ok, Katie is about the same height and I’m sure she won’t mind standing for two adjustments, it will have to do!’

Mums phone rang. All we could hear was ‘yes’ and ‘ok’ and ‘oh, I see!’ And ‘yes of course I’ll be right there’ she then explained she had to go and attend an urgent matter at work and would meet us back at home. Sophie looked at me minding my own business and I guess just accepted we would make our way home together. Sarah dried Sophie’s tears and even touched up her make up, a little powder, blush and lipstick so while she was standing in her new wedding dress waiting for the final adjustments she looked ‘as pretty as can be’ (Sarah’s words!)

Katie text me. We hadn’t really been talking and it was a simple message ‘can’t come to the dress shop! Sorry. Tell Sophie I’m sorry!’

Shit! I thought….so while Sophie was standing still nowhere to go for a while I sidled up to her to let her know Katie couldn’t make it. She had no reaction. The adjustments continued.

Part way through Sophie dismounted the podium and walked, again slightly holding up the billowing dress, over to Sarah and Rachel. They all spoke for a few minutes. Rachel seemed to be saying the most. They all looked over at me and then back facing each other. Sophie smiled. Rachel walked over and sat next to me!

‘We have a problem’ she said, looking straight into my eyes and blinking at me and I was sure she was slightly pouting ‘we have two dresses that need their length adjusted and no bridesmaids’.

‘Ok’ I replied already suspicious but calm as I knew there was no way she may be suggesting what I now know she was suggesting…

‘Katie is 5’ 10”, Annie is 5’ 9 1/2 and you are 5’10”, well, just under’

‘Ok’ I said now more concerned.

‘We just need a length on the dresses and I know you’re ok with being a little girly sometimes, you have the nails for it ‘ a chuckle and side glance back to her boss and my sister ‘will you do me a small favour’ she said ‘would you mind standing still for me for just 20 minutes, twice’ a smile, a pout, a wink and a hand on my hand.

‘We will close the shop, close the curtains, complete privacy. All you have to do is slip on one dress, stand still, then another, stand still a bit longer then you can go home. Sophie said how proud she is of you of how much you’ve been helping and that she could show us the photos but I said no, let’s just get on with it. What do you think?’

Wow, I had very little choice. What the hell could I do. I thought about running but then those photos of me would be on show to at least these two and who knows who else. I could just refuse or try and give her other ideas to do what she wanted but already knew it was a losing argument.

‘Is there no other way’ I asked, she slowly shook her head and told me how the thought of me all dolled up was making her feel hot. She had me. I Gulped! ‘Ok, if the door is locked and no one else will find out. But no photos and let’s make it quick!’

She did a little clap and skipped back to Sophie. I slowly got up and moved towards the girls who were standing waiting for me.

‘Unbelievable’ I muttered. No one heard me.

Sophie leaned towards me and whispered that she would give me back the second ‘I owe you’ slip if I did this ‘properly’. She also pointed at a small bag resting on top of her things. She said it had a few ‘bits and pieces’ I would need. I picked up the small back and Rachel took over with directions.

‘Just pop into the dressing room and take your clothes off, leave them on the stool. Get yourself ready and step into the dress that’s there, please’ another smile and wink ‘when you are ready come out and I’ll zip you up and we can get started. Ok?’

I just walked into the dressing room and took off my shorts and TShirt. In the bag were a pair of pale blue satin panties with lace and a matching strapless bra that was slightly padded. Did Sophie plan this? I slipped on the undies sure it was inevitable.

The cerise pink satin dress was a huge bundle of satin and frills and more like a Disney Princess dress or ball gown that a bridesmaids (I thought). It had a very full skirt that was split slightly to the side, all the way up to my mid thigh. The top of the dress clung to my body with rows of the satin material ruffled across my chest. The satin was cold against my skin, it was kind of tight across my body but loose below my waist. I took a breath and started to walk out of the dressing room where Rachel greeted me to zip it up at the back. As she zipped it up and adjusted the straps, that had been on my shoulders, the whole body felt tighter and held on to me tightly. Rachel then laid the straps horizontally across my shoulders and arms. ‘It’s an off the shoulder’ she said, ‘it’s ok, there is lots to get used to’ and she winked at me. ‘Now for some shoes as we need to make sure you are the right height’. I was instructed to lift ‘my’ skirt and she tried to put a pair of 4 inch heeled white sandals on my feet but couldn’t. She handed what looked like long socks and instructed me to put them in. They were a pair of lace top hold up stockings. She explained that with them on the shoes would slip on to my feet. She was right and I was completely dressed as a bridesmaid. ‘All set’ she said, ‘please walk out there with your sister who is already part way through having her dress pinned’ and pointed towards the main area in the shop.

I peeped out and then slowly walked out revealing my full look to my sister and Sarah, who was still busy making adjustments to the wedding dress, both let out a big chuckle.

‘Oops’ said Sophie ‘that’s the wrong dress!’

‘What?’ I yelled

‘Oh, silly me’ came Rachels voice from behind me ‘I got all muddled in the excitement. I’m so sorry. Let’s get you changed into one of the right dresses’.

As we walked back to the dressing room she told me how beautiful I looked and had I considered modelling. She said they are always looking for models for their shop and she would have a word with Sarah after we leave.

She unzipped me and the dress fell down revealing my full body, silk underwear and stockings. ‘Ok’ she said ‘lovely, let’s find the right dresses’. I stood for what felt like ages before she returned…with two bundles of light blue satin and lace. It was going to be a long afternoon!

To be continued…

….I stood for what felt like ages before she returned with two bundles of light blue satin and lace. It was going to be a long afternoon!

‘Ahh’ she said ‘look at you waiting like a good girl for your dress fitting’ and chuckled

I just pulled a sarcastic smile. I was sure she had tidied her hair and touched up her make up while I was waiting, she looked gorgeous and definitely looked more striking since I first walked into the shop.

The first dress was lowered into an open ring on the floor and I was instructed to step into it.

