RANSVESTIA

"Mrs. Rosalia is not a gypsy, mother. In fact, she isn't even Spanish like her husband was. She's Irish."

"So? Same thing."

Wonderful logic, huh? As a matter of fact, mother and Mrs. Rosalia were the closest of friends most of the time. But occasionally, som- thing would happen, and mother would storm and rage about "the gypsies" for a while. Fortunately, Mrs. Rosalia was as generous and good-natured as they come, and she always made overtures to my mother, which my mother accepted as her due, and which Mrs. Rosalia freely gave, so that they would become even closer friends than before. On the average, I would say that these storms occured about once a week, every week. I had had the poor fortune to bring home my list on the wrong day, and as a result, found myself the owner of a complete ensemble of girl's clothes - and I do mean com- plete. I will quote from the list we were given: "Each freshman boy will appear on Friday, wearing the following items: A suitable dress (or blouse and skirt), flats or baby heels (high heels are not permitted, nor are bobby sox and loafers), nylons (boys with hairy legs will shave them clean before appearing at school - or else). In addition, each boy will wear the following lingerie (pink is required, although either pale yellow or a floral print will be accepted): full-length slip, panties, panty girdle, and padded brassiere. These items will be worn. to and from school, during school and to and from the initiation party Friday night. Each boy will present himself to the senior girl who has been assigned as his "big sister" for the day, and she will take care of his makeup." That's what the mimeo said but there was more to it. This was a very old tradition at the school, and the school authorities permitted it, although they supposedly kept an eye on things, to make sure no one was abused in any way. Also, it was wide- ly circulated that any freshman boy who did not comply with the re- quirement a hundred percent would be dealt with by the senior boys. No one was sure just what this entailed, and no one seemed anxious to find out. Freshmen are still so awed and scared their first week, that they'd believe anything. Oh I forgot one other thing there was a competition for the "prettiest boy" at the school party both the boy and his "big sister" got to have their pictures in the school yearbook, if they won. Most of the boys would have just as soon declined the honor, but the girls were very keen on it.

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I thought that once the initiation was over, I would be all done