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Metamorphosis

By Julia Manchester

Copyright 2008

It was nobody’s fault, really. The truck was passing the car on the highway when the car in front of the Strattons had a blowout and suddenly careened into the left lane. The driver of the truck reacted instinctively and swerved right to avoid killing an entire family from Duluth. Unfortunately the truck began to tip over, and when the driver turned hard to the left to correct the tilt it tipped over right on the Stratton's car. The air bags inflated, and Alice Stratton managed to get out the passenger side okay, but her husband Joe was trapped behind the wheel, and the mangled remains of the car surrounded him, making it impossible for him to move.

Alice tried to pull and tug at the debris, but it was just no use. Joe was stuck until the fire department came to pull him out. His wife stayed right with him until he felt fluid leaking on him from the truck. He yelled at her to get out, and she did for a while. When the fluid didn’t ignite, as they had feared, Alice reached in and dabbed at it with her fingers. It felt slightly greasy, like oil, but when she brought her fingers to her nose and sniffed it didn’t smell like oil or anything that might combust. She wiped her fingers on her jeans – they were ruined anyway – and resumed trying to free her husband. He was covered in the stuff, but it wasn’t until the fire department arrived that they discovered the truck was carrying radioactive medical waste.

The firefighters donned their hazmat suits and freed Joe after a few minutes. Fortunately Joe wasn’t injured, just shaken up, but Alice was mortified when the fire chief had both of them strip off all of their clothes right there on the side of the road and sprayed them both down with water to decontaminate them. Two of the firefighters gave the Strattons their coats and they transported the couple to the nearest hospital, where they underwent a series of tests to determine if their exposure to the radiation had caused any damage. The doctors couldn’t find anything in the tests they were able to perform, and they reassured both that most radioactive medical waste is very low level stuff, but they weren’t certain how the combination of junk they were exposed to would affect them, and they warned the couple to contact their own doctors if they felt or noticed anything unusual. Frankly, they were much more concerned about Joe than Alice, because he had received much more exposure.

The Strattons spent the day in a small town that resembled a million other such towns across the country. Alice was able to call their children and tell them what happened and assure them they were okay. They rented a car, purchased some clothes, and resumed their vacation trip. They were both thankful that nobody had been injured in the accident, and looked forward to visiting the Grand Canyon.

They made it as far as St. Louis the first day, and after visiting the famous Gateway Arch they had dinner and retired to their hotel. Surprisingly, neither of them was tired despite the long day on the road they made love like a couple of newlyweds. Joe was masterful, and Alice loved the way he took her – slowly and gently. Afterwards, as she lay curled next to him she thanked Providence that I hadn’t lost him in the accident. Joe was pleased that he'd been able to make love to Alice so well. He'd been slowing down for a few years, and the intensity just hadn't been there, but tonight it was great, and he was one happy guy.

The next day they headed west again, and they both felt wonderful. They weren't sure if their near death experience made them appreciate each other more, or if they were just glad to be alive, but they acted like a couple of kids. Alice used the middle seat belt for the first time in years and cuddled up to Joe as he drove, and he put his arm around her and fondled her breast like he used to do when they were dating. Joe was pleased that his wife wanted to be close to him as he drove, and he took the opportunity to play with her right breast as he drove. Usually Alice wouldn’t stand for that, but that day she actually seemed pleased.

Their next stop was Denver, and the Rocky Mountains loomed gloriously to the west of the city. The sun was dipping between the highest peaks as they pulled into the motel parking lot, and instead of going out for dinner they ordered a pizza delivered to the room. They were both quite ah, excited from the cuddling and kissing during the drive, and they enjoyed each other even more than the previous night. Alice thought it had to be the mountain air that made them feel so good. She felt fantastic, and decided that this was the best vacation they’d ever had. Joe felt great too, and put even more effort into his lovemaking than he had the previous night. He did a few things that he hadn't tried since they were young, and despite his concern that Alice might think he was crazy she loved it and left claw marks on his back. She seemed much less inhibited than she'd been in recent years, and that was all the encouragement that Joe needed.

The next morning, as Alice was putting on her makeup, she noticed that the little crow’s feet that had appeared at the corners of her eyes several years before seemed less pronounced than they had since she first noticed them. In fact her whole face looked pretty good – almost as if she’d been to one of those expensive spas, and that buoyed her spirits even more. She noticed that Joe wasn’t looking too bad either. Despite the hours spent driving he looked rested, and a little more fit than usual. His slight paunch seemed to have almost disappeared, and he seemed to be standing straighter, despite his bad back. When Alice asked him about his back he told her it was fine, and that it hadn’t bothered him for a couple of days. She felt relieved to hear that since one of her worries was that the accident might cause his back problems to get worse.

Joe noticed a few things too. His hair seemed a little thicker than it had in a few years, and he thought he might be a touch less gray than he'd been, but he put that down to his imagination. Another thing he noticed was that when he stepped on the scale in the bathroom he was about five pounds lighter than his usual 185. He put that down to the differences between the motel scale and his own scale at home.

Alice sure looked great to him. She'd always been pretty, but lately she was looking prettier, and if possible, a bit younger. Her figure looked darn good to him and her eyes seemed to have regained some of their luster that time had dimmed. He couldn't help smiling at her, and when she winked at him he was ready to go again. Unfortunately, they had a schedule to keep, though he knew that night would be special.

They had breakfast and set out through the mountains, gaping at the huge peaks that, even this late in the year were capped with snow. The scenery was an incredible collage of majestic mountains, alpine forests, quaint towns, and sweeping vista where you could see for miles. They enjoyed themselves immensely, though the winding mountain roads precluded any extra-curricular activities on their part. The steep slopes and twisting road required all of Joe’s concentration, and Alice sat quietly in her place, not wanting to be involved in another accident.

The next couple of days provided them with new and wondrous scenery. After the mountains they passed through the desert of Utah, some of it colorful, but much of it drab and lifeless. Ancient outcroppings of rock showed millions of years of erosion, while the gray salt flats looked forbidding and uninhabitable. Everything was new to Alice, though Joe had been “out west” a few times. Yet even the newness of it all could not account for the joyous anticipation Alice felt. It was like being a kid again. Joe too felt an electric spark whenever he looked at Alice, and his anticipation matched hers.

Each night they repeated their mating ritual, and each night Joe seemed to get a little stronger, though at first Alice thought it was just her imagination. All she knew was that he was improving with practice, which was surprising considering how many years they’d been married. One thing Alice was not imagining was Joe’s improving physique. After several days he seemed to have lost his little belly entirely, and she even noticed a little muscular definition in his stomach. She figured it had to be the sexual escapades since they weren’t getting any other exercise. ‘What a way to work out,’ she thought as he made love to her with an almost youthful enthusiasm.

For his part, Joe felt a little stronger every day. He knew he had lost a little weight, but it wasn't so much that as the fact that he seemed to have exchanges some muscle for fat. His biceps looked a touch larger, his waist trimmer, and even his shoulders seemed a little tight in his shirts. He felt better than he had in years. He also noticed that Alice was looking very good. Her waist appeared smaller while her bust seemed enhanced. Her legs had lost those spider veins she had complained about recently, and her new enthusiasm matched his own. He found it practically impossible to keep his hands off her.

2.

Alice called their kids when they got to the canyon. Their daughter Debbie and son Mark still lived at home. Debbie was 21 and Mark 19, and they both attended college.

Alice told them they were having a great time, and that they were thinking of extending their vacation for a few more days, perhaps an entire week. That was possible because Joe was between projects at the time (he was an architect, and he had just finished a major project). Debbie was happy for them, and promised to hold down the fort. Mark just said, “Cool.” He’d never been the articulate type.

The following day, as Alice applied her makeup, she couldn’t help noticing how smooth her skin had become. Even the small age lines seemed to have disappeared, and when she stood in front of the mirror she noticed that her figure looked better than it had in years. Her waist was thinner, her tummy less pronounced, and her breasts firmer. Even her legs looked better. The extra thickness that had developed at her ankles was gone, leaving them trim and sexy as they once were. She just had to admire herself a little before leaving the bathroom.

Perhaps it was due to the fact that they were living in a small motel room, and that the cramped quarters brought them into closer contact, or perhaps it was because they had intimate every night since leaving home, but Joe seemed to look pretty good too. His hair seemed definitely thicker, and he was beginning to look positively sexy to Alice. His face had regained those chiseled good looks that had attracted her so many years ago, and his arms and shoulders appeared stronger. She thought it could be her imagination, but he looked less gray, and there was a gleam in his eyes that she remembered from their wedding.

For his part, Joe noticed that his wife looked more like the girl he'd married than the middle-aged woman she become. Her figure was definitely trimmer, and she just looked, well, younger. She had been great in bed these last few days, and he was feeling very happy.

The changes in the Strattons weren’t merely a matter of appearances. Both felt great – energetic and enthusiastic about the coming day. Joe seemed to be in overdrive, and he badgered Alice good naturedly to get moving so they wouldn’t miss out any adventures. He made a comment about women always taking too long to get ready.

While both of them thought it was strange that they both looked younger and felt better than they had in years they didn’t give it much thought. People never question positive developments, and they were both simply happy to feel so good.

They drove all around the South Rim of the canyon that first day, taking the usual tourist photos and visiting the gift shop. That night they went dancing, and stayed out later than they had in years. At the end of the night they discussed their plans and agreed to extend their trip for a full week. The way they both felt they wouldn’t have minded extending their vacation for a month.

The next morning Alice surprised Joe (and herself) by playing vixen. She awoke before him, and it felt so good to be cuddling next to him that she reached across and took hold of his manhood. She felt an irrepressible impulse to make love to him, so before he was even fully awake she stroked him to a steely hardness and rolled over on top of him. By that time he was fully awake and fully aroused, and he grinned up at her as she straddled him and rode him to ecstasy. Afterwards Alice thought they were done, but it Joe’s turn to surprise her. After she came down from her peak he rolled her over and proceeded to do her again! She was amazed at his Stamina.

‘Not bad for 52 years old,’ she thought, but as she looked into his face she thought her husband looked about 40, if not younger. She would have commented on his improved appearance, but Joe was driving her wild, and speech was impossible. She moaned and made soft noises as he took her, and by the time he finished she forgot what she had been thinking.

Joe was amazed by Alice's newfound desire. He she had never done that before, and it was an incredible turn on to have his wife fondle his manhood and wake him for sex. Then, when Alice actually rolled on top and lowered herself on to him Joe was astonished. His wife had never been aggressive. Alice had always been shy and passive. She had never been the aggressor, and Joe did not know what to make of her actions. He did know that he enjoyed her new enthusiasm, and that was enough for now.

Joe had almost been afraid to try his encore performance, but he felt so darn good he couldn't resist it. He hadn't been able to do it twice for ten years, and when he discovered he did have the strength he felt on top of the world. He thought he might even have enough for a third try, but he decided not to press his luck. He was very satisfied, and incredibly happy.

3.

For the next several days the Strattons explored the great canyon. They rode the mules down to the bottom of the chasm, hiked around the rim for several miles, experiencing vistas denied to the less hardy souls that merely drove their cars from one lookout to another, and they screwed like rabbits. By the end of the first week there was no longer any doubt that something strange was happening to both of them. Joe looked like he was 30 years old, and Alice couldn’t believe her own reflection in the mirror. If anything she looked a bit younger than Joe – maybe 26 or 28 – and their appearance was only part of the mystery.

They felt incredibly energetic and adventuresome, with the strength and stamina to match their appearances, and their sex drives were incredible. Every night was pure heaven, and their intimacy only served to rekindle their love into the burning passion they once had for each other. Alice couldn’t bear to be apart from Joe for even a few minutes, and he felt the same. He was constantly looking for excuses to touch her, and he treated her like royalty. Alice thought he was wonderful!

They finally talked about the amazing changes that had occurred in them, but they were at a loss to explain it. They both thought that the accidental exposure to the radioactive medical waste in the accident might have something to do with their rejuvenation, but they certainly had no complaints at that point, and decided to wait and see their own doctors when they got home. Maybe they could determine what was happening. There certainly didn’t seem to be any negative effects – They both loved their new, youthful physiques – So there didn’t seem to be any emergency.

One problem they did have, though, was clothing. Alice's clothes no longer fit her youthful figure or seemed appropriate for her apparent age. Her waist and hips were thinner and her bust was more prominent, and her old clothes simply hung on her. The styles she wore were fine for a middle-age woman, but she looked and felt much younger now, and wanted to dress the part.

Joe had the same problem. His shoulders were wider, his waist nice and trim, and since he had lost the slight stoop he had with his bad back he looked taller too. His shirts and pants would all have to be replaced, and Alice couldn’t wait to see her man in clothes designed for a strong, young man. So she dragged him out to shop for clothes.

They spent an afternoon shopping, and Alice had a great time trying on styles that she never thought she would wear. Women didn’t wear such tight and revealing clothes when she was younger, and she was excited to try on all the latest styles. At first she was very self-conscious, feeling like an old lady who was trying to ignore the years and dress like a young chick, but then she caught sight of herself in the dressing room mirror and realized that nobody would look at her that way. Joe certainly didn’t. When she came out of the dressing room to model an outfit for him his eyes got big and a huge smile came to his face. He told her she looked wonderful, and that set off a reaction in her. From that moment on she didn’t worry about the age issue.

Joe wasn't normally a guy who enjoyed shopping, but Alice convinced him that it was necessary, and he reluctantly went along. After an hour he was glad he came. Alice dragged him to the "Misses" section of the women's department, and proceeded to try on some fairly sexy outfits. She started slowly, but she seemed to grow more confident as she went, egged on by Joe's appreciative comments. She picked out a pink tank top and a pair of tight white shorts, a baby blue camisole to go with a white mini skirt, a nice, floral print sundress, and a yellow tube top to wear with a pair of tight, white capris. She also bought a pair of wedge soled sandals, a pair of white tennis shoes, and a pair of taupe pumps with 3 1/2 inch heels to wear with the dress. After picking up a new purse, Alice led Joe over to swimwear, where she proceeded to try on several suits. Joe's favorite was a blue spandex halter-kini with a high cut bottom, and he managed to talk Alice into buying it. Their last stop was lingerie, but Joe didn't have the nerve to follow Alice in there, and he waited on the periphery until she emerged with a pink bag of items. When he asked her what she bought she replied with a cryptic, "You'll find out later."

Joe looked wonderful in his new clothes too. He was always handsome, but the modern styles really enhanced his rugged good looks, and the tight shirts revealed his broad shoulders and muscular arms very well. Alice couldn’t help but notice that a lot of the other women stared at her husband when they walked down the mall or in the stores. She decided to stay especially close to him lest one of those chicks decide he was fair game.

That night they wondered how our family and friends would react to the changes in their appearance, not to mention their behavior. How would people treat them? Would they look at them as a couple of freaks? Would they try to simply ignore what had happened? Would they treat them the same, or would they shun them? They simply didn’t know.

They were most worried about the kids. They were 52 and 48 years old respectively and now they didn’t look much older than their own children. Would the kids still think of them as “mom and dad?” There was no way to know until they got back. Alice thought of calling and telling them what to expect, but Joe wasn’t sure if that was a good idea, so she procrastinated. It was a three day drive to get home, and there would be plenty of time to call them before they set out on our return trip. In the meantime she modeled one of her purchases, a gauzy little baby doll nightie, though she didn't have it on for very long.

Alice began to be concerned about the changes the day before they were scheduled to set out for home. When she awoke that morning she glanced over at Joe and realized that he appeared eve younger that the day before. If she didn’t know any better she would have sworn he was only 19 or 20 years old. His face looked so smooth, so youthful, that she had a hard time believing he was her husband.

Alice managed to rise without disturbing Joe, and immediately went into the bathroom to examine her own appearance. She decided she still looked about the same, perhaps 25, and after a careful examination she was satisfied that her appearance had stabilized. While she was there she did her morning duties, and then quietly returned to the room where she dressed silently. She was beginning to worry that maybe Joe had gotten too much of a good thing.

Joe did not notice anything wrong that day, but Alice did. His body seemed less mature, less muscular, than it had the previous few days, and his voice wasn’t as deep and commanding as it had been either. His new clothes still looked good on him, but he didn’t fill them out quite as well as had. For the first time since Alice had noticed the changes she was looking forward to getting home and seeing a doctor.

They made love again that last night, but Alice's new concerns took some of the joy out of it. She hadn’t mentioned her concerns to Joe because she wasn’t completely certain that they were justified, so he didn’t have a clue. His increasing youthfulness certainly didn’t impair his enthusiasm, but it seemed to Alice that he wasn’t filling her quite as much as he had the previous week, and that only added to her worries. She resolved to call the kids and try to explain the situation to them.

4.

They drove quite far their first day, and during the trip Alice finally voiced her concerns to Joe. She had already told him about her call to Debbie and Mark, and she suggested they get him to his doctor as soon as they got home. Joe looked even younger that had the previous day, and now appeared only 17 or 18 years old. Alice was beginning to feel more like his older sister than his wife, and though Joe could see that he had grown even younger he repeatedly stated that he felt fine, telling Alice not to worry.

But she couldn’t help worrying. That night, after a meal at a truck stop across from our motel Joe made love to her once more, and it was like making love to a teenager. He had a problem with premature ejaculation, and even though his youthful stamina allowed him to recover quickly Alice was too concerned to really enjoy herself.

Joe was embarrassed by his performance that night, but he couldn't help himself. It seemed that he wanted to go faster than Alice, and that she couldn't keep up with him. He made up for his premature explosion by making love to her no less than three times, but it just wasn't as satisfying as it had been the previous week.

On the morning of the second day of their return trip Alice awoke to a terrible shock. The person lying next to her had pimples on his face. Joe looked no older than 16 or 17, and he had lost much of the muscular development that made Alice weak-kneed. His normally heavy beard was nothing more than a little peach fuzz, and his shoulders and arms had lost all of their muscular definition.

He woke up when he heard her gasp, and when he rose to go look at himself in the mirror Alice was stunned to see that he was shorter. Normally six-one, he looked only an inch or so taller than her own five-eight height.

“What’s happening to me?” Joe screamed as he recoiled from the mirror. His voice had actually cracked when he yelled, jumping up an octave before settling down into a range that was still higher than normal but common for teenage boys.

“I’ve been trying to tell you, honey, that you need to see a doctor very soon. This has to be due to the radioactive chemicals,” Alice told him.

“This is terrible!” He said, and his voice cracked again. He felt his throat with a look of horror on his face. “Is there a doctor around here I could see?” He asked.

Unfortunately they were out in the middle of nowhere, and when Alice called the front desk they told her that there was a small clinic about thirty miles away, but it was the opposite direction from home. When she told Joe he became very agitated, and alternated between wanting to go back to the clinic and trying to get home as soon as possible.

“Maybe we could just leave the car here and fly back today,” he suggested, but when Alice again checked with the desk clerk he told her there was no airport within a hundred miles that had passenger service. At that point Joe wanted to go to the closest airfield and pay a private owner to take them home, but Alice pointed out that there might not be anyone willing, and in the meantime they would lose a day of driving time, and time seemed to be suddenly important. In the end they decided to simply press on and drive home as quickly as possible. They agreed to drive straight through, stopping only for gas and comfort breaks, changing drivers as needed.

As they dressed Joe discovered that his new clothes didn’t fit him anymore. The new shirts that had exhibited his muscular torso now hung on him like an older brother’s hand-me-downs, and his pants were even worse. He had lost about four inches in height, and his pant legs pooled at his feet, while the waist of his pants were a good four inches too large. He looked ridiculous in the clothes, but neither of them thought it was a good idea to take the time to shop, so he rolled up his pant legs and cinched his belt to the last notch, and they headed out.

Alice took the first shift that morning, and drove over 200 miles before she simply had to stop for a potty break. She went inside the truck stop/restaurant to use the facilities while Joe pumped the gas. On her way out she noticed that they had a small display of tee shirts, jeans, and shorts. On an impulse she picked up a pair of khaki shorts with a 32” waist – the smallest size she could find – and a white tee shirt – size medium – with “Born To Be Wild” inscribed on the front (there really wasn’t much of a selection, and some of the shirts were rather lurid, and a few downright obscene).

While Alice paid for the gas Joe went in the men’s room to change, and by the time he emerged she was sitting behind the wheel with the engine running. Joe felt strange sitting there wearing truck stop clothes. Despite the fact that the shorts only had a 32 inch waist Joe had to pull his belt to the last notch to keep them up, and the stupid inscription on the shirt made him feel ridiculous, but he realized it was lucky Alice could find anything at all for him to wear.

Joe dozed off after another hour, but Alice kept going, wanting to cover as much ground as possible. From time to time she glanced over at him, and it seemed to her that he looked even younger than he had that morning. He hadn’t shaved that day, yet his face was as smooth as a baby’s, without even the peach fuzz he’d had that morning. The new tee shirt seemed to still fit him okay, but he’d kicked off his shoes before falling asleep because they were really loose. His legs had no hair anymore, and his feet were smooth and without any trace of calluses.

Alice got tired after another 200 miles and pulled into another truck stop for gas and to change drivers. Once again she headed to the restroom while Joe pumped the gas and washed the windows. When she returned he put his shoes on and went inside to use the men’s room. As he walked past her she noticed that he appeared even shorter than that morning. They now looked to be about the same height. He didn’t seem to notice, but it shook Alice badly. Her husband had lost at least five inches in height, and perhaps forty pounds in the space of a few days.

While he used the restroom she found some sandals that looked like they might fit him – a size seven compared to his normal size 10, and she gave them to him when he returned, explaining that he needed shoes to drive, and it was too dangerous for him to drive in his now oversized shoes. Joe reluctantly agreed and put the sandals on before getting behind the wheel. He noticed the sandals were just a bit large on him, but when he fastened the straps they fit okay. The biggest problem then was the shorts, which tried to slide down even though his belt was fully cinched.

Joe muttered a curse when he got behind the wheel, then adjusted the seat forward a little before turning on the ignition. It struck Alice that ever since they’d been married Joe had to move the seat back after she used the car – She never drove when they were together – but now he had to move it forward. She wondered about that since they appeared to be the same height, but then she realized that her legs were longer than his.

They talked as they drove, although after his voice cracked several times Joe grew quiet and let Alice carry the conversation. When he did speak he sounded just like a kid, though Alice didn’t mention it to him because Joe was becoming awfully self-conscious. He'd also had to adjust the rear view mirror -- downward, and that embarrassed him badly. After awhile Alice decided to get some rest for her next turn behind the wheel. It looked like Joe would go for several hours, but she had a long night ahead of her.

Joe shook Alice awake as they pulled in to another truck stop. He appeared unchanged since their previous stop, but his voice had risen permanently to a higher register. When they got out of the car to stretch Alice realized that her first impression that Joe had not changed much was terribly wrong. He now appeared to be an inch or two SHORTER than her, and his new shorts were hanging low on his waist, revealing that he had lost more weight. His arms and legs appeared positively skinny, and his shoulders were no wider than her own. In truth he looked like he was a 14 year old kid. As she went inside to use the restroom she realized that Joe did not appear to be old enough to drive, and she nearly broke down when she got in the ladies room.

Joe was humiliated at what was happening to him. Having to look up to Alice when they were both standing made him feel like a midget. He also had to fight the impression that his wife had actually aged in the past few hours. He knew she was unchanged, and that he had grown younger, but she looked older to him now.

