PART 17
As Kathy eagerly brought over the first pair of shoes, their mother retrieved her cosmetic case and then swiveled the feminized boy slightly on the stool to face Kathy. âIâll take this back while you try on your shoes, but remember your modesty sweetheart,â she cautioned him. Josh was relieved to relax his knees but then he groaned softly as he saw the shoes.
They were a very girlish pair of cute open toe white patent sandals with a low block heel. The sandals had buckle ankle straps with narrow straps that looped gaily across the top of the foot. As Kathy knelt down to strap them on his feet, Josh couldnât take his eyes off the little white flower applique on top which practically screamed âGirly Girl!â Kathy expertly slid them over his feet and then buckled the shiny white straps snugly around his ankles.
âWell stand up honey and letâs see them on you,â Gwendolyn beamed.
Josh stood up a little unsteadily and took some tentative steps.
âThose are adorable!â Kathy exclaimed. âI just love how strappy and cute they are on your feet. And those flowers on top are just to die for!â
Looking at Josh, Gwendolyn asked âWhat do you think darling?â
âOh Mommy,â the sissified boy began almost without thinking, âthey are so pretty.â Cringing, he continued, âI just love the little flowers on top.â He hoped that was sufficiently gushy.
âGive us a twirl Josh,â Kathy prodded. Reluctantly and carefully, Josh turned slowly around causing his petticoat and skirt to rustle and swish.
âI agree that those really do complete the outfit,â Gwendolyn agreed. She also noted with satisfaction that the summery sandals fit his small feet perfectly. She had done her homework on sizes before ordering them online. They made his feet look even more delicate and deliciously feminine.
âShould we try the other pair, Mom?â Kathy asked.
âThose really are perfect, but we'll let Josh pick since he's the one who will be wearing them." She then added with a knowing look, "After all this is all his choice."
As the embarrassed boy stood there, Kathy retrieved another pair of sandals. âThose are just as girly as these,â Josh thought glumly. This low-heeled pair was a soft pink with even narrower straps to encircle the foot and ankle very delicately. The straps were dotted with small black polka dots, and Josh counted two, no three, shiny little silver buckles on each. They looked like a nightmare to get into. At least the ones he had on his feet now were white and not pink. Maybe that was something.
âMommy, if itâs all right I think I will stick with my cute flower sandals,â Josh decided. âI think they go better with my pretty dress,â he added just to be safe.
Gwendolyn eyed her son for a moment, and then smiled warmly. âI agree sugarplum, those white sandals look so precious. You've made a great choice! You will have lots of chances to wear the other ones. Besides, I think itâs getting time for something to eat.â
His mother guided him back again to the full length mirror, so he could take in his completed look. Looking at himself, Josh saw nothing but a pretty little girl staring back. His floppy gingham hairbow was pinned stiffly in his long hair. The bow sash on his pink gingham dress made the petticoat poof out and tickle his legs. His fussy little girl collar was snug around his neck, his strappy flower sandals just completed the sissyish look. Josh couldnât believe how quickly this had happened to him.
Gwendolyn was overjoyed with her sonâs transformation. There was hardly a trace of that rambunctious fifteen year old boy that had barreled through the door a couple of hours ago. âIâve got some sandwiches in the kitchen. After that, I think it would be nice to stretch our legs and walk into the village.â
Kathy giggled and headed for the kitchen. For a moment, Josh froze. Somehow, up to this point, he had thought that maybe he would just stay in the house. The idea that now he would have to go out in public dressed this way brought a whole new wave of anxiety over him. âInto the village?â he croaked the question.
âOf course, silly,â his mother responded. âYou didnât get all dressed up to stay in the house, did you? It will be a marvelous chance to show off your new dress.â
âNo half-measures,â Gwendolyn repeated the mantra happily to herself.
Lightheaded, Josh started taking small mincing steps toward the bedroom door to maintain his balance as he started to get used to his flowery, unfamiliar shoes.