JEFF'S HUMILIATION

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22

CONTEMPORARY TV FICTION

outside they walked.

"That's a good little girl," teased aunt Linda. "Struggling will do you no good at all."

"Why don't you pretend it's all for fun as it's Carnival Day," suggested Karen mockingly. However, Jeff could see some sense in the suggestion and feeling utterly silly, began to mince girlishly along. His heart quickened as he saw two girls, his own age. He recognized them as being from his school and prayed they wouldn't recognize him. They looked in amusement as the four approached and especially at Jeff, looking like an overgrown little doll.

"Oh, God! It's a boy!" one cried out in disbelief.

"Oh! It is! You're right, Sharon," said the other. Then she yelled, "I know him! He's in our school! It's Jeff Kane. Oh what a sight!" She called out loudly to the boy as he passed, head hung in embarrassment, "HI, JEFF, I LOVE YOUR DRESS. IT WOULD LOOK REALLY CUTE ON MY BABY SISTER."

The boy hurried on to the shrieks of laughter from the two girls. Each step was a nightmare! His silk petticoats rustled loudly as the cool breeze blew his soft dress and frilly underwear around him. It created frightening girlish sensations and unnerved Jeff even more. If he'd worn a cotton shirt or jumper, it wouldn't have been as bad, but the silk and flimsy, frilly clothes he'd been dressed in, were so light, soft and filmy, it was nearly

"I know him. It's Jeff Kane. HI JEFF, I LOVE YOUR DRESS."