RANSVESTIA

My hanky being totally inadequate, he had to give me his large one, which smelled of cologne and finally my face was dry. He looked at me and started to smile. Like a real girl, I suddenly knew that I must look a mess, my makeup all smudged. What a sight I must be. Quickly I took off the spotted apron, blushing like a rose, when he gave my figure the eye. It made me mad that at that moment, the only thought I had, was that at least I was wearing a freshly ironed dress that fitted well. Imagine a boy having such thoughts. One of the bloodspots had soaked through though and I carefully held the folded apron in front to hide that spot on my dress.

The policeman finally drove me home, making complimentary remarks all the way. He had me blushing the entire trip, and even smiling at this Blarney occasionally.

When I entered the house, I almost turned to escape. Mother had a covey of women, all neighbors apparently, as I vaguely recognized some of their faces. Mrs. Rosalia was there, also. It was good that we had always kept pretty well to ourselves. I would have died if any of them had recognized me as a boy, being dressed like a girl. Mother proudly introduced me as her daughter Christine and the women started to fawn over me, saying how pretty I was and how quickly and nicely I had helped Jimmy. I was so overwhelmed, that I did not know what to do or to say. Except for an inane, "It was nothing."

I wanted to get out of there quickly though. Pointing to the spot on my dress, I asked to be excused. Mother agreed and said to my disgust: "Hurry up, Christine. Get into something pretty and then you can help me serve the coffee."

I looked at mother. She was no help at all. I could see she was all excited. She never had that many visitors at once. She positively oozed pride in her daughter and the compliments praising my looks, sweetness and God knows what else.

In the semi quiet of my room, I had a chance to reflect. It was a real calamitous situation. But at least it was not of my own doing. I had spontaneously reacted as a human being to help another. That was not bad. I had not wanted to play girl. It just had happened. Of course I had no alternative but to pick a dress. I did not want to make the wrong impression. So I chose a simple pink sweater and

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