Involuntary Secretary
by Barbara Lynn Terry
Chapter I - Applying for a job.
I was sitting in my apartment looking at the want ads. I was very expert at doing office computer maintainance, and also a few other sundry things. I spotted an ad on the third page that read.
Industrious person wanted to fill position. Good pay, company benefits,
and two weeks vacation after 1 year. Please apply at 247 Harvard
Square, room 326. Position open for the right person.
I cut the ad out of the paper, and decided to try my luck. After getting my coat, and making sure I had my house key, I went out to to catch the bus. The ad was very vague as to what the position was, but right now any job will do until I can find one in my field.
My name is Paul, I am 28 years old, and I have been working in the computer field for three years. Then they laid me off because they said they had to cut back. Anyway, whatever this job is, I hope I am qualified enough to get it. I hopped on the bus and headed downtown. I got off at the corner of Cameron and Blakely, and walked the four blocks to Harvard Square. As I got to the corner of Blakely and Harvard Square, I looked at the addresses to see which way I needed to go. I turned right and walked two blocks.
I went in the building, and took the elevator to the third floor. When I got off the elevator I was looking at one desk after another. I stopped at the first desk, and told the lady there I was applying for the position in the paper. She looked at me, up and down, and giggled. I was glad she was happy at my expense, I think, but she gave me an application and told me to fill it out.
I filled out everyting, and put down computer maintainance for position applied for. This may not be the job that is open, but I can hope. Anyway, she took my application from me, and after giggling again, told me to have a seat, and there was coffee or tea if I wanted any. She walked in an office marked private, and was in there for a little while. She came back out, and looked at me again. She giggled, and sat down.
About twenty minutes went by, and a lady came out of the office. She came over to me, and held out her hand. "Hi Paula, I'm Marie Darnell, the floor supervisor. Please come with me."
"Uhm, my name is Paul, ma'am."
"Yes Paula, that's what I said. Please come in and have a seat while I go over your application with you. I notice you put down computer repair as position applied for. Our company has a reliable computer repair service that comes in regularly. But we do have a position open for the right person. Let's get some coffee in here, and we can talk about salary and work requirements. I see here it says you are 28 years old, and you left your previous employer because they laid you off. How far did you go in school?"
"I graduated from high school, and went right to college from there after the summer break. I majored in computer science and technology. Just in case the science part didn't work out, I could always fix computers, but I just don't fix them though. I even reprogram them if that is what the customer needs. I went all 4 years to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee."
"I see. What made you move here?"
"The job I applied for through the trade journal, is located just outside of town here. I was doing very well at it too, until there were cutbacks and they laid me off."
"I see. Well Paula," I was going to corrrect her, but decided to let it go. "We do have an opening for the right person. How much do you weigh?"
"I weigh one hundred and twenty eight pounds, and I am five foot , six inches tall. I like to jog to keep in shape, and I even have a set of uneven parallel bars in my exercise room."
"Are you any good on them?"
"Oh yes. I can do a combination and land on my feet."
"I see. Well, here is our coffee, now we are going to talk seriously for a bit. I am a hard task mistress. I expect a hundred and twenty percent from my girls. I want to see how well you can type. Come over here." I followed her over to a table that had a desk top computer set up. "I want you to transcribe these notes for me. Let me know when you are finished."
There were six pages of notes that needed to be transcribed. I brought up office word, and began typing away. Twenty minutes later, I was through. She looked over the notes and the transcription and saw only a few typo errors.
"This is good. Did you take any typing classes besides computer science?"
"No ma'am. But when you program computers you have to know how to type and fast."
"Good, you did really good on these notes. Now, let's talk about about what is required of you if I hire you. First of all, all my girls are ladies, and they wear dresses or skirt outfits, no pants of any kind. Bras and slips are to be worn under your clothes at all times, and you will wear nothing higher than a two inch heel. You will be properly made up, and your hair is to be neat. You can wear it in a high pony tail, but it is to be neat. You will address me as Miss Darnell, and you will show proper feminine etiquette at all times. You will perform the work required of you, and you will not be allowed to talk back and forth between the desks, unless it is work related, or you are on your break. Skirts and dresses are to be knee to ankle length. No ankle chains, and no goth makeup. There is also no smoking anywhere in the main area. There is an ashtray in the ladies lounge for that. There is no interrupting another secretary, and you will wait until she is done talking, to say what it is you have to say. You will be paid a salary of thirty two thousand dollars a year, and you get a two week vacation after the first year. Now do you think you can abide by these rules?"
I thought about what she just said. If I said yes, I would be required to work as a woman, with other women. That was why the receptionist was giggling. Well, right now the job market isn't good for computer work, and a job is a job. I may have to learn a new way of life, but at least I'll eat, and be able to pay my bills and rent.
"Yes, Miss Darnell, I can abide by these rules, but there is just one thing. Because of my computer work I was allowed to dress casually, and I don't own any dresses or skirts, just pants and shirts."
"I see." She picked up her phone and spoke to somebody. "Laura will be right in. I am going to make her your trainer. Today is Friday, and you start on Monday morning right at seven sharp." There was a knock on the door. "Come in, Laura."
A shapely redhead entered the office, and was told to be seated. "Laura, this is Paula, and she will be starting on Monday morning. I want you to be her trainer, and she is going to need a wardrobe that will get her by for about a month. Just until she can start affording her own clothes. Here is a check for two thousand dollars, Laura. Take her shopping tomorrow, and make sure she gets the right clothes."
"I will, Miss Darnell. You know Paula, you are about my size? So why don't you spend the weekend with me?"
"Uhm, okay. But I think I need to tell you both something before I leave."
"That won't be necessary," Miss Darnell said, holding up her hand. "Paula will you wait out by Stephanie's desk. She's the receptionist."
I left the office and went out by the receptionist. "Well, did you get the job?"
"Yes, I did."
"Paula, is that right?"
"Yes."
"I'm Stephanie, and it is going to be a pleasure working with you. By the way, what made you apply here?"
"There was a vague ad in the paper about a positon for an industrious person, and if there is one thing I am, it's industrious."
"Yes, but do you think you can actually live as a woman? I mean, don't get me wrong, you have very angelic features, your hair needs work, and you are slight with a modest figure. And you have a naturally high voice. But you have never lived or dressed as a woman. Have you?"
"No."
"Who did she give you as a trainer?"
"Laura. In fact Laura thought it best we spend the weekend together, so she can take me shopping tomorrow. If I have to learn a new way of life, just to be able to eat and pay my bills and rent, then so be it. Life is full of challenges, and this certainly is a challenge.
"It certainly is that. Laura is nice though, and she will make sure you know enough to get by on Monday. Just be glad you don't have to wear nylons with seams. Anyway dear heart, my job here is to make sure that if you need a cup of coffee, or tea, I will pour it and bring it to you. Miss Darnell doesn't care if you drink at your desk, just as long as you use a coaster, and wipe up any spills. She has me bring you your drinks because she wants the girls to keep working, and not get up every ten minutes to get something to drink. Besides, being a woman isn't so bad, and it isn't really that bad working here. Miss Darnell wants results, and all you have to do is give her one hundred and twenty per cent. But if there is one thing Miss Darnell is, is fair. One other thing, dear heart. Whether you are wearing a skirt, a dress, or pants, always remember to keep your knees together. That is rule number one of feminine etiquette. Oh, here comes Laura. It is nice to meet you, Paula. Have a great weekend."
"Thank you, Stephanie, and it is nice meeting you too."
Laura came over by me, after turning off her computer and covering it up. "Ready Paula? Let's go."
"Where are we going?"
"To my house. If I am not mistaken, we are the same size. You are going to need proper clothes to go shopping tomorrow. Rule number two of feminine etiquette is to be properly dressed at all times, and carry yourself like a lady. Rule three is very, very simple. Ladies don't cuss and we don't swear. We may say 'Oh darn' once in a while, but no cussing or swearing. There was one other thing too, that Miss Darnell didn't tell you. You will carry a purse with you all the time. There is to be nothing in your pockets even if your dress or skirt, maybe your blouse too, has pockets. Pockets on ladies clothes are only there for show, and really have no practical use. So, let's go."
"Good luck, Paula," Stephanie said, winking at me.
Chapter II - Paula and Laura go shopping.
Part I - Getting ready.
We took the elevator to the fourth floor, and walked across the overpass to the parking structure. Laura's car is a 2000 BMW that still looks very good, and not a noticeable dent on it. She unlocked the doors with her little remote control, and we got in and buckled up. She told me that this car never moves until everyone is wearing their seatbelt.
After we left the parking structure, she turned right and we drove for about twenty minutes. She lived in a two story, victorian house. The outside was immaculate, and there were flower beds here and there. The property wasn't that big, but it was big enough. We went in the house, and I was really floored. Instead of carpeting, she had hard wood floors, that shone like they had been waxed. The walls had pictures of men and women from different eras. She told me that was her family dating all the way back from 1798 when they first came here. She showed me where to hang my coat, and then told me rule number four of feminine etiquette.
"A lady never just throws her things helter skelter, she either hangs up her coat, and sets her purse down, or she allows her coat to be taken to be hung up. In a setting like this a lady never sits with her legs apart. Most just keep their legs together by crossing their ankles, right over left. Or she may cross her legs at the knees, adjusting her dress or skirt over the knee. Also, we never adjust our bras in public, other than placing the bra strap back over our shoulders if they get a little off the shoulder.
"Miss Darnell has told me that she is expecting a lot from you, and is giving you this chance, so you can see how the other half of the world lives. Now, she gave me this large amount, because she wants you to have breast forms, and they will be attached to your chest by an adhesive. There are tape adhesives, but they aren't that guaranteed to hold. Besides, with the adhesive I will be getting you, you won't have to take them off every day. Once a week is good enough so your skin can breath and you can clean the area under the breast forms. She said that Stephanie told her that there was a guy applying for the secretary position. Our company is old fashioned because they want women for secretaries, and men for the management positions. Marie was promoted to supervisor because the floor only has women working there and one restroom...the ladies restroom. That is why she called you Paula and ignored your correction? Only women work on our floor, and if you were serious about the job you must be a woman. Have you ever lived or dressed as a woman?"
"No."
"Well, from now on, you will be required to live full time as a woman, complete with mannerism, and clothes. You can't go to work as woman and then come home and revert back to being a man. You won't get in to the frame of mind that way, that is needed when you have to talk to clients on the phone, or our district supervisor who is a man. There is one other thing we are going to want you to do. We want you to change your name to Paula with your last name. We have a doctor on our payroll that will give you a certificate saying that you have completed srs and are now physically female. That way we can get your birth certificate changed. Would you be agreeable to doing that?"
"I just change my name, but I don't to have the actual surgeries."
"Yes."
"I think I can do that. Yes, I would agree to that."
