RANSVESTIA

The next morning I arose early and dressed in a becoming pants suit. I ate a light breakfast and headed to the office. When I arrived I found out that Mr. Stockton and Mr. Wise were already waiting for me in the conference room. I walked to the door and as I knocked I was wonder- ing what was going to become of all this.

"Lois," Mr. Wise said as the door opened, "what are you doing here?"

"Hello, Mr. Wise," I replied somewhat mixed up, “didn't Mr. Stock- ton tell you?"

"No, I didn't Lois, I mean Rick. I thought I'd wait until you got here to let him know he had in fact lost," Mr. Stockton replied proudly.

"You mean this is Rick?" Mr. Wise was astonished at what he saw. "I' can't believe it! And to think I enjoyed dancing with you at Betty's party," he said with some embarrassment. "Well, since you finished fourth I guess I've lost the bet. I'll have a check in the mail tomorrow and will start preparations to move the paper."

"Wait a minute," I interrupted, "I think we will all agree that this bet was foolish and was only made out of anger. I have had so much fun this past year that I feel it would be wrong to hold you to the part about the paper. I am willing to forget that part if you are, Mr. Stockton. I'll ac- cept the money as it will help me in the life I plan to lead. All I ask from you, Mr. Stockton, is that I can keep my job as a woman reporter and nothing is to be said about Lois being Rick in either paper.

Mr. Stockton and Mr. Wise both agreed to forget it and promised not to reveal my true identity. Although Mr. Stockton could not understand why I wanted to remain Lois, he agreed to let me stay on as a woman re- porter because of the good job I was doing. We all shook hands and left the conference room much better friends than ever before.

I got the rest of the day off and went to see Connie. I explained what happened at the office and told her how much I enjoyed being Lois.

"You mean you want to be Lois more than Rick?” Connie asked al- most in tears.

"Yes, Connie," I explained, "if you don't want to see me anymore because of...