Jack and Jill by Trudy - 5 - What More?

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Jack and Jill by Trudy - 5 - What More?


By Jessica C

Chapter 11
Come eight o’clock, Trudy comes up with the idea of skipping around the store hand in hand. Half way around I trip not use to the heels. Trudy decides to fall down beside me. Trudy, “Jill, sit against the cola display.” Three little girls come over and Jack pulls out a book, “Would you like Jill read you a story.” Sure enough the book is “Jack and Jill and other Rhymes” and the girls sit down perfectly behaved and listen as I begin to read. Two more children are seated by the end. Two other mothers and children come as we finish and we read the nursery rhyme once more. Three more parents are now hoping we will read the story one more time.

Trudy speaks up, “We’re going to fall down over by the bakery counter. So if it is okay we will read to them over there?” Trudy compliments me on how I kept my legs together and folded to the side. Over by the bakery Jack falls down first and my tumble after Jack takes away any dignity I had.

Jack reads the nursery rhyme the first time, and Doris treats each of the children to half of a black and white cookie. A diabetic boy is given a buttered roll instead. When we get up having read the story two more times,


=^..^=

Mrs. Kendral, the wife of the store owner, is there to greet us. Hannah Kendral says, “I would like to invite you girls over to our house for dinner Sunday if your parents will allow you to come.”

Trudy answers, “I think our parents were hoping for this to come to an end Saturday. We can ask, a one day extension probably shouldn’t be too long.”

I hesitate to ask, “Mrs. Kendral as you probably know I’m not a girl; would I need to come dressed as Jill?”

“Yes Mr. Greene, I know you’re not, but yes, I would like you come as Jill if you would. I will like to take some pictures then if it is okay?” I curtsy and Trudy bows as we say “Yes, Mrs. Kendral”, pending our parents approval. Mrs. Kendral takes one picture now. “I must say, you both look and act exceptionally for your nursery rhyme characters. I’ve even heard that Jill’s outfits change every day, is that true?”

Trudy speaks up, “Yes, we’re treating her like a regular girl; you know the same outfit wouldn’t do,” she giggles. …Mrs. Kendral smiles, “Who’s we?”

Trudy smile as as she tells her, “O, her Mom, sister and now my mom helps and girls at both schools have taken interest in Jill.” Trudy and Mrs. Kendral walk away talking and I get back to work behind the counter.

Come time to leave at 9:00 p.m., Doris asks me to resupply the cosmetics. Posted there are pictures of me as Jill, Rosie as a Gypsy, two princesses and two Twilight girls. Doris has lists of some of the makeup from each. If I hadn’t learned and worked the cosmetic area, I would not have realized we were having a favorable impact on the costumers. A lot our kinds of makeup has been bought just tonight.

< o O o >

Derek comes to give me a ride home, but so has my Mom. And my Grandma is with my Mom. I was not expecting my grandmother to see me dressed as Jill. Grandma has a poker face as she speaks, “I wanted to come and see my new granddaughter come this Halloween.”

'Why am I the one who is out of the loop?' This is so embarrassing. Mom takes a picture just in case I wondered if I turned red with embarrassment.

Derek asks to take me out for ice cream. Mom giggles, “It’s a school night so no more than a half hour.” I try to give mom an expression to say ‘No’. Trudy said she will join us. When the three of us get there, I am not too surprised when we are given a booth. I am when Derek scoots in next to me. Surprised is one thing, uncomfortable is another. Derek takes a picture, and says is for his younger brother. “Squirt says, you doing this, has broken the ice for him and others. He’s going to be Princess Leia tomorrow.”

I start to say… Derek interrupts, “I know you say, you’re not like him, but he thinks otherwise and if it gives him courage and helps him to feel good, I am thankful. Someone has even asked me if I will dance with you come Friday. But I want to make sure it won’t embarrass you or upset Trudy here?” I don’t have the nerve to tell a 250 pound knight ‘No’.

When Trudy gets up to use the restroom, our waitress Elaine realizes I need to use the restroom as well. She says to me, "My girlfriend Traci will go with you if that would help.” Traci quickly comes over, she checks the restroom after Trudy and then waves me in. “I wouldn’t have known if Elaine hadn’t told me. You make a very convincing girl.” We continue to talk. “I really like your leggings; you have the legs for them. I just wish you hadn’t worn the skirt, though it does look part of the outfit.” She smiles as I come out, properly done up and she is amused by my comfort in touching up my makeup and hair. “Way to go girl.” I thank her and offer to pick up her bill but she says ‘No’.