"Marie will call our lawyer on Monday then, and get it started. It won't cost you a cent. See, I had a good talk with her after you left the office. As of right now, you are a woman in training in more than just at work. I am going to show you how to carry yourself, sit, eat like a lady, converse like a lady, and how to be gracious. I won't have to do any correction in the physical department, except for the breast forms. Just looking at you in that suit I can see a beautiful woman, in a man's suit that doesn't become your looks at all. I will teach you makeup, and how to do your hair in different styles, and I will show you how to pluck your eyebrows, and paint your nails. Also, we don't shave our legs, we wax them. Okay, now, for the coupe de grace. Please take off your clothes, as of today you won't be needing them anymore."
I hesitated but she reassured me that this was strictly business. I got out of my suit, and folded the pants along the crease, and folded my jacket in half and draped it across the back of the chair I was sitting on. I removed my tie and shirt, and then my undershirt.
"Take your briefs off too, please."
I hesitated, but then she started taking her clothes off, and I wasn't even getting sexually turned on. She stood there completely nude, and walked around me, looking me over. Then she yanked my briefs down to my ankles, and looked at me some more.
"You have no body hair, just leg, underarm and pubic hair. Do you shave your face?"
"No, I never had to, yet."
"Good. Now go in the bathroom and take a good shower. Wash your hair twice, and condition it twice. Use my perfumed soap in the pink container, and then when you dry yourself, pat the water off without rubbing. Then come back out here, and I will have a complete outfit for you to wear, and a nice jar of wax, so we can get that light fuzz off of your legs, underarms, and public area."
I went in the bathroom and turned on the shower. I needed to pee, and since I was now going to live as a woman, I sat down on the toilet and did what I needed to do. I don't know why, but I wiped myself and stood up and got in the shower. I did everything she said to do, and then after patting myself dry, went out there with the towel only around my waist. She immediately pulled it off, and told me to sit on the kitchen chair she brought to the living room.
She then spread this really warm wax over my legs in sections, and ripped out the hair with thin cloth strips. When she was finished with both legs, she did my underarms. She did that in two sections on each. She first did the bottom of the underarm, then the top. Then she gave me an evil, sinister look, as she spread the wax over my pubic area, and yanked. I wanted to scream, the pain was so terrible. But I held it in. Then she took a bottle of Johnson's baby oil and spread all over my legs, underarms and pubic area. She said this was to help get rid of the redness of the waxing and take care of the burn. She declared me ready to get dressed. Since I never wore anything feminine before, she explained what to do, but I had to actually put the clothes on myself.
What I was surprised at, was that I was able to hook the bra in back on the first try. Then she gave me a panty girdle, and told me that tomorrow she would get me underbriefs called a gaff. That was a very tight nylon/spandex undergarment to help keep my male member hidden when I was wearing a bathing suit, pants, or shorts and so there was no tell tale bulge in the front of my skirts and dresses. After the bra and panty girdle were on, she gave me a full, white slip. She showed me the proper way of putting it on, and then explained, that when I went shopping by myself, to make sure that if the tag wasn't in the back of the garment, it was on the left side. Then after the slip was on, she gave me a cream colored blouse. She told me to button it up, and I did without too much of a problem. Then came a turquoise, A-line skirt that zipped up on the side. Next she told me to sit down, and put on my nylons. Having seen how this was done in countless movies, I copied it. I got them up, and ran my hands over them to make sure they were snug. Then she handed me a pair of cream colored slingbacks and I was dressed.
"Now girlfriend, I am only going to have you put on a little mascara, and a light lipstick. Then I am going to fuss with your hair, and I want you to look in the mirror and tell me what you see." She toussled here and there with my hair, and pronounced me ready. I looked in the mirror and gasped. I was looking back at my twin sister. "See, it didn't take much at all to make you look like the woman you are. Your beauty is wasted on a male body, that's for sure. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm starved. What say we go out to eat? You won't have to worry about a thing though, because with that high voice and the way you are dressed nobody will know you're anything but the woman you are. Ready?"
I giggled, and said I was ready. We went out the car, and after being buckled in, we went to fancy little restaurant on the edge of town, that nobody outside of the immediate area knew anything about. The name of the restaurant was Leonardos. It was Itlaian, American, French, and Australian. I had to give the owner my respect, because instead of one menu, the waitress asked us what nationality menu we wanted. I asked the waitress for the Australian menu, and Laura asked for the French. The waitress said thank you, ladies, and gave us our menus and our water. After looking at our menus, we ordered our food, and talked as we ate.
Laura looked at me, and said I did good, but asked why I picked the Australian menu. I told her I had lived in Australia for eight and a half months, and they have similar foods to what we have in the states, just that some of it was cooked differently. She asked me questions about Australia and I answered from what I knew. She wanted to know if I saw any kangaroos, and I said that while Australia has posted Kangaroo crossings like we do deer crossings, I had never seen a kangaroo, or a koala bear, or a platypus. She asked me if I had seen any crocodiles, and I said no, because I hadn't been in the Northern Territory.
I did tell her about this one spider they have there called the black funnel web spider, and how dangerous it really is. When I told her it actually chases you, and stings you with feelers instead of biting you, she said she wouldn't like to go to Australia. I giggled, and told her about a large spider they call a huntsman. and she asked if it was poisonus. I said very, but is mainly like the daddy long legs, except the body is more flat, and the legs stick out rather than go down. I told her that there were other forms of wildlife there too that you didn't want to meet, such as the dingo, the most dangerous dog in the world, or any of the numerous feral cats and other animals. She was fascinated I had found out so much during my short visit. I told her the people in Australia are very helpful, and will make sure you understand their directions, if you are a little lost. I told her that if she wanted, we could go there for a vacation, and I would show her around. My friends there would sponsor us for coming in to the country. She said that I would have to be dressed as the woman I am, and I told her that it was not a problem. When I told her that there was an open gay and transgendered community in Australia, and that there were many gays and transgendered who were in the military, the police, doctors, nurses, day care center owners, she marvelled that such a thing was possible. I even told her that the Victoria Police in Melbourne has a contingent that marches in the Gay Pride parade every year. Then she asked me the question."
"Paula, are you gay?"
"No, but I knew several in Australia that were, and a few who were transgendered. Everybody there isn't accepting of those lifestyles though, but most will leave you alone. Would I consider srs? I don't know at this point. But I have wondered what it would be like to live as a woman. Now I get to find out."
"You would make a very fine woman, girlfriend. You have the looks, and the voice, your mannerisms and your eating habits I won't have to work on, because they come natural to you. The way you sit needs a little work, but all in all, you look very convincing, and the way you walk is also very convincing."
"I need to go to the little girl's room."
"Come with me," she said, leading the way.
When we got in the ladies room, there was one stall open, and we both rushed for it. She beat me by two steps. I giggled, and waited for the next stall to open up. After we were through in the ladies room, Laura paid for our meal, and then we left. On the drive home, I mused on my fortune or misfortune, or whatever it was that landed me in the role of a female secretary and a life as a woman. I giggled and Laura wanted to know what was so funny. I told her, and she looked at me, and said that I was beautiful and there were women who would kill to have my looks and my long eyelashes. Then she wanted to know when we were naked in her living room, why I didn't get sexually excited, seeing her nude body.
"You said it was all business, so I treated it like that."
"Just make sure you do from now on. Because if your skirt or dress or other clothes gets that front bulge, you will give yourself away. You did very good for your very first outing as a woman. Nobody was the wiser, and I noticed that you didn't stare at the women in the ladies room. That is a good sign that you will make it." We finally made it home, and she said we weren't going out any more tonight, and I should get in to something more comfortable. She told me to take a shower to get the day's persperation off of me (I didn't sweat, either), and join her in the bedroom. She also showed me how a woman wraps a towel around her after a shower.
I went in the bathroom, and used a berry berry scented body wash. I used her back scrubber to wash my back, and I held the back of my hair up to wash my neck. While still holding up my hair, I used the sprayer to rinse off my back and the back of my neck. I was really in seventh heaven, because with this set up, you didn't have to take a full shower if you didn't want too. All you had to do was wash the necessary areas. But I took a full shower, and I was amazed at the sensations I was feeling on my hairless legs. I finished and brushed my teeth, and I wrapped the towel around me, fastening it to itself just slightly above the fullest part of my "breasts". I would have said chest, but I am living as a woman now. I looked in the mirror, and even in a towel, that extended to mid thigh, I looked every inch a woman. I knew the guys kidded me about my looks, but I had no idea that they were telling the truth.
I went to the bedroom, and she had a pair of yellow panties, and a matching baby doll on the bed. "These are for you for tonight. Put them on, and here is a robe for you." I put them on, and then she said we should go an watch television. She brought out two wine coolers, and we sat and sipped them.
There were several good movies on, and we opted for Princess Diaries. I have seen this movie several times, and I always liked the way she acted like a normal teenage girl, even after she discovered she was royal. Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews synched together in this movie, and Hector Elizondo was funny with his "straight-man" quips. After the movie was over, Laura showed me to "my" room. It was a pretty room, and would be the envy of any girl or woman living in it. I gave Laura a sisterly hug, and pulled back the covers. After taking off my robe, and folding it over once, I laid it across the foot of the bed. Laura gave me the thumbs up, and said good night. I got under the covers and turned off the bedside lamp.
When I woke up, the sun was shining through the window, and I stretched and yawned, covering my mouth. Laura was standing there watching me, and said I was a natural for a woman. Then she said that I should get up, and get my shower going, so I could get dressed and we could go shopping. I asked what time it was, and she said it was just past ten. I had really had the best night's sleep I ever had. I was so comfy I didn't want to get up, but Marie Darnell would want me dressed immaculately on Monday. So I guess I had better get a move on.
As I took my shower, I thought about whether or not I would have accepted this kind of a position right out of college. Probably not, unless maybe it was the only option open, like now. But thirty two thousand dollars, just for transcribing notes and dictation was not a bad salary. But I wonder if there are raises, and she just didn't tell me about them. Well I won't ask either, or she will think I might not be what she wants in an employee. Yeah, so okay, I have to live as a woman. What would you do to survive? After I patted myself dry, I used Laura's lotion and body powder. I then went to get dressed.
Laura liked the scent of her lotion mixed with the powder. She then gave me a white bra that I put on easily, and then a pair of white lace panties. She handed me a white half slip, and I stepped in to it. Then she said to sit in front of her mirror. She handed me a face cleanser pad, and told me to wipe it softly around on my cheeks. Then she handed me black eye liner, a soft brown eye shadow, and a dual foundation/powder. After I had applied all of the cosmetics, and put on the cream colored blouse with the tartan A-line skirt, and a pair of leather slingbacks with two inch heels, she gave me a tube of light pink lipstick. After I had put it on and blotted it, and put a little more on and blotted that, she said we were ready to go.
"Paula, you have been doing things very feminine naturally since I have met you. Are you sure this is your first feminine experience?"
"Yes, Laura. I don't why, but when I'd watch movies, I would pay attention to how the women applied their makeup, put on their clothes, and walked and acted. Maybe it is the inner girl in me, or maybe I was just curious. I don't know, but this is my first experience as a woman."
"Well, you could have fooled me. Like I said though, with your looks and your natural female aura, nobody will know you are not naturally female. Unless of course, they undress you. Well, are we ready? Let's go shopping."
Part II - At the mall.
