Author's notes: If anyone wishes to archive this story, please E-mail me at donna-allyson@yahoo.com with your request and the address of the site where the story will be located. If you intend to post any of my stories on a dedicated XXX rated Hard-core site, or any site that charges a fee to enter, Don't even bother to ask. I will not permit this.

If your looking for a story with strong sexual activity in it, this is not the one for you. Although there will be some sexual expressions made, they will be of an "educational" level. However, I must emphasize that this is an adult story and the reader must be at least 18 years old. This is a story of a mother's love for her child and her unorthodox way of assuring her child learns the lessons of respect for others and how her child unexpectedly responds to her methods. This story is one with a strong transgender and transsexual nature. This is not a sequel to the "Saga of Joe Bates".

However, I have use some of that author's characters and references to support this story. My story line will only use these characters as necessary to support this story and it's conclusion. This re-write contains the entire story including the long promised Part 2.

 

Shawnlea

by Donna-Allyson
© 2001

 

Book One, The Beginning.

 

Main Character Cast:
Shawn O'Malley:	Our Hero(ine)
Kathleen O'Malley	Shawn's Mother
Frances O'Malley	Shawn's younger sister
Susan Carey	Kathleen's sister
David Carey	Susan's Husband
Cassie Carey	Shawn's Cousin
Kevin (Karen) Hargraves	Shawn's friend
Janet Hargraves	Kevin's mother and Kathleen's close friend
Tracy Williams	Shawn's Transgendered friend and Karen's cousin
Matt Williams	Tracy's father
Lisa Moore	Tracy's friend
Kelly Hardings	Tracy's friend
Vince Bolling	Shawn's tormentor (More about him in Book 2)
Sister Angelica	Principal at St. Mary's
Jo-Ellen Nolan	Honeybone-Phoenix CEO Kathleen's Boss
Dr. Krell	Gender Dysphoria Specialist

(Read the Saga of Joe Bates at Sapphireplace.com)

Enjoy. Donna-Allyson E-mail donna-allyson@yahoo.com

 

Prologue

Spring in New England is a time of renewal. Crocuses start to push their way up thru the warming soil still covered with a patchwork of melting snow. Robins return, skittering to and fro, looking for a mate and a place to build their nests, lilacs and forsythia bloom. Everywhere the signs of new birth and renewal. For the natives of this area it can never be replaced by time or distance.

Into this season was born Kathleen O'Conner. The youngest of four children of Sean and Brenda O'Conner, both third generation descendants of Irish immigrants with the strong Irish-Catholic traditions of their forebears. They made their home as did their parents in Lawrence Massachusetts a small city in the northeastern corner of the state, 25 miles north of Boston.

There was nothing unusual about her early years. She was raised along with her two older sisters and brother in an environment that revolved around church and family. She attended St. Patrick's Church and Grammar School like her siblings and finally graduated from St. Mary's High School.(for Girls Class of 1980. She started work in the Honeybone Computer Division factory as an assembler and took courses in business and personnel management at night at the local community college. Kathleen used the local bus routes to commute back and forth to work and school and it was on the bus that she met her future husband Frank O'Malley. Frank was a driver for the MVTA.

From the very first time that Kathleen had stepped onto Frank's bus He was her 'captive'. Frank knew from that moment that he was in 'love'. He was mesmerized by her simplistic beauty. Her long red hair flowing over her small frame as well as her light complexion, gave no doubt as to her Irish ancestry. Her genuine smile and friendliness was all that it took to capture Frank. In time, Frank and Kathleen dated, became engaged and were finally married at St. Patrick's Church in June of 1984, after a delightful three year courtship. To all that knew them, it was obvious that they devoted to each other.

Kathleen loved Frank dearly. She fully expected to fulfill her obligation to Frank by bearing and raising his children. She very much wanted to be a good wife and loving, caring mother. These were the traditions taught to her by her mother and father and she fully intended to carry out these responsibilities to the fullest no matter what it took to accomplish them.

Their first child was born in April of 1985. They named their new son Shawn. Frank and Kathleen were so proud of their first born. At every opportunity they would make a show by placing him in a carriage and together take him for a stroll for the neighbors to see. The ritual was carried out in the evenings when Frank and Kathleen got home from work. Kathleen's mother had been terrific doing baby sitting for them so that Kathleen could keep her job at Honeybone. Frank would take care of Shawn while Kathleen went to school three nights a week.

And so the days went by, then the months. Life seemed grand to the young couple. They really wanted to have another child. A daughter. It was just a little over a year after Shawn was born that Kathleen was told by her pediatrician that she was pregnant again. The young couple was ecstatic. Maybe this time they would be lucky.

Tragedy was about to strike however. Life was not fair sometimes.

And so our story begins...

Chapter 1 Alone

Kathy had just put Shawn in his crib for the night. Frank was late coming home but since it was Friday night and the downtown area was open late it was not unusual for Frank to work overtime. There was always a shortage of drivers and the overtime was always handy so Frank would always volunteer to stay on for a few hours.

As Kathleen came down the stairs from Shawn's room, the front doorbell rang. Kathleen opened the door. Standing there on the front porch was Tom Gaven, a local policeman and Frank's close friend.

"Hi Tom, what brings you around on a Friday night. I would have thought the department would keep you busy on the weekends?" said Kathleen jokingly.

"Hi Kathy, they do. Friday's are always hectic. Kathy, can I come in. I need to talk to you.

Kathleen sensed a serious tone to Tom's voice.

"Sure Tom, I'm sorry. I should not be so rude."

Kathleen led Tom into the living room. "Can I get you some coffee Tom.?"

"No, no thank you. Kathy please sit down. I have something serious to talk to you about.?"

Kathleen was starting to get worried. Tom was never serious like this before.

It was out of character for him. He was always a lot more jovial.

"Tom, is something wrong. Has something happened to Frank? He is late coming home." Kathleen asked with an edge of fear in her voice.

Frank took Kathleen's hands in his.

"Kathy, there has been an accident with the bus. Frank has been hurt and has been taken to the hospital. Right now, I don't know how serious it is. I was there when they put him in the ambulance but I do know it looked serious."

Kathleen looked at Tom for a long moment. "Tom can you take me to the hospital? I need to go to him."; she said in near panic.

"Of course." Replied Tom.

"I will get Shawn and drop him at my mother's if that is all right with you?"

asked Kathleen

"Do you need some help with him?" Tom asked.

"No. I'll only be a minute." Replied Kathleen as she ran up the stairs..

Kathleen got Shawn wrapped up in a blanket and carried him downstairs.

Tom took the baby from her while she put on her coat and retrieved her purse.

"Thanks.." Kathleen said as she took Shawn back into her arms. "I'm ready.

Lets go. The worry obvious on her face

Kathleen explain to her mother what was going on and promised to call her as soon as she found out anything. "You go ahead Kathleen, I'll watch the baby, don't worry about a thing. I'll let your father know where you are. I'm sure he will want to come to the hospital as soon as he comes in." said Brenda.

The drive to the hospital was a silent one. Tom knew that Kathy was deep in thought and respected her need for silence.

When they arrived at the hospital emergency room, Tom went to the desk and after talking to the nurse for a few moments, He came back to where Kathy had taken a seat and told her that the doctor would speak to them in a few minutes. Tom took Kathy by the hand and led her down the corridor to a private waiting room.

"Mrs. O'Malley?" said the middle aged man who entered the waiting room after a few minutes. "Yes. Said Kathleen, obviously very worried at this point. "I'm Doctor Michaels. Please sit down." Kathleen sat on the sofa as the doctor took a place beside her. He looked at Tom. "Are you family?" he asked Tom. "He is a close friend of Frank and myself. How is my husband? "asked Kathleen before Tom could reply. The doctor looked at Tom and then turned to Kathleen and took her hand. "I'm sorry." he said sincerely. "We did everything we could."

Kathleen said nothing for a few moments. She just stared at the doctor and then at Tom. Tom sat on the sofa next to Kathleen. Kathleen turned to Tom and reaching out to him, Tom took her in his arms as she burst into spasms of grief.

After several minutes Kathleen regained enough composure to break away from Tom's embrace so that she faced the doctor again. "Why? How? Please doctor, tell me what happened." Kathleen implored.

"Mrs. O'Malley, The injuries that your husband sustained were not in themselves fatal. Without immediate intervention they would have been however. That is why we took him into surgery right away. He had a fractured rib that had punctured a lung and a ruptured spleen. We had most of the damage repaired and was in the final stage of close up when Frank suffered a fatal heart attack. His system was weak from the accident and surgery and we just could not bring him back. I'm sorry. We did everything we could."

Kathleen was obviously in severe emotional shock and when Tom mentioned to the doctor that she was three months pregnant he recommended that she stay overnight for observation. The doctor asked her who her pediatrician was and then called a nurse to aid her. When the nurse arrived with the wheelchair to take Kathleen to a room, Tom identified himself to the doctor as a police officer and after Kathleen was take out of the waiting room, Tom remained with the doctor to gather some official information. Tom went to see Kathleen's parents shortly thereafter to let them know what had happened.

Kathleen was met at the hospital the following morning by her parents and she was release.

The next few days were for Kathleen a total loss. She went through the motions of the wake and funeral without any concept of what she was doing, so deep was her grief. Her parents made all the arrangements. The funeral was held at St. Margaret's Church and Frank was buried in Immaculate Conception Cemetery on a cold blustery late February morning in 1987.

Kathleen's sister Susan and her husband David had flown into Logan airport from their home in Phoenix and Tom had gone into Boston to get them. Susan was to stay with Kathleen for a few days to help her recover and to help with Shawn while David was to stay at the elder O'Malley's.

Kathleen was a strong Irish girl and after a few days she had recovered emotionally enough to resume some semblance of normalcy so that she could return to work at Honeybone the following week. She would however grieve for Frank for a long, long time. Susan had been a wonderful help to her and as she departed for home she told Kathleen that if she ever need a place to stay, she was always welcome to come to Phoenix and move into the empty three bedroom in-law apartment at her home. Kathleen had said that she would keep it in mind. Tom came by a few times after the funeral to see if Kathleen was all right and offer any help he could provide. Kathleen liked Tom as a friend but not romantically and she did not encourage him in that way. Under different circumstances she may have took an interest in him, but as Frank's best friend, Tom was more like a relative. And her intense sense of loss was still too strong to allow her to get involved with another man so soon. Soon his visits became further and further apart and eventually stopped altogether although he did call occasionally to see if he could be of any help. Of course Kathleen would thank him for his consideration but never took his pro-offered help. Even the phone calls ended after a few months. Tom eventually faded out of the picture.

In August 1987, Kathleen gave birth to the daughter that she and Frank had wanted. She named her Frances in honor of Frank. How she wished he could have seen her.

And so life went on and eight years passed. Kathleen continued to work and finished her schooling. She graduated from the local college and received her BA degree in Personnel Management. She eventually caught the attention of Honeybone management and secured a position of assistant personnel manager. In time two more funerals were held as both of her parents eventually passed on.

It was March 1995. Kathleen's father had died the previous month and now that both her parents were dead, she knew that she had to do something . Susan was in Phoenix, Nancy her oldest sister had moved with her husband to Naples, Florida and Greg, her brother was in Germany with his Army unit. Greg was single and a career soldier. He was rarely home and now that his father had died, he would be probably decide to go off on his own.

Her father had left a sizable estate and when divided amongst his four children, each was to received a fairly large settlement. His wish was that each of his grandchildren would receive a good education and had provided each with a trust fund that would cover all the costs for a private secondary school education and college. He had even left sufficient funds to reimburse Kathleen for her costs at the local college. He had been proud of her stamina to work and go to school at the same time. Kathleen being the only one of his children that had gone on to college.

Kathleen found herself alone with two young children and no family close by. Then she remembered the offer made so long ago by her sister Susan. She knew that if she was to make a move, now was the time. Shawn was in the fifth grade and Frances was in the third. They would easily make new friends in a new city. She picked up the phone one quite Sunday in May and called Susan.

Chapter 2 The Move

When Kathleen called Susan and told her that she was thinking of moving to Phoenix, Susan was ecstatic. The only problem was that the apartment had long since been converted into additional living space. Kathleen was not perturbed by this news, explaining that she "had sufficient funds now to buy her own house."

"Good for you Sis." said Susan when she heard this news. "We can put you up for awhile when you get here. It should not take too long to find a house out here. There are a lot of decent places for sale for reasonable prices. Finding a job won't be that hard either. There is lots of work out here."

"Well I hope to be able to get a transfer to Honeybone's plant there in Phoenix. There are a few openings and I may be able to latch onto one of those." Said Kathleen

"Well I don't care if you get one or not Kathy. David and I want you and the kids out here with us and we will cover for you until you find something. Besides what are sisters for anyway?

"Thanks Susan. I can't thank you guys enough for your help. And give Cassie a hug from us."

"Don't mention it again Kathy. Just get your 'buns' out here. Cassie is going to love to have some cousins to visit and play with anyway."

Both girls laughed over the phone at Susan's quip. It was the first time that Kathy had been able to laugh in a long time.

The following day Kathleen arrived at Honeybone early. When Helen Jensen, her manager came into the office Kathleen asked if she could discuss a matter with her.

"What is on your mind Kathy?" Helen asked as Kathleen entered her office.

"Helen, I am very seriously thinking of moving out to Phoenix and live with my sister. I have no family here in this area anymore and I need to do something that will correct this problem. If not for myself, at least for my children. I was wondering if that position at the Phoenix plant is still open and if I could get a transfer there?"

Helen Jensen looked at her assistant and saw the stress in her face. She felt a deep need to help this woman who had been such a very effective employee. And confidant. "Kathy not only is the assistant position open but so is the department manager's slot. I will recommend you for the manager's position and I am sure that after I forward my recommendation it will be yours." "I don't know what to say Helen, except, thank you." Replied Kathleen "I sure will miss you Kathy. You have been such an asset to me. I think you better consider packing though. They will probably have you out there by the end of June, especially if what I hear about that new VP, Jo-Ellen Nolan, is true. She is a 'house of fire' from what I have heard, looks only for the best and gets it."

Kathleen gave her boss a hug. She could say nothing else. A tear streamed down her face.

"Kathy, go into my lavatory and fix your face dear. Your mascara is running. I'll start the paperwork and make some phone call, I'll let you know when everything is arraigned. Said Helen.

At the end of June Kathleen was ready to leave. Two weeks earlier she had been advised that the transfer and promotion had been approved. She took three weeks vacation time and made arrangements for the children's school records to be sent to her. Kathleen made one last visit to Frank's grave. As she left the cemetery she was crying. She missed Frank so much. She flew out of Logan Airport in Boston with her children for Phoenix on the first of July.

A month later, Kathleen had settled nicely into her new position as Personnel Manager at Honeybone-Phoenix. Her meeting with her new boss Jo-Ellen Nolan had gone extremely well and each had taken a liking to each other. Kathleen had been surprised at how young Ms. Bates looked. Kathleen would have sworn she was only about eighteen years old but when she checked the personnel file and saw that she was thirty she was determined to ask her who her beauty consultant was. Kathleen purchased a new home in a quiet semi-secluded residential area of Phoenix and settled in. It had been a whirlwind month. But thanks to Susan and her husband, the brief stay at their home had bought Kathleen the time to get everything else done.

