The archive site dropped all of Betty's story archives from the 1990s a few years ago. Now I'm noticing a few of our 2000-2001 stories also vanishing. So I'll repost the ones that I think may be at risk of being lost soon.
George by Amy Lynn
George Part 1: The Argument
I had just walked in the door, it was getting late and I could already hear the arguing. My mommy, daddy and my twin brother were at it again. Mommy needs help with something while daddy and Sam want to go do something else.
Mommy said, please I need to prepare for the wedding. I have a lot to do and very little time to do it in. I can’t do it all my myself. I need my son here with me helping out.
Momammmm, he stretched out the word whining. We’ve been planning this fishing trip for months. It’s not my fault that your sister decided to get married, and it isn’t my fault that she wants you to do all the cooking and sewing and stuff. I shouldn’t have to be punished just because she fell in love, and I don’t see why I need to go to the wedding.
Susan, you know I seldom have the time off, Sam and I are going fishing. Besides, this is the last time Sam has free before soccer starts. We go this week or we don’t go, so we’re going. Please give sis our congratulations and tell her we had previous plans. If you really want help ask George, I bet the only plans he has is sitting around reading.
Yea, ask the sissy. I wish he were born a girl. If he we’re, you’d have a friend that could help you with these things and you could stop bugging me. Dads a doctor, can’t he fix your mistake mother!
Sam is the original “man”. We were twelve year old identical twins but you’d never know it. He lifts weights and eats everything. He’s not fat but he’s at least six inches taller than I and weighs over a hundred and ten pounds. I know this for a fact because he teases me about it all the time. Just yesterday morning he grabbed me up and lifted me in the air way over his head as he stepped onto the scale. One hundred and seventy eight pounds, what a wimp he said, you only weigh sixty seven pounds. You really need to work out. He sat me down but I couldn’t go anywhere as he had his hand in my hair. I tried to pry his hand loose but he was too strong. He flipped me over and swatted my bottom several times then let me go.
I suppose that mornings trauma pushed me close to the breaking point but this last remark pushed me over the edge and I lost it. I ran into the room, went right up to him and slapped him as hard as I could. It’s not my mommy’s fault that you such a big bully! You leave my mommy alone! The whole room was quite. I realized what I had just done and remembered how strong Sam is and fear struck my heart. I started crying and ran from the room just knowing he was going to kill me. I heard only one remark when I ran out.
Sam said, I rest my case.
I was hiding in my closet but no one showed up. I finally decided that they were to busy to notice me so I came out. I picked up the book on sewing that I had to sneak out of mommy’s sewing room. I wanted to make her something pretty for Christmas and I needed to learn how to put it together.
George part 2: Sam Makes a Point
A few hours latter Sam came in, he never knocks. I scrambled trying to get away but he never came near me. He picked up my book and read the cover then smiled. Surprisingly he gently put it back down and didn’t even loose my place.
Don’t tell mom, she’ll be mad I took it.
He looked around and asked you wouldn’t have any camping or fishing equipment would you?
You’re not going to pound me are you?
He sat down on my bed and motioned for me to sit next to him. No I’m never going to hurt you again little sister, ever. He seemed so sincere so I sat down next to him. I thought to my self, oh no, they talked mommy into letting me go with them. I hated fishing, worms, major yuck.
No, I answered except maybe one thing. I think it’s for fishing or hunting or something. I don’t have to go with you do I.
No little sister, what’s the item and I’ll tell you if I can use it for camping?
I can’t tell you, it’s for your birthday this Tuesday. I could give it to daddy and he could give it to you on Tuesday? I asked that as a question as daddy had just come to the door and was standing there. Daddy and Sam weren’t much on remembering birthdays and stuff.
Daddy said, if it’s something your brother can use on the trip it would be best that you give it to him now so we won’t need to buy one tonight.
I said OK, while I was under the bed getting it Sam apologized for not getting me anything but promised to bring me back something. NOT A FISH I YELLED! While I was still under my bed. They laughed and said not to worry. Sam pointed out the book I was reading to daddy and then pointed out that my room was all books and fun stuff like a rope for skipping, a holo-hoop, a nice jewelry box for my coins and things. I had a big bird stool that I sat on to read and my choice of bedspread was teddy bears. It’s a cool room. The only picture that I had on the walls was one I found in the attic. It was a ballerina dancing.
As I was climbing out daddy asked, this is a nice picture, what do you like about it?
I was out now and said she’s so happy. Don’t you wish you were that happy?
Daddy took my hand and said yes I do sweetheart.
I held the box and said, you can have this if you promise you will never use it to hurt me.
He laughed and said I won’t ever hurt you, I promise. In fact, you know those kids that always pick on you down the street.
