48 TV FICTION CLASSICS

Alan did watch carefully. He was starting to appreciate the remarkable transformation taking place. The correct use and order of each cosmetic in the process was explained by his mother as she actually applied them to his smooth skin. When the final coat of lipstick was applied even, Alan was amazed at how ladylike he looked.

"Hmmm, good job Mom," he complimented then he seriously asked, "I don't want to be laughed at...I look like a girl, right?"

"Yes dear, a pretty girl too," his mother said. "I think you could keep this job as long as you wanted. I just hope your beard doesn't start growing. It's a good thing that you're a late bloomer in that area. In fact, Mrs. Richardson says that her doctor said that there was medication that could help you avoid getting a beard, bulky muscles and all that."

"Her doctor? Was she talking to her doctor about me?" Alan asked somewhat shocked.

"We are all like a family at the hotel. Her doctor is the hotel physician and also one of her best friends. She mentioned the arrangement you made with her and the working conditions that applied. It was Dr. Kelsey who said that she had several male clients in...umm. . .similar situations as you."

"They're guys who work as housekeepers?" Alan asked naively. "Well I don't know where they all work," his mother answered somewhat evasively, "One works as a performer of some kind? They have to dress up, so the doctor said she has helped them to be more. . .ummm. . .comfortable."

Alan thought about the sharp, throbbing pain of his corset and his poor squeezed toes in the heel-heeled boots. "I could sure use something to improve my comfort about now," he grumbled.

"Then you'll see Dr. Kelsey on Friday. I made a check-up appointment for you yesterday. We need it for the health insurance policy that Mrs. Richardson takes out on all her employees. I'm sure the doctor will be able to help," Alan's mother said with a knowing

smile.

Alan settled into his job and surprisingly found it rewarding. The learning and the busy days of the hotel made the days short and before he knew it his mother handed him an envelope.

"Pay day," she said smiling.

Alan tore at the envelope and stared at the check. $389.56. Tears almost came to his eyes. "But...

"Taxes, my dear," his mother said. She sat him down and showed him how the $750.00 was whittled down by the federal, state, local, Social Security, State disability, Unemployment, and other TAXES.

Tears came to his eyes. "But I owe you...'

"Shhh," his mother said, "I'll just take two hundred a weekyou'll have me paid back in seven and a half weeks."

HAIR TODAY, GOWN TOMORROW -49

Alan was depressed. With less than two hundred dollars, he barely had enough to buy lunches and the other items he was learning he needed like nylons. The work was taking a toll. He was going through several pairs a day. He was going to have to be much more careful.

Reluctantly Alan went to Ann unsure what she would think of his new job. Ann gushed, "I think it's a wonderful opportunity...so what if you have to be a girl for a while." adding, "Who knows maybe you'll like it!"

"Fat chance!" Alan stated firmly, "I'm just after the money!" Ann cut Alan's shoulder length hair, layering it all over to give it lots of movement and volume. But just cutting and layering were not enough. Ann prescribed another body wave but this time added highlights, which Alan learned must be repeated as soon as they start growing out or the hair starts to become flat again.

Alan was already spending too much time on his hair and now had a weekly standing appointment for a set and blowdry with his mother.

The second week went quickly also. Alan was preoccupied. He was to pick up Cindy at the airport on Saturday.

"I surely hope that Cindy doesn't find out about my job at the hotel," Alan said to his mother.

"Isn't she friends with someone who goes to Ann? She'll find out soon if she hasn't already.'

Alan groaned. He had hoped that he could keep it a secret but realized that wasn't practical.

Alan waited nervously for Cindy at the airport. In jeans and a dress shirt, it felt good to be out of the corset and off high heels. How would he tell her that he was dressing like a girl for a job. She would surely dump him on the spot.

After a warm greeting, Alan drove Cindy home. "You're quiet?" she asked, "Something bothering you?" "I got a job..."

"I heard," she said matter-of-factly. "Everything?"

"Money talks," she said, "Besides I think it's cool. I was hoping you'd come to pick me up in one of your outfits. I can't wait to see you in a dress and make-up. . .I bet you look sweet."

Alan blushed at her questions: "What size bra do you wear?" "Do you like shaving your legs?" "What's your favorite perfume?"

etc.

Then came the question that Alan didn't know the answer to, "How long are you going to do this?"

"I was just doing it to save some money but I needed a lot of expensive stuff. Even with the bonus, I'll may have to work an extra month or so just to pay back my mother."