Thanks to her father's trust fund she was able to enroll Shawn and Francis in Briarwood School. One of two exclusive private schools in the area. The schedule was such that she could drop the children off at school in the morning on her way to work and pick them up in the afternoon. The school maintained a very healthy after school program for working parents. Things were definitely getting better.

Nearly a year had passed and Kathleen and her children had settled in nicely to their new home and routine. However problems, small ones admittedly, but signs of things to come were developing with Shawn's attitude at school and with the neighbors. Several notes had been sent home by Shawn's teachers about his inattention and attitude. Some of the neighbors had complained about Shawn picking fights with the neighbor's children. Even Frances had complained to Kathleen about her brother being a bully. Shawn being of slight build for his age usually lost the fights with the other boys, yet that did not deter him. Kathleen had punished Shawn on several occasions with the usual " No TV, Early to bed, Grounded, no going out", etc. All to no avail. When asked why he was doing all this, his reply was the usual "I don't know." or "I didn't do it" answers. Kathleen was getting perplexed with Shawn.

The crux came in early May when Kathleen received a registered letter from the Dean of Boys at Briarwood. It read:

Briarwood School Board of Trustees Office of Dean June 2

Dear Mrs.O'Malley,

As you know, several correspondences have been sent to you from your son's teachers regarding his conduct and performance while here at Briarwood. As a rule the Dean's office does not get involved in conduct issues. Deferring to the student's teacher(s), unless, of course, they become a problem for other students.

Yesterday Shawn was involved in an incident that resulted in one of our female students getting slightly injured. It seems as though Shawn deliberately lifted up the hem of the dress that this girl was wearing and attempted to pull down her panties. She became startled and tripped falling to the pavement and injuring a knee. When asked by myself why he did this, Shawn's reply was that he "was only playing a joke." As you can understand, we here at Briarwood cannot tolerate this kind of behavior. Especially when it results in an injury to another student or the act has gender connotations and in this case we have both.

In and of itself this incident, although serious would normally be handled in conformance with our disciplinary procedures. But since Shawn is Already serving detention for the "Stink bomb incident" of several weeks ago, followed by the subsequent stunt of dumping the waste basket on his science teachers desk, I have come to the conclusion that Shawn needs special attention that we can not provide. If I may, let me recommend a remedy that may work.

I would suggest you contact Sister Angelica at St. Mary's School .

She has an excellent program for dealing with young boys and girls with behavioral problems. She has taken some of our other students and they usually return to us with new attitudes. A talk with her might be beneficial to you.

As we are very close to the end of the school year, we will allow Shawn to complete his academic studies for this year. We do regret to inform you that Shawn will not be allowed to continue here at Briarwood School next year. This notice does not effect Frances' position here. She has an excellent record. Her exceptionally fine performance and conduct is refreshing. She is welcome to remain here if that is your desire. If you decide to have both your children attend the same school as a convenience, I will understand and will transfer all her necessary records to whatever school(s) you select immediately.

If Shawn's performance and conduct improves to a satisfactory level in his new school over the next year, he will be welcome to return to Briarwood at that time.

Respectfully,

James T. Charleton;

Dean of Students

enclosed: School records. Grades.

re: Shawn Lee O'Malley

Kathleen read this letter while standing beside the kitchen table. She finished reading and abruptly sat down in a chair. Collapsing more the case.

"Shawn. Get your buns in here now." She called.

"Okay Mom." Shawn replied from his bedroom at the top of the stairs. After a slight pause adding, "Be right there." "Now young man." Retorted his mom.

Shawn came into the kitchen with his baseball glove and bat in hand. "I was just going out to play ball Mom. Terry is waiting for me out front." Said Shawn. Shawn could tell that he was in trouble with his mom again just by the look on her face.

Kathleen gave Shawn a stern look and said, "I think that can wait young man. We have some serious talking to do."

"Ah Mom, I will be late for the game. Can we talk later?" Shawn appealed.

"No! it can not. Sit down now. I want to read you something and then I want an explanation."

Kathleen read the letter to Shawn who sat squirming in the chair. As the letter was read, Shawn knew that he could forget the ball game and for that matter his freedom was about to come to an end. He was sure that he would be "grounded" for the "rest of his life".

"Well young man. Explain! And I want no lies. Demanded Kathleen.

Frances walked in the kitchen door at that moment and at the wave of her mother's hand continued up the stairs to her room. The ten year old knew better than to bother her mother. She had heard the tone of her voice as she came through the door and knew that Shawn was in trouble again. She was not going to get in the middle of that.

Shawn sat and looked at his mother and said nothing, He knew that he was in for it now. He knew that he had done a dumb trick on the girl at school but she had asked for it. She had been teasing him for a week and he was only getting even.

"Well! Are you going to tell me or not." Demanded Kathleen.

"I 'm sorry Mom. That girl Samantha asked for it. She had been teasing me all week about my being so small and everything. She said she was going to tell all the kids at school that I wore panties. I was just fooling around and lifted her dress and told her that she was the one that had panties on not me."

Shawn started to talk and it all came out. He started to sniffle and it was obvious he was trying not to cry.

"The kids at school are always teasing me. They keep saying I look like a first grade kid and everything. They keep teasing me. One kid said that I looked just like my sister." When the kids say stuff like that I just try to get even."

"Kathleen wanted to soften towards Shawn but she knew that this problem was only going to get worse."

"Shawn. I know it is hard being a lot smaller that the other kids your age but that does not excuse you from acting like a bully. I want you to go to your room and think about this. You have been suspended from Briarwood and I am going to have to find another school for you to attend. You really pulled a good one this time. I can't cover for you this again Shawn. Your not getting off the hook on this one. I am going to have to decide what to do with you. I will not tolerate this behavior any longer. In the mean time you are grounded young man until school gets out. Have you any idea what kind of a problem you have caused? What am I supposed to do? Pull your sister out of Briarwood just because of you?

He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know. Gee I'm sorry mom." Was all the Shawn could say.

"Sorry! That's it" Not good enough young man. Not good enough at all. You get up to your room right now. I need to think." Kathleen was livid. She knew she had to do something drastic to keep Shawn from getting really out of hand. She just did not know what.

Shawn slid out of the chair and walked around the end of the table away from his mother. She had never hit him before but right now he was not going to get close enough to find out. She was mighty mad and he knew he deserved whatever he got. Deep inside he knew he had been a jerk.

For the next several weeks Shawn behaved himself. He didn't even tease his sister. He was not going to increase his mother's ire by getting into more trouble. Maybe he thought, if he behaved himself his mom would forget about any punishment. After all she had fixed things up before with the school. Shawn was in for a surprise this time. His life was about to change in a way that he would never have expected. School got out for the summer three weeks later.

Chapter 3 Kathleen's Decision

Sister Angelica sat in her study reviewing the results of the previous academic year and the progress that had been made with the "girls" in her special program. Five of the special students had completed her program and had gone on to other schools with a much improved demeanor. As it now looked, she would only have three carryovers to the next year. Of those three, one was not yet ready to "graduate" from her program and two had elected to stay voluntarily and had been transferred into the regular girls program. Although her program was in itself unorthodox, it was none the less very effective and a total success. She had not received a single complaint from any of the more than one hundred parents of the boys that she had worked with over that past twelve years of the program.

As Sister Angelica sat at her desk reviewing that data, her phone rang. "St.

Mary's School, Program Office." Said the nun into the phone. "Mrs. O'Malley?. "Yes I remember you." "Absolutely. I would be happy to talk with you, why don't you come around this evening? Say about 7 PM? "I'll see you then. Goodbye."

Kathleen hung up the phone in her office with a sigh. It was not her intent to have her children attend a parochial school. She remembered too well the experience she had had when she went to one and although she had enjoyed going to St. Margaret's School , the demands for extra time on the kids at school, church, catechism, CCD, and other activities had been excessive and she was not sure that she wanted to subject them to this routine. Shawn's behavior had finally set her mind to doing something that would help him in the long run and a parochial school environment might be just "what the doctor ordered."

She took Mr. Charleton's recommendation and called Sister Angelica. What harm was there to listen to what she had to say. Her "Special Programs" whatever that was, might have a way of bringing Shawn into line and might just keep him out of trouble in the future. Kathleen was willing to try just about anything that would insure that her children would learn the lessons necessary to grow into respectful and successful adults. Kathleen had no idea just how much of a change would ultimately occur for her little family because of her one phone call to Sister Angelica. At that moment she thought of Frank. and how much she missed him. She buried her head in her arms and started to cry softly. Kathleen finally pulled herself together and called her sister and asked if she could drop the kids off at her house for a couple of hours while she went to keep her appointment with Sister Angelica. That done, she left her office and drove to Janet Hargraves's home. Janet was the mother of Shawn's friend Kevin. Janet had been taking care of Shawn and Frances for that last year during those times when there was no school in session and Kathleen was a work.

Janet was also a single mother and did child care for a living. She had been married to Bill Hargraves for a little over four months but the marriage had ended tragically. Janet had met Bill Hargraves while he had been on a leave from his job as an oil rigger. She had been swept off her feet by the burly, handsome man. After only two weeks of courtship they had been married in San Francisco. Two months later, after Bill had purchased the house in Phoenix for his new wife, he left for a three month assignment with USOCO in Malaysia. He never returned. While setting up a new drill tower, a cable hauling up pipe had snapped and the falling steel had struck and killed Bill. Janet was devastated but being a strong willed woman, she soon recovered. She had found out soon after Bill had left that she was pregnant. With the large insurance settlement and a scholarship grant from USOCO for her unborn child, She was determined to make a new life for herself. She just could not seem to find another Bill Hargraves and instead turned to giving her child a better life than that of an oil rigger father. When she had met Kathy O'Malley and that she to had a similar story with her husband, a strong and close friendship had developed. More like surrogate sisters than just friends. As a result Shawn and Kevin had also become like brothers, just living in two different houses.

Janet only lived just across the street and one down. It had been a good arraignment for both of them. Kevin attended St. Mary's School for Boys and Kathleen decided that she would talk to Janet about the school before going to see Sister Angelica. Kathleen pulled into Janet's driveway shortly after 4 PM.

Janet and Kathleen sat at the kitchen table while the children played in the fenced-in back yard. After a few minutes of small talk over a cup of tea, Kathleen related to Janet her problems with Shawn and the need to find a new school for him. She told her about the recommendation from Mr. Charleton. She mentioned his referral to Sr. Angelica and asked Janet if she knew anything about the "special programs " that the Sister ran.

Janet was quiet for a few moments as she looked at her friend. She was not sure if she should talk to Kathleen about the "special programs" or leave it up to Sister Angelica. She was quite familiar with the program as she had put Kevin through it two years earlier and it had been quite successful in his case. He had even pleaded to stay in the program but Janet had insisted that he return to his regular curriculum for at least a year before any further decisions were made. Janet decided to take a chance on her friend's discretion. She usually told Kathy everything. But one thing she had never told her...

"Kathleen, how long have you lived in the neighborhood? A year isn't it?

Asked Janet.

"Yes, about that. Why? Asked Kathleen.

"Well, it was last summer that you met Kevin for the first time. Just after school let out I believe. What did you think of him when you first met him? Asked Janet.

"I thought he was terrific. A very fine, well mannered youngster." Said Kathleen.

"Kathy since Kevin was five, I have had nothing but trouble from him. Defiant, unruly, an absolutely obnoxious kid and I was at my wits end. The previous September I enrolled him in Sister Angelica's "special programs" and by the time you met him you saw the results. Said Janet.

"I'm impressed. She must have an exceptional way with kids." Replied Kathleen.

"You have no idea Kathy. The program is quite unorthodox but quite effective and does leave a lasting impression on the "students". I would suggest you keep an open mind when you hear her proposal and learn about her methods. I can only tell you this, it works. I may even send Kevin back this fall because I know he wants to go back." Said Janet

"The kids actually like the program?" asked Kathleen.

"Some do, some hate it. It all depends on the kids prospective. Kevin loves the program. So I may let him try it for another year and if he wants to stay, there is an advanced program for kids who have a need or desire to stay with Sister Angelica permanently. Kathy, go talk to the nun and listen to her intently. Then go home and think about what she tells you. You can even call me and talk it over with me then. Okay?

"Okay Janet. Thanks. I'll do that. It all sounds a little mysterious though."

Kathleen replied.

"I am being a little evasive Kathy. It's just that I want you to be prepared for a very strange and at first what may seem to be an unacceptable proposal. But believe me, it works and does not hurt the child at all, except maybe his pride." Keep an open mind is all I can suggest to you."

After several more minutes of small talk, Kathleen went outside and called Frances and Shawn to the car. She glanced over at Kevin who had walked to the driveway with Shawn. Kathleen was impressed at how well behaved he was. He was polite and courteous. Almost like a young girl in his temperament. To bad some of it couldn't rub off on Shawn a little, thought Kathleen.

Shawn and Frances got into the car and waved at Janet as Kathleen drove out of the driveway.

Kathleen drove straight to her sister's house and after dropping the children off with Susan, she drove over to St. Mary's School and her meeting with Sister Angelica. It was five minutes before seven when Kathleen pulled up in front of the school office.

A young nun answered the door and after introducing herself and stating her business, Kathleen was lead down the immaculate corridors of the school to the business office. Kathleen had a sense of deji-vu. The entire place brought back vivid memories of her own pleasant years in a place just like this. Parochial schools seemed to be the same everywhere except that this one was much more exclusive and beautiful. Maybe that was the way it was supposed to be. Thought Kathleen.

As she entered the office, a middle age nun of about fifty years old came out of a side room. She was a small "handsome" woman. She carried herself well and the years appeared to have been good to her. She walked briskly over to Kathleen and stretched out her hand.

"Mrs. O'Malley? I am pleased to meet you. Welcome." Said the nun as she shook Kathleen's hand. Kathleen had an was immediately and favorably impressed by the nun. Her openness and friendliness were characteristics that Kathleen admired.

"Thank you Sister. I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice." Said Kathleen.

"Not at all, I am more than happy to talk to any parent of children that I may be able to help. Would you like some tea?"

"Yes. Thank you. Black with a touch of sugar." Said Kathleen.

After a few minutes of small talk, the conversation turned to the issue at hand.

"Tell me, Mrs. O'Malley, about Shawn. Take your time and tell me as much as you can about when and how Shawn started having these behavior problems." Asked Sister Angelica.

For the next half hour, Kathleen related the background that had led her to Sister Angelica's door. The nun asked very few questions but listened intently until Kathleen was finished talking. The nun said nothing for a minute or so after Kathleen had finished her summary.

"Kathleen... I'm sorry, can I call you Kathleen," asked the nun apologetically.

"Certainly Sister. I hate too much formality anyway." Replied Kathleen.

