RELUCTANT PRESS

until all was perfect. The final item was a pair of wrist-length pink French lace gloves.

It was only then that they allowed Shelley to see herself. Needless to say, the faux-girl was totally stunned. She had known that she appeared to be a pretty girl, but after the make-over and wearing the darling flower girl dress, she looked like an ethereal fairy princess. The girl reflected in the mirror was the very epitome of girlishness!

Shelley shivered with delight, knowing that there was no way anyone would ever dream that she was really a boy!

At the same time, a primeval scream echoed silently in her brain as her anguished masculinity realized that he'd been betrayed! How could he ever go back to being a boy now that he knew that he could appear so girlish? Every time he'd look in a mirror, he'd be looking for the signs of his obviously innate girlishness.

Now that he was aware of how delightful wearing such exquisite clothes felt, he'd always feel pangs of longing and jealousy when he'd see a prettily-dressed girl, wanting to experience what she was feeling, to appear like she looked, to acquire the admiring gazes and compliments that such a girl would receive. Sheldon would never be able to return to the idyllic life of a normal, happily ignorant, sloppy boy.

Yet despite this realization, Shelley was so delighted with the way she looked and felt that she pushed the horrid thoughts from her mind. Reverting back to Sheldon was in the future--this was TODAY! This was Shelley's day. It was also the first and only time Shelley held the spotlight with her girlishness. She was determined to make it a most memorable and auspicious day, a day she could recall with pride for the rest of her life.

As Shelley joined the excited, nervous women, they all complimented her. Several commented that she would surely grow up to be a very beautiful girl. Shelley modestly thanked them. Then it was time to get to the church.

When they arrived, they went straight to the waiting area. The corsages were pinned to their dresses, bouquets were handed out, and Shelley was given the white wicker bas-

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TWO LITTLE GIRLS

By JENNIFER SUE

ket containing the flower petals with which to strew the aisle. The sounds of the organ prelude filtered into the room. Everyone was giggling and whispering. Then it was time.

One by one, the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. Shelley waited with butterflies in her stomach, watching as they regally walked between the filled pews.

Then it was Shelley's turn. Remembering to smile, she stepped off, holding the basket with her left hand as she picked up a handful of flower petals. With the next step, she scattered the handful of petals before her. The pattern was repeated as she made her way down the aisle. Step pick up petals, step scatter petals.

She was about half-way down the aisle when she realized the pews were filled with people! Of the people on the left side, she recognized only a few faces, none well. But of those on the right side, she recognized virtually everyone. Many she had known since her birth! For a brief moment her steps faltered as panic that they surely had to recognize her swept over her.

As her eyes darted amongst the smiling faces looking to see if anyone saw through her charade, she saw Cindy peering back from the first pew, smiling broadly. Cindy noticed the twinge of panic on Shelley's still smiling face, and instantly understood the dilemma. As their eyes met, she winked and gave Shelley a "thumbs up" signal. It was all Shelley needed. With her spirits bolstered, she loosened up and completed her task.

The organ music swelled as the organist switched to the bridal march. Every eye focused on Linda as she and her father made their way down the aisle. Shelley, like many others, felt tears of joy filling her eyes.

As the ceremony proceeded, Shelley thought as she watched her handsome big step-brother. Perhaps someday, Sheldon would be wearing a tuxedo and hold the hand of his bride. But at the moment, she felt more envious of lovely Linda. The gown was quite beautiful. Memories of the comments by the bridesmaids that she would make a lovely bride filled her heart with longing. For the first time, she wished

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