Well as you can see this is not just one event but also several. I will go back though the years as I go along this way you get the whole picture of the who I am. If you are wondering as to what year, this is let me tell you. The events in this tale for the most part are centered in 1985. You see at the time we were living in base housing, which in the nature of things has built in friendships. When people leave the service of their country they have to find new homes. As with all things this is not as easy as it sounds. For there are several factors involved in this alone being a child does count against one in this regard. Alas, that was not the only factor in this move of ours. You see that Mom’s father had called and ask her to find a place that they come and stay as well.

With both of the folk’s working it was us children that got the job of cooking and caring for the house. Now the chores were basic ones. Everyone has them to some degree but we had to them to spec. which was alright. Now with two sisters in the place you would think that all I had to do was take care of the outside stuff. WRONG it seems that my older sister could not cook and the younger one well was a tomboy. Therefore, I was a 7th grade homemaker. Which in a way was good and, in away bad.

It was a rainy day in 1982. This particular event took place in the spring of that year. Therefore, it was in late March early April.

To be exact it was the weekend of April 1.

When you consider all of the events of that fateful day, some people just ended up looking like fools. As for myself, I ended up the biggest fool of all.

You see my name is Terry Palmer.

I am what you would call a shy child. At the age of 10 years old, reading was my only hobby. You know the old saying…You are what you read. Well, this is a case of that sort. Let me explain what I mean by that. I will also give you my stats.

First off, I am 4’0, 80 lbs., which is small for a boy my age. People have always said that I looked like a girl. What with my shoulder length hair and oval shaped face. Therefore, this comes as no surprise that I was hassled all the time. Back to the you are what you read thing that I said earlier. See I got into reading romance novels. This did not set well with the other boys in my class. They decided to teach me a lesson on what I should read.

As I had gym as my last class of the day, I did not think about it being April fool’s day. This is where I wish I had just stayed home from school. Alas, that did not happen. Well I dressed out for class with the rest of the boys. Some of the bigger boys stayed in the locker room for their prank on me. I did not know at the time that I was going to be their girl. It was more than just that. For you can guess that I belonged anywhere. It was after class that I got the shock of my life.

Instead of the clothes that I wore to school that day, I found girls things in my locker. Now what was I to do? We only had ten minutes to get dressed and leave for home. How was I supposed, to be changed and out to the bus without my clothes?

Well I had no choice it seemed, as my things were not there.

What was there made me cringe in a way that just could not be explained. For there were, pink hipster panties, with a matching bra, a denim skirt, with a pink camisole top. Not to mention the white sandals with the dainty ankle straps.

What was I going to do?

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 2
By Dawn Smith - Continued by Barbara Lynn Terry

(Author's Note: I am continuing this story for Dawn Smith who is the original author with her permission. I will be sending this to her for her final approval so she can post it. I hope you like this continuation.)

With a heavy heart, being forced to dress like a girl, I got my book bag and went out to meet the bus. As I got near the bus, I could hear laughter from quite a few of the guys from my gym class. But, I figured, okay, you want me to dress this way, then it is you who has the problem.

A few of the girls could see I wasn't letting the boys bother me, not outwardly, and then Patti Sanger came to my defense.

"Listen guys, Terry is showing you that your making fun of him is not bothering him. Leave him alone, or you will see just how much of an April's Fool joke I can play. Terry, you sit with me. We get off at the same stop anyway. If you need help telling your parents why you are dressed this way, I can be there to help."

"Thank you, Patti. I will be all right. When I tell my mother what happened, she may see it as a joke and tell me to go to my room and change. I will see what my dad says, too. I bet he is going to do a double take."

"I bet."

As they got on the bus, one of the boys called him a sissy. Patti made sure that Terry sat on the inside and a few of her friends sat behind them.

"By the way, guys, whose idea was this to switch his clothes? I know none of you are smart enough to do this kind of thing by yourselves. Who helped you?"

"We ain't sayin'."

"We ain't? Mrs. Stewart must really love your use of the English language."

"Yeah, well, I bet we will see Terry in dresses from now on," Said Duane Hartley. Then he whispered so that Patti and Terry could hear him. "You will dress like this from now on, or we will be kicking your ass all over the school." Apparently he didn't whisper soft enough.

"Mr. Hartley, why are you threatening this student?" Asked the driver, standing over him.

Duane didn't even notice the bus had stopped at didn't pay much attention to the driver.

"I can do what I want. Leave me alone or I will tell my dad you threatened me."

"Is that so, young ... erm ... man."

The driver went back to his seat and wrote Duane's name on an incident report. He then picked up his microphone and called his base. He reported the incident, and the driver was told to date and sign the incident report.

When the bus stopped two blocks away, Terry and Patti walked toward their houses. They only lived a few houses apart and had known each other since kindergarten.

They came to Terry's house, and Patti reminded Terry that she could go in with him. Terry said no, he would be all right.

When Terry walked in the house, his mother was in the living room. Terry stopped dead in his tracks.

"Hello, dear. How was school?" His mother always asked him that.

"It was good."

"Sweetie, why are you dressed like that?"

"A few of the boys took my clothes out of my gym locker and left these for me. I had no choice but to wear these clothes home. Is dad home?"

"Not yet, sweetie. Come and sit down."

"Mom, I was going to go up to my room and change in to my regular clothes."

"Well, I need a little help in the kitchen, dear. You're father will be home in time for dinner."

"Mom, if he sees me, he will yell at me."

"No he won't, dear."

"How do you know? I mean, I have never even thought about wearing these kinds of clothes."

"It will be all right for tonight, dear. You do look very cute, though."

"Mom, please don't say that. I'm not supposed to be cute; I'm a boy."

"Honey, there are cute boys your age. You are only ten years old. You have time to grow."

"Mom, will I ever be tall enough to be a handsome man?"

"Who knows, dear. Nobody can tell how much we will grow, or at what rate. Nobody can tell."

"But, what about the bullies at school that keep telling me to 'grow up'?"

"Honey, they don't know anything about growth spurts, or lack of them. You have my features and my slim body. You keep your hair clean, and it has those natural highlights every girl would just love to have."

"Mom!" Terry dragged out the word mom.

"Okay, okay. But you can change later, dear. Come and help me in the kitchen.

Terry followed his mother to the kitchen, hearing the click of the sandal heels on the hardwood floor. His mother who was a natural blonde and was only five foot, five inches, couldn't help but wonder about her son dressed the way he was.

"Terry, have you thought about a good girl's name when you dress that way?"

"MOM! Please, I have never dressed this way, ever,"

"Alright, alright. I was just asking." The doorbell rang and Terry went to answer it.

"Hi Nicole," Terry said, greeting Patti's sister. "Please come in."

"Those are my clothes. What are you doing wearing them and how did you get them?"

Terry explained to Nicole Sanger about finding them in his gym locker after class, and that his clothes were nowhere to be found. He explained he had no choice but to wear these clothes home.

"Duane Hartley was making fun of me getting on the bus, on the bus, and he even told me that from now on, I had better be dressed like this or he was going to beat me up."

"Do you mind telling my dad this?"

"No, as long as he doesn't yell at me."

"May I use your phone?"

"Yes, it's right there.”

Nicole called her dad and explained where her missing clothes went. Then something popped in to Terry’s head.

“Nicole, how did you know that your clothes were here?”

“Patti told me when she got home. She told me the same thing you did. I didn’t tell my dad yet, I wanted to see this for myself. You do look cute, though.”

“Nicole, please don’t say that. I’m not supposed to be cute, I’m a boy.”

“Okay, I promise not to say that, again.”

Nicole talked to her dad on the phone, and a few minutes later, her parents showed up with Patti in tow.

“Now, tell my dad what you told me.”

Terry recounted the events from the time he found the clothes in his gym locker to the ride home on the bus.

“Do you know where this Duane lives?”

“No sir, he doesn’t get off at my stop.”

Terry’s mother came in the living room, and said that she was going to have a long talk with the school in the morning. If Duane doesn’t live in Nicole and Patti’s house, how did he get these clothes? Terry started to smell a rat.

“There is something bothering me, sir.”

“Like what?”

“If Duane doesn’t live in your house, how did he get these clothes?”

“That is a very good question, young la...uhm...man.”

Terry may be only ten years old, but his mind was quick. He let his thoughts stay in his head. He would speak up tomorrow. Terry was told to go and change, and give Nicole back her clothes. He did as he was asked.

Terry’s dad came in the house, just as Terry was giving Nicole back her clothes. Nicole being just a bit bigger than Terry, she didn’t have to worry about her clothes being stretched out.

“Thank you, Terry. We will take care of Duane Hartley, tomorrow.”

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 3
Written by Barbara Lynn Terry
with permission from Dawn_Smith

Terry was very glad that his dad had not seen him in Nicole's clothes. He knew his dad had an open mind, but he didn't think his dad's mind was so open so as to see his son wearing girls clothes. It was alo good that Patti and Nicole Sanger only lived a few houses away from Terry.

Terry went back in the kitchen to help his mother with the dinner and to talk to her.

"Mom, why are there boys like Duane?"

"Nobody knows, dear. It just seems most of the boys like fighting, teasing others, and playing practical jokes. Ten out of ten of those jokes aren't funny and neither are their pranks. But, boys like Duane think they are."

"Mom, he even said if I wasn't dressed like a girl at school, he was going to beat me up."

"Well, we will deal with him tomorrow. Your father will be at work before you have to leave for school. So, don't worry about Duane. Now let me see. Oh yes, I was going to make mashed potatoes. Get me five nice sized potatoes from the bin, peel and rinse them, please."

"Yes, mom."

Terry got out the potatoes and a peeler, and set about peeling them. His mother made mashed potatoes from real potatoes, not powder from a box. She put in a little milk, butter, and made sure they were not only mashed, but whipped with a wire whisk. When they were done, they were just as fluffy as any powder but tasted 100% better. He also took a peeler and scraped the whole kernel corn off of the cob. He placed the potatoes in a strainer and rinsed them, then placed them in the boiling water. The corn he waited until the potatoes were done. The meatloaf could wait another fifteen minutes before it had to be placed in the oven.

When dinner was ready, Terry and his mother set the food on the table and Terry went ot get his dad. His dad said grace and they all sat down and passed the food around.

"How wa school, Terry?"

"It was okay, dad, as far as school goes." His dad chuckled.

"Do you have any homework?"

"No, dad, we did everything in class, today."

"Okay. So, what do you plan to do with your evening then?"

"I was going to go over to Nicole and Patti's and visit a while, after I help mom with the dishes."

Terry always volunteered for this because he knew if he said he had plans, his dad would remind him it was his duty to help with the chores. Terry never complained, and was only too happy to help. Besides, he and his mother could get the dishes done without taking a lot of time. As she washed and Terry dried, she asked Terry what he was going to do at Nicole and Patti's house.

"I need to talk to them. Duane couldn't have gotten those clothes by himself. Something isn't right about this whole thing. Mom, will you get me a combination lock for my gym locker?"

"Yes, dear. But don't accuse Nicole and Patti of anything, just talk to them."

"Yes, mother."

When the dishes were done, and the kitchen was clean, Terry's mother said he could go and visit his friends. Terry left with a wicked smile on his face.

Don't accuse them, hey, he thought. I just wonder how he got those clothes. Either they will tell me tonight, or Duane will tell us tomorrow.

Terry walked the not even half a block to where the girls lived. He rang the doorbell.

"Hi Terry," said their father. "What brings you here?"

"My feet," they both laughed. "I need to talk to Patti and Nicole."

"I think that is a good idea. Do I have to be at the school tomorrow?"

"No, sir, I think our moms can handle things. Especially my mom. Remember he made me look like a fool in front of the whole school. My mom is not going to let him get away with that."

"All right, go in there and sit down, I will tell them you are here." With that he went down a hall way, and peeked in a couple of rooms. He told them Terry was waiting for them in the living room.

"Terry, what a pleasant surprise," Patti said, with a wide smile. "Nicole will be right here."

"I will wait." Nicole came in and sat down next to Patti. "We need to talk. Now, I know that Duane could not have gotten your clothes by himself, and he doesn't have the brains to play a prank like this himself. So, the question I have is, how or who, gave him your clothes, Nicole?"

"I guess we will find out tomorrow. I know I didn't give him any of my clothes, and Patti was just as shocked as I was when she told me what had happened and where my clothes were. So, if he snuck in here by himself and grabbed some of my clothes, then, we are going to find out. His parents, or at least his mother, is going to have to be there. I don't think his parents know he did this. I have met his mother at the store, and she is very nice. So, we will see tomorrow, what Duane has to say."

"So, what you are saying is, nobody here dared him to do this?"

"No! Terry, you're our friend, and heaven help the poor guy that tries to hurt you. When I went to put the clothes on you were wearing, I was fuming because I couldn't find them. Then when Patti told me you were wearing them and why, I was really fuming then. Terry, we will find out who is behind this and why."

"Thank you, Nicole. Patti, if nobody here gave him those clothes, that means he snuck in here and stole them."

"Yes, you are so right." She went to her dad's den and asked him to join usin the living room. This was a four bedroom ranch style house, and her dad used one of the bedrooms as a den. He joined everybody in the living room. "Daddy, do you think we should call the police. After all, if we didn't give him the clothes Terry was wearing, then he stole them from the house. Isn't that a crime?"

"Yes, dear it is. But seeing as he is your age, Terry, I doubt there is much the police are going to do. But I will call them and see what can be done."

He called the police and told them what had happened and who was to blame. He was told a unit would be by to take a report and investigate further. He was told that even though the perpetrator was about ten years old, they could start a file on him, and if he got into too much trouble, could be used against him in a children's court hearnig. He said all right, he will wait for the officers. The officer wanted to know who he thought the culprit was and he said Duane Hartley.

"The Duane Hartley that lives on Cypress Avene?"

"I guess, we live on Adler Street, and Duane doesn't get off of the school bus that my daughters do."

"We know young mister Hartley. I don't think his father is going to like what he's done this time. I am sending a squad right now. I am sure we can pick up Mr. Hartley at school tomorrow. His father won't allow us to take him out of the house."

"Thank you, officer." He hung up. "Apparently the police know about this Duane. I guess he likes getting in trouble."

"Dad," Nicole added, "at school he is a bully picking on others with a few of his friends."

"Well, they said they are sending officers over to take a report, and will pick him up tomorrow at school. I don't know exactly what will happen, but, if the officer is right, apparently Duane doesn't get away with much at home."

"Will his mother be there?"

"Yes, Terry, they can't talk to him about this unless she is there. Besides, she has to know what her son has been up to."

"Well alright, I suppose. If it were me, I would lock him in his room and only let him out to shower and use the restroom. He can eat in his room."

"Are you sure you're only ten years old?"

"Yes, Mrs. Sanger, I am. But I do a lot of reading, and I learn fast."

"Yes, you certainly do, that."

"Anyway, I will see you all at school tomorrow. I have to get home and get ready for bed."

"Bed? Terry, it is only seven o'clock."

"Yes, but I want to take a shower. For some reason I feel dirty."

Patti and Nicole looked at each other, then back at Terry. Nicole's mother spoke first.

"Terry, feeling dirty with what you have been through, is normal. You have been through an ordeal that you shouldn't have been. It will be all right, Terry, you will see. Tomorrow we will get to the bottom of this."

"Thank you, Mrs. Sanger. Good night everyone. See you all tomorrow."

"Good night Terry," Nicole said, giving him a kiss on his cheek and a hug. Patti said the same and did the same. They walked Terry to the door.

Terry went straight home, and right to his room. He got out his pajamas and took off his shoes and socks, and stepped in to his slippers. He went to the bathroom, and turned on the shower. He washed his hair, too, and he was still in the bathroom, twenty minutes later, when his dad came in.

"Terry, why have you been in the shower this long?"

"It won't come off," Terry said in an exasperating tone.

"What won't come off?"

"This dirt. It won't come off."

"You look clean to me. Wait here a moment."

When his dad came back, he had Terry's mother with him.

"He says the dirt won't come off."

"Dear, go downstairs. Let me handle this."

Terry's mother got a soft terry towel and held it up for Terry to walk in to. She wrapped it around his waist, and then took Terry to his room. Terry started getting in to his pajamas, and his mother said for him to sit on the bed.

"Terry, I know all about the dirt that doesn't come off. It is normal you feel this way, because what happened to you was not your fault. You were forced to do something you thought was dirty, and because of that, you feel you are dirty for not being strong enough not to wear the clothes you had on when you came home from school. I want you to know, that whenever you feel like this, you can come to me and talk. Your father is a good man, but he doesn't have the experience to know about what you were going through in the shower. We girls are all to familiar with the "dirt". Promise me, if things gets this bad again, that you will talk to me."