Rachel stood in front of me, she crouched down to pick up two of the gathered straps of the dress at either side and slowly, while looking me in the eye, pulled the satin up covering me in the light blue satin and slipping the straps over my arms and resting them on my shoulders.

Unexpectedly, and with a glint in her eye, she leant forward and gave me a huge kiss directly on my lips. I could taste her fresh lipstick or gloss but before I could say or do anything she simply said ‘This is fun, now stand still!’ I complied as if under a spell, and she walked round behind me taking the zip at the back that was resting open just below my waist (almost revealing my satin clad bottom) and zipping the dress up slowly. As it gradually tightened around my wait, then my chest, I felt the cold heavy material touch me with increasing pressure until it was fitted. She primped the satin so it sat right and stood back to admire her work.

The dress was beautiful (although I didn’t say anything). The skirt was full, with a light lace underskirt, and long, too long (hence the fitting and pinning that was about the happen). Gathered at the waist the satin was tight up to my chest (breast area) where two thick ruched straps over each shoulder held the dress in place and crossed over at the back. Very simple, no fuss but elegant and beautifully made. I began to imagine this could be what the Disney princesses feel like but continued to keep my thoughts to myself.

She asked if I wanted to wear the matching satin gloves, I declined and she shrugged. She suggested I was ready to stand on the podium for the fitting. Before I walked into the next room I was told to lift the front of the skirt so I didn’t trip on the excessive material.

I slowly walked to the podium in the main room of the shop next to where Sophie stood. Everyone watched me as I walked on to the slightly raised platform, stopped and turned to face the same way as Sophie. ‘Ahh’ she said ‘you look amazing and the dress is beautiful. Love your nail colour against that blue satin’. I should’ve worn the gloves I thought.

The pinning started. Sophie was talking about the arrangements for a while then everything went quiet. She turned to me and whispered, almost without making a sound ‘thank you!’ And then she smiled and said, a little louder ‘I can’t believe you even coloured your lips slightly to make the whole look a little more authentic’ I immediately touched my lip to realised some of Rachel’s colour had transferred and the women all let out a little laugh as I was instructed to stand still, and straight.

Finished, I walked away carefully with the pinned dress back to the changing room and Rachel helped me out of it. One of the stockings had fallen to mid calf so I was instructed to wear a satin suspender belt to clip to the stockings and hold them up straight before the second dress was presented to me.

The same light blue satin as the first but this dress was even fuller in the skirt but layered with satin, not lace, and the body was slightly elastic with a side zip. It was tighter than the previous one. The strap that rose up and went over each shoulder was longer from each side to form a halter neck with a long trailing tie after Sophie had fashioned a bow at the back on my neck. For some reason I could feel the whole dress clinging to my body, more than the first one.

Rachel stood back admiring me as her model and told me how gorgeous I looked. She said this dress was ‘the one’ and complemented my size, height and features whatever that meant. I again walked to the podium for the skirt adjustments and everyone had a lot to say about this dress and how good i looked in it.

Sophie had finished just as as I started the second 20 minute wait while the skirt was pinned. She went to change out of her dress and came back just as Her phone rang. It was mum. It turned out that she had got caught up at work for longer than hoped and she asked if we minded walking home. I didn’t get a choice. Sophie agreed then filled me in.

Still standing I heard a door. ‘What’s that?’ I yelled.

‘It’s ok’ said Rachel, ‘it’s the cleaner, she won’t be long and won’t even notice you’

The little old lady came in, busied around and left again. She had left by the time the pinning was finished and I walked back to the changing room and Rachel helped me slip out of the dress ‘until next time’ she laughed as she walked out with both dresses and suggested I change back into my clothes. I stripped but then realised my clothes were not where I had left them!? Oh no, they had been moved. I called out and quickly slipped the panties back on juest before Rachel came back in.

‘Oh, I’m so sorry the cleaner gathers up all the old material and scraps and takes them to the charity shop, she must’ve collected your shorts and tshirt at the same time!?’

‘What am I going to wear home?’ I started to panic!

‘It’s fine, she said ‘we’re in a clothes shop. Let’s find you something’ she walked away.

I stood for only a minute when Rachel rushed back in. ‘Ok, now don’t yell at me…but’

‘What?’

‘Well, the shop next door holds most of the men’s and boys clothes, it’s shut for the day. Your suit was in there and there’s nothing else here that will fit. We don’t have a key to next door’

‘Ok!?’

‘We have loads of clothes, but, you can either dress as a bride, a bridesmaid or in a very fancy prom or summer dress’….’we don’t have anything plainer or understated and you can’t walk home like that!’ Looking at me in the panties.

Sophie rushed in. ‘Come on, we need to leave. Oh, why aren’t you dressed?’
Rachel explained. They giggled, I didn’t.

‘Oh, I have an idea!’ Exclaimed Rachel

‘Look at me, I’m only wearing a plain black skirt and kind of plain blouse. You wear this outfit, I get to wear a pretty summer dress home and we’re all good!’

‘But you forget, I have to walk home’ I said

‘Ok, we will find you some shoes that go with the outfit! You can wear my tights to stop you getting cold and we can put a bit of colour on your face to give the illusion you’re a girl, or at least less like a boy, and no one will know!’

Sophie clapped….i protested. I was reminded of the time and could either wander up the road in a pair of satin panties OR do as suggested.

Rachel took her skirt, then tights off and I slipped them on. Blouse swapped Rachel was now almost naked and i looked like she had just a few minutes ago, albeit the boyish features and embarrassed look on my face. She slipped a really pretty summer dress on, light pink with big red flowers all over and a net underskirt. She offered me a swap. I declined.

I put on the black patent shoes they found, 2inch heels and noisy with every step as I walked, but I had no choice.

Sophie dabbed my eyelids with a blue eyeshadow and added black mascara, then pink blush to my cheeks and added very red lipstick to my lips (apparently the only one available) My hair was combed out and they said no one would even suspect.

Rachel took me aside and told me how wonderful the afternoon had been and gave me another big kiss. She said she loved having me to ‘play’ (her words) and would love to play again sometime. Sophie saw…slightly frowning as she said we should leave.

