Calvin was afraid as he walked into a store and looked around. He was a guy so he wasn’t sure what he was doing, but he was determined to do it. He braced himself as he saw an assistant approached him saying, “May I help you sir?”

“Yes, I need a dress.” He was deliberately being vague. He knew he would have to say it sooner or later.

“There are many fine dresses and gowns here. Do you know her size?” It was annoying work especially when a guy came in trying to buy a nice gown or dress for his girlfriend. They often didn’t know their girlfriends size and it made her work far more difficult and frustrating. She hoped this young man knew something that could help her find the right dress for her.

He smiled, decided to stop being afraid. If he was going to do this then he needed to do it. It was his choice after all. If he was going to blush and be a coward about it, he may as well walk away. He looked right into the woman s eyes, smiled softly and said, “You don't misunderstand ma'am. I want the dress for me. I have no clue about these sizes so I need help with finding a dress that will fit me and look beautiful. I usually wear a size 36 to 38 jeans, extra large tops. As you see, I am large and very athletic. I do wrestling and boxing. So can you help me?”

Princess For Hire: The Second Semester
By Melanie E.

Part 11: A Princess Goes Home

This part is dedicated to the memory of Wren Phoenix, Edeyn Blackeney, and Stanman. All three were very supportive of the story, and I'm incredibly sorry that they are not here to celebrate its completion with us.

-31-

The last day before a major break starts is always a hectic one. What do you take with you? What do you leave?

For me, that question had another layer: do I pack for Becky, or for Beck?

Princess For Hire: The Second Semester
By Melanie E.

Part 10: Princess On Parade

-28-

Even after spending nearly eight months as a Princess the idea of riding through the middle of Persistence in a dress had me scared to death.

Playing her way - Conclusion

© D.L.

Mrs Rogers had just arrived in the canteen with Mr and Mrs Bridges, when Mrs Milligan came running across with an iPad in hand.

"That girl!" the headmistress exclaimed, "excuse me, it seems I have an issue to sort out."

"Where is she, I'll kill her!" shouted a very irate Julia, as she hobbled into the canteen as fast as her crutches could carry her.

Playing her way - Chapter 5

© D.L.

Emily, Anna and Wendy had found a shady spot under a tree away from other students. They had a short time before they had to split up to go to various lunch time clubs and activities. Wendy was part of the debating society and Anna was due for a private Violin lesson. Emily would also be heading to the music department, but for a recording session. After explaining her deception to Anna, and filling Wendy in on the latest developments she wasn't sure she was in the mood for recording any videos.

The Second Bell
By Melange
Copyright© 2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

TopShelf's Fall 2014 Back to School Contest

Didn't it start right here? Facing only herself, nothing more and nothing less. Like with many changes, it all began with a simple question: What if...

For once, she hadn't brushed it away as an idle thought. For once, she had listened to that feeling inside. A little like how your legs could get stiff if you sat down too long, a part inside her had grown stiff from being cramped up. She needed to stretch out. Stretch the wings of her imagination and soar.

But that was before, and today was the day. It was time to be brave.

Playing her way - Chapter 2
© D.L. 2014

Arnold Bridges sipped his coffee, savouring his first hit of caffeine for the day and working week. He had just finished eating his serial when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching down the stairs. He had gotten used to having breakfast alone. His wife, Marilyn was currently in the bathroom, having made his pack lunch while he showered, shaved and dressed. They swapped places, and he would briefly see her again as he left for work.

An authorized story, based on the characters and environment of A New Style of Education by Karen Page.