10-SCHOOLING IN SKIRTS

the knees, then past my thighs, and finally pulling the panty securely up to my waist. Kathy said, “I think we'll do your hair and makeup before you get dressed." She pointed at the high-heeled pumps. "But you'd better put these on because you're going to have to get used to walking in them." I slipped the shoes on and tried to stand up ... losing my balance in the process and falling back onto the bed. My sister helped me up and told me, "You have to shift your body weight onto the balls of your feet instead of the heels. That way, you'll keep your balance and you'll walk like a girl instead of a boy."

She led me back to the bathroom and sat me down sideways on the toilet seat, facing her. Then she got out her styling mousse, hairbrush, and opened the heating compartment of her hot rollers. For the next fifteen minutes, she worked on my hair, leaving me to contemplate my hairless, nylon-covered legs. I had to admit that the sheer pantyhose and the pumps made my feet look small and feminine, but I couldn't help wondering why I was going through all this. Finally, when I felt I couldn't take anymore, I said, "Kathy, I've changed my mind. I'd rather not go to the dance than have to go as a girl."

"Too late now, kiddo,” she answered. "I've got your hair styled already. Trust me, you'll be the hit. Now I'm going to do your makeup."

It seemed like it took an eternity for her to fix my face the way she wanted. First, she spread a foundation base all over, then dusted me with a big, soft brush dipped in a light beige powder. After that, Kathy took another brush and lightly stroked my cheeks with a rose colored powder. She spent several minutes using foam-tipped swabs applying three or four different colors of eyeshadow to my eyelids, then she asked me to look upward while she applied eyeliner to my lower eyelids. Then she applied several coats of mascara to my upper and lower eyelashes and, finally, painted my mouth with a pretty pink shade of lipstick. By now, I was really starting to feel embarrassed. "Kathy, I REALLY don't feel right wearing your panties and a bra and having my face covered with makeup. Can't we just forget the whole thing?"

CONTEMPORARY TV FICTION 11.

"Nonsense," my sister replied. "Come on, stand up and take a look in the mirror."

I stood up and faced the medicine cabinet. Looking back at me was the image of my late twin sister! Her dusty blonde hair was lightly waved, grazing the tops of her ears gently and cascading gently down to her shoulders. And her face was so beautifully made up, with striking, pretty eyes and a small, pink mouth! The illusion was so convincing, I suddenly felt like a peeping Tom seeing my gorgeous twin clad only in her bra and panties! "I look like like Danielle!" I exclaimed.

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"Now that you mention it, you do," Kathy answered. "My little sister ... back from the grave." She led me back to her bedroom, where she gave me a red satin blouse and her black leather miniskirt to put on. The blouse felt cool and the skirt was tight around my hips. Standing in front of her full-length mirror, I was absolutely stunned at how really pretty I was as a girl.

Kathy suddenly burst into tears and ran from the room. I ran after her wondering what was wrong. She turned to look at me, and a peaceful expression came over her face. "Quiet," she said.

Kathy stood there looking at me, a wide smile came across her face. "Danielle, I think you look so much better in a skirt, instead of that 'tomboy' image you've taken to. I'm glad you're back, I've missed you so." I wondered what she meant by that. Was it some kind of joke to make me feel better about the costume? It wasn't funny. She brought her jewelry box over and added a pair of clip-on gold earrings, a delicate gold chain around my neck, and a dainty ring on my left hand. "I think we'd better do your nails while we're at it," she said, sitting me down at her desk. She filed and shaped my nails, then applied two coats of a light pink polish.

I looked at my hands, as pretty as any girl's, then stood up and walked over to the mirror to look at myself again. "I look TOO good as a girl, Kathy. I REALLY don't think it's a good idea for me to go to the dance tonight looking so ... so much like my dead sister!"