When Alice returned from the restroom she found Joe struggling to get the hood up. He was straining with all his might, but he couldn’t lift it to check the oil. She stepped over to help him, and together they managed to get the hood up. When Joe bent over to grab the dipstick his shorts slid down his legs to his feet, and he quickly dropped into a squat and pulled them up. He was absolutely mortified, and became even more embarrassed when Alice lifted his tee shirt, which had also become too large for him, to check his waist. It was several inches narrower than when she bought the shorts, and she knew there wouldn’t be anything in his size. Truckers aren’t known for trim waistlines. Her best hope was to find a small belt, or even a piece of rope, he could use to hold up his britches. She told him to wait in the car while she tried to find something that fit his slender form.

Joe was angry, scared, and humiliated at the same time. He'd lifted the damned hood countless times and he'd always been able to do it with one hand. Now he needed Alice's help just to budge it, and she did most of the work. Then his damned pants fell down because he had shrunk past the point where his belt did any good, and he'd had to hold his pants up with one hand while Alice opened the car door for him so he could jump inside. How had things gone so wrong?

As with the last place, there really wasn’t much of a selection. There were no shorts or slacks in his narrow waist size, and worse yet, there no belts that would work. Alice was about to go looking for a piece of rope when a thought occurred to her. There was no kid’s section in the limited clothing racks, but they did have a women’s section. She decided that she might just be able to find something there, and after a few moments she did find a pair of white shorts, a tee shirt, and a pair of sandals in women’s size 8. Unfortunately the shorts were cut quite a bit shorter than men’s shorts, and the sandals had a small, one-inch heel. There was a problem with the tee shirt too. Aside from the light blue color it had a scalloped neck and sleeves with little eyelets, but Alice didn't have any choice.

Alice took the clothes out to the car and told Joe to slide over to the passenger side and just change right there. With the door closed nobody could see him slide his oversized shorts down his legs and pull up the new pair. He struggled into the new shorts – they were a bit tight on him – but Alice thought that if he lost any more weight they would get a bit looser. He complained that the shorts were cut too short for men’s shorts, and that the shirt was a girl's shirt, but she told him there was nothing else even close to his waist size, and reminded him that he only had to wear them until they got home and could go to a real store. He still hesitated, and she cajoled him into wearing them by reminding him that nobody would see him in the car, and when they stopped at a rest stop he wouldn’t have to hold his pants up just to walk around.

He grudging conceded the point, but complained again when he examined the sandals. “These are girls’ sandals,” he complained as he looked at the one-inch heel.

“Honey, there wasn’t anything else in your size,” Alice told him gently. “Truck stops don’t have a lot of selection. I was thinking more about safety than style. You can strap the old ones on the next time we stop for gas, but driving is another thing. Your shoes have to fit properly.”

“Okay,” he agreed, clearly not happy with wearing sandals made for females.

He even sounded like a young teen when he spoke, and his actions and mannerisms were changing too, which really scared Alice. When he put on the new tee she bought he found that it was too short to tuck into his waistband, and when he looked at her she just shrugged. What could she say? The tee was short enough to reveal his navel, and left about three inches of skin showing but there was nothing to be done.

When Alice started the car and put it in gear Joe objected. “It’s still my turn to drive,” he reminded her.

“Yeah, it is,” she agreed, “but I think it would be a good idea to wait until we go through a drive-in and get some food. You don’t really look old enough to drive, and if a cop sees us your driver’s license would raise more questions than we want to answer at this point.”

Joe just looked at her and folded his arms across his chest and stared straight ahead. As far as he was concerned this was the ultimate indignity. Everything he was wearing except his underwear was female attire, and he hated the thought of it. But Alice was right; he couldn't wear his other clothes now unless he wanted to risk having his pants slip down again.

Alice couldn’t believe her husband was sulking like the teen he appeared to be, but the pout in his lip left no doubt. That really scared her. If the changes were affecting his behavior they could also be affecting his thinking, and that was a truly frightening prospect. She didn’t want her husband to begin thinking like a teenager. If that happened what would become of their marriage? As it was she was terrified that medical science would not be able to restore him to his former age. At that point she would have settled for any adult age, even their original forms.

After they went through the drive-thru and got burgers for dinner Alice found a place where they could switch, near the freeway, and Joe took over the driving again. She handed him his food as he munched and drove. She also had to remind him to watch his speed, pointing out that if they were pulled over no one would believe that he was the 52 year old man to whom his driver’s license had been issued. In point of fact he looked more like his own son than himself.

Alice tried to get some sleep, but the events of the past two weeks intruded constantly in her thoughts. While she examined everything that had happened she suddenly realized that her worst fears were true. The physical changes brought on by the radiation HAD affected their thinking – both of them. She recalled how they had acted like newlyweds, constantly holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes, making love every night, and also how she had been infatuated by her strong husband like a schoolgirl with a crush.

Well, that was over now. She couldn’t possibly get excited over the kid in the seat next to her, and that too, was a terrible realization. If she wasn’t attracted to her husband in his present form then he wouldn’t be attracted to her either. She wondered if he would develop an eye for teenage girls, and think of her as “old,” even though she appeared no older than mid-twenties? If so what would happen to them?

She didn't realize that Joe already thought of her as older than himself. He had thought the teenage girl at the drive through window was pretty hot, though she looked about 16. He daydreamed as he drove, unable to get girl out of his thoughts. He found himself growing aroused thinking about her until he realized what he was doing. He commanded himself to settle down and concentrate on his driving.

Alice resumed driving around ten o’clock that night, and Joe slept while she drove through the night. They pulled into their driveway around three in the morning and didn’t even bother unloading the car. As Alice opened the door that led from the garage to the kitchen she realized that it was probably a good thing that they got home after the neighbors were in bed. If someone had come over it would have been hard to explain the changes in her, much less Joe.

For the first time in two weeks she and Joe shared a bed without making love.

5.

The next morning Alice phoned Joe's doctor, even before she got dressed, and after pleading with his receptionist she managed an appointment for three o’clock that afternoon. When she went to look for Joe she found him in his office, but he wasn’t working on a project – he was playing a computer game. He didn’t appear to be any younger than the day before, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

He was still wearing the white shorts and blue tee shirt Alice bought at the truck stop, along with the sandals. That made sense since nothing in his old wardrobe would fit him any better than the clothes they bought on vacation. When Alice told him about the appointment he barely acknowledged her, and when she suggested they go shopping to find something more appropriate for him to wear to the doctor he paused the game and asked if she could just go get him something. She assumed he was too embarrassed to go out looking as he did, and so she agreed to go, but told him she would need to get his measurements so she could get the right sizes. He appeared to be put out by that, but he swiveled his chair towards her and she went to get her tape measure from her sewing basket.

When Alice measured Joe she was shocked to see that his chest only measured 38 inches, and his waist a mere 30 inches. His hips were only a couple of inches wider than his waist, and his inseam was only 29 inches, and when she measured his height she had to sit down. Her six-one husband was now only five-five, three full inches shorter than her. She noticed the size 8 sandals still fit, so she took his measurements and prepared to go to the local department store.

Joe wanted nothing to do with clothes shopping. He was humiliated enough and he didn't want any of their neighbors to see him. Going with Alice seemed like taking a trip with his mother, and after their cross-country marathon he needed a break from her sensible attitudes. Besides he had just found this really cool game online, and he wanted a chance to play it.

Just as Alice was leaving for the store, Debbie and Mark made their way into the kitchen, both bleary-eyed from dates the previous night. When they saw Joe and Alice Debbie gasped, and Mark said, “Who are – Holy Shit! Mom? Dad? Is that really you guys?”

Joe was completely mortified. Not only did he appear five years younger than his youngest child, he was at least ten inches shorter than Mark, who was 6’2”. He was even shorter than Debbie, who was an inch taller than Alice. Debbie and Mark alternated staring at Alice and Joe, then they each slumped into chairs around the kitchen table. Mark was staring open-mouthed at Joe, who squirmed in his chair under the scrutiny. Debbie just looked down at her hands and remained silent, so finally Alice told them everything that had happened – well almost everything. She left out the part where they made love like newlyweds, deciding it wasn’t pertinent to the issue. She also told them that Joe had an appointment with his doctor that afternoon, and that she was going shopping for clothes. Debbie volunteered to come with her, and Alice accepted. She thought it might be a good idea to talk to her alone, and that Joe had enough on his hands with Mark.

As Alice left to follow Debbie back to her room, Mark said, “Mom – Don’t take this wrong, but you are hot!”

She looked back at her son, who looked more like her little brother now, and smiled. “Thanks Mark. I know what you're trying to say, and I appreciate it,” she replied.

Alice sat on the bed in Debbie’s room while she pulled on some shorts and a tee shirt that was actually similar to the one Joe was wearing. Debbie asked Alice how she felt about the changes that had taken place, and Alice told her truthfully that she was scared about Joe. She went through the entire progression of the changes, and since it was just the girls, she did let on that they had really enjoyed themselves until the end of the vacation. Debbie looked at Alice appraisingly and told her she would also have to get some new clothes. Alice told her she had bought a lot while they were on vacation, but Debbie told her mother that she was still dressed like an older woman.

“We can stop and get you a few things too,” she said as she pulled on her sandals.

When they got to the men’s and boy’s department became obvious that “boy” was the operative word. Given Joe’s measurements and slim physique nothing in the men’s department would come close to fitting him. That didn’t faze Alice – She wasn’t looking for a three piece suit anyway, and jeans are jeans. She got him two pairs of jeans, a pair of boy’s khaki shorts, two polo style shirts and a couple of tee shirts, some socks, a pair of size 6 cross trainers, and a pack of boy’s briefs. She assumed that would hold him for a week or so, and hopefully the doctor would have him on his way back to normal by that time.

After they finished in the boy’s department, Debbie took Alice to the juniors section and proceeded to have her try on skirts, dresses, tops, and shoes. Some of the items she picked out were very revealing, and Alice was reluctant to try them on, but Debbie told her that she had to look like the young woman she had become. “Besides,” she added, “You’ve got the figure for these now.”

She handed Alice a skirt and top, and the rejuvenated woman retreated into the changing room. When she put them on she didn’t dare leave the room. The skirt was a micro-mini that barely covered the tops of her stockings, and the top was an off-the-shoulder short sleeve number that dropped daringly low and exposed several inches of her enhanced cleavage. Even when Alice was young woman she had never worn anything remotely like that outfit, and when she refused to come out of the changing room Debbie barged in and whistled.

“Mark was right, mom. You do look hot!” She exclaimed.

“I can’t wear this!” Alice protested. “It’s too, too – skimpy!”

“No it’s not,” Debbie argued. “You’re just not used to today’s styles. That outfit is perfectly acceptable. Remember, things are a bit different from when you were . . .”

“Young,” Alice prompted, and Debbie just nodded.

“Your father will have a fit,” Alice countered, but Debbie just shook her head. “If daddy is still interested in women he’ll love to see you in that outfit,” she said with assurance.

Debbie had meant it as a joke, but after she said it Alice wondered if Joe was still interested in her, or any woman for that matter. He looked so young, almost like a boy who hadn’t gone through puberty yet, and Alice didn’t know if he had reached the stage where he was attracted to the opposite sex yet. And if he had, how could he be attracted to her – who looked ten years older than himself?

Alice broke down at that point, and Debbie hugged her tightly. Alice was so afraid of what was happening to Joe – to them, and she was afraid their marriage wouldn’t survive if he could not be restored.

Alice let Debbie talk her into the outfit she was wearing, plus several others, along with new shoes and even a makeover in the cosmetic department, but it did nothing to allay fears.

6.

Alice really wasn’t thinking when she got dressed to take Joe to the doctor. She threw on a light, white sleeveless blouse, a tan skirt, and a pair of heels. She knocked on the bathroom door as she passed and told Joe she would be out in the car. When he came out of the house he looked every bit a young teenage boy, with a navy tee, the khaki shorts and cross trainers.

Alice drove to the doctor’s office, and when she got out of the car she realized that, in her 3 inch heels, she was a good five or six inches taller than Joe. He looked up at her with an embarrassed expression and turned and headed straight into the office. Alice followed, thinking that Joe looked more like her younger brother, or even her son, than her husband. She wasn’t sure if he was embarrassed because he looked a lot shorter than her, or because he looked so much younger.

Actually, it was both. Joe felt like a small child next to his wife, and he knew he looked the part, too. Alice looked even older to him now, and the fact that she towered over him was just an added embarrassment.

Dr. Hart was a very good doctor, but he had never encountered anything like Joe’s condition, or Alice's for that matter. It took them twenty minutes to convince him they were who they claimed to be, and then he wasn’t one hundred percent certain. He gave them the benefit of the doubt though, and it helped that Alice's face was similar to her older self. Joe was just too radically changed to make any meaningful comparison.

He gave them both every test he could do at his office, including blood tests, DNA, and in Alice's case, a pap smear. He checked their hearts, lungs, blood pressure, pulse rate, pupils, reflexes, and so forth. He even scheduled them for CT scans, brain scans, and EKGs.

After they each finished dressing they met him in his office he sat behind his desk and folded his hands. “This is the most extraordinary story I’ve heard in 30 years of practicing medicine,” he told them. “It’s far too early to tell what is causing the changes, but I’m hopeful the lab work and the scans will reveal something we can use. It is possible that the radioactive medical waste from the accident is the cause, and that would make sense judging by the different results.

“Joe, you received the most exposure to the radiation, and your changes are more profound. Alice, according to what you told me you just got some of the material on your hand and you wiped it off on your clothes. Accordingly your changes, while significant, are not as serious as Joe’s.

“In any event, I will contact the hospital that treated you after the accident, and also call the police down there. Hopefully they can shed some light on what that truck was actually carrying. I’ll also have to contact specialists in nuclear medicine, and several other fields before we can even think about attempting to treat your conditions.”

And that was it. The short story was he didn’t have a clue what was going on, and though understandable, it was very disheartening. It was then clear that there would be no quick fix and that both would be stuck as they were for some time.

During the next two weeks the Strattons had every conceivable test performed on them, and they were interviewed by several specialists, and even a physicist and a chemist, but there were no answers, only theories. Meanwhile, Alice got Doctor Hart to call Joe’s employer. They knew enough to state that his condition was the result of radiation poisoning, and that was good enough to put him on sick leave. Fortunately Joe had been a very steady employee, and he had accumulated a lot of sick time over the years, so the family was okay for the foreseeable future, and even if Joe's sick leave ran out Dr. Hart told them he would have no problem in classifying Joe’s condition as a disability.

But they had other problems besides money. Joe began acting more and more like a teenage boy, and Alice had to be very careful with what she said to him. He had tons of nervous energy, like all teenagers, and he was constantly shooting baskets in the driveway, out running, or working out on exercise equipment he hadn’t used in years. Not being able to drive grated on him, and he finally begged Dr. Hart to write a letter explaining his condition, and that he actually had a valid driver’s license. Alice drove him to the license bureau, and after some haggling he did emerge with a learner’s permit. Apparently the good doctor’s word went only so far with the bureaucrats.

The usual conditions of having a licensed driver in the car, and taking a road test after three months to get his full license applied to Joe, so his permit didn’t satisfy him. It humiliated him that Alice had to be with him when he drove, and the resentment spilled over to his wife. Whatever the cause, he became very short with her at times, and Alice had to fight to remember that the young boy was really her husband.

Of course, with all that time on his hands Joe constantly wanted to go places, and one of his favorite destinations was the beach. Alice bought him a pair of boy’s swim trunks, and they went at least twice a week. Joe always insisted on driving, and Alice let him, though he was a bit more aggressive behind the wheel than he had been. At the beach, Alice couldn't help comparing Joe to other guys she saw, and he came off rather poorly. His undeveloped adolescent body was nothing compared to the muscular men that caught her eye, and his attitude and demeanor matched his body. Joe played in the surf while the "real" men tossed footballs or walked along the beach, scoping out the chicks.

Alice was the recipient of many of their glances, and she was excited the men considered her attractive and desirable. Joe didn't look at her like that anymore, and when she thought about it Alice was actually relieved. She didn't know what she would have done if Joe wanted to make love to her. Fortunately that never came up.

Debbie and Mark didn’t know how to treat Joe, or even how to address him. After calling him “daddy” once or twice Debbie started calling him “Joe” or even “Joey” if she was teasing him. Soon Debbie was calling him “Joey” all the time, and, surprisingly, he didn’t seem to resent it from her, though he yelled at Mark if he tried to call him anything but Joe. Alice thought it was a “guy” thing.

After awhile Joe began hanging out with Mark, and since Mark was a licensed driver Joe could drive with him, too. One day Mark asked Joe if he wanted to go to the beach with him and some of his friends, and Joe leapt at the chance. He grabbed his new suit and a towel, shoved his wallet in his pocket, and they were off. It turned out to be a memorable day.

Mark and his friends were playing volleyball, while Joe watched on the sidelines, occasionally leaving to take a plunge in the lake. During a break some of the girls from Mark’s school came over and began talking with the guys. When one asked about Joe, Mark had to think fast, and he told her Joe was his younger cousin. The girl thought Joe looked “cute” and decided to introduce him to her 14 year old sister, who had also tagged along.

When Joe met Valerie, the younger sister, Valerie developed an instant crush on Joe, and she sat with him while the older kids played a co-ed game. When Joe wanted to go back in the lake Valerie followed him and soon they were wading together. Valerie playfully splashed Joe, and he splashed her back, chasing her as she giggled and shrieked, not really trying to get away. Joe caught her easily, but instead of dunking Valerie as he planned he kissed her, and she kissed him back enthusiastically. Joe didn't know why he kissed Valerie, but it seemed natural, and she was extremely attractive to him. He didn't have any ulterior motive -- it was just a kiss -- and though Valerie took his arm as they walked Joe wasn't interested in going any further.

Joe later told Mark that he didn’t know what came over him, and begged him not to tell Alice what happened. Mark told him to calm down, but when they got back from the beach Mark asked his mother to come to his room, and told her everything. He was worried and confused by Joe’s actions and demeanor. He told her that Joe was acting just like a young kid, and he didn’t seem to be able to control his actions. He was impulsive and immature, and Mark was worried that he was regressing mentally.

Alice had noticed all that to a certain extent and it was a growing problem. Joe’s vocabulary seemed to have become simpler, more immature, and more like a teenager. He was spending a lot of time playing video games, and he had even taken Mark’s old skateboard out in the street. Alice called the doctor to see if they had made any progress, but Dr. Hart still had no answers.

7.

Over the next couple of weeks Joe appeared to regress another year or two. At least he lost another inch in height, which was then 5’3 ‘, and his weight plummeted from about 145 pounds to 120. His chest shrunk another 2 inches to 36” and his waist was reduced to 28”. Even his feet shrunk another size, and it was hard finding shoes for him because his feet were also narrower than most boys. Strangely, his hips were the same 33” they were a few weeks ago, and that made it hard to find pants for him. One day, when Alice was out shopping for Joe with Debbie, Debbie suggested they get him some girl’s jeans. Alice didn’t think that was a good idea, but she pressed her point.

“Think about it, Alice,” she argued. “Joey can’t wear boy’s jeans because his hips and waist are out of proportion. If you get jeans that fit his waist his hips will be too large, and if you match his hip size they’ll be too loose in the waist. We really haven’t got much of a choice.”

“But he’ll go nuts if I bring home girls clothes for him,” Alice told her.

“So, get some cheap generic jeans without any designs or frills,” she suggested.

“I could do that, but girls’ jeans are more fitted than boys,” Alice reminded her. “Joe will know exactly what they are.”

“You could just buy them a size too large. He probably wouldn’t know they came from the juniors department,” she countered.

And that’s exactly what they did. Alice also got him a pair of cross trainers from the women’s department – size 7. She made sure the shoes had no frills, and that the colors were neutral, so Joe wouldn’t know.

When she showed Joe the clothes she bought Joe suspected what was going on, but since the jeans didn’t have any designs or labels that identified them as girl’s jeans he didn’t give her any problems. The jeans were just a bit too wide in the seat for him, but since they were big all over (thanks to Debbie’s idea of buying them too large on purpose) he was happy, especially when Alice told him she got them large because she expected him to grow into them.

Joe hadn't had any sexual thoughts for several weeks, and even when he watched television he wasn't attracted to any of the women or girls portrayed. He was more interested in playing games of all types, especially his computer games. The problem was he didn’t use his computer for anything else. All his sophisticated engineering and design programs went unused, and he busied himself with trivial matters. Frankly he was beginning to wonder why Alice, Debbie and Mark were concerned. He felt great, and all the free time was nice. There were no pressures to produce anything, no work at all, except for chores around the house, and those were mostly inside since he lacked the strength to do most of the outside work.

During this time Joe also seemed to calm down a bit. He stopped using Mark’s old skateboard and running every day. He also quit playing basketball with Mark after a couple of collisions left him bruised and battered. He just didn’t have the height or weight to compete with Mark. He did spend some time with Debbie, and they went for walks and did the dishes together. He even tried to help her with her homework, but it seemed awfully complicated to him, so he spent a lot of time at the local park. At first he tried to get into some baseball games with the neighborhood boys, but he had a weak arm and the bats seemed terribly heavy, so after a while he just watched from the grass. He admired one or two of the local boys, who seemed to have a talent for the game, and he became a regular, if just to watch.

Due to the fact that Joe looked more like Alice's son than her husband they agreed that Joe would sleep in their guest room, and he and Alice took all of his new clothes downstairs and put them in the dresser. Joe wanted to move the bed slightly so he could fit a small desk in the room, but when he tried to move it he couldn’t budge it an inch. Alice didn’t think much of it since his arms had become so terribly skinny as he regressed in age, but when he gave up and went over to the closet Alice gave it a try, and was surprised when she was able to move the bed. She positioned it where he wanted it, and turned to pick up some more clothes, when she saw Joe looking at her with a shocked expression. Then it dawned on her that she had been able to move the bed when he could not; that she was stronger than her husband.

Joe just stared at her for a moment, then turned and left the room. He was very upset and humiliated by being weaker than Alice, and she went after him, hoping to calm him down and reassure him that everything would be okay.

“Joey, wait!” She called, but he just kept going, and she heard the back door slam after him. She stopped at the back door and caught a glimpse of Joe running down the street. She ran to Debbie’s room and told her what had happened, and Debbie agreed to go look for Joe. She thought it would be best if Alice let her go alone, so Alice went back to the guest room while Debbie went after Joe.

Debbie caught up with Joe at the park, down the street. She saw him sitting on a swing and she casually walked up to him.

“Hey Joey,” what’s up?” she asked as she sat down on another swing.

“Nothin’” he replied sullenly.

“Oh come on. Something is bothering you,” Debbie persisted.

“Why should anything bother me? I mean, look at me – Everything is going so well lately,” Joe answered sarcastically.

“I know it’s been awfully tough on you, but you just have to wait it out. I’m sure the doctors will come up with something,” Debbie replied.

“Maybe,” Joe allowed, “but it had better be soon. I’ve gotten so weak I can’t throw a baseball or swing a bat, much less push a bed around. Your mother had to do it for me when we were moving my things into the guest room. I also can’t play basketball with Matt anymore – I get beat up pretty badly when I try – and my voice is getting higher too. I sound like a little kid on the phone. It’s not getting better, it’s getting worse.”

“I know,” Debbie answered, “but you have to tough it out. I’m sure the doctors will figure this out sooner or later. In the meantime you have your family for support.”

“I know that,” Joe replied, “but it’s just getting to be too much.”

At that he broke down in tears, and Debbie got up and stood in front of him and hugged him tightly. “It’ll be okay – you’ll see,” she told him. “Come on, let’s go home.”

