at the offending areas on Chris's body. "It's easy! Either shave or depilate and you'll look much better."

"I don't think so, Caroline," he replied firmly. "I'm a guy, not a girl, and I didn't expect any of this when I signed that contract. I've enjoyed myself here with you this passed hour, but now, standing here in a lady's bathing suit I feel completely ridiculous, just like I did when I first put it on. Me, a man, wearing a silly suit like this! This is all very strange." He sat down in a lawn chair and Caroline pulled one up close beside him.

You

"Oh, Chrissy, please don't talk that way. have begun to fit in here so well in so short a time. No other man has stayed as long as you have. Please, please," she pleaded, "don't quit now. You've come too far to waste it all just because of your silly male ego."

Chris stared at his knees and remained silent for a moment, then asked, "What other men?"

"They're not important anymore.

But you are,

to me anyway. And you would look so much nicer in that bathing suit or tennis shorts without all that hairiness," she persisted. When Chris just sat there being sullen and didn't respond, she blurted, "And that way you are not a threat to be near." She shivered then noticed Chris's hurt expression. "I'm sorry but I'm just like most of the women here. I just don't like men any more! My boyfriend beat me and raped me more than once before I finally mustered up enough courage to run away and eventually ended up here at the clinic. Oh please, Chrissy," she pleaded tearfully. "I don't want to loose you as a friend, but.." She swallowed hard and hesitated for a few heart beats, then, in a harsh broken

voice, "If you want to look and act like a male, stay away from me!" She swiftly turned her back

to him and retrieved her towel.

Chris was dumbfounded. He never realized how much his presence and companionship had ment to this woman whom he had just met. "Caroline?" he said softly, putting as much caring emotion into his voice as he could. "What did I say or do to get you so upset? I don't want to hurt you.

She turned and scanned his face, tear tracks staining her cheeks. "It's not really your fault. Maybe you're doing the best you can, I don't know. I was just remembering." Then, hopefully, "Would

you like some help to look nice?"

Chris looked into her watery blue eyes and all his defenses collapsed before her gaze. "Yea, I guess, " he answered. "I sure don't want to be the unwanted ugly ducking around here.

Your

friendship means a lot to me, Caroline, and if that's the only way we can remain close then I'll just have to do it." And he realized he ment what he was saying.

"Goody!" she gushed, clapping her hands gleefully. "Let's go up to my place and we'll have you cleaned up in a giffy."

Caroline's apartment was identical to Chris's except that it was in the opposite wing of the residence hall and the floor plan was exactly the reverse of his own rooms.

Caroline strutted quickly toward the bedroom. "Relax while I change into something dry. There's coffee in the kitchen if you don't mind heating it, or beer or a soft drink in the frig." the towel through her dripping hair she bounded off into the bedroom and closed the door.

Rubbing

While he warmed the coffee and filled two cups, Chris asked himself, "Why am I here?" But he didn't have time to really answer himself before his hostess reappeared wearing tight cutoff jeans and a oversized (on her) flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. She was dressed for