We gathered Sophie’s bags and left. The walk home felt like a marathon, in the heels and with the cool breeze through my loose blouse. I walked as fast as a I could, conscious of the skirt with every step, tight but just enough give in the slightly elasticated material for me to walk. I wanted to get home as soon as possible. Sophie tripped trying to keep up with me and hurt her leg. That slowed us down even more because I was now helping her walk too.

We got home before mum, but by the time we had got ourselves in and I had helped Sophie get comfortable, she arrived before I had time to change.

We explained everything. She was sympathetic except that my rushing had led to Sophie hurting herself. Sophie shrugged it off.

Mum chuckled about having a new daughter and I ran upstairs to get changed.

I forgot I was wearing the make up until after dinner, and no-one reminded me, so they all laughed about that too. Mum even suggested a freshen up of my mascara and lipstick, slipping on a little dress and popping out with my sisters who both loved the idea (although Sophie's leg had worsened and probably couldn’t walk far anyway) but I just said no and quietly went to bed. I didn’t dare admit I was getting used to it. I was certainly less conscious of it now and started to enjoy some of the attention.

To be continued….

Sophie’s leg was badly swollen and she couldn’t stand for long at all. Sophie was ok about it, the wedding was still a few days away and the doctor said it would soon be fine. Mum was angry I had caused it and completely ignored why I was rushing.

She didn’t really understand that I hadn’t wanted to attract any attention dressed the way I was, telling me I was being silly and not very sympathetic to my embarrassment.

I spent the day with Sophie watching tele. She said she enjoyed my company and I was happy to finally spend quality time without a dress or make up involved. Little did i know what was about to happen!

Mum came home ‘help me’ she yelled.

I got up from my spot on the sofa in the lounge and went to the front door. I was met with a huge amount of bags and mum standing behind them ‘please take them in to the lounge for me sweetie’ she said (sweetie!?)

Now indoors and all in the lounge she announced that she had just spent a good couple of hours picking outfits for Sophie to wear at her reception, after the ceremony, so she could change out of her wedding dress and have a proper dance. Sophie loved the idea and started looking through the bags.

‘I need to try these on’ she said, they all just look like bits of material and squares of satin like this and I can’t decide’.

‘Well you need to asap’ mum responded ‘I promised I would take anything you don’t want back tomorrow!’

Sophie stood, whimpered and then flopped back down ‘I can’t try anything on now’ she said ‘I can’t stand for more than a minute on this leg!’

They both looked at me together.

‘What about a good old fashion show?’ Mum asked!

‘Oh yes, lovely’ Sophie replied clapping!

‘Ok’ I said as I sat again ‘I’m happy to help you choose Soph’.

Then mum gathered up the bags and asked me to help her to the back room. I did.

We arranged the bags in order, there were 12 dresses, two ‘two piece’ outfits, a jumpsuit, a couple of pairs of trousers and a few tops in varying materials and colours.

‘Strip’ mum said.

‘What?’ I replied the blood draining from my face.

‘Well she can’t stand thanks to your rushing around and we need these clothes to be sorted into ‘keep’ and ‘take back’ tonight. Sophie can’t decided and we need someone to show her. I’m too big, you are the last option and I expect you to do as I say young man…lady!’

Gulp!

I stripped down to my boxers. Mum handed me a small bag, it contained a pair of black satin brazillian knickers and soft satin top I later learnt was a bralet. ‘Oh mum really!?’

‘Yes’ she said ‘model the trousers and one of the tops first please’. She disappeared back into the lounge.

Underwear on, reluctantly I slipped on the trousers. Soft and flared they were tight around my waist and bottom, not my usual fit, and actually felt ok. I picked the biggest and plainest top hoping she would love it and that would be the end of the fashion show. It was tight on me and I could see the bralet showing slightly through the material. Mainly black, the seams were edged in pink satin ribbon with a bright shiny disco ball pattern on the front with ‘party girl’ etched in feint pink lettering all over.

I skulked into the lounge. ‘Oh my’ Sophie proclaimed.

Mum quickly addressed the obvious issues with their new model (me!)

‘Ok, stand up straight please’ she walked out and came back with a pair of heels, ‘just 3 inch for this outfit’ she said.

Sophie quickly made her mind up. ‘Not trousers for my reception outfit mum, something more sexy for a party! But I would only know that having seen them worn so this might just work. Next!’ She yelled. I skulked back to the temporary dressing room.

Mum came with me and set aside the trousers, jumpsuit and one of the ‘two piece’ sets.

‘Put these on’ she said handing me a pair of black fishnet tights.

Sophie called, mum went away while I took the trousers and top off and returned just in time to see me slipping on the tights. ‘Ok’ she said ‘Sophie was a bit put off that you were just her brother in a girly outfit so I have agreed you may dress up a bit more with accessories to make the outfit look more authentic and the decision easier.

‘What do you mean?’ I asked.

A wig was presented to me, long black hair with a slight wave to it. Mum handed me a bag that contained a selection of makeup. ‘Shall I fix you up today? Or would you like to help yourself while I start dinner?’

I was starving so I said I would myself thinking I could get away with less if I did it myself.

I spent at least half hour sitting in just my new underwear and tights trying to put a bit of make up on, just enough to pass, but mum had other ideas. She came in saying dinner was in the oven and would be ready in an hour and we should aim to finish by then. She tutted at my make up attempt and added colour to my eyes, cheeks, black outline on my eyes and red lips with a top coat of gloss. ‘There’ she said ‘possibly the most glamorous you’ve ever been’ with a chuckle. I caught a glimpse of my reflection. I looked like a 70’s disco dancer all I needed was an outfit, that was next.

Mum held up the first dress for me, it was short (really short) and very silky material. Purple with silver diamonte straps that held it close to my body. The back was lose, draped, and the front tight on my chest. The material was stretchy and the hem of the skirt hugged my legs. It felt sexy and very revealing.