I pouted and said yes.
If you do me a favor this week, I’ll make sure they never pick on you again.
I looked up to him with big eyes and said oh thank you with a shy look. I gently handed the box to him.
Well, it’s to skinny for a book on art like I got last year, he said that like he was reminding daddy of something. And it’s too big to be tickets to the opera like at Christmas, he said that to daddy also.
I had given tickets to daddy for Christmas and he wanted to let me and mommy go but mommy insisted that he use the present that his little boy got him. He got me and mommy tickets and the two of us went several times. It was great fun.
He unwrapped the box and opened it. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him choke up. Not a word was said as he gently took the long knife out of the box and removed it from the fancy leather sleeve. He examined it very closely and then slowly put it away. You did good little sister, you did very good and he hugged me. That was a first.
I don’t see what you like about this kind of thing, but a friend at school that’s in Boy Scouts told me it was the kind of present you’d like. Would you stop calling me that please?
What?
Little sister.
He smiled and said, for now. He held up the knife and said thanks, it’s the best present I’ve ever gotten. I’ll make sure I remember to get you something.
I looked at him in the way I always see mommy look when she is not really upset but teasingly chastises them. I know you’re always forgetting these things, just like daddy, it’s a man thing.
My God said daddy. That sounded just like your mother.
I told you, need any more proof said Sam?
I don’t think so, I think I’ve seen plenty. Daddy sat down next to me and said, you always remember just like your mother don’t you?
I smiled, just like mom I said proudly.
Speaking of your mom, she is really upset and not feeling to good. She will need your help a lot this week. Would you please help her as much as possible?
Of course, I love doing things with mommy.
I kind of guessed so. Great, she loves doing things with you also. She’s really sad that she don’t have a daughter to help her. She may ask you to do some fairly girlish things. She needs to be handled gently while she’s like this or she may decide to leave us.
I started crying, mommy would never leave me.
Son, you know she wants a little girl real bad and I can’t give her anymore children because of the mumps you gave me six years ago. I started crying. Don’t worry, know one blames you, but she needs a little helper and she may want to make you look more girlish to help satisfy her deep, deep need. If she don’t get it then she could decide to leave and it’s all up to you.
I’ll be her little helper. I hope she don’t go overboard with this needing a girl thing, but I’ll keep her happy until you get back to help, OK.
That’s great, thanks. I feel much better now. I gave him a big hug. For some reason he wanted to know if I could hug harder. I told him I was hugging as hard as I could. He sighed. We talked for a while then he went down stairs, Sam went back to packing and making a list of what he needed.
George Part 3: Telling Mommy
Down stairs daddy was sitting in the front room talking to mommy. Sam’s right.
She looked at him, what do you mean?
George is not male.
What?! Don’t kid around about this kind of thing.
He looked at her a little upset, I would never kid around about one of my sons being effeminate. The boy, god bless him, is more girl than most girls I’ve ever seen. Do you know what he’s reading right now?
No.
A book on sewing he took from your sewing room. He’s worried that you’ll find out and be mad.
Why is he interested in sewing?
Why is he interested in dancing, ballet, art, music, helping you, and has teddy bears, a picture of a girl that he admires, and dozens of books on things that girl’s do? He has a jump rope and who does he play with around home? The girls. I just talked with our youngest boy and though he won’t say it, he’s hurting.
She stood up quickly and looked up toward my room. Dad knew he had her then so he pushed it a little further. While I was up there he was crying because he thinks that you don’t love him. I tried to tell him that you do but he’d have none of it. She started heading my direction, her little boy was in pain. Daddy put a hand on her arm and stopped her saying, we need to talk first. She turned to him.
Why would he think I don’t love him, she was crying.
Daddy was thinking, perfect. Because he loves doing things that are girlish and you never let him. In fact you insist on making Sam do them and you leave him out. Remember when you had Sam wear that apron? Remember that George got all mad over nothing? Did you ever think that he was jealous? You know how he loves to play with his cousin’s. They always wear frilly dresses and he spends as much time with the girls there as he possibly can even though there are plenty of boys around his own size. Think back on all the Halloweens, what does he always talk you into?
A double costume, a girls costume.
Exactly, After looking at it with a different perspective thanks to Sam, I think our son wants to be a girl. I think he’s dying to be a girl and I’m worried about him. I going to get him help. As soon as I get back I am going to try to get him professional help. I don’t think theirs much hope. I’ve seen this a thousand times and I’ve never heard of a case that was turned around. Some children are just born in the wrong body. I just hope he doesn’t do anything rash while I’m gone.
What do you mean rash?