She drove to the mall, but had to park quite a ways from the door leading in to JC Penny's. We walked to walked to the entrance, and after we were in the store, she said this was as good as place to start as any. So we went to the junior's department, and we looked at the dresses. There were several there that would be acceptable for work. Laura picked four off of the rack, and then took me to the changing booths. She told me to go in and try them on.
The first dress was really nice. It was a lavender print with litte flowers of different kinds, and it was free flowing when I moved. It zipped up in the back, and it came right to my knees. I stepped out for Laura's approval.
"That one is very nice, Paula, that's a keeper."
I went in an tried on the cream colored dress, that had a hidden side zipper. It had a scoop neckline, and it too came to my knees. Laura said we will keep that one too. The third dress was about two inches above my knee, so I set that one aside. The fourth dress was a light, mint green, and it too had a hidden side zipper. This came to my knees too. Out of the four dresses, we kept three. Then Laura said we needed to look at skirts and blouses. We went over to where they were, and Laura told me to pick a few skirts and blouses and try them on, and she would be right back. I wonder if she did that on purpose. Oh well, this would be a good test I suppose.
The first skirt and bouse I tried on, were pefect together. The skirt was just basic black, but the blouse was a light rose. I set them aside after seeing they fit perfectly. The next set was perfect too. The skirt was a tartan plaid, and the blouse was cream. I set them next to the other set. The third skirt was just a little bit below the knee, and the blouse was a powder pink. All the sets were perfect, and by the time I was done trying them all on, Laura was back. We took my things to the checkout counter, and Laura paid for them.
"Where did you go, Laura?"
"I forgot to cash Marie's check, so I had to run to the bank. It's a good thing our company bank has a branch in the mall." I still say she did that on purpose.
"Ok. So where do we go next?"
"We get you lingerie. We know your size because mine fits you like a glove. So we can get you that size. The bra will have to be a 32-C because the breast forms I will get you are C cup. I know a nice little shop that sells nothing but lingerie. They have the sexiest styles too."
"Do you think I should be wearing sexy lingerie? I mean, it isn't like I will be having sex with men." She gave me that look that said something like, maybe not now, but...
"Honey, we get dressed not to just impress men, but to impress and make other women envious. We also dress for ourselves too so we can feel sexy. We are women, and we need that feeling even if it is for ourselves. So yes, you need sexy lingerie." I didn't say anything more, and went to this little boutique that sold exclusively, sexy lingerie.
Went in the store, and the lady came over and asked if we needed any help. Laura said no, because we knew what sizes and styles we wanted. I was about to find out that panties, bras, slips, negligá¨es, and baby dolls, were all different and made in different cuts and styles. I picked out three packages of size four panties, eight different half slips, and four full slips. She got one dozen pair of regular nylons that had to be fastened to garters. She told me to get three garter belts with attached garters, and then we also got four baby doll nighties with pengoir robes. Laura paid the cashier and we took my things out to the car. Then Laura said I needed a purse, and then we were going to go to get my breast forms. We went to a store that sold leather goods. I looked at the purses, and saw one that had a lot of pockets. Laura said that would be a good purse because it had a pocket for a cell phone, a package of cigarettes and lighter, and it had two deep pockets on each side of a center pocket. Laura paid for the purse, and we went to a medical supply store.
When we walked in, the man behind the counter asked if we needed help, and when he found out what help we needed, he let the lady come over and help us. "Hello, my name is Linda, you need breast forms,dear?" I nodded. "There is no reason to be bashful, sweetie, we all need a little help now and then. Is this your mother, dear?"
"Oh uh,no, she's my aunt."
"Well, don't be bashful. Let's get you measured, and see what we have for you."
"I was thinking maybe a C cup," Laura interjected.
"Yes, that would suit her frame. Alright, come with me, dear." We followed her to a back room that had a door marked, "fitting in progress." I was told to take off my dress and bra, and lie down on the table that looked like one you would see in a doctor's office. She measured my chest area, and when I asked her why she was measuring, she said different breast forms have different circumferences, and I needed the right circumference so I would look natural. After she finished measuring, she went to a cabinet and brought out a box that had a clear top. I could see the breast forms, and they did look natural. She brought them over and then took one out of the box and placed it over my left nipple. Satisfied that this was the right circumference, she took a washable pencil, and traced the outline. She did the same with the other breast form. Then she put an adhesive on the breast form, and placed it on my chest, holding it down for one minute. Then the other one. She told me to keep holding them, until she could get the bra around me. I had to let go of the breast form, one at a time, to put my arms through the straps. After she fastened the bra, my chest felt like it had a ton of bricks on it, but I waited til later to tell Laura. As we were leaving the lady had one more thing to say.
"You know, dear, we get a lot of young girls in here that get breast forms. They just want to impress their boyfriends. Do you have a boyfriend, dear?"
"No, Ma'am, not yet anyway." She smiled, and we went out to the front of the store where Laura paid for the breast forms.
The breast forms were the most expensive of all the items that Laura got for me. Well, I am committed now, I guess. So, how does that saying go? "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." I just hope I don't hit a brick wall at full speed.
This shoping excursion took all morning, and most of the afternoon, because we got a late start. Laura drove us to a nearby restaurant to have dinner.
"Why didn't we just stop at the food court?"
"Because I don't like the food they serve there. It's all fast food, and I like my food cooked properly."
This restaurant wasn't anything fancy, just a little restaurant with no name that served good old fashioned home cooked meals, according to the big sign above a blackboard that had the special and soup of the day on it. We sat down, and a young lady that looked like she was still in high school, brought our water and menus over. She explained the special and soup of the day, and then asked if we were ready to order. Laura looked at her menu and ordered the roast beef dinner with mashed potaotes. I said that sounded good too, and we said salad with thousand island dressing. We ordered coffee to drink, and then we waited for our order. Laura leaned in a little and talked in a low whisper.
"How did you like your first shopping experience as a woman?"
"It was great actually. I really enjoyed myself."
She smiled, and was about to say something else, but our orders arrived. So we ate, and talked about nothing except what the girls call girl talk. She watched me like a hawk, and marvelled that I took small bites, and chewed with my mouth closed. She watched my posture, and she noticed that I was sitting very ladylike. She made an excuse to look under the table, and saw I had my legs crossed at the knees. She looked at me, and gave me the thumbs up. When we finished eating, she paid the young lady, and we left.
"I am very proud of you, Paula. Nobody in there was the wiser. You carried yourself like a natural woman. We have one more stop, and that is to get you your cosmetics. How do your breasts feel?"
"Like there is a ton of bricks on my chest."
She smiled when she said, "you'll get used to them. Every woman does."
We stopped at Walgreen's and got my cosmetics. I picked out the same shades that I was wearing, because they seemed to bring out my face better. Never change a good thing. However, we got more cosmetics than I needed, because she said I needed to practice putting my own makeup. When we got to her house,I was thoroughly exhausted. I did have fun, but it was very tiring too. We placed all of my clothese in the closet in "my" room, and the cosmetics. Then Laura had a proposition for me.
"You know, girlfriend, I have this two bedroom house, and nobody to share it with. Would you like to move in with me, and we can share expenses, and we can carpool to work. You don't have to tell me now."
"No, I will accept that. I live in a one bedroom kitchenette apartment, and I have no one there either, except me. So it would be nice to have someone to talk to that shares some common interests."
"Great, then the room where your clothes are, is yours, and you are already basically moved in. Do you have any of your own furniture?"
"Just a bed, two end tables, and a coffee table. everything else is just clothes, and a couple of lamps and a microave."
"Well, your clothes you won't need anymore, you are a woman now working in a very nice office, and we all watch out for each other. You have a new basic wardrobe, and you have cosmetics. You must keep yourself in character so you don't slip up. Not that I have seen that, but just in case."
"What about my bed and end tables?"
"Well the bed we can keep, and if you don't like the bed in your room, we can put yours up. The one in there now is just a second hand one I picked up for guests. Your end tables can go by your bed or in the living room, and the coffee table is a welcome relief. The microwave we can use too. Your male clothes we will give to Goodwill or some such place, and tomorrow we will get you a few pairs of shoes."
"So I guess I sealed my own fate by just applying for a job. Well, who said life was fair?" I giggled, and she threw a couch pillow at me.
It seemed that Laura and I would get along with each other, without being in each other's way. She called a friend of hers that had a crew cab pickup truck. That was because she had kids she drove all over. We waited for about fifteen minutes, and there was a knock at the door. I answered it, and saw a stunning flawless complexioned, blonde haired woman looking at me.
"Hi I'm Sandy, you must be Paula. Well, if everybody's ready, we should get going. I left my oldest in charge while I'm gone. She's a whole fourteen." She giggled as if that was such an old age.
We went out to her truck, and Laura got in the back, while Sandy and I were in the front. We drove to my old apartment, and moved out my furniture to the truck. The bed was the biggest, then the coffee table, then my end tables. The lamps and the microwave we put in the back with me. Sandy wondered about the clothes, and I just told her they belonged to the guy that actually rents the apartment, and that my clothes were already moved out. She let it go.
"Paula, I don't mean to pry...oh hell, yes I do. Was he your boyfriend?"
"No, just somebody that wanted to share my body with me. But the first night I was there, I made him sleep on the couch, and he has been there ever since. He's at work right now, and he is in for a big surprise when he comes home." Laura looked at me and gave me the thumbs up.
We got my things back to my new house, and all three of us set up the bed. The old one Sandy took to the Goodwill. After we had placed everything where we wanted it to go, my end tables we divided. I put one in the living room and the other in my bedroom. When everything was set up, we sat down and had a cup of tea.
"Your bed was the hardest to put together, but we got it. Since we both have queen sized beds, we can share the bedding. Do you know how to cook, Paula?"
"A little. I can make meatloaf, baked chicken, I can make real Italian spaghetti. I know how to mash potatoes so they are creamy, and I can heat vegetables."
"Well, I'm impressed. Not many men have that kind of a resumᨠunless they are chefs. Do you know how to make bread, or dinner rolls, or muffins, or cakes or pies, or other bakery items?"
"If I have a recipe book, I can make anything. I don't know how to make bread from scratch; I always bought mine."
"Well girlfriend, I will help you learn all of that. I like making my own bread, because store bought doesn't taste good to me. It has a flat taste. But we have a lot of time. What kinds of things do you like to do?"
"I love to go bowling, I love watching tennis and golf, and even badminton competitions. I like watching the cheerleading competitions because I enjoy watching those kids do some of the most amazing acrobatics. I like playing mini golf too. I love going to carnivals and going on the rides, I love reading mostly Harlequin romance novels, and I love going to movies. There are a whole lot of things I like to do, but I have never wanted to play football, baseball, or ice hockey. Basketball is a good sport, and gives you a lot of exercise."
"I love doing all of those things too, and of course my baking. But I will teach you all of that. Paula, I am glad that I met you. Even though you have a male a body, you have been acting like a natural woman since I met you. Maybe you were destined to answer our ad and become an involuntary secretary."
