Lambs of the Harvest Moon (Part 3)

The freshmen boys of Asher College have obsessed for weeks in anticipation of Phi Lambda Phi’s annual ‘Harvest Moon Panty Raid’ but Nick Wilder has other plans. He’s got his eye on one Phi Lamb in particular and he’s not about to screw it up by being like everyone else. But plans change and so must Nick if he’s going to get the girl of his dreams.

Chapter 5

Nick stayed close behind Gwen as they walked through dark house until the light of the party room came into sight. A line of girls wearing gowns waited by the door.

“Holy shit…”

Gwen squeezed Nick’s hand. “That’s your competition. I told you wouldn’t be the only one on stage.”

Every ‘girl’ looked completely convincing. Even Clem somehow managed to pass.

Mitsy called to the crowd. “Are you ready to meet this year’s contestants?” A loud cheer filled the hall, growing louder when the door opened, revealing the bright hall inside.

Nick couldn’t stop staring. The confidence he’d found in the bedroom disappeared as he looked at each one. Nick waved at Clem but got nothing in return.

Mitsy’s voice called out. “Ready for introductions?”

The crowd roared again, and a song began to play. Nick counted the girls in gowns. Only eight remained.

Mitsy shouted, “Let’s give a big Phi Lambda Phi welcome to all of our contestants.”

Something pressed the group to move. “Go … go … go ladies … it’s your time to shine.”

Nick’s heart pounded in his chest as he followed the others onto the stage.

Mitsy mimicked the voice of a pageant orator, “Say hello to Erica…”

A short contestant with long black hair and matching fingernails turned towards Mitsy looking completely petrified. She took a moment to compose herself then with a deep breath and a sigh, she raised her hand and attempted to smile before walking across the stage.

“Marcia…”

This time a heavy set girl in a curly red wig and thigh high boots made the walk.

“Clementine…”

Nick’s tall friend answered the call this time, looking even taller in 3-inch stiletto heels. Instead of looking freakish or out of place, Clem somehow pulled it off, the combination of the long form-fitting dress, long well-coiffed hair, the bouncy walk, and the air and confidence of a supermodel. Clem strutted across the stage, then stopped, giving the crowd a stunning smile, before returning to the group. Nick started to wave as Clem passed…

“Nikki…”

Nick froze when he heard his name, the stage too visible, the eyes of the audience too heavy, the other contestants too good.
Gwen’s voice whispered as she gave a shove from behind. “You can do this.”

Thankfully Nick’s first stumbled steps didn’t lead to disaster. He’d done this a thousand times before. One step. Two steps. Every fiber of Nick’s being told him to run. He’d run his whole life. He’d hid as a child and again as an adolescent. Now he’d run again, leaving his mother and everything he’d known to come to a school hundreds of miles from his home. This was supposed to be a new start, a new beginning and here he was once again, repeating the same mistake. The difference this time, everyone at school would soon know his deepest, darkest secret.

“Do not let your fears control you..”

Nick stared into the audience, finding a sudden sense of calm. His knees stopped knocking, his hands stopped trembling, and his back stood straighter. A few girls in the crowd must have noted his nerves, and began shouting his name.

“Nikki. Nikki. Nikki.”

He’d watched Clem do this. Why was everything so easy for him? It wasn’t a difficult task. A simple walk out on stage, a wave, and a walk back. How many nights had he imagined this very thing in the stock room?

Another step. And then another.

Nick raised his right hand when he arrived at the stage’s edge then turned on a heel like he remembered. The cheers didn’t sound as loud as the others, the sound of blood pumping in his ears as a rush of tingles hit as he waved.

“Let the audience feed you. Drink in their power.”

The interruption caused a slight wobble but no fall as Nick turned and attempted a smile. It didn’t take long to reach the safety of the wall, allowing him to spend the next minute trying to push down the feeling to puke.

His discomfort eased by the time the sixth and seventh ‘girls’ made their way across the stage, each looking as uncomfortable as him.

When the eighth ‘girl’ made her turn, Nick found his knees had stopped knocking enough so he could join the others.

“Let’s give a round of applause to our brave ladies.” As the entire Phi Lamb sorority stood and cheered, he saw relief appear on most of the other contestants. At least he wasn’t alone.

