16 -IV FICTION CLASSICS

Chapter Three-

"no...no...please. . .I'll wear this."

The final indignity for Bob came during the hot summer days when he appeared at work in a light blue denim overalls with the trouser legs cut off. They were very short and tight and had been cuffed. It looked exactly like a girl's playsuit and all the guys crowded around when he first appeared in it.

The girls all seemed to like it on him and I made sure that the men said nothing to cause Bob grief. I saw some of the men's eyes roll when they saw that Bob's overalls zipped up the back. I guess they all felt sorry for Bob.

A few days later, on a Sunday as we went for a walk, I was shocked to see that not only were Bob's arms smooth and hairless, but his legs were also shaven clean. His legs were smooth and slim like a girl's and because of the very short shorts, there was a lot of bare leg to see. He seemed to enjoy wearing tight shorts.

How could he tolerate showing off his new curves and hips! Could it be, that while painful at first, he had gotten used to the corset and that skin tight pants felt good? He wore his usual unisex loafers and short white ankle sox. This time I knew better than to say anything about my new discovery, but I did feel sorry for my best. friend. I wished I could do something about it. Unfortunately, I couldn't think of a thing.

Later, at our house, I noticed that Bob seemed to have a lot in common with my wife. She was also dressed in short, short hotpants and was showing him some of her embroidery work. He seemed to know very well what she was talking about. They went to her sewing room because she wanted to show him a new dress. What a crazy thing. What man would be interested in seeing a woman's dress?

Dot and Bob came out a little while later and sat in the living room chattering about the sewing project. I wondered what Dot said that made Bob listen and giggle like that. Eventually, they joined me again and we played some ping pong.

Finally, the summer work schedule began. Bob had

SUBSTITUTE DAUGHTER -17

to spend more time at the bar, but still had some free time. We went swimming, walking, and played golf and generally had a grand time. Bob grew a little, but his waist stayed trim and his shoulders stayed narrow and boyish. His added height seemed to give him a trimmer figure. Bob's calves were never very developed and always looked more like a woman's than a man's.

Bob became more resistant to the influences of his mother-in-law, but they had frequent heated arguments. Eventually, Bob lost these discussions and he still had to do all those feminine things at home wearing his apron. Mary was even teaching him how to cook.

Eventually, the people of our little town became accustomed to Bob in his "playsuit" and small wonder, he was well liked. He always had a friendly word and smile for everyone and often did errands for elderly people. He jogged along the same route and he saw so many people that I guess he was no longer self-conscious about his outfit.

One of the rich residents of our town, an old widow for whom Bob often did errands, had told him that he and a few of his friends could play tennis on her court whenever we wanted. We were all very excited. Our small, country club never did have any courts and this was a real treat.

Just about that time Bob had a terrible argument with Ms. Mary about his clothing and the housework. He didn't want to ask her about tennis clothes, but when he found out how much they cost, he didn't want to spend that much money. I did mention it at his home, however, and Mary decided to show how "nice" she was and offered to make a set of tennis clothes for Bob.

"No...no...please. . .I'll wear this," he said pointing to his "playsuit."

"Nonsense," his mother-in-law replied, "I'll get started on it right away. I still have some money left over from your last week's pay to get some material. Don't worry Bobby...they will be ready in a day or two."