"You know, I was thinking that same thing. When I was looking at the ad I was saying that I hoped I was qualified for the job. I had no idea what the job was, but money was running out, and I needed a job. That is why I didn't object when Marie was telling me what would be required of me, and how I was to dress. So I guess in that respect I was ready for anything."
"Well, are you disappointed you have to live full time as a woman just to keep the job?"
"Not really, I suppose. There are worse things, like being homeless, starving, dying in a back alley some night of one thing or another. No, I suppose I should be thankful I was given an opportunity most men would never have."
"When you were younger, did you ever wonder what it would be like to dress like a girl?"
"When I was younger. But those thoughts were replaced by other things and I never thougth of it again. Until now that is."
"Well you should have been born a woman, because you are a natural at it. Let's see if there are any good movies on." She looked at the movie guide to see what was on, and found a Bring It On marathon. So we watched that. I have seen every one of these movies at least three times. This would make it the fourth. Tomorrow was Sunday, so we could sleep in. She turned on the movie, and we sat and watched it. She got a couple of wine coolers, then said we should get into something a little more comfortable. So we went to our rooms and got into one of our baby dolls, and stepped in to our slippers and went downstairs. We sipped our wine coolers as we watched the battle of the cheerleaders in the Bring It On movies.
When the movies were over, we gave each other a sisterly hug and said good night. The next morning we raced for the bathroom, but she beat in there again. I'll have to practice my sprinting a little more. After we were finished taking our showers and getting dressed in just simple skirts and blouses, we headed out the door, because she said I needed shoes to go with my outfits. She did tell me that I didn't have to pay any of the money back, if I worked there two years. If I left before then, they would want me to pay the money back. After buckling our seatbelts, Laura drove us to the Boot Corral. They sold everything from slippers to thigh high boots, and everything they sold was made of leather. Laura said all I needed were three pairs of shoes. Two would go great with any outfit, and the third was a dress pair, that was to be worn to special events like church, dances, and other social functions, especially company functions.
The salesman came up to us and asked us if we needed help. "Yes, thank you," Laura said, smiling. "She needs to get a few pairs of shoes."
"Alright, I can help you with that. Would you like to take a look at our boot special today? We are having a special on knee high boots, just sixty nine, ninety-nine, in your choice of heel height and colors."
"No, not today, she just needs shoes to go with her outfits."
"Alright, you ladies look around and see if there is anything you like. I will be right over there by the register."
He wasn't that tall, just five foot, six inches, but he was muscular. He didn't wear a suit, just gabardine pants and a pull over, cream colored shirt. His moccasin flats had a tassle at the vamp, and he walked like he was a king. But his manner was gentle, and his smile was contagious. We looked around, and Laura found a pair that would go with almost any one of my outfits. She said to try them on, and they fit very well without being tight. These had a two inch heel, and an ankle strap. The next pair was black too, but it was just a regular dress pump without a strap. The third pair we got was different than the other two. This pair had a strap that fastened up the leg a ways above the ankle. They were black too.
"This pair will be your dress pair. The other two you can wear at the office and when we go out. So, what do you think?"
"I like them. But a girl needs more than just three pairs of shoes, though."
"True, but right for now, these will get you started. Let's go and pay for them." Laura paid the salesman, and we left. I saw him watching us as I turned a bit to take one more look at him.
This was Sunday, and there wasn't much going on, so we decided to go window shopping. Out of two thousand dollars, Laura didn't have much left, because of the breast forms being so much. We spent the whole morning just going from store to store, trying on a gazillion outfits, and having lunch at Denny's. Then we spent the afternoon driving around, and Laura showed me a few of the places she would like to take me. When we got home it was dinner time, and she ordered two personal pan pizzas. When they came, we sat and ate. Then, because there was nothing to do, we sat and talked until it was bedtime. I found out about Laura's family, and how they came over when the country was just getting started. I told her about my family and how my great grandfather came over from Ireland during the great potato famine, and I told her about myself from the time I left high school and graduated from college. We shared a few secrets too, and we pinky swore on a fate worse than death, never to tell another living soul. I was actually getting into this being a woman thing, and tonight Laura and I acted like schoolgirls, laughing and giggling, and carryin on. When we next looked at the clock, it was time for us to be in bed, because we both had to be to work at seven sharp.
Involuntary Secretary - Part II
by Barbara Lynn Terry
(Author's Note: In one of the comments from the last chapter, someone said that because Paul accepted the job so readily that he wasn't an involuntary secretary and that the title is misleading. I think the title is very appropriate. What man will swallow his dignity, pride and masculine ego, to work as a woman in order to survive? Not many I will be willing to bet, but working as a woman is better than starving to death. Because Paul was out of work and recently laid off, what other options did he have, but to take the first thing that came along. Thus the involuntary part, because of his need to survive.)
Chapter III - Paula reports for work.
Monday dawned too early for me, when Laura woke me up, saying we needed to get me ready for work. I looked at the clock and it said five o'clock. I tried to argue that it was too early, but Laura said we had to get me ready, and that I needed to take a very nice bubble bath, and then I needed to get my makeup on, and then get dressed. Then she said we would have just enough time for a jelly bagel, and be on our way to work.
She looked at me in my bedraggled state and said I was sure a sight. She giggled and said not to worry because she look about the same when she got up. I went in the bathroom, and ran my bath water putting in some apply/jojoba bubble bath. I brushed my teeth while waiting for the tub to fill up. After the bubbles looked like a mountain of suds, I got in the tub and slowly lowered myself in. I sat there squeezing the water all over me, then I washed in earnest, and rinsed the errant suds off with the sprayer. I stepped out of the tub and patted myself dry with the soft terry towel hanging on the towel rack. I put on some lotion and body powder, and went to get dressed.
Laura had my outfit alrady picked out. It was the black knee length skirt with the light rose top. She had a pair of rose slingbacks on the floor, and rose colored lingerie. I put on the hi cut panty briefs, and then sat down and put on my nylons. I put the bra on, and with the breast forms, took me a little bit, but I got it fastened behind me. I put on the rose colored half slip, and sat down to do my makeup. I made a few mistakes, but all in all, I did really well. I see what Laura was saying. Because I had never applied makeup to myself before, she knew I would make a few mistakes. After she saw everything was perfect, she said I should get in to my blouse and skirt.
By the time I was dressed, and my hair in a neat pony tail, it was six fifteen. We went downstairs and put a couple of bagels in the four slice toaster. When they popped up, we spread a little jelly on them, and we were off to work.
"Well, not a bad morning. So far so good, but the real test is coming up. You will not only be transcribing hard copy and dictation, but you will have to interact with your customers. You will be given a list of clients that do business with us, and you will either keep them as customers or they will soon tire of us and go to someone else. So the success of whether they stay with us or not, is up to you. Nobody else can tell you how to interact with your clients.
"Miss Darnell is going to be watching you like a hawk. She told me Friday that because you have the right attitude and you are willing to learn how to live as a woman, is the reason she hired you. When you were in her office talking with her, Stephanie told me that she wished you would get the job. She said many men wouldn't be able to pull of the feminine look, but you are so feminine looking, even in guy clothes, that you could be accepted anywhere as a natural female. Anway, if you look in your purse, you will see I transferred all of your things from your wallet in there. I also got you a lavender ladies wallet that fits nicely in your purse.
"One other thing. When you get up from your desk to use the ladies room, remember to always take your purse with you. A lady's purse is her life, because it has all of her identification in there as well as her credit cards, if any. I put all of that in your purse, and a little money that you can use to buy your lunch with. After you get your first check, I will go over a budget with you, so that you will have enough money to last til the next paycheck. Well, here we are Paula. Zero hour is upon us."
Laura parked in the parking spot that was the same number as her employee parking sticker. These stickers were issued for the life of the employment with the company. When we had to go the main branch, we parked in the guest parking lot, near the building. When security checked our parking stickers against their company master sheet, they would know that we were employees of the company, there on business.
As we got off of the elevator, Stephanie greeted us with a cup of piping hot coffee. "Good morning Laura, Paula. You look especially radiant today Paula. I just knew you were one of us when I first met you." I cringed a little, and thought that yes I am dressed, living and working as a woman. But what other options were open to me?
I just smiled at her and said, "Thank you, Stephanie."
Laura showed me to my desk, that was three rows and almost at the front, near Marie Darnell's office. I was shown my dictation machine, and I was shown my list of clients. This particular floor transcribed medical documents and intereacted with the chemical companys that made medicines. It was our job to tell them which doctors and hospitals needed more samples to give to patients. One such customer I was told to watch out for because their salesman was a wolf. He thought he was thee God's gift to women. Laura cautioned me not to get into a compromising situation with him, and never meet him at his hotel room. She said his name was Frank, and I would know him as soon as he walked in, because he would try his hardest to get me on a date so he could get me in bed.
I didn't have long to wait to meet Frank. He came in about eleven o'clock and was talking to Stephanie, when I saw her point me out. He looked over at me and smiled. Then he came over by my desk.
"Hey cutie, you're new here. Name's Frank and I sell for Uni-Labs, Inc. Say you know something, there's a dance at the Friar's Club. I'm a member. Would allow me the honor of escorting you to the dance, m'lady?"
"Hmmm, so proper and gentlemanly. How can a girl refuse." He started to smile, but then I excused myself. "If you will excuse me, uhm, Frank, I have to get these letters in to Miss Darnell. It was nice meeting you, and you know the way out. Right?"
"Does this mean you're not going to the dance with me?" I just rolled my eyes and he got the message.
I took the letters in by Miss Darnell for her signature, before sending them out.
"Excuse me, Miss Darnell, but here are the letters you wanted to look at and sign."
"Thank you, Paula. I see you had your first run in with that letch Frank. You did right by refusing to go to the dance with him, because he expects favors. Laura taught you well. Here you go, make sure they go out in the evening mail."
"Yes, ma'am." I left to go back to my desk and put the envelopes in the printer to print out the addresses where the letters had to go. Then I put the letters in the proper envelopes, and took them to the mail chute.
Since the mail chute was by Stephanie's desk, I poured myself a cup of coffee, and put the creamer and sugar in, and went back to my desk. I saw Stephanie smile, because she didn't have to get me my coffee. I figured I would make about three maybe four trips to the mail chute, and I could get my coffee then. Oh I know. I'm a rebel and don't listen too well. But hey, I'm right there, so why not get it myself? It doesn't take long.
After I got back to my desk, the phone rang. It was a lady from Uni-Labs, Inc., asking me what was the problem with Frank. I told her, and all she said was, "oh". She hung up without another word, and when Frank came back in, he was smiling from ear to ear.
"So, sweets, how about coming to that dance with me?"
"Alright, I may have to be nice to you when we are conducting business. But this isn't business, and for my money you can sink in a pit of quicksand. You are rude, crude, and a jerk. Now, leave me alone, before I call security and have them escort you out of the building. By the way, I talked to Sandra at your office. She said she will take care of you when you get back. So shouldn't you go and get your spanking, little boy?"
"I will tell Marie that you are being rude to the customer."
"She already knows that and said I was right in turning you down for the dance. She said you want favors from the girls you take out. Is that true?"
