SATURDAY MORNING – FINISHING TOUCHES
Jack and Justin sat more quietly, almost docilely, as Stephanie and Caitlin set about transforming their blonde hair into passably girlish styles. Armed with combs, brushes and a curling iron, the older girls coaxed the twins’ natural curly hair into soft, gentle tresses that framed their faces cutely. Jack and Justin got glimpses of the work in progress in the mirror, and soon the sweet scent of hairspray filled the air.
Strategically placed bobby pins and a dab of gel gave their hair polished finishes. The twins blushed as pastel bows fringed with lace—pink for Justin, yellow for Jack—were pinned into place for the crowning touch, making them feel even more girlish. Jack’s heart sped up a bit as Caitlin delicately adjusted his pretty bow. Justin silently watched his sister work on Jack even as he felt Stephanie’s gentle touch securing his own darling pink bow. He was fascinated as he stole a look in the mirror to see how delicate it looked perched in his hair.
Knowing that they only had a little time left before Claire returned from her walk, the older girls worked with efficiency to do the boys’ makeup. With some amused looks and now almost whispered instructions, Caitlin and Stephanie were nearly done: “Close your eyes! Tilt your chin up!” The makeup was light and sweet—a gentle dusting of pink blush to make their cheeks glow, a touch of shimmery gloss for lips, and just enough mascara to make their eyes sparkle. The tickle of brushes on their cheeks and the slick feel of the lip gloss sent fresh tingles down their spines. The barest touches of mascara made their eyes adorably dewy. As the girls worked, they kept one eye on the time.
Finished with the brothers’ makeup, the girls used cotton swabs, nail polish remover and a few more touches of polish to gently clean up the boys’ nails. Then, they stroked on a quick-drying topcoat for added shine. As the girls touched up their glossy pink nails, the boys were nearly mesmerized by the way their nail polish gleamed and flashed under the light. Noticing the boys’ more gentle demeanors, Stephanie caught Caitlin’s eye and shared a soft, knowing smile. They both thought it cute how Jack and Justin seemed to be lost in such quiet fascination. Both older girls found it utterly charming.
Caitlin leaned a little closer to them and whispered gently, “You know… it’s perfectly fine to enjoy feeling pretty.”
Stephanie nodded in quiet agreement, her face warm and encouraging. There was little joking in her tone now as she spoke softly, "Your big sister's right. It's pretty obvious that you two don't 'hate' this!" She said the last part with the gentlest of teases and a warm, loving smile. The boys reddened a bit more, but they almost seemed to be basking in the sweet, gentle attention now.
The basement was very quiet and still for a few seconds.
All too soon, however, the tender moment passed. They were still on the clock after all. “OK, up you go!” Stephanie urged as she had them stand with a wave of her hand. Jack and Justin stood up tentatively, skirts swishing, as the girls checked over their outfits. Standing side by side in their Easter best, they had butterflies in their tummies. From their frilly boy shorts and bralettes to their preciously curled hair, every aspect of their outfits made them feel dainty and precious.
“Hold still,” Caitlin said as she straightened Justin’s hair ribbon. Meanwhile, Stephanie reached down and tugged delicately on one of Jack’s frilly white socks. The girls’ faces broke into affectionate smiles as they fussed over the last details. When the girls finally stepped back, the boys stood blinking and a little breathless at their relentless and fast-paced makeovers.
“Perfect,” Caitlin declared. “You both look absolutely darling!” She continued almost giddily, “I never knew I had such cute little sisters!”
“Aunt Claire won’t believe her eyes!” Stephanie agreed excitedly. Clearly very satisfied, she added, “you two are all sugar and spice now… just like the nursery rhyme!”
Jack and Justin cringed adorably as the girls gushed over their sweet looks. The boys’ cheeks were pink with embarrassment. Every playful tease seemed to affect them a bit more. Being fussed over like this and dolled up so thoroughly made them very self-conscious. It seemed increasingly evident, however, that they were both secretly at least a little bit pleased at the girls’ reactions.
Still, as the reality of their transformation settled in, Jack and Justin were somewhat overwhelmed by just how sissyish they were dressed. Their pastel dresses, layered with billowing frills, made their previous Christmas outfits seem plain in comparison.
Justin’s cheeks flushed as he admired Jack’s sunny yellow dress, his oversized satin bow and gleaming Mary Janes. "Wow, Jack… I can’t believe how we’re…” he murmured softly as his voice trailed off.
Jack let out a nervous laugh. “Yeah, I mean, we look like we belong in a dollhouse… Christmas was wild, but this is… just wow,” he stammered, unable to find more words. Their bashfulness was tinged with a hint of pleasure; the feeling of being so prettily dressed was clearly having an impact.
Justin recovered a bit and shrugged helplessly, “I think it’s way too late to back out now.” Turning to Caitlin, he added nervously, “You really went all out on us.” Their hearts beat a little faster now as they thought about the spectacle they were bound to create at brunch, but they both managed shaky smiles. They seemed resigned to following through and tried to find humor in their predicament.
“Well, at least I don’t have to wear pink!” Jack offered softly, finding his voice again and trying to joke. Justin cracked a reluctant grin.
“I happen to look great in pink!” Justin teased with a little more energy, his nerves melting slowly into a hint of confidence.
Caitlin smiled at her adorable brothers and said, “Don’t worry! Everyone will love you!” Then, she added insistently, “we still have a little time left. Let’s practice those curtsies one last time. Make them pretty!”
Jack and Justin gulped in unison as their cheeks warmed again. Nothing was left to do now but go all in. They gamely grabbed their skirts and daintily dipped into a few curtsies. With each one, their rustling petticoats and swishy frills made the boys acutely aware of their utterly girlish outfits. Still, the twins managed shy smiles. Their embarrassment mingled with a sweet pluckiness as their natural exuberance flashed a little.
As the girls admired their handiwork with satisfaction, they heard the door open in the kitchen upstairs. They’d finished just in time… Claire was home from her walk!
Suddenly, Stephanie whispered urgently, “Wait! There’s one last thing!” She hastily rummaged through her pink tote bag and produced a small glass perfume bottle. “I almost forgot!” she admitted.
Before the boys could react, she sprayed the air around their necks a few times. The delicate perfume quickly enveloped their noses in sweetness. The dainty fragrance was barely there. It was like a whisper of femininity mixed with subtle hints of floral blossoms and fresh body powder. The scent was subtle and sweet, perfectly suited for shy young teens, and it added the finishing touch to their transformations.
“Now you’ll smell as sweet as you look!” Stephanie beamed.
Jack wrinkled his nose adorably, exchanging a look with Justin as the girlishly dainty fragrance engulfed them. He sighed slightly, “we’re going to smell like this all day, aren’t we?”
In response, Justin tried another weak joke, “I guess they’ll smell us before they see us now.” He shuffled his feet adorably, not quite sure whether to laugh or groan.
Caitlin laughed softly, “OK girls, let’s see those pretty smiles!” Gesturing to the stairs, she added excitedly, “it’s showtime!”
� 
Topic: The Mother-Daughter Easter Brunch (Read 3574 times)