"Kathleen, has Shawn completed his First Communion yet?"

"No Sister. In all honesty I have been quite negligent in that regards. It's not that I don't want him to, it's just that with all that has happened in my life recently I just did not give that priority."

"Well that's not a problem. If you decide to send Shawn here it will be mandatory that he attend catechism classes and take his First Communion by Easter vigil."

The nun replied quiet firmly.

Kathleen said nothing. She just nodded her head in ascent.

"Kathleen, how much do you know of our "special program" here at St.

Mary's". asked the nun.

"Well only as much as I could glean from Mr. Charleton's recommendation and what I was told By Janet Hargraves. She was kind of vague also but her son Kevin who has attended this program is proof to me that it works. Kevin even wants to return.

"Oh." said the nun with a smile, I didn't know that." said the Sister.

"Well so Janet told me. He has been asking her to let him return, but Janet was insistent that he spend this past school in his regular program."

"Interesting, interesting indeed.." Said the nun. "Anyway, I would like you to give you an overview of this "special program", bear in mind, it is in strictest confidence. The less people know about it, the better it works for everyone involved, especially the students in the program."

The nun picked up the phone, "Lets have some coffee and muffins Kathleen." She dialed three numbers. "Sister Gertrude, is Tracy, Kelly and Lisa still there? Would you have them bring some coffee and muffins up to my office before they leave? Thank you."

"Tracy, Kelly and Lisa are three of our advanced students. They come to the school in the evenings for an advanced cooking class with Sister Gertrude our school kitchen supervisor." The nun told Kathleen.

The nun abruptly changed the subject. "Kathleen, as Mr. Charleton told you, our "Special Program" is designed to teach errant but correctable boys the proper way to relate to others in a respectful, and courteous manner. We instruct them in the proper way to study, interact with their peers and adults, and in all ways to always conduct themselves in a way that will do credit to themselves. In summary we teach them the ways of the gentile society." Said the nun.

"Sounds to me like you must have a lot of trouble with some students at first." Said Kathleen.

"Well yes at first, but the rebellion usually goes away within a day or so. The students find out quite rapidly that I tolerate very little in that regard and they soon conform nicely. Kathleen, have you ever heard of the British tradition of "Petticoat Discipline"? Asked Sister Angelica.

"No I can't say that I have." Replied Kathleen.

"Well it used to apply to a tradition in England and other parts of the British Empire, that when a young boy misbehaved on a regular basis and he did not respond to traditional ways of punishment, a boy would be required to dress as a girl, be required to answer to a girl's name and be taught how to act in all ways as a young lady instead of as a boy. This would usually last for about a year. The boy would be required to interact with all is acquaintances as a girl. The humiliation that he would have to endure, in most cases, would serve as a catalyst that would make him want to learn his lessons well so that he could return to being a boy again. If he failed in his instructions he would be required to remain as a "girl" for a second and subsequent number of years up to age sixteen. The young boy usually learned his lessons in the first year. Of course the boys parents must agree to this discipline and require that the boy also continue living as a girl at home. There must be no break in the routine"

There was a knock on the door. The nun stopped her description long enough to call out "Come in."

Three girls entered the room carrying trays.

"Hello girls. Put the trays on the side table." Said the Nun.

"Yes Sister." Said the taller of the three girls. The girls complied with the nuns request. After they put down the trays they turned to leave.

"Girls, would you come over here please?" Asked Sister Angelica.

The girls came over to the desk as requested.

"Girls, I would like you to meet Mrs. O'Malley. Her son Shawn may be joining the "special" class in September. Said the Nun.

The three girls turned to Kathleen and curtsied. "Nice to meet you Mrs. O'Malley the girls said in unison. The three girls appeared to be around the same age as Shawn.

Kathleen observed that the girls were dressed in the traditional school uniform of pink blouse, red plaid pleated skirt, pink knee high stockings and black patent leather Mary-Jane shoes. They wore a white lace trimmed full aprons over their uniform.

"Nice to meet you too." Said Kathleen. They seemed like very polite girls.

It is refreshing for a change. Thought Kathleen.

"Thank you girls." Said the Nun.

The girls turned to leave, Tracy turned and looked at the Nun.

"Sister?"

"Yes Tracy?"

"Can I ask Mrs. O'Malley a question?"

Sister Angelica looked at Kathleen quizzically.

"Certainly Tracy." Replied Kathleen.

"How old is Shawn?" The girl asked.

"Twelve." Replied Kathleen.

"That's great. I'm twelve too. I'd like to meet Shawn. Maybe I can help him." replied the girl.

"Maybe we can arrange for all three of you to meet him. We'll see." Replied the Nun.

With that the three girls curtsied again and turned and silently left the room.

"They are nice sweet young ladies." Commented Kathleen.

The Nun looked at Kathleen and smiled. "Boys." Said the Sister.

Kathleen looked at the nun with astonishment.

"That's right my dear... Boys. Three of my exceptional students in "Petticoat 101".

"That is hard to believe Sister. Most girls today don't act the way they do" Replied Kathleen.

"Believe me Mrs. O'Malley. They are boys." Said the nun.

For the better part of an hour Sister Angelica explained the requirements of the program and the expected results.

Kathleen left the school office in a state of mixed emotions and uncertainty.

She was now going to have to think long and hard on what she had learned. Her decision was going to have a major effect on Shawn's life as well as her own for the next year at least. She was not yet sure that she wanted to subject Shawn to this drastic a course of action. Kathleen decided to have another talk with Janet first.

As Kathleen drove back to Janet Hargraves house, she thought of Shawn in a pretty dress. She smiled to herself. She was thinking of how hard it would be to pick a fight if your wearing a pretty pink dress and a bow in your hair.

The conversation with Janet was anti-climactic. It was obvious to Kathleen that the "program" did have it's advantages. The results had been successful with Kevin and the two "girls" at the school could hardly be described as anything but lovely examples of politeness and courtesy. Just the attributes that she would like to see in Shawn.

Kathleen had made up her mind. Shawn was going to St. Mary's. He was not going to like it, but she was sure it would be in Shawn's best interest in the long run.

Chapter 4 A New "Girl" Arrives

Kathleen stopped at the JC Penny store on the way home from work on Friday afternoon. She had left work early so that she would have plenty of time to do what had to be done. She went to the Children's Dept. and after spending several hundred dollars and selecting a modest wardrobe and accessories, she went home, stopping at Janet's house on the way to let her know what she had decided. She carried the packages up to the guest room and after unpacking everything she filled the dresser drawers with numerous items and then hung Shawn's new wardrobe in the walk in closet. Two items she carried into the downstairs bath room. She put the bottle of strawberry scented shampoo on the shelf in the shower stall and hung the other item in the closet.

Sister Angelica had instructed Kathleen that if she decided to enroll Shawn in the "special program" at St. Mary's in September, that she should start his "introduction" by getting him started in his new role as soon as possible. She was to start by giving him a feminine name, and change is wardrobe and home environment. "Once you start, there is to be no turning back until the end of the school year." The nun had told Kathleen over the phone. Kathleen had agreed to the conditions. The nun had suggested Shawnlea. A rarely used feminine derivative of Shawn. Kathleen had agreed that that was appropriate since Shawn's middle name was Lee. Sister Angelica had entered that name on the school records and with Kathleen's agreement, the middle name Mary-Elizabeth.

Kathleen had called the nun from Janet's house to let the Sister know of her decision. Sister Angelica told Kathleen that she would set up a meeting with her and her new pupil the following Monday evening. She requested that "Shawnlea" come not Shawn. Kathleen told her that Shawnlea would be there, Janet also had decided to let Kevin return to the program with Shawn. Kevin was ecstatic when Janet told him. She had warned Kevin that he was to say nothing about it to Shawn. Kevin had promised he would say nothing about it to Shawn until he was given permission.

Kathleen had hurriedly made some changes to the guest bedroom before Shawn got home. After moving a few items from Shawn's bedroom to the guest room, Kathleen pulled down the shades in Shawn's room and as she left, she locked the door.

Late in the afternoon Shawn came home from the ball park after playing baseball with some of the neighborhood boys. Kathleen had sent Frances over to Susan's house to have a weekend sleep-over with Cassie. In actuality Kathleen wanted to be alone with Shawn on this "First Weekend as a "girl". It was going to be hard on him at first and Kathleen did not want to subject him to his sister's taunts which she was quite capable of and would surely do when she found out. Kathleen would deal with Frances on Sunday afternoon when she came home. Had she known at the time, her fears on that issue would prove later to be groundless.

Kathleen was in the living room watching TV when she heard the back door open then slam shut. "Shawn? Is that you?" called out Kathleen.

"Ya Mom. What's for supper?"

"Shawn come in here please. I want to talk to you."

"Okay. Just going to run up to my room for a second."

"No! Come in here now please!" Kathleen commanded.

Shawn cam into the living room. As usual he was filthy.

Kathleen did not care at this point. "Sit down Shawn. I have something to tell you.

Shawn sat on the edge of the sofa and fidgeted. He did not like these one on ones with his Mom. They usually preceded a chewing out.

"Shawn, I have talked to Sister Angelica at St. Mary's School and she has agreed to let you enroll there in September."

Shawn looked up at his mother. "That's where Kevin goes isn't it?" He replied.

"Yes it is but that is not why I selected it. It happens to be the only other place I can send you except to the public schools and that I will not do."

"That's okay mom. At least I will have two friends there. I know Tracy

Williams goes there too"

"Listen young man, I am not sending you there because of your friends. Sister Angelica knows about your getting kicked out of Briarwood. She is not going to tolerate any insolence or any of the stuff you pulled at Briarwood. "She only would allow you to enroll on condition that I have you enroll in the "special program". Should you pull any of your 'cute tricks' with her your going to find yourself in a lot of trouble. And I have given her permission to do anything necessary to straighten out your attitude. Do You Understand Me?"

"How is it you know Tracy Williams?"

"She is Kevin's cousin. He's mentioned her a few times."

"Oh, okay. I met her today at the school. She seems nice. Anyway starting now there is going to be some big changes around here for the rest of the summer. We will start by having you take a bath and get that dirt off you. Use the downstairs bathroom. Put the dirty clothes in the hamper, I will put them in the wash. Don't even think of going upstairs with that dirt on you."

"Shawn had never seen his mother so serious except on the day she got the note from school. He decided not to give her any reason to get madder. Okay mom."

Shawn got up off the edge of the sofa and went into the downstairs bathroom.

Shortly Kathleen heard the water start to run in the tub.

"Hey Mom?" She heard Shawn call out.

"What is it Shawn?" she replied.

"All there is in the cabinet here is that strawberry smelling bubble bath that Frances uses."

"That's okay. It won't hurt you. It will at least get you clean. Use it. And use that new bottle of shampoo on the shelf too. I want your hair clean.

"Aw Mom. That's the same stuff Frances uses too." Was Shawn's only reply.

Kathleen went into the bathroom and removed the hamper of Shawn's dirty clothes. She carried them downstairs into the basement and tossed them into the trash. They were so filthy she decided not to even put them in her washing machine.

A few minutes later she heard the water running in the pipes and knew that Shawn was finished with his bath. She hurried back upstairs. She knew that the critical confrontation was about to start.

"Hey Mom. I don't have anything to put on." Shawn yelled through the closed door.

"In the closet dear. You will find a new bathrobe I bought you." Kathleen said kindly.

There was a slight pause and then Shawn called back out through the door.

"Mom. This is a Girl's bathrobe."

Kathleen opened the bathroom door and Shawn pulled the front of the pink bathrobe around his front to cover his nakedness from his mom.

"Mom is this some kind of joke. Look at this thing. It's a girl's bathrobe.

I can't wear this. What if Frances sees me"

"I know Shawn. I bought it on purpose. Now put it on. And lets get your hair dry and then we will go up to your room and have another talk."

Kathleen took out the hairdryer and started to work on Shawn's long hair.

Shawn said nothing. He did have a dejected look on his face. Tears started to form in his eyes

Kathleen finished drying Shawn's hair and then pulled it back into the nape of his neck and tied it back into a ponytail with a pink scrunchie. "Did I ever tell you that you have hair just like your father. His hair was strawberry blonde and curly just like yours." Kathleen said

Shawn did not notice what his mom did with his hair, so wrapped up in his self pity over the bathrobe he was wearing.

"Okay dear. Lets go upstairs and talk." Kathleen said. "God," thought Kathleen as she watched him walk towards the stairs, "He already looks like a girl."

Shawn stopped at the door to his room and tried the knob. It would not open.

He looked at his mother quizzically.

"That's not your room anymore Shawn. I have moved you into the larger guest room. You will be needing the larger space now. Especially the walk in closet."

As Shawn walked into the room he came to an abrupt stop. He looked around at the feminine appointments. The windows were covered with pink bow drop curtains and trimmed with white ruffled lace. The large French provisional style bed was covered with a bedspread that matched the curtains only it was made with pink satin. The floor was covered with a deep pink and powder blue pile carpet. In one side of the room was a large mirrored vanity with lights all around the edges and had an assortment of makeup items lined up on it. The opposite wall was a large white dresser that matched the bed. Finally he noticed the large walk-in in closet. The doors were open and Shawn could not help but notice the items hanging in it. Line up neatly on hangers was an assortment of dresses, skirts, blouses, and other items.

Shawn turned to his mother with his mouth open and a look of panic on his face. He felt a deep feeling of dread about what he knew was about to be said to him.

"Mom. This looks like Frances' room." Shawn said pleadingly "I know. It does look like her room. But it isn't. It's your room now.

"But Mom, It's a girl's room." Said Shawn now really getting scared.

Kathleen took Shawn over to the mirror. She pointed to the image in the mirror.

"This room is hers. It is Shawnlea's room." Said Kathleen pointing to the image of the girl in the mirror.

Shawn looked at his own refection for the first time since coming upstairs. He saw the image of a girl in a pink bathrobe with a ponytail, a pink scrunchie holding his long blonde hair in place.

"But, but... Mom, Wha... what are you doing to me?" Said Shawn now in a definite panic."

He started to reach for the thing in his hair. Kathleen at that point did something she had never done before. She slapped his hand away.

Shawn looked at Kathleen with a look of impending 'doom"' on his face. He then started to cry in earnest.

It was several minutes before he finally started to calm down and the crying turned to just sniffles. Kathleen took Shawn in her arms at that point and tried to comfort him. "It's okay Shawnlea dear. You will be fine. Kathleen had used the feminine name for the first time and Shawn pulled back from his mom.

"That's a girl's name. Why are you trying to make me into a girl mom.

Why?" He asked pleadingly.

Shawnlea, lets get you dressed and we can go down to the kitchen and have a long talk. Frances is not coming home until Sunday so we will be alone almost the whole weekend. I can tell you what is happening and why.

Kathleen went into the closet and brought out a white short sleeve blouse and a light pink pleated skirt. She laid them on the bed and got a pair of white cotton panties from the dresser drawer along with a white nylon half slip, and white brocade knee high stockings with pink lace. She also out a pair of white Mary Jane's beside the bed.

