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than in a man's boot. He loved that tight feeling in his calf muscles as the heels made him walk more on the balls of feet. It also subtly changed the way he walked. From behind, it could be described as sexy.

When a person sees another person who is somewhat androgynous dressed there is a series of subliminal cues that the eye spots and helps the viewer register boy or girl in their minds.

With Tani, the person looking may unconsciously note the smooth pants front, the narrow waist and fuller hips, certainly the long page boy hairdo, very smooth, fine featured face and longish, well-maintained nails. The subliminal readout would say "girl". Tani now read "girl"! He looked in his mirror before stepping out the door and smiled. His feminine reflection was divinely pleasing!

He felt real good and decided to walk the three blocks to school. On the way as he passed a lot where a house was being renovated he heard a wolf whistle. Tossing his hair, he turned to look at the young workmen who were staring openly.

Tani flashed them a smile and continued on. He didn't mind the intended compliment from male strangers. It was just a boost to his ego, that he looked so good. Little could bring Tani down from the exquisite sensations of his escape from masculinity.

Wednesday mornings was his regular Chemistry lab session. He enjoyed this because his lab partner, Jeff Chisolm was a great guy. They always had a good time because of their similar sense of humor. They had almost got themselves a label as the class clowns! Tani walked down the hall to the lab exchanging greetings with other friends along the way.

He entered the lab and saw that Jeff was already sitting at their lab bench. Jeff stared as Tani walked across the room to join him. Tani suddenly saw that Jeff looked a little different, surprised almost.

"Hi Jeff!" Tani greeted his old buddy.

"Uh...hi Tani." Jeff looked a little flustered. What was wrong. As Tani tried joking around, he sensed that Jeff seemed uncomfortable. He appeared to be avoiding eye contact with Tani. This went on as the lab started. Jeff was all business this morning, not the friendly, jovial guy that Tani was used to. Then it crashed down on Tani! Oh my god...it's how I look! He thinks I'm a queer. Though it had never happened to Tani he now realized how some boys must feel

MY SON, THE BRIDE 5

when their parents unexpectedly come home early to find their son all dressed up in his mother's clothes!!

Tani's stomach churned. The reality of the "little contest" was taking it's toll.

"Uh...excuse me, I've gotta step out for a minute," Tani said as he rose and walked out of the class. He headed for the washroom. Nobody was in there. He stood at the sink looking at himself in the mirror. Suddenly his beautiful hairdo, mascaraed eyelashes, pretty clothes felt awful. He felt more embarrassed than ever before in his life!! Why? Why?

Then it started dawning on him. In all his girlish dressing adventures he was either amongst friends who were also dressing, or else he was just assumed to be a girl, as he had been this morning by the construction workers.

This was the first time that he had appeared, for all intents and purposes dressed and coiffed girlishly, before a good friend that knew nothing of his love for crossdressing, and knew undoubtedly that he was a real boy. That was certain because Jeff had seen Tani in the showers at the tennis club they both belonged to! Suddenly Tani wished that he could change back to his boy's clothes. He fished around in his pocket and found a ponytail elastic. Tossing his hair back he quickly put the elastic in to form his usual, simple ponytail.

There was nothing he could do about the mascara or nail polish though. Taking a few deep breaths he glumly headed back to the lab.

Tani could not see Jeff's stare as he had left the lab. Jeff watched as his friend walked in a very enticing manner out the door. When Tani was out the door, Jeff exhaled. He had been holding his breath without realizing it. Was he cracking up?! He had not seen Tani on Monday or Tuesday as he had been away.

When Jeff came to school he quickly learned all the latest gossip. Tani and Chris were heroes. He had also heard rumor that a new fashion trend was evolving and that Tani and Chris were some kind of fashion leaders. It was just before class time that Jeff saw this gorgeous, black-haired girl entering the school ahead of him.

Her tight jeans were deliciously filled in all the right places. Her jet black hair shone with glistening highlights as it swayed with her walk. He had tried to catch up with her to see her face but the crowd was too thick. He lost sight of her once she went into the building. Jeff made a note to himself