Nick stared at each one by one. All of them had supermodel looks, well-filled outfits, and expertly painted faces. All looked perfectly comfortable wearing feminine attire or they would have left with the others. Nick saved his last look for Clem.

Someone that big shouldn’t be able to look so good in women’s clothing and yet Clem pulled it off. It didn’t seem possible that someone like his friend could be someone like him.

“You’ve seen our contestants. Would you like them to introduce themselves?” Mitsy extended the microphone to the huddled group,

“Jessica… come to center stage and tell my sisters about yourself.”

Jessica strode across the stage in a confident manner but that confidence died as soon as she took the mic. “My … uhh … my name is Jess… ica … and I’m … uhh … a first year student at Asher College. I’m looking to get a business degree with a focus on finance. I like video gaming and … uhh … taking long hikes in the woods.”

Mitsy smiled. “Not bad, Jessica. It’s tough being first, but you did great. Samantha…you’re next.”

Mitsy pulled Jessica to the side and whispered in her ear as Samantha made her way to center stage.

Nick panicked trying to remember how beauty contestants introduced themselves. What could he say? How did the ones who’d gone already introduce themselves? Was it possible to boil a person’s essence into a few short sentences?

“Victoria…”

Nick watched as the other contestants gave a quick speech then turned, all sounding more confident than on their walks.

“Nikki.”

Nick stumbled as he took his first step, but quickly righted himself. His mind froze when he saw a hundred eyes staring back.

“My name is Nick … err Nikki. I’m a freshman at … Asher College and … I … I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I currently work in fashion retail.” The crowd didn’t react when Nick finished his ‘speech’, unsure if he had finished done.

Polite applause sounded when Mitsy call the name, “Chrissy.” but a few cries of ‘Way to go Nikki’ rang through the silence.

Mitsy pulled him aside and whispered in his ear like she’d done with the others. “Well done, Nikki. You gave an honest answer. That will serve you well.”

Nick didn’t dare look up, uttering a barely audible. “Thank you.” before rushing off to stand next to the others.

“Clementine…”Clem strode confidently across the stage, flashing the crowd one of his trademark smiles.

“Hello everyone … My name is Clementine and I’m a first year student at Asher pursuing a degree in elementary education. My goal is to work with children, and I spent last summer working at a summer camp for kids with learning disabilities. I love fashion, and wearing things that show off my body. My main hobbies are physical fitness, writing poetry, and gardening. And I believe anything is possible in life if you work hard enough.”

Clem’s face held a frozen smile for five seconds before giving the crowd a wave as he turned to speak with Mitsy. How was it possible Clem was so good at this and Nick so bad?

Nick tried to get Clem’s attention but his friend appeared not to hear, standing like a statue with a planted smile as both Marcia and Erica gave their speeches. Mitsy spoke next.

“My thanks to our contestants for their compelling introductions. We are going to take a five-minute break so our contestants can set up for the talent portion. Remember ladies, five minutes means five minutes … not fifteen … as you know we are on a tight schedule.”
Nick called after Clem but his friend hurried out the door. Nick started to follow until a hand grabbed him from behind.
Gwen’s face looked like she might get sick. “Not great but not terrible either.”

“Was that supposed to make me feel better?”

Gwen smiled. “I’m teasing. You did great.”

“No, I was terrible. I almost fell a few times in these heels and my answer was pathetic.”

“But you faced your fears and did your best. That’s all that matters.” Gwen pointed out the door. “Have you thought of a talent yet?”

Nick rushed out the door to find Clem. “I need to talk to my friend.”

Gwen called after him. “You don’t have time.”

Nick raced down the stairs, skipping several steps, jumping on the landing with confidence as if he’d worn three-inch heels his whole life. By the time Gwen caught up he was in the laundry room with the other contestants. “Does this room bring back memories?”

“I want to speak with Clem but he keeps ignoring me.” His friend was talking on the other side of the room, having an intense discussion with another Phi Lamb.

“We don’t have time.” She pointed, “Clementine is getting ready for the talent competition. You need to do the same.”

“I don’t have talent. I’ve never been good at anything.” Nick stared at Clem who dwarfed the Phi Lamb standing next to him. For the past month, he’d watched women flock to Clem. It didn’t seem possible the guy had anything in common with him and yet …

He’d spent years at the store dreaming of this kind of acceptance. He should be having the time of his life.

