RELUCTANT PRESS

They left me sitting in the chair and I simply sat and stared at my reflection in amazement. That girl was me! But how could she be me? How could I look so good as a girl?

"Come along now, Debbie," said Joyce as she came back into the stall.

We walked out to the car and Joyce opened the door for me again. I got in and soon we were driving away from Suzette's Boutique.

"You know, Debbie, you are really cute," said Joyce. "Your hair and make up are perfect! And those nail tips she gave you make your hands look much more delicate and feminine. I was hoping that my transformation of you would be somewhat successful, but really, you have surpassed my wildest expectations!"

Joyce went on and on about how cute and pretty I looked until we stopped at the biggest department store in town and she led me inside. We went to the evening wear section of the store and a sales lady came over to greet us.

"May I be of assistance to you ladies?" she inquired.

"Yes, please," Joyce replied. "I want to get something special in a cocktail dress for her that will knock the men speechless!"

"Hmmm," said the sales lady, looking at me closely. "I believe I know just the thing, if you don't mind pink which some customers think is too little girlish."

"Something in pink would be perfect," Joyce agreed.

The sales lady brought out a cocktail dress in pink chiffon. It had a lace collar that ended in a froth of white lace at the neck. The top was semi-sheer, hinting at the feminine charms. underneath. It had long transparent sleeves that ended in ruffles at the wrists. It had a pleated full skirt that fell to just above my knees when I tried it on, and it tied at the waist with a wide pink satin ribbon.

"Size fourteen, just as I thought," said the sales lady. "It looks absolutely exquisite on you, my Dear."

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