"I promise, mom. Mom? I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it."

"I know sweetie, but if you would have continued to scrub your skin the way you were doing, you would have rubbed yourself raw. That is not good. Now, you have had an exhausting day and you are tired. You get some sleep, and we will take care of this in the morning in the principal's office."

"I love you, mom."

"I love you, too, dear." She gave Terry a kiss on his forehead, and a nice hug. Terry got under the covers, and closed his eyes. His mother took up vigilance in the chair in Terry's room, and watched her son sleep. She thought that with this revelation in the shower, she is going to have to watch him closely.

The chair was not the most comfortable, but Terry was her baby and she was going to protect him as best as she could.

The next morning, Terry's mother awoke, to find Terry already coming out of the shower. "Mom, if you're going to school with me, we have to go."

"Yes, dear, be right with you." She went to change her clothes, and then got her coat and purse and she was ready. "Come on, Terry, today we get to the bottom of this so-called prank."

Terry didn't need to get on the school bus this morning, because his mother drove him to school. She parked on a side street, and they walked in to the school without waiting for the bell. The main doors were always unlocked when the school was open. Terry and his mother went directly to the office. The receptionist looked up, to see them both standing there.

"Good morning, Terry, Mrs. Palmer. What can we do for you today?

"Would you please tell Mr. Sharpe that we would like to see him on a matter of the utmost urgency."

"Yes, right away, Mrs. Palmer."

The two police officers that answered Nicole father's call last evening, showed up just as they were being shown in to the principal's office.

"Hello, Terry, you didn't need the police, I would have seen you right away." There was a giggle and laughter from Terry and the two officers. "What I can do for you, Mrs. Palmer?"

"I want to make a complaint against..." she looked at Terry who said the name. "Duane Hartley."

"What has he done now?"

"He took my son's clothes out of his gym locker, and left a complete set of girl's clothes in the place of Terry's clothes. The clothes, we found out belonged to Nicole Sanger who lives two houses away from us. These officers are here to take Mr. Hartley to the detention center."

"Terry, did you ever find your clothes?"

"No, sir. I looked all over the locker room, and all the lockers, but my clothes weren't there."

"Alright, I will have Mr. Hartley called to the office. I will also want Nicole Sanger here, too, to vouch that you were indeed wearing her clothes."

"And Patti Sanger, too, Mr. Sharpe, because she can tell you what Duane said on the school bus last night. I will tell you now, so you know what she says just makes what I say true. See, when I was getting on the bus, Duane was making fun of me and calling me names. While we were on the bus, he said that I either dress like a girl from now on, or he was going to beat me up."

"I will be right back." The principal went out in the outer office and said something to the receptionist. Then he came back in to his office. "I just told Janine to have the students you mentioned come to the office. They should be here shortly. I am also calling Duane Hartley's mother and have her come here as well. Officers, please have a seat, while we wait for Mr. Hartley's mother to arrive." The two officers sat down, they asked Terry the same questions as last night, and Terry gave them same answers but worded differently. This way, they knew what Terry said, wasn't rehearsed.

Duane, Nicole, and Patti were shown in to Mr. Sharpe's office. When Duane saw Terry, he had a hateful scowl on his face. This did not go unnoticed by Mr. Sharpe or the two officers.

"So, you tattled, hey faggot."

"Mr. Hartley that will be enough, or I will have these two officers remove you now, without your mother here."

"Yeah, whatever. My dad ain't gonna like this faggot telling on me for playing a harmless prank."

"Harmless, young man? One of the officers asked. "You subjected another student to ridicule, and what was worse you threatened him that if he didn't dress like a girl, you were going to beat him up. What we want know is..."

"I ain't tellin' you nothing. My dad will get even with you, faggot, when he hears you tattled. It was a harmless prank.

"Very well, since you seem to be uncooperative, we have no choice but take you to detention."

Just then, Duane's mother was shown in to Mr. Sharpe's office.

"Hello, Mrs. Hartley,please be seated and find out what your son has been up to. Terry, please tell Duane's mother why we are here and why the police are here."

Terry recounted everything from finding the clothes to the ride on the bus.

"I don't know what to do with him, anymore. He doesn't listen, and he just does what he wants. Duane, where did you get the clothes you made Terry wear yesterday?"

"I don't have to tell you. Dad's gonna bust your mouth when he finds out you let the cops take me away."

"I don't think so, Duane. Your father and I have been talking about putting you in to a boys home. Now, why did you take Terry's clothes and leave him with girls?"

"Mom, it was just a harmless prank. Nobody got hurt."

"Duane, that is not true. Terry got hurt by you making sure he had wear those clothes home. He was hurt when you called him names, and he was hurt when you told him either he dresses like a girl, or you would beat him up. You are very lucky, young man, that Terry wasn't killed because of your so-called 'harmelss' prank. There are people out there who don't care if this was a prank or not, Terry could have been very badly hurt or killed by someone with a narrow mind."

"So, what's one less faggot in the world.?"

"Duane!!!!! That will be quite enough, young man."

"Stick it, mom. Dad will see it my way. He's always telling me to act like a man."

"He doesn't mean going around bullying others. Now tell me where and how you got those clothes."

"I'm not telling you nothing. When dad gets home from work, I will tell him what happened here and you will not like it."

"I'm sorry, Duane, but you leave me little choice. Officers, he is all yours."

The officers took Duane by both arms, with Duane telling them to let him go because he didn't do anything. With Duane yelling, crying, and screaming that he didn't do anything, the other students watched as the bully was being taken out of the school.

"Terry, I am sorry that Duane did this, but, I am going to talk to the judge. Duane has been on a one way ride to a boys home for a long time. I certainly hope he learns his lesson."

"Well, I guess this concludes our meeting. Nicole, do you or your sister know how Duane got a hold of your clothes?"

"No, Mr. Sharpe. When Patti came home and told me where my clothes were, I had to see for myself. When I got to Terry's house, he was still wearing them. He was told to go and change and give them back to me, which he did."

"All right, I think. Thank you all for coming. I am hoping that Duane does tell the judge where and how he got a hold of your clothes."

"So do I, Mr. Sharpe."

"Janine will give you all excuses so you won't be marked tardy or absent."

Everybody left the office, and Terry, Nicole and Patti went to their classrooms.

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 4
By Barbara Lynn Terry in collaboration
with Dawn_Smith (Original Author)

When we got to my classroom, Nicole said she would see me at lunch. Patti and I went in the classroom. We gave our excuses to Mrs. Wells, and took our seats.

"Terry, Patti, we have been doing division numbers." She walked over to each of us and gave us a paper that had division problem on it. We were dividing two numbers in to three numbers. I took the paper from Mrs. Wells, and began my work. I had a little difficulty on some of them, but I remembered what Mrs. Wells said when we first started doing division. Division, she said, was checked by multiplication. I knew how to multiply, so I took out a sheet of paper from my tablet, and did my problem solving on that before putting the answer on the printed paper.

When Mrs. Wells said time, we handed our papers to the one in front of us, and the person in the front desk gave all the papers for that row to Mrs. Wells.

"Students, please read chapter seven in your reading books."

We opened our reading books to chapter seven and began reading. Mrs. Wells was busy correcting the division we just finished doing. Chapter seven was about a dog who wanted so much to have a good home, that he went in search of it. As I read the story, I was hoping the dog got his wish and would find a good home. This dog was smart, though, because he hid from police cars, and the animal control people. This dog's name was Blue, and there were restaurant and shop owners that would give Blue a treat whenever Blue came around. A little girl, ten years old, came by one day, and Blue followed her home. When the girl went in her house, Blue followed her in. He laid on the floor by her feet as she sat at the kitchen table.

Her mother wanted to know whose dog Blue was and the girl said he followed her home, and could she keep him. Her mother sighed, and said he could stay at their home, but they had to try and find Blue's owner. The story ended with a pet store owner coming to the little girl's house, and identified Blue as one of the dogs that got away from the store. The little girl told the man that Blue would have a good home here, if only he would let Blue stay with her. The man smiled and said that he should charge for the dog, but since the girl found the dog, she could keep him as her pet, free of charge. The end of the story showed a drawing of the girl giving the pet store owner a hug.

When I closed my reading book, Mrs. Wells looked at me.

"All done, Terry?"

"Yes, Mrs. Wells."

"What was the story about?"

I told her what the story was about and that I was really hoping that Blue, that was the dog's name would find a good home, which he did. I also told Mrs. Wells that when the pet store owner showed up and recognized Blue, he said the girl could keep him free of charge since she found him.

"Well, Terry, that is correct. You do retain what you read."

"Yes, Mrs. Wells."

"Well, the bell is going to ring for ending the morning class. I will see you all after lunch."

The bell rang, and we put our books and tablets in our book bags, and went to the cafeteria as a class. We could sit any where, but we had to go as a class to the cafeteria. I got my lunch, paid my thirty five cents and went to a table. Nicole and Patti soon joined me.

"Hey faggot, where's your dress?"

"Mr. Roberts, that is enough," Mrs. Henderson, the cafeteria teacher/monitor.

I whispered to her that he was one of Duane Hartley's friends that are always bullying others. I also told Mrs. Henderson that I thought he would know what happened to my clothes he and Duane took out of my gym locker.

"Mr. Roberts, when you are finished with your lunch, come and see me at my desk."

There was a desk for the cafeteria teacher/monitor, so she could watch the entire cafeteria.

"Why? I haven't done nothing."

"I haven't done anything. Use proper English."

Every student knew you didn't argue with Mrs. Henderson. She was a female bull and she knew how to charge at a student without hurting him or her verbally or physically. There was a phone on her desk, too, and she was calling someone. A few minutes later, Mr. Sharpe showed up at Mrs. Henderson's desk. They were talking, and then Mr. Sharpe looked in my direction, and he could see Billy Roberts making faces at me behind my back. When Billy was through with his lunch, he went by Mrs. Henderson's desk.

"Young man, I want you to come to my office with me."

"Why? I haven't done nothing."

"We will see. Come on."

Mr. Sharpe left with Billy and Nicole and Patti looked at me.

"He might know how Duane got your clothes that he put in my locker."

"I hope so. My mom bought me that skirt because it goes with just about every top that I have. Those shoes were brand new, also. Terry, I want you to be honest with us. When you were forced to wear my clothes, what were you feeling? What were your thoughts?"

"I just wanted to get home and change before I got beat up."

"Is that all?"

"Will you come by my house tonight after dinner? Then we can actually talk. There are a few things I need to say about this whole incident. But, not here, there are way too many ears."

"Will you be serving wine at this party, sir?"

"Sorry, all I have is grape juice."

"Well, that will have to do, I guess."

Patti was always trying to lighten the mood, because I could feel tears trickling from my eyes.

"Terry, listen, I know that we said you were cute and that, but we were just trying to make you smile."

"I know, Patti, but there really isn't anything to smile about. If I had worn my own skirt and things, if I had had them, it would be different. But, being forced like I was, made me look foolish. Besides, everybody who saw me, and even those two police officers, want to know how your clothes got in my locker. Duane didn't tell us, instead he threatened his mother. What kind of a monster is he?"

"I don't know, Terry," Nicole answered back. "But, he is in the detention center."

Just then the intercom came on.

"Will Julie Myers, please come to the office. Julie Myers to the office, please."

"That was Mr. Sharpe's voice. I wonder what Julie did now."

"I don't know, Terry," Patti answered, with a bewildered look. "I know she is one of Duane and Billy's friends. She may have something to do with this. If she does have something to do with this, then I know who took my clothes."

"Who? You don't mean Julie?! But how would she get your clothes?"

"I forgot and had those here as a spare set just in case. They were in my locker. I had forgotten all about it. If she took my clothes and helped Duane and Billy put them in your locker, Terry, then the mystery as to how Duane got them is answered. I will tell Mr. Sharpe about this, too."

"I think you need your mom to get you a good lock for your locker."

In this school, we had lockers for physical education.

"I mean, Julie is in the sixth grade. I wonder. Did she, or was it her idea to, switch clothes?

Nicole Sanger just shook her head.

"I don't know, Terry, but she did know I kept a spare set of clothes in my locker. We were talking about having to change clothes during school things like recitals. If I had to change clothes, because I had to go to a recital, or be a part of a spelling bee, I had a decent set of clothes here that I could change in to. But, with what happened yesterday, I am not even leaving my gym clothes in my locker. At least not until I can get a good lock."

The bell ending lunch, rang. We headed back to Mrs. Wells classroom for the second half of the school day. We had until three fifteen, and it was only twelve thirty now. When we got outside her door, Nicole gave me a hug, and then went to her own class. Patti and I went in to the classroom.

"Well, I hope you are all refreshed enough to take your English books out, and look at chapter six. Today, we are going to study adverbs. Does anybody know what an adverb is?" Nobody raised their hand. "An adverb modifies a verb. To give an example; the jogger ran slowly. How did the jogger run? Slowly. Slowly is the adverb because it modifies the verb 'ran'. How many understood what I just said?" Some of the boys raised their hands, but all the girls raised theirs. I raised my hand. "Terry, can you use an example of an adverb?" I stood up, and gave my example.

"When I read, I read slowly."

"Very good, Terry. Now what is the adverb in that sentence?"

"Slowly, because it modifies the verb 'read'."

"That is correct. Thank you, Terry."

As I sat down, I made a motion like I had seen the girls do, like I was smoothing out a skirt while sitting down. I don't know why I did it, but Patti saw me and asked me why I did that. I just said I didn't know. I will have to talk to Nicole and Patti, if they come over to my house tonight after dinner.

"Does anybody else have an example of an adverb?" Judy Adams raised her hand. "Yes, Judy."

"I heard my mother say this once. 'I sew diligently'."

"What is the adverb in that sentence, Judy?"

"Diligently because it modifies the verb sew."

"That is correct. Class, I want you to write a few sentences for home work tonight, using different ways an adverb modifies the verb in the sentences. Now, how about we talk about geography. Does anybody know what geography is?" I raised my hand. "Terry."

"Geography is about the land and how it is laid out. for instance, the geography of the Grand Canyon is in Arizona."

"Thank you, Terry. Anybody else want to tell us about what geography is?" Nobody raised their hand. "I want you all to write about a geographical location, and how it is laid out." The bell rang for the end of the school day. We all put our books in our book bags, and stood up. We lined up by the door, and Mrs. Wells made sure we were orderly. "Class dismissed."

When Patti and I got in the hallway, we waited for Nicole. As we walked to the bus, Patti told Nicole what she had seen.

"Terry, we will talk about that motion you did in class when you were sitting down."

"Nicole, Patti, can you come by my house tonight after dinner? We can talk about it then."

"Of course, Terry. Does this have anything to do with you wearing my clothes, yesterday?"

"I don't know, Nicole. I'm kind of not sure why I even did it."

Just then, Mr. Sharpe came walking toward us.

"Girls, Terry, I want you to know that we have gotten to the bottom of the switching clothes mystery. Julie Myers took your clothes from your gym locker, Nicole, and gave them to Duane Hartley and told him to switch Nicole's clothes for your own. She said they threw your clothes away, but didn't say where. I just want you to know that when I asked her why she did that, she said it was just an April Fool's Day joke. I told her what could have happened and what Duane had said in my office. Julie Myers and Billy Roberts were suspended until we can have a review at the school board offices. What they did, was not harmless and because they were all in on it, the school board will expel them for stealing."

"Thank you, Mr. Sharpe."

"I also left a message for the two officers that took Duane to the detention center. Have a good night, ladies, Terry. See you tomorrow."

We went out to the bus and got on. When I sat down, I moved in to the seat with my hips, instead of just sitting down like the boys do. I also made the smoothing out the skirt motion. This also did not go unnoticed by Nicole or Patti. I saw them look at each other.

"What has gotten in to you, Terry?" Patti whispered, so only Nicole and I could hear.

"What do you mean, Patti?"

"We will talk about this tonight. There is something going on with you. It is like your whole attitude has changed from a guy to that of a girl."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Well, me and Nicole are girls, and we sit the way you have been doing all day. Terry, what were you thinking when you were sitting down in Mrs. Wells classroom and just now on the bus?"

"What?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I was just sitting down."

"Like a girl would sit down," they both said together.

Terry," Patti added. "We will talk about this tonight. There is definitely something going on. Maybe we should talk about this with our mothers. We need to know what kind of feelings you are having."