As Debbie led him home, Joe tried to stop crying but it was impossible. He was bewildered by his lack of control, and hated the fact that his emotions seemed to run away so easily. He did manage to get control of himself before they got home, but he could sense that any little thing that went wrong would set him off again, and he went straight to his room.

8.

Several more weeks passed and nothing changed, at least not for the better. Alice was feeling very lonely at night. She missed her husband, and knew that her longing was made worse by her own younger form. Her hormones seemed to be flowing freely, and she was getting desperate for some masculine attention, but under the circumstances she repressed her urges. Sometimes she found herself staring longingly at the micro mini skirt and revealing top that Debbie had talked her into buying, but she had to put thoughts of sex aside. Not only did it seem terribly inappropriate to think of Joe in those terms there was another problem.

One day Alice walked into the bathroom to clean, and found Joe standing naked in front of the mirrored shower enclosure. He thought he had locked the door but the lock didn’t catch for some reason. Anyway, Alice was shocked at what she saw. Joe’s penis and scrotum looked like those of a pre-teen. His groin was completely hairless, his penis was tiny, and his scrotum looked rounded and puffy, like a baby’s. The rest of him looked just about the same, but his hips appeared more prominent, and he had very little body hair.

Alice wasn't sure which of them was more shocked. She gasped, and Joe quickly turned away, covering his small package with both hands. He looked over his shoulder at her with an angry expression.

“Can’t a guy have a little privacy around here?” He demanded, and Alice mumbled an apology and quickly pulled the door closed as she exited.

Later, she went down to Joe’s room and knocked on the door. When he allowed her to enter she sat down at his desk, across from him, and told him, “We need to talk . . .”

The following day Alice took Joe back to the doctor’s office for another examination. She was still stunned by the appearance of his genitals, and he was still embarrassed by her accidental intrusion. Alice managed to get Joe to tell her that he’d noticed the change in his groin a couple of weeks ago, but he’d been too humiliated to talk about it. At first he thought he was imagining it, and then, after he realized he was changing yet again he hoped it was part of his overall problem, and that it would resolve itself when the doctor’s came up with a “cure.”

After Dr. Hart examined Joe alone he called them both into his office for another consultation. He told them that Joe’s genitals appeared to be those of a boy between 6 and 7 years old, but the rest of his body appeared to be about the same chronological age as it was during the first examination. He was concerned because this change appeared to be affecting one part of the body more than the rest, and this was a new development. He also told them he was ordering more tests, and that he would be consulting with the specialist by e-conference later that day. There was a good chance the Strattons have to travel to Baltimore, where several of the specialists were located.

Before they left, Dr. Hart pulled Alice aside and said, “Alice, I don’t know what is causing these latest changes any more than I know why you were both affected like this. None of the specialists have ever heard of anything like this either. We’re tracing that medical waste that you were exposed to, and hopefully we can learn something from its composition, but this will be a long process. Try to cope as well as you can, and try to help Joe adapt too. If you have to go to Baltimore you may want to treat the trip like a family vacation and bring your children. That would provide a little distraction and hopefully give Joe some added support.”

Alice looked over at Joe as she drove home. When he first got his learner’s permit he insisted on doing all the driving, but lately he’d been content to let her drive. He seemed to have undergone some psychological changes, as well as physical. He was less rambunctious and reckless than right after the changes started, and he’d become quieter too, almost moody. Alice had trouble communicating with him aside from discussing what they were having for dinner, and at times he seemed to be avoiding her altogether. She wondered what he was thinking, but didn’t dare ask.

The next day was Saturday, and Alice wanted to go to the opening of a play. Joe wasn’t interested in the least, and she didn’t want to go alone, but Debbie convinced her that she had to get out of the house for a few hours and get her mind off their problems. Alice had thought of calling one of her friends, but since her own rejuvenation they had been distant, for the most part, and she didn’t want to get into a discussion about Joe, either, so she decided to go alone.

As she looked through her closet for something to wear her eyes fell on a black satin dress that Debbie had talked her into buying. It was low-cut, practically backless, and had thin spaghetti straps. It was very fitted, and had a short skirt with lace at the hem. “What the hell,” she thought, and grabbed it out of her closet. She was glad the dress had some built-in support, because there was no way she could wear a bra with it, and after pulling on a pair of sheer black pantyhose she slid the dress down over her. She spent a lot of time on her makeup and fixed her hair perfectly. Finally, she strapped on a pair of black sandals with four inch heels, and examined herself in her mirror.

She looked great, and she was fairly sure she hadn't looked that good twenty-five years ago. She knew her figure was a bit better, and her breasts seemed higher and a little larger than during her “first” youth.

The skirt of the dress swirled sexily when Alice moved, caressing her thighs softly and flouncing lightly in a way that was designed to attract attention. Alice's legs looked great in the heels, and the built-in shelf bra in the dress seemed to push her breasts together and enhance her cleavage. Everything was perfect. Well almost. She didn’t have her husband to escort her to the play or take her for a drink afterwards, and that really hurt, but she couldn’t dwell on that or she would start crying, and she had done enough of that lately.

When Alice walked through the house on her way to the garage Debbie hugged her. “You look fantastic, Alice,” she remarked. “Be careful that some guy doesn’t kidnap you on your way home and ravish you.”

Alice blushed at her comment, and when she turned to leave her daughter patted me on the butt and added, “Have a good time.”

Alice got a “Wow!” and a stare from Mark when she passed the living room, but though Joe saw her, he didn’t react like the others. He merely smiled and told me to have a good time, and went back to watching television. There was no spark of sexual tension, or longing, or even a hint of jealousy that his wife would be going out without him wearing such a revealing outfit. Telling her to have a good time had been mere politeness on his part, and that saddened Alice as she left the house.

Alice was early for the play, and several heads turned as she walked across the lobby. When the usher showed her to her seat she found she was sitting near an attractive guy who also appeared to be alone. There was a seat separating them, but they made polite small talk as they waited for the curtain.

Alice tried to pay attention during the play, and she did manage to absorb enough to be able to talk about it, but she was very distracted by the good looking guy sitting two seats away. She snuck several peeks at him during the show, and though she was very discreet she was sure he caught her looking at him at least once. When intermission came he stood to one side and politely offered to let her go first, as they both headed to the lobby. Alice thanked him, and before she knew it they were engaged in another conversation as they made their way out of the theatre. She refused his offer of a glass of wine, telling him that she just wanted a bit or air before the second act.

“Well, if you will allow me, I’ll just join you,” he replied gallantly, and Alice couldn’t help smiling at him.

His name was Jerry, and he was an account executive for a local brokerage. He was single, 28 years old, and a real hunk. The empty seat between them was for a client who had failed to show up, and Alice was captivated by the man. He had a great sense of humor, and she found me giggling like a schoolgirl at his jokes. She was having so much fun just standing there with him that she was reluctant to go back in when the lights flashed.

Jerry offered her his arm and escorted Alice through the lobby like I was a queen. Several people in the lobby took note of them as they entered, and when it came time to sit down it seemed silly to have an empty seat between them. Alice sat next to him and was amazed at the way her body was responding to the closeness of the man. Her breath was a little shallow, and her face was flushed, and she even felt a little damp.

Alice had even more trouble concentrating on the second act. It seemed like ages since she and Joe had made love, even though it hadn't been that long, but in her rejuvenated form it felt like forever – and she felt herself becoming more and more excited by Jerry’s mere presence. Alice just couldn’t help herself.

After the play Jerry told Alice he had reservations at a very exclusive club, and since his client hadn’t showed up, he asked if she would do him a favor by accompanying him. He said he realized he was being awfully forward, but he’d had to call in a big favor to get the reservations and he didn’t want them to go to waste.

At that moment Alice completely forgot – or ignored – the fact that she was a married woman, and jumped at the chance. She didn’t know what came over me, but she couldn’t say no, and after everything she had been through the past few months the thought of going to a club was exciting.

There was a line at the door that stretched nearly a block, but Jerry took Alice's arm and marched right to the head of the line, where he showed something to the gatekeeper, and the man smiled at Jerry and opened the door for them. Inside the place was really elegant, yet the décor was modern and the music from one of the top groups was loud. A Hostess wearing nothing but a red bikini, fishnet hose, heels and a straw hat seated us away from the group, and no sooner had she gone than a waitress wearing a black, corset, panties and a garter belt with fishnet stockings and heels rushed over to take their drink order. The girl was about Alice's new age, and her body looked a lot Alice's new form, too. She couldn’t help wondering if she could ever do what the girl was doing – parading in front of men, and women too, in what was essentially underwear.

The guys in the audience loved the show as the waitresses scurried about in their skimpy outfits, and Alice caught Jerry glancing over her shoulder once or twice, but he tried to be a true gentleman, and he even apologized for the girls’ outfits, explaining that his client was a man and he’d gotten the reservations with that in mind. Alice assured him there was no need to apologize, and that she was enjoying herself too. In fact, the more she watched the waitresses flit about in their scandalous outfits the more she fantasized about imitating them. Alice had grown up in an age where women were more subdued, more restricted, and in her first youth she would have never dreamed of displaying herself like those young women, but for some reason that night she felt a desire to be one of them.

Whatever the reason, the almost primal desire seemed to grow, and after two strong drinks Alice got Jerry to take her on the dance floor. In front of everyone in the club she performed what amounted to a mating dance, gyrating and shaking her boobs, running her hands through her hair, and generally testing the limits of her skimpy dress. At one point her unrestrained breasts nearly popped right out of the dress, but it managed to contain them – barely. It had been a long time since she had worn heels that high and she could feel the tension in her calves as she pranced around Jerry, twirling occasionally to let her skirt swirl up and expose the tops of her stockings. She knew her legs, like the rest of her, looked great, and she used her “assets” shamelessly.

When they left the dance floor there was a smattering of applause, and Jerry ordered another round of drinks. “You certainly are a wild girl,” he told her, smiling broadly. “I had no idea you were such a great dancer.”

Alice was still feeling flushed from her exertions, and she downed that third drink a bit too quickly. She felt the liquor burn her throat and warm her stomach. “Thanks, Jerry. I think I was inspired by the company,” she replied, returning his smile.

They stayed for another hour and had a fourth drink, by which time Alice felt no inhibitions at all. When Jerry asked her if she would like to come to his place for a “nightcap” she readily agreed, even though she knew where this was leading. She simply didn’t care at that point. They retrieved Alice's car from the lot and she followed him to his place, which thankfully wasn’t that far.

Jerry lived in an upscale loft apartment in a renovated building, but Alice didn't take note of much else about the place, aside from the bed, which was big and soft. When Jerry closed the door he did offer her that drink he promised, but she declined and threw her arms around his neck and began examining his tonsils. In one swift and powerful move he picked her up and carried her to his bedroom.

Jerry turned out to be an expert in getting a girl out of her clothes, and before Alice knew it she was stark naked and flat on her back. She soon discovered that Jerry was an expert in many things, and when he began kneading her breasts it felt so wonderful that she begged him to take her. She was shameless, and she spread her legs and caressed his strong, broad shoulders, trying to pull him into her. He took his time, though, teasing and exciting her in ways Joe never had, and by the time he was ready Alice was dripping wet and imploring him to fill her.

She moaned and thrashed under Jerry as he filled her to the brim. It had been so long that she cried and laughed at the same time. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, blissfully content to play the submissive female to his magnificent masculinity. She lost track of how many times he took me and how many times she came that night, but it had to be a record.

She couldn’t stay the night, though she longed to remain with him. Before she left Jerry asked her for her number, but Alice didn’t think that was a good idea. She couldn’t have him calling her at home where Joe or the kids might answer the phone, so she took his number instead.

Alice thought about what she had just done as she drove home. She had never been unfaithful to Joe during their entire marriage, and she believed he also been faithful to her, and she didn’t understand why this night was so different, but she was still basking in the glow of Jerry’s lovemaking, and she was too tired for deep thought. She decided to worry about it later.

It was just after one o’clock when she got home and she found everyone awake. They were all in the living room, watching a movie, and when Debbie saw Alice she looked at her curiously. Mark and Joe turned to say “Hi,” but they didn’t react at all to the lateness of Alice's return.

Debbie got up and followed Alice into her room.

“Okay, what happened?” She demanded.

“What do you mean?” Alice asked feigning innocence

“Look, Alice – mom, I’m sure the boys didn’t notice, but I can see that you’ve completely re-done your makeup, and you have a red mark on your left boob that wasn’t there when you left. Besides that, you look like a woman who has been serviced by a man.”

Suddenly Alice felt ashamed of herself and started sobbing, and confessed everything to Debbie.

“Wow! It sounds like you met a real hunk!” She exclaimed, glancing over her shoulder at the door. “Listen . . . Alice, neither of the guys suspects anything, and I wouldn’t say a word about this to either of them.”

“B-but I was unfaithful to your father,” Alice cried softly. “I don’t think I can face him without …”

“Oh, bullshit!” Debbie retorted. “Look, you’ve been under a lot of pressure, and dad, Joey, can’t perform his marital duties. You are a young woman now, with needs and desires, and you can’t simply turn them off.”

“But it’s not right,” Alice replied. “Just because your father has become a teenage boy doesn’t make it right. What if he was seriously ill – it’s the same thing.”

“Maybe, but I suspect those chemicals changed more than your physical ages,” Debbie said. “Joey doesn’t just LOOK like a teenager, he’s ACTING like one too, and I think your psyche has changed too. I think that, for the time being, you consider your marriage . . . suspended . . . until the doctors find a cure for Joey. I would be discreet about it, but don’t beat yourself up. You’re dealing with far more than you should have to cope with.”

9.

Joe – Everyone called him “Joey” now – was terribly sick of being poked and prodded by doctors and nurses. He had gone through the second wave of tests ordered by Dr. Hart, and we were waiting for the results. In the meantime there was another development, and it was devastating.

One morning Alice saw Joey coming out of the bathroom, scratching his chest, something she had seen him do on several occasions lately, and she asked him about it. He told her his chest seemed tender lately, but it wasn’t a big deal. Knowing that any change could be significant in his condition Alice told him she needed to see his chest, and marched him down to his room. He really hated being ordered around like a child, but he was acting very immature lately, and Alice had no alternative but to put her foot down. She thought he might have defied her, but he remembered the incident in his bedroom when she had proven herself stronger than him, and since he was now smaller and weaker than his wife he had no choice but to obey her. If anything, Joey’s arms had grown thinner since that time, and they both knew that Alice could easily force him to do what she wanted, so he went along grudgingly.

Alice had Joey strip off his polo shirt when they got to his room, and when she saw his chest she tried not to react, but it was all too clear what was happening to him. Alice had seen the symptoms up close at least twice: The first time on herself, many years ago, and the second time when Debbie was a young girl. Joey’s nipples looked swollen and puffy, and his areolas appeared darker and more convex than was normal for a teenage boy. The area directly around each areole was just beginning to grow outward, but it was barely noticeable, and Alice doubted that Joey had any idea what was happening to him.

“Okay,” she said after a moment of quick thought. “That doesn’t look too serious. I have some cream that will help with the tenderness, and it might be a good idea for you to wear an old, soft tee shirt under your shirt for awhile,” she instructed.

“It’s too hot to wear a tee shirt,” he whined, but I was ready for that.

“Fine, suit yourself,” Alice snapped, “but don’t blame me if your chest gets swollen and irritated.”

“Oh, all right,” Joey finally relented, “but I’m not wearing a tee shirt to the beach.” He was getting tired of Alice's nagging, and he had come to see her more as his mother than his wife. Why couldn't she just leave him alone?

Alice left to get the cream, thinking that it was possible that Joe soon wouldn’t be able to go to the beach without something covering his chest. As she looked for the cream she couldn’t help but wonder how far the changes would go. When she saw Joey’s naked torso she saw that his waist was even thinner that a couple of weeks ago, and combined with his wider than normal hips and his tiny “package,” she was terribly afraid she would never get her husband back.

Alice hadn’t said anything about the puffiness because she didn’t want to alarm Joe any more than necessary. There was nothing he or anyone else could do about it, so it was senseless to get him all worked up. She decided to call Dr. Hart that afternoon, but he called her first, telling her there were some “anomalies” in Joey’s lab tests, and after speaking with the specialists, he recommended that they plan on leaving for Baltimore in a few days. Alice and Joey both had appointments in one week. In turn, Alice told Dr. Hart about Joey’s latest “development,” but all he said was, “I’m not surprised.”

Alice told Debbie about Joey later that day, but asked her to keep it quiet, and not tell Mark. “He wouldn’t understand, and I don’t want Joey to find out just yet. Everything may resolve itself anyway,” Alice told her, but she wasn’t very convincing.

“If we’re leaving for Baltimore soon we’d better do some shopping for Joey,” Debbie responded. “His clothes don’t fit all that well, and we need to plan what we’re going to do if he, ah keeps developing.”

“You’re right about his clothes,” Alice agreed, “but maybe it isn’t such a bad thing that his shirts are really loose. That could help conceal things later on.”

“Agreed, but his pants definitely have to be replaced,” Debbie pointed out. “His waist has thinned down even more, and though his hips are wider his pants are still riding low, almost like hip-huggers. He’ll need some shoes too.”

Alice told Joe about going to Baltimore, but he was almost indifferent about it. He put up with her taking his measurements again for some new clothes, and this time she measured his chest a bit differently. She couldn’t see much change in his areolas but his nipples did look larger and there were small but definite knots behind them. She still couldn’t see anything with his shirt on, but she suspected it was just a matter of time before they became noticeable. His new measurements were 34 - 261/2 - 331/2, his height had dropped to 5’2”, and it was getting more and more difficult to find things that didn’t scream “girl.”

Alice and Debbie managed to find a couple of pairs of shorts that would fit him that weren’t very short and had a “cargo” look to them. The jeans were a problem, but they did manage to find a pair that were completely plain and “straight-cut,” to look almost like men’s jeans. They also got him a couple of dark colored polo shirts – this time from the boys’ department – that were small enough to fit but still loose enough to cover any protrusions that might develop, at least for the short term.

Shoes were a problem. Due to Joe’s narrow width boys’ shoes wouldn’t work very well, but they found a pair of loafers and a pair of black oxfords in the women’s department that looked very masculine. With his deck shoes and cross-trainers they decided he was set for the time being.

There were no belts that would fit him in the boy’s section, except the ones they had for very little boys, and they had childish designs on them that the women knew Joey wouldn’t accept, so it was back to the ladies department again. They managed to find a couple of belts, one brown and one black, that might work. They weren’t as wide as men’s belts, but they plain leather, without all the fancy tooling most women’s belts had.

Underwear was the biggest problem they had. There was absolutely nothing in the men’s and boy’s departments that would fit his waist yet get past his hips -- Guys just aren’t built like that – but they had to get something. Finally Debbie suggested they buy Joey some plain, cotton panties, without any frills, and take them out of the package before giving them to him. Alice couldn’t think of anything better, so they bought him three 3 packs of panties.

While they were shopping Alice enlisted Mark to take Joe to a baseball game. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but things didn’t work out too well. There was an old-timers game before the start of the regular game, and when Joe heard about that he took a pen and bought a baseball with the idea he would get an autograph or two. After the exhibition he stood patiently in line with Mark, who just wanted to see the famous players close up. When he got to the front of the line the player, one of Joey’s all-time favorite stars, asked him his name, and without thinking he blurted “Joey.” Apparently the old time player needed an adjustment in his hearing aid, because when he gave the ball back to Joey it was inscribed, “To Joy – Best of luck, Eddie Carruthers.”

“There you go, miss, thank you for coming,” Eddie said, then took the next ball offered to him. Joey was humiliated. Not only did the old guy refer to him as “miss,” but he also put a girl’s name on the ball. He was too flustered to say anything, but Mark, who wasn’t aware of his more intimate changes, ragged him about it all afternoon, calling him “Joy” and making stupid remarks. Finally Joey broke down and ran off sobbing. He burst into the men’s room crying and panicking, and when he looked up he saw a bunch of guys, all larger than him, looking at him curiously. He turned around and immediately left the restroom, and ran straight into Mark.

Mark apologized and got Joey to return to his seat, and the rest of the afternoon passed without incident. Joey brightened considerably as the game wore on, and everything appeared to be fine, but Mark became concerned when he told Joey a joke and Joey giggled. Mark told Alice later that Joey sounded like a school girl, and at that point Alice told him about the other things that were happening to Joey.

“You mean my father is turning into a GIRL?” Matt asked, a little too loudly.

Alice hushed him, and told him she wasn’t sure, but that the doctor hadn’t been surprised when she told him about Joey’s breast development. “Joey isn’t aware – yet – of what is happening to him,” she told her son. “But pretty soon it will be obvious to everyone, unless the doctors in Baltimore can help him.”

“This, this is impossible!” Mark exclaimed.

“So is growing younger.” Alice replied sarcastically.

10.

There was one last thing to do before they left for Baltimore, and that was getting Joey a haircut. His hair hadn’t been cut for some time, and it was getting long and scruffy. The length alone probably contributed to the impression that he was a girl, and he wanted it cut very short.

Debbie, Mark and Alice all prevailed on him to settle for a trim. To avoid any further embarrassments Alice decided to haul out their old home clipper and do the job herself. She hadn’t really cut anyone’s hair since Mark was a kid, but she had something very specific in mind and she didn’t trust a barber to do it right.

Working carefully, Alice trimmed Joey’s bangs neatly and trimmed the ends just a bit. When she was done it was neat and somewhere between a pageboy and a boy’s haircut. Joe wasn’t too happy with it, but it was a bit shorter and a lot neater than before. Alice showed him all the hair on the floor to prove she had actually cut some off.

“You don’t want a skinhead cut anyway, Joey,” Debbie told him. That’s way out of style.”

“Yeah,” agreed Mark. “Nobody has really short cuts – Look at mine.”

The next day they packed the car and left for Baltimore. Alice had packed all of Joey’s things, and though he had refused to wear the panties they bought for him she purposely packed none of his old underwear.

The trip took two days, and Mark, Debbie, and Alice did the driving. Joe was unusually moody during the drive, and for the most part he sat quietly in the back seat. When they stopped at a motel the first night they got two rooms – one for Mark and Joey, and one for Debbie and Alice. Mark was uneasy about the arrangement, and he later told Alice that he purposely stayed up late watching television until Joey fell asleep, then he slept on a small couch, rather than share a bed. Alice hadn’t thought it would be a problem, but Mark told her he nearly freaked out when Joey came out of the bathroom wearing nothing but an oversize tee shirt. Mark said his legs looked way too good for a boy, and when Joey went to climb into bed Mark noticed that his chest profile was all wrong for a boy. The next day, on the way out to the car, Mark pulled Alice aside to tell her what happened, and when Alice glanced at Joey she could see that he was right. Joey’s breasts were beginning to bud.

The worst part of it, though, was that Joey now knew it too. He’d been able to ignore what was happening to his chest for quite a while, but even though his newly-acquired “assets” were only a AAA or AA size, they were definitely not standard equipment for boys or men. Alice could see in his eyes that he was humiliated by what was happening to him, but she just carried on as if nothing was wrong. Mark and Debbie took their cues from Alice and did the same.

But Joe knew better. All he had to do was simply look down and see the two small cones pushing out his shirt. For the first time in several weeks he was terribly afraid, and all the cheerful chatter from his family did nothing to change the fact that he was developing breasts.

When they pulled into their motel on the outskirts of Baltimore Joe asked if he could stay with Debbie and Alice, and give Mark a room to himself. When Alice asked him what the problem was he took her hand and pulled her into the bathroom with him and shut the door.

“I think I’m turning into a girl,” he told her in a hushed voice. “Look.”