We’re home at 10:10 and for some reason I kiss Derek on the cheek as I say thanks for the ride and ice cream.

Nana pulls me into the kitchen as I come through the door. I am compelled to do the girly things of turning all the way around, letting grandmother fuss over my skirt, sweater and how well I look in leggings. She moves over and I am to sit next to her. She gives me a hug and visits speaking to me as Melanie.

Mom says, “I have already laid out your stuff for tomorrow in Sara’s room as well as your night clothes. Nana will use your room tonight. Your Grandma wants to see Jill get ready for Halloween.”

Grandma seems to enjoy teasing me, “My young lady, you have a fair wardrobe and selection of makeup for just a few days. Are you sure this is not a change in lifestyle?”

I say, “Why does everyone say that?" I turn to mom, "Mom, Mrs. Kendral has invited Trudy and me to dinner Sunday as Jack and Jill. We need your permission but it would be okay with me if you say ‘No’. And I wished you had said ‘No’ to Derek.”

She speaks up to get the point across to me, “If you already said ‘Yes’ to her you have my permission. Did you say, Yes?”

I say, “You know I did, but you need to help me.”

Mom again underscores her words to me,“It is just one more day and if you didn’t want to do it you should have spoken for yourself. It would put your father and his business in a bad position to say no afterwards. Your Father doesn’t mind being here for you; if he would lose any customers because of you being a girl, he will handle that.”

Grandma asks, “Can I do your nails if they are to be different for tomorrow?”

We agree that I will shower and get ready for bed first. It takes more time to take off my makeup and cleanse my face as it is more elaborate than the other days. Sara tells me she will do my hair as well she will roll my curls so I won’t damage them as I sleep.

I do as told and I am sitting downstairs in my camisole and pajama pants with Sara rolling my hair and Grandma doing my nails. Since I deny being a girl, Grandma is talking to Sara and Mom about me. They’re done in thirty minutes as I work on my report as we talk. I proofread and print it off my report before I go to sleep. Getting to sleep with rollers in my hair and with Halloween to be officially here in the morning and getting to sleep is not easy. Sara tells me Melanie was talking in her sleep. Sleeping with rollers in my hair is among a number of new experiences I have being a girl.

< =^..^=>

Today’s outfit is simple enough the light blue cotton skirt with straps crisscrossed in the back and straight down the front. “Mom, this isn’t the skirt I am to wear! The petticoat and skirt are too short. The cotton blouse is pretty but it opens too far down in front.”

I am thankful for little favors like the pantyhose being the same color all the way up and I have learned how to kneel down in short skirts. Grandma does not allow me to take my makeup and do it away from her. A boy doesn’t necessarily see it as a compliment when his grandma compliments his ability to do her makeup, yet won’t let him do his own without her help.

Sara has her computer on in the kitchen with a camera connection to Trudy, so we can see each other as we are ready for school. A friend’s sister stops over to give me a ride to school saying it is her turn. I wanted to date her that was my initial reason to become her brother’s friend. Her brother is now wearing her cheerleading uniform. Steve says, “There are probably more crossovers today than normal. And they’ve are seriously attired in good femme style due to the help of a girlfriend or by sisters and classmates.”

Word is one second floor girls’ room is reserved for girls like us. Sandy and Deb however tell me the rule is for others not me. Mrs. Roberts is amused when I hand in my report in a day early. “Mel, I’m not sure which one I am addressing, but if I get my wish, I will see Melanie here tomorrow and next week. Melvin doesn’t usually have his reports on time nor legible.”

I tell her, “I assure you it is just a coincidence I am dressed as Jill, I already had it done.” I'm not getting so much extra attention today as everyone is in costume.

With my luck the day does not go smoothly. I am called to the office shortly after lunch. The library has received two copies of the Courier News, with me featured on the front page of area news. I am misquoted, “Saying the school wouldn’t have the nerve to allow me to wear the weighted pregnancy bump harness.”

Ms. Braun greets me, “You should not have publicly challenged the school like that.” The Principal calls us both into his office, “Young Greene, we have an excellent high school health program. I have just had a call from and talked to the Superintendent on the phone. He is requesting you and your parents to attend Monday’s School Board Meeting.”

I blurt back at him, “You can’t take the reporter’s word over mine?”

He says, “I have already confirmed that she talked with you on this very subject.”