“Yes, you should.”

Gwen said, “We’re almost out of time. Think of something.”

Nick shook his head, “I spent hours in the back room of the department story, dreaming I’d get a chance to wear clothing like this. Now that I’m here, it feels like I don’t belong.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Bullshit.” Gwen cursed, “No one is expecting a virtuoso performance. There has to be something you can do. It needs to be something you do well.”

“I don’t do anything well. I’ve always been a loser.”

“You’re a loser if you give up.” Gwen insisted, “No one expects you to be perfect – this isn't about being better than anyone else or trying to measure up to a standard. This is about facing your fear and pushing through it.”

“I can’t do it.”

“You can.” Gwen kissed Nick’s cheek. “I believe in you. I felt your fear on stage but you pushed through that. Do it again.. Think of a talent, any talent. If you can’t sing or dance, think outside the box.”

“What are you good at? It can be anything…”

“I don’t know.” Nick shook his head, “For the last three years I've spent all my free time working in a department store.”

“A department store? I’m sure there’s nothing you've done in a department store that might interest an audience of girls.”

The idea started as a flash. Did it matter if it came from Nikki or Nick? Nick had done his best to ignore her over the years but the voice had become so ubiquitous it was sometimes hard to know where her thoughts began and his thoughts ended.

“You said it could be anything?”

“Anything.”

Nick shook his head. “I’ve thought of something dumb.”

“Is it dumber than standing on stage with no talent?” Gwen asked.

“Maybe.”

Gwen asked, "Do you have another idea?”

Nick shook his head. “No.”

“Then you have no choice.”

Nick took a deep breath, “I need a few props. It might take you some time to put together.”

Gwen didn’t look worried, “Tell me what you need and I’ll get it.”

Nick hesitated before whispering his idea into Gwen’s ear. She smiled as soon as he said the words.

“See…” Nick sighed, “I told you it was dumb.”

Gwen smiled, “Ha ... ha ... It'll work but you’re going to need to sell it. Do you think you can do that?”

Nick shrugged, “After three years at a department store, selling to girls is one thing I do know how to do.”

The crowd grew quiet as the contestants entered the room. This time they went in reverse order, Nick looking at the door, waiting for Gwen’s return.

Erica did a little dance number that wasn’t bad. Clementine sang a song with a surprising amount of range for someone with a deep voice. Chrissy did tap dance, clearly experienced in the art. Then Mitsy called Nikki’s name.

I … uhhh…” Nick looked at the door then back to the crowd. No one said a word as he pulled a dining table behind him to center stage.
His eyes scanned the gathered crowd of Phi Lambs, their stares filling him with dread as he kept looking towards the door. His life had been little more than a series of awkward pauses though never before with so many people at the same time. He didn’t blame these people for staring. He was standing on a stage, not saying a word and standing behind a table. Time to embrace his weirdness.

“About damned time.”

Nick looked back towards the crowd as the clatter of heels sounded on the stage. A second later he felt Gwen’s hand on his back.

“Sorry, it took longer than I expected.” Nick turned to see Gwen holding a box. She looked out of breath and curiously apologetic.
“Everything you asked for is in there.”

Nick whispered. “Thanks.”

Gwen said, “Remember to smile.”

Mitsy’s voice sounded annoyed at the delay. “Are you ready, Nikki?”

“Yes…” Nick took a deep breath. Gwen had done her part. Now it was up to him.

The crowd which had been so patient to this point, laughed when Nick pulled the first item from the box. Nick answered their laughter, surprised at the strength of his own voice.

“I’m sure all of you are wondering the same thing … Why is Nikki carrying a laundry basket?” Nick took another deep breath as the laughter died down. “For the last few years, I’ve worked the same job. Five days a week, eight hours every day.”

Nick placed the basket on the table. He remembered the first day he’d worked at Lola’s. He only got a half hour’s instruction before she sent him to work out on the floor all by himself. He remembered feeling a similar fear when the first customer approached. The woman had no idea it was his first day. All she saw was the tag on his shirt. In her mind, he was an expert. His boss’ advice? Fake it until you make it.

