60-SCHOOLING IN SKIRTS

steady (not from lack of trying on his part, though), he couldn't have exclusive claim on my time. I found it both fascinating and comforting that I had really become a desirable dance partner as a girl.

The comparison between my life now and before I'd put on a miniskirt for the first time last fall was like the difference between night and day. I don't think I would have even gone to the prom had I still been Danny, but I was enjoying the evening as Danni.

J.J. wanted to take me to an after-prom party, but I decided that it was time to let him in on at least part of the truth. Chris came over to join us in the lobby, I took her hand, watching the shocked expression that came to his face.

"J.J., I can't keep hiding this from you," I told him. "Chris and I are in love. We have been for several months.' "But... but...," he stammered, trying to regain his composure, "you and I have gone out... I thought...'

"I'm sorry. I really like you, and I think you're really nice, or I wouldn't have gone to the prom with you. But I have to be true to myself... I hope you understand.”

"How ... how am I supposed to understand... I mean, uh, two girls loving each other? When everyone finds out, then, um, what happens to you then?"

Chris put a finger over his lips. "Unless you tell them, they're not going to find out, J.J. Remember, you're the one who's been madly pursuing Danni for the last few months. I don't think you want to be labeled as 'the guy who couldn't tell the difference', do you?"

He shook his head. "I'm not sure if I believe you but I guess I can keep a secret."

Both Chris and I kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks, J.J.," I said. "You'll always have a special place in my heart."

We went back in the ballroom and J.J. and I danced again. It was a slow dance and he held me tightly even with the new disclosure. With his hand around my waist and his cheek pressed provocatively against mine, he whispered,

CONTEMPORARY TV FICTION – 61 "You certainly feel soft and feminine." He pulled me close then, "Maybe you just need to be with a man.'

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The two weeks that passed between the prom and graduation were uneventful. J.J. kept his promise, and everyone was so busy studying for final exams that no one noticed we'd stopped going out. In fact, the entire student body was so preoccupied, Chris and I probably could have started kissing in the middle of the quad at lunch hour and no one would have paid any attention!

I passed my driver test at the motor vehicle bureau the week before finals. Having a driver's license with my female name and picture seemed somehow to make my new life more permanent by giving it official government approval.

My home economics project was a colossal success, but then I'd always been a good cook, even before I'd become Danni. Our teacher, a rather old-fashioned type, commented that I'd "make some lucky boy an excellent wife”. When I told Chris, she collapsed in hysterical laughter for a good five minutes.

The rest of my grades were befitting the superior intellect that had sort of gotten me into my predicament in the first place. I only missed being class valedictorian by half a point which was just as well, since even that honor couldn't have topped the events of the past half-year: I had matured from an insecure young boy to a very confident young woman. I also had an equally self-assured girlfriend who loved me very much and would most likely share in my future.

Chris and I went to college together, which made it very convenient for our relationship, being roommates in the same university dormitory. I'm studying psychology, having developed an interest in the subject from my many hours in therapy with Robin. She revealed her motives in helping my older sister feminize me in a letter she enclosed with her