"I don't know, Patti. I...I'm kind of...mixed up about how I have been...feeling...all day."

"Are these feelings because you were wearing my clothes?"

"I...I don't...know, Nicole. Maybe, but I really don't...know."

"All right, then, we will wait until tonight. We will bring our mother along, too. Maybe she can gives us her thinking about this."

"All right, Nicole."

The bus stopped and we got off. My house was first on the way, so we stopped.

"I think I will talk to my mom, too. Maybe she can tell me what is happening."

"Maybe, we will see tonight."

They went to their house. I hesitated a little before going in the house. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Hello, sweetie. How was school?"

"It was...fine...mom," I said, in a halting voice.

"Honey, is there something wrong?"

"Mom, when I was in school today, I was called on to give an example of an adverb. When I sat down, I made a motion like I was smoothing out a skirt. Then when I was on the bus, I stepped sideways in to the seat space, and sat down using my hips. Nicole and Patti wanted to know why I was acting like a girl. Another thing, too, is Mr. Sharpe found out who took Nicole's clothes and gave them to Duane to switch with mine. Her and another friend of Duane's were suspended and Mr. Sharpe said they would have a review before the school board. He said what they did was stealing, and students are expelled for stealing."

"Well, I am glad they got to the bottom of it. Now, about this other thing. Can you tell me what you were thinking when you the sweeping motion and sitting with your hips?"

"I don't think I was thinking anything. I did those motions without thinking about them."

"Well, honey, would you like to see a doctor or a therapist that you can talk to freely about this?"

"Mom, I am talking freely. I really wasn't thinking anything. Let me put my book bag in my room, and I will be right back."

Terry went to his room and placed his book bag on the chair by his dresser. As he was walking back, his mother noticed a pronounced girlish walk and his body moving side to side as he placed one foot in front of the other, like he was on a fashion designer's runway. As he went in the kitchen, he stooped down to get an apple from the bottom drawer of the refrigerator, and then sat down using his hips to sway in to the chair.

Terry's mother noticed something was different about her son. Usually, he just bent over and got whatever from the fridge and the plopped down in a chair. She also noticed, too, that he had laid the apple on the table, before sitting down, and made a smoothing out of a skirt motion as he swayed in to the chair.

"Honey, why did you stoop down to get the apple? Usually you just bend over, get whatever, then plop down in a chair. You also made a smoothing a skirt motion as you just swayed in to the seat. Is there something you would like to tell me?"

"Mom, I know I'm a boy, but ever since I was forced to wear Nicole's clothes, something inside of me kind of clicked. Like I should be dressed like this all the time. It was embarrassing to be forced to wear her clothes, but at the same time, they felt nice, and kind of natural. I have mixed feelings, mom. On the one hand I feel like I should be dressed like a girl all the time, and on the other hand, I feel it is dirty and I shouldn't be doing it."

"Well, sweetie, I will tell you what we will do. I will make an appointment with a therapist and we will see what she says. I think you should see a woman therapist, because women are more understanding. We need to see where your feelings are. Would that be okay with you?"

"Yes, mom. Nicole and Patti are coming over tonight after dinner, so we can talk about what they saw me doing today in school and on the bus."

"Why don't you call them, and tell them that they and their parents are invited for dinner, then we can all talk."

"Mom, what will dad think about all of this?"

"Well, from what I heard, your father may have some say in this. We will see at dinner."

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 5
By Dawn_Smith_1972 as written
by Barbara Lynn Terry

Part I - The dinner discussion.

"Do you need help in the kitchen, mom?"

"Well, I don't know. Do you know how to set the table?"

"Yes."

"Would you like to do that, while I get the things together that we are having for dinner?"

"Yes, mom. Thank you."

Terry's mother placed the plates, flatware and glasses on the table and told Terry he could set them in place. Then she went in the kitchen and got out a three pound family size thing of ground beef, the bag of shredded lettuce, two tomatoes, one onion, the black olives, the sour cream and the taco seasoning. She placed everything on the kitchen table and got out the medium skillet for browning the ground beef.

While she was doing that, Terry came in the kitchen and said he was done setting the table.

"That was fast."

"Is there anything else I can help with?"

"No, sweetie, I can do the rest myself, because now I have to dice the onion, tomatoes and slice the black olives. But, you can watch me, if you want."

"Okay."

Terry sat down at the table and watched as his mother, was not only browning the ground beef, but also cutting the onion and tomatoes. Then she sliced the black olives, and she was doing all of this at once, it seemed. When the ground beef was browned, Terry's father came in the house.

"Hello, family. I see somebody has been busy preparing a feast for us."

"Oh, you always were the flatterer," said Terry's mother, as she gave his dad a hug and a kiss. "Dear, I have invited the Sangers over to share dinner with us tonight. There is something we need to talk about."

"All right, dear. Let me go and clean up a bit, and I will be right back down."

The doorbell rang, and Terry went to answer it. Patti, Nicole and their parents waited for the invitation to come in, which Terry so graciously gave. Terry told them to just place their coats on the chair just inside the door. They all went in the living room. Terry went in the kitchen and told his mother their guests were here.

"That's good. Would you like to play hostess for a bit?" She said hostess, because she wanted to see what Terry would say.

"Yes, mom." Terry went back in the living room. "We're having tacos for dinner."

"I love tacos," Patti and Nicole said at the same time.

Terry looked at Patti and Nicole.

"Did you tell them what we talked about at school?"

"Not yet," Patti replied. Nicole and I thought that we could wait until everybody was together."

"Okay."

Ten more minutes went by and Terry's mother called dinner. Terry took Nicole, Patti and their parents in to the dining room. Terry's father said grace, and they all sat down. Terry's faher started passing the food around, and everybody took their portions. Terry, Nicole and Patti only had one taco, because of the grease and the spices in the taco seasoning.

"I am glad that Terry's friends could be here tonight, as well as their parents. Earlier, when Terry came home from school, he admitted a few things to me, that sounded an awful lot like an awakening. I had asked him how school went, and he said kind of haltingly it was alright. But, I asked him if there was something wrong, and he said this.

"That since he was forced to wear his friend Nicole's clothes, yesterday, he felt that he should be dressed as a girl all the time, but at the same time felt it was wrong. I said we would talk about it tonight."

"Terry," his father said, looking directly at him. "Is this something you have been thinking about, even before you were forced to wear your friend's clothes?"

"No, daddy. All I wanted to do yesterday was get home and change before somebody beat me up."

When Terry had said daddy, it did not go unnoticed by the adults, or Patti and Nicole.

"Okay, so, tell me what exactly you were thinking when you were forced to wear your friend's clothes."

"I was thinking that maybe I should be dressed like that all the time, but at the same time felt it was wrong. I mean, wearing Nicole's clothes felt right, like I should be allowed to dress like the girl I am. I don't now exactly where these feelings are coming from, but they were there. Daddy, I am going to be eleven years old soon, and I need to make a choice. I ... well, people, that is ... really should let me see for myself if this is right, or if this is wrong for me. Mom said we would talk about it tonight."

"Did your mother also tell you that you would need to see somebody about this. Somebody who is experienced in this kind of 'behavior'?"

"Yes, daddy, she did."

"Well, I can see that you do need to express yourself, but by the same token, young man, I don't want you dressing like a girl at school, at least not for right now. Let's wait and see what this person you will see says about this. But, I don't see the harm of you dressing like a girl after school and on weekends. This way, you won't be bullied any more at school, and you can express yourself in the mall, or whereever you go after school, after you do any homework you may have. How many here would agree with that?"

"Well, I would say that everybody has the right to express themselves. I mean, artists express themselves through their art, actors and actresses express themselves in their moves. I feel Terry should have the right to express himself in the way he sees that will make him happy. Terry, Nicole can lend you an outfit to go shopping in, when your mother takes you to get your own skirts and dresses, and other things."

"Thank you, Mrs. Sanger." Patti and Nicole's mother just smiled.

"Terry," Nicole added, "you wouldn't have to worry about your name, either. Terry can be a boy or a girl's name."

"Terry," Patti asked, "is this why you were acting like a girl yesterday?"

"Sort of. I don't know if I was acting or if there was something inside that said I am a girl. You said I made motions like I was smoothing out a skirt when I sat down, and that I sat with my hips, rather than just 'plopping down' as my mom had said. All I know is, I need to find out if this is who I am, or this is who I should be. I would like to be allowed to find out."

"All right, we will put it to a vote. How many here think that Terry should be allowed to express himself as a girl after school and on the weekends?" Everybody there said "we do", and Terry's father continued. "Terry, you will be allowed to express yourself as a girl, but not during school. I don't want the other kids to see that when you were forced to wear Nicole's clothes, that you had nothing to do with it."

"Thank you, daddy," Terry said, getting up and giving him a hug.

Dinner was over, and Terry, Nicole and Patti helped clear the dining room table. Terry's and Nicole and Patti's fathers went in the living room to talk. At the same time, Nicole and Patti's mother was telling Terry the girls would help in anything Terry needed to know.

"You know, Terry, girls learn about being girls as we grow up. Our mothers teach us things as we grow. By the time we are women, we know a lot about what life is and how to live it. It doesn't always work out the way we want, but we pretty much know how to do the things in life that get us by. Nicole and Patti can help you, like I help them."

"Thank you, Mrs. Sanger."

Terry was thinking that maybe now, people won't laugh at him. He had seen a boy at school that had a t-shirt that said, "don't laugh at me, God isn't finished with me, yet." He thought that this was true about himself. His father had given him permission to to be a girl, but not at school. What if all he had to wear to school was a dress or skirt and blouse?

Is Terry conniving to get to express himself at school, too? Terry was thinking that is Duane Hartley hadn't forced him to wear Nicole Sanger's clothes, he may not have known what these feelings were. But now that it has come out, Terry was thinking of ways to get to express himself as a girl.

Part II - Terry goes shopping.

As they completed the kitchen duty, Nicole looked at Terry and smiled.

"Mrs. Palmer, would it be all right if Patti and I went with you when you take Terry shopping for her own clothes?"

"Yes, Nicole, if it is all right with your parents. But, I think Terry will need other girls her age to be there for support."

"Mom," Terry said, looking somewhat puzzled. "Did you just hear what you said?"

"About what, dear?"

"Never mind," Terry said, smiling and winking at Patti and Nicole.

"Well, anyway, the mall is open until nine, so, if we are done, I think we should go."

"Do you mind if I ride along?"

"No, I think we can make this Terry's first girls night out. We will leave the boys here so they tell their jokes and punch each other in the arm." The girls all giggled, including Terry.

Terry was thinking again. His mother had called him "her" and then a girl by saying this would Terry's first girls night out. Terry was wondering if mom did that on purpose, or if it was done automatically. Then Terry remembered, too, that when he came home wearing Nicole's clothes, his mother had asked him if used a cute girl's name when he was dressed like he was. Terry was wondering if maybe, just maybe, fate had played a hand in telling him who he is.

"Mom, I came to a decision."

"Terry, you are only ten years old. What decision could you possibly make?"

"I will dress like the girl I feel I am, when I am not in school and as a boy at school. This way, it will let me see both sides of the coin as dad always says."

"Alright, young lady, if that is the way you want it, that is the way it will be. Let me do something with your hair. I think a pony tail for now, with bangs. You Terry, you are going to look really cute when we are done shopping."

Terry's mother took him to her room, where she rolled Terry's bangs in a hair roller, and sprayed it with hair spray. Then she took the roller out, and brushed the bangs into place. Then she took the brush and began brushing the rest of Terry's hair, and gathering it at the back, high on Terry's head. Then she wrapped a hair scrungee around it, making sure the bow showed in the back. After making sure her handiwork was in order, she said there was one other thing they needed to do.

"Nicole, do you think you could get Terry an outfit to go shopping in?"

"Yes, Mrs. Palmer. Mom can you walk with me?"

They went to their house, and they weren't gone long. It was good they only lived a couple of houses apart. Nicole came back with a full slip, white, nylon panties, knee high, double knit socks, a nice cream colored dress, and cream colored sandals. Being ten years old, Terry didn't need a bra. Not yet, anyway, even though there were some eleven year old girls at school that were already developing breasts.

"Terry, you can change in here, and if you need any help, just call. We will be right out in the hall."

Terry, got changed, and because of his experience the day before, he knew pretty much how to put everything on. He was glad Nicole hadn't brought him a bra to wear.

"Mom, I'm ready." They came in the room. "I just need help buttoning up the dress." Nicole helped him with that.

"Now, since we know you can wear Nicole's clothes like they were made for you, we know what size every things to get for you. Now, Terry, I will ask you now. Dressed as you are, how do you feel?"

Terry was thinking about what he had heard in the West Side Story movie. Only he didn't say what Natalie Wood said in the bridal shop. 'I feel pretty, oh so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and gay...' But Terry didn't say it, he just thought it.

"I feel like I should be a girl. These clothes feel so right, mom." She gave Terry a hug.

"Let's go and show your father."

They went in the living room, and like in most houses, the sofa faced away from the kitchen door. Terry's mother went first.

"Dear, Terry has a surprise for you. Terry," she said, motioning him to come in front of his father.

"If I didn't know better, I would ask who you are. You don't look anything like the boy I knew." He gave Terry a hug and said that the decision was the right one.

"Dear, even dressed like a boy, Terry doesn't look anything like a male. He looks more feminine than most boys, and he is slim and shorter than most boys his age. Nicole's clothes fit him perfectly. So we at least know what sizes to get. Well, if we are ready to go to a woman's second home, I think we should be going. Bye, dear," she said to her husband, giving him a kiss and a hug. "I love you."

"I love you, too, dear."

They went out to the car and after buckling their seatbelts, Terry's mother drove to the mall. It was already seven o'clock, and the mall closed at nine. So they had about an hour and a half of shopping time. That was enough time to get a few dresses, a few skirts and blouses, under things, socks, and even a few of those were knee high, double knit. Terry also got two pairs of shoes. One in black with a slight raise in the heel, and the other for just bumming around.

After they had everything, it was eight fifty-five, and they had just made it. They put their bags in the trunk, and headed home.

"Terry, we will come back on Saturday, and make a day of it."

"Alright, mom. This should be good for a few days." His mother just smiled at him.

Terry's mother was proud of her ... daughter ... because this child knew exactly what ... she ... wanted. She ... wasn't afraid to face ... her ... father dressed in Nicole's clothes. This told his mother quite a lot about what she had felt and thought when Terry came home dressed as a girl. This could be a good thing, or it could be bad, but whatever it turns out to be, at least Terry will have the chance to find out.
_____________________________________________________
Terry goes shopping - Part II continues in Chapter 6.

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 6
by Dawn_Smith_1972 as written
by Barbara Lynn Terry

Part I - A school day.

That night, I wore one of my new nightshirts to bed. This had a Care Bear on the front with a cute rainbow. I made sure my face was washed, and I got in to bed. Mom came in a few minutes later and kissed me good night. That night I had a wonderful dream. I dreamt I was in Gym, and Duane was there, looking at me kind of weird like.

When I had looked at Duane, he quickly turned his head so as not to look at me. I wondered what it all meant. Dreaming about the boy who embarrassed me in front of the whole school, was looking at me as if he wanted to be my boyfriend. I slept through the night, and didn't dream any more.

When the sun came in my window, the birds were chirping. There was a thin blanket of snow on the ground. I went to take my bath, and get dressed. I decided to wear one of my new camis, and a pair of my new panties. I wonder what mom would say if she saw me wearing my black ballet flats with the cute bow? I decided not to. The cami and the panties would have to do.

I brushed my hair, and took a hair tie down with me to the kitchen. Mom rebrushed my hair and put it in to a pony tail. There, that looks just like a boys pony tail.

"So, dear, did you pick that shirt on purpose or was it just one that you put on?"

"What do you mean, mom?"

"Terry, I can see the spaghetti straps of your cami. Now, at your age, the boys might think it is just a new kind of tee shirt style, but the girls who see that will know it is a camisole. It is alright, dear, I don't mind."

"I was also wondering, too, mom, what you would think if I wore my black ballet flats to school, then decided against it."

"Well, it is a good thing you did, because that may have been too much for this poor school's student body to take in in one semester, especially since it will ending in a couple of months. During the summer, dear, you can dress all the time as a girl. Just not at school for right now."

"Mom, I just want a slice of jelly toast, milk and juice."

"Are you feeling all right, Terry? You aren't sick are you?"

"No, mother, I'm not. I can't continue to eat like a boy when it is clear I am a girl."