Nick held the item high in the air, shaking it a few times so all could see.

“The humble t-shirt. Washed. Dried. And now wrinkled. I can’t imagine a Phi Lamb walking on campus in a t-shirt that looks like this. Can you imagine the scandal?”

He waited for a response. A few laughs echoed through the crowd.

“During my time at the department store, customers loved to try on items but found inventive ways of not returning items to the proper spot and when they did they rarely put them on the rack correctly." Nick looked out at the crowd. "I'm sure no one in this room has ever done that."

Nick paused to calm his nerves. A few more laughs.

"I faced piles of clothing every day that need to be returned to the shelves but before that happened they needed to be refolded to my boss' satisfaction."

Nick laid the t-shirt flat on the table, repeating the words his boss had taught him.

Step one - Lay the item on a hard, flat surface.
Step two - Fold each side in a clean, straight line.
Step three - Bring the bottom of the item a third of the way up.
Step four - Bring the bottom part up again, for a second fold.
Step five - Flip it over and smooth the edges.

The process wasn’t as easy as it sounded. It had taken him a month before he could do it to the boss’s satisfaction.

Nick said, “Once you know the basics, it’s simple repetition until you become an expert.”

As he began to fold the t-shirt his fingers fumbled on the first seam, sending the garment flying. The t-shirt flew up into the air before crumbling to the ground.

“Shit.”

The audience let loose a howl, the power of their laughter knocking him down. Nick stared at the pink t-shirt on the floor and then to hands that had never failed him in three years. He forgotten about the press-on nails.

Blood pounded in his brain. He couldn’t see anything. He couldn’t hear anything. The laughter grew louder still until it seemed to shake the rafters.

“Center yourself. Use their laughter.”

Nick was used to laughter. Long ago, he’d told himself not to let it hurt him but it always did. Nick picked himself off the floor, holding the pink t-shirt as the laughter continued unabated. How long had he feared a situation such as this? Only this wasn’t one person, he’d become a laughingstock to an entire sorority. Tomorrow, they’d tell the whole school.

“Use their energy. Turn a negative into a positive.”

Nick stared at the tiny daggers sticking out from the end of each fingernail. Nick made a fist, drawing on the pain.

Nick gave the crowd a goofy grin, “A slight correction:"

New Step One - Check to see if you’re wearing press-on nails you’ve never worn before.
New Step Two - Make necessary adjustments.

Nick smiled as the laughter washed over him. As it died down he held up the t-shirt, then shook it a few times. “Shall I try again?” A loud cheer sounded back.

“See how easy you won them over? Now feed off their energy.”

Nick laid the t-shirt on the table paying close attention to his nails, taking his time as he folded each side in a clean, straight line before bringing the bottom of the item a third of the way up, then bottom up again, for a second fold before flipping it over and smoothing the edges.

Cheers mixed with laughter as Nick finished the first, the sound growing louder as he did the second, but he ignored them as he continued falling into a trance as the mindless work continued. Fear fell away as each shirt landed folded on the table. When Nick finished, he saw the entire audience standing, their applause sending tingles from head to toe.

“Do you see what you’ve done? Let me show you.”

Faint white lines floated from the crowd and into his body, the power growing stronger every second. The white light inside grew and grew until Nick thought he might burst.

“Embrace the power, Nikki.”

Nick touched the spot where the energy entered his body and found the area cool, moving his hands higher either by intent or unconscious need. As he did so, an audible gasp rose from the crowd as the shock wave exploded.

Nick crumpled to the stage floor.

Chapter 6

The woman’s voice sounded a thousand miles away. “How do you feel?”

Nick opened his eyes to see Gwen hovering over him. “Like someone wrung me out from the inside.”

“You gave us quite a scare. You passed out on stage.”

“I did?” Nick tried to sit up but a chill wracked his body from head to toe. A look at the clock showed 12 o’clock midnight.

“Save your strength.” Gwen pulled a second blanket over Nick’s body. “This should help.” The blanket was pink and had the sorority’s letters embroidered in big blue letters.

“I’m sorry.”

“What for?” Gwen’s eyes narrowed.

“I failed.” Scattered memories returned. The laughter … the t-shirts … the stupid press-on nails."