“Yes, but she has it wrong. I didn’t say, Two weeks or two months I’m almost half way through a two week challenge. I think this week has taught me all that I need to know.”

The Principal is trying to hold his cool but I know he’s steaming. “I for one think you are the one greatly mistaken. How long do you think a good challenge of changing the weights and the size of the bump would take to give you a good experience?”

I reflect a moment and say, “Mr. Lawrence, I have an Aunt due to have a baby in February. If you want I would be willing to follow her in her shoes and make a report but I don’t think a guy can do justice to such a report in two weeks. Especially during the busy time of year we are coming into.”

The Principal asks, “Do you think you and your Aunt are close enough that between now and her delivery in February you could come close to doing it justice?”

I say, “Principal Lawrence, I just want to get through Halloween and not talk about this now, but sure we’re close.”

He says with a smirk, “Well then I will let you go and seek to get a recommendation ready for when you meet with the school board.”

I relax, “Then I’m not in trouble and am free to go?”

He says, “No. You are not in trouble; I appreciate your ideas. Ms Braun has the note inviting you and your parents to the Board meeting. Take it and you are free to go.”

My stomach is in knots and I need to quickly go to the restroom before I make a mess. Several girls giggle when they see me come out of a stall. “Was it that much of an emergency that you couldn’t make it upstairs?” I apologize and said it was, describing my blight much to their amusement.

Word is out that I have agreed to something with Principal Lawrence.

=^..^=

Today of all days I have to walk home. It is cool and damp aa the wind swirls around my legs. I have Goosebumps all over and I am turning blue by the time I get home. Mom too is upset about my remarks in the paper and not surprised about the meeting with the School Board. “Mom, I met with Principal Lawrence. He too was very upset but he cooled down and we reached a good understanding by the time I left. I will only have to do a report with Aunt Marti’s help.”

Mom says, “Well, you need to get ready for Trudy to pick you up. She asks for your makeup to be a little brighter for work today. She also asked, if I thought a little padding would be out of line. So I suggest you put on a fresh blouse, do your makeup for evening wear and I will be in with the lift pads in a moment.” I’m running on automatic pilot, not wanting any more arguments.

I ask for Grandma’s help with makeup, but she gives me over to Sara. Sara makes sure I wash my upper body right, making sure I don’t scrub like a guy or use my old soap. Patting myself dry she smiles and leaves me to finish on my own. I used my girl’s deodorant and lightly use powder so I don’t chaff.

Luckily, I call Sara back as I am already putting in the pads wrong in my bra. Sara says, “Since you have breast forms you might not notice how that actually feels; but other women would see it and wonder why you don’t feel it?” I pay attention so not to make the same mistake in the future. Sara compliments, “You do pay close attention, I will credit you that.”

The blouse I put on is a shimmering pink, “Sara, I can’t see this Jill carrying a pail of water?” I move and then I see my mid-section showing. “Sara, this blouse way is too small, I can’t wear this.”

She says, “It is not short that is part of its design. Just be glad, most boys couldn’t carry it off, but you have a pretty mid-section for a girl.”

I'm upset, “No boy, including me, should hear something like that. Mom will not let me go out like this.”

Sis says, “Let me ask you a question Mel, what do you do when Deb or some other good looking girl wears one like it around you?”

I say, “That’s not the point; I’m a red-blooded healthy boy.”

Sara waits tapping her foot, “Okay, just look at it that way when...” She smiles, “This Halloween you are a red-blooded girl out to tease the red-blooded boys.” I turn red as I blush and feel a little nauseous. Trudy and Mom are behind me and I hear them giggle. Mom says, “That settles that, now take your purse and get to work.” Before I could speak, Mom says, “No buts, just shake your hips and get going.”

I slide my hands under my skirt to sit in the car properly. “My Mel, you have come a long way this week. I appreciate what you have done. I am looking forward to the dances tomorrow and Saturday. Do you think the guys and girls at your school will be cool about me being with you?”

I say, "The guys will think I am quite lucky t have you with me.'

When we get out of Trudy’s car, she pulls out a white basket with a white bow made of tooling. Then she kneels and asks, “Will you marry me Jill?” Then I am caught in one of those girl looking times with her staring until I answer. I’m in, “Yes!” I find myself jumping up and down, hugging Jack and playing the part. I pause and Sara’s putting a veil on me that trails down my back to my knees.

Rosie and others are inside congratulating Jack and Jill as a forever couple. “Jill, you need to call your parents to make sure they approve.”

