32 -ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID

to his cheeks Baily's mother brushed on a powder with a large soft make-up brush. She used a light pink powder to highlight his cheekbones.

"Todd, what color lipstick and nail color do you like on girls?" his mother asked. She had me pick a lipstick and nail polish color for Baily.

"I feel like I'm another person," Baily shared. "That's good." Baily's mother took one of his hands and used a file to shape each fingernail into a smooth oval. She worked on his cuticles and then began applying the nail polish I'd picked out; both to hands and toes. When she was finished, Baily's nails were coated with a clear, high gloss top coat. She finished with another coat of lipstick, saying, "A lady always wears lipstick!"

I wanted to say, "And a boy never does!" but I didn't.

"I'm sorry Todd," she said to me, "but Baily is going to be a busy girl from now until the rehearsal. We have to run to the shop and take care of a few last minute things."

"Does he have to leave?" my feminized friend asked.

"Maybe he can meet you later and escort you to the rehearsal?"

Baily and I both blushed with that remark. Everyone there would think I was Baily's date! To my surprise, Baily pleaded, "I know it's weird but could you? I'd feel so much better with you by my side."

His mother added, "That is probably a good idea. Sometimes those rehearsal dinners get rowdy." I had forgotten about the dinner. It would be rude for one of the bridesmaids not to go. I reluctantly agreed.

As I left the house, I heard his Mother making a list. "We have to teach you to use and carry a pocketbook and evening bag. We have to show you how to freshen your make-up. . ." and so on.

By the time I got home, it seemed the whole town

SANDY THOMAS PUBLICATIONS -33

knew about the deception. Emily said, "So what? He wore a dress at his own birthday party, remember?"

My father said, "The caterer has warned everyone...it's our business that's at risk here. No one is going to say a thing. In fact, the wedding photographer thinks it's great! He's going to make an extra set of prints for Baily's mother."

We all knew that Baily's mother was a perfectionist and he would be flawless as a girl or she wouldn't let him do it.

My own sister, Emily, said emotionally, "I think he should be dressed like a girl all the time. I bet it would help their business."

My parents chuckled and agreed. My dad said, "He can't look any weirder in a dress and make-up. I bet he looks better."

I nearly exploded. "You can't do that to Baily! He's a boy! No other guy in town would do it...why should he?"

No one said anything. We all knew he had worn girl's clothes for over a year now. It really wouldn't be hard for Baily to act like a girl. I was worried that he'd be the laughing stock of the town as would I for "escorting" him.

My father said, "It's for the good of the town. No one here will think any less of you or him for doing this."

I went by the shop but Baily was busy helping with some last minute alterations. He was trying to appear happy but I knew this had to be so degrading. I found out where and when we were to meet and watched him serve some newly arrived customers. He flitted around in his dress, and I couldn't help thinking how real he looked as a girl. Finally I had to leave to help my dad.

At the rehearsal, Baily arrived wearing a simple but girlish dress. It was formal and transparent