"You're a ringer. You're not ten years old, you're just a young looking midget." We both giggled, and then I kissed mom and told her I loved her, and headed towards the bus stop. Patti and Nicole were waiting for me.

"Hi Terry," Patti said, as she whispered in my ear. "Nice cami you're wearing. I have a few in that same style."

"Thank you, Patti. You girls are coming with me on Saturday, when my mom takes me shopping...right?"

"You bet. I think you will need all the female support you can get."

"My mom said, this summer I can dress all the time as a girl, but not right now at school."

"She is right, too, you know. I don't think these weak hearted boys could stand the strain." We giggled at what Nicole said.

"I also have something I want to tell you, that I didn't tell my mom. But it has to wait when it is just us three together."

"Is it that serious?" Nicole asked.

"Well, it has me wondering, is all."

"Can you give us a hint?"

"It has to do with a dream I had last night."

"Okay, it can wait. Do you have gym, today?"

"Yes. It is my last class for the day."

"The reason I was asking, is because the boys will notice your cami. Are you wearing panties, too?"

"Yes, Nicole, I am."

"Well, be careful. These boys are not the most intelligent beings I have ever met."

"I will be careful, Nicole."

All this time, we were talking in whispers so the others around us couldn't hear what we were saying. The bus stopped half a block from the school door, and we walked in the side door. We went directly to our classrooms. Mrs. Wells, was looking at her attendance book when we walked in to the classroom. She looked up, and then did a double take, looking right at me.

"Terry, please come here." I went by her desk.

"That is a pretty cami you're wearing. I notice, too, that you have gym this afternoon. I will talk to Mr. Sharpe. Maybe we can get your gym class switched for something better, so you won't have to undress in front of the boys. Would you like that?"

"Yes, Mrs. Wells. Thank you." She excused me and I went to sit down.

Patti whispered in my ear.

"What was that about?"

"About my cami. I will tell you at lunch."

"Alright class, I have taken attendance, and everybody seems to be here. At least in body, anyway." There were giggles and laughter. "I want to say this. What we have been studying here all semester, is just practice. Tomorrow, I am giving a written quiz on all the subjects." There were groans from the boys, and the rest of us just giggled.

"Terry Palmer, I want you to study hard for this quiz. You are one of my brightest students and I know you will do good. You, too, Patricia Sanger. Now take out your math books. Turn to page eighty seven. Do the exercises at the end of the chapter. Boys, be sure you read the chapter first." There were more giggles.

The reason we giggled at what Mrs. Wells said, was because the boys in our classroom were clowns. They were always joking, or talking, or doing something. Anything but school work. Whenever Mrs. Wells said girls, she was including me in that, maybe without knowing that is what she was doing. The strange feelings made me love being including with the girls. So, anyway, today we were just studying what we learned so far. This little quiz was just one of several she gave during the school year.

We studied our geography, our American History, our math, our spelling, we even will be required to write a few proper sentences for English. Mrs. Wells never had to yell at the girls, but she yelled at the boys to pay attention.

Now, I know I am a boy, well, male. But since being forced to wear Nicole's clothes home, I have been having strange feelings about this. I so want to come to school as a girl, but, maybe next semester. I will have all summer to see if this is the life I want to live, or if it is a passing phase as mother had said. This summer will tell.

The bell rang ending the morning session, and it was lunch time. Patti, Nicole and I always walked to the cafteria together. We got our trays, put what we wanted on it, if anything, and went to sit down.

"Girl, you have to tell me what Mrs. Wells said about your cami."

"She didn't say much, Patti. She said it was pretty, and she said she will talk to Mr. Sharpe about getting me out of gym, so I don't have to undress in front of the boys."

"Did she say what class you would be taking,instead?"

"No, Nicole. All she said was that she will talk to Mr. Sharpe."

"Well, Terry, I can see the pink around your neck. Mrs. Wells is right, that is a pretty cami."

"Thank you, Nicole. I was thinking, too, that this summer will see if my being a girl is just a passing phase as my mother called it, or if this is who I really am and need to be. I guess this summer will tell."

"Yes, girlfriend, it certainly will." Just then Billy Roberts, who I tohught was suspended came by us.

"Hey faggot, wanna dance. You look pretty enough to..."

He didn't get to finish what he was saying. Duane Hartley interrupted him.

"Billy, why are you bothering these girls? Did one of them say something to you?"

"Uh, hi Duane. No, I was just..."

"You were just making fun of Terry. Well, Terry is who she is, and if you don't like that, then stay away from her. Under....stand?"

"Ye, yes, Duane."

"Terry, if he bothers you again, you just let me know. By the way, that is a cute undershirt you have on."

"It's called a camisole, Duane, or cami. It is what girls wear for an undershirt, or sometimes just as a sleeveless shirt during the summer. There are camis that are part of a pajama or nightgown set, too."

"I will leave the clothes thing to the girls. I get up, I take my bath, I get dressed in jeans and a shirt, and I'm ready. By the way, Nicole, Terry, I am sorry about the other day. The judge let me go on the promise that I won't ever do anything like that again."

"Okay, Duane. Please, sit down. Duane, can you keep a secret?"

"Yes, as well as the next person, I guess."

"Well, when you forced me to wear Nicole's clothes home, you gave me feelings I didn't know were there. I have talked to Nicole, Patti and our parents, now I need to talk to Mr. Sharpe."

"Terry, you be you have to be. There was one boy in the detention center who has a transgendered sister who used to be his brother. He said she gets a lot of respect no matter where she goes. So, you just be who you are."

"Thank you, Duane."

As we sat there and talked, I was wondering what Duane was up to. He has never been this nice, so I was kind of looking at him like, "what do you want now" kind of thing.

"Duane, I know you said the judge made you promise to be good, but, I have a question. Do you really care that much about my saftey?"

"Not only your saftey, Terry, but every girl's safety. I know I haven't been really nice to you and others, but I am changing, as the judge said I should. I will also help the boys who can't fight back."

"Duane, a few days in detention didn't change you this much. What actually happened in court?"

"I was told by the judge that if I didn't start being good, he was going to send me a place he knew I would have no choice but be good. So, I told him I would be good on my own."

"I see. So, you're going to help us and not call us names, even behind our backs?"

"Yes, I am going to help you, all of the ones I can and no, I won't call you names behind your backs. I promise."

"Let's do one better. Let's pinky swear."

Duane and Terry hook their left little fingers together, and shook down once.

"Duane, a pinky swear is the most scared thing between two girls, or even two people, for that matter. You cannot tell anybody you pinky swore on your promise."

"All right, I won't."

The bell rang ending lunch, Duane got up and said he would see us after school on the bus.

"Duane seemed awfully like he meant what he said, but just to make sure, I am going to talk to Mr. Sharpe. Not about what Duane said, but about me. I want to see if Mrs. Wells talked to him."

"It is possible, but you don't have time after school. The bus leaves as soon as the bus in front of us is full and leaves. I will make sure I talk to him during school, then, somehow."

We got in to the classroom, and went right to our seats. Mrs. Wells took roll call again, and then she looked directly at me.

"Terry, your class schedule has been changed. See me after class. Students, today we welcome a new girl in our class. Her name is Dawn Palmer, and she is a very good student."

Everybody looked at me, and Patti and Billy just smiled a "I knew it" smile.

"I want it known, that Dawn has been told that if there are any problems to report them to the school and we will report them to the police. You all know who Dawn is, and I am hoping her friends will still be her friends, when she comes to school tomorrow. Does anybody have any questions?" Billy raised his hand. "Yes, Billy."

"What took her so long? I mean, we all know she's a she. Why does she keep dressing frumpy?"

"Well, Billy, tomorrow you will see a whole new Dawn."

"Yes, but why was everybody calling her Terry, if her name is Dawn?"

"Good question, Billy. Her name is Dawn Terry Palmer."

"Oh, so she was just using her middle name, then."

"Yes, Billy."

I looked at Patti, with a very puzzled look. What did my mom do now? I passed a note to Patti, who just shrugged her shoulders. As we studied more for our quiz tomorrow, I noticed something. The feelings I had gotten from wearing Nicole's clothes felt right. When I told mom I was going up to my room to change, she said she needed help in the kitchen. I didn't argue with her, because I felt I belonged in those clothes. Tomorrow, Dawn makes her appearance. Maybe mom can do something with my hair. I see girls with nail polish, maybe mom can polish mine. We will see. Tomorrow I can wear my ballet flats.

The bell rang ending class. The next class was gym, but Mrs. Wells wanted to talk to me. As everybody left the classroom, Mrs. Wells asked to sit by her desk.

"Dawn, tomorrow you will come to school as yourself. Your mother and father got your name changed, legally. I don't know how they did that, without you being there, but they did. You will no longer be taking boys gym. For the rest of the semester, which isn't long, Mr. Sharpe is transferring all your gym credits to study hall. We can't give you another class, because it is too late in the school year. So, here is a pass for Miss Andersen, at the library. Be good now, and I will see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mrs. Wells."

"You're very welcome, young lady."

I went to the library and gave my tardy pass to Miss Andersen. Then I sat down, opened my books, and studied more for our exam tomorrow. Miss Andersen was young. She looked like some of the teenagers I have seen at the high school. She wore the same type of clothes as the high school girls did, and she had such a bright yellow colored hair. She was from Sweden, but she married an American soldier whose great grandfather came from Sweden. She talked with a slight accent, but she was nice. She never yelled, but when she said sit down, she meant it.

Time really does fly when a person is having fun. The bell rang for the end of class and the school day. I put all of my books in my book bag, and headed out to the bus. Billy came up to me.

"Dawn, I just want you to know that I am still your friend. It's too bad we can't hunt frogs any more."

"Who said? Girls hunt frogs too, you know."

"Really! You really would hunt frogs with me?"

"Yes, Billy. I may be a girl, but I am not what you would call girly. I do like adventure now and then."

"Thank you, Dawn."

Billy went to his bus, and I caught up with Patti at the school door.

"What was all that about? Your name is Dawn, now?"

"I guess so. Mrs. Wells told me my name is now Dawn Terry Palmer. She said she didn't know how my parents did it, but they did. That means I get to come to school like I should be."

"That's great Dawn. Her comes Nicole. We'll talk more on the bus.

We got on the bus, and found a seat for all three of us. Only two people most times can sit a seat, but we weren't that big, so all three of us fit in one seat. I sat in the middle with Nicole by the aisle and Patti by the window. We talked about what Mrs. Wells told me and Nicole gave me a hug.

When the bus stopped and let us off, we talked more about tomorrow.

"Dawn, what shoes are you wearing tomorrow?"

"I have a three tier dress I am wearing, and my ballet flats that match the dress. my underthings will be just white."

"Well, you know you have us to watch your back, as they say. Your our friend, girl, and we help our own."

"Thank you, Nicole."

We reached my house and I went in. Patti and Nicole went to their house. I went to my room and put my book bag on the chair by the dresser. Then I got out of my boy clothes for the last time, and put on my turquoise, flared skirt, my turquoise tee shirt, my black Mary Jane's and went back downstairs.

"Hi mom," I said, as if everything was normal.

"Hi sweetie. How was school?"

"Mr. Sharpe took me out of gym and gave me study hall in the library for the rest of the semester. Then Billy, he's one of my friends, said it was too bad that we couldn't hunt frogs any more since I am a girl. I told him girls hunt frogs, too. He was happy about that."

"Sounds like you had a nice day."

"Yes, mom, I did."

"Dear, there is something we have to talk about at dinner, tonight."

"All right, mom."

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 7
by Dawn_Smith_1972 as written by
Barbara Lynn Terry

Part I - Dawn is given what she wants.

As Dawn and her mother started on the dinner, Dawn couldn't help but wonder why her name was changed.

"Mom, did you and daddy change my name, today?"

"Well, we added a name, in court. We told the judge that you were in school, and that it was too late to bring you to the courtroom. He looked at us like, yeah, alright, whatever. But he said he would change your name to Dawn Terry Palmer, and that he would state in the order that it is a female name with all the privileges and rights thereto. That means, dear, that legally, you are a girl." Dawn hugged her mother, and started crying.

"Honey, why are you crying?"

"Because I'm so happy."

"We girls cry for different reasons, and then sometimes there is no reason at all. You go right ahead and cry, dear, it is your right, now. Now, let's get this dinner started. We're having green beans, mashed potatoes, roast beef, and you are having milk. For dessert, I was thinking about maybe cherry/apple tart."

"We haven't had your cherry/apple tarts in a long time, mom."

"Yes, dear, that is why I made them while you were in school. It is something different. So, would you please get out five potatoes. Peel them, and rinse them, then put them in the pot to boil. Then I will let you mash them down and whip them into real mashed potatoes."

"Okay, mom."

As Dawn set about doing her task, she thought that this was mother/daughter bonding. The kind that makes them closer together, because they are doing things together. Dawn also watched how her mother spread the spices and flavorings over the roast. While her mom was doing that, the oven was heating to three hundred and seventy five degrees. That was the temperature Mrs. Palmer used for just about everything, except cakes and pies.

Dawn placed the peeled and rinsed potatoes in the pot, and turned on the burner. Then she went to the refrigerator and took out the lettuce, one cucumber, two apples, and the grapes. Then she went to the cupboard and got the bacon bits. She shredded the lettuce by hand, and rinsed in off in a colander. She then cut the two apples in to pieces and placed them in the bowl with the lettuce. She rinsed the grapes, and placed them in the same bowl. She put the salad in the refrigerator, until dinner was ready.

Dawn's mother never bought bread. She made her own, which tasted better and didn't have all those whatever it is they put in the packaging. Terry got out the bread and sliced four slices; two for daddy and one apiece for her and her mom. After Dawn was finished cutting the bread, she went to look at the potatoes. She took a fork and poked on of them. They weren't quite done yet. Maybe by the time the roast is done.

Dawn went and set the table, making sure that the flatware was perfect, and the glasses or cups were to the right, slightly, of the dinner plate. When she was finished with that chore, she went back in the kitchen and checked the potatoes. The fork went through without a problem, so they were done. She placed the potatoes in a colander so that water would drain. Then Dawn put the potatoes in a bowl, and got out the butter and the milk. She took the hand masher and began mashing the potatoes. She added one stick of butter, and one half cup of milk, and began whipping them with a wire whisk. When the potatoes seemed too thick, Dawn poured a little more milk in the bowl, and whipped them into creamy mashed potatoes.

Dawn's mother never bought mashed potatoes in a box, she never bought canned anything. If they wanted pickles, she bought cucumbers and made her own. She also made her own sauerkraut. She always bought the reddest meats, the freshest fruits and vegetables. Was she a fitness type person? No, she just followed what her mother and grandmother had done when they prepared the meals, or bought when they went to the market.

As the dinner was being set on the table, Dawn's father came in.

"Hello, dear," he said to his wife, giving her a kiss. "Hi punkin. You look really cute."

"Thank you, daddy."

"Dear, dinner is ready as soon as you wash your hands." He went to wash his hands.

As they stood around the table, Dawn's father said grace. When he was finished, they all sat down and passed the food around, for everybody to take their share.

"Well, we went to court this morning and changed your name to Dawn Terry Palmer. The judge acknowledged that it was a female name and then he said with all the rights and privileges thereto. That means that legally, you are a girl and have the right to be treated and respected as a girl."

"What made you do that?"

"We figured if this is what you want, then we were going to support you. You have a long road ahead of you."

"Mrs. Wells told me at school today, when you called there to tell them. What did Mr. Sharpe say?"

"He said that now he doesn't have to treat you differently than the girls. He said all of your friends, except for a few, are all girls. Would you like to talk about that?"

"Mom, Patti and Nicole are my friends because I can talk to them. When you called the school and Mrs. Wells was told me, Billy even said he knew I was a girl. Mom, did the kids at school see something I didn't until I was forced to wear Nicole's clothes home?"

"It is possible, sweetie. From what you said about Billy and what he said, I assume that everybody saw you as a tomboy and only wanted to bring out the girl in you that you weren't showing."

"It's all right, punkin. We will support you. Besides, you never were much for ball games, unless they were tennis, golf, badminton or volleyball. You are softer in how you do things, and how you act. So, why not be who you are?"

"Thank you, mom, daddy." Dawn started crying. Her parents moved to hug her.

"Dawn, women are the most emotional creatures on this earth. You all cry when you're sad, happy, or for no reason at all. I have come home during the day and found your mother crying over a silly soap opera. But, that is why I love her, because she shows her emotions. You take after your mother and that is a good thing."

