FICTION

LA SHOPPE BEAUTE

Rita - Ind.

The day was a clear crisp fall afternoon with a touch of winter in the air as I walked down the street towards the Beauty Shop where I am employed. My 3" high heels clicked sharply against the sidewalk as I turned onto Broadway. Walking along I was very conscious of my long brunette hair waving in the gentle breeze blowing off of lake Michigan. I stopped for the stop light at 6th Ave. and stepping off the curb for the walk light, crossed the street and walked half-way down the block. I turned into a Beauty Shop known as the "La Shoppe Beaute'.” I am smiling to myself as I open the door. If you are curious I shall tell you the tale of this unusual house of feminine beauty.

As far as the people of Gary, Ind. are concerned, I am Rita O'Brien, a rather tall, fairly attractive, brunette beautician who works for her sister Denise, owner of the "La Shoppe Beaute'." The strange part of this story is that only Denise and I know that I am really her husband PAUL!!!!

Yes, I am a male and have been all the 28 years of my life. However, during the past year I have forsaken my masculine roll in life for the feminine existence of Rita O'Brien. I originally accepted the part of "Rita" as a favor but now I would not give up the roll I have come to love so well.

In June of 1966 I met and fel in love with Denise. At the time I was employed as collection manager by a local finance company. We soon were married and had an apartment of our own. At the time of the wed- ding Denise had only a very few relatives and insisted on a quiet wedding I was a rather quiet type myself so I had no objections.

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