Most boys end up either real bad and impossible to control, or what I expect in his case, being the quite and shy type that he may attempt to take his life. No, in second thought, I think I’ll be staying home. Sam and I can wait for another year. The boy needs a lot of attention right now, I’m just afraid that teasing from Sam may push him over the end at this point. What we really need is someplace to send him where they can guide him slowly into seeing what being a girl is all about. Some place understanding yet firm as he will pretend that he don’t like it out of fear. He could see the wheels turning in her head. He reached for the phone. I’m calling my buddies to cancel the trip.
Hang up! The angry tone she used was not what he was expecting.
What dear?
Hang up. I’ll take care of this, nothings going to harm my daughter. You two get out tomorrow morning and stay gone for two weeks. Call work and extend that vacation.
Dear, you don’t understand.
With tears in her eyes she got right in his face. I understand perfectly fine! I have a daughter not a son. My mistake and I’ll correct it. I understand that it’s going to take gentleness and a lot of understanding, I’m not going to let my daughter go through life as a boy and be miserable. This is something I can fix.
Dear, please, he’s a boy not a girl.
You can fix that can’t you?
Yes but.
No buts. I won’t have my precious child in pain. If you two don’t leave tomorrow morning I’ll throw you out myself.
Yes dear. Please be very kind to him, it’s not his fault. I know about these things, he was born this way.
She smiled and softly said yes, she’s always been my daughter hasn’t she and I’ve neglected her. I won’t any more. She picked up the phone and called her mother. They talked about George for hours. Daddy continued packing. He wanted to whistle he was so happy, but knew he needed to stay acting concerned. So what if he sacrificed one wimpy son to get time with the other. Susan won’t hurt him and he can straighten everything out later.
Mommy came up to my room and gently knocked on the door. I said come in mommy.
How do you know it’s me sweetheart.
You knock like I do, not like those guys.
She smiled at the way I included myself in with her.
I was hiding something behind my back. What is that you have there sweetheart?
Where?
Behind you.
I blushed and pulled it out, it was her sewing book. I’ll put it back please can I read it?
She came over to me and picked me up out of my big bird chair and said, of course you can. You can read any of my books.
Really?
Sure, I have lots of books just like you. Will you help me tomorrow, I could really use your help?
I’d be glad to mommy, thank you and I gave her a big hug and said I love you.
She hugged me back and said I love you more than anyone dear.
I looked at her and for some reason I started crying. We just sat there on the bed with her holding me for a long time. I fell asleep and she put me to bed.
When she went into her and daddy’s bedroom they made love passionately for the first time in over a year.
George Part 4: Breakfast.
Daddy and Sam left very early the next morning. As soon as they were gone mommy came in and laid down next to me and petted my hair. It had grown long over the winter and last summer. I had taken to tying it back with a black rubber band. Even when tied back it was down passed my shoulders by three inches.
I woke up at one point and saw her. Is it time to get up now?
No not yet sweetheart.
I put my arms around her and snuggled in real close, she was warm and I went back to sleep.
I didn’t know it but she started crying. She wasn’t sad, she had a smile, she was just so happy she thought her heart was going to burst.
She got up at some point and went down stairs. When I got up I dressed in a tee shirt and shorts. I had my sneakers on with out socks. I brushed my teeth and combed my hair and just left it dangling all over. Then I went down stairs. Mommy was in the kitchen so that’s where I went. What’s Ya doing?
What are you doing sweetheart. Ya is not a word.
With a big smile I said OK, what are you doing sweetheart?
She smiled and said I’m making French Toast for breakfast.
I jumped up as that was my favorite. Can I help please?
She smiled and said sure, but there are a couple of things I have to change first. She took out a white pinafore from the drawer.
I started to panic and she saw this, so she quickly made up an excuse. This is just to keep your cloths from getting flower on them. You don’t mind do you?
I thought about what daddy said and told her no it’s OK. It was silly but I wasn’t going to tell her that, not in her condition. After all I was supposed to be taking care of her. She placed it over my head and adjusted it to fit me. It was very big and went below my knees.
She went up stairs and came back down with a white ribbon and a comb. When I saw this I cringed. She saw and said, look silly, we can’t have your hair falling into the food can we. Of course not. She combed my long, thick, blond hair back off my face and neck and tied the ribbon into place. The pony tail was very high, near the top back of my head.
She stood back and looked at me. She nearly fainted, here was her daughter, the one she could never see before. The pinafore wrapped all the way around me so that it looked like I had a dress on, and my hair was just like a little girls, the same wonderful blond. She got a stool for me and showed me how to dip the bread in the mix and them in the flour and powered sugar mix. Then she talked to me about how to fry them. We really had a good time and I forgot all about being dressed funny.
