"I know it has been very difficult for us; but we have each other and that helps. We have a few friends that accept us but we've lost some, too, who wouldn't or couldn't understand what we are." she said. "But you must have gone through Hell — being alone and knowing you were different than all the people around you."

"Yes," I said, "it has been lonely and frustrating. Frightening, too, at times." I told her about my classmates discovering me at the drive-in. "Hey, it's getting late," I exclaimed, "we'd better hurry if we're going to catch the first act at the night club!"

"Relax," Norinne said, "I'm not so sure I want to go night clubbing now. I'd like to see you dressed. Jimmy was very complimentary about you as a girl."

“O.K., Ma'm,” I smiled, "I'd like you to meet my good friend "Vivian” which, incidentally, is my own first name." We drove to my cottage. "There's anything you want to drink in the kitchen from Coke to Scotch," I told her as I hung up her coat, "help yourself while I get into something comfortable."

I practically tore my clothes off and took a thirty second shower. I hurriedly put on some underthings while deciding what to wear. I decided on a dark green suit with white blouse and accessories. Black shoes and purse were donned to complete my dressing. Dangly pearl earrings and necklace went on after I had put on my makeup - and lastly an auburn, shoulder length wig. I decided not to take time to put on nail polish; so I made a final scrutiny in the full length mirror and walked into the living room.

Norinne looked at me for a long time said, “Hi, Vivian, you're a knockout!"

it seemed then smiled and

"Thanks, Norinne,” I replied, smiling back at her, "I think I need a drink," and finished hers.

She stood up, walked all around me twice and then said, “Yes, Vi, you are beautiful. May I use your phone?"

"Certainly," I said, "It's on the stand by the window," and went into the kitchen to refill her drink and make one for myself. As I poured, I noticed that my hands weren't trembling as they usually did when I ap- peared before someone the first time as Vivian. I had a good feeling that I had found someone I had been looking and wishing for a long time.