30.

Chieko and Mama-sar were completely amazed Even though they had seen the transformation with their own eyes, they still had a hard time believing it.

"You are absolutely pretty-san", they both chimed in, and began dancing around me and ohing and ahing. joke, you are real American Girl-san, said Mama-san. fix so you can go anywhere without trouble.!

"What do you mean, #1 Iasked,

##

"NO

"I

Chieko interrupted, "Mama-san know #1 high GI papa- san at Base who make American Dependent ID cards...she get one for you with your picture as girl-san on it. Then you can go anywhere without trouble, and I can be your maid-girl, Isn't that joto (wonderful)," she shril-

led in excitement.

"Wonderful?" Wow....I hardly imagined anything like this. I was almost swooning with joy and happinesss Cheiko and I went out that afternoon and went to Fukuoka the next morning, Fukuoka was the 3rd largest city in Kyushu and had the most department stores, and the best entertainment facilities on the island.

When we left our apartment, I carried a small suit- case with another day dress, some change of underclothes and an evening dress. I wore the same outfit I had had on the day before and I was completely sure of myself Chieko did all the talking, which was not at all un commen, for in Japan an American Dependent always takes her maid with her to interpret and act as a guide and handmaiden. So off we went by train. We sat in the 1st Class compart- ment and Chieko had thought to buy a cheap set of wedding and engagement rings so I would not be accosted by Ameri- can soldiers looking for a pick-up.

*

In fukuoka we checked into a fine hotel and ate din- T ner. hen, we went shopping and spent the rest of the day as two girls should. After supper we went to the movies, walked about town for a bit and went back to the hotel for a much needed rest. We were both so excited that I looked so pretty and Chieko knew we would never be suspected of