I have this great memory especially for things I enjoy, and so I remembered everything. When she quizzed me at the table during breakfast I told her exactly how to make French Toast, except the amounts for the mixtures as she had already did that part before I came down.
My but you soaked that knowledge up real fast.
I figured this was a great time to make mommy happier. I really want to learn to cook mommy. I said this with my eyes turned down because I thought she would see I was lying.
Mommy on the other hand saw my eyes turned down and thought I was worried that she would disapprove and stop loving me. She came over to me and hugged me saying that she’d teach me all I could ever want to know about cooking and that she was happy to have someone to teach.
We both cleaned up and I was standing at the sink on a stool doing the last dishes when the door bell rang. Mommy went to the door and I could hear Grandma giving her greetings. I finished the last dish and dried my hands. Then I ran to the front and right up to Grandma giving her the biggest hug. I was really happy to see her. She could help me keep mommy cheered up, and maybe I wouldn’t have to do so much.
Grandma was talking to her daughter when she saw this darling little girl come around the corner and grab her and hug her. It took a minute but it sunk in. This was her grandson George. She pilled him off saying, well I’m glad to see you too.
I smiled and said, hi, I get to go dry the dishes, your staying aren’t you, please, please. Then I ran back into the kitchen before she could answer.
She was shocked to silence for a second, then she said Susan, I’ve never seen him so happy.
That’s in just less than one hour. A simple excuse to put a pinafore on her and to put her hair up, then letting her know that she can help me all she wants and she’s happier than I think I can ever remember.
Do you think it’s healthy to be calling him, her?
Mother, that was my daughter. The longer you’re around her the more you’ll see that what I told you last night is true.
It certainly seems that he, I mean she’s happy dear. I don’t know what you need me here for, you seem to have everything in hand. Don’t get me wrong, any excuse to stay with my daughter while her husband is not around, but things seem to be all right here.
Mother, I think the problems that Jeff and I have been having are mostly my fault. Every sense I found out that George is really a girl at heart I’ve been very happy and now Jeff and I get along great.
She looked at her daughter and could begin to piece together just how important this was to her. Are you sure your son really wants this and it’s not just wishful thinking?
That’s why you’re here, I need you to ascertain if this is correct or not. I can’t, I’m far too emotional about it.
George Part 5: Telling Grandma.
The phone rang. Mommy picked it up and daddy was on the other side. I just thought I’d check in and find out how things are going.
Were doing great dear, thank you.
Is mom there yet?
Yes.
Let me talk to her please.
Jeff wants to talk to you.
Hello Jeff, seems you have a problem.
More than you know. Don’t say anything out loud, just lesson please. Susan’s been getting depressed more and more lately. Have you noticed that except last night she don’t even call you, and when you do talk it’s short and to the point.
Yes.
That’s not like her, she’s always been the kindest and nicest person on the face of the planet right.
Yes.
I had a friend over the other night, a shrink friend from the hospital. He watched her very closely. She’s getting worse mom and I can’t do anything about it. I was so frustrated, I wanted to help her so badly and I couldn’t. The whole problem stems around her not having a daughter. Do you understand?
Yes, I could have told you that.
I got to give daddy credit here, he sounded like he was almost in tears.
Last night the solution just popped up out of the blue. It seems my son is hiding a deep seeded need to be a girl.
Are you sure?
I talked with him for hours, everything he does he does like a girl. Everything he likes is girlish, everything he hates is boyish. Haven’t you noticed how quite and reserved he is except when he gets to play with his cousins and then only when he’s with his female cousins. He enjoys playing their games and doing things with them and only them.
Yes, I noticed.
I know you women have mentioned this before and I’m sure that one of you has said that he makes a better girl than boy. Haven’t you?
Yes, several times.
Is Susan happy?
Grandma looked over at Susan and saw the smile and contented look she had while watching her son drying the dishes. Yes, for the first time in years.
What do you think will happen if she finds out that George doesn’t want to be a girl?
Grandma stiffened and whispered, she would die, literally. I thought you said he wants to be a girl?
I said it’s latent, in his subconscious but not in his conscious. He may fight everything you do but I bet he’ll enjoy it afterward. He’s not going to just consciously let someone change him into a girl no mater what he really wants or needs.
That’s not good.
That’s why I need your help.
You want my help, that’s a change.
Daddy got a little hot at that.
Look, this is my wife and son were talking about. I don’t care what differences we have, but for Gods sake lets put them aside. I love them and if I can’t get you to help I may have to hospitalize the both of them.
She asked what was needed.