Joey proceeded to remove his shirt, and Alice saw pretty much what she expected to see, but she pretended to be surprised. His chest now had two small cones pushing his nipples and areolas forward about an inch. The little breast buds were turning into soft tissue, and his nipples had continued to grow. They were far too large to be on a boy, but they were still tiny, and he certainly did not need a bra, yet he told me they were very sensitive, and even his old, soft tee shirts irritated them.

Alice tried to tell Joey that just because his chest was growing didn’t mean he was turning into a girl, but he stopped her in mid-sentence.

“There’s more,” he told her as he unbuckled his belt and pushed his shorts past his hips. He stepped out of his shorts, and when he pushed his panties down his wife gasped. His genitals had continued to change since she last saw them, and there really was no doubt where this was all going. His penis was actually smaller than a newborn boy’s, and his scrotum was also practically gone. All that remained between his legs was a short protrusion maybe twice the size of Alice's clitoris, and some loose skin that appeared to be forming into labia.

“Something happened today,” he told her. “When I went to the restroom during that last stop I sat down and nothing came out of this,” he informed her, gesturing to his shockingly shrunken penis. “Instead, it came out down here,” he continued, pointing lower, directly between his legs.

It is one thing to believe something incredible is happening, but another thing to actually SEE it happen. Alice was stunned, and she shooed everyone out of the motel room and had Joey lay down on the bed. When he did she gently pushed his legs apart, and saw that her husband was now a real girl! Joey's vagina looked almost completely normal, except for the looseness of the skin that was forming his labia, and Alice suspected that too, would appear completely normal within a day or two. Her mind reeled at the implications, and she felt like crying. It was just like losing a loved one, since she now had no hope that any specialist could put things right.

It took a long time for Alice to compose herself, and when she was able to speak she had Joey get up, then she stuck her head out the door and told Mark to put Joey’s things in her room. Mark was confused by the sudden request, but he did as his mother asked, and that night Debbie, Joey, and Alice shared a room.

Joe was devastated and absolutely mortified. He knew his former life was over and done as soon as he felt the incredibly weird sensation at the rest stop. His body had changed completely in the past several weeks, from male to female, and even though his cognitive abilities were diminished, he knew the doctors would never be able to undue something that dramatic. They didn't even know why it was happening, much less how to stop it. As he got ready for bed Alice produced a large, oversized nightshirt, and the miserable teenager allowed her to put it on him. The nightshirt fell to his knees, and the short sleeves came down practically to his elbows, since his shoulders were even narrower that Alice's. He looked down at himself forlornly, noticing that, even in the oversized nightshirt he could see the small cones that were growing from his chest. The pastel yellow color did nothing to raise his spirits either, and he quickly ran into the bathroom and locked himself in.

Joe couldn't believe his own reflection in the bathroom mirror. His longish hair now framed a face that he saw was more feminine than masculine, with wide eyes, a small nose, high cheekbones, and a softly rounded chin. The wide neck opening of his nightshirt was off-center, revealing one soft shoulder that was devoid of muscle. His thin arms were too skinny even for a young teenage boy, and he was standing with his weight on one side, causing one feminine hip to jut out, while his legs were close together in a very feminine stance. The worst part of it was his posture was completely unintentional. He had not intended to stand in such a feminine manner, but his body had simply done what was natural.

11.

The following morning Joe noticed that the small cones growing from his chest appeared a little larger, and he had to wear a soft tank top under a white polo shirt to keep them from becoming irritated. His waist had also shrunk a bit, and he needed a belt to hold up his navy shorts. After he slipped on his sandals and buckled the straps he looked at himself in the mirror again and saw a young teenage girl. The outline of his tank top was visible under his shirt, almost like a bra's outline, and with his shirt tucked in his narrow waist and wide hips gave him an unmistakably feminine figure. His legs also matched the image. They were softly contoured, without any hint of muscle, and practically hairless.

Alice and Debbie had a quiet discussion about Joe while he was in the bathroom, and when he came out Alice helped him brush his hair. She talked about making the best of the situation and adapting to his new gender -- at least until the doctors figured out what to do -- and as she brushed his hair she discussed hygiene, and mentioned that she and Joe would have to do a little shopping. When Joe asked her what they had to get Alice made a vague reference to "foundations," and hygiene supplies, and Joe blanched at the thought. The idea that he might need a, a . . . bra, or "feminine hygiene products" caused him to break down sobbing, and it took Debbie and Alice nearly twenty minutes to calm him down.

Mark appeared not to notice anything when the "girls" emerged from their room. In truth he thought his father looked like a thirteen or fourteen year old girl; pretty, but undeveloped. Mark suddenly realized that he was the man of the family now, and he felt a responsibility towards the others, so he insisted on driving. He had already gotten the directions to the medical center and he dropped the others off at the entrance, and then parked the car.

Joe was again subjected to an endless battery of tests and scans. His blood was draw in copious amounts, and at the end of the day he didn't know any more than when he'd arrived. After six hours of medical mumbo-jumbo the nurse finally told him they were done for the day, but to return the following morning.

Instead of going to a restaurant, Alice directed Mark to take them to a nearby mall, and she and Debbie practically dragged Joe into a women’s clothing store. Joe was subjected to the indignity of being measured for a training bra by a saleswoman who kept telling him how cute he was. Alice and Debbie referred to him as "Joy," while he was in the store, which further humiliated him, and when Alice went into the dressing room with him to help him try on several training bras Joe was about to explode.

"Listen Joe," Alice hissed, "Whether you want to admit it or not, you NEED these bras. Now keep quiet and try them on so we can all get out of here with a minimum of embarrassment."

Joe grudgingly complied, and wound up with three 32 AA training bras, one of which Alice insisted he wear out of the store. Before they left Alice also bought Joe two camisoles to wear under his shirts, a pair of girl’s loafers with a one inch stacked heel, a girl’s belt, a small purse, some tampons, pads, and a manicure kit. Joe refused to consider a makeup kit, but Alice had Debbie buy one for him while she distracted Joe.

Mark had waited patiently outside the boundaries of the women’s department, and when they were done shopping he drove them to a family style restaurant near their motel. While he drove Alice filled Joe's new purse with two tampons, tissue, his wallet, a brush and comb, and a small mirror she had also purchased. At first Joe refused to carry the purse, but Alice reminded him he had no place to put his wallet, and he just might need some of the items in the purse. She also told him he would look strange without a purse, and he finally relented.

Joe felt ridiculous walking into the restaurant with the strap of his shoulder bag over his shoulder, and when Mark excused himself to go to the men room the waiter told his son he would seat the "ladies" while he was away. Joe hated to be called "Joy," and when the waiter left them he mentioned that to Alice, but she simply asked him what the problem was.

"Honey, I can't refer to you as 'Joe,' not the way you look now," she replied quietly, adding, "If you have another name you'd like to me use let me know.

Joe merely nodded. There was no other name -- at least no other girl's name -- by which he wanted to be known.

Later that evening, after they got back to the motel, Joe undressed in the bathroom and when he removed his shirt the mere sight of his training bra brought tears to his eyes. The bra was mostly elastic, and the cups, while padded, flattened the little boobs growing from his chest. At least he didn't have those ridiculous little cones sticking out, he reminded himself, but that was small comfort. When he removed the bra by simply pulling it over his head he noticed it left red marks in his skin, marks that left no doubt what had caused them. He tossed the bra aside and pulled on his nightshirt over the panties he was now wearing. Alice brought him back to the bathroom, though, and insisted that he put on a fresh pair of panties and rinse out his bra and old panties and hang them over the shower curtain to dry overnight. At that point Joe was too tired to protest, and he did as she instructed.

12.

The family spent a full week in Baltimore, and in the end there was nothing they could do, except help Joe and Alice with new identification, and provide counseling for adjustment problems. Joe alternated between denial, despair, and trying to bargain with God. In the end he had no choice but to accept what had happened and try to adapt as well as he could. Joe’s acceptance of his new status only went so far, though. He swore that, even though he had to live his life as a girl he would never have anything to do with men.

Alice wasn’t worrying about that at the time. They were all still in shock, and trying to sort out their lives. Though Alice was the "easy" case. The hospital got her a new birth certificate in her maiden name showing her to be 24 years old, and their legal department helped arrange a quiet annulment of the Stratton's marriage. It was the saddest day in Alice's life when the lawyer dropped off those papers.

Joe presented a lot more problems. The hospital was willing to get him a new birth certificate, but his age really hadn’t stabilized. A couple of days after they arrived in Baltimore Joe began to develop quickly, and at the end of that week he appeared to be fifteen or sixteen, with a very nice figure. His little cones had filled out rapidly, and he abandoned his training bras for a 34A cup. The new bras were also padded, giving his breasts the appearance of small a B cup. Joe's waist had narrowed to a mere 24 inches, and his hips had expanded a bit to 34 1/2 inches, which was still slim for a girl, but they gave him an hourglass figure that no boy ever had.

Alice had to show Joe how to adjust a bra and how to do his hair and a dozen other things that girls need to know, though he still refused to wear any makeup. The counselors at the hospital wanted to help, but Joe wasn’t interested in learning how to be a girl. He was constantly depressed, and refused to participate in several activities they planned for him.

Finally, the rest of the family confronted Joe at the motel and told him that they wanted to help, but they couldn’t help him if he simply didn’t try. They issued a collective ultimatum, and he finally agreed to cooperate -- sort of, that is.

Joe finally agreed to wear a woman's watch, let Debbie give him a manicure, and to get his hair done professionally. He also agreed to wear girl’s slacks and shorts, and tops, but he refused to wear a skirt or a dress, or anything he felt was too "girly." Alice and Debbie decided that something was better than nothing, and they were content for the time being. Both women assumed that Joe would mellow towards women’s fashions over time, and they were content that Joe wasn't determined to wear muscle shirts and a jock strap.

Joe's changing figure meant that they had to go shopping again, and this time Joe came with them. There was no point in trying to hide what he was anymore – He was obviously all-girl – but he was still stubborn about what he would wear. Alice told him there were a few girly things he was going to have to put with, such as a bathing suit, and Joe reluctantly agreed, but only because he still wanted to be able to go to the beach on occasion. However Joe refused all attempts to get him into a bikini. He wanted something with maximum coverage, but even the tank suits had low cut bodices and high cut leg openings. He had to settle for a yellow, halter-style maillot that had a sunburst pattern over the bustline, extending slightly downward. I reality, the suit didn't cover much more than a bikini, especially in the areas that really counted, and Joe was actually surprised to learn that women's suits had built-in support. This suit had a built-in shelf bra that was padded to enhance a woman's bust, and it did just that, to Joe's humiliation.

Alice also bought him a few new bras in different colors and styles, size 34A, along with some panties and pants socks. After they finished in foundations they moved on to get some tops. Alice managed to talk Joe into a light blue and white striped tank top that wasn’t much different from what a man would wear, except for the label and a slightly lower neckline, and they also bought a couple of solid three button shirts, that were similar to what Joe always wore as a man. He balked at getting a tube top, though Alice told him it would be good to have during the summer.

Joe wanted nothing but slacks, and Alice let him pick out several pair that were pleated and somewhat mannish, but he did agree to buy a couple of pairs of shorts, and though Joe thought they were too short and too tight Alice told him that they were normal and perfectly acceptable. She reminded him that if he dressed curiously people would stare at him and wonder. That did it. When Joe was confronted at the possibility of becoming a curiosity he agreed to try to blend in, and Alice was even able to talk him into buying a pair of pumps with 1 ½ inch heels. She used the argument that the heels would give him a little extra height, and since he was then only 5’2” and now the shortest in the family, Joe agreed.

Alice also took Joe to the sleepwear department, something Joe was dreading, and he absolutely refused to consider anything too "girly." They wound up buying a pair of summer pajamas that weren't too different than men's pajamas, except for the pastel blue color and shorts instead of longer bottoms. Joe didn't care for them, but they were better than a nightgown.

Finally, Alice did manage to get Joe to come with her to a beauty shop for a professional style and a manicure, which Alice thought he needed desperately. She used the old “you don’t want to look like a freak” argument to get Joe in the door, and when she told the beautician to give Joe a style and a few highlights he pulled her aside to object. Alice told him he needed to have something done with his hair, and she reminded him that people would think it strange if he objected to something every girl did. At that point Joe realized he was trapped. Alice had the beautician give him a simple style that he could just brush out every day. A little clear lacquer on the nails did wonders for him, and when they left the parlor Joe looked like a normal and very pretty teenage girl. In fact he managed to turn a few heads as He and Debbie and Alice walked out of the mall. Though he didn't notice Alice and Debbie glanced at each other when they noticed several teenage boys staring at Joe.

That night they went out for pizza, and Debbie talked Joe into wearing his new tank top and a pair of his new shorts with his sandals. She also helped Joe with his hair and berated him into wearing just a touch of blush -- so he would blend in better. Joe was exasperated by his daughter's efforts to "girlify" him, and he almost decided to stay home, but Debbie reminded him of his promise. He also had a hard time getting used to his new bra. The straps bothered him and the band seemed too tight. Debbie adjusted it for him, and it was a little better, though Joe's real problem was having to wear one in the first place.

When he got his striped tank top on Joe was dismayed to see that the narrow stripes accentuated his bust along with the padding in the bra. Between the tight tank top and the bra his breasts appeared larger, and he even had a small amount of cleavage showing. Joe turned red when he saw himself in the mirror, and the fact that the tank top didn't come down to his navel made things even worse.

Despite Joe's nerves nobody paid particular attention to him, except for some guys eating at the same place, who saw Joe as a very pretty girl. Aside from the fact that Joe almost walked into the men’s room and forgot his purse when they left, everything was pretty normal.

13.

The hospital finally got Joe a new birth certificate listing his age as 17. The hospital also arranged for a driver's permit that listed Joe as "Joy Stratton," female, age 16, height 5'2", weight 98 pounds. Joe also got a transcript showing appropriate school records up to his sophomore year in high school. He almost blew a gasket when he found out that he now had no high school diploma, not to mention his degree in engineering, but the lawyer assured him that all that would be worked out in time.

Alice got some new identification also. A birth certificate showing her to be 24 years old, a driver's license in her maiden name, appropriate school records showing her high school graduation and bachelor degree in education, and all the proper credit cards she and Joe used. Their bank accounts had been altered to reflect their new names, and Joe's pension account had been transferred to her for the time being.

By the time the family returned home Joe was more or less used to girl’s clothes, at least the limited types he would consent to wear, and he no longer felt so terribly self-conscious when he was out in public. He was even getting used to being the shortest one in the family, though that did grate on him from time to time, but two days after they got home something happened that Joe knew he would never get used to.

Joe's first period hit him very hard, and the cramps, pains, and the mood swings drove him crazy. He was depressed for several days, and the fact that his breasts seemed to inflate during his period didn't help at all. Alice showed Joe how to use a tampon and maxi-pads, and how to minimize the symptoms, but she couldn't cheer him up at all. Joe hated the way he had lost control over his body and his life, and the crying jags that overcame him were humiliating. For the first time in his life he realized that some women (himself among them) were completely at the mercy of their bodies at certain times of the month, and at that point he truly understood why women referred to their periods as "the curse."

Joe was so glad when his period ended he did not argue when Debbie suggested they go to the beach together. He had avoided the beach since his breasts had begun to develop, but suddenly an afternoon of soaking up the sun sounded pretty good. When Joe put on his new swimsuit he discovered that his breasts had retained some of the additional size they acquired during his period, and his modest cleavage was now visible above the neckline of the suit. It wasn't much, but it was a bit more than he'd had before, and his only consolation was that nobody would give him a second look while he was with Debbie.

Debbie lent her father a pair of her flip-flops and a gauzy cover-up, and made sure Joe had some sunscreen and tanning lotion in his new beach bag, and they headed out. It was a beautiful sunny day, with just enough wind to whip up the surf, and Debbie helped Joe tie his hair back with a scrunchy when they got out of the car. After they spread a blanket on the pure golden sand, Debbie took Joe's arm and the two of them set off for a walk down the beach. Joe had wanted to just collapse on the blanket and soak up sun, but Debbie wanted to check out the water first, so they ambled along the shallows, letting the modest waves soak their legs and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Joe felt so good that he didn't mind the fact that a couple of teenage boys appeared to be paying attention to him. He told himself that they were actually looking at Debbie, and some were, but a few were looking at the cute young girl in the yellow suit.

As they strolled down the beach Joe took a deep breath of the air and realized that for the first time in days he felt relaxed and calm. Then Joe spotted Valerie, the girl he had kissed a few weeks ago, walking towards them. Valerie knew Debbie was Mark's sister, and Joe was suddenly afraid she would recognize him, despite the changes he'd undergone. He quickly told Valerie what had happened the last time he had come to the beach, and she smiled strangely at him.

"Okay, you'll be Joey's sister, Joy, my cousin. Just relax -- Valerie will never recognize you now. Just pretend you don't know her."

When Valerie came closer she waved at Debbie, and Debbie introduced "Joy" to the other girl.

"So that was your brother I met a few weeks ago?" Valerie asked Joe.

"Uh, yeah, my brother," Joe replied.

"I know brothers can be a real pain, but he was very nice, and a good kisser," Valerie added, causing Joe to blush and glance at Debbie.

Debbie grinned at Joe, who blushed, and said, "Oh that Joey. He's a good kid but he's a real ladies man."

"I'll say," Valerie chuckled. "But he's cute."

Joe was very uncomfortable as he listened to Valerie. It was bizarre for the former man to hear the teenage girl discuss the boy he became, a boy who now no longer existed. Though Valerie's comments might have been a source of pride in the past -- especially about him being a good kisser and being cute -- Joe had trouble reliving the experience. It seemed like something that happened to another person, and though he supposed Valerie was "cute" too, he just didn't feel any attraction to her now. Had he ever really found her attractive? Looking at her now Joe thought Valerie was okay, but her bustline was a bit meager -- smaller than his own -- and her legs looked a little thick. His own legs were much shapelier, and he also had a narrower waist.

Joe was suddenly appalled by what he's been thinking. He'd actually felt a little smug comparing his current feminine form to the girl he'd once kissed, and the worst of it was it had been a completely spontaneous impression that just popped into his head. It was as if he had control over his conscious thoughts.

Joe was jolted out of his dark reverie by Alice asking him if he wanted to get together some time, and after a moment's hesitation he answered, "Sure." He just wanted to get away from Valerie and have a chance to think through what had just happened.

After a few minutes they did go back to the blanket and lay out. Debbie and Joe helped each other with their tanning lotion, and when they laid down Joe nearly fell asleep he felt so comfortable. Debbie warned him when it was time to turn over, on his stomach, and Joe found that position less comfortable because his breasts were mashed beneath him. When they flipped over Debbie undid the band of her top and slid her straps down her arms to get an even tan, but Joe refused to even slide his straps down a little, unwilling to expose himself any more than necessary.

Eventually it was time to head home and they made their way back to Debbie's car. On the way back to the house one of her tires blew out, and when she pulled to the side of the road Joe saw it was just a matter of changing the tire. He had Debbie open her trunk and opened the compartment housing her spare tire, but when he tried to lift the tire he discovered he couldn't move it an inch. Even with Debbie trying to help they were unable to lift the heavy tire, and Debbie pulled out her cell phone to call for road service.

Joe was livid that he couldn't handle something as simple as changing a spare anymore. He's changed tires dozens of times during his life, and he was getting sick and tired of being reminded that his strength was only a fraction of what it had been. He would have screamed if he thought it would do any good, but he knew it wouldn't.

Just as Debbie was being connected to their road service a car pulled to the side behind theirs and Joe saw two guys who were also obviously coming back from the beach. One had sandy hair and a deep tan over a pair of cargo-styled swim trunks and sandals, and the other had hair that was bleached blonde from the sun, an equally tanned body, and long, red swim trunks.

"Hey there ladies, are you having a problem?" The sandy haired one asked as he got from behind the wheel.

"Just a flat tire," Joe replied, staring at the young man with the sandy hair. He was in great shape, perhaps 18, Joe judged, with pretty impressive shoulders and upper arms, and his stomach had washboard abs. There was a pair of wraparound sunglasses perched on his head, and a braided wristband on his right wrist, and the image that came to his mind was "surfer dude." His friend Doug looked a bit older, perhaps 20, and he was similarly built.

"The service crew can't get here for another hour," Debbie called out, and Joe grimaced.

"Hey, I can change that tire for you," sandy hair offered, and his friend nodded.

"Yeah, we can have you on your way in five minutes," bleached blonde agreed.

"Would you?" Debbie asked, and Joe noticed the guys practically melt when she went into "helpless female" mode.

"Sure. By the way I'm Chad Sanders, and that's Doug Paine. Everyone calls him "Digger."

"Thanks so much for helping us out. I'm Debbie Stratton, and this is my cousin Joy," Debbie told them.

Joe smiled shyly at the guys and stood to one side while Chad lifted the tire out of its compartment and actually tossed it to Doug, who caught it and placed it near the flat. Clearly the guys were showing off for the girls, but it was still impressive to Joe, who remembered being unable to even move the damn tire. He watched with renewed interest as Chad used the jack to raise the wheel, noticing the muscles of his back as they moved fluidly to accomplish the task.

Doug was talking with Debbie as he worked the lug wrench, and Chad stood aside after he raised the car far enough to change the tire.

"Comin' from the beach?" He asked Joe, who nodded.

"Yeah, we tried to change the tire but neither of us could lift it out of the trunk," he admitted, surprising himself.

"Well, a beautiful girl like you shouldn't have to change tires anyway," Chad replied. "That's a man's job."

Joe blushed and looked away from Chad's piercing blue eyes. "Yeah, I guess it is," he agreed, wondering why he suddenly felt so strange. Chad was a nice guy, but he was treating Joe like a "helpless female," which wasn't surprising to Joe given his admission and Debbie's plea, but instead of feeling indignant Joe was very self-conscious. Chad wasn't really trying to insult Joe, though it was a little patronizing, but he had actually meant it as a compliment.

It was really hard to be angry at a guy who was doing you a favor, and Joe decided to take the compliment at face value.

"Thanks," he mumbled shyly, "and thanks for your help too."

No problem, Joy," Chad replied, smiling at Joe.

Joe found it impossible not to smile back at him. He seemed to be a genuinely nice guy, and when Chad made a few jokes Joe found himself giggling and warming to the sandy haired guy. Joe didn't realize that he was standing against the car with his arms behind him, leaning forward slightly. Nor did he realize that his posture was unconsciously emphasizing his growing breasts. He was pleased that Chad was talking with him and practically ignoring Debbie. For some reason Chad's continued attention was a boost to his ego, and Joe felt relaxed and happy.

When Chad asked Joe if he would like to get together sometime, Joe agreed before he thought about what it really meant, and it was only later, when he and Debbie were on the road again, that he realized he'd given Chad his phone number, and that Chad would probably call him for a date.

"What have I done?" He asked aloud.

"Well, it looks like you agreed to go out with a guy, then gave him your phone number," Debbie replied with a smile.

"Relax Joy. It's perfectly normal."

"Not for me, it isn't," Joe retorted. "I'm not exactly what I appear to be."

"You're exactly what you appear to be -- A pretty girl who happened to meet a young man she likes," Debbie replied.

"But, I'm not really," Joe protested. "I'm actually a man, and old enough to be his father!"

"You were," Debbie agreed, "but you're not a guy anymore. That should be very obvious to you -- It is to everyone else. You're also not 52 years old anymore. Physically, you're a teenager, and you shouldn't beat yourself up for acting like one.