"Mom, you don't expect me to wear those do you?" Asked Shawn.

"Yes I do Shawnlea. For the rest of the summer you will be dressing very much the same." Said Kathleen in a very stern voice.

Shawn turned white. "You got to be kidding Mom."

"No I am not. Until I say otherwise you are going to become a girl. Now take off the bathrobe. Lets get you dressed and pretty." Said Kathleen.

Shawn removed his bathrobe and obviously very humiliated he stepped into the white girl's panties that his mom was holding open for him.

He knew now that his mom was intent on making him look like a girl. He just did not know why.

"Mom, Why are you doing this to me? Shawn asked pleadingly

"Shawnlea, I told you that I would decide how I would handle these problems you kept bringing home. The school thing was the final straw. I had a long talk with Sister Angelica at St. Mary's and they have a program for young boys who are always in trouble. Her program is to accept boys into the girl's school as "girls". There she will teach you how to be more acceptable to the people around you and how to be courteous and respectful to others. She will also teach you manners, which you seem to have forgotten. But, she only teaches girls. So in order for you to attend the program, you have to be a "girl". We have the summer to get you ready so that no one will know your a boy when you start classes in September. So for the next year, you are going to learn how to be a girl better than most girls themselves."

"Mom you must be kidding. What if my friends see me like this. I will be laughed at all over the place."

"I really don't think so Shawnlea, you won't be playing with any boys for quite some time."

"Kevin is sure to find out. Gosh he lives right across the street."

Kathleen said nothing. She just smiled at Shawn as she held out the slip for Shawn to step into.

Shawn refused to lift his leg and step into the slip. That did him no good as Kathleen simply pulled it over his head. and adjusted it around his waist. Kathleen then picked a white camisole with little pink ribbon decorations out of the dresser and pull that over Shawn's head as well. . Fifteen minutes later a cute, very embarrassed 'girl' in a pretty pink skirt sat in the kitchen with Kathleen.

Shawnlea had arrived at the O'Malley home. Reluctantly

Chapter 5 Expectations and First Lessons

Shawn sat at the kitchen table obviously very self conscious. Dressed as he was in girl's clothes and with his hair brushed back into a long ponytail and tied back with a pink ribbon, he was on the verge of tears as his mother sat across from him studying this very different image of her son.

Kathleen felt a little remorse for what she was doing to Shawn but she was not turning back now. She was determined to try this course of discipline in the hopes that she could teach Shawn the lessons of respect, courtesy and humility that most little girls learn automatically. Kathleen would much rather have her son become a "sissy" than a bully. She would rather have a pretty little "daughter" for a year or two than have the police at her door someday. She was sure Shawn would learn some valuable lessons by being a girl for awhile.

Shawn sat at the table just as would be expected of a boy. He was slumped forward with his elbows on the table and the palms of both hands under his chin. His legs were spread apart at the knees and he was oblivious to the fact that his panties were noticeable under his skirt. His feet were crossed in such a way that his cute little Mary Jane's were being scuffed by each other. To Kathy, this was a cue to start his lessons in femininity.

Shawnlea, I think the first thing you have to learn as a young lady is to keep your legs together. You panties are showing." Said Kathleen.

Shawn looked down and instinctively snapped his knees together at the same time taking his elbows off the table and putting his hands in his lap.

"That's better dear. Girls do not let other people see their undies. You will have to be careful of that when you are wearing a dress or a skirt." Admonished Kathleen.

"I'm not a girl Mom. I shouldn't have to be wearing these things. And my name is not Shawnlea." Replied Shawn with a hint of rebellion

"Yes you are a girl Shawnlea. At least for the next year you are. So remember what I tell you. There is a lot of things you are going to have to remember. And also your name is Shawnlea unless I tell you differently. Do you understand me?" Said Kathleen sternly in response to Shawn's remark.

"Yes Mom." Was his reply.

"Another thing, from now on I want you to call me Mother.

That's the girl's way .

"Yes Mother." Shawn said meekly this time.

"Good. Now lets go upstairs to your room. I want to try something else with your hair." Kathleen said, softening her tone. She took Shawn by the hand and gently led him towards the stairs. Kathleen knew that she was going to have to do something about the way he walked. He certainly did not walk in a very feminine manner.

Shawnlea sat at the vanity as he watched his mother fuss with his hair. She took out the pink scrunchie and after much brushing and trimming Kathleen had managed to shape Shawnlea's hair into a very presentable feminine style. A little work with the curling iron and some setting solution, Shawnlea had some pretty bangs on his forehead. His hair flowed gracefully down over his shoulders and ended with cute curls at the tips.

Finished with his hair, and satisfied that it had a definite girlish look.

Kathleen was ready for the next phase of the introduction of Shawnlea. "That's much better dear. Now you look much more like a little girl. Lets go downstairs and I will make us some supper." Said Kathleen. She looked at Shawnlea and could tell by his expression that he was not very happy with his predicament. He will get over it shortly, She thought to herself.

Shawnlea was very quite during supper. Kathleen spent most of the time instructing Shawnlea on how to sit while wearing a skirt or a dress. She told him how to be more dainty in the way he ate. That girls usually ate slower and with smaller morsels and definitely took smaller portions. She instructed him in as many of the normal table manners as she could given the short time for the meal. Shawnlea was not very enthusiastic about all these new rules that he was being told to follow. As best as he could remember, Frances had never had to follow them. As he thought about it, he had never paid much attention to her at the table. Maybe she did.

All during the supper he was more concerned about someone coming to the door and seeing him dressed up like a girl. Especially his friend Kevin. Kevin was usually at the door by this time of the day. "What if he came now?

How would he be able to take his kidding without punching his best friend. Shawnlea was mortified. All he could think about was going up to his room and getting out of these sissy clothes. At least there he would be away from this humiliation. Then the worse happened. The door bell rang. He could hear Kevin's mom call from the entranceway.

"Kathleen? It's me Janet."

"Hi Janet. I'm in the kitchen."

If ever Shawn felt like running and hiding, it was now. But he had no time.

Janet walked into the kitchen immediately.

"Hi Kathleen. Hi Shawnlea. My you look lovely dear." Said Janet winking at Kathleen without Shawnlea noticing.

"Janet can I talk to you? I have some interesting news to tell you. I brought Karen over with me and told her to stay in the living room and watch some TV. If that's okay with you?"

"Sure. Shawnlea why don't you go out and sit with Karen while I talk to Janet. Maybe you can even show her your new room?"

"Mom you got to be kidding. I don't know her and I don't want her to see me dressed like a girl."

"Don't be silly dear. For one thing, you don't look like a boy and for another I think you would do well to start talking and spending time with other girls your age."

"Aw mom, I can't do this. How about if I just go upstairs to my room?"

"Shawnlea, I don't think that is polite when you have a guest. Just go out there and meet Karen. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised." Said Kathleen with a knowing smile.

Kathleen took Shawn by the shoulders and marched him unwillingly to the door to the kitchen and with a gentle shove, Shawn found himself standing in the doorway to the living room and face to face with a pretty girl about his age.

At first Shawn did not recognize the girl. She was pretty. She had long straight hair that cascaded halfway down her back. Held off her face with a wide light blue plastic hair bow. She wore a light blue dress trimmed with white lace. She wore white pantyhose and black Mary Jane shoes with a delicate ankle strap.

When she turned to face him, She smiled. All she said was "Hi Shawnlea, that's a pretty outfit ."

Shawn was dumb struck. It was Kevin.

Shawn stammered, "Wha, What is, What is this?"

"What do you think Shawn? This is neat huh? Replied Kevin.

"What is? Your dressed like a girl Kevin. Did you get in trouble too?" Asked Shawn.

"Na, not me. I did this girl thing for a whole year before. I heard you were going to be in Sister Angelica's special class like I was a year ago. I asked my mom if I could go back with you and she said I could."

"Are you nuts Kevin. You have to dress like a girl to go there. Why do you want to do that?" Asked Shawn.

"Well because I want to. I spent a year there and it was neat."

"So, because I am going to have go there you want to too?"

"Yes. Besides I want to go back. But, now I have a "girlfriend" to go with."

Kevin said with a definite girlish giggle.

"Your nuts. You have definitely lost your brains Kevin." Said Shawn.

"No I haven't. You'll see. Hey lets go up and check out your new room."

"Why? It's a girl's room. " Said Shawn.

"Lets check it out anyway. I want to see how your mom did it up."

Kevin/Karen grabbed Shawn's hand and headed for the stairs. Shawn followed reluctantly.

As Kevin/Karen walked into the room dragging Shawnlea by the hand he stopped abruptly causing Shawnlea to bump into him. "Wow. Shawn this is great. Your mom really gave you a great room.." Said Karen.

"Big deal. It is still a girl's room. Why don't you move over here and you can have it if you think it is so great. What's with you Kevin. You some kind of a sissy or something." Shawn asked sarcastically.

"Don't knock it until you try it 'Shawnlea'." Said Karen emphasizing the feminine name that Shawn was going to have to use.

"Okay, okay, I asked for that. But really Kevin. I don't like this girl idea at all." Said Shawn.

I know. Shawn. I had the same problem as you. I was a real jerk and my mom made me go to that special class at St. Mary's and wear dresses and everything. I hated it at first. But believe me, Sister Angelica is a peach. She will make you do what she says but she does it in a way that you feel good about it. It really is great after you get used to it. And let me tell you something. The girls get treated a lot better than the boys do."

"Really? How so?" asked Shawnlea.

Kevin and Shawnlea spent the better part of two hours talking about St. Mary's and what Shawn could expect. All the while Kevin and Shawn tried on all of the new outfits in the closet. By the end of the two hours, Shawn was feeling a lot less nervous about having to be dressed up as a girl. They even agreed to call each other by their girls names when dressed up. Shawn even promised to go over to "Karen's" house the following day as Shawnlea.

Kathleen and Janet let the two "girls" alone. "Kathleen, I think that Karen will be the best way to get Shawn to accept his new conditions. You know I did the same thing with Kevin when he had to make his transition. In that case she had the help of her cousin Matt Williams. His son Tracy was a two year student in Sister Angelica's special program. Tracy is the ideal example of a successful transition from tough un-manageable boy to a gentle courteous "girl". So successful is Tracy's transition, that she is living full time as a girl and no one suspects a thing. "No kidding Janet. Shawn knows her. Shawn told me she was a friend." "That's great Kathy, it will make things a lot easier for Shawnlea. Does Shawnlea know he is really a boy? Asked Janet.

"I don't think so. Shawnlea only said that Tracy Williams was a friend."

Well between Karen and Tracy I would suspect that Shawn is going to do just nicely. He couldn't have better 'tutors'.

Janet had suggested setting up a meeting for Kathleen and Shawnlea with Matt and his 'daughter' and Karen and herself. Kathleen had agreed that Matt and Tracy's help would be appreciated.

At least Kathleen told Janet, that Shawnlea would have two other 'girls' to associate with that had gone through the same process. It would make things a lot easier on him.

"It's getting late Kathy, I had better be getting home. Said Janet as she got up from the kitchen table. "I cant believe we sat here gabbing all this time."

"I know, but it was very informative Jan. Apparently the boys, oops 'girls' kept busy too." Kathy said a giggle to her voice. "We had better call them down stairs."

"Shawnlea? Karen?" Kathy called the girls from the downstairs hallway.

"Coming Mother." Shawnlea replied with an obviously cheerful voice.

Janet and Kathleen both put on smiles as they saw the 'girls' come to the top of the stairway.

"Kathleen was the first to speak. "Well now I know why we heard nothing from you kids all evening, Looks like you have been doing some experimenting Shawnlea."

"Well just a little Mother. Karen has been showing me how to do this makeup stuff. He says I will have to do a little of it each morning before school." Shawnlea said with a meek smile on his face.

"I see you guys are also in a rush to try on the school outfits." Said Janet.

"Well Shawnlea and I were just playing "Getting Ready for School" Mother.

Karen said to Janet as they came down the stairs..

"It's okay dear. I don't mind at all. I was wondering how I was going to get Shawn into that uniform skirt and blouse. Seems like you kids took care of that for yourselves. You do look nice dear. It is getting late. Mrs. Hargraves and Karen are leaving." Kathleen said.

"I'll call you tomorrow Kathy." Said Janet.

"Okay Jan. Thanks for your help. You too. Karen"

"Don't mention it. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Don't forget Shawnlea. You promised to come over to my house tomorrow evening. Maybe we can have a sleep-over?" Said Karen.

Kathleen and Janet looked at the two children and then at each over. They both smiled and in near unison said, "we'll see." Realizing they both said the same thing, The two mothers just started to giggle. The two girls also started to giggle in along with their mothers. It was a happy ending to a very nice evening.

Chapter 6 The Changes Begin

Shawn sat on the edge of the bed in his new bedroom. He had removed his school uniform that he had been trying on with Karen. He thought with mixed emotions of how events of the past few hours had unfolded. He really was not keen on the idea of having to pretend to be a girl for the next year but he was even more surprised to find out that his best friend, Kevin had been forced to do the exact same thing a year earlier. When Kevin showed up earlier that evening looking like a girl, it had been a shock. Karen, as he was called when dressed as a girl, had shown and told him a few things that he was going to need to know. Shawn knew that his mom was not going to relent and that he was going to have to go through with her plans. It was going to be a "bummer". At least thought Shawn, that with Kevin returning to St. Mary's, as Karen, he would at least have one friend that would be able help him.

Shawn came out of his daydream as Kathleen came into his room.

"Mother. I'm not dressed." Said Shawn as he reached for the bedspread to cover himself. He had been sitting on the edge of the bed wearing only his panties.

"Don't be silly Shawnlea. It is only us girl's here." Kathleen said as she reached into the bottom drawer of the dresser. She took out a cute powder blue satin nightie and laid it on the bed along with a clean pair of matching panties. On top of the dresser she laid out a pair of white cotton panties, and white pantyhose. >From the closet she selected a pretty pink dress with a lace trim bodice. The sleeves ended at the elbows and had ruffled lace trim. She took a white cotton full slip and along with the dress and hung them on the hook on the back of the door.

"Those are for tomorrow morning Shawnlea. We are going to the Mall. Now lets get you into your nightie and off to sleep you go. We have a full day tomorrow."

"Mother. You can't be serious. I can't go to the Mall wearing those things.

All my friends are going to see me and I will not be able to face them again.

They will make fun of me." Shawn said in near hysteria.

"Dear, all your friends from now on are going to be girls. And they won't laugh at you. Besides you are going to have to get used to it. The sooner you get used to looking and acting like a girl the easier it will be for you in September when you start school at St. Mary's. Don't worry. It won't be as bad as you think. Tomorrow when we get you fixed up no one will even recognize you. Trust me. It will be all right." Kathleen then had Shawn sit at the vanity while she brushed out his hair and put it up in a loose braid. "There. That will be fine for the night." She said. Shawn looked at the pretty little girl in the mirror with detachment. He could not believe or accept that the image staring back was himself and that he was giving in to being her.