"Well, if I'm going to spend my money on a girl, the least she can do is let me get a little."
"Get out!!! I am calling your office to see if you can be replaced. You apparently have no respect for women. We are not sex objects for you to get your jollies off with. We are human beings, and we deserve the respect as such. Now you get out of here before I call security."
He went to Marie's office and knocked on the door. After being told to come in, he entered and closed the door. He was in there less than three minutes, when we all heard Marie say; "And you will not be bothering any of my girls again. Paula is right in telling you off. You are nothing a letcherous fool, and I am calling your office and having you replaced. You had better leave now, or security will escort you from the building."
"Awww c'mon Marie, it's me Frank, your old friend."
Marie Darnell pressed the call button for security. Two me in police like uniforms came in a took Frank out of the office. As he was leaving, he looked back and said; "this isn't over. Nobody throws Frank Brainerd out."
After they had Frank off of the floor, I heaved a big sigh. Not that I would have backed down from him in a fist-to-fist fight, but I promised Marie and Laura that I would be a lady and behave like one. But with guys like Frank, it is so hard at times not to just hit him once where it counts, and have him out for the count. But being a lady now, I am supposed to be above such brutish things. But it is so damn hard though.
I sat there and thougth as I did my work. What is it that I have gotten myself into? I mean on Friday I was guy looking for work, and now I am a woman working in a typing pool. Life just seems to go from strange to stranger. Instead of stranger than fiction, it should be stranger than reality, because this reality really sucks. I guess fighting off men's advances is part of being a woman, so here I am. Is it fair that the only job open was for a woman, and that Marie hired me because of my typing ability? Or was it also because of my looks too? I can't help the way this body grew, or didn't grow.
So maybe this is the only job I can get for the time being, but it could be worse. I could be starving to death and homeless. I finished the reports for Uni-Labs, Inc., and put them in my out basket. I then turned my attention to Dr. Robert Frost (no relation to the famous poet). I had to transcribe his medical reports, and get them back to him by Friday. This was an interesting job, really. It had so many facets to it, that it kept me from getting bored. I also had to deal with the phone calls from customers wanting to know who needed what supplies. By the time five o'clock came around, I was thoroughly bushed, and could use a nice drink.
As I was covering my computer for the night, Marie came out and congratulated me on a job well done. She also told me that Frank was being replaced by a woman named Cynthia. Marie said she was told that Cynthia had a good sense of humor, but also took care of business.
"So, Paula, are you ready to join the girls for a after work drink?"
"Yes, Miss Darnell."
"The work day is over, you can call me Marie. We go over to Kathy's and have a couple before going home. After a hard day at the office, this is what we need to unwind. You did very well today, Paula. Laura didn't have to tell you what to do at all."
"Like I said, Marie, I work on office computers. So I have seen first hand how the secretaries do their jobs. There were a few words on Dr. Frost's reports that I had to squint to figure out. But, it was an interesting experience."
"Paula, the reason I hired you, is because you were willing to obey our rules, and conduct yourself like a lady. Most men would rather starve than put on a dress and high heels and work as a woman. But I saw something else in you, too. You are delicate boned, have nice feminine features, and a high voice. Anybody talking to you would think you are a genetic woman. As far as we are concerned, you are. I am proud of the way you handled that letch Frank. It is like you have been a woman all of your life."
"Well, no, I haven't. But you see Marie, I swallowed my pride when I was laid off from my other job. I said that a job is a job, and if you get hired, you do the job well. Well, wearing women's clothes, and being treated like a woman by men and each other, I just look at it as something that I am compelled to do in order to survive and pay my bills and eat. If I have to learn a new way to live by being employed as a woman, then so be it. But right for now, I have no complaints. I mean, if there had been a computer maintenance position open I would have preferred that over working as a woman in a female typing pool. But I had no choice, and here I am, high heels and all." We all giggled, and then we went down three blocks to Kathy's. Believe it or not, Kathy's was a smokless bar, because Kathy wanted her customers to enjoy themselves without having to breathe in someone else's smoke. She had a lot of customers because of it. When we walked in Kathy greeted us.
"Hi girls. I see you have a new member to the group."
"Yes. Kathy this is Paula, and I just hired her to fill Carmen's vacancy." Carmen I was told, was an hispanic woman that liked to tell the men off, even the higher ups in the company so they fired her. That was why the ad was in the paper.
"Well Paula, I'm Kathy, and I run a very decent place here. There is no smoking, and there really isn't much swearing or cussing that goes on either. I mainly have women customers because the men feel if they go to a bar that entitles them to smoke and try to pick up one night dates. And the swearing and cussing they do with every other word we can do without. The men that do come in here respect my rules, and they get along very well. So welcome to my little place in the world, and I hope you like it here."
"Thank you, Kathy, I'm sure I will."
Kathy and Marie played bar dice, and in this bar you only played for fun. Stephanie, Laura, Sonnie, Tammy and I sat at one of the tables, and we were talking about how I liked my job so far.
Sonnie is really outgoing, and has definite ways that a woman is supposed to look to be her ultimate feminine best. Her auburn hair was immaculate in a high pony tail, and her clothes were the best she could buy. In other words, expensive.
Tammy was just the opposite of Sonnie. She was more laid back, and seemed to enjoy the things and people around her. She has pitch black hair that shines, and her clothes are colorful, but not that expensive.
"So, Paula, how do you like working for the Iron Maiden?"
"Iron Maiden?"
"Yeah, that's what we call Marie when we're working."
"I like working for Marie, Tammy. She may require certain things when we are working, but I bet that is so she doesn't have to have her male supervisor coming on the floor so much. As long as we do our jobs well, all we have to worry about is Marie."
"You'll do," Sonnie said with an evil grin.
"What do you mean by that, Sonnie?"
"Well, several of the girls were wondering why a man would take a job as a woman. But listening to you, and seeing how you act in public, I think you will work out perfectly."
"I still don't get what you mean."
"Well, several of the girls and I want to know if you will join our aerobics class that we go to twice a week. There won't be any outsiders, just us from work. See, we figure if you're willing to work as a woman, then you should exercise like a woman. Let me ask you something, though. Do you do any exercising at all?"
"I jog, power walk with two pound weights in each hand. I like to go swimming, and I play tennis on the weekends with a friend of mine."
"With all of that, and you still have a modest feminine figure. That is interesting. So, would you be willing to join our aerobics class? The fee is only thirty-five dollars for three months."
"I don't see why not, Sonnie. I do like to keep in shape."
"Paula, I play tennis too. Do you think that your friend would like to do a doubles match?"
"I can ask him, Laura. I don't see why not though, and I think that the aerobics classes would do a lot of good too."
"Great!" exclaimed Tammy, jumping up and down in her seat.
"Get a grip, girl," Laura said to Tammy. "I know you're exicted to have Paula in our class, but it is only a class after all. You make it seem that she is agreeing to be a bride's maid at your wedding."
"I would invite her, Laura, but I'm already married." We all giggled, and then Marie came over.
"Well girls, did she agree?"
"Yes, Marie, she did. She even plays tennis too."
"Paula, you play tennis?" I nodded. "Would you like to do me a big favor?"
"Like what, Marie."
"Like have blood drawn, and sent to our company doctor. If you exercise by playing tennis, and you still have these feminine features, I'm interested in finding out a few things. It may be nothing, but I am curious. Do you jog, lift weights, or do any heavy lifting?"
"Yes. I lift weights, but only in my weight class though. I don't do real heavy lifting like the macho guys do, but I left in my weight class to keep in shape. I jog, and I power walk with two pound weights in each hand, and then there is my tennis."
"So you lift weights, and your arms are still that round. You don't seem to have the muscles most men have. I'm not making fun of you, but these are things a woman notices about men. You're more female than you think you are."
"Why do you say that, Marie?"
"Because with all of the exercising you do, and the lifting weights, you should have bigger biceps, but your upper arms are round like ours. They aren't bulky. Most men that lift weights, get to where the weights they are lifting get too light for them, so they go to the next higher weight. That is why I can't figure out how you still have a feminine figure, soft skin, feminine muscles, and you have very angelic features and a high voice. What I am wondering if maybe you are intersexed, but just don't realize it. That is why I want you to go to the hospital lab and have blood drawn, so we can find out.
"Honey, if your blood shows that you are female, then we can do something about that. You are the first man I have ever hired, but it doesn't mean that I am clueless about other people who others call "different". If you are intersexed, then we can have the company pay for a maternity leave, so you can have the surgery to correct what needs to be corrected and that will also give you time to heal. Some of the girls who take maternity leave also work at home, and fax in their completed transcriptions.
"If this is what is happening to you, do you think you could work at home?"
"I think that this is far fetched, but I will be willing to have the blood drawn. It isn't going to show what you think it will, but I am willing to do it. I can work at home too."
"That's all I ask."
Time was getting the better of us, and we said good night to Kathy, and we left. While the others went their way, Marie asked Laura and I if we wanted a ride home. We accepted, and Marie drove us home.
"Paula, do you think that maybe you are so feminine looking and have a high voice because you are intersexed?"
"I don't think that is what it is. Laura. I mean, I have had blood drawn before and I was never told anything different about my sexuality."
"Well, we will find out."
When we got home, Marie declined to come in for a nightcap, and left to go home.
"So what do you really think about what Marie said?"
"I don't know what to think. I have always had people make jokes about my looks. Some of the guys even called me cutie, or sweetheart, but when they found out it wasn't bothering me, they picked on someone else. So, I really don't know what to think."
"Well, we will see. Our doctor will write up the blood draw order tomorrow, when Marie calls him. Aren't you curious as to why you have never bulked out like other men?"
"It's just one of those things. Right? I mean, I just take after my mother, instead of my dad."
"Maybe, but no man can look like you and not have an abundance of estrogen inside. But, anyway, we will see what it is. You know, when I met you on Friday, I never gave it any thought about you not being totally male. I just thought it was cute that a guy could let go of his ego, and actually take the first thing that came along for work. But now that I think about it. We are the same size, and you don't stretch out my clothes like a man would, either. Tomorrow is Tuesday, and if everything works out the way Marie thinks it will, you should be in the hospital by Friday. Now, don't get me wrong. I think it's wonderful, and if Marie is right, then ... Oh! By the way, you didn't sign the papers for our attorney. I forgot to tell you that they were in Marie's office waiting for your signature. But you can do that tomorrow, when he comes to pick them up."
"Why didn't Marie tell me, I was in her office?"
"Maybe she forgot too. But when the attorney sees you haven't signed the papers yet, Marie will call you in. On your desk is a small console with three lights on it. The green light means that another secretary want's to talk to you, and you just press the ok button. Then she will come by you and talk about whatever it is. The yellow light means you are wanted in corporate which is on the eighth floor, and the red light is for Marie. Each time one of those lights come on, you just press ok. Corporate usually will call you on your phone and ask you for papers or to confirm an order. But sometimes they will use the light. Let's get into something comfortable and watch a movie. What should we have for dinner?"
"Well, I have had enough of pizza for a while. How about a nice chef's salad, and a goblet of wine?"
"Sounds good to me. You pick out the movie and I will make the salads."
