RELUCTANT PRESS

Helen and Cindy watched the trio approach the house. Both smiled as they noted the quick acceptance of Shelley by the men of the family. They were pleased to see Shelley's meek acceptance of her new role as a sweet girl.

Once inside the home, Barry released Shelley's hand and went with Fred to wash their hands. Cindy simply headed into the dining room to take her place at the table.

Once the men were seated, Helen had Shelley bring the steaming meal to the table. A special bowl of soup had been prepared for Cindy since she obviously couldn't chew with her jaw broken. Once everything was in place, Helen and Shelley joined the rest of the family. Everyone smiled and watched closely as a very red-faced Shelley, still wearing the dainty pinafore, cautiously smoothed his skirts as he sat, then fastidiously arranged his skirts to demurely cover his lap.

As was their custom, the entire family folded their hands and bowed their heads for prayer. Fred, as head of the family, spoke. "Dear Lord, we thank you for that which we are about to receive. We also thank you for sparing Cindy any permanent harm from Sheldon's misguided deed. The devil was surely behind his jealous actions. We ask that you forgive him, and help him accept his earthly punishment. We also ask that you judge him on the basis of his cooperation in rectifying the problems created by his actions. When Sheldon did that dastardly thing, he was obviously in league with the devil. Now, it is plain that as Shelley, he has become a sweet, angelic child. We ask that he truly learns to be as angelic and pure as he appears. In your son's name we pray, Amen."

Sheldon blinked back tears of shame, humiliation, hope, and fear. Shame that he had fallen victim to the devil's bidding, humiliation since he had to admit that he was truly dressed and appeared to be an angelic girl, hope that all would be forgiven as he did his best to fill in for Cindy, and fear that he would learn to be an angelic and pure girl!

Soon, the table buzzed with conversation as the family dug into the delicious meal. Sheldon kept his thoughts to himself as his mother coached him on how to behave like a

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TWO LITTLE GIRLS

By JENNIFER SUE

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