Chapter 13

She started brushing some type of powder on my face. It created an almost tingling sensation, or was that just my imagination? I couldn’t tell. Then she began working around my eyes. I quickly closed them in hopes nothing would get in them and sting.

Again my mind wandered back. I recalled wanting to try on my mom’s clothes when I was very young, I think in elementary school. When I broached the subject with her, I was very promptly told that little boys didn’t wear girls’ clothes. However, the desire never went away. Several years later, at any opportunity, I would sneak into my mom’s closet and try on her bras and panties. Why did she always choose undergarments that were so plain? Why not something stylish and sexy? I never understood that.

“I’m almost done, Jesse; I just need to finish your lips.”

I smiled politely and tried to summon every ounce of patience I could muster. I had dreamed of this day for so long and I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. Again, my mind drifted back as I tried to pass the time and allow Sara to complete her work. I thought of all the times I had tried on my mom’s clothes, but they always looked so old and outdated. She only wore old-people’s clothes and I never looked like the chic, pretty girls who I passed in the halls of junior high and high school.

“I’m done, Jesse.”

I thought my heart would pound out of my chest. “Can I see, Sara?”

“Let’s get the wig on first.”

I took a deep breath while Sara adhered the mat of hair to my head. Errant strands were going everywhere at first until she began to brush it forward, over my shoulders, getting it under control. Out of the corner of my eye I could see loose curls on my chest. The long black locks matched my natural hair color almost perfectly.

She took two steps back and was standing directly in front of me as our eyes met. I saw her jaw drop open while she examined me. I just couldn’t take the suspense any longer.

“Can I see what I look like so far?” I said desperately.

“I think it would be better if we waited until you are dressed so you’ll get the full effect.”

“Please ... I don’t think I can wait.”

“Okay, close your eyes.”

She put her hands on my shoulders and gently swiveled the chair until I was facing the opposite direction, in front of the mirror.

“Okay ... open them.”

As I looked into the mirror, I was so stunned I couldn’t even form words. It was as if my brain refused to communicate with my mouth. Looking back at me in the mirror was a beautiful little Asian girl who looked as if she had just come off some runway in a fashion show. Sara’s makeup job was impeccable; dare I say, flawless. She’d chosen colors that went perfectly with my natural skin tone and the bright red, glossy lipstick gave my lips that pouty look you only see on models in magazines.