The Flower Girl

Mom Or Not?

Gently tapping on the door, I push it open before Kevin can answer. I knew he’d be annoyed, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t feeling like a guest in their house anymore. The last few days, I’d started to feel like part of the family. I guess when you’re being constantly mothered, it’s hard not to feel like family.

“Hey….Kev,” I giggle, standing in the doorway, watching him shave in the mirror.

“Steven,” he replies, with a spoked jump. “What the hell are you doing in here!”

With only a towel hiding his naked body, I give him a cheeky smile.

“I wanted to get Jess’s makeup bag,” I say pointing to it on the sink. “Didn’t realize I’d get front row tickets to the gun show!”

“Go away will you,” he gripes, shooing me off. “I didn’t even hear you coming. You’re like a ninja with that tiny body.”

Leaning against the door frame, I brush the hair from my eyes.

“You aren't getting married with all that hair on your chest….,” I ask, sticking out a tongue in disgust. “You’re like a gorilla.”

“Just because your smooth all over,” he exclaims. “Least I can grow hair, unlike little miss over here.”

Rolling my eyes, I come in closer.

“Just pass me the makeup bag,” I moan.

Looking back into the mirror, Kevin resumes shaving. With one hand, he grabs the bag and dangles it higher than I can reach.

“Here you go,” he says, mocking me. “Grab it then.”

“Not funny,” I growl. Trying my best to jump and grab it. “Give it to me now, or I’m going to kick you in the balls!”

Turning to laugh at my plight, he mercifully lowers it into my hands.

“Least I’ve got balls pipsqueak,” he says, giving me a cheeky grin.

With the bag in hand, I turn away. My pink unicorn nighty flaps and twists as I do.

“You douche,” I replied, flicking my pigtails back over my shoulders.

“Oi,” he whines. “Don’t speak to me like that. I will wash your mouth out with soap!”

“Sorry!” I insolently shout back, skipping out of the room.

With the makeup in hand, I headed into my room. Jess had been helping me get dressed every morning. I’d started to feel like she had been taking it too far, so this morning, on her day off, I’d decided to get ready by myself.

I’d also decided I was going to show her how much I’m into helping with the wedding. I’d been a little reluctant with all the girly stuff, being a man and all.

This was my chance to show her I’d been listening to all her advice about being a girl.

I already knew what I wanted to wear. I’d had a look through the clothes Kevin brought and I’d found a pleated short skirt and a bright red off-shoulder top.

I thought it might look cute with some black tights and trainers. I also wanted to do some basic makeup and my nails.

Yesterday, Jess introduced me to the world of makeup and I found myself wanting to make her happy and proud of me. So I’ve decided I will give it ago!

I mean, I’m only a girl now for a few more days, would be a shame to not try it! What's the saying? When in Rome?

Placing Jess’s makeup bag onto the vanity table in my room, I pull my nighty over my head and throw it across the room.

With my long hair tickling my hairless feminine body, I itch my shoulder.

“I hate this part,” I mumble, placing my tiny fingers into the top of my bright white girly briefs.

Pulling them down as quickly as possible, I move rapidly to get on the fresh underwear I’d set out for the day. As much as I was almost getting used to the emptiness down there, it still kinda freaked me out that I have women's parts. Very emasculating.

Going to the toilet was always a real reminder of that. Just wiping that area after using the toilet made me feel weird. It’s not like I can just shake it and go anymore. You don’t realize how useful that is until you can’t do it anymore.

I’d even started to understand how annoying it is when the seat is left up. Kevin really was bad for that. Defiantly something I will take away from this experience!

With my fresh briefs on, I sit on the edge of the bed and pull up my tights. With my legs encased, I pull the pleated skirt up just above my hips.

Twisting and turning on the spot, the short skirt twirls as I move. I laugh and giggle.

“Is this too short?” I question, pulling the skirt down to the top of my thigh.

Shrugging my shoulders, I grab my top and put it on. I’d never worn a top like it before. The neck hole was massive. Once on, I allow one side to drape over my shoulder. It felt very feminine to have so much of my shoulder out, but I wasn’t minding it.

“Oh ok,” I say, smiling into the full-length floor mirror.

Reaching back and pulling the hairs trapped as I put on my top, I move closer to the mirror. Staring into the eyes of the girl looking back at me, I realize just how adorable I am.

My eyes sparkle with the essence of youth. My lips and cheeks are supple and full. My skin is so soft and perfect. Not a single blemish or stray hair.

Prodding my cheek and my nose, I look deeper at the shape of my face.

I could still kinda see myself in the girl that stares back. Even if my face is shorter and more rounded with softer features, she still has my nose and chin.

I guess even as a young girl, I can’t escape the family nose.

Gathering up my wild hair, I stroke it flat and quickly tie it all into a ponytail. With a sassy flick of my head, my hair swings back behind me.

“Good job so far,” I say, giving myself a pep talk, as I look over at Jess’s makeup bag. “Here’s the real test!”

Almost skipping over to the vanity table, I find myself oddly excited. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure why. I told myself it’s because this helps me be the pretty girl they want for the wedding.