We both went to get in to our nightgowns. I chose a baby doll with a matching pengoir. Laura chose a similar baby doll, and then she went to make the salads, and I started looking through the movies. As I was looking at the cases to see what some of the movies were about I came across a movie called Imagine Me And You. I had never seen it before, and looked at the case. I saw it starred Piper Perabo, and the way it was described was a lesbian movie.
When Laura came back out, I held up the case, and said, "how aobut this one?"
"That's one of my favorites. Yes. Have you ever seen it before?"
"No I haven't."
"I think you will like it. It is more a case study about a lesbian romance rather than the all the sex involved. I think you will see what I mean. Put it in, and your salad and wine are ready madame." We both giggled, and I put the movie in.
As we watched the movie I couldn't help but figure that this new bride was struggling with her hidden sexuality with the girl who owned the flower shop. The title was from the Beatles song, and you heard it now and then throughout the movie and toward the end. When the movie was over, Laura asked me how did I like the movie.
"It was different."
"What did you think about the glances each other gave, when the bride was looking at the photographer taking the wedding pictures?"
"I thought that this is where it starts to get interesting. Who played the photographer?"
"Lena Heady. I have another movie we can watch tomorrow. It is called Tipping The Velvet, and is set in Victorian Engalnd."
"Sounds intriguing."
"It's a wonderful movie. It was on BBC and then they put it on DVD. There are three discs to the set, because it was shown as a mini-series. It stars Rachel Stirling and Keeley Hawes. We will watch it on Saturday I think. If you're not in the hospital then. So, what say we get to bed, because we have a busy, busy day tomorrow. When the doctor calls in the order for the blood work, you go to outpatient admitting, and they will register you. You just tell them Dr. Corby sent you for labs."
When we got to my bedroom, we hugged each other good night, and I went right in and got in bed. I must have been more tired than I thought, because I slept through the night, and got up before my alarm went off. Well, here we go, day two of a new job working as a woman. *Sigh*.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
This is another short chapter introducing another monkey wrench in to the machinery. Will the blood work show Paula to be Intersexed? We will just have to wait and see.
Involuntary Secretary - Part 3
by Barbara Lynn Terry
Chapter 4 - Paula's second day of work.
I ran my bath, and brushed my teeth. I got in the tub and used the large sponge to cascade the water all over me. Laura came in and used the facilities, and then washed her hands and brushed her teeth.
"I'm going to let you get yourself ready, and I will check your makeup before we leave, to make sure it will be perfect. You did very well yesterday. All you needed was minor corrections. Let's see if you learned anything."
I went and took out my teal, sleeveless sheath dress, with the matching jacket. I got out my teal lingerie, and my black pumps with the two inch heels. I set about putting on my lingerie, and sat down to do my make up. I put on the eye shadow, the eye liner, then the mascara. I put on the dual foundation powder, and after looking at myself, and satisfied that I didn't look like a clown, I stepped in to the sheath and zipped it up. After putting my heels on, I took the matching jacket with me down to the kitchen, and made myself a jelly bagel. Laura came down and gave me the once over.
"You did great, Paula. Now you are one of us,maybe not physically, but at least in knowledge. By the way, girlfriend, I don't mean to be mean, but did you know that when you walk, you have a modest wiggle to your hips. It isn't an exaggerated wiggle, but it it definitely feminine. Well, I will eat on the run. I notice you have a driver's license in Paul's name. We are going to have to get your name changed. We won't force you, but it would save some very embarrassing explanations if you ever get stopped by the police, or carded in a place that sells alcohol. Today is only Tuesday, and you see the doctor on Friday. You should know, too, that all the girls on the floor are behind you one hundred per cent.
"So, let's hope you can be one us physically, too. You know how to dress, you can now apply your own makeup. Also, I am sure you heard us talking about our monthly visitor, Aunt Rose. Do you know what happens when we have our periods?"
"Yes, you get moody, you bloat and that makes your clothes fit tight. Your shoes need to be a half size bigger because the feet swell up, too. Women are like this for about seven to ten days, depending on the woman."
"Thank you for not mentioning the icky part."
"Well, I know about that, too, but we don't have to say it."
"For sure, girlfriend. Until you get your name and sex status changed, I will do the driving, and we are here. Are you ready for your second day in the "pit"?"
"Yes, just make sure the lions are locked up." They both giggled.
Stephanie complimented Paula on her dress and makeup.
"Did you get ready yourself, this morning, Paula?"
"Yes, I did, Stephanie. I chose my outfit and did my own makeup."
"You look wonderful, girlfriend."
"Thank you, Stephanie."
This started out to be a promising day. I got compliments all through the morning, as I went over reports and order confirmations from the other secretaries. It seems, not only was I a transcriptionist, but I was also what we all informally call the "order girl". What I did, I was to find out on my second day in the "pit", was to okay orders the other secretaries wrote out from their customer contacts. When I okay an order, it is put in my out basket. These, I put in proper envelopes and send them out.
At eleven o'clock, a red haired woman, maybe late twenties, early thirties came on the floor. I saw she was carrying a shoulder file case that said Uni-Labs, Inc. I saw Stephanie say something to her, and she looked in my direction. The woman came over by me, and smiled.
"Are you Paula?"
"Yes."
"I'm Cynthia Stevens. I'm replacing Frank Brainerd as the rep for Uni-Labs, Inc. Before we get down to business, all the girls at Uni-Labs want to thank you for dealing with that letch the way you did. Ms. Jeannie O'Hara who was his immediate supervisor, fired him for two things; one, he didn't bring back an order, and two, he was more interested in getting a one night stand instead of taking care of business. Paula, I have a wonderful sense of humor, and I try to get along with everyone. Now, do you have anything for me?"
"Let me see." Paula rummaged through the papers in her out basket, and pulled out an order for St. Mark's Hospital, eight blocks away.
"Oh, yes, the hospital pharmacy wants to be restocked on these heart medications."
"Thank you, Paula. Someday, we will have to have lunch and get to know each other better."
"You know what, Cynthia, I..."
"Oh please, call me Cyndi. Everybody at work does."
"Alright, Cyndi, what I was going to say is, I don't think our corporate budget allows for the secretaries to have three martini lunches."
It was then that Marie Darnell came over by Paula's desk.
"Paula, our budget covers lunch with a customer. Uni-Labs is your customer. If you feel that a discussion, over lunch, is needed for certain orders, yes, you certainly may take the customer for a company paid lunch. All you have to do is let me know, and I will give you the credit card you will need to pay for the lunch with. Hi," Marie said, with a smile. "I'm Marie Darnell, the Director of Sales and Merchandising. The girls on this floor answer directly to me, and I answer directly to corporate."
"It is nice to meet you, Miss. Darnell, I'm Cynthia Stevens. Cyndi to my friends."
"Well, Cyndi, I certainly hope we will see a lot more of you. That idiot Frank only came around when he was on the prowl for sex. I am glad that we don't have to bother with him any more."
"The girls at Uni-Labs are happy that he was finally put in his place. I understand you had a little something to do with that, too."
"Well, yes. He came in my office to complain about Paula, and then he tried to pick me up. I had security escort him from the building. As they were escorting him off of the floor, he said this isn't over because nobody throws Frank Brainerd out. I had to laugh after my door was closed, because he is so pathetic."
"Well, I was told to tell you, that he doesn't have the backing of our company any more, because he was fired. So, if he comes around here, pretending to still be with the company, call the police."
"Thank you, Cyndi. We will certainly be on the lookout. I will send a memo to all the secretaries, so they know about him."
"Well, it was nice to meet you, Paula, Miss. Darnell. I have to get these orders back to the company so our shipping department can fill them and send them out."
After Cyndi had left, Marie Darnell looked at Paula.
"It looks like the wolf will be back, pretending to be a sales rep for Uni-Labs, Inc. But, because of Cyndi's warning, we will be ready for him."
Marie Darnell went back in her office and drafted a memo to all the girls on the floor. Stephanie's memo said that if he does come on the floor, tell him to leave, or you will have to call the police. If that doesn't work, call security and have them call the police. The secretaries would receive their notices as soon as she presses the send to all button, which will also send a copy to the assistant chairman in corporate.
The girls didn't have to wait long before Frank Brainerd came on the floor.
"Mr. Brainerd, you can't go in there."
"Shut up, and mind your own business."
Stephanie picked up the phone and called the police. She told them what the problem was and that all the employees on this floor were women, and they need the police to remove him, and charge him with criminal trespass.
Frank Brainerd stopped at Paula's desk.
"You're coming with me to that dance. You got me in a lot of trouble with my bosses. Now, either you meet me Saturday at the Friar's Club on Edgerton Avenue, because if you are not there, I will come back here and beat you to a pulp, you malicious bitch." Stephanie stood, but she didn't have to say anything.
"Excuse me, sir, but do you have business here?"
"Why don't mind your own..." Frank Brainerd turned around and saw two police officers. "I, uhm, was just asking this lady if she would accompany me to the Friar's Club dance on Saturday. I'm a sales rep for Uni-Labs, Inc."
"Excuse me, officers, I'm Marie Darnell, Director of Sales and Merchandising. We were informed this morning by the new rep from Uni-Labs, Inc., that Mr. Brainerd here was fired from his job for trying to pick up women. I called their company and I spoke with a Ms. Jeannie O'Hara who was Mr. Brainerd's immediate supervisor. Apparently Mr. Brainerd was fired not only for trying to pick up dates here but also because he didn't take an order back to his company. Paula, here, had to fax those orders to Uni-Labs so they got them right away."
"What seems to be your problem, sir?" Asked a burly officer that looked like he could wrestle the Big Show.
"Well, hey, c'mon man, you're a man. If I am going to spend money on a woman, the least she can do is spend the night with me. Wouldn't you want the same thing?"
"You are sick, sir. Turn around and place your hands behind your back. You are under arrest for criminal trespass. Whether or not you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, is up to the district attorney." Frank Brainerd didn't move, and decided to try and leave. "Sir, if you take another step, I will use my tazer to stop you."
"I'm leaving, and if you try to stop me, I will sue you and your department." As Frank was walking away, the burly officer drew his tazer and fired. Frank was hit by the voltage and fell to the floor like a rock.
"Sir," said the burly officer, "you are under arrest for criminal trespass, obstructing an officer and fleeing from an officer. These just may land you in prison sir on felony charges. Ladies, I am sorry that we had to do this, but he left me no choice."
"Officer," Laura cut in. "We have been really wondering what to do about Mr. Brainerd for a long time, because he has tried to pick up dates here every time he comes in. Finally, Paula here, stood up to him, and all he could do was scowl. When security removed him from the floor, he said this wasn't over because nobody throws Frank Brainerd out."
"Is that so? Thank you, Miss, I am sure the district attorney will be very happy to hear about this. Will you ladies testify in court what this man has done when he came here as a sales representative?" All the secretaries said yes in unison. "Alright, sir, let's go. We've done enough talking."