I need you to stay there for a while and help her change him slowly into a girl. He’s going to fuss and complain and pretend he hates it and this could crush her and make her give up. If that is allowed to happen there both lost. She has to be stronger than he is. I think with you there the issues that come up will be easier for both of them. You’ve always known what to say and do when there’s a problem.
I see what you’re asking. Why aren’t you here?
She kicked me out. She doesn’t want Sam or my teasing ways to make this harder.
Smart girl. Ok I’ll help.
Great, I’m leaving my life in your hands mom, please take care of it.
I will, goodbye.
Goodbye. When the phone hung up daddy was laughing his head off but not Sam. Sam was thinking, if this turns out I loose a wimp of a brother and gain a very cute little sister. He wondered what that would be like.
Grandma sat down. This was a lot to put on her, but it was her grandchild and daughter. She had to ensure that George did not ruin things.
George Part 6: The Plan.
Grandma and mommy came into the kitchen. Mommy said she needs to plan the reception dinner and then start on the wedding dress, but first it’s cleanup time.
I looked over at her thinking, how can I get her to spend time with Grandma and out of the kitchen. Got it. With my best and happiest smile I said mommy, why don’t you and Grandma go make plans. I’ll finish cleaning the kitchen.
Mommy asked are you sure dear?
Grandma was thinking “he looks so happy.”
Oh yes mommy, I can do it you’ll see, please let me try.
OK dear.
She and Grandma sat down at the kitchen table. Darn, I was hopping they’d go into the living room or something. Now I have to look like I’m enjoying this.
Grandma watched him as he skipped over and cleaned the tabletop for them. He offered them coffee and poured for them. Then he started cleaning. He was so happy he actually started singing. He constantly looked over at his mom for approval just as if he needed to be reassured that his mom loved him and wanted him to help her. She started getting the feeling that her son-in-law was correct for a change, and her daughter looked so happy.
I was doing everything I could to impress mommy. I was even quietly singing her favorite church songs. I really poured it on and I kept looking at her to ensure she knew. She looked so happy. I did a great job and you know what, I enjoyed myself. Go figure.
She was watching me but worked with Grandma on the reception dinner. So the plan was working but I was quickly running out of kitchen to clean. I needed another plan. It came to me as I was tossing stuff down the laundry shoot. I wasn’t to sure if she’d go with this plan so I forgot my smile. I concentrated on how to ask this. Slowly it came to me and I went to her and waited. I almost had a tear in my eyes because I was sure she’d turn me down and I’d be right back in the front of her mind.
You did a wonderful job on the kitchen dear. She was looking at me concerned.
I pushed some hair that got loose and into my eyes and asked, mommy don’t we do laundry on Saturdays? If I gather it all up and take it down stairs will you show me how to do the laundry? Then you could have more time to make plans with Grandma.
She said that’s a wonderful idea sweetheart, thank you.
I was so happy that she accepted the idea, I jumped up and down for joy and ran upstairs to gather the cloths before she could change her mind.
They both watched me go and then turned to each other and smiled. While I was upstairs they continued planning, but it wasn’t about the wedding.
I happily gathered up everything I could find and tossed them down the shoot. Just about the time I was done mommy came upstairs and took off her apron. She tossed it down the shoot and told me to do the same. After I did she looked at my hair and said, we need to do something more with your hair so it’s not in your eyes sweetheart.
I looked at her skeptically and said I need to go to the barber shop and get it cut mommy, it’s way to long.
Grandma was right behind her and said, but until then let us have a little fun with it. It would sure make us happy.
I looked into mommy’s eyes and thought about what daddy had said and I started tearing up, aren’t you happy mommy? I don’t want you to feel bad and I hugged her.
Grandma could not help but think that this was the sweetest little girl she had ever seen.
Oh sweetheart, mommy hugged me back and Grandma patted my head saying I think your mommy is happier right now than she has ever been before and it’s because you’re being so good to her.
Everyone smiled and Grandma said let’s go fix her hair.
If the “her” had registered I would be running for my life while I had the chance, but I was so happy that things were working out I missed it.
George Part 7: Hair Today, Worse Tomorrow.
Grandma took me back to the kitchen as mommy was retrieving things from her bathroom. Grandma had me standing on a chair with my head in the sink getting wet. She explained that it needed washing first. Mommy came down and gave Grandma the shampoo. Grandma and mommy were both saying how they had hair just like this when they were young and the pride in their voices was enough to make me very happy.
