PART 60
Josh glanced again at his mother, and she nodded approvingly. Clearly, she was pleased with how things were unfolding. The realization made Josh's cheeks grow even warmer. The delicate clinking of china and soft chatter of conversation from nearby tables just reminded him how out of place he felt. It was obvious that his Fauntleroy outfit was much more elaborate than what anyone else was wearing. That just amplified his discomfort. Every time he dared to look around, he saw curious eyes turning to him.
Some people were discreet about it, but many of the ladies and girls were openly staring at his overly frilly outfit. Every detail of his attire screamed âSissy!â He tried to focus on the fancy table setting, examining the delicate patterns of the teacups to distract himself as he wondered how he would ever get through this.
Their waitress began filling their teacups with a cheery attitude. The nametag pinned on her blouse said âJenna,â and she smiled at Josh in recognition. âI remember you!â she exclaimed as she poured Josh a steaming cup. She continued, âYou were in here on Sunday for brunch, but I would never have guessed you were a boy when I first saw you!â With a knowing grin, she added, âBut boys should be able to enjoy pretty things too, right?â Her gaze lingered on him. âAnd what an absolutely precious outfit⊠I bet you feel like a little doll in that! You sure look like one!â
Josh blushed deeply, feeling flustered by the new attention. Her words struck a chord, highlighting feelings he had struggled with all week. He did feel like a helpless doll, swept up in a whirlwind of girlish and sissified outfits. Dresses, panties, ribbons, and lace had rapidly become his everyday reality, plunging him into an inescapably feminine new world. Josh managed to stammer out a response, âUh thank you⊠umm⊠I just LOVE my Fauntleroy suit!â Frustration swept over himâhe couldnât believe how he had gushed that way. He still was unable to contain his nerves. Without thinking, he fiddled again with his daintily embroidered napkin which only drew focus back to his hands. His glossy pink nails sparkled prettily, perfectly complemented by the fussy lace cuffs and cute ribbon ties encircling his wrists.
âOh, and sweetie I just love your nails,â Jenna continued admiringly, âso cute!â She leaned in with a mischievous smile and lowered her voice just a bit, âit's not every day we see such a darling little doll like you in here!â Seeing Joshâs discomfort grow, she softened and said kindly, âJust so you know, youâre definitely one of the cutest guests Iâve ever waited on.â Then, as if to change the subject, she continued âthat polish suits you⊠what color is it?â
Cringing, Josh replied softly, âoh thank you, itâs uh⊠âBaby Pink Sparkle.ââ Once again, he felt the full weight of his completely sissified and emasculated state. Despite himself, he added, âKathy helped me pick it out⊠we got the same color.â Josh flushed more deeply as his mind drifted back to the manicure and pedicure in Miss Andreaâs salon. He recalled how unsettled he had felt as Denise, the cheerful nail technician, had worked on him with practiced ease. Every brushstroke of polish had seemed to strip away another layer of his boyishness. That had been such an intense day! After his first perm, manicure and pedicure, his descent into girlishness had begun to feel inescapable. Now, sitting at this table in his fussy velvet suit, all those feelings rushed back.
Kathy grinned and flashed her pretty pink nails as well and added, âThatâs right! Josh and I wanted to match!â
âWell, it looks just precious on you both,â the waitress complimented them again as Josh wanted to sink out of sight.
Joshâs nerves were truly on edge now. Each flutter of lace and whisper of silk against his skin only heightened his skittishness. Sitting daintily on display, he fruitlessly longed for the life he had lived just a week ago⊠before he had been so thoroughly sissified. It pained him to remember that this was the path he had chosen! He could have gone to Sterncourt, but instead he was enveloped in these suffocating layers of frills and lace. Last week felt like a distant memory now, and he realized how he had taken for granted the freedom to move unnoticed and dress however he pleased. Now, that all felt impossibly distant.
As Josh tried in vain to settle his emotions, Mrs. Smyth suddenly leaned to him with a nostalgic smile. âYou know, dear,â she said with twinkling eyes, âseeing you in that darling Fauntleroy suit brings back memories of Cindy Meriweather years ago.â Josh grimaced, but Mrs. Smyth went on, âCindy was the picture of sweetnessâher curls, her bows, even those dainty velvet ballet flats you are wearing right now. I swear, Josh, you could be her twin. I have the cutest photos of Cindy all dolled up in that very suit. We simply must get some pictures of you today to share with her!â
âThatâs a wonderful idea, Dolores!â Joshâs mother exclaimed in agreement.
As Josh continued to stew, Mrs. Smyth patted his shoulder reassuringly. âDonât be shy, my dear. You look absolutely exquisite!â She said it loudly enough that even some of the guests at the next table seemed to hear.
Josh sighed softly again.