Kathleen helped Shawnlea get into her first nightie and tucked her into the bed. She kissed her on the forehead and said good night. Kathleen could not help see the wetness in Shawnlea's eyes. She almost relented right then. But steeling herself, she left the room. Shawn fell asleep wishing that Karen was there with her.

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny. Shawn awoke to the usual smell of bacon wafting into his bedroom. At first, in his state of half awake and half asleep he did not at first remember what had happened the previous day. It was not until he eased his feet out of the bed to go to the bathroom that the soft caress of the rayon nightie against his legs that he was fully aware of what the day promised to bring. He glanced at the pretty dress and slip hanging on the hook behind the door and his stomach felt like it would fall to the floor. "No." he said softly to himself, "I don't like this at all. Kevin had to be crazy to do this. Last night had been fun playing dress-up with Kevin. It had been an experiment as far as he was concerned. But going outside with his mother to the Mall and everything dressed like that... that was crazy." He knew that he had no choice however. Shawn snapped out of his thoughts of self pity as he heard Kathleen call him from the foot of the stairs.

"Shawnlea? Are you up?"

"Ya mom... Mother." Shawn corrected himself. Remembering her admonition.

"Okay. Just remember that when you go to the bathroom to pee, sit down like a girl. You will have to do that in public when you use the girl's restrooms. You might as well start doing that now. And don't forget to wipe yourself. I put some baby wipes on the back of the toilet."

"Okay Mother." Shawn grimaced at the thought of having to use a girl's bathroom. It was like that was the ultimate humiliation. He thought that that would be the one thing that would seal his fate as a girl. Now he even had to use baby wipes. "Yuk." He said to himself.

"Don't bother getting dressed. Come down for breakfast first. I'll help you get dressed after we eat." Said Kathleen from the foot of the stairs.

"Okay." He called back as he entered the bathroom.

Shawn lifted his nightie and pulled down the panties he was wearing. Sitting down, he pushed his penis downward and relieved himself. As he wiped himself he felt totally stupid. It was a lot easier to just stand and aim. His first personal act as a girl was a 'pain'. He was not looking forward to what else was in store.

Shawn finished his necessities in the bathroom went back into the bedroom. He looked around for a pair of slippers and the only ones that he could find were a white fun-fur pair that looked like little bunnies. He put them on reluctantly and came down the stairs and went into the kitchen.

"Good morning sweetie. Are you hungry? I have some bacon and pancakes ready?"

"Ya Mom. I could eat a horse."

"Excuse me?" Replied Kathleen.

"Oops, sorry. Yes Mother I am hungry." Shawn corrected himself.

"Good. We have a long day ahead and I think we should eat a good breakfast."

Shawn was acutely aware that his mother had made no reference to the way he was dressed. It was if his sitting there in front of her in a nightie and braids was a natural occurrence. Shawn felt that he was getting irrevocable immersed into this "girl thing". He was starting to get the feeling that he had no out but to carry it through.

Shawn ate in silence. He only spoke when his mom asked a question and he gave her an answer. He really did not feel up to carrying on a conversation. Breakfast soon ended and Shawn dallied with his juice while Kathleen cleaned off the table. As soon as she was done, She turned to Shawn and smiled.

"Okay young lady, lets get you dressed and looking pretty. Then we're off to the Mall."

Kathleen took Shawn by the hand and led him towards the stairs. She noticed a little hesitancy on his part as he held back but Kathleen just tightened her grip and pulled him along.

Shawn was nervous. This was going to be humiliating he thought. Not only was his mother about to make him look like a pretty little girl, She was going to make him go out in public and pretend to be one. Shawn just did not know what to do. He thought of the screw ups that he had pulled at Briarwood that had gotten him into this predicament and he was now sure he had been an idiot. Now he had to learn how to be a sissy. He muttered under his breath as he was led upstairs "Stupid, I was really stupid."

Kathleen heard the remark but said nothing. She just smiled slightly as she continued up the stairs to Shawnlea's bedroom with her new "daughter" in tow.

As soon as Shawn entered the bedroom Kathleen wasted no time.

"Shawnlea, take off the nightie. I will show you how to get dressed properly and I want you to remember how it is done. I will expect you to be able to do everything yourself shortly. There is a lot more for a girl to do than a boy when it comes to getting dressed."

Shawn took off the nightie and the panties he was wearing and stepped into the girls panties that his mother held open for him. He did not feel too bad about this part as they were white like his own but he did notice the definite difference in the feel of the material as he pulled them up his legs. They felt so much softer than his own underwear. However when his mother helped him pull the pantyhose over his bare feet and legs, he felt a completely new and strange sensation. The gentle pressure that he felt on skin of his legs was strange and yet, felt nice. Next came the cotton slip. As his mother pulled it over his head and smoothed it down over his waist and legs, Shawn felt light headed. He was starting to be overcome with conflicting emotions. It was one thing to play dress up with Karen the previous evening, but to do this in earnest with his mother's help was totally different. As the pretty pink dress was lowered over his head and he saw his reflection in the mirror, and he saw the little girl looking back at him, he realized that maybe his mother was really serious about this whole thing. He was being turned into a girl by his own mom and he couldn't do anything about it.

"There. That part is done. Now sit over here at the vanity and I will show you how to do your hair and apply a little makeup. Said Kathleen.

Kathleen then showed Shawnlea how to brush out her hair into a girl's style and after trying several styles, she settled on double ponytails and tied the ends with a pink ribbon on each side.

"Well one thing dear, letting your hair grow long now makes it a lot easier to do something feminine with now. Your hair really looks pretty now."

Kathleen applied a little blush to Shawnlea's cheeks and little pink lipstick to his lips. After applying a small amount of what smelled like strawberry scented perfume to the back of Shawnlea's ears and throat she was satisfied with her handiwork.

"There young lady. You are ready. What do you think?" She asked as she lead Shawnlea to the full length mirror.

Shawn looked in the mirror and at first he wore an expression of bewilderment. It was as though he was looking a stranger. As he looked closer his expression changed to one of recognition and then bewilderment. That can't be me he thought.

Shawn just stared at his image in the mirror. He had to admit that the girl looking back at him was really cute. He smiled at the thought when he realized that the girl was himself.

"Mom. That's a girl. You changed me into a girl!"

"I know dear. I told you that no one would recognize you. You are absolutely beautiful. You will really like this as you get used to it. Every boy in town will want to be seen with you. And you sure are going to make the other girls jealous."

"But mom. This is crazy. I don't want to have the boys chasing me or make the girls jealous. I just want to be me."

"Shawnlea. I told you that this is the way it is going to be for the next year. So get used to it. You make a very impressive girl. If you work at it you may find that it is not so bad. Learn your lessons. Stay out of trouble, and maybe next summer you will be able to go back to being Shawn and maybe get back into Briarwood. But right now you are Shawnlea, a pretty twelve year old girl. Period. Now I don't want to hear anymore complaints. Please go downstairs and wait for me. I will be down in a few minutes. Then we will leave for the Mall.

With that, Kathleen went in to her own bedroom to get dressed.

Shawnlea stood in the hallway as Kathleen came down the stairs. She saw that her mother had on a matching dress to the one that she herself wore. She was awe struck. Kathleen was beautiful. It was apparent that she had purchased a Mother/Daughter outfit for this first excursion into the outside world for her "new" daughter. The effect of the matching pink and white dresses and accessories was obviously one that would attract attention and admiration.

The effect was not lost on Shawn. He was acutely aware that everyone that saw them today would be watching them. Shawn felt himself becoming very apprehensive at the idea of having to go out dressed like this. He was sure that everyone would know who he was. 'After all, didn't everyone know Kathleen had a "son" his age? Shawn was sure everyone would recognize him dressed up like as a girl. He would not be able to face his friends again. He came out of his thoughts of self pity as Kathleen spoke to him.

"How do you like these outfits Shawnlea? We look just lovely, Don't you think?"

"Yuk. Mother, All my friends are going to make fun of me if they see me looking like this. I won't be able to face them again."

"That is not a problem dear. I do not expect you to associate with those ruffians again anyway. Your new friends and classmates are going to be a lot more delicate and understanding. So don't worry your little head about it. I think you ought to spend a lot of time with Karen from now on. She will be able to help you a lot." Replied Kathleen.

Just then the doorbell rang and Kathleen opened the door. "Hello Mrs. O'Malley. Are you guys ready?" Shawn was surprised to see 'Karen' standing on the front step. Kathleen smiled at the 'girl'. "Just a little surprise Shawnlea. Karen is going with us to the Mall. I thought it might help you adjust a little if she came with us. Come on in Karen"

Karen came in and gave Shawnlea a little hug on the cheek. "Hi Shawnlea."

"Kevin are you nuts. Boys don't hug each other." Said Shawn.

"Silly. Were girls now, remember." Said Karen with a smile. "Girls do that with each other all the time."

"Maybe you do but not me." Replied Shawn.

"Yes you will and a lot of other things besides. You wait and see Shawn. It will be fun when you get used to it. Being a girl is not bad. Just different" Retorted Karen with mock sternness.

Kathleen watched this banter with amusement but said nothing, instead she went into the living room and picked up the phone. Shawnlea could not make out the conversation from where she was standing but after a couple of minutes Kathleen hung up the phone and returned to the hallway where her charges were standing . . "Okay girls. Time to go." She said.

With that, Kathleen escorted her young charges out to the car. She notice Janet was watching out her living room window. She gave Janet a conspiratorial wave, her thumb and index finger forming a small circle, as she got behind the wheel of the car. Janet waved back.

Shawnlea and Karen sat in the back seat. Karen was enjoying herself immensely while Shawnlea was a character in contrast. She obviously would prefer to be elsewhere. Before the day was over however things would change dramatically.

Chapter 7 The First Outing

Shawnlea was quiet. Karen tried to engage her in conversation but to no avail. It was as though Shawnlea was a million miles away. In actuality she was deep in thought. Shawnlea was contemplating the new sensations that was overwhelming her. Her hand rested on the side of her neck, her fingers gently touching the ends of her hair. The feeling of the curls caressing the skin was strange and yet she liked the feel of it. The softness of the clothes she was wearing was nice as well. She thought she could understand why real girls liked to wear these kinds of things. She rubbed her hand over her knee and felt the smoothness of her skin just below the hem of her dress and it gave her goose bumps. Just as she thought she could get to like these clothes her mind would rebel at her predicament as she remembered that she was a boy and it was wrong to feel that way. The entire trip to the Mall was a see-saw back and forth between these emotions. She was oblivious to either Karen or Kathleen. It was not until they arrived at the mall that Shawnlea came out of her daydreams and became aware of her surroundings.

"Here we are girls. We'll go into the food court and get some breakfast first then we will do some shopping. Said Kathleen.

Saturday mornings at the Mall were busy. People were arriving everywhere. Parents had their young charges in tow, men and women were going into the various entrances Several of the women even smiled at her and Shawnlea was sure that they were all looking at her and knew her secret. Shawnlea tried in vain to hide as best she could my walking behind her mother and Karen. Kathleen finally took Shawnlea by the hand and forced her to walk beside her as they walked across the parking area. Karen on the other hand seemed quite at ease and was thoroughly enjoying herself. In reality to anyone that took notice, the image was just one of many, a young woman and two pretty young girls on an outing to the Mall on a typical Saturday morning. No one would have ever have suspected that the two youngsters were anything other than what they appeared. The first stop was at the food court. As usual, the area was teeming with activity. Most of the people there were parents with children heading for the multitude of eating establishments. The McDonald's restaurant was the most popular and Karen and Shawnlea who was starting to appear more at ease with her situation, headed in that direction.

Kathleen found an end table by the window and told her charges to wait at the table while she placed the order. Shawnlea and Karen took their seats opposite each other. "Kevin this is crazy. If any of our friends see us dressed this way we will never be able to face them again." Said Shawn.

"Not to worry Shawn. Look at us, who is going to guess who we are. It is like Halloween, we have on a good costume and no one will be able to tell.

Besides if you play the part right it is fun to fool everyone. Replied Karen

"Maybe you think so but I feel funny. I feel more like a sissy than a boy.

"Not really Shawn. You will only be taken for a sissy if someone finds out you are a boy dressed like a girl. Stop worrying. I have done this before remember. Just do as I do and it will be easy. I don't think your mom is going to let you off the hook any more than mine did last year. After awhile I got to like it. Everyone treats you a lot better and being a girl does have it's advantages. You'll see. Now don't call me Kevin again. That's a sure give away. Here comes your mom with the food. Said Karen. Thirty minutes later they left the food court and the two girls and Kathleen headed down the main concourse of the Mall. Shawnlea looked at each passerby expecting someone to say something like "Hey look at the boys in dresses." Or something to that effect. He fully expected some kid to make a smart remark. But to the contrary, not a single thing was said to either Karen or himself. Maybe thought Shawn, as he and Karen walked along side by side, that they might just get away with this girl stuff.

Just outside of the J C Penny store Shawnlea and Karen had to wait while Kathleen stopped to talk to some lady she knew. The lady looked over at Karen and himself a couple of times during the conversation that she was having with his mother. Shawnlea and Karen were not close enough to hear what was being said but he knew that he and Karen were as being mentioned. Then it happened. Kathleen beckoned the two 'girls' to join her.

"Mom wants us to go over there with that woman Karen. What are we going to do?" Asked Shawnlea.

"Play it cool Shawnlea. There is no way that that woman can know who we really are unless your mom tells her. Lets see what happens. I don't think your mom is out to embarrass us. Replied Karen.

The two girls walked the short distance to where Kathleen and the woman stood. Of course Karen with much more confidence was a few steps in front of Shawnlea.

"Karen, Shawnlea, this is my boss Mrs. Nolan.

Jo-Ellen this is Karen my friend's daughter, and this is my pride and joy, Shawnlea.

"Hello girls. I am so happy to meet you both. Shawnlea, Karen, you both look lovely.

Your mother has been telling me all about you and your friend. She tells me that you are both going to St. Mary's School this year. Are you looking forward to it?

"I have been there before Mrs. Nolan. It is a great school."

Said Karen enthusiastically.

"I'm glad that you like it there Karen. It is one of the charities that I support. I am glad that they are doing well by you girls. How about you Shawnlea?

Your mother tells me that this is going to be your first year there. Are you excited about going there?"

"Yes Ma'am. My friend Karen is going to be in my class to. It ought to be fun. Said Shawnlea timidly.

"Very Good. I know you will like it there.

"Kathleen, lets talk a little more about this on Monday. I have a suggestion for you to consider. No rush there is plenty of time and the option is always open." Said Jo-Ellen.

"Okay. I'll talk to you then. I have another person to talk to on this subject as well. I'll see you then." Said Kathleen.

"Great. See you then." Turning to Shawnlea and Karen, Jo-Ellen smiled and looked at the two young girls for a moment intently.

"It was nice to meet you young ladies. She gave each girl a little hug. "Good luck." With that Mrs. Nolan walked away down the concourse.

Shawnlea looked at her mother and then at Karen who was beaming a big smile.

