RANSVESTIA

"But we do know now," she said, "and we had better talk this over and reach some decisions." "You're right, Sweetheart," I said and smiled, "I guess I can call you that, can't I?"

"Of course you can,” she smiled back, “but right now let's talk about our problem."

I smiled and lit a cigarette. "Helen, our situation is one that even the kookiest script writer in Hollywood wouldn't believe. Here we are — a beautiful girl an officer in the Marine Corps falls in love with an enlisted man whom she has spent months feminizing. He now has long, bleached hair, and hormone treatments are turning his manly body into a womanly body. Even his voice has started changing. Now, some- thing has happened to them. Only two days ago I was happy being a pseudo woman and didn't want to live a man's life. Right now, I want to be a man and claim you for my wife. Could any two people get in- volved in a more ridiculous situation?”

"It isn't as bad as you think, Greta," Helen replied. "You weren't supposed to know it, but you were appointed a Second Lieutenant the day you started training."

"But I'm dead," I exclaimed, "how can they promote a dead man?"

"Easy," she replied, "a post-humous promotion - actually dated prior to your departure from the States.”

"We're getting away from the subject," I told her, “although one problem is solved, I can now kiss you and love you as an equal; but other problems still rear their ugly heads. What about us — living here as we do? I'm afraid we can't go back to the friendly but impersonal attitudes we had this morning. To be so close to you and yet to have to keep so far away will be unbearable now.”

"I know it will be hard," she said, “but we will have to try to keep our emotions under control. When Uncle Henry comes against next week, maybe he will be able to help us work something out."

“I'd rather he didn't know this just yet, Helen. Do you think we might be able to work a little petting into our schedule?”

"Maybe," she said, smiling, “but I doubt it. A little petting could lead to a little hanky-panky."