"Daddy, does this mean there is something wrong with me?"

"No, punkin. There are many children your age that say they are girls in the wrong body. Is this how you feel?"

" I don't know, daddy, but I guess we will find out. Something weird happened today at school, too. During lunch, Billy Roberts was picking on me, and Duane Hartley told him to stop. Duane said he would protect all the girls, and even the boys who couldn't fight back. Duane is in the sixth grade. He goes to middle school next semester."

"Is this the same boy who switched your clothes?"

"Yes, daddy. He said the judge told him either he behaves or he will be sent somewhere where he will be forced to behave. So he said he told the judge he will do it on his own."

"Sounds like he was scared by someone while he was in detention."

"He said there was a boy who has a transgendered sister, who used to be his brother. He said the boy told him that his sister gets a lot of respect wherever she goes."

"Did he say that the people she gets respect from know she is transgender?"

"No, daddy, he didn't. I can ask him, though, tomorrow?"

"That's fine, punkin. It's just that we give you the respect you deserve, too. When you told your mother that the clothes you were forced to wear, felt right. That you had feelings you didn't know you had had. Dawn, we want you to feel relaxed as a girl. There is no pressure here. We want you to talk to a therapist, though. Your mother made an appointment on Friday afternoon, right after school. So, your mother will pick you up from school and take you for the appointment. All you have to do, is tell the therapist what your feelings are. Do you think you can do that?"

"Yes, daddy."

"Good girl."

"Tomorrow, I will take you shopping to get a few more outfits. Your father is right, dear. With the outfit you have on, you do look cute."

"Thank you, mom. Mom? I have been wondering about something. I don't know what it really means, but last night I had a dream, and Duane was in it. Then today at lunch he told Billy Roberts to leave me alone. Is this dream what the call ... uhm ... what is the word? Uhm..."

"Prophetic is the word you're looking for. Yes, it certainly could be. Maybe Duane likes you."

"Daddy, please, I am trying to eat." He laughed while the girls giggled.

"Yes, I see your point."

"Daddy, are you mad at me?"

"Your mother was told this would happen when she made the appointment. No, honey, I am no mad at you. I am proud of you for showing strength not only to be who you are, but for your willingness to show it to others. When grandpa and grandma Palmer raised me, they raised me to treat others the way I want to be treated. If I treat you with anger, contempt and ridicule, then I can expect that same treatment towards me. By the way, grandpa and grandma Palmer are coming up this weekend. They want to see their granddaughter."

"Will they make fun of me?"

"No, punkin, they won't. I have talked to them both and grandma Palmer wanted to know what took you so long. When they come up, you, your mother and grandma Palmer are going to go shopping. Grandma Palmer wants to dote on her granddaughter."

"But, what about grandma and grandpa Singleton?"

"Honey, I talked to my mom and dad, and they said the same thing. They said they would like to come up, but right now grandpa Singleton isn't feeling well. They told me to keep them up on how things are going with you."

"Nobody's mad at me?"

"No, dear. We want you to experience life the way you want to. If that experience is to be as a girl, then we are behind you all the way. You are our angel, our pride. Be who you are, and never let anybody tell you any different. I was going to take you shopping tomorrow, but we can wait for grandma and grandpa Palmer to come before we do that.

"Dawn, tell me something. If you hadn't been forced to wear Nicole's clothes home the other night, would you still have these same feelings?"

"Maybe, mom, I don't know. I never thought about it until then. But it is like I said, this was a turning point in my life. It made me see and feel things I have never seen or felt before. Mom, dad, that was the day I became who I really am. I just didn't know it until then."

"Yes, dear, they call that an awakening. It is when you finally wake up and see who you are for the first time. It is when things all come together and make you the person you have always been. We are going to look out for you, dear. But, there are also going to be rules you have to follow.

"No more going out after dark; you must wear a slip with your dresses and skirts; no boys in your room; you are not to be in a boy's room when you are by his house; you will help me with the housework when you don't have home work and, you will act like a lady at all times. Do you understand these rules?"

"Yes, mother."

"Good girl. Honey, these are rules every girl must abide by. Whether they do or not, is not our responsibility. You are our responsibility, and you follow our rules. Are you willing to do that?"

"Yes, mother. Mom, I will be the best girl I know how to be."

"Good girl. I will show you things as time goes on, and I am sure that Nicole and Patti will, too."

"Yes, mom, they said they would."

"Tomorrow you will go to school as the girl you wish to be and we will be there in spirit cheering you on. You said your friend Billy knew you were a girl before you were told your name was changed. How did he know?"

"Well, his name is Billy Sanders and he is the boy I went hunting frogs with. Mrs. Wells told the class that there was a new girl in the class and she said my new name. Billy said that 'everybody knows she's a she', so why was I using Terry as my name. The teacher said my full name and Billy just assumed I had been using my middle name all along. Mrs. Wells said that was right. Anyway, tomorrow she is giving us a quiz on what we have learned so far. I studied while I was in study hall and in class. So, I guess I am ready for it."

"Well, this summer you will be eleven years old. Your report cards have been very good. That means you go in sixth grade next semester. Now, I have a question. Do you want to stay at the same school, or would you like to go middle school?"

"I'm not sure, mom. Can I talk to Nicole and Patti first and tell you at dinner tomorrow?"

"Yes, dear, you can. I think it shows good responsibility to talk to your friends before making this kind of decision. Maybe they can go to middle school with you."

"If they can, that would be great. That way, I know I would have at least two friends at the new school. Nicole goes to middle school next semester anyway, since she is already in the sixth grade. If Patti can go to middle school, then I would want to go."

"Well, you talk to your friends."

"Thank you, mom."

"Daddy, you haven't said anything."

"I will agree with any decision you two make about this. stay at the same school one more school year, or go to middle school. Whatever you decide is okay with me."

"Thank you, daddy." Dawn got up and gave her father a kiss on the cheek and a hug. She did the same with her mother. "I should go and study for our quiz a little more."

"You go ahead, sweetie. I can take care of the kitchen and dining room. You will have all summer to help me with the things that need doing. You're going to be mother's little helper."

"Thanks, mom."

Dawn went to her room to study for her quiz. What she really wanted to do, was think about whether or not she wanted to go to a new school or stay at the one she was at now. She took out her math book and studied it, while thinking about what her mother had asked her. She thought that she will talk to Patti and Nicole tomorrow. She continued studying, and then went to take her bath, and say good night to her mom and dad. She was tired and wanted to go to sleep.

She put in a little lavender bubble bath, and just sat there, pouring the water over her shoulders. She washed herself, and then got in to her nightgown. She put on her robe, stepped in to her slippers and went to say good night.

"Good night, daddy, I'm going to bed. I'm just so tired," she told him, while giving him a kiss on the cheek and a hug. Then she went in the kitchen.

"Good night, mom, I'm going to bed. I'm really tired." She gave her mother a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

"Good night, sweetie. I love you."

"I love you, too, mom." She went back through the living room.

"I love you, daddy."

"I love you, too, punkin."

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 8
as written by Barbara Lynn Terry

Part I - Dawn talks to her friends.

The next morning, Dawn's mother came in a woke her up. It was still somewhat dark outside, but it looked like the sun was just coming up. Dawn thought that only good thing about Fall was, there was no snow, and was still warm enough to wear skirts and dresses to school.
She slipped out of bed, and put her robe on, stepped in to her slippers, and went to take her bath. She thought that it would be an apple blossom day, since it would be Spring again before they bloomed. So, she poured a capful of aplleblossom bubble bath in the tub, and let it foam up. She brushed her teeth, and then got out of her night clothes, and in to the tub. She knew she didn't have much time, so she just cascaded the water over her shoulders several times, and then washed. After rinsing completely, she patted down with one of the soft terry towels. She then slipped her robe and slippers back on and went to get dressed.

When she got to her room, she saw her peach colored dress, a white full slip, white panties with a lace waistband and knee high knit socks laying on her bed. On the floor was her black Mary Janes.

She got in to her lingerie, and then put her arms in to the bottom of the dress and lifted it over her head. When I was completely on her, her mother came in, and helped her button up the back.

"Sit down, dear, and let me brush your hair."

Dawn sat down, and her mother started brushing her hair.

"You know, Dawn, that some of the kids at school are going to be wondering why you are dressed this way, except maybe for the kids in your class. Do you think you will have any problems?"

"No, mother. Patti s in my class, and Nicole is right down the hall. Then there is Billy Sanders. So, I will be all right, mother. This is going to be the telling day, though."

"Yes, dear, I quite agree. This is going to tell everybody who you are, and what you are, so then there will be no misunderstandings. The only problem is, that you would have to wait until you are eighteen to be physically female. But we can take care of another problem right now. Just leave that to your father and me."

Dawn smiled as her mother finished brushing her hair, and they both went down to the kitchen. Dawn was never a big eater, so she just had a slice of peanut butter and jelly toast, a glass of milk and a glass of orange juice. When she was finished, she rinsed her dishes and put them in the sink. Then she kissed her mother and hugged her.

"I love you, mom."

"I love you, too, dear. Have a good day."

"Thank you, mother, you too."

Dawn got her coat on, grabbed her back pack, and headed for the bus stop.

"Hey Dawn," Billy Sanders said, as she got on the bus. "Do you want to sit with me?"

"Hi Billy, I would love to, but I have to talk to Patti and Nicole before we get to school."

Billy looked sad, when Dawn told him that, but he put a fake smile on his face.

"Oh, okay, Dawn. Maybe tomorrow."

"Maybe."

Dawn learned how to be noncommittal when talking with boys from Nicole and Patti. Not that they taught her knowingly, but because Dawn had watched them do it. Dawn Sat down by Patti and Nicole. It was a good thing the school buss could seat three people to a seat.

"Hey," they said to each other, almost simultaneously. When Dawn, Patti and Nicole talked, they kind of whispered, so others couldn't hear what they were saying.

"I see that you are being yourself today, Dawn. Hey, Patti and I are going to go to the Burger Place and hang around on Saturday. Do you want to come with us?"

"I will see what my parents say. My mom told me I was supposed to help her around the house, then do my homework, then I could spend time with my friends. She said this morning, that this would be the telling day, whether everybody would accpetme, or there would be those that would give me problems. I mean, not in those words, but it was what she maeant. So, I guess I will find out."

"You will be fine, Dawn. We are there for you."

"At lunch time, there is something I need to talk to you two about. Something me and my mom talked about last night. But, at lunch time, though."

"Okay, because we don't have time right now, anyway. We're at the dungeon where the dragons will eat us alive if we don't do our school work." All three girls giggled.

As they filed in to the school, several of the boys from other classes were looking oddly at Dawn. She knew they were looking at her, but she paid them no mind. After putting her coat away, she sat at her desk. Mrs. Wells complimented Dawn on her dress.

Dawn sat down, and Mrs. Wells took roll call. Then she began by telling the students that the quiz she was going to give today, was going to be the next day, because she wanted them to have an extra day to study.

So, today, the only school work would be to study for the quiz for tomorrow.

We have all been through the quiz and surprise quizes that our teachers perpetrated on us hapless students. Well, Mrs. Wells wasn't one of those teachers. She believed in her students and wanted her students to succeed. If only there were more teachers like her.

Dawn took her studies seriously, and always paid attention to detail. If she wanted to know more, she went to the library and read about things that wasn't explained enough in her school books.

But even if Dawn studied and helped around the house, she always had time for her friends. She just had to remember what she told Billy Sanders about she could still hunt frogs with him. So, as they studied, Patti slipped Dawn a note that said Billy was watching her. She smiled, without looking at Billy. She thought that it was just like a boy to girl watch and not do what he is suppposed to.

The morning went by fast. Studying seems to make time either go slow, or fast, depending on your study habits. As they all went to the cafeteria, Dawn told Patti she needed to speak with her and Nicole. Patti said okay, and they got their, whatever it was called, and went to sit down and eat.

"So, girlfriend, what's so important?"

"Me and my mom were talking last night, and she wants to know if I want to go to middle school next semester for sixth grade. I told her I would have to talk to you, Patti, and find out if that would be great. Then all three of us would be in middle school."

"That sounds like a good idea, Dawn. It means, thouogh, that you would have gym class. Maybe your parents can do something to get you out of it. I will tell my parents that you are going to middle school for sixth grade, and I would like to go, too. I will tell them that I will have my sister and my friend there, so there will two people I actually know."

"That sounds good. I will let my parents know tonight, because they said it was up to me which I wanted to do. I would like to go to middle school, because then I don't have to worry about another school until after eighth grade."

"This sounds good, Dawn," Patti and Nicole said together.

"Dawn, did you want to hang around with us this weekend?"

"I can't, Patti. My mom told me my grandparents are coming to visit this weekend, and my grandma wants to take me shopping."

"Oh, I would love to go with you, if it was okay with your grandma."

"If you came over, just as they got there, then of course, they wouldn't see that we planned this whole thing." The three girls giggled. Just at thast moment, Billy Sanders came by.

"Dawn, would you like to hunt frogs with me on Saturday?"

"I can't, Billy, my grandparents are coming to visit, and I have to be there."

"Oh, okay, then." Billy looked so dejected and placed his hands in his pockets and kicked his right foot, and left.

"I think Billy likes you, Dawn," Nicole said, with a smirk.

"You think," Dawn replied.

The bell rang ending the lunch period and they returned to their class. As they sat down, Mrs. Wells cautioned the boys to please be quiet and do their studying. Some said yes, but most didn't answer.
Everybody was so intent on looking in their books. Mrs. Wells said there was going to be a quiz, but didn't say on what subject, which meant that the quiz was going to be on all subjects. So the girls just assumed, anyway. If it was just on one subject, they would be ready. Mr. Sharpe came in the room to talk to Mrs. Wells. Nobody heard what was said, and when Mr. Sharpe was finished, he left.
The bell rang for the end of class and the day. Everybody put their books in their book bags, and stood in line to go their buses.

Part II - At home.

When the bus stopped to let the girls and a few more students off, Patti, Nicole and Dawn walked the short distance to Dawn's house.
"See you tomorrow, Dawn," Patti said. The three girls hugged and Dawn went inside her house.

"Mom, I'm home."

"I'm in the kitchen, dear."

Dawn went in the kitchen and poured herself a glass of lemonade.

"How was school, dear?"

"It was okay, mom. All we did was study, study and study. Mrs. Wells changed the day for the quiz until tomorrow. So, we didn't have too much to do, except that."

"Did you talk to Patti and Nicole?"

"Yes. They both said it was a good idea and Patti is going to talk to her parents tonight to see if they will let her go to middle school for sixth grade.

Nicole goes to middle school anyway, because she is in the sixth grade already."

"We said it was up to you, so, whatever you decide to do, is alright with us. If Patti says her parents agree, then you can go to middle school."

"Thank you, mother."

"You are welcome, dear. I was trying to think of what to have for dinner, tonight."

"How about 'pig in-a-blanket"? We haven't had those for a while."

"What should we have to go with them?"

"How about mac and cheese, mother? It would be a simple dinner, and it can be nutritious. Maybe we should have some cole slaw, too."

"Sounds good to me. Would you shred the cabbage and marinate it until dinner?"

"Yes, mother."

Dawn set about shredding the lettuce and got out the bottle of vinegar. She filled the bowl half full of vinegar. She got out the bell shaped shredder, and the head of cabbage. She ran the cabbage up and down the shredder, until the cabbage was just under the top of the vinegar. To take the sting out of the vinegar, Dawn put a one half teaspoon of sugar in the bowl. She then put aluminum foil over the top of the bowl, and set it in he fridge to marinate. To properly marinate cabbage for cole slaw, it should be marinated at least over night. But this was a last minute decision, so it was a rushed job. It would still taste like cole slaw.

When Dawn was finished, she asked her mother if there was anything else she could do.

"Well, dear, I think we can wait for a bit before we do the mac and cheese and the 'pigs in-a-blanket'. They don't take long to make. So, let's sit down and talk for a bit. Tell me about Billy."

"Mom, you know Billy. He was the boy I was going down by the river with. We hunted frogs, crabs, and we even did a little fishing, too. He has never been by the house, because I always met him. Nicole even said she thinks Billy likes me. This morning when I got on the bus, he asked me to sit with him, but I politely said I had to talk to Nicole and Patti. He looked really sad when I said that. Then at lunch, he came by our table and asked me if I wanted to hang around with hiim on Saturday. When I told him my grandparents were coming to visit, he looked really lost, put his hands in his pockets and kicked his foot, and left. Nicole may be right. Billy may like me."