I walked into the lounge to show off my look to Sophie. She gushed at how sexy I looked and how wonderful the dress was. She admired my make up and said this was definitely a contender but she needed more to compare it with.

Still wearing the 3inch heels, I tentatively walked back to mum who was waiting in the next room, and the next dress.

Mum smiled as I walked back in to the room ‘now this one is really going to show off the girl in you!’

To be continued……

I took off the dress wondering what mum had in store for me next.

She said she had changed her mind and would save the ‘best’ for last. ‘Let’s keep you guessing about the outfit I think will really show up the girl in you’ she said.

Great! (I thought)….

The next outfit was the two piece. A Royal blue, high waisted, mermaid maxi skirt made with heavy satin material with a crop top that was elasticated around me and just covering the bralet I was wearing. The material was stretchy and quite comfortable, easy to put on. The front of the top was open but overlapping with a highish neck and spaghetti straps to tie on my shoulders, and a second set of straps that wrapped around the back of my neck and tied. Mum made the adjustments. She did comment better shoes would help the outfit really look the part but no time now and I was ushered through to an eagerly awaiting Sophie.

‘Ooh, sultry’ she said ‘I do like this! What do you think?’ She asked me.

‘Um, what do you mean?’ Is all I could reply

‘Oh come on’ she said ‘you might as well help me out. How does it feel. Do you like it? What’s it like to wear?’

‘It’s ok’ I said.

‘Nope’ her reply ‘I am not making any decision until you comment and we will need them all to be modelled again if you don’t help!’

‘Ok’ anything to move things along! ‘The purple dress was cute’ (where did that come from?) ‘but a little uncomfortable and I felt a bit exposed as it was so short. I like this outfit better. Feels comfortable and I think you’d look really good in it! The black outfit was nice too’

‘Rate them’ she said ‘out of ten’

‘Black trouser outfit - 4, Purple Dress - 5, this outfit - 6. Happy?’I replied.

‘For now’ she said ‘thank you’

I left, back to the next outfit. The same material as the last but a dress. Mum said it was a bodycon dress with ruched sides. She had to zip me into it. It came to mid thigh and had thick straps over the shoulders that crossed over at the back.

I walked back into the room and to avoid further delay simply said ‘this one’s nice. Think it’s better than the purple dress. Comfortable and not too revealing. 7 out of ten!’

‘So you’d prefer to wear a dress than the trouser outfit? Interesting!’ Sophie replied grinning

‘Yes, I mean yes for you…’ digging a deeper hole for myself!

Sophie said she liked the blue, the dress more than the two piece and I went back to mum. She was waiting for me but said we should eat dinner. I moaned about how long it was all taking and she just said it serves me right for rushing the other day ‘some things take as long as they take!’ She said. We had a discussion about the fact I shouldn’t wear the new clothes while eating but we could all eat in the lounge with Sophie. I took off the dress and started to remove the shoes and tights to change in to my clothes and mum stopped me to say might as well keep them on as we will be continuing after dinner and gave me a bundle of black material to put on. Surprise suprise, it was a black dress.

‘Mum!?, why this?’

‘Oh it’s just an old dress Sophie had laying around for some reason, I put your grubby shorts in the wash. I think she was wearing this the other day when she was doing her make up. It’s ok, fits you well and doesn't matter if you spill anything on it. It won’t hurt you, put it on and we can eat’

I was hungry so I did as instructed and went to sit with Sophie. She laughed at me in the black evening dress ‘Keep it’ she said ‘it’s yours and you can wear it anytime ‘

‘Thanks’ was the sarcastic reply I mustered up. It was a sexy dress and with the heels, fishnet tights, long wavy black hair and make up I once again felt like the girliest person in the room, but now more comfortable with it. I didn’t let on.

We ate dinner and watched some TV, mum cleared away and we were going to finish the review of the outfits when the doorbell rang. I was still wearing Sophie’s black evening dress.

‘Get that please, sweetie’ mum yelled at me from the back room!

‘I can’t dressed like this!’ I said fearful of who might be at the door.

‘It’s ok, it’s just Rachel from ‘Sarah's Bridal Boutique’ with the wedding outfits’ mum seemed to be expecting her!

The bell rang again and I reluctantly answered it expecting another big fuss but she had seen me all dressed up in her clothes so thought it couldn’t get any worse

‘Oh hello!’ She said ‘look at you beautiful! All dolled up for me?’ She smiled ‘well i have a delivery and Sophie said I could help her choose a reception outfit’ they had obviously been texting each other. She kissed me.

‘I love your hair, and make up although your lips are a little dull! ‘ pointing out having eaten the gloss had worn off! Mum was standing behind me and promised we would fix that with the next outfit.

Bundles of what I assumed were dresses and my wedding suit were brought in and hung up and Rachel moved into the lounge with Sophie ready to see the next outfit I was to model for them.

Mum fixed my lips with added colour and more gloss.

The next dress was black, sequins covered the flared skirt that came to just above my knees. It had a net underskirt for added volume (mum told me!). The dress was tight around my waist with sheer panels covering my chest area and puff sleeves. Mum had to help me into it and I knew the only way out was with her help too. Mum had also found a pair of 4inch heels as she said this dress would need some height given its style. They were closed in toes, but with straps across the top of my foot and around my ankles. She also had me wear black satin gloves, elbow length. It occurred to me I probably looked a bit like a 50’s movie star.

I slowly walked in to the waiting girls next door.

‘Oh my god look at you!’ Rachel was first to comment!

‘What do you think?’ Sophie asked.

‘I think this is the one Sophie’ I said hoping this would be the last one I had to try. ‘It looks good, feels wonderful and I’d give it a 9 or maybe a 10 out of ten! I think it’s perfect for you and you’ll be the centre of attention all evening!’ Did i lay it on too thick?

‘Oh my, little brother!’ She said ‘you’re so nice to me. I agree it’s a lovely dress but am wondering if you would like it for yourself more than I like it!’ I looked at her in horror and disgust. ‘Only kidding, I think you are right. Let’s carry on and maybe come back to this one’

I walked back to mum waiting with the next outfit!