I call home, I get Mom but she gives me over to Dad. “Dad, is it okay if I marry Trudy?”

“Who’s this, where is my daughter Jill?” I had answered as Mel. I give the phone to Trudy get my voice back and take the phone back. “Hi Daddy, Jack just asked me to marry him and I said, ‘Yes’.”

Dad keeps his composure, “I know dear, he asked for your mother’s and my approval the other night. This must be a real treat for the two of you.”

The Store Manager is asking us to please walk around the store so we can greet customers as they come in. We help to hand out candy to Trick or Treaters coming into the store. We’re also asked to read the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme for several groups of children as well as asked to reenact the story.

I am asked again and again about the newspaper story and my causing trouble for the school. Tom calls me aside, “Mel you need to respond constructively so there is no fallout here at the store.”

I say, “For Tom and everyone who is asking: I just want to assure you I talked with our Principal Mr. Lawrence. I apologized and will meet with the school board and have agreed to co-operate with them. If my Aunt agrees I will follow in her footsteps until she has her baby in February.” Everyone including Tom voices their approval by clapping.

Jack gives me a kiss on the cheek whispering, “Will there be little Jack and Jills coming?”

I shake my head over how everything seems to take a life of its own. “I am enjoying doing this with you as I hope you are doing it with me?”

“Mel, this is turning out to be way more fun than I ever imagined. I am especially proud how you have gone along with it. I don’t think any girl could find a guy more cooperative. I think this will be remembered for a long time and never, ever duplicated.” This time she kisses me on the lips. I only wish I had time to savor it. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised as she kisses me again. This time it is with even more affection.

More than a half dozen parents mostly moms thank us for remember their children who need something gluten or sugar free. Each time Trudy gives Jill the credit. I don’t know how or why but three moms got together and presented me with a gift “To be opened later”.


< =^..^= >

Come a little before 7:00 we are sent downtown to represent the store in the Halloween Parade. Even with the sandal heels I am not happy about walking in the three block parade as it will also be another 3  ½ blocks back. I must say, I’ve never seen this many people turn out to walk or see the Halloween Parade.

On our way back, Carol of the Women’s Towne Shoppe presents each of us with a gift. “If it is not the right size you can exchange your gift but there are no refunds.” When we get back to the store Tom quickly says, “You can’t accept gifts as a store employee.”

Trudy shot back, “They’re probably womyn’s clothing so do you want it or you can to tell Ms. Carol Brandt that she needs to take it back. But I wouldn’t be surprised if she checks at DHS’s dance if we’re wearing them. We also got candy as ‘Trick or Treaters, do you want our candy.” Tom quickly backs off and graciously makes an exception.

“Do you really think Carol would expect something like that?” I ask after Tom left.

Trudy knowingly says, “I’m sure of it; she approached me yesterday for sizes, so I knew Tom couldn’t use it.”

“You know what she gave me don’t you? Please tell me,” I said emphatically.

“It is something you can wear tomorrow and I am sure she expects you too.” She teases but won’t tell me anything more. I wish I could get upset with her, but I can’t. Even when we go to the Pizza Tower after work she slaps my hand when I try to open the gift, “Not until I drop you at your house.”

There is a good size group of us, mostly girls. If it were guys we would need to order atleast two more pizzas. Several girls have Trudy and I sign a copy the newspaper article. Another three girls buy a paper at the counter and again we sign their copies. Sandy has me kiss her copy before I sign it. As we leave, someone comments how well I participated in the girl talk.

Trudy remembers an envelope, “To be opened later.” The other girls are as anxious as we are. Trudy opens it, “Sweet, it’s for two free facials.” I respond, “Just what I need.”

Sandy whispers, “Try it before you knock it!” She encourages me to have the facial.

It is after 10:30 p.m. when I get home but Trudy still taps her car horn as I get out. I was not taking the gifts in the house. Sara comes to the door so I have to do it. Sara sees the gift and drags me to the nook where Mom and Grandma are waiting.

Sara sits next to Grandma and I have to stand and open the gift. My nails let me slide my fingers under the paper and open the gift without tearing the wrapping as well as take care of the ribbon and bow. “I’m glad it is too small to be an outfit.”

My smile turns to surprise when I find a pretty red dress. Mom checks the size and holds it in front of me. “Not too many junior boys can wear a size eight. Please go and change into it; I want to make sure it fits.” Mom blocks my attempt to sit down and she turns me and gives me a pat on my bottom to get going.