"Well, dear, it sure sounds that way. Normally that is the way a boy gets when he is let down by a girl he has feelings for. So, how you handle Billy, is up to you. You can keep letting him down gently until he figures you don't like him and he finds someone else to be friends with."

"Mother, I don't think Billy wants to be just friends. I think he wants to be my boyfriend."

"Well, it is up to you."

"Mom, I don't want Nicole and Patti to think I am ignoring them, either."

"Well, if you talk to them, and let them know that you have plans with Billy, I am sure they will understand. Also, you have to tell Billy, too, that there will be times when you have plans with Nicole and Patti and maybe a few other girls as well. Explain to hem, and I am sure they will understand."

"Thank you, mom." Dawn hugged her mother

Part III - Dinner at the Palmer house.

Dawn's father came in the house, and asked what was for dinner. When he was told, he said they hadn't had that in quite a while.

"That is what Dawn said, dear."

"So, how was school, punkin?"

"It was good, daddy. All we did was study for our quiz. Mrs. Wells said she changed the day of our quiz for tomorrow so we could study a little more."

"Mrs. Wells is a good teacher. I have talked with her on a couple of parent/teacher conferences, and she struck me as a very nice person."

"She even complimented me on my dress this morning, too, when I got in the classroom."

"That is a pretty dress for a pretty girl."

"Thank you, daddy." Dawn hugged her father.

"I'm going to get the rest of dinner started now, so, why don't you two go in the living room and talk."

"Are you sure you don't need me to do anything, mom?"

"No, dear, I can handle this. Besides, too many cooks spoil the broth."

"When I figure out what that means..." She trailed off and let it alone.

Her mother didn't explain it to her. She just smiled, because she knows Dawn probably never heard it before. She got out one thing of dinner biscuits, and opened it up. She got out a cookie sheet, and sprayed it with cooking oil, then she placed the biscuits on to the cookie sheet, unrolled, and wrapped the hot dogs into the biscuits. She then placed the cookie sheet in the oven, and let them cook. She got out a pan for the mac and cheese and got out the brick of cheddar cheese.

She rinsed and washed the bell shaped grader, and put it on the table. She filed the pan three quarters of the way with water, and set it on the burner to boil. She got out a one pound box of elbow macaroni. Dawn's mother always made her mac and cheese from scratch, never from a box mix.
After about thirty minutes, everything was done, and dinner was called. Everybody went in the kitchen, instead of the dining room. Dawn's father said grace, and they sat down.

"Too bad it isn't warm outside, we could had a picnic."

"Yes, daddy, then we could eat with the ants."

There was laughter and giggles in the Palmer household. This is what it means to be family.

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 9
By Barbara Lynn Terry

Part I - The first day of the rest of her life.

It seems that in the fall you go to bed when it is dark, and you wake up when it is dark. Can a girl ever win? Dawn smiled to herself. Today she

makes her first school appearance as Dawn. No more scruffy, itchy boy clothes, no more "you're a good boy" coming from everybody. Dawn slipped her feet from under the covers, and went to get out her clothes for the day.

She got out the three tiered dress she had told Nicole and Patti about. She laid that on the bed. She went to her dresser and got out a white

full slip, and a pair of plain white panties. From another drawer, she got out a pair of white, knee high, double knit socks. She laid everything on the bed, in the order that she would put them on.

She then got out her black ballet flats and closed her closet door. She put her robe on, stepped in to her slippers, and went to run her bath.

Today seemed like a lilac scented day, so she put a capfull of lilac bubble bath in her running bath water. She brushed her teeth while the tub was filling. When she was through, she turned off the water and got undressed and sat down in the tub. She had seen on movies where the actress was sponging the bubble bath water over herself with a sponge. So, Dawn imitated what she had seen, and now knew the reason why girls liked bubble baths.

As she sat there sponging the water over herself, she thought about the last few days, and how things had changed almost immediately. She wondered how will the other kids see her when she gets to school. Many things wandered through her mind as she sat there, relaxing in the tub. That was until her mother called for her to get out of the tub or she would shrivel up like a dried prune. Dawn giggled at that, but decided to wash and get dressed.

The best thing about being a girl, she thought, was all the nice things that happen to you. But she also thought about what her mother said about being careful who she picked for friends, especially boys. Even sixth grade boys were just as sexually active as high school boys. Her mother had told her that she couldn't go out after dark, at least not alone. She was told that there is always safety in numbers. She thought that with her, Patti and Nicole, nobody would bother them, or so she thought.

She dried off, and wrapped the towel around her like she had seen her mother do countless times. She went in her bedroom and started to get dressed. When she put on her panties and full slip, she felt a tingling inside of her, a feeling she never felt before. She the put the dress on by slipping it over her head. She sat down to put on her knee high, double knit socks, then her Mary Jane style ballet flats. She looked at herself in the mirror and didn't recognize the girl staring back at her. Then she smiled.

"Good morning, Dawn. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life."

She went down to have her breakfast.

"Morning, mother," Dawn said, giving her mother a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning, dear. Oh my! You look absolutely beautiful. If I didn't know you used to be just Terry, I would not suspect for an instant you weren't the girl you appear to be. You are the one that used to be Terry, right?"

"Yes, mother. Thank you for that wonderful compliment."

"Dear, remember what we talked about. As a girl, you need to be very careful. Girls are very vulnerable in their feelings. For whatever the reason, we tend to have our hearts broken so many times in the same five minutes, it is a wonder we survive at all. You let your teachers or Mr. Sharpe know if you have any problems with any of the students. He has promised to look out for you at least until the end of the semester. Mr. Sharpe and the teachers will look out for you at school, and we will look out for you at home. When you are away from home, like out with your friends, that is where safety in numbers comes in. Do you understand what I just said?"

"Yes, mom."

"Good girl. Now scoot or you will miss your bus."

After hugs and kisses, Dawn took her book bag and headed for the bus stop. The coat she was wearing was navy blue and had three big buttons down the front. It came to the hem of her dress. She almost got to the bus stop, when Patti and Nicole came up to her.

"Hey Dawn," Patti said like she did every day. "I see you have on your new dress, well, at least I think you do. I can't see it under that coat."

"Hi Patti, Nicole. Yes, I am wearing my three tiered dress. My mom combed and brushed out my hair, while I was eating breakfast. She told me, again, about how girls have to be careful."

"That's good, Dawn, because even though we can beat up most of the boys in our class, these same boys will be stronger than us when they get to high school. So, yes, Dawn, we have to be very careful. When do you see the therapist?"

"On Friday. Would you two like to come with me, and be there for me?"

"Dawn, we would be more than happy to. You are our sister, and we help family."

The three hugged and then the bus stopped to pick them up. As soon as they sat down, the bus moved. Billy Roberts saw Dawn and decided to start picking on her.

"So, faggot, you are dressing like a girl. Afraid Duane will kick your ..."

"Billy stop that. I was sitting right here and I didn't see Dawn do one thing to you. Now, either you stop, or I will stop you."

"But, Duane, you even told her to dress like a girl or you would kick her ass."

"MISTER Roberts! That is quite enough of that language on this bus. Do you use that kind of language at home?"

"Stuff it, bus driver. Just drive your bus."

For the second time in a week, the bus driver made out an incident report, then called his base to let them know what happened and who did it. He was told to date and sign the incident report, and turn it over to the principal when he got the students to the school.

Mr. Sharpe was already standing outside when the bus pulled up.

"Hi Mr. Quayle. Your base called and told me to expect and incident report. Do you remember the student's name?"

"Billy Roberts. He was calling a young lady names, and even Duane Hartley tried to stop him, but he just kept on. I had to write the incident

report."

"Yes, Mr. Quayle, I understand."

Arthur Quayle has been a school buss driver for fifteen years and has the fifteen year safety patch to show that he is a safe driver. He is married and has two children, but they are grown and in college. Mr. Quayle drove this bus so his children could amount to something. His wife had a job managing a restaurant a few blocks from their home.

Part II - Dawn's school experience.

As Dawn went in the classroom with Patti, the other students, especially the boys were looking at her.
Mrs. Wells just smiled, and told the class to settle down.

"Class, today we are having our quiz. I want you all to keep your books in your book bags, and I will hand out the quizzes. There will be separate quizzes for each subject. If you are more concerned about Dawn's clothes than you are your quiz, you will not do well. Focus on the quiz, not on Dawn." Mrs. Wells then handed out the quiz papers.

While the class was doing their quizzes, there was another quiz going on in Mr. Sharpe's office.

"Mr. Roberts, do you like going to school here?"

"It's okay, I guess. Why?"

"Because I want to know why you seem so set on being expelled. This is not the first time you picked on Miss Palmer. Would you like to tell me why?"

"Miss who? I don't know any Miss Palmer."

"Alright, I have given you your chance. Since you don't know who it is you picked on this morning on the bus, I am calling your mother and have her take you home. This building is for people who want to learn, not pick on fellow students."

"Mr. Sharpe, I don't know who you are talking about."

"Well, I am calling your mother, right now. I will write a report to the school board, and you can tell them if you know Miss Palmer, or not. It is up to you."

Mr. Sharpe picked up the phone and dialed Billy's home number. Mr. Sharpe told Billy's mother that she was needed at the school, as soon as she could get there. Mrs. Roberts told him she was on her way.

"In the meantime, Mr. Roberts, you will not be attending school here. If you have anybody who can pick up your assignments, you will do them at home. This is the fourth time this week, that you have insulted Miss Palmer and tried to get her to fight you. This conduct cannot go on."

"The only person I picked on was that faggot Terry that came to school today dressed as a girl."

"I thought you said you didn't know Miss Palmer."

"Miss?!? Sir, why are you calling him Miss?"

"Because she has the right to tell us who she is without being harmed. I know you studied American history this semester. Does freedom of speech ring any bells?"

"But that only means we have the freedom to say what we want when we talk."

"It goes a lot farther than that, young man. Freedom of speech has to do with what we say, our mannerisms, how we dress, the type of work we choose to do when we are adults, or the type of games we play when we are children. Freedom of speech is in the books we read, the movies we watch, both on television and in the theater. Freedom of speech is that and much more. Apparently, you didn't pay attention when you studied American history. Your mother will like to know that, I'm sure."

"But, what is wrong with beating some guy that's a sissy?"

"Just that. You apparently aren't being taught properly, I think social services, child protective services, should become involved."

Mr. Sharpe's phone rang and the receptionist said that Billy's mother was here. Mr. Sharpe said to show her in.

"Hello, Mr. Sharpe. What has he done this time?"

Mr. Sharpe explained what had happened on the bus, and showed her the bus driver's incident report.

"Do you want to explain this, Billy?"

"No, mom. If I am expelled, I will wait and beat that faggot's ass when he goes out."

"I was afraid you were going to say that," Mr. Sharpe said, shaking his head. "Young man, not only are you suspended pending your school board hearing, but, I suggest you take a good look at yourself, because someone might not like how you laugh, or what you wear, or how you walk, and beat you up. Apparently, this is how you like to be treated. I will leave you with this. 'Do unto others as you would have others do unto you'. This meeting is over, young man, and you are officially suspended. Mrs. Roberts, you will be notified by mail when Billy's hearing at the school board will be. Thank you for coming."

As Billy and his mother was walking down the hallway to the door, Billy Roberts shouted loud enough, that the sound echoed in the hallway.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU FAGGOT!" Some people have to learn the hard way.

Billy's mother got him in her car and turned to say something, but then just shook her head, mumbling under her breath, "I don't know what to do with you any more".

The morning went by fast, and the lunch bell rang. The class all lined up and went to the cafeteria quietly. After Patti, Nicole, Dawn and Duane got their lunches, they went to sit down. Duane said he had heard that Billy was suspended for what he did on the bus.

"Yeah, well, if I were strong enough, I would have kicked him between the legs, like I have seen actresses do on television. I may not know how to fight like a boy, but I can kick really hard." Duane did an involuntary ouch and Nicole and Patti giggled.

"Well, he had it coming. I don't know if you heard what he said when he yelled in the hallway, but..."

"Who didn't hear it, must have been absent. The whole school heard it. Duane, does Billy's father live with them?"

"Yes, but he works until six, then they have dinner at seven, then he does a little work in his den before he gets ready for bed. His mother has told him to knock off his attitude, but he never listens. I picked on you, Dawn, but when I was told to behave, I said I would. Billy just doesn't listen. I mean, I even told him to stop this morning, too, and he didn't even listen to me."

Tommy Stevens, who was in the sixth grade came by where Dawn was sitting.

"Dawn, we heard what Billy said. Don't worry, we have your back, even at the mall. Here is my phone number, call me and tell me you are going to the mall, or where ever, and Jimmy, me, Stu and Cal will be there to look out for Billy. If he gets expelled, he will have to move to go to school, because the burbs won't take him either."

"Duane, Patti, Nicole and I will all be in middle school next semester. Well, you and Nicole will be since you are in the sixth grade. But me and Patti will be going to the sixth grade at the middle school, too. This way, we can all hang together."

"That sounds great, Dawn," Duane said, giving her a hug without the teacher seeing him do it. "Yes, I think I would like to hang with you. I never had any nice friends, before."

"Well, you do now," Patti remarked with a smile.

Tommy's friends, too, will be in middle school, since they are sixth graders as well. Tommy gave Dawn a further assurance.

"Dawn, since we will all be in middle school, there is more of a chance we can watch you better. Billy Roberts won't be able to get to you."

"My mom told me that Mr. Sharpe will also be watching out for me, too. She said that when I am home her and my dad will look out for me, too. With all of you, Mr. Sharpe and my parents, I guess I am well looked after."

"And we will continue to do so,young lady," Mr Sharpe added, coming closer. "I called the principal at the middle school today, and he said he will make sure you are safe when you enroll there. He also said not to worry about physical education, because he will have a surprise for you when you get there. The principal's name is Mr. Stark, and he is a very good man. He treats everybody with the same respect. The bell starting the second half of the day will ring in just a few minutes. Good luck, Dawn. I mean that."

"Thank you, Mr. Sharpe." Mr. Sharpe just smiled, and the bell ending lunch rang. Everybody got up and headed back to their classes.

Dawn had only one quiz left to do and that was math. Dawn was sort of a whiz with fifth grade math. They were already doing simple algebraic equations. As everybody sat down, Mrs. Wells spoke to the class.

"I have finished taking the roll, and I have graded some of the quizzes you all put on my desk. Dawn, I saw that you have one more quiz to do.

Will you please tell the class what quiz it is that you saved for last?"

"Math, Mrs. Wells. I saved it for last because then I can take my time and do it right."

"Did you all hear that class? Dawn saved the most difficult quiz for last so she could do it right. This is what studying and listening in class is for. So you know which ones to do first and which ones to do last. Dawn, I graded your other quizzes, and I am very proud to have you as a student. But, that doesn't mean I am not proud of the rest of you. Most of my class does well, except for a few of the boys. Let me just say that you are not missing anything by studying and listening in class. You have to be here anyway, so make good use of the time. When this class graduates in to the sixth grade, I am going to miss everyone. Of all the classes I have had through the years as a teacher, this one has been exceptionally exemplary. That means very, very good."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Wells, but, I am finished."

"Dawn you just started."

"Yes, Mrs. Wells, that was about fifteen minutes ago."

"Oh my, was I talking that long?"

"Yes, Mrs. Wells," The whole class said together.

"Well, I have permission from Mr. Sharpe to give the ones who are finished with their quizzes a little time to talk to their friends. But, make sure your friends are finished with their quizzes, first. Tomorrow, since we have studied everything in our books, you will be turning in your books tomorrow. We will finish the semester just talking. Some of you boys may go to the gym and play basketball or something, since tomorrow is not a gym day. When you are all finished with your quizzes, please bring them to my desk. I will grade these over night and give them back to you tomorrow." The bell ending the school day, rang. "All right children, line up, please." Everybody put their quizzes on Mrs. Wells desk, and they all lined up. Have a good evening, and I will see you tomorrow."

They all went to their buses, and when Patti, Nicole, Duane and Dawn got on, they heard Billy Roberts.

"Come here faggot, I want to show what a wall looks like, up close." Duane and Tommy Stevens stood between Billy and Dawn.

"Billy, if you want to fight, fight me," Duane said, clenching his hands in to fists."

"Yeah, then when Duane's done, I will show you what a wall looks like up close," Tommy added.

"Mr. Roberts, you are suspended. What are you doing here?"

"I'm going to teach a faggot a lesson."