Next was a mid calf length red satin dress. The hem was tight across my ankles and fitted up to my waist where there was a tight fitting boned corset and the chest (or bust area) was fitted with thin straps over each shoulder ‘a corset dress’ mum explained zipping me up again. I could hardly walk, more like shuffling.

Into the next room, slowly, the girls were chatting and I had to cough to make them realise I had appeared. Both grinned at me.

‘Now what do we have here?’ Sophie! ‘I love red on you!’

‘He’s got a proper look for the catwalk hasn’t he’ Rachel added. Both nodded.

‘Come on, stop winding me up!’ I replied ‘nice dress, but tight, hard to walk in but sexy for an evening reception, 9 out of ten id say’ I was. Is used to the need to explain!

‘Next!’

Back to mum.

‘Oh honey, she smiled, two more!’

Thank goodness!

She handed me a set of light, very slightly pink, underwear (satin of course) and a fresh pair of tights, white fishnets and I could see a pale pink pair of shiny heeled shoes, about 3inch.

‘What’s this mum?’ I asked.

‘The next dress and the last dress won’t work with black undies. Please change while I pop upstairs for something’ she went. I changed. It all fitted me very well as if my proper size and I started to worry about what was to come.

Mum came back in with a few things and sat me down. She tidied up my hair as it had become a bit messy with all the changing. She dusted my eyes with light blue and wiped off the lipgloss and colour on my lips to replace with a dark pink outline filled in with a frosty pink colour and new coat of gloss.

‘Now, you choose’ she said ‘long or short first?’

‘Long!?’ Not really much of a choice I thought.

When she pulled it out the bag i thought it was another bridesmaids dress. Pale pink, long skirt, satin material. But it was revealing at the top. Completely open backed as it was a halter neck. The material barely covered my bra but there was a strap across the back that hid it. Heels on, I was ready.

‘Wowee’ came Rachel's reaction.

‘Oooh, nice’ Sophie managed ‘a score and what you think now, and a twirl please!’

I spun round, twice, then described how it felt. Soft, comfortable, cold material touching me as I walked, 9 or 10 out of ten.

‘Mmmm, black, red or pink are winning so far. Although the blue was nice too. So many to chose from? Whichever I don’t have you can take a couple too, lol’ she said.

I walked away, completely defeated and ready for the final fitting.

Mum really had saved the frilliest, girliest dress until last. Long gown off, now I had what I can only describe as a short princess dress. Frilly pink satin overlayed white satin that just peeped out below the skirt that fell just above my knees. The dress fastened with a zip all along one side, buttons at the top and again I knew I would need help out of it. A bow on each sleeve, a low neckline that was elasticated and gathered around my chest area and long satin straps at the back that were tied into a bow behind me. Mum tied my hair in to two lose bunches one at each side of my head. Smiling the whole time, she handed me two white fishnet fingerless gloves that I put on and then she fussed around for a while. She re-glossed my lips and we were ready.

‘Really!?’ I said ‘is Sophie really going to wear this?’

‘Let’s see’ mum said as we walked into the lounge.

The girls stopped talking the moment I walked in, smiled, laughed, tilted their heads and together said ‘oh that’s perfect’ Sophie took a photo and then so did Rachel.

‘Well, little bro?’ Sophie said ‘what do you think of this little outfit?’

‘Its ok’

‘More! Come on’

‘Ok, it’s very pretty isn’t it, girly and shows off my, um, what will be your, legs. It’s comfortable, suprisingly, and fit for a party. Maybe an 8 or 9 out of ten compared to the others? It’s what you think that really matters!’

‘Actually’ mum stepped in ‘this isn’t for Sophie, just a little Suprise for you! I just couldn’t resist seeing what it would look like on you!’ They all Laughed and in the end, I joined in as could see it was funny but really wanted to get it off as soon as possible. Wait, mum said, we need to decide on what dress Sophie is going to choose now she has seen them all. So there I stood in the pink frilly dress while they went through all the options again.

‘What do you think?’ Sophie asked me.

‘I think my favourites were the red, the blue dress or the black one’ I said.

‘Ok, I’ll remember that!’ Sophie replied and mum nodded.

Rachel had to leave while they were making the final decision and I was volunteered, still hanging around in the frilly dress, to see her out.

At the door She kissed me, properly, and a few times and told me what a wonderful sport I was and how beautiful I looked. I offered her clothes back to her (the skirt and blouse I borrowed the other day) but she made me promise I would wear them back to her one day at a time of her choosing, and that she would have a special treat for me. I was putty in her hands and agreed. She left.

Mum helped me undress and finally clean up before bed. I didn’t know what the decision was on the reception outfit for Sophie. They said it would be a surprise on the wedding night.

I went to bed. Head spinning with thoughts of all of the silks and satins, make up and high heeled shoes and feelings I had just experienced and how me being all dressed up in front of not only Sophie but now also mum and Rachel, had become almost expected!?

I had no idea what might be next, or maybe I did!?

….

To be concluded…

(Please comment and tell me what you think. I love reading your thoughts x)

T he next few days were quiet compared to the last few weeks. Katie and I had split up, she said she didn’t want a boyfriend who would dress up like i had been and although she had great fun the evening they had me dress up as a maid and other outfits, she said we had grown apart. I tried to convince her otherwise but it wasn’t a very hard attempt to win her back as my mind was growing more and more fond of Rachel.

Sophie didn’t try to dress me up or put make up on me but we did have a few tough conversations when she realised Katie wouldn’t be at the service. She had one bridesmaid (Annie) and I said that should be enough. She didn't agree but dropped the subject after a while. She even gave me back the remaining ‘I owe you’ slips

The night before the wedding I had a heart to heart with mum. She told me how proud she was for the support i had been giving Sophie during the lead up to the wedding and she said sometimes we need to make decisions, no matter how difficult, for the sake of others and our loved ones and sometimes must put aside our own insecurities. I knew she was leaning to a point but didn’t think anymore of it.