They left the floor with Frank Brainerd, and there was a buzz from the secretaries, as they were talking about what had just happened. Marie Darnell let them talk, because it seemed they were doing their work, as they were talking. Marie Darnell starting thinking that maybe she had been too strict with these women, in the way she demanded one hundred and twenty per cent of work in an eight hour shift. She would think about this, and send a memo to the secretaries in the morning. She was always a little more relaxed on Tuesdays.
Paula finished her MSR-412's and took them in for Marie to sign.
"Ms. Darnell, here are the MSR-412's you need to sign."
"Thank you, Paula. Paula, are you backed with work, right now?"
"No."
"Good. Please have a seat."
Paula sat down in one of the chairs facing Marie's desk.
"Paula, you forgot to sign the papers for the attorney and our doctor faxed an order to the hospital for you to have blood drawn."
Marie placed the papers in front of Paula, and Paula signed them.
"When the attorney comes to pick these up, he will take and file it for a hearing. Now, this is a public hearing, where there will be other people in the courtroom. Would you be willing to testify by answering the judge's questions?"
"I think so."
"Alright, then, you may go back to work. Oh! By the way, Cynthia Stevens gave you a compliment. She said you were very polite to her."
"Thank you, Miss Darnell."
Paula left Marie's office and went back to her desk. As she sat down, she saw something in her "in" box. She took the papers out, and saw that it was another doctor's reports that needed to be transcribed. At least this doctor wrote better than Dr. Frost. Paula transcribed the report, filled a few orders, and took a few more MSR-412's to Marie. Then Laura came by the desk and said it was lunch time. Laura had given Paula ten dollars for her lunch, because the ladies liked to stop and get something for the afternoon break.
They went down a couple of blocks to a diner that most of the secretaries go to. It had everything from breakfast all day and all night, lunch and dinners. You could order any meal, anytime. But for lunch, the ladies liked to get a sandwich to go, and a soft drink. Some of the secretaries who were not so figure conscious, would bring back a donut or something else for their two thirty break. Paula decided to just stick to her coffee. As Paula was walking back to the office, the recurring, nagging thought about she ended up this way came back to her. She had wondered how, that in two days, she had not only become a secretary in an all female typing pool, but she had actually consented to working and living full time as a woman, and not only by herself, but had moved in with Laura. Laura, was not secretly or romantically in love with Paula. She just wanted Paula to live with someone who could show her the ropes of being female. Laura was assigned as her trainer, but Laura didn't have to do much training, except in the being a girl department, which Paula took to like a duck takes to water. Laura has had Paula practicing makeup techniques three, maybe four times, a week. There was a morning look, a work look, a going to a friend's for dinner look, an evening look, and if you really wanted to be daring, a sultry look. All of these techniques were what Laura wanted Paula to practice, "just in case you meet a nice guy".
Paula was a very good student in deportment. She learned how to walk in three inch heels, she learned how to be coy, she learned how to sit like a lady should, with her knees together, even if she was wearing jeans or another type of pants. Laura had told her, even though she didn't need to, how take small bites with her teeth, instead of her whole mouth. Laura told Paula, too, that men just stuff food in their mouths, talk with food in their mouths and burp without covering their mouths, and never say excuse me.
Laura said that ladies do not talk with food in their mouth; ladies do not stuff food in their mouths like they were starving to death. Laura also said that when a lady burps, she covers her mouth, and says excuse me. Laura also said, that when a lady has company, or is out in public, and she needs to use the restroom, she politely excuses herself.
As Paula entered the office, got a cup of coffee, and sat at her desk, she found that it wasn't so bad. But she also wondered what male bodied person would throw his pride out the window, just to take any job that came along, especially when there are no openings in the field for which the male is trained. So far, Paula ventured, she was the only one that she knew of. But a paycheck was better than starving and being homeless.
Paula filled a few order and took the MSR-12's to Marie, and transcribed another doctor's reports. By the time she was done, and had placed the finished transcription in her out basket, it was time to turn off the computers, cover them, and leave for the day.
"Would you like to go to Kathy's for a going home drink?"
"Not tonight, Laura. I'm kinda bushed. I have been thinking how I got my position here. Sometimes, I wonder if it is all worth it."
"Tell you what, Paula, let's go home and we will talk about what's bothering you. Marie, Paula is feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm going to take her home, so she can get a good night's rest."
"All right, Laura. Paula, you get some rest and I will see you tomorrow."
"Thank you, Marie." Marie just smiled, as Laura and Paula left.
Part II - Paula is having doubts.
As the drove home, Laura went through the drive-through at Wendy's and ordered two Apple Pecan Chicken Salads. After being told the price, Laura drove through and paid at the window. Taking their dinner, Laura drove home. After getting home and parking the car, Paula carried the salads in to the house, and Laura told Paula to lie on the sofa for a bit, while she changed. Then she would come back out, and help Paula. Laura changed in to her boy shorts sleep set, with a Care Bear logo top. The shorts were light blue, and the top was a cream color. Laura went by the sofa, and told Paula she would help her change in to something a little more comfy. They both went in Paula's room and Laura took out turquoise, floor length nightgown, with a matching peignoir. After making sure Paula was changed, they both went down to the kitchen to enjoy their salads.
"Now, girlfriend, tell what is bothering you."
"It's just that a few days ago, if someone would have told me I would be working and living as a woman, I would have told them to see a shrink. Then I saw the vague ad in the paper, and I figured since it didn't say man or woman wanted, just an industrious person, I thought that I would see what it was about. When I got on the floor and asked for an application, I couldn't figure out what Stephanie was giggling about. When Marie told me about how 'her' ladies behaved and dressed, and how I was supposed to be dressed, I guess I was numb, kinda. I agreed, and the next thing I know, I'm living full time as a woman, with a female roommate, and preparing to go to my first day of work as the opposite sex.
"So, I've been thinking about this since I started yesterday. Laura, do you think I'm cut out for this kind of work and this type of living?"
"Paula, you haven't really had time assimilate your thinking to your situation. What I would do, is take it one day at a time. When you pass your probationary period, I have no doubts that you will be doing things we women do, automatically. In twenty eight more days, you won't have these doubts."
"But, what if I do?"
"We will cross that bridge when we come to it."
They didn't even eat half of their salads, when they took out the Saran wrap and covered the salads and put them in the fridge. Then they went out in the living room, and turned on the television. After scrolling through the channels, and finding nothing good on, Laura decided that what Paula needed was a comedy movie. Something to take her mind off of her thoughts. Laura selected Transamerica.
"Paula, this may not be what you want, but watch this dvd, and you will see someone with a much larger struggle than what you are going through. This is called Transamerica. It is about the transition of a male to female transsexual. That is all I am going to tell you, because if I tell you anything more, it will ruin the whole movie."
They sat and watched the movie, and all through the movie, Paula had questions, like why did this person transitioning to be a woman, father a son. Laura said that sometimes, transsexuals try to live within the so-called "norms" of society, finding out that it was a mistake.
"I still don't understand. If he is becoming a woman, when did he find out?"
"Paula, she is only having a physical surgery. The psychiatric association is what defined the parameters of the real life test. The theory was, that if the person can last living and working, or going to school, for one year, then the person just 'may' be serious about wanting to be outwardly female. There have been some recently that said they made a mistake, and want to go back to being male. Anyway, that is the psychiatric association's view on it. Since then, there is the web site www.tsroadmap.com that maps out the direction each transsexual wants to take. TSroadmap doesn't tell the transsexual what to do, it is just a guide."
"That is something else. I mean, I want to do good at the job I have, but, it's just that I question whether it is worth it."
"You said it yourself, that any job worth doing is worth doing well. Paula, you are doing a great job. Cynthia Stevens likes you, because you are what all women should be; strong, confident, and yet, demure and meek. You have shown all of that in the two days you have been with us. You stood up to Frank Brainerd and gave him a tongue lashing he will not soon forget. Paula, I can't tell you what to do, or what to decide. You have to do that yourself. But, I can be your friend, I can listen when you need a sympathetic ear, I can empathize with your internal struggles. Paula, you are not the only one who has these struggles, either. How many times have you heard a woman say she wished she was a man?"
"I...I don't really...know."
"Exactly, because we all say it. It isn't because we are unsure of our sexuality, but there are times we think that being a man would be beneficial. Of course, I, myself, wouldn't want to be a man forever, just a day or two, to actually see how the other half lives. I have seen men tell a joke and then hit his friend in the arm and laugh. I wonder what would happen if we women did that?"
"That wouldn't be lady like. Men are overgrown boys, and we have to make sure we keep an eye on them, otherwise they will destroy this world, and they won't even care. If Frank Brainerd is any indication of how a man is supposed to act, then I am glad I have never been a man. If that means I am woman, then so be it. You have taught me a lot in the makeup department. I think I can actually do my own makeup without error."
"You sure can. You did your makeup this morning, and you were downstairs before me. So you see, Paula, you take to being a woman like a duck takes to water. You were born to be a female. Just remember this. Things happen for a reason, and there was a reason why you were able to answer that ad in the paper and agree to the terms of employment. Marie says you are doing fantastic."
They finished watching the dvd, and this gave Paula something else to think about. Were the powers that be directing her in to the female life? Maybe. Paula thought she would just wait and see where all this led to.
Ivoluntary Secretary - Part 4
by Barbara Lynn Terry
Chapter 1 - Frank Brainerd.
Laura turned off the tv, and then both ladies went to bed. Paula was drained, because even though she voluntarily accepted this position, she was still in doubts as to whether she chose the right job. All of her life, Paula always thought that a paycheck was a paycheck, but, until now, had no idea it would lead to this. What was she to do, she thought?
She figured she could put her name in the trades. That way someone needing a computer expert, would see her name and call her. Him? Huh? What?
It is amazing what we think about in hindsight. But, Paula was in serious doubt. Today had only been her second as a female typist in an all female typing pool. Was she ready to continue?
Somewhere during her thoughts, she fell asleep, only to be rudely awakened by the alarm clock. She wanted to throw it out the window, but got up. She put her robe on and went to run her bath. She got out her clothes for the day. She took out her cream colored sleeveless sheath dress, cream colored lingerie, tan nylon, stay up, stockings and her cream colored, 2 inch heels. She sat down to do her makeup, while Laura got her things for her bath. She didn't soak in the tub, because she diidn't have that kind of time. After making sure she was clean, Paula got of the tub, pulled the plug, wiped the tub clean and went back to her bedroom. Paula put on her makeup by first doing the eye liner, then the eye shadow and then she put on a dual foundation/powder with a makeup brush. Making sure she didn't look like a clown, she got dressed. She already had her cream colored panties and bra with the lace cups on. Next, she put on her half slip, then stepped in to the sheath dress. She sat down to put on her nylons, and after she had them in place, stepped in to her two inch pumps.
Just then, Laura came from the bathroom.
"I will meet you downstairs, Paula."
"Alright, Laura."
Paula went downstairs and started making the breakfast. She got out the toaster struedel and when hers was done, Laua came in and put two in the toaster for herself. They sat there, eating their breakfast, when Laura just had to ask Paul thee inevitable question.
"Well, girlfriend, are you ready for your third day in no man's land?"