It is a pretty red dress and it is neither too short nor too sexy, though it is sexy enough. There is a short half-slip out on my bed to wear with the dress. Sara comes in and checks the dress and slip. “Melanie, the hem of the slip should be an inch above the hem of you dress.” She loosens the dress and has me hold it up as she scoots up my slip and makes sure it is even all the way around. She zips up the back and smooths out the skirt.

When we go back out to my parents and Grandma, I twirl so they can see it better. Mom remarks, “Only a daughter who is happy with how she looks does that.”

I’m surprised to see Dad. “I hear you are to wear that dress to school. You will need to write a thank you to Carol and the store, do you hear me?” I confirmed hearing his request.

I go back to my room as I have history and math homework to get done. Mom comes in and tells me, “You need to take off the dress and hang it up properly before you resume your studies young lady.” To my mind, a guy doesn’t worry about things like that. “I am very proud of you Mel. I hope you appreciate how special people are treating you. Do you agree how pretty the dress is on you?”

Alone with Mom I feel comfortable telling her, “Thanks Mom; it is kind of nice since I am doing this that I feel like a pretty girl. But please let that be just between you and me.” Mom remarks about it being our mother/daughter secret. I studied, as well as took off my makeup and showered and went to bed just before 1:00 a.m. As a boy I could have been to bed much earlier if only…

To be continued…

Comments, kudos and writing to me the author are greatly appreciated.

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Comments

As expected......

D. Eden's picture

It looks like Melaine will be around for quite a while beyond Halloween. The school board meeting should be very interesting, and Melnie's suggestion to follow along with her aunt will probably become Melanie duplicating her aunt's pregnancy.

Another wonderful chapter!

Dallas

D. Eden

Dum Vivimus, Vivamus

The expected pun

... Mel continually sets Melanie up for a fall, but still might not be conscious of doing so. Yes the meeting should be interesting. The next chapter shall be up Saturday or Sunday, thanks Dallas.

Hugs, JessieC

Jessica E. Connors

Jessica Connors

Ah How I love

the Fourth Estate. I see that most likely Melanie will be faux-pregnant till February as well as shadowing her Aunt.

Wonderful story, Mel seems to be slowly coming to understand what future she wants.

Goddess Bless you

Love Desiree

Can denial be so strong...?

There are those of us who can believe denial can be so strong because we lived it. Thankfully sometimes we begin traveling the journey. Mel is getting there :)

Hugs to you and other Goddesses who travel with us.

JessieC

Jessica E. Connors

Jessica Connors

Off with her head

Just think the reporter should suffer for their misquotes, I hate lies in the press.

Kind of agree, but...

If she hadn't done it, Mel's experience wouldn't be as interesting likely over soon. Like in real life Mel not the reporter will be bearing the consequences.

Hug, JessieC

Jessica E. Connors

Jessica Connors

The Media NEVER

Renee_Heart2's picture

Get's it right & always misquotes people to their benefit! I think Mel will get a rude awakening what it is like to be pregnant till feb. I think she can do it though.

I think Melanie is here to stay for some time. If not for life.

Love Samantha Renee Heart

Taking a day at a time...

Mel will get a rude awakening He he there has to be some cost for being a girl, if it happens? The nice thing about having to do something and not worming one's way out, there is nothing to compare to such an experience.

It is part of Jill falling down hill.
Hugs, JessieC

Jessica E. Connors

Jessica Connors

Ok Jess....

Why do I get the feeling Melvin's being pushed deeper into all this girl stuff? All though he's not complaining much, I don't think it's something he would've done on his own. IMHO. That being said, Mel's certainly embracing the Melanie within and being all that she can be! This sorta reminds me of another little known story called Belle somethin' or other, (insert snicker giggles here!) By a li'l girl named Jaci, you might have heard of it maybe? (Still giggling). Anywho, so any bets on whether Melvin survives the girly girl on slaught? I'm going with no, Melanie's here and nobodies interested in seeing the boy again (which is ok as long as it's Melanie's decision).I alway enjoy your stories sweetie! Loving Hugs Talia

Surviving Mel has done, living is something else...

IYHO that what comments are made of and what makes them interesting. I think there is someone whose interest has changed in her friend Mel as well as his parents... But I like what you say what happens to Melanie is okay if it is okay with Mel(anie).

Hugs ^_^ JessieC

Jessica E. Connors

Jessica Connors