After the wash and rinse Grandma had me sit at the table facing the living room. Mommy sat down right behind me and started humming. She really had a wonderful voice and I sang with her. She was putting something in my hair on each side then adding something real smelly. She combed my hair forward then cut it across my nose. Then she put rollers in my hair above my eyes and added the same smelly stuff. She did the same around the back and at the bottom. When she was done there was a row of curlers running completely around my head. She put a plastic cap on my head and then plugged it in. It blew up like a balloon. I thought this was neat but my head started getting really hot. I was going to complain but Grandma would have none of it and told me I’d be fine. Grandma and mommy sat down and continued planning the wedding. Mommy would reach under the plastic cap and check my hair every few minutes. Finally, just before I was going to complain that I was well done and going on crispy, she pronounced that I was dry and turned it on cool. What a relief. The cool air encircled my head making things much nicer. Mommy removed the cap and started removing rollers. When all were removed she fluffed my hair with her hands checking to ensure everything was dry. She picked up a round brush and started combing. Both Grandma and mommy were delighted in how well my hair took a curl. I was getting a little nervous with all the “She and Her” that they were using. At first I thought they were taking about doing my cousins hair but when mommy, as she was running her fingers through my hair said, “My daughter has beautiful hair doesn’t she? I wish mine were still like this.
I started to panic and I stiffened up. Both noticed and changed the subject quickly. They were talking about the dinner reception when mother came around front and had me stand.
Turn around slowly sweetheart.
I did as asked and when I got back around the smile on mommy’s face was laced with love. I shook my head quickly to see if any hair would get into my eyes, none did. Thank you for the hair cut mommy. I looked at the floor and said you didn’t cut much, may I have a look now?
Grandma and mommy both got extremely guilty looks and said yes dear.
I looked from one to the other and realized that I may not want to see it. I put my hands on my hips just like when mommy is getting ready to chew out daddy and asked, what did you do?
Grandma asked with an innocent voice what do you mean dear?
I looked at her in surprise and smiled saying you did that really well Grandma. Remember latter that you’re the one who just taught me that act. Besides you know full well what I mean. You both look like you did something bad and have just got caught. I smiled to relieve some of the tension.
Grandma was thinking, she does that just like her mother and I. Theirs no boy here, this child is all girl. If she’s forced to live life as a boy then she’ll never be happy.
Mommy took my hand and led me to the bathroom. She turned on the light and there, in the mirror, was a very, very pretty little girl. Her hair was exquisite. She had large hoops for bangs, her hair was straight, parted down the center, and there was a tunnel of under curl going all around her head. She had two loose ringlets, one at each side just in front of the ears. It was me and I was in shock. I couldn’t move or think, just stare at the little girl.
Mommy was right behind me and she went from a smile, to a pout, to a worried look, and finally tears. She put her hands on my shoulders asking are you all right sweetheart?
I came out of my trance and all I could manage to whisper was “it’s wonderful, I never knew you could do something like this.” Then it hit me and I shook my head, both Grandma and mommy could see the change and Grandma said UT. OH.
Mother! What did you do! TAKE IT OUT, CUT IT OFF, ARE YOU, ARE YOU! I was just about to blow-up but dads words hit me like an anvil. I stopped and smiled. Are you playing some kind of a silly game with me, like house or something?
Mommy was stunned to silence but Grandma quickly stepped in with yes dear, we’re playing house. We didn’t think you’d mind.
Cool, I looked at mommy and gave her a hug asking her what roll I was playing that I needed a hair cut like this?
She smiled and said we’re having a girls only week and I was hopping you’d be my daughter for the game. You don’t really mind do you? We thought it would be a lot of fun.
My thoughts were going a mile a minute. Mind, mind, are you both nuts? Of course I mind. That is what I was thinking but instead I said, can I be named after Grandma and you? Can I be Lisa Ann from you’re middle names, please?
Grandma got down on one knee to be face to face with me and asked, why Lisa Ann dear? She was trembling and a tear was starting.
I looked at her and said, I love you and mommy more than anyone. If I’m going to be a pretend girl I want to be just like you. I reached over and touched her tear then hugged her saying if you don’t want me named after you it’s OK.
She held me at arms length and then pulled me in kissing me over and over saying, I love you too Lisa Ann.
Grandma. Mommy, and I were all hugging and it was great. Everyone was happy. I’d thought I’d messed things up for a minute but I pulled it out. This was not easy, very time I messed up things mommy got sad. Every time mommy got sad it cost me a bit of my manliness. This time a big bit.
Grandma was thinking, “she loved her hair that way but the boy broke out and had to protest, then the female subconscious came through and made it a game so the boy could except it. The boy child is so confused he has developed a split personality. He wants to be a girl so badly that the boy gladly excepted the first excuse. The girl side is winning and it’s because that’s what he really wants and needs. If we don’t make this child a girl then she will never be right. She could go insane. My name sake could go insane. My baby’s baby.” The tears were rolling down her cheek and she hugged me even harder.