"If it is no man's land, then what am I doing there?"
"Because, inside of that male exterior, beats the heart of a woman. Male is only descriptive. What there is in here" she pointed to her heart. "Is the generous heart of a woman, who knows how handle men. That is something you don't kow how to do, overnight, without first you had some kind of training. You have been more woman inside than you really know.
"Sometimes, it takes to stranger to see you objectively. This is what Marie, I and the other girls have been doing. We were very relieved when you stood up to Frank Brainerd. That took a lot of courage."
"Yes, well, I got really mad at him telling me I have to go with him to a dance. I wanted to make sure he heard me good, the first time. When he came back, and told the officers that he was with Uni-Labs, I almost burst out laughing. It is a good thing Marie told the officers what was what."
"Well, Paula," Laura said, with an evil grin. "What say we get to the office?"
"Sounds like a plan to me, girlfriend."
Both ladies put their paper towels in the trash and then went out to the car. After buckling in, Laura drove to the office. She drove in to the parking structure and in to her assigned space. They went in to the building, and after showing their employee badges, they went up to their floor.
Stephanie greeted the two ladies as they came in the door and poured their cups of coffee.
"Good morning, Laura and Paula. Paula, I have already called the police just a couple of minutes ago. That letch Frank Brainerd showed up, looking for you. He said he would be back. He said you are going to go to the dance with him, or he would kill you, because if he can't have you, nobody is going to. So, I called the police."
"It's alright, Stephanie. I am going to go my desk and see how much work I have, while having my first cup of coffee. If the police show up before Mr. Brainerd gets here, have them wait in Miss Darnell's office. I will have my intercom turned to talk, so they can hear what is said at my desk. There is more than one way to skin a hot dog, I mean a Frank." The ladies giggled at Paula's play on words.
Paula and Laura went to their desks and started sorting through their in baskets. After Paula saw that she had a full morning of transcribing and filling writing orders, she placed the papers in two stacks, and began with writing the orders for Cynthia Stevens of Uni-Labs, Inc., to pick up.
Three minutes later, the two police officers who took Frank Brainerd out the first time, showed up. Paula turned her intercom to talk and asked the two officers if they would wait in her floor manager's office. They went to Marie Darnell's office and waited for Frank Bainerd to show up.
They didn't have long to wait, when they heard him coming in.
"Where is that bitch that got me fired?" He looked ahead and saw Paula at her desk. "There she is. Come with me bitch, we're gonna have a little party."
"I am sorry, Mr. Brainerd, but I have work to do. Something you forgot when you got the idea that that thing between your legs needs more attention than your stomach, your wallet, your bills and your rent. By the way, it was you who got yourself fired. You could have been a good salesman, Mr. Brainerd, but you chose sex over work. Now that is what I am doing here; working."
Frank Brainerd grabbed Paula by the arm and yanked her out of her chair. He started toward the door, when the two officers came out of Marie's office.
"Let her go, sir, or we will have to arrest you for kidnapping in addition to felony injury by conduct regardless of life." The officer took his tazer out, and started walking toward Frank. "I thought the last time we were here, we told you to stay away from here. What are you doing back here?"
"That is none of your business, cop. I'm taking this bitch outta here. Don't try to stop me."
The officer made like he was going to fire his tazer and Frank moved Paula in the way. The officer, who was a marksman, fired his tazer at Frank's arm, and Frank went down, again, like a rock
The burly officer handcuffed Frank, and explained his Miranda rights to him. Then the two officers gave Paula a show order for the district attoreny's office the next day. The officer told Paula that Frank was being arrested for attempted kidnapping, attempted murder and endangering safety by conduct regardless of life. He said these charges, when convicted of them, would keep him prison for the rest of his life.
"Are you all right, Miss?"
"Yes, officer, thank you for asking. I'm just going to get another cup of coffee and get back to work. I will be at the district attorney's office tomorrow morning."
"Have a good day," the officer said, placing his hand on his cap visor and nodding his head slightly. The two officers then left with Frank in tow.
Paula got another cup of coffee and went back to her desk. The first thing she did was turn her intercom to listen after saying thank you to Marie Darnell. Then she wrote a few more orders that needed filling, transcribed a few more doctors reports, and then it was lunch time.
Marie Darnell came out of her office, and announced that because of the problem with Frank Brainerd, and the nerves of steel that Paula shows she has, "I have asked corporate to give us the rest of the day off. Paula doesn't have any more work until tomorrow, and eveybody else is finished, too. I say we go to Kathy's and have a party because that creep finally committed crimes he can go to prison for."
Chapter 2 - Kathy's Bar and Grill.
They walked the short distance to Kathy's and found four tables to accommodate everyone. Marie told Cathy to bring the best brandy and whiskey to the table, because the girls were celebrating. When Kathy asked what the celebration was about, Marie stood up and said ...
"Because today, one of my girls stood up to a jerk and a creep by the name of Frank Brainerd. The police have him on three separate felonies all from the same incident."
"What was the incident, Marie?"
"Kathy, our new girl, Paula, was actually accosted by Frank Brainerd. The police were waiting for him in my office. Paula had her intercom on talk, and we heard everything he said to Paula. Paula asked him to leave so she could do her work, and he grabbed her and was going to leave with her, but the police stopped him with one of their tazers. They gave Paula a show order for the district attorney's office tomorrow morning. A few of the girls are going to go with her to show that Paula isn't the only one that Frank Brainerd has tried to pick up when he came to get the fill orders for his company. He was fired from Uni-Labs Inc., yesterday. This is the second day in a row that the police had to remove him. This time, though, it is very serious, so I called a half a holiday after corporate said it was alright under the circumstances."
"I am very familiar with Mr. Brainerd, Marie," Kathy added. "He has come in here looking for dates. I have repeatedly asked him to leave and stop bothering the customers, and he very angrily told me where to go in not so nice language. I was going to call the police, but he did leave, probably to go cause trouble somewhere else. I am glad he got fired, because now he can't fall back he lost his job from being arrested.
"Paula, would you like to play darts? You can make believe that the dart board is Frank Brainerd."
"Yes, I would love to play darts. Thank you, Kathy."
"No problem, Paula. I will bring you a drink. What do you want?"
"A pilsner will go nicely."
"Done."
Paula got the darts from the dart board, and stood at the tape that marked the line where you were supposed to stand, to throw the darts, when you were league playing. Paula took her time and carefully tossed the first dart. It hit just under the center bullseye. The next dart she tossed just a bit higher and it landed in the bullseye. The girls all cheered as Paula tossed one dart after the other. After all the dasrts were thrown, Paula sat down in a chair and began crying. Marie and Laura went over to her and sat with her.
"Paula," Marie said, soothingly. "It's going to get better. That letch is in jail, and doesn't have any money for bail. He will never bother you again. With what the two officers heard and saw in the office, the district attorney is going to have him in jail for a lot of years. Believe me when I tell you, that you were the only one who had the courage to stand up to him."
"It wasn't courage, Marie," Paula said through her sniffles. "It was anger. He made me so mad, telling me I am going to go with him. What he told Stephanie, too, was enough for me to warn the town that the British were coming. So, that is why I had my intercom on talk. I will take the tape with me tonight, because they want me there at 9:00 in the morning. I will give the tape to the district attorney."
"Alright, Paula. Do you want something to eat? It is lunch time."
"No, Marie, I am not hungry."
"Well, we will see. Kathy, bring us some sandwiches and salads."
"Is she going to be all right?"
"Yes, it is just this whole situation with Frank Brainerd. When she was telling him off, she didn't have time to cry or even be scared. She just needs time after this whole thing is finally done.
"I'll be all right. I just needed to get it out, before I screamed."
"Paula, if you must scream, scream. We will all understand. Believe me when I tell you that I have screamed a few times, when that bastard tried to pick me up. Go ahead, girlfriend, scream."
Paula let out a very shrill scream. Laura had a reason for telling Paula to scream. When a woman screams, it is a high pitch sound. When a man screams, it is a low, gutteral sound. Laura, after hearing Paula scream, knew that Paula had just crossed the point of no return, whether she realized it or not.
Laura is going to have to keep a close eye on Paula from now on. Whether she realized it or not, Paula has always been a woman. Now it is up to Laura to make Paula see that.
"Listen, girlfriend," Laura said to Paula. "This is a celebration, so let's not worry about what happened. Let's celebrate putting that creepy letch away for the rest of his life."
Wiping her eyes, and blowing her nose, Paula smiled a weak smile, and then got up and joined the rest of the girls.
"Sorry, ladies, so, what are we going to do now?"
"Well," Marie answered. "We are going to go nuts having a party. There is food, drink and merriment. We will tell jokes and stories and talk about one hunk after another. In other words we are going to have fun, fun, fun. So, ladies, let's get this party started."
There were jokes that kept the ladies laughing so much they had to stop, otherwise they would pee before they got to the restroom. She doesn't know if it was appropriate or not, but Paula told a joke about a traveling salesman who tried selling himself but wasn't very good at it. So, after failing to sell himself, he decided to sell his product, for which he was more successful. Then a thought crossed his mind. "So, it's the old sell the product gimmick." The ladies laughed and said that was what Frank Brainerd should have thought of doing. This went on and on, until Kimberly decided to tell a story of the day the milkman, and yes, the ladies groaned. But, she told a story of the day the milkman came by her house to deliver her daily ration of milk. How the milkman asked her out, and how she politely refused. The whole story lasted about six minutes, because there were some very intense moments involved.
"Kim," Paula started to say. "The next time the milkman wants to take you out, say yes. You aren't married, and you don't have any children. All you have is you. So, go out with him."
"Did I mention he is 47 years old, and I am only 29 years old?"
"No, you didn't, but what has that got with anything? If you have feelings for this guy, go out with him."
"That's just it, I don't have feelings for him."
"Oh!" Was all Paula could manage to say.
Paula went to tell Kathy that they would like two more pitchers of beer and another bottle of brandy and one of whiskey. She went back by the group, and said the order would be right up.
Marie wanted to know who was hungry, and everybody said "me". Marie ordered burgers and fries for everybody, so Kathy said the orders would be right up.
The orders came as Paula finished her drink. Drinking alcohol always made Paula hungry, so she made herself a small plate, and sat down by herself to eat it.
"Paula," Marie asked. "What's with the lone wolf? Come by us and join the guessing game."
"I don't know, Marie. I don't really feel like playing any games. It's this whole Frank Brainerd thing. Why is he even bothering with me? CIf I told him the truth, I'm afraid he would hurt me."
"We're here for you, Paula. You're one of us, and we protect our own. We won't let him near you."
Paula gave a weak smile and said 'thanks', but still said she wasn't up for any games.
"Marie, I'm not very good company. Would you call me a cab? I want to go home."
"Paula, do not allow Frank Brainerd inside your head. He is only doing this to get a rise out of you, and so far he is succeeding. You can't let him do that."
"I guess you're right, Marie, but he is the one who started this. I wonder how he would handle knowing the truth about me?"
"That's my girl. Keep thinking like that, and you will be able to enjoy the rest of the party. Come on, girlfriend, let's join the others."