"Nah." Gwen said, “You were doing fantastic until you passed out. You were funny and authentic. The audience loved you.”

Nick felt better than he'd expected. He’d dressed up like a girl in front of others and lived to tell the tale. His face was made up pretty, the wig, the fancy dress. He’d had more fun than he’d ever dared to dream. “I tried my best.”

“I know. I'm proud of you.”

Nick looked around the room. "Where am I?"

Gwen pointed at a nearby desk. “You’re in my big sis’ bed.”

Nick shook his head. “I’m screwed up.”

“You didn’t screw up. Quite the opposite.” Gwen smiled. “But you do need rest.” She flipped off the light. “Find me downstairs when you feel well enough to walk.”

Nick saw two girls in the hallway. The blonde gave Gwen a concerned look as she exited the room. The cute brunette smiled at Nick then closed the door. He fell asleep in seconds.

Chapter 7

“Do you have extra potions?”

“I never leave home without them.”

“Have you memorized your speech?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“And the song?”

The past week had been nothing but a series of non-stop calls from his Mom and Dad. Even Grandpa Putnam made a call. Clem snapped. “I’ve got it under control.”

“Don’t take that tone with me.” Clem’s Mom’s voice hardened. “Tonight is important to the family.”

“I know, Mom.” Clem complained. He’d been prepping for this night for the past seven years.

Gary popped his head into Clem’s room. “Are you ready? It’s going to get dark soon.”

“Yeah, be there in a moment.” Clem nodded at his dorm mate. “I’ve got to go, Mom.”

“Of course. Can’t be late.” His mother paused a moment before adding. “I love you … son.

Clem couldn’t help but notice his mother’s hesitation. If everything went as planned, she’d address him with a different affectation the next time they spoke and actually mean it. “I love you too, Mom.

Clem couldn’t remember the first time he felt the urge. As far as he knew it had always been there. As the youngest child with two older brothers and four older sisters, it wasn’t like he needed to work hard to find clothing to wear.

Everyone says the youngest child is the most spoiled but it’s easy for any child to get overlooked in a big family. There are only so many hours in a day to gain a parent’s attention and in a big family it is impossible for a parent to satisfy them all. Clem used this to his advantage for quite a few years.

Memories of Daphne’s voice echoed in Clem’s brain. “Who has my favorite pink bra?”

Lucy, Daphne, Margot, and Clara. Lucy was the eldest sibling, eight years older, with the others at six, three and one year older respectively. Clem hadn’t said a word as each of them grew and developed into beautiful young women but that didn’t make the feeling go away. Had the feelings started when he watched Lucy or was it one of the others? Or maybe it had been there all along, waiting for a moment of weakness?

Clem spent years of his childhood squirreling away panties, bras, blouses, and skirts.

Daphne’s voice echoed again. “Who has my favorite pink bra?”

The other girls denied taking it so his mother cast a ‘lost-and-found’ spell. A minute later she discovered the pink bra along with the rest of Clem’s stash.

“We’ll discuss this further when your father gets home.”

Clem thought he was in trouble. He couldn’t have been more wrong.

Gary asked, “Have you seen the Phi Lamb house? That place is huge.”

Clem didn’t answer. He’d been inside the Phi Lamb house more times than he could count. All of his sisters were Phi Lambs, with Daphne and Clara at chapters in Boston, Lucy and Margot here at Asher College.

Stanley said, “I can’t believe the fraternities let them snag the best spot on Greek Row.”

Roger said, “My grandfather has told me lots of stories from his days at Asher. The Phi Lambs were hot shit even back then.”

The idea Clem would attend Asher College was never in doubt. His grandfather made sure he went to the best tutors and the best private schools. His mother insisted he dress in female clothing while at home. He started working with the best witch instructors when the first hint of magic ability appeared.

Roger pointed at a nearby girl, “What’s that chick doing here?”

Clem smiled when he saw Kristy.

Kristy replied, “The Phi Lamb flyer didn’t say ‘boys only’. It said ‘freshmen’.”

“Oh.” Roger said.

“Sorry, Kristy.” Clem said, “My friend doesn’t know his manners.” His friend also didn’t know Kristy had a superpower that could prove quite handy once they were inside the house. The spirit who lived inside the house’s walls couldn’t cast spells on girls.