"You know what it's like. You have to remember what I went through. It wasn't that long ago. I was hopelessly boy crazy for almost two years before my hormones settled down, and I suspect that the same thing is happening to you. Call it a family trait. For now all you can do is go with the flow and take it one day at a time."

Joe understood Debbie perfectly, but it still seemed wrong to him to be acting like a teenage girl. The problem was it seemed to come naturally lately. All it took was a little attention from a good looking guy and he had turned into a giggling, flirty girl, and he hadn't even realized how he was acting until later. He resolved to watch his behavior more carefully in the future.

14.

Alice got a new job with her new identification. Her old one had become too stressful. The women she worked with had come to regard her as a freak, and deep down they were jealous of Alice's newfound youth and beauty. They were catty and sarcastic behind her back, though they were always pleasant enough when she was around.

Jobs were hard to come by, but she managed to find a position as an English teacher at a local high school. One day, when she went to pick up her course materials for the next school year, she discovered there was a special outing scheduled for the staff and their families at a local country club. It was an all day affair with golf during the day, and a dinner, complete with prizes, in the evening. When she told Joe, Debbie and Mark about the outing Mark was enthusiastic about the golf, but not the dinner. Debbie was enthusiastic about the dinner, but not the golf, and Joe wasn't enthusiastic about any of it, especially after he learned the dinner was a fancy affair right at the country club.

The rest of the family managed to convince Joe to participate, and Alice even offered to buy Joe a new set of golf clubs, since his old ones were too long and too heavy. Mark would inherit Joe's old clubs, which weren't that old, and he took Joe to a local discount pro shop to buy a new set. When the club-fitter measured Joe he told the young lady that he would have to shorten the standard ladies length about an inch and a quarter, and when he measured Joe's swing speed he also decided to lighten the clubs a bit since the poor girl had very little strength.

Joe wasn't thrilled with buying ladies clubs, but at least he could swing them, if not too hard. He made sure the clubs didn't have pastel colors or a cute name, and when they bought him a pair of golf shoes he made sure they were plain white. They did have a heel that was slightly taller than his men’s shoes, but all the women’s shoes were like that.

Debbie was in charge of helping Joe with the dinner portion of the outing, and when Joe learned that his daughter planned to put him in a dress he threw a fit.

"Don't be so stubborn," Debbie scolded him. "This is a country club dinner. You can't walk into that elegant dining room wearing slacks or shorts. Every woman there will be in a dress, and if you aren't you'll look like a freak."

After fifteen minutes of argument Joe finally gave in, and Debbie took him to a nice local dress shop. Debbie endured petty complaints from Joe about dresses in general, and each dress in particular, but she finally got him into a nice white sundress. Later she dragged him to another section of the store where she picked out white sandals with a bit of a heel, stockings, and a bra and panty set. The bra was a push-up model, and when Joe put it on he discovered his breasts had grown to a full B cup. They filled the lightly padded bra completely, and the padding only made them look larger than a B.

Of course he didn't like his appearance. The thin spaghetti straps of the light sundress seemed barely up to the job of holding up the dress, and the low cut bodice exposed the tops of his breasts, which in turn appeared larger thanks to the lacy, levitating bra whose cups only covered the lower half of his breasts. Joe also thought the hem was too short since it only came to mid-thigh, and he definitely wasn't used to the sensation that the lack of pant legs created. He felt vulnerable and on display in the light, airy dress, and he was dismayed by the way the skirt of the dress flounced and swung to and fro when he took a step in the heels Debbie chose.

Debbie enlisted the help of the saleswoman, who supported her taste, and defeated Joe's petulance. With one victory in hand Debbie led Joe to the jewelry department, where she selected a gold necklace and bracelet combination, along with a pair of faux pierced earrings that were actually secured to the ears with strong magnets rather than posts or wires. Finally, Debbie picked out a nice white purse to go with Joe's outfit, and they headed home.

On the day of the outing Alice supervised her feminized husband as he washed and conditioned his hair and -- under protest -- shaved his legs and underarms. Then Debbie took over and forced Joe to sit still while she made him up, did his nails, and sprayed him with cologne. With a hair band Joe looked as pretty as a picture in his white shortie-shorts and yellow camisole. Meanwhile Mark loaded their clubs into the car and Alice packaged their outfits for the dinner.

Since the whole point of the outing was for the staff to get to know each other, and their respective families, the Strattons were assigned to foursomes, with each foursome consisting of two males and two females. Joe found himself paired with the principal's son, Paul Case, a junior who happened to be on the golf team. The other pair in their foursome were Ms. Reynolds, the girls' gym teacher, and Mr. Delaney, the husband of the history teacher. Ms. Reynolds insisted that Joe and Paul call her Nancy while they were golfing and Mr. Delaney told everyone he preferred Scott.

Everyone seemed very pleasant, but Joe was nervous. He hadn't tried anything athletic since he'd been beaten and bruised by Mark in pickup basketball, and he knew he would have a hard time competing. He apologized to Paul for his lack of skill in advance, but Paul just smiled and shrugged. "Don't worry about it Joy, this is just a friendly outing. I don't really need a cheap trophy for my room."

That made Joe feel a little better, though he still wasn't prepared for the reality of the situation. Joe had been a big guy, who was a six handicap golfer, and he had regularly hit his drive about 275 or 280 yards, with occasional 300+ drives, but that was a thing of the past. When he hit his drive on the first tee it felt all wrong, and by the time it stopped rolling it was only about 150 yards away. Paul had doubled that distance, even from the men’s' tees, and even Nancy hit her ball 35 yards past him. Joe was terribly embarrassed that he had to use a fairway wood for his second shot to a 325 yard hole, and even more embarrassed when he still had a pitching wedge to the green.

"It's a good thing you weren't counting on that trophy," Joe remarked to Paul as he finished up with a double bogey. "I should stick to miniature golf."

Paul laughed and shook his head. He'd birdied the hole, barely missing the cup with his chip. "No problem. Heck we only use the best score anyway, and it's a perfect day to play. It's just fun to get out and play a round, especially with a pretty girl."

Joe looked away, suddenly very self-conscious. Up to that point he had been simply trying to play the round, and he saw Paul as his golfing partner, nothing more, but suddenly he was reminded of what he had become. Paul had just put Joe on notice that he thought Joe was attractive, and Joe's body was responding despite his desire to ignore the comment. He felt a little thrilling sensation rush through him, and he could tell he was blushing from the warmth he felt on his face. He also felt a slight tingling in his nipples, and watched in horror as they seemed to expand and push into his top. He turned away quickly so Paul wouldn't see.

At the end of nine hole Joe had carded a 56 -- 17 strokes above his average for nine, and he was almost tempted to quit right there. Paul's comment had unhinged him and made it nearly impossible for him to concentrate on the game, and the ultimate humiliation came when Paul offered to give Joe a few pointers. Paul played to an eight handicap, which was two strokes above Joe's previous norm, but it was hard for Joe to deny that he needed help now.

As they waited for the men to tee off from the back tees, Nancy took Joe aside for a little woman to woman talk.

"Don't be afraid of Paul," she told Joe. "He's a nice boy, and he has a very good reputation at school. It's a shame his mother died when he was a young boy. All the girls love him, and most would love to go out with him. He seems to like you, and I can think of a lot worse guys for a girl your age to date."

Joe told himself he had no intention of going out with Paul, nice guy or not, and that the "other" girls could have him, but Paul was very patient with his miserable golf, and Joe couldn't help thinking that if he hadn't become a girl he would like to hang out with him.

But as they played the back nine Joe began to wonder why he couldn't just spend some time with Paul anyway, girl or not. It didn't have to be anything more than friendship, he told himself, and Paul was a pretty cool guy. They laughed and joked their way around the final few holes, and Paul's comments made Joe forget how miserable he was playing.

By the time they finished Paul shot a 78, and Joe had shot 110, something that would have normally caused thoughts of suicide, or at least breaking his clubs into little pieces, but for some reason Joe didn't really care. He'd had a great time, and when Paul mentioned that he hoped to see "Joy" at the dinner, Joe smiled and replied "Sure. Count on it."

Joe met Alice and Debbie in the ladies lockers, and his wife and sister could tell that something had happened on the course. When they asked Joe how he shot he replied, "Terrible, but I had fun anyway."

Alice and Debbie looked at each other, unable to figure out why Joe was in such a good mood.

Joe followed the others into the showers, still a little nervous of allowing others to see just how much of a girl he'd become, and Alice and Debbie pretended to ignore him, though they both saw that Joe's breasts had developed quite a bit, and that his waist was slimmer yet. He had a very nice shape now, with great legs and delicate features, and his soft shoulders and rounded breasts would be the envy of most girls his age, Alice realized.

Using a shower cap to protect his hair, Joe showered quickly and wrapped himself in a towel to return to the lockers.

There, with Alice and Debbie helping him unobtrusively, Joe put on his new, lacy bra and matching panties, pulled his pantyhose up, and got into his sundress. He sat down and bent over to strap on his new white sandals, and when he stood up the two and a half inch heels didn't feel too bad. Joe was used to an inch or an inch and a half, and the extra height didn't bother him too much.

Alice and Debbie continued to observe Joe, and the way his bust seemed to push the bodice of the dress much further than just a few days before, and when Joe was ready Debbie helped him with his makeup a little. He was able to do most of it himself though, which was good considering that other women were beginning to come into the lockers. Alice approved of the way Joe fixed his face, and couldn't help noticing that her husband was one of the prettiest girls in the women’s' lockers.

Joe was ambivalent about using makeup, but he knew it was expected of a teenage girl going to dinner, so he did the best he could. As he worked his mind drifted a bit, and he began to daydream about Paul. He couldn't help smiling to himself as the image of his playing partner came to mind, and he couldn't help wondering if Paul would like to get together later -- just to talk.

The Stratton women made quite an impression when they walked into the dining room. Alice was gorgeous, of course, looking like a young model in her black minidress, and Debbie clearly took after her mother, though she only looked a couple of years younger than Alice. Joe followed the other two into the room, and when he entered every teenaged boy turned to stare. The flirty little sundress with the light, flouncing skirt was designed to attract attention, and it did its job very well. Joe's recently enhanced breasts bounced a bit when he walked courtesy of the high heel sandals, and his hips had a natural swing that made the skirt move with him.

Joe was intimidated by the large gathering of people, and he wished he could have skipped the affair entirely, but after a few moments Paul spotted "Joy" and came over to talk. He asked Joe if he'd like to step out on the large porch that surrounded the dining room on three sides. After introducing Alice and Debbie as his aunt and cousin, Joe agreed to go with Paul, and the young man took his arm and led the way.

Joe felt strange when Paul took his arm and steered him through the crowd. He was uncomfortable being guided around by a guy, though he realized that Paul knew where he was going and was tall enough to see ahead. Joe was acutely aware of his smaller stature as Paul led the way. All he could see where the chests of the people they passed, and for sheer practical reasons Joe resisted the impulse to shrug Paul's hand off his arm.

When they reached the long porch Paul led Joe down to the end, where nobody could see them. As they talked Joe forgot that it really wasn't necessary for Paul to guide him anymore, and neglected to break free of his grasp. Joe was laughing at another of Paul's jokes when the tall young man leaned down and kissed him on the lips. Joe was so stunned he couldn’t protest, and after a few seconds Paul broke the kiss.

"I've wanted to do that ever since I met you at the first tee," he confessed. "I hope you don't mind."

Joe's mind was reeling from the kiss. He'd never felt anything quite like it before, at least not from a guy, but it hadn't been bad. He was confused and bewildered by Paul's sudden move, and his body was sending very odd signals to his brain. His heart was racing, his breath was rapid, his nipples felt engorged, and he felt a curious warmth through his whole body. There were other strange sensations coming from down below, but Joe couldn't isolate them with all the other reactions he was having. He knew Paul had said something to him, but he didn't quite catch what is was, and he stared up at his golf partner with an expression that belied the turmoil he felt.

"Joy?" Paul asked, and Joe didn't immediately recognize his new name. It took a second for it to register.

"Huh?" He replied, his brain still muddled.

"I said, I hope you didn't mind me kissing you," Paul repeated himself.

"What-- oh, no, that's okay," Joe managed, not completely aware of where he was, much less what he was saying. He was vaguely aware that Paul's arms were around him, and for some unknown reason it actually felt good, but though his attention was completely focused on Paul he was having a very hard time following his conversation. There was something important he needed to remember, but at the moment Joe couldn't think of what it was.

Paul led Joe back into the dining room a few minutes later, after securing a promise from Joe to go golfing with him again. Joe was still a little confused by everything that had happened, though he did realize he'd been kissed, and he passively allowed Paul to escort him back to his table.

After Paul left Alice and Debbie noticed the unfocused look in Joe's eyes and asked him if anything was wrong.

"He . . . He kissed me," Joe replied, blushing, and Alice and Debbie smiled. Debbie reached over and put a hand over Joe's. "Hey, it's okay," she reassured her feminized father. "You can't blame him for wanting to kiss a pretty girl."

Joe turned six shades of red at that remark, and he looked at Alice, who only nodded her agreement. "Take it easy, honey," she said soothingly, "He can't be blamed for thinking you are what you appear to be. You must have made some impression on him while you were on the course. Just let things unfold naturally. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, but don't be hard on Paul. He seems like a nice guy."

And that was exactly the problem from Joe's perspective. Paul was really nice, and Joe wanted to be friends, pals, but Paul saw him as a pretty young girl, and his idea of being "friends" had a very different meaning. The question was, could Joe accept that, or would he be forced to abandon his idea of having Paul as a friend? At that moment Joe wasn't certain of anything, and he had trouble trying to think it through. Why did his body keep reacting to Paul in such a weird way? Why had he felt so strange when Paul kissed him? And why did he find it so hard to think? Joe couldn't reason it out. I wasn't logical. After awhile he noticed Debbie and Alice staring at him, and he decided to put the episode behind him and just try to make it through the dinner.

Towards the end of the meal the principal, Matthew Case, Paul's father, got up and presented the golf awards, including one for the worst score. Thankfully, Joe hadn't qualified for that one either, though he came close. After the awards were finished Mr. Case officially welcomed everyone and talked briefly about the upcoming school year. As he spoke Joe noticed a band setting up in one corner of the room, and Mr. Case noted that the local PTA had raised funds for the entire event, including the dance to follow, though alcoholic beverages were not included. Anyone wanting a drink (or two) would have to pay for their own. There was good natured grumbling and laughter at his last remark, but when he stepped down the staff and their friends and relatives gave Matthew Case a round of applause. Joe realized he was clearly a popular boss.

As the band began to play that ancient Chinese song, tu-ning, Mr. Case came over to their table on his way around the room and welcomed Alice to the staff. When Alice introduced Debbie and Joe Matthew Case looked at Joe intently. "I've heard a lot about you already, young lady. My son has talked about nothing else since your golf round. I hope to see you at Washington Academy this fall."

Joe didn't know what to say. He was a college graduate with a degree in engineering. Why would he enroll in high school?

"We haven't quite determined where Joy will be studying this fall," Alice intervened. "She's actually quite advanced in her studies."

"Beauty, and brains too. No wonder Paul is so taken with you," Mr. Case replied graciously, unknowingly making Joe even more self-conscious.

"Thank you," Joe managed with a shy smile. He could see where Paul got his manner, but he wished Mr. Case would just go away. He was having a very hard time holding everything together at that point.

Thankfully, Matthew Case did move on to the next table and Joe was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

"I suppose we'll have to deal with the education issue eventually," Alice remarked, and Joe looked at her with an odd expression. "I graduated from high school 34 years ago, and I have a master’s degree in engineering. I don't need any more education," he said in a low voice.

"I know honey, but there might be problems with your credentials. We haven't heard from the lawyers. We'll have to get that straightened out."

Joe nodded silently. He intended to do just that. There was no way he was going back to high school. No way at all.

The band began playing a few minutes later, and almost immediately a tall guy in his late twenties or early thirties came over and asked Alice to dance. She glanced at Debbie, who winked at her, and Joe, who shrugged his shoulders. He didn't want Alice to be bored all evening, and he clearly couldn't take her onto the dance floor himself, but it did grate on his nerves to see his wife dancing with another man. He watched as she stood and allowed the guy to take her arm and lead her on to the floor. As he watched them dance it occurred to him that Alice had been affected by his transformation almost as much as he himself. He was useless as a husband now, and she was now young again, with no man to share her life.

As he was brooding over that Joe felt a light tap on his bare shoulder and turned to see Paul standing behind him. "May I have this dance?" He asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"I'm not a very good dancer," Joe replied, but Debbie practically dragged him out of his chair. "Oh, go on. You're not that bad, and I'll bet Paul won't mind if you step on his toes," she told her feminized father.

There was no graceful way out for Joe without making a scene, and he had no choice but to accept, making a mental note to kill Debbie later.

"Debbie really shouldn't have done that," Paul remarked as they moved towards the dance floor. "Look, if you really don't want to dance we can go back to the table," he offered gallantly, but Joe shook his head. He didn't want Paul to feel bad, or strangely, that he didn't like him.

"No, that's okay," he said, turning his head and looking up at his tall companion. "I just haven't danced much," he added, trying to come up with a plausible excuse for refusing Paul in the first place.

"Alright, we'll just take it slow and easy. We won't try anything fancy," Paul promised.

"Sounds good," Joe agreed. He actually was a fair dancer, but he'd never danced the female part, of course, much less in three inch heels, and he thought it was even money he'd take a fall before he left the dance floor.

Joe wasn't even sure how to start out, but he needn't have worried. Paul took his hand and slipped an arm around Joe's tiny waist, and started off. Joe discovered that he didn't have to worry about anything, since Paul was better than good. He moved them around the floor effortlessly, and though, at first, Joe was nervous about moving backwards, he quickly learned to trust Paul, and actually did alright. He discovered that he had to literally stay on his toes, but that wasn't too hard for him. He also learned that Paul would signal which way they were going with a subtle pressure on his waist, and before the end of the first number Joe was responding automatically.

Joe's hand was on Paul's shoulder, and he could feel the hard muscle hidden by his suit coat, and as he looked up at his partner Joe got that funny feeling again. Paul had clear hazel eyes that seemed to hold a secret, and Joe wondered what it was. He could feel Paul's arm encircling his waist, and though Paul wasn't holding him too close, every so often Joe's breasts would brush against Paul's hard chest and Joe's nipples would grow large and hard, sending little tingles throughout him. Joe tried to ignore the sensations, but it was impossible, and his own eyes were captivated by Paul's. He noticed the smile on Paul's face and thought it was a nice smile -- friendly and open. He did not realize that he was smiling back up at his partner, or that Paul was also captivated by the girl he held in his arms.

They danced three dances before Paul asked Joe if he would like to go out on the porch again, and Joe simply nodded, completely forgetting that Paul had kissed him on the porch earlier.

Paul took Joe's hand and led the way, and as soon as the door closed behind them the noise from the band became nothing more than background music. "Thanks for dancing with me, Joy. You're actually a very good dancer," Paul told Joe as they strolled down the long porch.

He was still holding Joe's hand, and though Joe still felt strange about it, the feeling wasn't as strong as it had been, and he decided it was nothing compared to dancing and being guided around a dance floor. In fact, he was still confused by the signals his body was sending his brain, and his mind was trying to sort things out while attempting to carry on a coherent conversation with Paul. Joe had to shove the odd feelings aside for the moment.

"I . . . enjoyed it," he admitted, surprising himself as he realized it was true. He HAD enjoyed dancing with Paul, but he had no time to sort through his conflicting emotions at that moment.

Remembering "Joy's" response to his previous kiss, Paul turned Joe to face him, looked down into that beautiful face, and kissed him again, wrapping his arms around his partner and pulling her very close. Joe was overwhelmed by the suddenness of the move, and his first instinct was to push Paul away, but the strange, tingling sensation returned in full force, and Joe was lost in the embrace. As it continued Joe felt giddy and the strength of Paul's arms imparted a sense of security and safety that overrode all his objections, whatever they had been. Joe was lost in the embrace and responded like any other girl, in spite of himself. His arms found their way to Paul's neck and wrapped themselves around it as he hung on for dear life. His nipples grew erect again, and he felt dampness between his legs that puzzled him. His heart began beating quickly again, just like the last time, and he felt a hardness against his stomach that confused him completely.

When Paul finally broke the kiss Joe continued to hang on to him for support, and when his mind cleared a little he was stunned at what had happened. He wasn't shocked that Paul had kissed him again -- He now saw that as almost inevitable. What did shock him was the way he responded to Paul. He had returned his kiss eagerly, clinging to him like, like a girl. He was mortified by his own conduct, yet there was also the realization that it felt very nice to be kissed.

15.

The next day Alice and Debbie were sitting on their deck while Mark and Joe were out front washing the cars. Despite his transformation Joe still considered car maintenance as his responsibility, at least as far as he could do the work. On that day, however, there was a significant change.

"He really said that?" Alice asked her daughter with an astonished expression.

"Yup," Debbie replied, nodding her head, and I wasn't sure I heard him right, so I asked him to repeat himself."

"I don't believe it," Alice practically whispered. "Whatever happened at the dinner had to have had a tremendous effect on Joe for him to ask to borrow your white bikini to wash the cars."

"I think you're right," Debbie agreed, "and don't forget the reason he asked for it -- so he wouldn't get tan lines while he was in the sun. He tried to make it sound that he'd be embarrassed by having the tan lines from his tank suit because they were 'girlish,' but he wasn't very convincing.

"Did you know that Paul is picking him up around one o'clock to go golfing again?"

"No -- Really?" Alice demanded.

"Really.” Paul asked him sometime during the dance last night, and he actually agreed. I think he's beginning to accept his new form more than we suspected. He's been awfully quiet since we got back last night, and I noticed he wore a nightgown last night instead of those stupid pajamas," Debbie replied.

"I saw that this morning when I passed him in the hallway," Alice confirmed, "and he also used a little makeup this morning too, did you notice?"

"Yes," Debbie confirmed. "And his movements seem . . . more fluid, I guess, more graceful, and even his voice seems softer," she added.

"It looks like Joe's body is winning the 'battle of the sexes,' at least today," Alice remarked.

"The battle may be over," Debbie suggested. "I think Joe's male ego took a hard hit yesterday, and now he isn't able to resist the urges and feelings of his feminine body," Debbie surmised.

"You could be right," Alice agreed. "When he came back to the table after dancing with Paul he looked awfully dazed. I think Paul kissed him again, and Joe found out he actually liked being kissed."

Meanwhile, out in the driveway, Mark was washing his mother's SUV, while Joe took care of Debbi's little econo-box. Mark's pickup was next, and since they hadn't yet replaced the car destroyed in the accident, that was all there was.

Mark couldn't help noticing that Joe really filled out Debbie's suit. He didn't know what size the cups were, but Joe actually filled them a little over capacity, and his rounded bottom fit perfectly in the tiny suit. Mark saw that Joe actually had a narrower waist than his sister, and the boy was disturbed by the thoughts that crossed his mind. He had to force himself to remember that the girl in the tiny string bikini was actually his father, even though SHE certainly wasn't acting like a guy at the moment.

Joe was leaning against the side of Debbie's car, washing the roof, and his bottom was undulating back and forth as he sponged the soapy water on the car. His boobs were pressed against the window, and Mark couldn't help noticing that, in their own way, they were washing the window. He saw more breast than top, and Joe seemed oblivious to the show he was putting on.

Both Mark and Joe were already soaked from overspray and playing around, and the white cups of Joe's bikini had turned translucent, something Debbie forgot to warn him about. He wasn't aware that Mark could see the dark circles of his areolas and his rosy nipples right through the wet bikini. Mark turned away and finished up his mother's vehicle, trying not to think about the display he had seen. He pulled Alice's SUV into the garage and pulled his truck up for its bath while Joe finished up with Debbie's little car.