Finally she let me go saying Lisa Ann please go down to the basement and start getting all the cloths into one big pile, then separate all the colors from the whites so there are two piles, then we’ll come down and show you the rest.
I jumped up and said “Oh yes Grandma.” And I ran from the room. My mind saying “No dress, no apron and no hair ribbons, this is much better, hairdo or not.
Mommy looked at Grandma and asked, what do you think now?
That exchange, loving the hair, hating it, and then making it into a game. His subconscious or female side loves it, his conscious or male side is still rebelling, so his female side made it tolerable by making it into a game. Look how easily the female side persuaded the male side and how happy she and he is with the decision. This child is being torn into two distinct personalities because she wants to be a girl and can’t because she’s a boy. Also just as important, the name she picked. She brought it up, she picked it, she didn’t even need to think about it, and the boy side excepted it right away as if it was expected.
You think she’s thought about this before?
Not consciously but in her deepest dreams. I bet she’s played this game with us before in her dreams and that’s why she jumped on it so quickly and why the boy was OK with it.
He’s played it before in his dreams. Why didn’t he tell me?
Oh sure, a boy is going to tell his mommy that he dreams of being a girl. She tells his daddy, he tells his bigger son and the teasing starts. If she was consciously aware of the dreams at all, theirs no way she’d say anything.
I bet, it would come up during the game, say in casual conversation over tea and cakes, he may just have his guard down enough to let her open up to us.
Child, that’s a great idea. Also we need cloths. You think your sister could loan us some?
Not only that, but watch this. She headed toward the stairs leading down to the basement, Grandma telling her not to push too hard.
Don’t worry mom, I have a great idea.
When they got to me they showed me how to separate everything, then had me complete it. Then they showed me how to run the washer and dryer including what settings for each type of load. When they were done telling me I repeated everything back.
Very good dear. Um sweetheart.
Yes mommy, did I get something wrong?
I had paid extra special attention to every detail as I did not want her staying down here to watch me and start getting weird ideas.
No dear you did great. We do have a problem. Your Aunt was to bring your two cousins over so that they can try on their dresses. They’re the flower girls you know.
I thought to myself, here’s another chance to get away from mommy. I clapped my hands several times in excited anticipation while beaming and jumping around. Can they stay and play mommy please? What’s the problem?
Of course dear, they can stay and play, but the problem is your hair.
Grandma added, remember we’re playing a game right now.
“NO THEY CAN”T COME OVER! YOU HAVE TO TAKE MY HAIR BACK TO NORMAL AND RIGHT NOW!” Then it hit me and I stopped my tantrum and said to myself, wait a minute. I’ve been worrying about having to go out and get a dress, expecting mommy to find a way into talking me into going to the stores with her. How embarrassing that was going to be, but here is a way out. I mean, my goodness it’s only the first day and it’s not even lunch time yet and my hair is fixed like a girls already. I figure that today or tomorrow it’s off to the stores and with this hairdo I’m doomed. On the other hand, Debbie and Sally love playing house. They would never tease me and would keep it our secret. Plus, we would not have to go outside at all until my hair was cut. They have the most fancy cloths, but which is worse.
Grandma and mommy watched me struggle back and forth with the idea, both were praying that the little girl would take over. Grandma was upset with mommy. She was hoping mommy hadn’t stepped over the line with this, but in all honesty the girls did need to come over.
Mommy I’m sorry about what I said, I wasn’t thinking.
That’s alright sweetheart.
It seems to me that the hair is not the problem mommy.
It’s not? Grandma asked.
No Grandma, we have two problems really. First Aunt Carrol, Debbie, and Sally are not part of the game and second I’m suppose to be a girl, I have this great, wonderful new hairdo and nothing to ware with it. I started pouting and the cool thing was I even forced some tears and said Debbie and Sally will be all mad at me if I’m not wearing the right cloths for the game. Then it hit me that I was asking mommy to get me a dress, I started crying and couldn’t stop.
Mommy held me while looking at Grandma with a forlorn look and mouthed, she’s crying because she has no dress. I would never have believed it.
Grandma stepped in to save the day. She gently took my chin and held my head up so she could look into my eyes. It seems to me that my daughters both loved to play house when they were growing up, and if I’m not mistaken so do my granddaughters. I’ll talk to them and pull them into the game, they’ll love it. I bet I can talk Carrol into loaning you some of the girls cloths so Debbie and Sally won’t be mad at you. They get to help you play the game instead. Won’t they enjoy that?
Really? I asked with hope in my voice that the cloths are only on loan for one week.