“You know her?”

“She’s in my calculus class.” Clem shook his head at Roger before looking at Kristy. “Sorry about my friend’s rudeness.”

“I’ve met worse.”

Clem gave Kristy a knowing look. He’d known her a lot longer than Calculus class. As the two tallest kids at Danvers Preparatory Academy, they’d been paired in every school photo.

Kristy smiled at him. “It’s good to see you, Clem.”

“You too Kristy.”

Guys of all shapes and sizes ran up and down the halls, most clutching several pairs of panties in their hands.

Clem smiled at the display. It wouldn’t be long until they were gone.

It sounded like Stanley, Roger, Gary, and Nick were having a great time in the back room. He’d had a lot of fun hanging out with his new friends for the past month. A part of him wished he could hang with them longer.

But Clem was destined for greater things…

Nick’s voice shouted from the back room, “I need to clean up this mess.” Clem turned to see both Stanley and Gary pulling Nick from the bedroom.

“We’re out of time, dude,” Stanley said, pointing to his watch. “We've got to go.”

Clem stood at the door. He could feel the house’s darkness clawing at him even though he hadn’t taken a pair of panties. “You guys ready?” He nodded at Kristy. His family promised her a large payment to make sure he got out.

Roger asked, “Aren’t you getting any panties?”

Clem shook his head.

Gary held up three pairs. “Why’d you come here?”

Kristy winked at Clem. “I told Clem, I’d give him mine.”

Gary smiled, “Nice.”

Clem exited and cleared the way as the others followed. The pull of the house didn’t affect him until they started down the second set of stairs. He could see the doorway ahead but even with his strength he struggled against Goody’s pull. The others disappeared by the time they reached the bottom of the steps. He’d read stories about the power Goody could wield but nothing had prepared him for the magic whirlwind now streaming throughout the house.

Clem shouted at Kristy. “I need your help. The portal is about to close.” Years of weight training allowed Clem to press forward. A look back showed no signs of his friends, just hundreds of freshmen being pulled into Goody’s thrall. Goody wasn’t one to let corrupted men fall out of her grasp, and Clem had never claimed to be a saint.

Kristy whispered, “Should I cast a protection spell?”

He shook his head. A spell would only anger the spirit. “Pull me out if you see me fall.” Clem reached out with his mind as he tutors had taught. ‘Speak to me Goody. I am here. I want to be your chosen.’

A hand smacked Clem’s cheek. “Ouch.”

“Wimp.”

Clem pressed at his jaw. “You hit hard.”

“I got you out. That’s all that matters.” Kristy smiled. “How do you feel?”

“Severely drained.” He reached into his backpack.

“Need a potion?”

“Way ahead of you.” Clem pulled an energy drink from his bag and downed most of it in two gulps. It didn’t taste like a thousand dollars.

“One of your friends made it out.”

Nick lay on the ground near the front steps. Clem smiled, “Gary thinks Nick is gay.”

“And you aren’t?”

“Very funny. You know from first-hand experience I like girls.” Clem finished off the magic potion in hopes it might rid him of nausea.

“An overrated experience as I recall.”

“I never heard you complaining.”

Most of the popular kids at Danvers Prep questioned why he hung out with Kristy. The pair certainly hung out with different crowds but there are some secrets only shared between those in families who’d made an alliance long before the country gained its independence. Those bonds ensured Kristy would go to her grave if necessary to protect Nick’s deepest secret.

A voice boomed from above.

“Silence. You must not speak or you will find yourself cast with the others.”

Clem recognized Mitsy’s voice. He stared up at the balcony lined with Phi Lambs, all wearing traditional Phi Lambda Phi ceremonial robes. He had no doubt his sister Margot was paying close attention. To tease her, Clem began taking off his pants.

“You have passed the first test and showed you can respect a simple request. As a result, you have a choice.” An instant later a light showed a large box full of what appeared to be pink panties near the exit. “You may leave with a parting gift or you can re-enter the house with a catch. To re-enter you must take off all your clothing and change into the outfit we provide.”