"Well, not today. I called the police as soon as I saw you walking towards this bus. You have no business here, young man, so I suggest you leave, or be taken away by the police."

"I'm standing on the sidewalk."

"Yes, by a school building where you have a hatred toward another student, and have been suspended from." A police squad car pulled up by the school. "The police are here, Mr. Roberts. Are you leaving by yourself, or with help from the police." Billy stood frozen, because up until the police had arrived, everything was just talk. Now, Billy Roberts didn't know what to say, or even do."

"What's going on here, Mr. Sharpe?"

"This student has been suspended pending an expulsion hearing at the school board. He came here to try and beat up a student who is a very good student. I told him to leave, and he basically told me where to go."

"Is this true, young man?" Asked a burly officer who looked like he was a wrestler for the WWE.

"I don't have to tell you anything without a lawyer."

"Why would you need a lawyer? Did you do something wrong?"

"I ain't sayin'."

"Well, if you have been suspended, then you have no right to be here. Now, Mr. Sharpe has asked you to leave. I'm going to give you the same opportunity. Are you going to leave, or would you like me to help you?" Billy's mother pulled up by the school and parked across the street.

"There you are. Why did you leave the house when I told you to go to your room?"

"Are you the child's mother, ma'am?"

"Yes, officer. Mr. Sharpe had called me earlier to come and get him. When we got home, I told him to go to his room. Apparently he didn't stay there. His father isn't home, yet, from work, but when he finds out what his son has been up to."

"Well, ma'am, may I make a suggestion?"

"Oh, please do."

"I can take him to detention, where he won't be allowed to sneak out. At least you will know where he is."

"Is this what you want Billy? To be locked up like a wild animal before they euthanize it?"

"Whatever, mom."

"Go ahead, officer. Apparently he won't listen to me."

"What is the child's full name?"

"William Adam Roberts, his birthday is September fifteen, 1997. He will be twelve years old this year. His middle name was his father's idea."

"War, hey. Do you think you have to declare war on the entire world?"

"Look, if you are going to take me to detention, then let's go. It doesn't bother me where I sleep."

"Almost twelve years old, and already you are acting like Pretty Boy Floyd."

"Who?"

"He was a dangerous gangster in the 1930's."

"Yeah, cop, that's me, a real dangerous gangster."

"Ma'am, you will have to appear at the children's court and detention center on Watertown Plank Road. It is safe to get there about eight o'clock so you don't miss his hearing. I think with what Mr. Sharpe said on phone, and all the reports, will be enough to send him to a boys home. Here is my card. If you lose it, just ask for officer Murphy. Mr. Sharpe will you be there, too?"

"Yes, I certainly will."

"All right, young man, let's go." Officer Murphy put Billy in the back seat of his squad, and took him to the children's detention and court center.

Dawn just shook her head in disbelief.

"Why does Billy act like that?"

"Nobody knows, at least no right now. Well, have a good night children. The school is all but officially over. I have a good idea for the rest of the semester. Who wants to play some fun games in the gym? We will even have a piñata, too."

The bus finally pulled away from the school, and there was endless chatter about that they would be doing for the rest of the semester. If Mr. Sharpe wanted them to play games, and have fun, then, yes, everybody agreed having fun was better than sitting in a classroom, talking.

It was a rainy day in 1982. :10
Written and posted by
Barbara Lynn Terry for Dawn Smith

Chapter 1 - That night at home.

The bus pulled up to where Dawn, Nicole and Patti got off. They walked the short distance to Dawn's house, and they all hugged and said they

would see each other in the morning. Dawn went in the house.

"Mom, I'm home."

"I'm in the kitchen, sweetie."

Dawn went in the kitchen, poured herself a glass of grape juice and sat down.

"How was school, dear?"

"It was good mom. We finished our year end quizzes, and Mrs. Wells said we are just going to talk for the rest of the semester. We turn all of

our books in tomorrow."

"So, that means you will be bringing your report card home. How do you think you did on your quizzes?"

"I did fine, mom. Mom, Billy Roberts was suspended today for starting trouble with me on the bus. The bus driver wrote him up, and gave Mr.

Sharpe the incident report. Mr. Sharpe said Billy Roberts may just be expelled."

"Mr. Sharpe called me, and assured me that there really was no problem because Duane Hartley had stood up for you. Did you have any

trouble besides that?"

"No, mom."

"Good. I was thinking maybe we would have meatloaf, green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, and my banana cake for dessert. Of course, there

will be milk for you. How does all that sound?"

"It sounds great, mom. May I help?"

"Of Course. Go put your things away and then come back. I will make up the ground beef in to the meatloaf. You can put the green beans in a

two quart sauce pan and heat the water for the potatoes."

"Alright, mom."

As the meal was being prepared, Dawn and her mother talked.

"Dawn, do you remember the day this all started, when you wore those girls clothes home from school because they were all you had?"

"Yes, mother, like it was yesterday."

"Well, I was wondering why you decided to stay dressed and live as a girl."

"Because mother, there was something inside of me that said this was the right way for me to be. I figure I should know by the end of

summer."

"That sounds reasonable. Alright then, the meatloaf is almost done. I baked my banana cake while you were in school. You can turn the heat

on under the green beans. It takes vegetables seven to ten minutes to heat up. Then we drain them, and put them in a serving bowl."

"Yes, mother."

Dawn heated up the green beans, and when they were done, so was the meatloaf. Dawn's father came in the house, just as the ladies were

dishing the meal up into serving bowls with the meatloaf on a serving plate. After washing their hands, Dawn's dad said grace and they all sat

down.

"So how was school, punkin?"

"It was okay, daddy. Tomorrow we turn in our books, and Mrs. Wells said we were just going to talk for the rest of the semester."

"Sounds like when we went to school, dear."

"Yes, honey, it does."

"Then you don't have any homework."

"No, daddy, we don't. Everything was done yesterday."

"So, what are your plans for this evening, then?"

"I thought I would call Nicole and Patti and have them come over, if they're not busy."

"That sounds like an idea. I have to work in my den again. Corporate business. Sometimes I think I should have been an electrician or a

plumber. Well, you ladies have a good evening." With that, Dawn's father went in his den.

"Mom, daddy works way too hard. He leaves for work before we leave for school and he works all day and then he brings some of his work

home with him."

"Yes, dear. When men work in the corporate world, bringing their work home is an occupational hazard, as they say."

"What does that really mean, mom?"

"Well, dear, it just means that it is a tiresome, mundane thing most people in the corporate world have to do, to keep caught up with whatever

they are working on in their office."

"What does mundane mean?"

"It means something that must be done but wish it was something else. You have seen the bumper sticker that says, 'I'd rather be fishing'.

Well, that person does mundane work or tasks, but he would rather be somewhere else, doing something else.

"We have only one week left of school. But principal Sharpe says that we can play in the gym and Mrs. Wells said we were just going to talk.

She wants to know what we are gooing to do with our summer." Dawn giggled. "Mrs. Wells said she is going to have a working summer.

Anyway, I thought maybe I would hang around with Patti and Nicole. We do lots of nice things together. Like window shopping, trying on

clothes we know we'd never be able to afford, more window shopping."

"You aren't fooling me, young lady. You just want to look at the boys." Dawn's mother smiled, and gave a knowing wink.

"Yes, and would that be so terrible?"

"No, but it shows you are going to have fun. What else would you like to do this summer?"

"We could go to the lake house by the national forest. You know the place. They have bears, wolves, skunks, birds of all kinds."

"Yes, I think I have heard about that place. Dawn, sweetie, if we went to the cabin, then you wouldn't be able to play with Patti and Nicole."

"They could come with us, mom. I could ask their parents."

"Well, I have no objections. but make sure you tell them to give it to you in writing. We don't want anything to happen, where we don't have

control over the situation."

"Yes, mother, I will make sure they give it to me in writing."

"Well, It looks like we're finished with our dinner. Come, Dawn, and help me clean up."

Like always, it never took Dawn and her mother a lot of time to clean up the dining room, wash and dry the dishes and put them away. When

they were finished, her mother said it was alright if she called Patti and Nicole and see if they could come over, or Dawn could go over there.

Dawn called her friends and asked if they could come over. They said they could. Living close to each other, it didn't take Patti and Nicole long

to knock on Dawn's front door.

"Hey Patti, Nicole. Come in. Mom, we're going to my room and listen to dvd's."

"You mean, you're going to your room to talk and play the music so I can't hear what you're saying, even putting my ear to the door."

"Oh, mom," Dawn said in false exasperation.

They went to Dawn's room and Dawn put a few cd's on the changer, and the three girls sat on Dawn's bed and talked.

Part 2 - Dawn, Nicole and Patti.

"Mom doesn't care if we talk, she just likes listening at the door." The girls all giggled.

"Dawn, I need to know. Is there something going on between you and Duane Hartley?" Dawn did the finger in the mouth gag sign.

"You have got to be kidding. I don't know about other girls our age, but I do know boyfriends are not on the list. Maybe in another year, or

two, or three, or whatever. I mean, let's have fun before we have to take on someone we need to babysit." The girls giggled again. "I was

talking to my mom, and she asked me what I was going to do with my summer. I said hang around with you, but then I said that we go to the

cabin and have you two come with us. My mom said she would need your parents approval in writing, so that if any emergency comes up, my

mom will have the say so. Do you two think you'd like to come with us to our cabin? It's up by the national forest, just outside of Worchester on

Cranberry Lake. I don't know what kind of fish they have there, but it is a nice place, and Worchester is a laid back, relaxing kind of place. So,

what do you think?"

"Let's go and ask my parents," Nicole said, with a smile.

They went downstairs and Dawn asked her mother if she could go by Patti and Nicole's.

"Yes, of course, dear. But, if it gets too late, have Mr. Sanger walk you home."

"Yes, mom." They hugged and cheek kissed and the girls were on their way.

As they walked in the Sanger house, Nicole and Patti's father was sitting on the couch.

Hi, daddy," Nicole and Patti said together, giving their father a hug and kiss at the same time.

"Okay, to what do I woe this esttemed gesture of gratitude? Could it be that my daughters actually love their father? No, that can't be right. Is

it because my daughters are ill and need a doctor? No, that isn't it, either. So, what could this gesture of love actually mean?"

"Oh! Daddy," both girls in mock indignation. "Actually, daddy, Dawn has something she would like to ask you and mom."

"Your mother is in the kitchen. Let's go and talk to her." They all went in the kitchen where Patti and Nicole each taking a side hugged and

cheek kissed their mother.

"All right, what do you want, this time?" The three young girls giggled.

"Mom, Dawn has something to ask you."

"Mr. and Mrs. Sanger, would it be alright if Patti and Nicole spent the summer with us at our summer cabin just outside of Worchester?"

"Worchester! That is like five hours from here. You said they could spend the summer, will both your parents be there?"

"It is six and a half hours from here, and no, ma'am, it be my mom, me, Nicole and Patti. It is by Cranberry Lake and we do have a small boat

dock. We have a sort of row/motor boat, which means, if the motor won't start get out the oars." There was laughter and giggles. "I don't

think my dad is going to go until he has his vacation in August. But, my mom said she would need your permission in writing, so she would

have control over any emergency that may come up."

"Well, ladies, I don't see a problem with that. It would Nicole and Patti good to get out in some real fresh air. What do you think, honey?"

"Well, dear, I also don't see a problem with that. When does this summer romp start?"

"It starts the after school let's out, and we come back home one week before school starts again."

"All right, dear. I will draw up something, giving your mother control over Patti and Nicole for what, seven weeks?"

"Yes, Mrs. Sanger. We even go in to Worchester, because they have square dancing, dancing that we do, and they have a very nice business

district. The town is, I think you would say, rustic."

"I like this place already," said Nicole and Patti's father, giving a hardy bellow.

"Mrs. Sanger, you should come with us. You would enjoy their carnival that goes for three weeks, instead of just ten days."

"Oh! I see how this is. It is a girls only gathering away from the madding crowd." The ladies giggled.

"Of course you can come, Mr. Sanger. Who would Mrs. Sanger square dance with, if you didn't come?"

"I will tell you what I will do. I will call your mother, Dawn, and ask her if it would be all right with her, if we tagged along. You have what, one

week of school left? That would give me time to get my job squared away by trading places with someone for two weeks, and adding sick time

I have coming. Yes, I think it would do all of us some good to get away to real fresh air. Wait! Worchester, yes, I rememeber now. Honey, we

went up to Phillips and we passed a sign that said Worchester. That is a very nice area. Dawn, you tell your mother Patti and Nicole can go."

"Mr. Phillips, would you please walk me to my house. Then you can talk to my mom about you and Mrs. Sanger coming along, too."

"That is a great idea, Dawn. Let's go." Nicole, Patti, their father and Dawn headed for Dawn's house. "It's a good thing we don't live that far

apart." Dawn just smiled.

Dawn opened the front door to her house, and invited the three Sangers inside.

"I'll get my mom," Dawn didn't have far to go, because her mother was sitting in the living room. "Mom? Mr. Sanger has something he would like to ask you."

"Mrs. Palmer, would it be okay if my wife and I joined you on your summer retreat? We haven't been in the fresh air for a long time."

"Of course you can come. We can all sit around and plot against our children while they plot against us." There was laughter and giggles.

"Dawn mentioned something about square dances."

"Yes. They are held every Saturday evening at the VFW post in Phillips. They also serve a nice buffet. That is the next biggest town north of where we will be."

"Dawn said we leave the day after school lets out for the summer?"

"Yes, and we are up there for seven weeks and we come back a week before school starts."

"That sounds great, Mrs. Palmer. I'll give the missus the good news.
______________________________________________________________________________________
I am so sorry this chapter is late, but I have been ill and getting as much rest as I can. Where do you
all go on your vacations?

It was a rainy day in 1982. :11
by Barbara Lynn Terry for Dawn Smith

(Author's Note: The time lines in this story are in the present and the past, and are intertwined so that it seems like there is a contradiction. Actually, the beginning of the story is being told in flashback. I hope this clears up any confusion as to why some of the story is in the present and some is in the past. Thank you all for reading and commenting. ~ Barbara Lynn Terry ~

Part 1 - The trip to the cabin.

The day came to leave for the cabin in the woods. There was a flurry of activity in two households, getting things ready for the trip north. In the Sanger household, Patty and Nicole's father was stressing over what he was missing, and what he should take that he didn't already have packed.

"Dear, you have everything but the kitchen sink in your suitcase. I have everything I need. We should be going over to meet Dawn's mother, so we can all leave on time." She looked out of their bedroom window.

"Never mind, dear, they're here. Dawn is just coming to the door. Patty and Nicole are downstairs, they will answer the door. Let's get these suitcases downstairs." As they came down the stairs, they saw Dawn talking with Patty and Nicole.

"Good morning, Dawn," Mrs. Sanger said, with a cherry smile.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Sanger. We decided to come and meet you, so we could all leave at the same time."

"That sounds like a good idea. We were just talking upstairs about going to your house to meet you. It's funny how we were thinking the same thing."

"Mrs. Sanger, coming over here was my idea. I would like Patty and Nicole to ride with us, so we can talk on the way up there."

"Well, I don't see a problem with that. You girls need to be together so you can plan, at least the first day's activities."

"Just what I was thinking, Mrs. Sanger." Dawn did her best not to giggle.

"Yes, I see. Well, then I suppose you girls can ride together, so you can conspire against us parents." The ladies all giggled, while Patty and Nicole's father was frantically mumbling to himself about how he was sure he was forgetting something, but didn't quite know what. Then he looked at Dawn's father, with a bewildered look on his face.

"Which way are we taking?"

"We're going west on I-94 to Madison, where we will get off at East Washington Ave. That is U.S. 151. Then we will go north until we come to U.S. 8. We will go west on U.S. 8 until we come to county highway K. Then we will take county highway K right in to Worcester. We will stop for dinner there, then we will go on to the cabin. Now, the road to the cabin isn't paved all the way, so you will want to roll your windows up. The whole trip takes about eight hours with stops. It takes six hours and thirty five minutes without stops. So, if we are ready, I say let's get going. This one mile road is not on the map, because it isn't paved or named. The cabin is about midway along this road. We will take Emery-Hackett Road out to West Hackett Road, and then turn off on to this one mile road. In Madison, we will make restroom stops."

"I still have this feeling I am forgetting something," Patty and Nicole's father said.

"Dear, I told you upstairs that you have everything but the kitchen sink in that suitcase. Believe me when I say that we have everything we need."

"Yes, you're right, I guess. You usually are. Okay, let's go then."