Mommy and Grandma heard the hope and smiled. Grandma said we’ll get on it right away. You finish the laundry. She put her hand out and asked Deal?
I smiled and said Deal! And shook her hand big one shake.
When mommy and Grandma got upstairs and the door was shut Grandma turned to mommy and said, “if you ever do something like that again to my namesake, I’ll turn you over my knees. They both smiled and hugged each other.
George Part 8: My Aunt and Cousins.
When Grandma called Aunt Carrol and told her everything, she did so on the speaker phone so that mommy and my cousins could hear. Grandma and mommy decided that Debbie and Sally should know what was going on so that they could help.
Ok, so does everyone understand what’s happened?
Debbie said, Grandma we’ve always known that George was a girl. That’s why we let him play with us. He always sides with us when we get in arguments with the boys, he loves to play our games, and he thinks like we do. What do you want us to do to help him become Lisa Ann?
Sally said this is going to be fun and started giggling which caused Debbie to start also.
Aunt Carol put a stop to that right away, girls if you giggle and tease George you’re going to ruin everything. The boy in him will come out swinging.
Debbie said, mother if we don’t act natural George is smart enough to see right through us. If we don’t giggle and get him to laugh with us then it will strain our relationship with him. Us girls know what we’re doing and giggling is part of it.
Grandma broke in and said Carrol, I think they’re right. They need to act like this is a game and that means a little teasing and giggling, but you’re right they can’t over do it.
Sally said no teasing! Giggling with him, making him laugh with us about this, but no teasing, that’s mean. We will not be mean to our friend.
Debbie said that’s right no teasing. The three of us stay together on this always. We never tease each other, we’re friends. Friends don’t tease each other, that’s one of the reasons he gets along with us so well. We never tease him and he never teases us. Back to my question, what do you want us to do?
Well, he seems to think the two of you would be mad if you caught him not dressing properly for the part he’s playing in the game.
He’s right we would. We’ve played house with him several times and though he never played the girls part, he often played the fathers part and we made him dress in daddy’s cloths. He only refused once and we did get upset and refused to play the game. I bet he’s worried about that right now. What age girl is he playing?
Grandma and mommy looked at each other, they had not thought about that. He doesn’t look his age. He looks about seven or eight. Mommy decided and said she’s eight years old.
Sally giggled again and said he looks more like five or six to me. I’m six and I’m taller than him.
OK, five it is said mommy.
Is he potty trained asked Debbie?
Yes said mommy.
Then he needs to be dressed like a five year old little girl. Mother kept us in dresses with petticoats and stuff at age five. Do you have anything that will fit him?
No, that’s one of the reasons we called. The two of you need to come over for fittings, your dresses are almost ready, and he needs to barrow enough clothes to get him through two weeks of playing the game.
I thought you told him one week?
I did dear but when his daddy calls to say their staying another week then I’m planning on talking him into extending the game.
Devious said Aunt Carol, I suppose that Fred already extended the trip.
Yes he did.
So we have work to do girls. We’ll be over in about two hours, is that alright?
Yes, it will give us time to have lunch with him. We have some questions we want to ask him.
After lunch then said Aunt Carol, and Susan, I’ll help all I can, so will the girls.
Thanks sis. I love you.
Love you too, bye.
Bye.
Grandma said, that went well.
Aunt Carol just stared at the phone for a second then turned to her daughters. Debbie I want you to watch George as much as possible. Ask him some questions when it’s appropriate and find out if he really wants this. I’m worried about my sister having wishful thinking. Don’t go by just his words, go by any mistakes he makes that show his true feelings. I’ve been teaching you how to read body language for years now, use your knowledge. Same goes for you Sally, I want the opinion of someone that can get close to him and get the truth.
Yes Mother, will do.
Right now we need to go up to the attic and get out any items that may fit him and sort through them. Sally, you start making lunch, Debbie and I will bring down all the stuff we’ve saved over the years.
Sally got up and headed to the kitchen, Debbie and Aunt Carrol went to the attic and pulled down dozens of boxes. They brought them to the spare bedroom and started sorting through them for size first. After lunch they went back through the right size pile for the proper styles and two weeks plus of outfits. Debbie said that two a day should be enough. Sally said, why don’t we start off simple and work our way up to fancy?
Aunt Carol thought that was a great idea and sorted everything to go along with it. She made sure they were folded nicely and then bagged them, labeled them with style like play or dress up, and numbered them in order. She also picked out several outfits for special occasions.
When they were done they packed everything up and put the extra away, back in the attic. Then they loaded the car and headed across town to Aunt Susan’s place.
Betty Pearl's Sissy Stories 20.1
Topic: George by Amy Lynn (Read 7399 times)