Shawnlea sensed that Mrs. Nolan knew their secret but was amazed that she had said nothing about it. If she knew thought Shawnlea, she almost seemed to take it for granted.

Shawnlea looked back again at her mother but Kathleen just smiled and said nothing.

"Okay. Girls, we have a lot to do. Lets go into J C Penny's. I am going to treat you both to a new outfit."

An hour later and a new blouse and skirt combo for each purchased, Shawnlea was starting to feel much more at ease. No one had challenged either Karen or himself. He was not even thinking about looking like a girl. He was starting to have some fun as Karen's enthusiasm became catching. That soon changed though, the next stop was the one that really gave Shawnlea butterflies in his stomach. Kathleen had told each girl that they had appointments for a hair styling. With that they walked into the hairdresser's shop.

Shawn had never been in a place like this before. True he had been into a barber shop many times but this place was totally different. The smells were the first thing he noticed. They were not evenly remotely the same as the barber shop. There the odor was predominately one of hair dressing and after shave. But here they seemed to be much more strong. He noticed at once that the chairs were different. They were lined up much closer to the mirrors. Each had little tables next to them with a variety of items on them. At one end of the room a lady was seated at a low table and another woman was fussing over her fingernails. Against the far wall was a set of chairs with a hooded device attached. Two women were seated in the chairs with the hood over their head while they read a magazine. Kathleen directed her and Karen to take a seat at the front of the salon in what was apparently the waiting area while she went and talked to the woman at the counter. Shawnlea did not hear the conversation but she did notice the woman look over at them several times, smile and then nod her head to whatever her mom was saying.

"You are going to like this." Said Karen.

Shawnlea looked at Karen but could not read the look on her face. "I don't think so. Said Shawnlea sarcastically. This place has only one use. It makes girls look pretty."

"Exactly. I've been here before. You will feel much more like a girl when you leave Shawn. Said Karen.

"Just what we need. We are getting in real deep here Kevin." Said Shawnlea.

"I know. isn't it a blast." Said Karen with a giggle to her voice.

Before Shawnlea could reply, The lady behind the counter called out their names.

"Shawnlea, Karen, would you come this way please." The lady said in a pleasant voice. "My name is Julie. I will be one of your hairdressers and this is Agnes. She gestured to another young woman who approached them from the rear of the salon.

Lets get you both seated and see if we can make you both pretty. Your mom said to give you both the works so settle in. Do either of you need to use the bathroom? This will take about two hours."

Both of them said that they did and they were directed to the ladies room at the rear of the salon. Shawnlea was relieved to find it was not occupied and he and Karen did what they had to do and returned to the salon.

Kathleen was talking to the woman named Julie and when Shawnlea came over to where they were standing, Kathleen told them that she would be back to pick them up when they were done.

Julie handed Kathleen a small device. "This is a pager. I will page you when the girls are through Mrs. O'Malley."

"Thank you Julie. See you girls later."

"Bye Mrs. O'Malley." said Karen.

Kathleen gave Shawnlea a kiss on the cheek and then turned and left the salon.

She and Karen had been directed to two seats side by side in front of the mirrors at the far end of the salon.. At least he thought, "We are not near the front windows." Shawn felt devastated. Here he was for all intent and purposes looking like a little girl and now about to be primped and fussed over like one. And in all places, the epitome of feminine locations, a beauty parlor. He shrugged his shoulders in totally resignation to his fate.

For the next two hours Karen and Shawnlea were given the works.

They had their hair washed and then that funny smelling stuff that he had first noticed when he can in was applied to his hair. They then had their hair put up in curlers put up then they had to sit under the dryers for the allotted time.

Finally the curlers were removed and after some combing and brushing there hair was finished. Each girl had a new permanent hairdo. Shawnlea was amazed when his chair was finally turned so that he could look in the mirror. He had to admit that the girl looking back at him was pretty and so was Karen, who looking at him in the mirror. She was all smiles. Shawnlea now had her pretty golden hair cascading onto his shoulders. He had a head full of curls that gently touched the side of his face. Over his forehead was a pretty set of bangs that curled inward just above his eyebrows.

Karen had a page boy style hairdo with her ends curling in around the base of her neck Her hair just reaching her shoulders.

Shawnlea could not help but smile back at Karen when he studied their images in the mirror.

"Not bad huh? Asked Karen. Shawnlea could only nod his head as he kept looking at the two girls in the mirror. It was had for him to believe that he was looking at himself and Kevin. There was just no resemblance at all.

Shawnlea and Karen both were given a manicure and had new nail polish applied and lipstick to match the outfits they were wearing. Just as they were going to sit down in the waiting room and wait for Kathleen, she walked in.

When she saw her two charges she beamed a big smile and rocking her hand from side to side to emphasize her words , she said "Wow! Look at the two 'knockouts'." Shawnlea blushed and Karen giggled at the remark. "Oh Mother, really." Was all Shawnlea could say in her embarrassment.

Kathleen paid the woman named Julie and as they started to walk out the door Julie waved at them and said "Bye Shawn, Bye Kevin. Come again." Shawnlea was mortified. Julie had known who they really were all along.

"Mother she knew who we were!" Said Shawnlea.

"Of course dear. I had to tell her what was going on. She is a friend of Karen's mother and myself. You don't think a professional like her would not know the difference between a boy's and a girl's hair do you. Now stop being difficult. It is getting late into the morning and we have someone to meet for lunch and then a meeting this afternoon with Sister Angelica.

"Am I going with you to the meeting this afternoon Mrs. O'Malley?" asked Karen.

"Of course dear. You mother won't be home until late this afternoon so you are with us for the whole day." Replied Kathleen.

"Oh wonderful. I haven't talked to Sister Angelica for a year. Not since my mom had me spend last year at the public school. She is a great person you know."

"Yes I know Karen. We will see her this afternoon. Shawnlea has to meet her and talk to her about her classes.

Shawnlea started to get butterflies again. He had not know that his mother had planned this today. It was like the sentence was about to be passed. She knew that when the meeting was over his place in a girl's life would be final. He would really be a schoolgirl for sure.

They left the Mall and this time as they crossed the parking lot in the warm sun Shawnlea was not the least bit aware of her looks as she had been when they had arrived earlier. She was totally engrossed in thought about the meeting with the Sister at the school. All kinds of thoughts of humiliating scenarios were going through her mind. 'Jeez, They may even want me to become a cheerleader or something' He grimaced at the thought of hopping around in a short skirt and sweater in public instead of being a player on the school teams.

Kathleen noticed this mood change and being very astute, she knew what she was thinking.

"Shawnlea dear. Don't worry. Sister Angelica is very understanding. You will like her. Believe me."

Chapter 8 The Commitment

To the casual observer, St. Mary's School was not un-like many other private schools in that it was built around the architectural style of the late nineteenth century. Two large "T" shaped three story brick buildings separated by a central colonnaded main structure. The center building housed the school's administrative offices as well as the convent. The left side of the school housed the school for girls and to the right was the boys school. Strict separation was maintained between the two wings. Outdoor activities were coordinated so that there was no co-mingling of the sexes except on special occasions, usually religious holiday activities and sporting events.

The school was built on a small hill and visitors were required to enter the property through the black wrought iron gates that were attached to the high stone wall that surrounded the entire property. After signing in with the security guard at the main gate, a long sweeping tree lined drive took the visitor around the edge of a small, quaint duck pond and the main grotto dominated with a statue of the Virgin Mary to the main entrance. Since this was a private parochial school, the grass covered grounds had the traditional statuary of various types tastefully arraigned in small grottos and flower gardens suitable for either meditation or outdoor study. In general, the property was quite impressive and gave the visitor a sense of serenity and security.

As Kathleen drove the car up the long driveway Karen was a describing to Shawn in an obviously enthusiastic voice the locations of the various other areas around the school grounds. She pointed out the athletic field off in the distance, the chapel that sat on an adjoining knoll about a hundred yards away from the main building and the new science and language building that was just behind the structure. She pointed out the gazebo where on nice days, the various classes took turns using for their religious instruction.

Shawnlea on the other hand was deep in thought and was not paying much attention to what Karen was saying. Only when the car stopped and Kathleen announced that they were at the school did Shawnlea snap out of her doldrums.

It was a beautiful afternoon. Birds of various type fluttered about the buildings exterior and the smell of the flowers around the main entrance was exquisite. Kathleen thought of her early days and the time spent at St. Margaret's and the traditional block shaped and drab brick school building she attended back in Lawrence. Oh how she would have enjoyed a school like this. "Well," she thought to herself, "If I have to send Shawnlea to a parochial school, I am glad it is as nice as this."

"What do you think dear? It is beautiful here don't you think?"

"Ya I guess so." Replied Shawnlea noncommittally.

"You think so! Wait to you see the inside. And the Chapel, it's terrific." Give it a chance Shawnlea." Piped in Karen with a little bit of irritation in her voice. She was obviously in love with the school.

"Okay. Okay. Just give me a little space will you? Replied Shawn sarcastically.

Shawn was starting to show some rebellion to his situation now that he was so close to the girl's school, and the permanency that it represented to him and his new lifestyle.

"That will be enough Shawn. I don't want to hear that tone of voice again. It is not lady like and I won't tolerate it. Do you understand?" Said Kathleen sharply.

"Yes Mother." Replied Shawn meekly, stunned by the rebuke.

"Good. Now lets go inside and meet Sister Angelica." Kathleen responded more gently.

"Come in, come in" Said Sister Angelica who met the trio at the ornate front door. "Mrs. O'Malley, it is nice to see you again." Sister Angelica gently taking a hold of Kathleen's hand.

"Hello Karen. Your mother called and said you might drop by today. You look lovely dear."

"Thank you Sister. It is nice to see you again." Said Karen at the same time presenting the nun with a complimentary curtsy.

"Well done Karen. I am so pleased that you have not forgotten your lessons."

"Thank you Sister." Replied Karen.

Sister Angelica then turned her attention to Shawnlea. She studied the youth for a long moment but said nothing to her. "Please." She finally said. "Come this way." She turned and led them down a long corridor delicately decorated with traditional religious paintings and statuary finally stopping in front of a set of carved oak doors.

"Please come in. This is my private study. I think we will be more comfortable here than in my office." Said the nun.

The Nun suggested that Kathleen and Shawnlea to sit down on the sofa.

Sister Angelica then took Karen aside and whispered something in her ear.

"Yes Sister. I'll be happy to." The girl replied turning and left the room.

"Karen is doing a little errand for me. She will be back in a few minutes."

Said the Nun.

"Well now. Shawnlea, I have heard much about you from your mother. I see she has started your introduction to St. Mary's already." The Nun motioning in general to Shawnlea's appearance.

Shawn looked at Sister Angelica but said nothing. His face started to blush showing his obvious embarrassment. He slouched down into the sofa trying to become less noticeable. Shawn was totally unaware that his legs were spread apart and that the panties he was wearing was in full view.

"Sit up young lady. And pull your knees together. Ladies do not sit like that. I do not expect you to do that again. You may as well learn now that while here at St. Mary's School you will learn to present yourself and act like a proper young lady. Is that clear ." The Nun said to Shawnlea sharply.

Shawn was taken aback. He did as the Sister instructed.

"I asked you a question Shawnlea. I did not hear an answer."

"Yes." Shawn said very softly.

"Yes what?" Asked the Nun sternly.

"Yes Sister Angelica." Shawn replied meekly.

"That's better." I expect you to address me in the future as Sister Angelica or as Sister. Always."

"Yes Sister." Replied Shawn.

"That's good my dear. I think we understand each other on that point."

"Mrs. O'Malley, I would like very much for Shawnlea to spend the next two weeks here at the school for orientation. I think that a little interfacing with my resident girls may be of some benefit to Shawnlea before school starts. Would that be possible?"

"Certainly Sister. When would you like Shawnlea to be here?" Asked Kathleen.

"Well, the sooner the better. How about Monday morning?" Asked the Nun.

"That would be fine. It will give me the opportunity to have my daughter Frances meet her 'new sister" tomorrow. I will be picking her up from my sister's after church. I will drop Shawnlea off on my way to work on Monday morning."

"Are you planning to have Frances attend school here as well? It would probably be a great assistance to Shawnlea and a lot less burden on you. "We do send the school's buses around to pick up all our girls. So you will not have to drive them here."

'Well to be honest Sister, I was going to let Frances continue at Briarwood but under the circumstances I think you are right. I will make the arraignments." Kathleen replied.

"Good, Good. It will be a pleasure to have her here."

Shawnlea meanwhile listening to the conversation was getting mortified. He had forgotten all about his sister. Frances was going to have a field day making fun of him. She was a blabber mouth. If none of his friends knew about him being forced to be a girl they were sure to know about it as soon as Frances could get away and tell them.

There was a knock on the door of the study. The young nun that Kathleen had seen on her earlier visit opened the door and stood to the side as three girls entered the room carrying some refreshments. Each was attired in the schools uniform.

Shawn looked at the three girls and then his eyes almost popped out of his head. There was Tracy Williams, Karen and another girl he did not know. Each girl came in and curtsied. They placed their burden on the coffee table and then stood to the side. Each girl looked at Shawnlea with a big smile on their faces. Especially Tracy Williams.

"I'm dead. Tracy knows who I am. She will 'spill the beans' for sure."

Shawn thought to himself.

"Sit down girls." Sister Angelica said motioning to the other sofa . Sister Angelica then looked at Shawnlea.

"Dear, let me introduce you to these young ladies. This is Lisa Moore, Tracy Williams, and of course you already know Karen."

Each girl gave Shawnlea a little wave of the hand and a big smile as they were introduced.

"During the next two weeks, you will be spending all of your time with them. Listen to what they say and follow what they instruct you to do. Each of them are well aware of what our rules and regulations are and if you follow their instructions, you will find your time here quite enjoyable. At least as much as a school can be." Instructed Sister Angelica. And of course I expect you to be wearing your school uniform. It will allow you to get comfortable wearing it before school starts. Everything our girls do here at St. Mary's is in uniform. Except of course our dances and special occasions when an exception is made.

"Yes Sister. I understand." Replied Shawnlea.

"Good. I think we are going to get along fine." said the Nun.

For the next half hour Shawnlea and the three other girls sat at a round table at the far end of the room and had refreshments together.

Sister Angelica and Kathleen finished up some formalities dealing with admission paperwork for Shawnlea and Frances.

Karen finally left the room and returned a few minutes later having changed out of the school uniform and back into her regular clothes.

Shawnlea found that Tracy made no reference to his appearance. Rather, she seemed quite please with him. Tracy and Shawnlea had hit it off quite well and by the time the meeting broke up, The four students had formed a friendship bond that would last for the rest of their lives. They just did not know it at that moment.

By the time the trio arrived back home, It was quite late in the afternoon. Kathleen dropped Shawnlea off at Karen's house and told her that she would bring her over her sleepwear and admonished her to behave herself during the sleepover and to get to get to bed early as they had a long day on Sunday.