We were all to stay in a small hotel close to the church on the evening before the wedding. I packed a couple of things but mainly just took the clothes i was wearing and mum had a bundle of wrapped dresses and my suit as well as a couple of her own cases. We went, just the two of us, as the girls had left earlier.

We arrived for dinner and then had a quiet evening and we went to bed early. I had my own room. There was an extra case in my room, and two hanging, wrapped (Sarahs Bridal Boutique) bundles. A note on my bed simply said ‘I’ll wake you at 8, you’ll have an hour to get ready either way, x Mum x’. What did she mean ‘either way?’

I woke up to a knock at the door. It was 8:45, I sleepily opened it. Mum was there.

‘Morning sleepy head!’ She said ‘it’s wedding day. You need to decide. Two options. I hope you do the right thing’

‘What do you mean?’ I asked.

‘I packed a few things for you, and you have just under an hour to get ready, call me when you are dressed’.

The door shut after she handed me a breakfast tray. I couldn't eat much as immediately butterflies filled my stomach with anxious but eager anticipation now suspicious I knew what she was hinting at.

I opended my case. A fresh pair of boxer shorts and socks and not much else.

I picked up the extra case. Put it on the bed and slowly opened it. It was full to the brim. Satins, soft materials and a perfumed smell as it erupted when it opened. Lingerie, the same as i wore the day i was fitted for the bridesmaid dress. A couple of what looked like skirts and blouses, a bag of make up, stockings and suspenders, bridal shoes and i immediately knew what i was being asked to do. I turned to the hanging package and ripped it open. There was the light blue, full length, bridesmaids dress.

I sat for what felt like ages, everything had been building up to this moment i now realised but i wasn’t being forced, bribed or ‘encouraged’, it would be my decision. I still had my suit and i could easily just go as me…or i could help Sophies day be as perfect as she has imagined, with two bridesmaids, not one!

I showered. I put on my clean boxer shorts then stopped. I looked through the case mum had left me and the soft beautiful underwear that was waiting for me. There was even a satin robe with ‘the best bridesmaid’ embroidered on the back in pink lettering.

I took off my boxer shorts and slipped on the satin briefs, a padded satin bralet was next and a satin slip that covered me to my mid thigh. I put on the shiny satin feeling stockings, that were held up by a matching suspender belt. I slipped on the robe and then the shoes. I stopped and sat again, paused, considered my decision. Then another knock at the door.

Mum called out, ‘have you decided?’ I stood and opened the door.

Mum immediately hugged me trying not to cry as her make up was already applied. She looked amazing. She promised me I was about to transform and she started on my make up while I sat, in the lingerie and satin robe.

Just as Suzie had done a few weeks ago the make up was applied to perfection but this time with the mirror in front of me I watched the whole transformation. Mum let me put on my own lipstick and gloss and gave me a small purse to keep them in that I would later realise matched the dress (all pre planned!).

All set, perfume sprayed and some delicate jewellery on my neck and wrist mum helped me unwrap the dress. It was the one Rachel told me looked and fitted best. Light blue satin and every bit as feminine as anything I had worn in recent weeks.

Laid out like a ring on the floor, I stepped into the bundled material and mum pulled it up, resting it on my shoulders and working the zip up to close it as the dress tightened around me. This time it was the perfect length on me. I was set, mum was gushing and I was about to step out into the world as a bridesmaid.

A short walk to the church, and gradually attracting attention from the arriving congregation, we met Sophie in a small holding area at the end of the aisle ‘thank u sweetie’ is all she said. Annie smiled and winked at me ‘knew you wouldn’t be able to resist ‘Titch’’ she said.

As we walked along behind Soohie towards the alter I spotted Rachel in the crowd, she had made a special effort too looking amazing, smiling and blowing me a kiss.

The service was lovely but quite long. I was glad to sit after spending over an hour standing in my heels and the dress (that was actually quite heavy) and holding a bouquet with the whole congregation facing my way. I knew they were looking at the bride but did feel somewhat self conscious.

Walking into and out of the church raised all sorts of feelings. The air was cool and so the feeling on my satin wrapped legs was continuous, and quite distracting, in a pleasant way. As I walked I could feel the dress against my legs and the tightness around my body. My heels made quite a noise on the stone floor and I was conscious of my appearance, heavily made up, in front of the crowd. Knowing Rachel was there carried me through giving me the confidence to hold my (pretty) head high for the service.

Rachel was sweet to me the whole day. She helped calm my nerves from the moment i saw her. We sat together at the reception and she fussed with me all day making sure i felt like the princess she said i deserved to be. She tidied my hair when it needed it, she was constantly on hand to touch up my make up, mainly my mascara, eyeliner and lips. She paid very close, and often, attention to my lips saying she wanted me to be the envy of all the girls, and boys, in the room.

Part way through the evening, after the speeches where Sophie gave me so many compliments I lost count, she changed into her evening outfit. She chose the black dress with satin gloves that I had modelled for her only a few days before, and had a complete hair and make up refresh for the occasion. She told me to change and I went to my room where, laid out on the bed, the red dress was waiting. A black pair of shiny stockings and full change of lingerie in the same tone of red were also left for me. Rachel had followed me and helped me change my make up to make it suitable for the evening and helped me change. I think she mainly did it as she liked playing around with me and i couldn't really argue, I was enjoying every minute of it. I really had been her toy for the day.

We had some fun and a few drinks and the party was raging, but i had to leave as i was shattered. Rachel and i shared a taxi home but she didn't come in. She told me she wanted to keep me keen for ‘next time’. I was aware, as i slowly walked along the path to our house wearing the high heeled shoes, with the tight hem of my long red dress restricting my speed and feeling slightly embarrassed about the whole day and how it had all played out, that she watched. I turned to her before i entered the door and she blew me a kiss and had a huge grin. ‘Until next time gorgeous’ she yelled!