Mark was also wondering what had come over Joe, but he looked at Joe's actions from a different perspective than the women. In Mark's judgment Joe's behavior was flighty and scatterbrained, almost bubbly -- exactly what Mark would expect from a teenage girl, not the man who had constantly complained and resisted his involuntary rejuvenation and sexual reversal. He had teased Mark with the hose, spraying him when he bent over to clean the wheels, and when Mark retaliated, soaking Joe's suit completely, Joe had shrieked like a dizzy girl and threatened to get back at him in a playful way.

When they finally finished Mark put the hose and supplies away while Joe went inside to dry off. He was completely unaware that his behavior resembled a dizzy teenage girl. All he knew was that he had helped Mark with the cars, and now he had to get ready to go golfing with Paul.

After drying his hair Joe sat in his room and tried to decide what to wear. He decided against wearing one of his sports bras because they had begun to feel too cramped lately. The previous day he had felt very constricted when he swung his clubs, and he blamed that sensation, in part, for his poor showing. He was determined to do better today, but he had a very limited supply of bras, and he eventually chose a white sweater bra because it was comfortable, and also because it wouldn't show his nipples, he hoped. He had been very embarrassed by his nipples the previous day, and he was resolved not to let that happen again. Of course Joe didn't realize that the padded front that gave his nipples also made his bust look larger. He figured it out when he finished dressing in a pair of denim shorts and a white, ribbed tank top. The top hugged his curves, and though the bra did conceal his nipples it gave him an alluring shape.

Joe would have changed into something else, but he didn't have time. Paul had a 1:30 tee time for them, and they would just make it. He sighed and slipped into his delicate sandals, then used a hair band to hold back his lengthening hair, and used a minimal amount of makeup. By the time Joe grabbed his clubs and shoes Paul had pulled into the driveway, and he shouted goodbye to his family as he raced out the door.

"Hi," Joe said shyly as Paul got out of his car and opened the trunk.

"Hi yourself. Here, let me get those," Paul replied, taking the clubs and shoes and storing them.

Joe waited while Paul took care of things, and then climbed into the passenger side. He was getting used to other people doing the driving so it didn't feel odd to be riding "shotgun." They talked as Paul drove, and Joe decided that Paul was much more mature than he'd first thought. Paul talked about his college and career plans, how he wanted to follow his father into education, but to teach at the college level, and Joe thought Paul was a lot smarter than the average high school senior.

Listening to Paul also made Joe think about his own future. What would he do if nothing could be done to reverse his transformation? So far he had lived on hope, but as Paul talked Joe realized he had to make plans of his own. Thankfully money wasn't a problem; his family would be secure, but what about his life? He was suddenly 36 years younger than he had been, not to mention being female, and he didn't have a clue about what to do with the rest of his life. He was just drifting.

Joe had a new respect for Paul by the time they got to the course. His easy, self assured manner and quiet confidence, coupled with his friendly personality and quick wit gave him a charisma that Joe envied. He wished he could be so self confident, but he was far from it. In the time since his transformation he had become hesitant and uncertain of himself, plagued by self-doubt, and overwhelmed with strange emotions that he could barely control. He caught himself daydreaming at times, and his power of concentration seemed to be slipping.

"Hey, are you okay?" Paul asked with concern as he noticed his pretty companion frowning.

Joe snapped out of his reverie -- damn, he'd been woolgathering again -- and glanced up at Paul. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I -- I was just thinking about something," he replied, only then realizing that they in the parking lot of the club and Paul was holding his door open.

Joe swung his legs out of the car in an unconsciously feminine manner and got out. He waited while Paul retrieved their clubs, and then took his shoes to a bench where he removed his sandals and slipped his feet into a pair of white peds before lacing up his golf shoes. Meanwhile Paul went to the clubhouse and confirmed their reservation and picked up a scorecard.

Joe watched as Paul hit his drive, a beauty, about 300 yards down the middle of the fairway, and he admired the smooth form of his swing, his balance, and his great strength. Paul had to have very muscular legs to generate that much power, but he was wearing long slacks so Joe couldn't see. Only ladies were allowed to wear shorts unless the temperature was above 85, something Joe hadn't realized. At least there was one small advantage to being a girl, he thought as he hit his own drive a paltry 175 yards. Even with the 30 yard advantage of the ladies tees Paul had out-driven him by nearly a hundred yards.

Joe's fairway wood fell 50 yards short of the green, and he watched silently as Paul hit a wedge to within three feet of the cup. Joe was studying Paul's swing -- just to get pointers for his own swing of course -- and he noticed that Paul also had a very strong torso. His chest and shoulders were broad and muscular, and his upper arms were also powerfully built, though not muscle-bound. He had a trim waist and strong forearms too.

Paul made his birdie putt, and Joe managed a bogey, which was one shot better than the previous day. Paul complimented him on his play, remarking that it was plain to see that Joe had played a lot of golf. "You know your way around a course, and you don't waste time like a loot of girls do," he commented as they made their way to the next tee.

Joe blushed at the compliment, but his embarrassment was from Paul's reference to "girls." Of course he was a "girl," though he disliked being reminded of it, but for some reason when Paul described him that way it didn't seem too bad.

Paul had a great round that day, finishing with a 69, three under par, and Joe finished with a 102, eight strokes better than his previous effort.

"You did a lot better today," Paul commented as he lifted Joe's clubs into his trunk, "and I think you were good luck for me. That's the best round I ever shot."

"You shot a great round," Joe replied with admiration, pleased that he had made some improvement himself.

"I'll bet you can get your score down another ten strokes if you get out regularly," Paul told him.

"Maybe," Joe allowed, "but I don't have the strength to blast the ball like you."

Joe was coming to terms with the reality that he would never again be able to shoot like he once had -- unless he was restored to his former self -- and strangely, it didn't bother him as much as he thought it would. He was beginning to accept his limitations, and trying not to let the frustration overcome him.

"You don't need strength to improve," Paul said encouragingly. "You can shave strokes on the putting green and in your short game.

"But enough golf. How about stopping somewhere for dinner?" Paul asked.

Joe looked at his small ladies watch -- It was after six o'clock -- and he knew the family had already eaten. "Okay," he replied. "Let me call my -- my aunt."

A minute later Joe put his cell phone back in his purse and Paul drove them to a modestly priced restaurant. He waited while Joe used the restroom -- Joe was getting used to using the ladies room -- but when he washed his hands he noticed his face looked a little red from the sun, especially his nose, and his lips looked dry. He could see little white lines around his eyes where he had been squinting in the sun, and a sudden impulse to use some of the makeup in his purse came over him. Joe tried to fight the notion, but the longer he stared at his reflection the more it grew, and he found himself opening his purse and pulling out several items.

Joe had never really made himself up, but Alice and Debbie had done his face once or twice, and they had both explained what to do. He hadn't paid much attention to them at the time, and now he wished he'd been more attentive. He knew he wasn't skilled enough to do a complete job, but he took the compact and used the soft pad to powder his nose and forehead, then used the tube of lip gloss. The gloss had a slight reddish sheen, which made his lips look better and moisturized them a little.

When he finished Joe glanced at his reflection again and was surprised at the difference. His face looked normal, at least what passed for normal since his transformation, and he hoped he'd done it right. He didn't want to look like a clown in front of Paul.

When their waitress seated them in a booth Joe glanced at the menu and decided on something light for dinner, but Paul ordered a double-decker burger, fries, and a salad. "I don't know how you girls eat so little," Paul remarked as he set the menu aside. "Is it because you're worried about your figure -- because if it is you don't need to worry. You have a great figure."

Joe blushed a deep red and looked down at the table.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you, it's just that . . ."

"No, it's okay," Joe responded, his hand automatically moving to cover Paul's. "Thank you for the compliment," he added; feeling the same strange feeling he had the previous day. 'Why do I keep feeling this way around Paul,' he wondered, and then saw where his hand was and withdrew it slowly.

Paul and Joe talked all through dinner, and Paul was delighted to discover that "Joy" was a sports fan and could talk about baseball, golf, and even football, with some knowledge. Most girls didn't care a bit about sports, but this girl did, and Paul realized she was very special.

For his part Joe felt at ease talking sports. It was a comfortable, familiar subject that he enjoyed, and he could discuss various players and teams without sounding like an idiot. For some reason Paul's opinion of him was important to Joe and he didn't want to appear to be just another air-head teenage girl. Paul knew a lot about the subject too, and it was inevitable that their opinions on some things would differ, but Joe made a conscious effort to keep his opinions to himself when they differed with Paul, and he found himself deferring to Paul's judgments on several matters. He didn't want to argue, and sports weren't all that important anyway, he told himself.

While they talked Joe unconsciously leaned forward, crossing his arms on the table in a classically feminine posture. Of course that revealed a little of his cleavage, and Paul appreciated the view, though he made a determined effort not to stare at Joe's breasts. His self control kept Joe from realizing what was happening, and he continued talking, oblivious to the little show he was putting on.

They spent over two hours at the restaurant, and it was dark by the time Paul pulled up to Joe's house. After he carried Joe's clubs to the garage Paul turned to his companion and put his hands on Joe's shoulders.

"Thanks a lot for going out with me. I really enjoyed spending the day with you," he told the pretty girl. "Would you like to have dinner on Saturday, and maybe go to a movie?"

Joe looked up at Paul, into his eyes, and that strange, warm feeling returned, making it very hard to think. "I, ah, I had fun too," he replied, unable to look away from Paul's eyes. "I . . . Sure, I think that would be fun," Joe added, feeling the warmth of Paul's hand on his shoulders. It felt very pleasant.

Paul smiled down at Joe, then pulled him close and kissed him. Joe's arms wrapped themselves around Paul's neck, and he felt Paul's arms encircle his waist. His breasts were pressed against Paul's hard chest, and the sweater bra could not contain the hard points of his nipples as they expanded and defeated the padding. He felt dizzy and confused, but in a nice way, and he held on to Paul for support as his legs seemed to grow weak.

Paul was more than up to the task of supporting Joe, and he held Joe's waist firmly as he let the kiss continue. When he finally lifted his head Joe's face remained upturned and his eyes were closed tightly as he savored the wonderful sensations running through him. Finally, when Joe opened his eyes Paul released him and turned towards his car. Joe just stood where he was and watched as Paul drove off.

16.

Alice watched from her bedroom window as Paul kissed Joe, and she saw Joe respond and then stand there and watch Paul drive off. When he turned to enter the house Alice saw the expression on Joe's face, and he looked like a moonstruck girl. She heard him enter the house and walk softly to his bedroom, and when she went to check on him she saw he was wearing one of Debbie's short, baby doll nighties.

"How did the golf go?" Alice asked as she peeked into Joe's room.

"Oh, fine," he replied. "I shot a few strokes better than yesterday, and Paul had a great round. We went to Allen's Restaurant afterwards and just talked. Paul is into sports big time. He's been on several teams for the school, and he wants to be a college professor. He's really nice too. He wants to go to a movie on Saturday. I just couldn't say no to him. He was happy when I said I'd go. He's really easy to talk to. He's also interested in cars, and he's a really good dancer."

Alice was overwhelmed by the flood of words coming out of Joe. He hadn't spoken that many words since his transformation, and the rambling, disjointed thoughts spewing from him made him sound exactly like the teenage girl he appeared to be. Alice noticed Joe was sitting with his legs beneath him, canted to the side just like a girl, and he wasn't the least bit self conscious about her seeing him in the sexy nightgown. He acted as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to wear one, though he wouldn't have been caught dead in one a week earlier.

Alice could see that Joe had a crush on Paul, though he wasn't aware of it. She knew that, despite the kisses, Joe saw Paul as a friend, a buddy, and he would deny any sexual attraction to males, but she knew better. Joe could rationalize that he only let Paul kiss him because he didn't want to hurt his feelings, but there was no mistaking the look in Joe's eyes when he talked about Paul. He was female now in far more than a mere physical sense. His mannerisms and gestures, his voice, his infatuation with Paul, and simply everything about him screamed "girl."

Joe wasn't just feminine, he was becoming a girly-girl. The next morning Debbie and Mark were shocked to see their father appear at the breakfast table wearing a denim mini skirt, a pink halter that was practically backless, and a pair of white sandals with 3 inch heels. His face and hair were perfect, and he was wearing a gold necklace and matching bracelet along with his thin gold watch. His nails were polished with clear polish and softly rounded, and it was obvious he had also done his toes, which gleamed in the morning sunlight.

"Good morning," Debbie finally managed, while Mark remained silent and took in the sight of his feminine father dressed in unabashedly girlish attire. For the first time since the transformation Mark realized that Joe was hot -- Very hot -- and it was an uncomfortable realization for him.

"Planning on going somewhere?" Debbie asked as Joe picked up a small purse and checked to make sure it contained everything he might need.

"Yeah. I want to go downtown. I have to shop for a few things," Joe explained, adding, "Can one of you give me a ride so I don't have to take the bus?"

"I'll do it," Debbie replied. "Give me a few minutes to get ready."

Alice had already left for school to continue with her lesson plan for the upcoming year, so Debbie grabbed her own purse and keys and met Joe out by her little car. She noticed that Joe sat down gracefully and then swung his legs into the car, like any other woman, and when his seat belt was adjusted he looked expectantly at her.

"What do you need to pick up?" Debbie asked as she pulled out of the driveway.

"Some new bras, and maybe a skirt and top," Joe replied demurely. "I've outgrown my B cups, and my old bras are too tight and binding," he said in a matter-of-fact tone that nearly caused Debbie to choke. She had never heard Joe speak so casually about his breasts or bras before, and even his choice of terms -- a "top" instead of a shirt -- was something new for him.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Debbie asked, wondering if Joe could handle bra shopping on his own.

"That would be great, if you could," he replied with no sense of irony or self consciousness at all, and Debbie agreed to help.

Joe insisted on shopping at Marlene's, a local store that catered to younger women, and when they entered he went directly to a salesgirl and told her his problem and asked her to measure him. Debbie just followed along, stunned and flabbergasted that her feminized father seemed to be taking the experience in stride. It was as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to shop for bras.

The salesgirl measured Joe and told him he needed a 34B, but since he was a full B he might want to try a D in some of the styles since they did tend to very from one manufacturer to another. Joe thanked the girl and he and Debbie set off to find several types of that most feminine of garments for him.

Joe browsed through the selections with nonchalance, even holding one or two up to see how they looked. He listened to Debbie's advice and nodded as she told him what to look for and the brands that she and Alice preferred. In the end he picked out five different bras, ranging from a sports bra to a plunging décolleté. He bought a black strapless to go with his dress, a soft, lacy one for most outfits, and he even bought a enhancing bra with gel inserts, though Debbie didn't know why. He father was becoming stacked, and he clearly didn't need the "help." She concluded that Joe was buying it impress a certain person, but she kept her mouth shut and tried to be helpful.

When Joe was ready to go he asked the cashier to ring up the enhancing bra, and then went back to the changing room and removed his old bra and replaced it with the new. When he came out of the changing room Debbie was impressed. His growing bust was augmented by the new bra, and Joe looked like a very stacked chick.

He looked at himself in the mirror, turning one way then the other, and when he was finished he smiled slightly and told Debbie it was time to look for skirts and tops.

Debbie followed Joe to another part of the store, where Joe browsed through racks of skirts, pulling out a few to try on. She was astonished at the way Joe posed with the skirts held in front of him, examining himself in the mirrors, and the way he seemed to know exactly what he wanted. He disappeared into the changing rooms again with a handful of skirts and emerged a few minutes later wearing a hot white mini skirt that hugged his thighs as well as his waist. It was stretched tightly across his legs, and showed his tiny waist to good advantage. Debbie didn't think she would have the nerve to wear that skirt -- of course Joe had a better figure than she and he could get away with it.

"That skirt is a little tight," Debbie commented as Joe twisted and turned in front of the mirror.

"I suppose," he replied, "but I like it. It looks good on me."

"Then go ahead and buy it," Debbie remarked, wondering how Alice would react to the way Joe was acting.

Joe did buy the skirt, along with two other, all short and sexy, and he also picked out three tops to go with them, none of which were conservative. After that Joe had a makeover and went into a beauty parlor to schedule a style.

17.

Alice was astounded by the change in Joe's demeanor and attitude. He seemed like a completely different person than he was a week ago, and it wasn't merely the clothes. His movements had become more graceful and feminine, and his speech much softer. He didn't seem to be interested in many of the things he used to enjoy, and he suddenly developed new interests, such as aerobics and dancing. He borrowed one of Debbie's leotards and a pair of tights, and followed along with an exercise show every day, doing all the moves and even working harder than the woman on the television.

When Saturday rolled around Joe begged a ride to the beauty shop, and when he returned Alice, Mark, and Debbie were amazed. Joe's hair was softly permed, with highlights, and it cascaded behind his neck and down his sides to his shoulders. His face was made up perfectly, and his nails had a soft pink polish that looked several layers deep.

He wore his new white mini, a yellow Camisole that plunged in front to reveal a generous portion of his still growing breasts, and he walked easily in a pair of yellow sandals with four inch spiked heels. His ears were pierced, and he was wearing diamond studs, and he wore a yellow beaded necklace and matching bracelet. Alice thought he looked like a model or an actress, and he carried himself with a grace that stunned her.

"Uh, honey, are you feeling okay?" Alice asked Joe, concerned by his new behavior.

"Oh, sure. I just wanted to get my hair done for my dinner date with Paul, and I found the cutest earrings, but I'll have to wait a week or so until my piercings heal. I got these studs for now. How do they look?" Joe replied.

"Well, I think they look -- just fine. They're really cute," Alice replied, stunned by Joe's feminine prattle. He had changed so much it was frightening. He sounded exactly like a teenage girl, and his tastes seemed to have gone completely girly. It didn't escape her notice that he referred to his outing with Paul as a "dinner date" either.

"I'm glad you like them. I really had a hard time deciding between these and some really cool fake rubies, but I figure I could wear these with any color outfit, and the rubies wouldn't go very good with some colors," Joe told her.

As he turned to go to his room Alice came to a decision about something she had been worrying over for a week, and she decided this would be a good time to tell Joe.

"Before you go, there's something important I want to discuss with you," she said, and Joe turned towards her expectantly.

"Okay," he said, turning around and taking a seat at the kitchen table.

"Well, as you know, the lawyers have had a problem with your college credentials. It seems as though your old college doesn't accept that you are the same person who graduated in 1986, and it is refusing to issue a diploma in your new name, much less change their records to show you as a female, or change your year of graduation to at least make it appear plausible that 17 year old Joy Stratton graduated with a degree in engineering in the past year.

"There's another problem too. If you want to re-acquire your degree, or get a degree in another field, for that matter, you will need a recent high school transcript to show to the admission people at the colleges, but your old high school was torn down several years after you graduated, and there is no way those old records will get you into college now.

"I think you'll have to start all over again and graduate from high school."

Joe seemed to be resigned to what Alice told him, and a bit of the old Joe emerged. "I knew there was a problem," he acknowledged, "but I didn't think I'd have to go all the way back to high school."

"Well, I talked with Matthew, er Mr. Case today, and without telling him anything about your transformation I told him there was a problem with the transcripts from your previous school, and he said you could take a placement test, and perhaps skip some of the grades," Alice informed him. "If you do well you might only have to repeat a year or two, then you could apply to any college you want, for any degree program you like."

"I guess that's better than repeating everything," Joe acknowledged.

"Yeah, and considering your rejuvenation it's not a bad trade-off. I mean, even if you do everything over you'll still be a lot younger than you were before we went on vacation," Alice reminded him, trying to get him to look at the bright side, "and there's another positive aspect too," she suggested.

"What's that?" Joe asked

"Well, if there isn't anything the doctors can do about your . . . gender, it would be good to socialize with other girls your age to help you . . . adapt. High school is a very important part of a girl's life, and having some of those experiences would help you cope, and blend in better," Alice answered. She almost cringed when she said "other girls," but Joe didn't seem to notice her use of the phrase. At least he didn't react visibly, and Alice was relieved when he seemed to be considering what she said.

"You may be right," he finally replied. "But I would be going to the school where you teach. Wouldn't that cause problems for both of us?" He asked.

"Hopefully not, but we would have to stick with the aunt-niece relationship. Matthew and Paul both know us now, and though you wouldn't see Matt- er, Mr. Case too often you would probably see Paul every day."

That thought hadn't occurred to Joe, and he seemed to brighten up as he considered the possibility of seeing a lot of Paul. At that moment the doorbell rang, and Joe reverted back to chick mode. "Oh no! It's Paul, and I'm not ready!"

Alice put her hand on her diminutive husband's arm. "Sure you are, honey. You look great. I'm sure Paul will be impressed."

"Do you think so?" Joe asked, feeling very nervous. His self-confidence had ebbed with his testosterone, and as he became more feminine he grew more unsure of himself. Now he needed constant reassurance, and that was something else Alice couldn't get used to. Her manly, husband, the engineer who could solve almost any problem had become an insecure teenage girl who was filled with doubt and anxiety over the smallest things.

"Sure I think so," Alice replied, knowing that Paul would love to take Joe out looking as he did.

"Let me get the door," Alice told Joe, and she rose from the table and let Paul in.

When Paul saw Joe his eyes lit up and he smiled at the girl he was taking to dinner. "You look great! You did something with your hair -- It's very nice," He told his date, and Joe blushed and smiled back at him shyly.

"Thank you. You look very nice too," Joe replied in a soft, feminine tone that managed to excite Paul and amuse Alice at the same time. Alice thought her feminine spouse was playing the shy girl very well, then she realized it wasn't an act, and that Joe had a genuine, girlish crush on the boy in the doorway. She quickly turned to Paul and asked him where he was taking her "niece."

"I thought we would go to dinner at Alphonso's, then maybe dancing at Teen Cove -- That is, if Joy agrees," he added hastily.

Alice turned to Joe, who was staring up into Paul's handsome face. "Sure," Joe managed, not tearing his gaze from his date's beautiful eyes.

"Okay. Have fun, but don't stay out too late," Alice told them, stifling a smile as she played the "aunt" role.

"Sure thing, Miss Clark," Paul agreed as he took Joe's arm and led him out the door.

Joe stood primly by the passenger door as Paul opened it and held his hand as he sat down and swung his legs into the car. His skirt was so tight Joe didn't know he would possible dance, but he really didn't care. His female hormones were surging through him, and the mere presence of Paul was making his heart beat faster and his nipples harden.

Paul carried the conversation as he drove, and Joe discovered he loved the sound of his voice. He was excited just to be with Paul, and he unconsciously leaned forward a little to emphasize his growing bust. The move was not lost on Paul, who glanced repeatedly at Joe's alluring cleavage. Paul couldn't believe how lucky he was to find a girl like Joy, and when she finally got around to telling him that she probably be attending Washington Academy in the fall Paul felt

like he had just won the lottery. It would be great to see Joy every day, and there was even a chance their relationship could develop into something more than mere friendship. Paul certainly hoped so.

Dinner was fun, and Joe laughed at Paul's jokes, especially some of the funny stories he told about the football team.. For his part Paul thought that Joy was the most perfect girl he'd ever met. She was sexy, flirty, liked sports, and knew a lot about football, baseball, and golf. She didn't ask dumb questions about his zodiac sign or his favorite color, and though she was very feminine she seemed to know something

about cars and machines.