The two girls promised to be in bed by 10 PM. After saying goodbye, Karen grabbed Shawnlea by the hand and ran into the house giggling.

Kathleen smiled. It was a productive day she thought to herself, as she drove back across the street to her own driveway.

Chapter 9 Frances: A New Sister

Kathleen parked her car and went into the house. She went up to Shawnlea's room and packed a small suitcase with a few items of clean underwear, pantyhose, a training bra and a fresh nightie that Shawnlea would need for her sleep-over. She placed in the suitcase a small cosmetics case, comb, brush, and toiletries kit. She took out of the closet a pretty yellow dress with a built-in peek-a-boo petticoat and a matching bonnet, a full slip and a white button down cardigan knit sweater. She selected a pair of yellow pumps with a low heel and carried these items down to the foyer.

Kathleen decided to take a few minutes to relax and picked up the phone and called Janet.

"Hi Janet." She said as her friend answered the phone.

"Hi Kathy, Karen tells me that you guys had a fun day today."

"Yes we did although Shawnlea wasn't to happy at first but she seemed to perk up as the day went on. Listen, I have some things for Shawnlea for this evening and her outfit for church tomorrow. I'll bring them over in a few minutes if that's all right?"

"Tell you what Kathy, You start some tea, and I will come over and chat for awhile then take them with me when I leave. The girls are up in Karen's room having some fun. They will be fine for a few minutes."

Okay great. I expect my sister Susan to drop by soon with Frances, so that will help a lot. Replied Kathleen.

Fine Kathy. I'll be over in about five minutes. I just have to tell the kids where I am. Said Janet.

Kathleen no sooner hung up the phone, when the front door opened and in ran Frances with Susan right behind.

"Mother, I'm home." Said Frances as she ran towards the stairs.

"Hi Pumpkin. Would you please come into the kitchen for a few minutes.

Get some cookies and milk if you want. I need to talk to your Aunt Susan for

a minute. Kathy carried the tray of tea out into the living room"

"Okay Mother,. Where's Shawn?" Frances asked quizzically as she went through the door into the kitchen.

"We'll talk about him in a minute dear. Don't make a mess in the kitchen please."

Frances did as she was told and Kathy motioned for Susan to follow her into the den just as Janet arrived. The three women went into the den for tea. Kathleen knew that Susan and Janet were just full of curiosity about how Shawn had reacted to his first day as a girl. Kathy knew that she had their total support for what she was doing and that Shawn would get no sympathy from either of the two women.

Kathleen spent the next half hour recapping the day's events and their meeting with Sister Angelica.

Susan was interested in how Kathleen was going to broach the subject to Frances.

"Straight out." Kathy had told her. "It is the only way I can think to do it."

Kathleen had told her.

"I got an idea." Said Janet. "How about if after you tell her what has happened and why, you bring her over to my house and let her take part in the sleep-over. That may just break the ice sort of speak." "I'll get them ready for church in the morning and we can all go together."

"You know Kathy, Janet has a point. The more they interact together, the easier it will be on Shawnlea. "How is Kevin taking it Janet?" Asked Susan.

"Oh that's right Susan, you don't know about Kevin, or should I say Karen. This is going to be her second year at St. Mary's. Karen is a "born" girl. She will get Shawn to come around. Wait and see. She's a natural.

Susan just raised her eyebrows and started to laugh. "You know if this keeps up the whole neighborhood around here is going to be filled with nothing but girls."

"Not a bad idea Susan'" Said Janet with mock seriousness.

All three women burst out in laughter at the quip.

"Kathy, I am going to have Matt Williams bring Kelly over as well. I'll see if he can pick up Lisa also. I think that having all the girls together tonight for this sleepover will break the ice for Shawnlea. With the exception of Frances, They all have something very much in common. I think the four "girls" will also put the reins on Frances if she tries to embarrass Shawnlea. And you know Kathy, she is going to try. I also think you might like to have a talk with Matt as I suggested earlier." Said Janet.

"Do you think he will be able to stay awhile. It is short notice?" Asked Kathleen.

"Oh I'm sure he will come over. He makes a point of being home with Tracy on Saturday nights." Replied Janet.

"And who is Matt Williams? Asked Susan "A new beau?"

"No not at all Sis. He's Janet's brother-in Law. He was married to Janet's sister. They were divorced a couple of years ago. Their daughter Tracy is another of those special girls at St. Mary's." Replied Kathleen. Nora his ex-wife could not or would not accept Tracy's trans-sexualism.

"Oh I sorry to hear that." Susan replied.

"No loss. She was a bitch anyway. Janet lost a sister but gained a 'brother'."

"That's a strange story. Sis."

"And I suppose this girl Lisa is also a special case? Susan continued after a brief pause.

"You got it." Replied Janet.

"Oh brother. I think I will open a Girl's Dress Shop in this neighborhood. I could make a fortune." Susan quipped again.

Her light hearted humor had made Kathleen feel a little more at ease. It was her way of supporting her sister's decision regarding Shawn.

Shortly thereafter Susan and Janet left and Kathleen went into the kitchen to tell Frances about her "new sister".

+ + + +

 

Kathleen sat with Frances at the breakfast bar and told Frances everything that had happened and why. Frances said nothing but it was obvious that she was enjoying what she was being told. The smile on her face said it all. Shawn was "getting his" and Frances seemed pleased. Almost gloating at the prospect of her brother having to become a girl. "Serves him right. Now maybe he won't pick on me any more, She thought to herself.

She was really surprised when she was told about Karen. She had no idea that he really liked being a girl. Now she started to understand why he was liked by all the girls in the neighborhood. He really knew how to be one of them.

When Kathleen suggested that she go over to Karen's for the sleep-over, she was elated. She just had to see Shawn dressed and acting like a girl. "Like wow, this is going to be fun." She said.

"Frances I don't want you to tease your brother or Kevin about this. I need you to help me make Shawn accept this change. Will you do this for me." Asked Kathleen.

"Yes Mother,. I think I will like having a sister." Said the girl.

"Good. Now go upstairs and get a nightie and also get your pink Sunday dress and matching hat. And, don't forget your undies and white Mary-Jane shoes. We are all going to church together tomorrow and Kevin's mother will get you kids ready."

Frances got up from the stool and hurried up the stairs to do her mothers bidding.

Kathleen could hear Frances giggling all the way up to her room. It was obvious she was going to enjoy this new development.

Thirty minutes later Kathleen, with Frances in tow, walked over to Janet's house.

Chapter 10 A Pair of Meetings

When Janet had returned home from her meeting with Kathleen and Susan she went upstairs to make sure that all was well with her two charges. Both 'girls' were in Karen's room and seemed to be trying on different outfits of Karen's. Janet did not disturb them. She casually called out to Karen that she was back home and said hello to Shawnlea as she continued down the hall to her own bedroom. The kids only said Hi as they continued their fun. Janet hung up Shawnlea's clothes for church in her own closet and then went back down to the kitchen. She made a cup of tea and then picked up the phone and placed a call to her friend Matt Williams.

As Kathleen and Frances walked across the street towards Janet's house she noticed that a late model Dodge Caravan was just pulling into the driveway. Kathleen recognized Tracy and Lisa as they got out of the side door of the van. The girls waved and Kathy waved back. Both girls were dressed casually in jeans and sweaters. They were each carrying a small overnight case and what was obviously dresses on hangers. Frances, seeing Tracy, ran up the driveway to join the other girls.

"Hi. You must be Kathleen O'Malley. I'm Matt Williams.

"Hello. Nice to meet you Mister Williams, Shawnlea and Frances seem to know your daughter Tracy quite well. I'm sorry we have not had the chance to meet before."

"I'm sorry too. Must be the pressures of work schedules." It seems that I only have the weekends free lately and I don't get much chance to socialize. I try to spend as much of my spare time as I can with Tracy. And please, call me Matt. Let me help you those things your carrying."

"Thank you Matt, and call me Kathy. " Kathleen handed Matt the over night case while holding onto the hangers holding Frances' dress and coat.

"Girls, come on, were going into the house now." Said Matt The three girls had been in conversation with Karen who had been leaning out her bedroom window.

Janet came out onto the front porch just as the couple was turning to walk up the rest of the driveway.

"Hi guys, that was great timing." Janet said with a conspiratorial tone, noticing how convenient Matt and Kathy had met and affording Matt the opportunity to play gentleman.

Matt waved at Janet as he escorted Kathy and the three young girls towards the entrance way.

"Come in, come in. I have some refreshments set up in the living room." Karen, Shawnlea, come on down. We have company." Said Janet almost in one sentence.

"Thanks Janet but you really didn't have to make such a fuss." Said Kathleen as she removed Frances' coat.

"Nonsense. No bother at all." We are probably going to be chatting for several hours anyway and we might as well make it homey." Said Janet with a slight chuckle in her voice.

Kathleen got the impression that her friend was enjoying these developments but she said nothing. "What is she up to?" Kathy thought to herself.

Tracy, Lisa and Frances in the meantime had settled into a sofa in front of the large French windows that looked out over the front porch.

"Girls, help yourself to some snacks. There is some cans of Pepsi in the ice bucket." Just make sure you put a coaster under your cans so they don't mark the table. I am going upstairs to see what is keeping those other two."

"Yes Ma'am. Replied Tracy and Lisa in almost unison. Frances was however lost in thought. She was staring intently at the stairs that lead down from the upstairs bedrooms. A huge smile on her face.

Kathleen noticed this and knew what was on her young daughter's mind.

"Frances, You know what I told you. Don't be a tease when your brother comes downstairs. This is going to be hard for him and you can really help by not making fun of him. Or Karen either for that matter." Kathleen said sternly.

The smile on Frances' face dissolved. "Yes Mother." Was Frances' reply.

As Janet entered Karen's room she was immediately aware that something was wrong. Karen/Kevin was sitting on the bed with her chin in her hand and elbow on her knee in the classic 'thinker" position. Shawnlea was no where in sight.

"What is the matter dear? Where is Shawn.?"

"He's locked himself in the bathroom Mom. He says he is not coming out. Ever."

"Why? What happened? I thought you two were having fun playing dress-up and stuff?" Asked Janet.

"We were. But when He looked out and saw Frances was coming up the driveway with his mom, He bolted for the bathroom and locked himself in. I tried to tell him everything would be all right but he just said "No way. He was not going to let his sister see him in a dress."

"What is he wearing right now?"

"My new light green party dress."

"Oh my. That's the one with the attached petticoat and all the lace. How did you ever get him to wear that one?"

"Well we were having fun and we didn't think anyone else would come over and see us."

"All right Karen. Get changed into some jeans and a matching top, then go downstairs and ask Mrs. O'Malley to come up here. I want you to stay downstairs with the other kids until we come back down."

Karen did as she was told and changed into a pair of pink jeans and a white pullover jersey and headed down the stairs.

When Karen had left, Janet took out another pair of white jeans from her closet and laid them on the bed with along with a yellow printed pullover top with a delicate pink and white floral design.

"Gee is that you Kevin?" said Frances as Kevin walked into the living room.

"Hi guys." Karen said. "Mrs. O'Malley? My mom would like to see you upstairs for a minute. We can't get Shawn to come out of the bathroom."

"Oh dear. Matt would you excuse me for a minute." She said to Matt.

"Sure, go ahead. I know what is going thru his mind. I had similar problems with Tracy at first." Matt stood up as a gentleman would as Kathleen rose to leave the room.

Karen went over and joined the other girls on the sofa. Frances just sat and stared at him. She was totally mesmerized by this boy turned girl.

"Don't stare Frances, it isn't polite." Said Lisa to the younger girl.

"I'm not staring." said Frances with mock indignation. The other girls started to giggle at her obvious bewilderment.

"Come on Frances, Lets go into the kitchen and talk." Said Tracy. "Will you excuse us for a little while Daddy?" said Tracy to Matt.

"Sure Honey. Just don't make a mess. Okay?" Matt walked over to the TV and turned it on. He was now alone for a few minutes and decided to catch the evening news before he was surrounded by females again.

Tracy took Frances by the hand and lead her out to the kitchen, as the other two girls followed. In the kitchen, Tracy told Frances to sit at the table. The others took up the other chairs. "We have something to tell you Frances and you had better pay attention." Said Tracy sternly...

"She's in there." Said Janet. Pointing to the large bathroom that separated Karen's room from Janet's. "Thanks Janet. Give me a minute and I think I can get her to come out."

"Here. This is the key to the door. There is no bolt on the inside. I have had the bathrooms set up this way since Kevin was small just so that he could not lock himself in." Janet handed Kathy a straight flat tool that could be inserted into the hole in the middle of the doorknob. "I'll be downstairs when your ready Kathy. I think maybe something a little less feminine may be in order for Shawnlea's first meeting with Frances. I laid out some clothes on Karen's bed that should fit.

"Thanks Hon. I'll take care of this. We'll be down in a few minutes."

With that Kathleen turned towards the bathroom door as Janet left the room.

"Well now young lady, is this a temper tantrum or something?" Janet said thru the closed door. There was no reply. "Shawnlea, I want you to open this door now. Don't make me use the key." Still no response.

Shawn sat at the vanity in the bathroom. He had been crying and had made a vain attempt to clean off the mascara that strained his face. He had removed the party dress and had hung it up behind the door. He had heard Karen's mother and his mother talking but was not able to hear what they had been saying. He was really upset and when he finally hear his mother call thru the door he had become stubborn. He was not going to face his sister in any girl's clothes. Period. When he heard his mom insert the key into the lock he knew he had lost. If he made her open the door herself he knew he was in a lot of trouble. Shawn got up off the chair and opened the door from the inside.

To Shawnlea's surprise there was no lecture, no punishment, instead Kathleen reached out and pulled him close and hugged him. She spoke soft words to him. Words that spoke from the heart... "I love you Shawn, more than you will ever know. That's why I am making you do this. You can see what it has done for Karen, Tracy and Lisa.

Shawn looked up at his mother. "Really? They are boys too?"

He asked incredulously?

"Yes dear. They are. And you will find that they are going to help you a lot and probably be the best friends you will ever have.

Shawnlea cried. She hugged Kathleen close.

"Just like a little girl." Thought Kathleen silently to herself.

Fifteen minutes later, face washed, hair brushed and coifed, Shawnlea, dressed in girl's jeans and top. Went into the kitchen with Kathleen and met her sister and friends together.

As she entered the kitchen, Frances got up from the chair and stood looking at her former brother for a long minute. No one said anything. They all just watched silently.

Then something wonderful happened, Frances extended her arms wide and ran to Shawnlea. She wrapped her arms around her and with her head on Shawnlea's chest she said. "Hi Sis. I love you."

The two girls started to shed tears of happiness. As did the others in the room as well.

Shawn was relieved and felt happy. His biggest worry had been how his ten year old sister would react to his change. She had accepted it without any reservation. Shawn knew that if she could so would almost everyone else.

Shawnlea had arrived for sure, There was no turning back.

Kathleen silently backed out of the kitchen and went into the living room. She was also crying. Matt noticing her obvious tears got up from his chair and went to her. He took her in his arms and held her close. Neither said anything Kathleen did not even try to pull away.