The day was a success, and Sophie had an unforgettable wedding, but i was pleased to change into comfortable clothes and out of the high heels. Well, a mini skirt I found in one of my drawers where Sophie had been giving me a few things here and there and a fitted blouse that had a satin body with sheer, soft sleeves. I might as well finish the day in a skirt I thought. I hung my dress up and poured myself a large drink! Mum wouldn't be home for ages.

This is the close to the end of the story, but it wouldn't be the last time i’d wear lingerie, dresses, skirts, heels and make up, now i was considered to be an excellent model and up for anything many more ‘opportunities’ would be available to me and i would always be reminded i did so much of it to help with Sophie's wedding, so whats the harm!

I still had Rachel's skirt and blouse that i had already promised to ‘wear back’ to her at a time of her choosing, but that will have to wait for another time x

The end x

Thank you for reading my story. I wrote it in parts and I know there are a few continuity problems but maybe next time will be better. Please let me know what you thought by either leaving a comment or sending me a message, I promise I will reply to them all x Love, Anna x

Ultimate Dare - Part 2: Time for my Ultimate Dare

I was reminded of the events of that Halloween evening, and our costume party, frequently in the days that followed.

The next day i woke up with the make up still on, albeit somewhat smudged, and i was still wearing the satin underwear and knee high stockings. The cheerleader outfit and wig were on a chair in my bedroom.

I cleaned up, changed and folded the dress and other items placing them in the top drawer of my chest of drawers and nothing much more happened that day.

In the Monday i received a couple of photos by email from Ruby, the email just read ‘u and me, our secret, don't tell, let’s have some fun. If u do as i ask of u we will have fun and save any further embarrassment’ and on the first one a photo of me, already fully dressed with make up on holding the lipstick to my lips pouting, I remembered posing like that for Ruby and it was before the night really got going so I looked freshly made up. The second was a still from what appeared to be a video of me in the uniform as I was getting dressed and I knew just before that I stumbled wearing just the underwear and had to adjust myself. Thinking back I hadn’t realised anyone had seen and suddenly imagined how it must’ve looked and if it had been captured on camera I would be mortified if anyone else saw it. I knew I was screwed and should do as asked if i didn't want these being shared!

On the Thursday i received a small parcel. Inside a note read ‘4 u my little pet, wear these on Saturday, under your normal clothes. I won't tell’. It was signed with a lipsticked kiss. In the package was a pair of purple satin ‘boy-short’ style knickers that were very shiny and stretchy and edged in a lace band on the legs and waist, and and a tight fitting matching strappy cami top in the same shiny stretchy material.

I held them up, looking at them for ages wondering why she would make me do this and what she could want with me wearing these things. Also worried what this might lead to but also strangely curious if they would fit me. I didn't try them until Saturday, the next time we had all agreed to meet for the first ‘ultimate dare’ evening. They underwear did fit me and felt ok so I pulled on jeans and a t shirt over the top satisfied they couldn’t be seen and headed over to Russ’s house.

When I arrived Ruby pulled me to one side and, with a knowing look, asked me if I had followed her instructions. I nodded. ‘Show me!’ She said firmly. I lifted my tshirt. ‘Ahh, very good sweetie’ she said in a kind soft voice, ‘now what about the rest?’ I lowered the belt of my jeans so she could see the lace band of the knickers proving to her I was wearing them and she gave me a big kiss direct on my lips leaving me surprised and I suspected with some red stain behind from her full glossy lips. She held up her phone showing me a snippet of the video she had. It was worse than I expected with me flouncing around in the underwear saying how nice the clothes felt. I remembered Ruby suggested I said that but the video hadn’t picked up her prompt, just me saying it. She told me it was over 5 minutes long and would be embarrassing for me if it got out to others.

We quickly moved when Russ came in the room asking us what was going on. We both just said nothing but Ruby winked at me.

We all sat around the table, drinks started flowing, and we started our little game of dare by the boys asking the girls for secrets they know. Ruby looked me direct in the eye as she started ‘I know someone in the room is hiding something, it’s all to do with what they are wearing!’ She said. Oh god! What if she exposed me wearing the sexy undies, I’d have to show everyone and would never hear the end of it! ‘He…’

I shook my head while we maintained eye contact.

She smiled

‘He, is…wearing…my….favorite bands tshirt!’ (Phew!) looking at Jon and revealing that the ‘guns n roses’ tshirt he was wearing was in fact her favourite band. I was hot, sweaty, worried and relived.

Ruby mouthed ‘saved you! You owe me!’ At me. Gulp!

More stories, more fun and a few small dares later we got to the matter at hand. We would each set dares for each other. Once we agreed we could not refuse to complete the dare for fear of a forfeit that promised to be more difficult to complete than the dare itself. Dares were considered to be a necessary part of our group now. I didn’t have any other friends and felt lonely at times so agreed to play along.

We each had a dare that night. Mine was to climb in to next doors garden and take a towel off their washing line and post it through their front letter box. Easy!

Chloe had to eat a smoothy made with all sorts of disgusting things. I am not sure I could do that but she did it ok.

We then decided we would each have an ultimate dare, taking it in turns, one each week, decided by the group.

Ruby’s was first. Her ultimate dare was to spend a week wearing horrible baggy clothes, no make up and no products or perfumes. Now, Ruby was gorgeous, and took immense pride in her appearance and hated opening the door to anyone unless properly dressed so to spend a whole week like that was mortifying to her. But, she did it. She didn’t bother me for the whole week apart from once when we were walking through town she just whispered ‘I’ll get you back! Opposites’ and winked. A few times kids walked past and called her tramp or said they didn’t realise how ugly she was. It was mean and uncalled for but I did find myself laughing at a few things that were said, and that annoyed her even more ‘I’ll get u back, bitch’ she said.

Her week was over and it was Jons turn. I won’t go into details about everyone else as it’s a story about my ultimate dare, safe to say they all did what was set for them and as a group we really got close. During this I had grown apart from Russ and Jon and the girls were a bit hot and cold with me. Ruby always seemed to be the one that took most attention of me. I desperately wanted to stay in the group and felt I had to play along with the dares.