Teen Cove was a hangout for the local high school students, those not old enough to drink alcohol, and it featured local bands on the weekends. It was located at the north side of the beach, and it served a light menu of snacks, appetizers, soft drinks, coffee and juice. The club entrance was on a sand-swept road behind the dunes, but it overlooked the big lake, and there was a large deck on the lake side of the building that handled the overflow from the main room during the warmer months. Joe and Paul heard the music as Paul pulled into a parking space and helped Joe out of the car. Paul could hardly contain his pride as he walked into the place with Joe on his arm, and he noticed that a lot of guys' heads turned towards Joy while he paid the cover charge.

Paul led Joe to a small table near the sliding glass doors that led to the deck, and seated "Joy" so she could watch the dance floor. But Joe was very content to look at Paul, something which gave Paul's ego a tremendous boost and endeared "Joy" to him even more. They ordered soft drinks, and Joe wasn't the least bit concerned that he should have been able to order liquor or a beer. He simply didn't care.

When Paul asked Joe to dance Joe smiled and nodded, then waited while Paul came over to help him with his chair. Paul stood over him and offered his hand, and Joe placed his small delicate hand in Paul's, and looked up into Paul's eyes as he rose from his seat. Joe had no idea what had come over him, but he felt so small and helpless next to Paul, and his whole body tingled with excitement as Paul led him to the dance floor. The band was taking a break and the music coming from the speakers was slow and romantic, and when Paul slipped his arm around Joe's tiny waist Joe melted into him and put his head on Paul's chest, not caring where he led.

Dozens of guys looked on as Paul moved the gorgeous girl around the floor. They were envious of Paul, and drank in the sight of the petite beauty. She had a fantastic figure, great legs, and her hair shone like gold as she moved. Her high heels looked sexy, yet she was only 5'6" or so in them, and the top of her head was only chest high on the tall boy that held her. Yet it was the look in her eyes that captivated them. The beautiful girl was obviously infatuated with her date, and the look of contentment on her face made the other guys realize that they had no chance with her.

Joe was surprised he could even move in his tight mini, but for some reason it wasn't a problem. He felt light on his feet, and moved with ease in his four inch heels. He was able to follow Paul perfectly, and he attributed that to Paul's skill as a dancer. He seemed to be good at everything, and Joe was proud to be with him. He also luxuriated in the contact with Paul's hard, masculine chest. Paul was so manly, yet he was gentle and considerate, and Joe loved being with him. He didn't realize that his emotions were written on his face for all to see.

After two slow dances the music changed to a fast tune and Paul looked at Joe to see if he wanted to try a fast dance. Joe would have much preferred another slow one, but he smiled and nodded his head, and the couple stayed on the floor. Joe had never danced any of the modern songs, and he certainly had no experience dancing them as a girl, but it just seemed to come to him. He let his emotions control his movements and he began to swing his hips provocatively. He shook his boobs, displaying them for Paul, who couldn't tear his eyes from them. He pranced around in his high heels, surprised at how easy it was to move in the thin spikes, and delighted that his body had the suppleness to handle the sexy gyrations he performed.

When the song was over Paul just took Joe's hand and led him back to their table. Joe slipped his arm through Paul's and hugged him tightly as they walked, and Paul was convinced he'd found heaven. He was completely taken by this gorgeous, sexy, loving girl, and suddenly he wanted to get her alone. He swerved towards the door to the deck, and Joe followed without a misstep.

The night air was cool, but not cold, and the music seemed to fade as they passed through the door. Joe didn't know where Paul was going, but he followed without question, and when Paul took them to the far edge of the deck Joe leaned on the rail and looked out at the brilliant star field over the water. They were far enough away from the music to hear the water lapping at the pilings of the deck, and when Paul turned towards Joe he turned also, looking up at his tall, handsome date. He looked wonderful, but he seemed so serious, like he had something on his mind, and Joe waited for Paul to speak, hoping there was nothing wrong. Had he made an ass of himself on the dance floor? Had he done something wrong, something that angered Paul? Joe was filled with dread as he waited for Paul to say something.

"Joy, I've really enjoyed being with you tonight, and last weekend on the gold course, and I'd like to see a lot more of you, but . . ."

"But, what?" Joe asked, unable to keep the anxiety from his voice.

"Well, I just don't want it to be a casual thing," Paul told him. "I guess what I'm saying is that I want to be your guy and I want a serious relationship, and I want to know how you feel about that?"

"You mean . . . like going steady?" Joe asked, feeling his heart beating faster and the blood pounding in his ears.

Paul smiled at the old fashioned term. He hadn't heard the phrase "going steady" for a long time, but when he thought about it, that was exactly what he wanted. "Yeah," he replied. "I want to go steady with you," he answered as he took off his class ring and held it up. "Would you wear my ring?" He asked hopefully.

Joe was speechless. He really liked Paul, and he was a great guy, but could he possibly consent? He was a guy too, wasn't he? Well, maybe not now, but he was -- once -- and he'd been married and had children, and he was so confused he didn't know what to do. He tried to think, but his emotions were running away with him and logic failed him. He would have to go on instinct and feelings, and his feelings for Paul were incredible. He didn't know if there was a way back to manhood for him, but at that moment he couldn't have cared less. All he knew was that he thought Paul was wonderful, and in the end that was what decided it.

"Yes, Paul!" Joe squealed. "I'll wear your ring," Joe said through tearful eyes.

And with that statement Joe crossed a threshold that was completely unexpected. He had just agreed to go steady with a boy -- a wonderful boy -- and now a portion of his identity was bound up in being Paul's girl.

Paul leaned down and kissed Joe, and Joe's emotions surged again, overcoming rational thought, and he returned the kiss eagerly. When they finally broke Paul handed his ring to Joe, who slipped it on his finger, watching as it flopped around on much daintier digit. Paul laughed and reached into his pocket and produced a silver chain. "I thought you might have problems, so I took a chance and bought this," he announced as he offered the chain to Joe. Joe smiled up at Paul and undid the clasp, slipped the ring on the chain and turned around so Paul could fasten it behind his neck.

The ring fell between Joe's breasts and nestled in his cleavage, its blue stone catching the reflected moonlight from the water and sparkling like a sapphire. Joe looked down at the ring snuggled in his bosom and then he looked back up at Paul with eyes that also sparkled. Once again Paul pulled the delightful girl to himself and kissed her with a passion that left Joe breathless and dizzy, but wonderfully happy too.

18.

In the days that followed Joe saw Paul very often, and Alice, Debbie, and Mark noticed an acceleration of femininity in the former patriarch of the Stratton clan. Joe spent hours online chatting with Paul, and he spent more hours at websites devoted to teen fashions. He became more domestic too, helping Alice with the meals and cleaning, while avoiding the chores he once handled. Mark came to appreciate everything his father had once done for the family when, as the "man of the house," he had to take over the lawn work, garbage detail, oil changes, minor repairs, and exterior maintenance.

Alice and Debbie couldn't get over the amazing psychological transformation in Joe, and they discussed how to help Joe through the upcoming high school year. Joe had tested very well, perhaps good enough to simply be awarded a diploma, but Alice convinced Matt Case that going through her senior year would be good for "Joy," and so Joe found himself enrolled as a senior.

Joe occasionally thought about what was happening to him, but increasingly his former life as a man seemed like an old movie that no longer held any relevance to him. He could barely remember what it had been like to have sex as a man, and the idea of making love to a woman became first unpleasant, then repugnant. Joe had long ago stopped trying to fight the changes, and once he accepted his new female nature he let go completely and let it take over.

Just before school started Alice brought some paperwork home for Joe to read, and among the papers was a notice that the cheerleading squad would be holding tryouts in a week. Joe had never considered the possibility of becoming a cheerleader, but when he mentioned it in passing to Paul, his boyfriend encouraged him to try out.

"You're very athletic, and you do aerobics every day. All you have to do is learn the cheers. I think you'd be great at it," he told his girl.

That settled it for Joe. If Paul wanted him to try out for the squad he would, and he asked Debbie to help him, since she had been a cheerleader a few years before. Debbie showed him all of the standard cheers, and by the time of the tryouts Joe was confident he would at least be given some consideration. It came as no surprise to Paul, or Alice or Debbie for that matter, when Joe made the squad.

When Joe came home from practice wearing the tight, blue and white sleeveless crop top and blue and white pleated skirt of the Washington Academy Cheer Squad Alice got out the digital camera and took a dozen pictures of Joe with pom-poms. Joe seemed truly happy to have made the squad, and Alice realized it meant acceptance by Joe's peers, and also making the squad was Joe's first real accomplishment as a girl. After that day Joe got calls from the other cheerleaders, and he talked for hours about the squad and their boyfriends. Listening to his chatter Alice couldn't believe the girl on the phone had once been her husband. Joe was just too girly to have ever been a man.

Meanwhile Alice was happy teaching, especially when she got a chance to see Matt Case. The two had worked closely in putting together a lesson plan for Alice's class, and Alice discovered where Paul got his charisma. Matthew Case was a kind, wonderful man who had borne the pain of losing his wife eight years before with grace and dignity. He was well liked by the staff, and genuinely concerned about the students. He devoted far more time than was required to making sure Washington Academy was a model high school, and it showed in the results.

One Friday afternoon, after school had let out, Matt came to Alice's room and asked if she wanted to have dinner. Paul was at football practice, and Matt didn't want to eat alone. Alice thought for a moment and knew Debbie and Mark were going out that evening, and that Joe would probably be seeing Paul after practice, so she agreed.

Matt took her to Alphonso's, the same restaurant Paul had taken Joe, and Alice had a great time. She couldn't remember when she had laughed so much, and Matt was truly charming. After that night she began to see him in a new light.

Matt was only 39, having married quite young the first time, and Alice already knew he was the source of Paul's handsome features. When Matt asked her out to dinner and a movie the following week she agreed enthusiastically, and it wasn't long before they were seeing each other on a regular basis. Alice thought it was ironic that she would be dating the father of her husband's boyfriend, but the idea was no crazier than half of the things that had happened in the past months, so she didn't let it bother her.

Alice and Matthew chaperoned the homecoming dance in the third week in October, taking advantage of the situation to dance together, a respectful distance apart of course. Paul and Joe were also at the dance, and Joe was wearing a backless, halter top pink gown that brushed his ankles and swirled daintily when Paul led him around the floor. His hair was done "up," and his makeup was flawless, emphasizing his gorgeous face. They made a handsome couple, and both had been voted on the court.

"Joy" was becoming a popular girl at school, and her list of friends seemed to grow daily. She was friendly and cheerful, and never catty with other girls. She joined several clubs and still maintained a very good grade point average, which Paul respected. He himself was an honor student, and heavily recruited by several colleges for his academic abilities.

Through it all there was no doubt that "Joy" was Paul's girl. Even though Joe had numerous offers for dates he turned them down. None of the boys he knew measured up to Paul, and he was never even tempted to go out on him. Paul knew "Joy" had turned other offers, and every time he heard about another instance he was more convinced that his girl was very special.

Joe discovered that cheerleaders wore their uniforms to school on days when the football team had a game, and being one of the eight varsity cheerleaders had a special status. At first, wearing his skimpy uniform to school made Joe nervous. The tight little top wasn't much more substantial than a sport bra, and the short, pleated skirt required Joe to be very careful when he walked or sat down. He discovered that most of the guys tended to look at his breasts when they talked to him or just walked by, and it made him a little self-conscious. Fortunately he had Paul to walk him to most of his classes, except home economics, when he was on his own.

Most of the other girls considered home economics a "blow-off" class, but Joe found it really interesting. Perhaps it was because he hadn't learned about cooking, baking, sewing, and child care when he was growing up, but Joe learned quite a bit about the domestic arts, and his cooking improved quite a bit. He tried baking rolls and cakes for his family, and he even made a short sleeveless dress using Alice's sewing machine. Even the child care instructions didn't faze him, and he eagerly joined in the discussions about breast-feeding and other aspects of caring for babies.

Joe even became accustomed to having periods, though he never enjoyed that time of the month. He came to be an expert on tampons, maxi-pads, and panty liners. He knew all about PMS, cramps, and bloating, and he learned how to deal with it as well as possible. The one thing he really disliked were the mood swings and the way his emotions just seemed to dominate him during his period. The other girls were sympathetic, but the guys had no clue, and one day when he snapped at Paul for no real reason he looked like Joe had slapped him, and when Joe saw the look of hurt on Paul's face he broke down and ran to the restroom. Later, when he had calmed down, Joe found Paul and apologized, timidly explaining that it was his "time of the month," and he was having a hard time with it.

Paul smiled and put his arm around Joe's shoulders, telling his girl that it was okay. He understood, and he was just glad there wasn't something serious between them. Joe broke down right there in the school hall, and he clung to Paul, once again considering how lucky he was to have such a wonderful guy.

That evening, after school, Joe was studying in his old office when he heard the doorbell. Since no one else was around he answered the door and discovered a delivery man with a large bouquet of flowers for Joy Stratton. He eagerly opened the card and saw it was from Paul, with the inscription:

"I hope these flowers will help you feel better. Love, Paul"

Joe looked at the beautiful flowers and began crying with happiness. Tears were running down his cheeks when Alice came running into the room to see what was wrong. Joe explained what had happened at school, and Alice could see he was still very emotional. "You'd better hang onto that guy. He's a real gem!" She told her former husband.

All Joe could do was nod as he sniffled and gazed at the flowers.

19.

The following day was Friday, and the football team had a game. Joe was on the sidelines cheering his little heart out and being tossed in the air by the larger girls. Since he was such a petite little thing he was always on the top of the pyramid or the one being lifted by the others, and he was becoming very good at the sexy, dance-like cheers the Washington Academy cheerleaders did.

Paul, of course, was on the gridiron, and he had a great game as the tight end. Joe could appreciate Paul's performance more than any of the other girls because of his masculine upbringing, and after the game he complimented Paul on the great job he'd done. Joe waited while Paul showered and changed, and afterwards Paul took him to the favorite hangout of the school. Most of the team and cheerleaders were there, as well as about half the student body, and the place was jammed.

Everything was going great until a group from their rivals showed up. One of the male students from the other school grabbed Joe as he walked by, planted a sloppy kiss on his face, and insulted him, calling him a whore, when Joe tried to get away. Joe screamed and pulled away, but the guy was just to strong for him, and Joe panicked when he realized how helpless he was.

Paul was about ten feet away when the guy grabbed Joe, but he covered the ground between them as fast as the team's running back could have, and he pushed the guy away from Joe. The jerk came back at Paul, swinging wildly, and Paul stepped forward, blocked a roundhouse punch and leveled the assailant with one punch to the jaw.

It was over almost before it started, and Joe was shaking from the stress. He couldn't believe he'd been so helpless that he couldn't even break free from the guy on his own. He was ashamed at screaming like the helpless girl he was, and he realized that if Paul hadn't been there he would have suffered more indignities. Joe wrapped his arms around Paul and hugged him tightly. "Thank you," he whispered as he stood on tip toes and kissed Paul, to the applause of his fellow students.

"Any time, my lady," Paul replied with a bow, grinning sheepishly.

Joe would have laughed, except he was too ashamed of his performance to see the humor. He only knew he needed someone to protect him from guys like that -- a "night in shining armor" -- and Paul had come through for him.

Eventually Paul's good humor was infectious, and Joe stared smiling again. He even referred to Paul as his "White Knight," and Paul responded by addressing Joe as "My Lady" or "Lady Joy" for the rest of the evening."

When they finally left the hangout Paul asked if Joe would like to stop by the lake, and when Joe nodded shyly Paul put one arm around Joe and pulled his girl to him as he drove one handed to a secluded spot. Joe figured Paul deserved a kiss for his heroics, but the kiss seemed to go on and on, and Joe found himself responding with a passion he'd never felt before. He laid back against the seat and his hands reached around Paul's neck and clung to him. His nipples grew so hard Joe thought they might pierce his tight halter, and he felt warm and moist between his legs.

When Paul paused and sat up for a moment Joe crossed his arms in front of himself and pulled the straps of his top down his arms, baring his breasts. Joe was stunned by his own action and also a little scared. He had suddenly felt an overpowering need to have Paul see him, and touch him, but now that he'd uncovered himself he was afraid Paul would take it the wrong way, or that he would want more.

Paul gazed at Joe's magnificent breasts and reached out to touch one. "You are absolutely gorgeous," he breathed as he looked at Joe's erect nipples.

Joe gasped when he felt Paul's gentle touch, and he moaned slightly when he felt Paul's fingers dancing over his nipple. His back arched, causing his breasts to push out even more, and when Paul lowered his head and gently kissed one nipple Joe moaned louder and his hands sought out Paul's waist. It felt so good, and Paul was so gentle that Joe threw his head back and simply hung on to Paul. Strange new thoughts entered his mind as he delighted in Paul's wonderful touch, and Joe would have given himself completely if Paul had insisted, but Paul had more sense than to take advantage, despite his desire to possess his wonderful girl.

Paul manipulated Joe's breasts gently, and kissed Joe's lips and stroked his face in a loving manner. Joe wondered what it would feel like to have a man inside him, and his thoughts turned to what it would be like to be married to Paul. Even the thought of having babies didn't scare him at that moment. In fact, he was becoming resigned to the fact that he would be a woman for the rest of his life, and women had babies, didn't they? Suddenly the thought came to him that he wouldn't mind having babies if they were Paul's babies. That idea was both thrilling and terrifying.

Joe's breasts felt taut and marvelous to Paul. He had only seen a girl's breast twice before, and neither of the other girls could compare to Joy. Her large nipples were elongated, and Paul manipulated them lightly with his fingertips, driving Joy wild. She moaned and sighed looked at him through lidded eyes. Paul knew she would let him do anything he wanted, but he had a strong sense of honor and did not want to take advantage of this wonderful girl. He wanted their first time to be something very special, not just a quickie in the car, so with supreme willpower he forced himself to turn the heat down a bit. He held her to himself and kissed her with softly until she calmed down a little.

Joe's emotions subsided gradually, and when he could think again he was frightened at his complete loss of control. He knew he would have done anything for Paul, and that he had been utterly unable to control himself. If Paul had wanted to screw him he would have given his virginity without protest. From his own memories as a man Joe realized how much character Paul had just displayed, and how considerate Paul had been to place Joe's good over his own desires, and in that moment Joe realized that he was in love with Paul. He looked down to see Paul's ring nestled between his breasts on its chain, and he wondered what it would be like to have an engagement ring, to be Paul's wife. In the meantime Joe realized he needed something he had been reluctant to face. The way he had lost all control he might very well have wound up pregnant, if not for Paul's self control. Joe couldn't count on that again -- He had to get a prescription for contraceptives.

The following week Joe saw Dr. Hart and got a prescription for birth control pills. When he picked up the prescription he stared at the small pink plastic packet, then read the directions and took the first pill. Prior to his sexual reversal Joe had never dreamt he would ever need to worry about becoming pregnant, but pregnancy was now a very real possibility for him, and he sighed as he considered his situation. It was just one more aspect of being a woman that he had never appreciated before he found himself wearing bras and panties.

In mid-December Joe realized he had been a girl for six months, and he also realized there was virtually no chance of ever regaining his manhood. They had heard nothing from the doctors, and now weeks went by without Joe wondering if the medical profession would ever find the secret. In truth he had long ago lost his passion to return to being a man, and he embraced his new feminine nature completely. The family was okay, financially, and everyone was getting on with their lives as best as they could.

Debbie was dating a nice guy, and Mark had a steady girl who seemed great. Only Joe and Alice were still trying to sort their lives out. Increasingly Joe had come to see Alice as his older sister, someone who knew what it was to be a woman and who was already ready to help or give him advice. Joe was shocked to discover that he often sought Alice's advice on "men," even though he'd been one himself for over fifty years. In a way it was embarrassing, but Joe was inexperienced in dealing with men as a young woman and, surprisingly, Joe found it harder and harder to recall exactly what it had been like to be a man. After six months as a girl he could still remember everything; He still had his memories, but he could no longer capture the "flavor," the essence of being a man. As he thought back over his life he would occasionally wonder what he'd been thinking of at certain times, and some of the things he'd done were now completely incomprehensible to him.

He remembered going to college and studying architecture and engineering, but those seemed terribly dull to him now, and he couldn't understand what he had seen in those disciplines in the first place. He also remembered making love to Alice on their wedding night, and many nights thereafter, but he could not re-capture the sensations of having a penis and actually entering Alice. It seemed as if he was a voyeur, eavesdropping on two other people, instead of remembering his own life. Now the thought of making love to Alice, even if he could, did not excite him in the least. He still loved her very much, but in a different way.

Meanwhile Alice and Matthew Case had become serious about their relationship. At first Joe had resented Mr. Case (that was how Joe thought of him) paying attention to his former wife. He felt awkward that the principal of his school was dating his ex-spouse, but as time went on Joe gradually adapted to the situation. After all, Alice was a beautiful young woman in the prime of her life (again) and she needed someone. Joe knew that because he himself felt that same need.

Joe couldn't put his finger on it, but there was just something about being a girl that left him feeling "incomplete." It wasn't just the lack of strength or the emotional turmoil -- there was something else, something fundamental -- that he felt was "missing." Perhaps it was the way his personality had changed to match his gender, but Joe never recalled feeling this way when he was a man. Maybe it was something in his feminine nature, but he felt less self-reliant, less self-contained as a woman. It was more instinctive or intuitive than thought out, more felt than known, but he no longer saw himself as the center of anything. Before he had been the head of the house, but now he just one of the family, one of three women, and he no longer felt the need or desire to control or dominate any relationship. His overriding instinct now was to belong, to be a part of something larger than himself, or maybe just to belong to someone else.

20.

When Christmas rolled around Alice invited Matt and Paul over for a special Christmas Eve dinner, and for a week before Alice, Joe, and Debbie got the house ready. Mark went out and cut a tree and hung the decorations while the girls fussed over the menu and presents. Joe had given Paul's present a lot of thought, and he had bought him a new golf bag with his name embroidered on the side. He had also bought presents for everyone else who would be there, including matching necklaces for Alice and Debbie, a basketball computer game for Mark, and even a leather portfolio for Mr. Chase.

On Christmas Eve the girls began cooking early, while Mark cut wood for the fireplace, something Joe used to do. Joe didn't mind that Mark was taking over his role -- He couldn't even swing the old axe anymore, and it was much more fun to help make the desserts. Who wanted to trudge through snow dragging a load of firewood anyway?

When Matt and Paul arrived everything was ready, and Joe took their coats while Debbie and Alice put the food on the table. Matt was carrying a bag of presents, but Paul had nothing in his hands except a bottle of wine, which was allowed for everyone on Christmas Eve. Joe thanked Paul for the wine and took it to the kitchen to open it. There was a slight problem however when Joe realized he didn't have the strength to pull the cork out of the bottle. He sighed in frustration and carried the bottle to Paul, who pulled the cork without any effort at all. Joe smiled at Paul, but he was secretly frustrated. Okay, he accepted being a woman, and women weren't as strong as men, but why did he have to be so much weaker than an average woman? He would have settled for Alice's strength, which was twice his own.

The dinner was fantastic. Alice had outdone herself, and with Joe and Debbie helping it was truly a feast. Afterwards everyone gathered near the tree and began opening presents. Paul really loved the golf bag and Matt smiled broadly when he opened his present. Debbie got a beautiful watch from both Matt and Paul, and Mark got a tool kit he'd been eyeing.