Janet watched all this with satisfaction. "Everything is going to work out just fine. Just fine indeed." She thought to herself.

That night, a casual observer would have seen five young girls coiled up together on two side by side mattresses on the living room floor. Attired in their nightgowns and hair all done up in rollers or braids, sound asleep in each others arms. Just like at any other sleepover when girlfriends get together. Francis had made a point to snuggle close to her "new" sister. A contented look on her face.

Janet had sent Matt and Kathleen on their way after a couple of hours. She had told them to go have a quiet talk and that she would take of the girls for the night.

Kathleen had invited Matt to come over to her own house where they could talk. By the time the evening was over , Kathleen and Matt had told each other about their lives, marriage and problems with their boys. Matt had gone into detail about how he had caught Tracy wearing some of his mothers clothes one afternoon when he had come home from work early. In the end, Matt had found that Tracy had a condition called Gender Dysphoria. The doctors did not think it was that advanced but did encourage Matt to let his son follow his own course and see where it led. Thus Tracy ended up at St. Mary's where she had now been enrolled for three years. She had the option however of withdrawing at any time. Of course she never did but rather became one of the best 'girls' there. Nora, his wife (Janet's sister) could not handle Tracy's early cross dressing and did not agree with Matt allowing it to continue.

When Tracy came home the first day from St. Mary's School wearing the traditional pink blouse, and red plaid jumper, and white pantyhose which made up the girl's school uniform, Nora lost it. She confronted Matt that evening and when he refused to budge, she had walked out with some invective about how they must both be "queers". Nora divorced Matt the following year. He did not contest the divorce when Nora had agreed not to ask for custody of Tracy.

Kathleen had listened to this story with keen interest. She was impressed at how a father could love his son so much that he would even give him up and let him become instead, his daughter. Kathleen felt herself warming to this understanding man. Both felt but would not admit that they had a mutual attraction to each other. Matt went home at 1:00 AM with the promise that Kathleen would accompany him later in the week for an evening at the theater.

Chapter 11 First Sunday

When Kathleen awoke the next morning, she laid in her bed and thought about the events of the past few days. She knew she had embarked on a path that if it became general knowledge would leave her open to criticism from many quarters. She however knew that this course she had chosen for herself as well as Shawn was the right one and she was determined to follow it to the end. She thought of the evening spent with Matt and she smiled. She like him and even though she still loved Frank she knew that she had to get on with her own life. She could not stay in mourning forever. Kathleen decided that she would like to see more of Matt. "Who knows. Just maybe..." her thoughts trailed off as she got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

A half hour later she sat at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee and placed a call to Susan. She told Susan about the previous evening and asked her to come over and to bring Cassie along and join her for breakfast. Mass was at 11 AM and they could all go together. Susan was elated. "David is Sleeping in this morning. He had a long day negotiating contracts yesterday and did not get in until late last night. so I will be free this morning. I'll be right over. It will take me about 45 minutes to get Cassie ready. I'm just dying to have you tell me more about Matt." "Okay Susan. I'll have some breakfast ready for you both when you get here. So don't bother eating " Said Kathy.

Susan took the opportunity while driving over to Kathy's home to tell Cassie the news about how Shawn had become a girl. Cassie listened intently and asked a lot of questions as to why he would want to do that. Susan was patient and answered her daughter's questions as best as she could. She knew that like Francis, it would take a face to face meeting to resolve all her questions.

 

Kathleen took the time while waiting for Susan to get ready for church and took extra care to look her best knowing that Matt would be coming with them. She had just finished getting dressed and making some breakfast when Susan and Cassie arrived.

Kathy, Susan and Cassie sat at the kitchen table. Cassie sat quietly eating breakfast while Kathy and Susan engaged in conversation about the events of the previous evening. Susan of course pressed her sister for more information about Matt and her feelings toward him. They had just finished breakfast when the front doorbell rang.

"Cassie will you be a dear and answer the door? That may be Mrs. Hargraves and the girls coming to get us for church." "Okay Aunt Kathy." Said Cassie. The young girl scooted down off her chair and ran out of the kitchen.

Kathy and Susan put the dishes on the countertop and then walked out into the living room. A smile came to the face of both women as they took in the scene unfolding in front of them. Janet had ushered each of the girls into the living room and had them seated primly on the sofas

Each of the children had been obviously fussed over in detail. They looked lovely. Their hair and light makeup arraigned perfectly to match their pretty dresses. Kathy looked at Shawnlea as she was being hugged by Francis and Cassie.

Shawnlea was obviously enjoying herself. There appeared to be a sense of contentment about her that had not been there the night before. Kathleen looked at Susan and although Susan said nothing, she looked back at Kathleen and just nodded her head. The message that all was going to be okay transmitted silently.

The front door opened and Matt walked in. Kathy felt her heart skip a beat as he came into the room. Of course this was not missed by her sister who just smiled and waited to be introduced. Susan was quite impressed by his looks and stature.

"Good morning. I see everyone is all ready for church. Did you ladies have a nice time last night?" Matt asked as he looked at the girls who were all sitting in the living room. "Hi Daddy. Yes we did. It was a terrific sleepover." Said Tracy as she walked over to Matt and gave him a hug. Matt gave Tracy a light kiss on the forehead as she turned her face up and looked at her father. "That's great honey. I am glad you kids had a good time."

Tracy broke away form her father and returned to her place on the sofa as Matt walked over to where the women were standing near the kitchen door.

Kathy introduced Matt to Susan who Kathy noticed was wearing a huge smile. She knew what her sister was thinking. Playing matchmaker was written all over her face. Kathy only smiled as the four adults went into the kitchen. She would let her sister play her game. Kathy had already made up her mind to do a little "fishing" of her own.

A half hour later the four adults and their entourage of young girls entered St. Mary's Church for Sunday Mass. Sister Angelica who occasionally filled in for the organist was doing so this particular Sunday morning. Shawnlea saw the nun looking their way as they came down the aisle to take their seats. Shawnlea was sure that the nun had given her a slight wave of her hand as they came in. The Nun did look at her and nod her head and smile. The girls took a pew seat near the front of the church together and the adults sat directly behind.

Sister Angelica had indeed seen her new charges coming into the church. She was quite pleased to see that they were in all physical appearance nothing less than lovely young girls. She was sure that in time and with the cooperation of their parents, she would be able to mold them into the essence of proper young ladies. She gave Shawnlea a smile and a slight wave of her hand as she walked down the aisle.

Vince Bolling had seen the girls as they entered the church. He knew Tracy and Kelly from school. He had seen them several times and had even tried to talk to them but they had rebuffed his efforts. He also knew Shawn O'Malley. He had played on his baseball team the previous spring and when Mrs. O'Malley had come into the church he had looked around to see if Shawn was with her. He was disappointed not to see Shawn but the new girl with Mrs. O'Malley looked very familiar. Try as he might, he could not place her. Shawnlea felt very uncomfortable. She was aware that Vince Bolling had been staring at her during the entire service. She just hoped that she could get out of the church without talking to him. It was as they were leaving the church that Vince noticed the small red birthmark on the elbow of the girl in the yellow dress. He had seen it before. On Shawn O'Malley during practice.

"Hi Sissy." Said Vince Bolling with a sinister smirk on his face as Shawnlea walked past him in the vestibule.

"Sissy, Sissy Sissy" Vince called after Shawnlea.

Shawnlea looked at Vince. Anger welled up inside him and all his penned up emotions let loose at that moment. Shawn's masculinity could not let this go unchallenged. It was a strange site. The young girl dressed in her Sunday 'finest' said nothing. She just walked over to the boy and grabbed his shirt and without any warning, landed a punch on his cheek. The boy staggered against the door frame and dropped to a sitting position on the floor. Shawnlea just stood there for a moment and then ran out the door, not stopping until she reached the relative safety of Matt's van. Karen overheard the remark and saw Shawn's reaction. She told Tracy. Tracy become furious. She walked over to Vince and whispered something in his ear.

Vince turned white. "Okay, okay. I get the point. I won't say anything." "You better not. Dresses might look good on you too." Tracy said. "Panties too." Was the reply from Karen as they turned and walked away. Tracy , Karen, Lisa and Kelly found Shawnlea crying next to the van. Karen told Shawnlea what had happened with Vince. "I don't think you will have any more trouble with that jerk. Shawn." Kelly piped in, "You should have seen him. Tracy told him that she was going to suggest to his mom that he join our club and that dresses would look good on him too. I thought he was going to pee his pants right there."

Shawnlea started to laugh. Then the other three girls did too. A feeling of security and companionship overtook Shawnlea. She felt closer to these girls than she had ever felt with any other kids before. Shawnlea realized at that point that Tracy was really to be counted next to Karen as a very dear friend.

The laughs changed into giggles as they started to joke about how Vince would look in a dress. Tracy let the thought linger a little too long as she contemplated her dislike for the boy. "Maybe..." she thought to herself and then turned to get into the van as the adults walked towards then with Frances and Cassie.

An hour later, Mass over, Matt suggested a trip to the Zoo. All agreed and Shawnlea found herself spending her first full day as a girl in public. Yet she had not hesitated in agreeing to go. She had not even given it a second thought. Kathy was amazed at her change of attitude from the day before. She was determined to talk with Shawnlea albeit gently, about this. Kathy was pleased as she sat next to Matt for the 15 minute drive to the Tempe Zoo. Everything seemed to be working out fine. She thought.

By late afternoon, with promises by each girl to do another sleep-over soon at Tracy's house. The wonderful day came to an end as everyone headed for home.

That night Frances crept into Shawnlea's room and climbed into bed and snuggled up to her older 'sister'. She was soon asleep with her arm draped over Shawnlea's chest.

Chapter 12 Resignation to Fate

Shawnlea and Frances were oblivious to the sound of the soft rapping on the bedroom door. It was 5:00 AM and Kathleen knew she had to get the girls up soon. Today was to be Shawnlea's first day of orientation at St. Mary's and Kathleen knew that she also had to report to work. Frances was to spend the day with Janet, so it was not necessary to get her up so early. Kathleen went into the bedroom and was delighted at the sight. Frances had snuggled up to Shawnlea and the two of them were sound asleep in each others arms. Carefully, Kathleen picked up her younger daughter and quietly carried her to her own room. Putting her into her own bed she covered her over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. She quietly tip-toed from the room. Tears of joy ran down her cheeks. Kathleen knew that she had truly made the right decision with Shawn. Never before had her two siblings reacted to each other in this way. And yet... Kathleen harbored some regrets. Maybe.. she thought to herself. That she was being to harsh on Shaun. After all, he had only done what a lot of other boys had done too.

An hour, and a cup of coffee later, and after much thought, Kathleen went into Shawnlea's bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. For several minutes she just sat and observed her new "daughter". She could not help but notice how much Shawn now looked like the little girl that she wanted him to be. Her now long and curly hair splayed out over the pink satin pillow like a golden halo. Her face still showing just a hint of the light makeup and pink lipstick that she had worn the day before. The top of her pink nightgown with its white lace collar peeked out from the satin bedcovers and accented the delicate neckline and face like a beautiful frame. Kathleen at that moment felt the happiest that she had been since Frank's passing. She truly hoped that Frank would have approved of what she was doing with his son. In her heart she felt that he would have. In any case, Kathleen unknowingly at that moment, had planted in her own mind the seeds of permanency for Shawnlea's girlhood. Finally, after some minutes of quietly contemplating what she had done to Shawn she sighed and then gently nudged Shawnlea on the shoulder. "Come on sleepy head." Kathleen said gently. "Time to rise and shine."

Shawnlea slowly opened her eyes and looked at her mother. "Good morning Mom. Is it time to get up so soon?" "Yes dear. We have a big day ahead remember? You are going to start orientation today at St. Mary's."

Shawnlea sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Kathleen busied herself laying out the new school uniform across the end of the bed. "I'll get everything ready for you to wear dear. Why don't you go take your bath and when your done I'll help you get dressed?"

"Okay Mother." Shawnlea rose from the bed and walked towards the bathroom door. She looked back into the room just as Kathleen laid out the white slip and uniform jumper across the bed. In the back of her mind Shawn, not Shawnlea looked at the outfit. He felt a wave of trepidation overtake him. This getting dressed as a parochial schoolgirl seemed to bother him more than any of the other experiences of the past few days. Shawn looked at his mother who for the first time in a long time seemed very happy. "God, what did I get myself into." thought Shawn to himself as he entered the bathroom.

Shawn drew the bathwater and added the strawberry scented bubble-bath to the water. Removing his nightie and tying his hair high on his head with a comb clip, he settled down into the water and bathed. The strong strawberry aroma and the warm water seemed to calm him considerably. After completing his bath, Shaun patted himself dry and without even thinking about it, applied some perfume to his wrists and neck. It was the same strawberry scent as the bubblebath. Satisfied, he put on his pink terry robe he had hung behind the bathroom door and went back into the bedroom just as his mother came back into the room.

"Shawnlea, you look nice and clean dear, and smell nice too. Lets get you dressed and fix your hair. Then you can go downstairs and have some breakfast. "Yes mother." Said Shawnlea demurely.

As Kathleen helped him get dressed in his schoolgirl uniform and he saw how he now looked in the mirror, he was actually pleased. His trepidation of earlier had eased substantially. ***

An hour later, dressed in her new uniform, her hair brushed and arraigned just like it had been at the hairdressers except that a large plaid ribbon that matched her jumper was tied in a bow and attached with clips on the back of her head, Shawnlea sat at the kitchen table eating breakfast. "Please finish your breakfast and put the dishes in the sink dear, I am going to get Frances up and dressed."

"Okay Mother. Can I call Karen and see what time she will be over."

"Fine, but tell Karen to tell her mother that I will drop you both at the school so that she wont have to drive there too. Also that I will drop Frances off there before we leave."

"All right Mother. And Mom?..." Shawnlea hesitated before asking her the question. A look of concern on her face.

"Yes dear. What is it?" replied Kathleen, pausing in the doorway to the kitchen.

The look of happiness on her face was not lost on Shawnlea. She was about to question her necessity to continue pretending to be a girl and having go to school as one. But as she looked at her mother it was obvious that this was not the time or place to bring up the subject.

"Oh... nothing Mother. I better go call Karen."

"Okay dear. I'll be back down in a few minutes." With that Kathleen turned and went to get Frances.

Shawnlea sighed, She was resigned to follow thru with this "punishment" of having to be a girl for awhile. "After all, it was only for a year and he could tough it out. It really wasn't that bad and some things about it were actually quite nice." Shrugging her shoulders, she picked up the phone and dialed Karen's number..

Shawnlea did not realize that the opportunity to revert back to being Shawn was lost forever at that point. Had he pressed the issue, and given her mother's uncertainty at that point, He might have prevailed. That was not to be the case. Events would soon occur that would make Shawnlea and her new girlfriends permanent personalities in everyone's lives.

(continued)

 

 

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© 2001 by Donna Allyson. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.