Transvestia

Denise was employed as half-owner of a prominent beauty shop and beauty college in downtown Gary. Between her income and mine we did not want for anything which we desired. We did as we wished until tragedy struck. One night on the way home from a party, a car in which Denise and I were passengers, was struck from behind by a driver who was drunk. Denise was seriously injured, receiving fractures of the left leg and severe internal injuries. I received a bad whiplash type injury and also internal injuries.

I had almost recovered in about three months but Denise was con- fined to our apartment because her leg was not healing properly. She was becoming very depressed and hard to live with. One day she re- marked to me that leg or no leg she had to go back to work. When I heard Denise's plan I vehemently said no and told her so. An argument ensued during which Denise revealed to me that her partner intended to take court action to acquire Denises' half of the Beauty Shoppe if the back payments were not paid within 30 days. This action was allegedly because of the long absence of Denise.

"If only I could find someone to carry on in my place I would be able to maintain my share of the business. But I only have one month to find a person to take my place and that is almost impossible to do now."

From across the room I replied, "Not only would it be hard to find someone who was able to handle the shoppe but it would also be diffi- cult to find someone who could be trusted not to throw in with your so-called partner, Marie.”

Denise gazed across the room at me and sadly agreed and then sud- denly asked how much I loved her. Needless to say I was more or less confused at this rather sudden remark and then asked her why she ques- tioned my love for her.

"I don't really doubt your love for me, I would just like to know if you would carry on in my place."

"Carry on in your place!! I don't even know the first thing about the beauty shop business and further more a man has no place running a beauty shop which is nothing more than a gossip place for women!"

Denise laughed at this outburst and then to my astonishment she laughed and agreed with me that a man has no place in a Beauty shop. She went on to explain that only a woman could take her place in the

3