They went out to their cars, packed everything they had in the back of their SUVs and headed toward 35th Street and then north across the viaduct. They would turn left at West Park Hill and go to the on ramp of I-94. It was eleven o'clock in the morning, and it was an eight and a half hour drive to Worcester and another half an hour to the cabin. They will stop half way to Worcester for lunch and at the highway rest stops for restroom breaks. All of these stops were calculated in to the eight and a half hour drive to Worcester.
When they get to the cabin, they will have dinner before they unpack the bedding and call it a night. Driving takes a lot out of you, especially driving a long distance from Milwaukee to Worcester, in Price county. That is almost the entire length of the state.
There was, however, a last minute change of seating. Dawn, Patty and Nicole sat in the back seat of Dawn's mother's car. Patty and Nicole's mother rode along too, making the Palmer car all female. The guys rode in the Sanger car. Dawn, Patty and Nicole talked non-stop during the entire drive, but we are getting ahead of ourselves. They turned on to W. Park Hill Avenue that would take them to I-94 West. As they got on I-94 West, they were separated by two semi trailer trucks. But they all knew where they were going. The first rest stop was in Jefferson county, and they would meet there. Dawn was talking to Nicole and Patty.

"When we get to the cabin, I will show you the dock we have. Our cabin is right on the shore of Cranberry Lake. There is good fishing in Cranberry Lake, and a lot of people who don't have cabins on the lake go there to fish."

"I don't mind catching the fish and eating them, but I will not clean them," Patty said, with a yuck face.

"I agree," Nicole added. "Cleaning the fish is the worst part of fishing there is."

"We clean the fish, then we barbecue them on the grill. It is an old fashioned type that you either need wood or coals for. We use hickory wood so that the hickory taste gets in to the fish."

"I thought you used hickory for smoking meats," Nicole and Patty's mother stated.

"Well, you can, Mrs. Sanger, but you can also get the hickory taste in the meat by directly barbecuing it. We have done this every summer that we have gone to the cabin."

"I guess I will learn, Dawn. It sounds easier than smoking the meat, which takes quite a lot of time."

"It does, Mrs. Sanger. But we do smoke our meats, too. We will show you how."

"Thank you, Dawn, I will be delighted to learn."
It doesn't take long to get to the rest stop in Jefferson county. They drove in to the parking space by the little building that housed the restrooms. They decided to have sodas and talk a little more.

"Mrs. Sanger, do you know how to char-broil?"

"Well, Dawn, I know how to broil in the broiler. But, I have never char-broiled. To me, char-broiling makes the meat looked burnt."

"Yes, Mrs. Sanger, the meat is darker, but it tastes good. We use spices, flavoring, like maplewood, and we make sure there is no coal taste to it. We add an onion in the coals on the grill, and the food doesn't have that charcoal taste. We also go swimming in the lake."

"Ohhhh, I have the most delicious one piece," Patty chimed in. "It is lime green with mermaids all over it."

"I may ask to borrow it while we're at the cabin."

"Girls, remember, we are there for a vacation, not a working holiday." The girls giggled because Dawn knew what her mother meant.

"Yes, mother, but if Mrs. Sanger can learn a few things, then why not teach her?"

"Alright, you have made your point. I think we should be going. We will stop in Madison for something to eat, then we will get back on U.S. 51 and start up to the cabin. Half way there, we are going to want lunch, so eat light when we stop in Madison."
When men say that women are never quiet, they're right. Patty, Nicole and Dawn talked like chattering chipmunks.

"Well, if everyone is ready," Dawn's mother said, "we should be going. We will get there well past dark."
They left the rest stop, and both of them got on to the highway together. They drove west on I-94 toward Madison. It would be about another hour before they got there.

"Dawn, do you remember how you got in to this?"

"Yes. It was that very rainy day in 1982 when I was in grade school and your clothes were put in my gym locker. Yes, Nicole, I do remember that day, very well. Why do you ask?"

"Not really sure. It just kind of popped in to my mind, so I thought I would say out loud what I was thinking."

"But, if it weren't for that day, I don't think I would be where I am at, right now."

"That may not be true, Dawn. Patty and I have been meaning to talk to you about this very thing, when the clothes switch happened. We had nothing to do with that, though. But, we have been noticing things about you, that are more feminine in how you do them. Like sitting for example. You never plunk down in a chair or on a sofa like a guy does. You sit with your hips like a girl. The way you eat. You take small bites, and you bite with your teeth and not with your whole mouth like guys do. The way you walk, too. You use your hips to keep you steady, and you don't bulldoze with your shoulders. Whenever there is a stray hair in your eyes, you tuck it back with your fingers, instead of brush it back with your whole hand, like guys do. When you talk, you use soft tones, and you don't cuss like guys do. Listen, Dawn, we're not saying this to embarass you, we just want you to know what we have seen."

"Thank you, Nicole. You have given me a few things to think about. After I am done thinking about them, we will talk about it. We're going to be at the cabin for eight weeks, so, we have plenty of time."

As they left Madison, they got on highway 51 north. As they drove, the girls were enjoying the scenery; there were sheds that had seen better days, withering away in the elements. Barns that were no longer used, had big, gaping holes in their roofs, sides completely missing, causing the whole struture to lean. There were farm tractors that were rusting out in the field, cars that looked like they belonged in a junk yard, and last but not least, there were the cows, horses, farmers actually farming with their tractor pulled combines. They also played cloud formation games, by seeing shapes in the clouds, sort of like a dog, cat, or some other type of formation. They saw one that looked like the face of a girl.

"Hey, look, there's Dawn in the sky following us." They all looked out of the window.

"I see it, Patty, but it looks more like you than it does me."

"I'm afraid Dawn's right, Patty," Nicole added. "I see the face, but it does look more like you than Dawn."

"There's one that looks like the front of a car." They all looked.

"It looks like the front of our car," Nicole's mom said, with a smile.

"It does, doesn't it?"

"We will be passing through the Dells shortly. We will stop there for a restroom break. If you want something light to eat, that would be the time to get it, because after the Dells, we're not stopping, except for gas, until we get to Worcester. When we reach the cabin, we will have a midnight dinner. I was thinking about grilling out. There is a light on the cabin that lights up the whole area in front of the cabin, so we will have plenty of light."

"I wonder what daddy will say, when we tell him he has to barbecue at midnight?"

"You know he has done it before, Dawn. Every summer since we have been going up there, he has grilled outside the minute we got there. We have enough food to last us for the first week, unless we want to have something different."

"We can have baked beans and hot dogs for a midnight snack. Then we can get some sleep, and wake up and grill out for breakfast.."

"Patty, what do you think we should cook on the grill for breakfast?"

"Pork patties, Mrs. Palmer."

"Okay, so what you are saying is, we should use the grill as much as possible."

"Yes, Mrs. Palmer."

"Well, he will have a lot of help," Mrs. Sanger added. "My husband loves to grill out in the summer. So, while we are m aking the side dishes, the men can do their guy thing and barblecue the meat."

It took another hour before they started getting in to the Wisconsin Dells area. Dawn's mother pulled on to the shouder of the road and stopped. Patty and Nicole's dad did the same. When everybody was standing outside on the shoulder, Dawn's mother began.

"I just wanted to see who was hungry. We won't make the cabin until two in the morning. If you want to get something to eat, we will be coming up on a restaurant in about five minutes on this side of the road. So, who is hungry?" Everybody said they were hungry because they all just had a bag of this or that and a couple just had a candy bar. "Alright then, we will stop at the Chicken Ranch. Don't let the name fool you, they have a wonderful menu. Okay, let's go, then."

They got back in their cars, buckled their seat belts and started for the restaurant called The Chicken Ranch, which served everything from chicken to the biggest steaks you ever saw.

It was a rainy day in 1982. : 12
by Barbara Lynn Terry

Part I - The Chicken Ranch restaurant.

Both cars pulled in to the parking lot of the Chicken Ranch, with the girls
still talking about how much fun they were going to have at the cabin. Both cars had to park away from the door, but within sight of it. The restaurant[ looked like any Denny's or Perkins on the outside.
Once they got inside the restaurant, any resemblance to any other restaurant went out the window. There were lantern type lights hanging from the ceiling. Flowers lined the walls where there weren't any tables or booths. There were pictures of sailing ships from the 1700 and 1800's, as well as their captains. There was a picture of the Titanic and its crew. It looked like a picture that was taken before the Titanic sailed on its fatal maiden voyage.
The waitress came over dressed in a red skirt with a black apron, white, ruffled shirt and black, low heeled, court shoes. She set the water and the menus in front of them, and then said she would be right back, after taking their drink orders. The adults sat in one booth and the girls sat in another. The girls were still talking about the cabin, when Dawn said, mischieviously.
"There are these two brothers who stay down the shore. They come up now and then and we go water skiing on the lake. We have cookouts, and we play croquét, volleyball, softball, and we have lots of fun through the whole summer."
"Sounds like fun," Patti said, with a wry smile. "So, they accept Dawn, then?" It was a question more than it was a statement.
"No, I don't know, maybe. They don't know about Dawn, yet."
"Girl, what is taking you so long? I bet these boys are very open minded. Like we keep telling you, you looked like a girl, even dressed like a boy."
"Yes, Patti, but, this will be the first time they have ever seen Dawn."
"One time is all it takes, girlfriend. I will bet you they tell you it is high time you started acting like a lady."
"Yes, Nikki, but, what if they don't say, and start calling me names?"
"We have your back, chica," Nicole answered.
"Chica? Wow." The three girls just giggled.
The waitress, whose name is Jan, according to her name tag, took their orders. Everybody wanted the Chef's salad entrée and smaller bowls so they wouldn't have to "double dip" into the large bowl. The girls just sat there, not wasting words, simply because they were eating. Nicole and Patti had never been this far north before, and certainly not at a lakeside cabin for a summer. So, they listened as Dawn told them everything, including the names of the boys at the lake.
Dawn said that these two boys were always at the lake, at least every summer since she had been coming there. They sat there taking their time, and after they were full, they sat there and slowly drank their sodas, while the adults finished their coffee.
"Now, I want you to remember, Josh has sandy blonde hair and Jerry has thick brown hair. Their last name is Harrington. They live 3 cabins away from us. But, they are always on the lake, speed boating, fishing, water skiing or swimming. Let me tell you another thing, too." She leaned closer to Patti and Darlene and said: "These guys are very well built, muscle wise, and not an inch of fat on them."
"So," Patti said, in a mock, serious tone. "Do we go looking for them, or do they just drop by?"
"Well, silly, they just drop by. How many boys do you know of that need to be chased all over creation? No, Patti, they just drop by. When they see us drive by, they come up to the cabin and help us move in. They even help me with big boxes and other heavy things. Patti and Nicole looked at each other.
"See, girlfriend, these two boys will accept Dawn. They already suspect you are a girl. Have you ever gone swimmig with them?"
"Yes, Nikki, but I always wore one of my t-shirts as a top."
"So, they have never seen your bare chest?" Asked Nikki.
"No."
"Well, there you are then. I bet they think you are already a girl, a tomboy, but, still a girl. That is why they help you with the heavy things and big boxes."
"You really think so, Patti?"
"Yes, Dawn, I really think so. Wait until we get to the cabin, you'll see."
"I think so, too, Dawn." Nikki added.
Dawn's mother looked back at the booth where the three girls were sitting and asked if they were ready. They said they were, and they paid their bill and left. Dawn, Patti and Nicole never stopped talking all the way to the car. Dawn was full of information about the cabin and the people who lived around Cranberry Lake.
Making sure everybody's seat belt was fastened, Dawn's mother started the car and drove out of the parking lot. When Patti's mother looked in the back seat after not hearing the three girls, she saw that they were fast asleep. Talking in low tones, the two women talked among themselves.
"They talked ever since leaving the house. They're tired. I think we should let them sleep until we get to the cabin."
"I think just until the next restroom stop, anyway. If they sleep all the way to the cabin, they won't be tired when we get there."
"You're right. The next restroom stop is about ten miles yet. So they can sleep a bit. You want to know something I just had a fleeting thought of. I don't think we introduced ourselves. I'm Geraldine Palmer, or Geri to my friends."
"I'm Olivia Sanger."
"Good, now we can call each other by our first names. This way we don't have to be so formal with each other."
As the two families kept going north, Geri Palmer saw the rest stop coming up.
"Better wake the girls up. We're at the rest stop. We could all use a soda and a candy bar. Girls, time to wake up and use the restroom before we head further north."
The girls woke up, rubbing sleep from their eyes.
"Where are we?" Patty asked, in a sleepy voice.
"At a highway rest stop. I figure we could all use the rest rooms, get a soda and get a candy bar, then be one our way," Geri Palmer answered.
"When will we get to the cabin? Nicole asked.
"In about four hours. We're almost to Wausau, where we will take State highway 29 west to U.S. highway 53, north to U.S. highway 8. Then we will go west on U.S. highway 8 to county trunk K and go in to Worcester. When we get to the cabin, My husband will bring out the grill, which is why he packed it last," the girls giggled.
"That's my dad," Dawned said, playfully.
Geri Palmer parked the car on the auto side of the little building. On the other side of the building, the girls could see semi trucks parked with their engines running. They would fill their gas tanks in the morning and be on their way, where ever it was they were going to. They all got out of the car, and went in the little building. It had a large wall map of the state as well as vending machines and restrooms. There were benches along the wall by the map and by the windows.
After everybody was done in the restroom, The two women bought the girls a soda and a candy bar of their choice. Geri and Dawn showed Nikki, Patti and their mom exactly where they were going. On the map it looked farther than what it was. They covered quite a distance from their homes.
"This looks like we are in the center of the state," Nikki said.
"Yes, we are. Stevens Point, Wisconisn Rapids, Wausau, and all the little towns in this area are in the geographic center of the state. When we get to Wausau, we will take state highway 29 west. This will save us about thirty minutes. Alright, I say let's get started. Cookout as soon as we get there."
"Mom," Patti looked at her mother. "I think I need to get back in the restroom." She whispered in her mother's ear.
"Alright, dear."
While she was in the restroom taking care of aunt rose, the rest were in the lobby talking mostly about nothing and everything. About eight minutes later, Patti came out of the restroom.
"Feel better, dear?"
"Yes, mom. I think we can go now."
Everybody piled back in to the cars, and headed towards Wausau and the last leg of the trip. There would be no stopping now until they got to the cabin. The rest of the trip would be all countryside and small towns to go through.
Nicole, Patti and Dawn talked and talked until they fell back asleep. It was an amazing trip for Nicole and Patti's mother, who was in awe of the countryside as they went through it. She saw people on horse back, herds of cows, and tractors that had seen better days. She saw barns that were falling apart, deserted farm houses and even saw an old outhouse without a door. Never having seen an outhouse before she had to ask Geri Palmer what it was.
"That is what they call an outhouse. I remember using one when I was growing up."
"Even in the winter!" Olivia Sanger stated, increduously.
"Yes," Geri Palmer giggled. "Even in the winter."
"Were they heated?"
"No, Olivia, they definitely were not heated."
"I would have frozen my bottom."
"We did, Olivia, we did." Then Geri Palmer giggled again. "But, don't worry, the cabin has indoor plumbing."
"Phew!" Was all Olivia Sanger could manage.
Olivia took a sip of her soda, and a bite of her Snickers candy bar. After she put her Snickers bar away, and set her soda in the cup tray, she herself, fell asleep.
As Geri Palmer drove, she was humming to the radio. As she got to Wausau, she turned on to state highway 29, west. It won't be long now, until they get to the cabin. As she drove, she took in the sights of the multi colored flowers along the highway. Worcester was not that far, now. She kept driving and eventually turned north on to U.S highway 53, north. She took that to U.S. highway 8, west and would turn off on to County Trunk K. Geri, of course, was in no hurry. She admired the countrside as she drove through it. Before long, she was on U.S. highway 53, going north to U.S. highway 8, west. As she went along, she saw an Amoco gas station, and decided that it was time to make a last restroom run.
"Ahem! Does anybody have to use the restroom?"
Six sleepy eyes in the back seat opened wide and said in unison, "Yes."
Geri pulled in to the Amoco station and also noted she should fill up before getting to the cabin. Geri went in to get the restroom key, and everybody took turns. When everybody was done, they decided to stretch their legs a little before getting back in the car.
"How much further, Geri?"
"About an hour, if that long, Olivia. County trunk K is just up the road. This is where we get on to U.S. 8 and head west. Worcester is just around the next turn.