FICTION

GOING STEADY

by: A. J. W.

It all started during my freshman year in high school. My folks had died a short time before in an accident and I was sharing an apartment with my older sister, Margie. Fortunately, my parents had left more than enough money for us to live on and complete our educations and on the whole she and I got along with each other except that sometimes her practical jokes got on my nerves.

I was going to an all boys school at the time and when I tried out for the annual play, I was given one of the girl's parts. When I told Margie the news, she started to tease me about it, just as I knew she would.

"Why Jack, I think that is just terrific," she said, putting one hand on her hip and making exaggeratedly feminine gestures with the other. “I always wanted to have a sister and now I'll have one . a little sister named Jacqueline. What fun!"

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"Cut it out, Margie," I said, well aware that my face was turning crimson with embarrassment. "The only reason I told you is that I need your help. I'm playing the part of a teenage girl and the director sug- gested you give me a hand in preparing for the role.”

"Fantastic. Now, you're really talking," she replied with enthusiasm. "That's an assignment I'll accept with the greatest of pleasure. I can think of nothing I'd rather do than change my rude little brother into a pretty Miss." She looked at me appraisingly. “You and I are about the same size. I'll bet my clothes will fit you just fine with some appropriate padding. What size shoes do you wear?"

"8B," I replied.

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