One week Ruby made we wear an all in one satin bodysuit under my clothes. It was tight but stretchy. It had thick straps over the shoulders and frills round each leg with feint ‘sexy girl’ writing on it. Ruby was so happy when she realised I was wearing it and said how proud of me she was and that doing it was ‘to keep me on my toes’, having received another email and more stills from that night of the cheerleader dress that I definitely didn’t want shown, I didn't think I had a choice. Another time I had an all In one sheer body suit or body stocking to wear. I felt really hot all evening much to Ruby's amusement but no one found out. She was nice to me all along, but I could tell she was brewing up for my ultimate dare.

One of the smaller dares I was set along the way was to have a manicure. I protested and said I didn’t see why mine all had to be about getting dressed up or girls stuff. Everyone laughed and joked there was plenty more they could think of. In the end I got out of going to a nail salon but Ruby did insist on me having my nails manicured by her, in a light pink that barely showed, but I was conscious of it for a week until I was allowed to take it off. No one said anything.

The blackmail emails kept coming too. Small hints and suggestions of what might happen if I didn’t play along. By now I was too far into the dread that comes with not wanting the wider world seeing you in an embarrassing predicament I felt I would do anything to avoid that.

My ultimate dare was next.

Each day of the week before I was due to be given my ultimate dare, to be executed the week after, I received small parcels.

Monday - a pair of ivory satin Brazilian knickers with a small love heart stitched to them on the side in pink. A note that said ‘I’ll keep our secret if u save me for later’

Tuesday - a matching bra, same note

Wednesday - a matching suspender belt. Same note.

Thursday - a pair of ivory seemed stockings. Same note

Friday - a set of silver jewellery, with a pink heart pendant that had ‘bride to be’ engraved on it and a bracelet that had ‘dreams do come true’ engraved on a pink band across it. Same note.

All of these packages were stored in my top drawer with the other ‘gifts’ I’d been collecting.

Saturday. A letter. ‘Hey honey, my sweet pet. today you will receive your ultimate dare. Do not object, and you must carry out the dare as requested or I will release everything I have, the photos and video, over the next few months. I may even suggest our group disown you! I love u and I want to to enjoy your ultimate dare, what I’ve been sending is all needed on the special day you will soon be having to compete your ultimate dare. If you go along with the dare, I will delete everything and take back all the lovely things I’ve been sending you and that will be the end of it. For Today, please just wear the purple set i sent before under your normal clothes to prove to me you will see this through. I know you still have them. Luv, Rx’ with a winking face and lipstick kiss on the base of the letter.

I felt like I had no choice but did now see an end to this. I would have to follow through my ultimate dare but I didn’t yet know what that was. I was about to find out…..

We gathered that evening and had a few drinks and chatted while we waited for the inevitable. Ruby checked i was wearing the purple set and seemed pleased I did as asked, rewarding me with a kiss.

When the time came Chloe gave me an envelope that looked like a wedding invitation. I opened it. There was a card inside with silver writing, It read;

******
x Welcome to your ultimate dare and ‘special day’ x

You are invited to a dress fitting at Sarah’s Bridal Boutique!

You will go in to the shop and ask to try on a dress. The style and colour of dress will be up to you or Sarah, the owner. It must be a bridal gown or bridesmaids dress and include satin, lace, a corset and gloves. You must also be wearing suitably matched shoes with a heel.

We want to see three photos of you wearing the dress, one taken from the front, one from the side and one from the back. You must also show us a photo wearing the shoes, and that will complete the dare.

******

Everyone laughed and said what a great dare it was. Ruby, who was sat beside me, whispered in my ear ‘you must also wear the undies you’ve been sent this week and I want at least one photo of you in that lingerie set as well as those of you in the dress, then the dare will be complete’ she pulled away with a smile and a wink.

The rest of the evening was a blur and I didn’t sleep well at all the next few days.

Before I knew it, It was a Saturday, the day I was to complete my ultimate dare. I woke up early and showered. I walked back to my room, naked, wearing only dread and fear and a small amount of excitement for what the day might bring.

I slipped on the satin ivory knickers, then struggled with the bra but managed to fit it in the end, it wasn’t the first time I’d had to put a bra on! The Suspender belt was new to me but not too difficult, it took a while to attach the stockings. As I clipped the hem of each to the clips on the belt, I could feel the stockings tighten on my legs. I would feel them with every step. With The bracelet and pendant on I stood in front of the full length mirror wondering how on earth I got into this predicament. I took a photo to satisfy Ruby’s part of the dare.

I then pulled on a pair of jeans, t-shirt and trainers. I could feel my new lingerie with every step, as I sat and as I stood and I had difficulty keeping the ‘bride to be’ pendant hidden under my t-shirt but managed it on the bus. I stepped off and stood in front of the shop ‘Sarah’s Bridal Boutique’. I was here, moment of truth.

I took a breath and stepped forward….

I walked into the shop. It was full of a variety of long and short dresses and gowns made from satin and silks in a range of colours and styles. A strong perfume smell struck me as i entered, the door closed behind me and the immaculately dressed owner walked forward to greet me.

‘How can i help sweetie’ she said with a slight ‘knowing’ grin.

I swallowed ‘I would like to try on a dress’ i replied, complying with the dare.

‘Oh no’ she said ‘we don't ‘try on’ dresses here! My clients are here for a full fitting and transformation to help them discover their true beauty ready for their special day, i pride myself on a full experience to make sure the dress you choose is absolutely perfect, is that what you'd like?’ She said in a stern yet welcoming tone.

I cleared my throat, now dry with nerves and anticipation ‘I would like a fitting please’

‘a full transformation?’ She asked.

‘Yes, as you said, a full fitting and transformation’ I was swept up in the moment still not really sure what I was letting myself in for.

She walked behind me looking me up and down, locked the door, turned the store sign to show ‘busy, please try later’ to the outside world and stopped behind me ‘let’s get started then young man, or should i say ‘girl’?!’

I gulped, but had come too far to walk away now.

To be continued…..