Kristy pointed towards the second box. Clem nodded, pointed at Nick and held up two fingers. A scan of the balcony showed the Phi Lambs leaving the balcony but Clem’s enhanced vision showed a few sorority sisters decided to stay. One was staring directly at him, most likely Margot. By the time Clem turned around, he caught Nick staring. Maybe Gary was right about Nick’s sexuality. Kristy returned with two Phi Lamb dresses, offering one to Clem and the other to Nick.

Clem picked up a piece of cheese and popped it into his mouth.

“You look good in a dress.”

Clem knew the voice without looking. When he turned, he saw a Phi Lamb and gave her a bear hug. She leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “Good to see you, sis.”

Margot pointed at the room’s entrance, “Who’s your friend?”

Clem looked. “That’s Nick. We live in the same dorm.”

“He looks terrified.”

“He’s a good dude, but terribly shy.” Clem laughed, “I had to threaten him to make him come here tonight.” Clem watched as a blonde girl snuck up behind Nick, causing his friend to spill his drink.Margot shook her head, “That’s embarrassing.”

Clem sensed Nick’s anxiety from across the room. “I should help him.”

“We don’t have time Clem. Katherine is waiting.”

“That girl is a real bitch.”

“She’s a useful bitch.” Margot continued to watch the drama on the other side of the room. “She’s well connected and has a lot of ambition, just like someone else I know. My sisters think she’s the favorite to be Phi Lamb president by her senior year. It’s good to keep people like that on your good side.”

“Friends close and enemies closer?”

Margot nodded, “Something like that.”

Clem sighed. “You know I hate stupid political drama.” He scanned the room. Half the room was pointing and laughing as Nick's face got redder and redder. “I need to help him.”

“You can’t. You know what Mom would say.”

Clem nodded, “Yeah. I know.”

Margot pointed at the blonde girl who’d grabbed Nick’s arm. “It looks like Gwen has the situation under control.”

Clem stared at the hulking form staring back from the mirror. He’d never asked for any of this.

Clement Withrow Putnam. Each part of his name had a history going back hundreds of years. He could see it in every picture that lined the walls of his home. Every line in his face. Every hair on his head. None of it belonged to him. They belonged to someone else.

He never expected the growth spurt which started right after his Mom found his stash of clothes. He’d always been a husky child and the growth spurt stretched everything out. Girls began to notice him. The addition of muscles made it even worse.
Football, basketball, shot-put, and discus. Class president and homecoming king. He had everything anyone could ever want, at least that’s what most of his classmates thought.

“Have you taken it?” Katherine’s voice sounded through the door.

“Not yet.”

“Hurry up. We don’t have all night.”

Clem looked in the mirror. He wasn’t sure why he was hesitating. He’d hated this body. It didn’t matter that his Mom made sure he had plenty of clothing in his size. It didn’t matter his Dad made sure his brothers never teased him. He’d become a family secret and he needed that to end tonight.

“Are you doing this for yourself? Or your family?”

Clem looked around the room then whispered towards the mirror, “Goody? Is that you?”

No response… but a good sign. The nursery rhymes said her voice alone could drive men insane.

Clem didn’t feel insane as he pulled the vial from his pocket. This was the sanest thing he’d ever done. One sip would start the desired change … at least for a short while. Clem held his breath then unscrewed the cap, “To you Goody.” He tipped the vial until it touched his lips. “This is my choice. I am ready to make the sacrifice.” Clem swallowed the bitter liquid in a single gulp.

Clem stared at himself as he waited for the change. How many years had he prepared for this night? The seconds passed slowly as his pulse began to quicken. Soon, the warmth from his stomach moved up his throat finding its way into his arms.Sinewy muscles disappeared. The five o’clock shadow pulled back into his skin. Changes rippled up his arms, and subtle changes occurred on his face. A look at his hands showed them thinner and his fingernails longer.The rumble in his stomach caused momentary distraction as dark brown tresses blocked his vision and he felt the slight pressure building on his chest.“Katherine?

“Yes?”

Clem opened the door. “What do you think?”

Katherine stared at Clem from head to toe, “Looks like the potion worked as advertised.” Her eyes stopped when she looked at his crotch.
“You’re going to need one hell of a gaff.”

Clem smiled at the compliment. The salesperson promised this concoction would make superficial changes for a few hours. No one would mix up the person in the mirror as a female but someone his shape and size needed every advantage they could get.