Finally only Alice and Joe hadn't received their presents, but there was nothing left in the bag. Alice didn't say a thing, but she glanced at Joe and saw that he appeared confused. Just then, Matt cleared his throat and stood up. "Alice," he began. "I searched everywhere for a Christmas present for you. I was very fussy about it because it had to be a special present, one that would show you how much you mean to me, and how you've rescued me from my loneliness

and misery. Finally I could think of nothing appropriate -- nothing, that is except to ask you now, with your whole family present, to take this."

Matt reached into his pocket and produced a small box and handed it to Alice. Alice's heart was pounding as she realized what it probably was, and she opened it slowly. When she saw the diamond solitaire on a gold band she gasped and stared at the ring. "Oh Matt," she cried, then quickly looked at her family. Matt was smiling and Debbie was in tears, and when she looked at Joe she was surprised to see a big smile on his face. When her gaze lingered on Joe he realized she was asking his permission, and he nodded his head imperceptivity.

Alice jumped to her feet and embraced Matt to the cheers of her family, and her new step-son.

"I take it that's a big 'yes,'" Matt laughed as he kissed Alice and held his fiancé.

"You big dope! Of course it's a 'yes," Alice replied through tears.

The newly engaged couple ended their embrace and then Matt took the ring and Alice held her hand out. Matt slid the ring on, and they kissed again. "I promise to do all in my power to make you happy," Matt told Alice as the kiss ended. Joe and Debbie then went to Alice and hugged her in a group hug, and Joe whispered, "I'm so happy for you, Alice!"

Alice looked down at her former husband, who had tears in his pretty eyes, and she kissed his cheek and hugged him again, unable to voice her gratitude.

Matt shook hands with Mark, and Paul stood off to one side with a nervous expression on his face. Joe noticed the strange look and wondered what it was all about. Then it suddenly occurred to Joe that if Alice and Matt got married the two families would be combined, and that he and Paul would be living together. Paul would be his step-brother. Joe thought that might be why Paul looked so strange, and he suspected that Matt hadn't told his son he was going to propose to Alice.

When things finally calmed down Paul stepped towards Joe and said, "Joy, I don't know whether you are going to believe me or not, but My dad didn't tell me what he was planning, though he knows how much I like your aunt Alice. Anyway, I didn't tell him what I was planning to get you, either. This is the strangest coincidence I ever heard of, but . . . Will you marry me?"

As Paul proposed to Joe he pulled out a box from his own pocket that was virtually identical to the one Matt gave Alice, and handed it to Joe.

Joe was stunned. As he looked at Paul, and then at his family, his eyes clouded over as his emotions ran away with him. Tears fell on the box before he had a chance to open it, and Joe wiped them away with the back of his hand.

"Before you answer, I want to tell you that I love you very much, and I'm willing to wait until after we graduate, but I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else," Paul told him, and Joe could almost hear Alice and Debbie sigh at those words.

Like Alice before him, Joe looked to his family, and each one smiled at him in turn. Alice gave him a slight nod of her head, and then Joe looked at Paul. If Joe accepted Paul's proposal he would also be accepting his fate as a woman for the rest of his life. There could be no turning back, no reversal, and he would spend the rest of his life as a woman, a wife, and perhaps, a mother. Joe looked back on the past months and thought of all the pain and frustration he had endured, and then he searched his heart, knowing the answer had to come from deep within and not based on the past.

"Yes, Paul. I'll marry you," Joe replied. He was now truly Joy, and that was fine with him -- with HER.

Paul wrapped his arms around Joy and pulled her to himself, kissing her fervently, until they heard Paul's father clear his throat. Paul released Joy and looked at his father.

"I don't want to spoil things for you two, but this took me by surprise, and I think we need to discuss some issues," he said seriously. "First, there are certain 'rules of engagement' I think you should follow:

"One, you cannot get married until you have graduated.

"Two, no outlandish public displays of affection at school. I know this will be hard on both of you but, trust me, it's for the best.

"Three, you will both continue to concentrate on your studies and keep your grades up. I know Paul has already been accepted at several colleges, but Joy needs to complete that process, and she needs to keep her good GPA.

"Finally, I think you need to consider postponing the wedding until after June, when Joy turns 18. You are both very young for such a huge step, and I want you to think about the responsibilities that go with marriage."

Matt looked over to Alice, who nodded.

Joy was surprised by Mr.Case's speech, and she was sorely tempted to tell him that she knew exactly what she was getting into, having been married for many years, but she bit her tongue. Mr. Case was clearly the authority figure in the room. He was her principal, her fiancée’s father, and he was also Alice's boss. More than that he exuded an air of authority, and she knew he had her best interests at heart.

"Okay," she agreed, "but there's something else."

"What's that?" Matthew Case asked, wondering if he forgot anything.

"Can I call you 'dad?'" Joy asked.

Matthew's face seemed to light up with his smile. "I would be honored," he replied, "but I think it would be best if we stuck to 'Mr. Case' at school."

"Anything you say, dad," Joy agreed and gave him a big hug.

Later that night, after the Case men had gone home and Mark and Debbie were in their rooms, Joy and Alice sat at the kitchen table and discussed the events of that evening.

"Are you sure you're okay with me marrying Matt?" Alice asked.

Joy nodded. "Sure Alice. I know I'm never going to be a man again, and I've finally accepted that. In fact, I reached the point where I don't WANT to go back to being Joe. I love Paul, and the thought of being his wife excites me. You wouldn't believe it."

"Oh, I believe it alright," Alice replied with a giggle. "You forget that I'm in love too -- for the second time in my life."

"I think the weirdest part of this whole thing is that you're going to be my mother-in-law," Joy remarked, and Alice laughed. "I never thought of that," she admitted, "but it is so strange that my husband --- the father of my children -- will soon be my daughter-in-law."

21.

The rest of the school year seemed to go by in a blur. Word spread quickly that Paul and Joy were engaged, and when Joy showed off her engagement ring her friends were excited and a little envious. Joy applied to the same schools that Paul did, and was accepted in three out the five that accepted her fiancée. Her biggest problem was in choosing a career. Joy wanted nothing to do with architecture or engineering, and she increasingly leaned towards nursing or elementary education.

Word also got around about Mr. Chase and Alice, and the staff were all thrilled that two of the nicest people they knew were getting married. They were especially excited for Matt Case because they knew he had very lonely and unhappy since the death of his first wife. The staff planned a special party for Matt and Alice before the school year ended, and of course Paul and Joy were also invited.

Meanwhile wedding preparations were in full swing. Alice asked Joy to be her maid of honor, which was another sweet bit of irony, and since Paul would be his father's best man both Joy and Paul were heavily involved with the planning. The ceremony was scheduled for mid June, and Paul and Joy were planning an early August wedding to give everyone a chance to recover from the first nuptials. Joy asked Debbie to be her maid of honor, and Paul asked Matt to be best man.

Joy decided she needed practice with high heels, which would be a necessity with her short stature, so she and Debbie and Alice went shopping and found her several pairs of very high heels. Most were 3 1/2 or 4 inches high, but one pair had 5 inch heels and a one inch platform. Joy began wearing them every day, and though her feet and ankles hurt at first she gradually got used to the heels. They definitely weren't made for walking great distances, but Joy did like the extra height they gave her. Though she was only 5' 6" or 5' 7" in the heels -- a far cry from the 6' 1" height she once enjoyed as a man, at least she could look most people in the eye without craning her neck, and she didn't feel so much like a little child.

Joy's complete acceptance of her femininity when Paul proposed also propelled her "girly" gene into high gear. She became an absolute expert at makeup and hair care, and she was constantly reading Cosmo and other women’s' magazines to keep up with the latest fashions, and for advice in dealing with men. It was ironic that the former man had come to find men completely incomprehensible, and she needed guidance from others to understand the masculine point of view.

She also began dressing to please Paul, and he made no secret of the fact that he preferred his girl in short skirts and moderately sexy attire. Joy's desire to please Paul was so strong that she tried to wear his favorite colors. He once told her she looked very pretty while she was wearing a pink skirt and white knit top, so Joy wore that combination often, and even added some pink heels and jewelry.

But the clothes were really a minor part of Joy's complete mental shift. As the weeks passed she increasingly looked to Paul for decisions. Though Paul always listened to her opinions he made the important decisions in a manner that seemed ridiculously easy to Joy, who often second-guessed herself. She sensed that Paul had something she herself now lacked. Whether it was merely his decisive personality or something more profound such as masculine assertiveness Joy could not tell, but she was much more comfortable following Paul's lead, and she was happy to defer to him.

Where Joe had been concerned with large issues, the big picture, Joy was content with smaller things. She loved decorating, cooking, sewing, and baking, and she had a wonderful time picking out her wedding dress and taking care of the wedding arrangements. She and Alice were as thick as thieves as they planned the weddings and ordered everything they would need.

One day Alice took Joy to an upscale lingerie boutique, and the two of them spent several hours looking for just the right foundations for their weddings. They tried on bras and bustiers, corsets and camisoles, and when Alice modeled a particularly daring bustier Joy was shocked. Alice grinned at her and pulled her aside.

"Listen girl, this is for my honeymoon, and I intend to inspire Matt to go all night. You should do the same for Paul. Trust me, it's something he will never forget.

"By the way, remember the shocking bra and panties I wore for you on our wedding night?"

Joy thought back -- It seemed so long ago -- but she nodded as she remembered.

"Well I bought that little concoction of lace and silk right here," Alice informed her one-time husband.

"Funny isn't it, now you're about to do the same for YOUR husband."

Joy remembered back to their honeymoon, and all the fun they had. They had been so much in love that they couldn't keep their hands off each other, but it seemed like two other people now. Joy still loved Alice, but not that way. As she remembered their wedding night she seemed to be seeing it from the bride's perspective, and that bewildered her.

She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts and resumed her search for the perfect wedding lingerie. Eventually she chose a white bustier with a built in shelf bra that made her breasts look like a full D cup, if not larger. The satiny confection had scalloped cups and high cut leg openings. It barely covered her pubic area, and it was cut on a bias in back so that half her bottom was exposed. It had garters

, and she bought two pair of pure white stockings with embroidered tops. When Alice insisted she model the outfit Joy blushed a deep crimson, and it took all of Alice's persuasive skills to get Joy to

try it on in front of her.

When she saw Joy wearing the bustier, stockings and white high heels Alice thought Joy was stunning. The virginal white seemed to go with the shy, nervous expression on her face, and Alice was amazed at the complete effect. Standing before her was her former husband, who was now quite literally a blushing bride. The man who had once rocked her life was preparing to submit and surrender to her own husband; to lay passively and allow herself to be penetrated by a man. And it seemed right for the creature who stood before her. This beautiful young woman was the polar opposite of the strong, take charge guy Alice had married.

22.

Joy and Paul graduated that spring, and three weeks later they were the maid of honor and best man for Alice and Matt. Alice had intentionally picked bridesmaid dresses that were sexy and also suitable for special occasions, so Debbie and Joy could wear them again. The light blue, sleeveless dresses were knee length, made of a light, satiny material that swirled when they walked or danced, and the bodices were heart-shaped to show off a certain amount of their cleavage. The girls both looked great, though Alice naturally stole the show.

Joy teared up during the service, and she hugged Alice afterwards, at the back of the church. She was so happy for her former wife she felt tears falling from her eyes. Paul stepped in and offered her a handkerchief, which she gratefully accepted. As they stood in line and greeted the guests as they exited the church Joy got many compliments, and quite a few lecherous stares from some of the younger men. Many of her teachers from Washington Academy were there, and they were stunned at how beautiful Joy looked in her bridesmaid dress. They knew Joy was a pretty girl, but seeing her in the dress, perfectly coiffed and flawlessly made up, caused Mr. Delaney to remark that Joy should consider a career in modeling.

At the reception Joy posed for more pictures with the entire wedding party, as well as several individual poses the photographer took of each of them. Her feet were beginning to hurt in the high heels, but after she sat down and ate with the bridal party they felt better, and she danced with Paul for most of the night. She also danced with Matthew, who now insisted she refer to him as "dad" all the time, and Mr. Delaney, because he was so sweet, and several other men that asked.

When Matt and Alice slipped away for their honeymoon Paul took Joy out on the deck and gave her a kiss that left her breathless and weak. She leaned against him for support, and luxuriated in his masculine scent. His arm was wrapped around her tiny waist, and Joy felt completely safe and secure in her man's protective embrace. She adored the way he kissed her and held her, and now that Alice and Mr. Case -- dad -- were married she could send out the invitations for her own wedding.

Joe Stratton had never been able to figure out why a big wedding was so important to women, but Joy Stratton understood perfectly. She now realized that the ceremony and festivities were all designed to emphasize the lifetime commitment that was being made; the promise of eternal fidelity and love. Now she realized how important that commitment was, especially to a woman who would be expected to bear the man's children. She saw everything very clearly now, and she looked forward to the day when she would become Mrs. Paul Case.

In the meantime, Joy purchased a trousseau for her honeymoon, including a light, airy strapless sundress, a fawn colored micro-mini skirt and a tangerine crop top to go with it, some very tiny shorts, several pairs of heels, and some of the sexiest lingerie she had ever seen. Joy desperately wanted to please Paul and look as sexy as possible for him -- to be his "trophy wife." Debbie came with her when she made some of her purchases, and Joy's former daughter was stunned by the new girl's daring selections.

"This stuff is barely decent, but it's a sure bet that you and Paul will have a very . . . "active" honeymoon," she told Joy.

"That's the whole idea," Joy replied. "I don't want his eyes roaming, especially on our honeymoon."

"They won't be, even if you don't wear these clothes," Debbie assured her. "Paul is hopelessly in love with you. That's obvious to everyone who sees you two together."

Joy's wedding dress was very traditional, though simple. It was strapless, with a very tight waist to emphasize her shapely figure, and it had a lace bodice that exposed a generous but decent amount of her charms. The length was just short enough to show a bit of her well-turned ankles, and her veil was a Tierra style arrangement with a delicate, misty material that was very soft. Underneath she planned to wear a pure white thong, matching garters, and transparent white hose that shimmered under lights. Her shoes were actually white sandals with four-inch stiletto heels. She intended to use the bustier under the wedding dress, but she bought the bra, a thong and garter belt to use later.

23.

When the big day finally arrived Joy was as nervous as a cat, and Alice and Debbie spent half the time keeping her calm and the other half getting her ready. An early trip to the beauty salon insured that the bride's hair, makeup, and nails were perfect, and the two hour process of getting Joy dressed began. Debbie had talked Joy into wearing a corset, which she claimed was the sexiest garment a woman could wear, and Joy finally agreed. When Alice finished pulling in the laces Joy's 22 inch waist was reduced to an incredible 19 inches, and the poor girl could hardly breathe. Debbie told her the secret of taking short, shallow breaths, and after ten minutes Joy actually became accustomed to the medieval torture device. Meanwhile Alice had helped Joy with her stockings, hooking them to the garters of the corset, and before they gave Joy her shoes Alice went to her room and produced a blue garter.

"Remember this?" Alice asked as she handed the garter to Joy.

Joy looked at it and shook her head. "No. Should I?" She asked.

"Well, it's been a long time, but this is the garter I wore when we were married," Alice told her feminized former husband. "You took it off me at the reception and Tom Warner caught it. He gave it back to me after the reception."

Debbie giggled and Joy blushed. "This is great," Debbie remarked. "My dad is going to wear the same garter my mom wore when they were married. I'll bet this is the first time that has ever happened."

Joy looked absolutely gorgeous, standing there in her corset, stockings and high heel sandals, and when Alice and Debbie draped her dress over her, affixed her veil, and handed her the corsage, the petite girl was a vision out of a fairy tale. Her beauty was radiant, and her expression and every move she made revealed a shy feminine innocence that no man could resist. Alice and Debbie shared a look that conveyed their certainty that Joy would be the undisputed center of attention that day.

Since there was no father of the bride, Mr. Delaney, Joy's history teacher, filled in and escorted Joy to the front of the church, where he gave her away to a dumbstruck bridegroom. Paul was awed by Joy's beauty, and he could barely keep his eyes on the priest during the service. When the priest read the vows she was to pledge Joy realized for the first time that she was promising to love, honor, and obey -- the old-fashioned vows -- but for some reason she didn't mind. In fact it felt "right" to her. She had been the husband once, and in her first incarnation she -- he -- had always secretly believed that men were the natural leaders of the family, naturally decisive and strong-willed, and that women were naturally disposed to be the passive partner. Nothing that had happened to her since her transformation had changed that attitude. In fact it had been reinforced countless times, and she routinely deferred to her strong, handsome fiancée. She saw nothing wrong in promising to obey because she knew Paul loved her and her best interests at heart.

The wedding reception was wonderful, and Joy danced with her new husband, Mr. Case, and Mr. Delaney. She blushed when, after the dinner, Paul had her sit on a stool and pull the hem of her dress far above her knees so he could remove her borrowed garter, the same garter Joe had once removed from Alice's leg many years ago in a ceremonial de-flowering of his bride. Now Joy was the bride, and she was subjected to the same symbolic de-flowering. As Paul slipped the delicate nylon and lace circlet down her shapely leg Joy couldn't help shivering a little and thinking about what would come later that night.

Finally, the cake was eaten, the dinner over, and the bride and groom left the reception. Joy changed out of her wedding dress in a small anteroom, slipping into a sheer white blouse that did nothing to hide the bustier she wore, and a tight pink skirt that barely covered the tops of her stockings.

Alice and Debbie took care of Joy's dress and veil while she slipped into a pair of pink sandals with four-inch heels, and fixed her makeup. When she was finished Alice and Debbie each hugged her and she opened the door to find Paul waiting patiently. He grinned at his beautiful bride, and they left the reception quietly while the guests still danced.

Paul drove them to a secluded inn on the shore of a modest lake lined with pine and spruce. After confirming their reservations and obtaining the key he opened the door to their rooms and carried Joy across the threshold. She wrapped her arms around his muscular neck and kissed Paul's cheek as his strong arms supported her like she weighed nothing at all.

"How does it feel to be married, Mrs. Chase?" Paul asked as he set Joy down gently.

"Wonderful, Mr. Chase," Joy replied with a glowing smile.

Paul hugged his bride and kissed her passionately, and Joy felt herself become aroused. Her nipples poked almost painfully into her beautiful bustier, and a warm dampness began to lubricate her intimate grotto. Before her husband went any further Joy broke away and begged for a moment to remove her clothes.

Joy went into the small bathroom of their suite and managed to remove her skirt and top, but she still wore her bustier, stockings, and heels. When she emerged from the bathroom Paul saw her silhouetted against the light, and he couldn't believe his eyes. His bride was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen -- by far -- and his own reaction was visible even from across the room. Joy blushed so much that Paul could see the red tinge even in the low light, and he remarked that Joy was truly his blushing bride, making Joy blush even more.

Paul had Joy turn her back to him and he removed her bustier. He didn't want anything to come between them that night, not even her sexy lingerie. When Joy rolled down her stockings and discarded her heels she turned to face her new husband wearing only her femininity, and Paul couldn't resist sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her to the bed. There he laid her gently on the soft mattress and stood gazing down at her as he removed his shirt and trousers.

As Paul laid down next to her Joy's thoughts drifted momentarily, thinking back to a similar scene years ago when she, then he, had de-flowered his own beautiful bride. But though she could remember every detail Joy could not capture the essence of that moment. She could not recall the feelings or desires of a young man on his wedding night, nor could she remember the physical sensations that went along with plunging a hardened penis into a woman, but she realized that she didn't really care. She was too aroused by her handsome, virile husband to care about the past, and she could not imagine wanting a woman anymore. Why would she? She had the most wonderful, handsome guy in the world, and that was everything she dreamed of now.

Paul touched her breasts, lightly gliding his hands over their generous contours, and Joy gasped at the wonderful sensations he created in her. His fingers seemed to dance on her nipples, and they responded by growing even larger and as hard as two diamonds. He kissed them and lightly sucked on them, and Joy closed her eyes and let the wonderful sensations wash over her. Her breathing caused her veil to flutter, and then Paul raised his hands to her head and removed her veil, leaving her completely naked and exposed for her husband.

Her breathing grew rapid, and her heart began to pound as Paul gently kissed her lips and explored her exquisite feminine form with his hands. She loved the way he touched her. It was tender and demanding at the same time, and her body responded to his touch automatically, as if trained to comply. She felt wonderful, but she wondered if she should be doing something besides reacting to his touch. She tried to think, but it was hard in the flood of emotions that seemed to come from deep within her, and after a few moments she realized that her body was doing exactly what it should, what nature had intended, for she was no longer the dominant male. Her husband controlled their lovemaking now, and she was completely passive and submissive to him. Her initiative was limited to kissing and caressing him while he controlled their mating.

With a gentle touch from Paul Joy's legs parted wide and she automatically drew her knees up. She thought Paul would immediately claim her, but her new husband took his time, touching her physically and emotionally as she had never been touched before. He ran his hands softly over her breasts and narrow waist, pausing to completely encircle her tiny, feminine waist with his hands. His fingers then glided like a whisper along her inner thighs, making her gasp with pleasure and anticipation.

Joy moaned with desire as Paul's fingers found her labia, and when she felt his feathery caress of her clitoris she wrapped her legs around him and cried out his name. She was wet with anticipation and completely aroused. She arched her back and panted and squirmed, thrusting her hips upwards, waiting for her man to take her. She was well beyond mere desire -- she had a desperate need to feel him inside her, and she begged Paul to fill her.

Finally, when Joy was desperate with desire, she felt the tip of Paul's penis brush against her labia, and she practically wept with joy. She felt his hardened member push past the gate of her grotto and move slowly within her. His deliberate pace only heightened Joy's need, and she searched her memory, wondering if there was a way she could force him to move faster, to take her NOW. But of course there wasn't. He was in complete control, and all she could do was await his pleasure. She had lost the sexual initiative when she lost her penis.

At last, she felt Paul plunge into her with one mighty stroke, and she gasped when her hymen broke under his onslaught. The pain was intense, but brief, and when it disappeared Joy felt something huge within her, filling her completely, and even expanding her canal to the point she thought he couldn't possibly fit inside her. He seemed enormous! Fortunately, she was very well lubricated by then, and she felt no pain as her husband drilled into her. In fact, it felt wonderful, and the sensation intensified as he continued.

Joy unconsciously began thrusting her hips upwards in response to Paul's thrusts, and she wrapped her arms around his strong back and crossed her legs behind his, trying to create a complete physical union between them. She was barely aware of his weight pressing down on her as he continued to plumb the depths of her being, and she luxuriated in his masculine scent and forceful lovemaking. She had never felt more feminine or submissive in her life, and she realized that, though the accident had made her a female, Paul was making her a woman.

She smiled to herself at that thought, but it was fleeting because she suddenly felt a minor tremor in the world. It was wonderful, but no sooner had it passed than another, stronger quake rocked her to her core. Her eyes glazed over, and her mouth opened to scream, but at first nothing came out. Then she felt a tremendous blast that electrified her and brought a kaleidoscope of color and sensation. She screamed out Paul's name, begging him to keep going and telling him he was wonderful.

Paul heard her cries and increased his pace even more. He plunged into Joy over and over until she erupted in a fury of incredible, ecstatic pleasure. She shrieked and moaned, and clung to her man for dear life as she hovered at the very edge of consciousness.

After an eternity Joy felt her mind begin to clear and her heaving chest begin to slow. She felt a wetness beneath her and a trickling sensation from her that she realized was Paul's semen leaking from within her. His body was atop her, and she was pinned to the bed beneath her wonderful husband. Surprisingly, his weight didn't bother her at all. In fact it felt wonderful to be restrained by his fantastic body. She felt loved and secure, and she kissed his chest and hugged him tighter, content to bask in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

The following month Joy and Alice both missed their period.