That’s when I hear movement just outside my door.

“Steven?” Kevin calls out as my bedroom door swings open.

“Yeah?” I say, grabbing the bag and holding it at my chest.

“Errr…..,” Kevin says, looking at my outfit. “That’s a very short skirt.”

“You brought it,” I reply, shrugging my shoulders at him.

“I think someone’s starting to enjoy being a girl…..,” Kevin laughs, folding his arms and giving me a wide smile.

“Don’t be stupid dude,” I quickly squeal back at him with a whiney high pitched voice.

Giving me a look of disbelief, Kevin continues to chuckle.

“You did look so adorable in that blue dress yesterday,” he says, mimicking a curtsey. “Jess was saying you choose to wear it.”

“Oh shut up!” I whine, blushing like mad “So what if I choose to look adorable. Isn't that the whole reason I’m doing this?”

“Look dude,” Kevin says, rubbing his face. “I just don’t get too attached to that body, ok?”

“You think I wanna be a skinny little girl?” I instantly answer back.

“Okay, okay,” Kevin says, throwing his hands up. “I’m just saying I don’t want to lose my best friend. Also, Jess is fragile too.”

“How would you lose me?” I question, putting a single hand on my hip.

“My best friend can’t be a school girl you dope,” he answers with a sigh. “Just remember who you really are. I know we need you to act feminine, but I watched you yesterday with Jess putting makeup on. I saw the big smiles across both of your faces.”

“That was just a little fun and completely necessary for me to be the flower girl!” I cry out embarrassed. “What do you want anyway, I’m trying to get ready.”

“Jess isn’t up yet and I’ve gotta go to work,” he says, putting his hand on the door and readying to leave the room. “I just wanted to say I’d put your cereal out and some juice.”

“Thanks,” I answer with a smile. “Coffee?”

“Sorry Steve,” Kevin replies as he leaves the room and walks down the hallway. “You know you’re not allowed.”

Letting out a huff as I hear Kevin walk down the stairs, I turn my attention back to the makeup bag I still hold in my hand.

Throwing out the contents of the bag onto the floor in front of the mirror, I look at the cosmetics strewn out in front of me.

Starting with my lips, I pick up Jess’s dark maroon lipstick. Taking off the lid, I push the lipstick against my lips. With the waxy feeling of it as I moved it across my lips, I look into the mirror to check my work.

Having never done it myself before, I was happy with how well I’d manage to apply it. It may have looked a little wonky, and thicker in other places, but I loved how sophisticated it made my face look. I instantly looked older.

Excited by that prospect, I throw the lipstick down and grab Jess’s expensive-looking eye shadow palette. Flicking open the small little case, I find six soft muted colors inside. Picking up a brush, I’d remembered that Jess said that brown would be a good color for a girl with a face like mine.

Loading the brush up with the glittery brown eye shadow I’d chosen, I close my eyes and swipe across the lids.

Once I’d repeated the process for my other eye, I drop the brush and look into the mirror. I instantly frown, as I quickly realize I’m not as delicate as Jess is. With my eyelids caked in a layer of thick eye shadow, I wasn’t quite sure what I’d done wrong. Trying to rub some off with my fingers, I end up smudging it down my face.

“Ah,” I whine, rubbing the excess makeup onto the carpet. “Jess made this seem so easy!”

Trying my best to tidy up, I give up and move on to the mascara.

Opening the tube up, I flutter my eyelashes up and down the small black brush. Once I’d finished, I was super chuffed with how well I’d applied it. My lashes looked thick and long. Just like the women you see in beauty magazines.

“Not so bad,” I say to my reflection, fluttering my eyelashes.

That’s when I feel a deep rumble from my belly. So deep, I could hear it clear as day!

“Wow,” I comment, dropping the mascara brush. “Didn’t realize I'm that hungry.”

I wanted to paint my nails, but I guess food is more important. Kevin had left my food out waiting for me too.

Swiftly making my way downstairs, I see my bowl of cereal waiting for me on the table. As I stand next to my chair, I look around the room. Jess wasn’t up yet and Kevin’s gone to work. I’m all alone.

Moving slowly into the kitchen, I look up at the coffee machine on the counter. Nervously pulling my ponytail to my front, I stroke it again and again as I formulated a plan. They’ve been telling me I’m not allowed, but I’m a grown man. I can have coffee if I want!

I could see the coffee warming on the hot plate, but I couldn’t reach it. My girly body wasn’t tall enough. Not being strong enough to lift a chair, I dragged one across the floor over to the counter. Not wanting to make noise, I dragged it slowly across the tiled floor,

Once the chair was in position, I climbed up. Grabbing a coffee mug from the cupboard above, I pick the coffee jug up with both hands. Only spilling a little of the coffee on the counter, I get most of it in my mug.

Pleased, I bring the mug to my lips and take a sip. As the warm brown liquid hits my taste bud, the sweet bitterness warms my soul.

“Ahh,” I say, lowering the mug. “That’s the stuff.”

Planning how I was going to get down from the chair with my full mug of coffee, I hear Jess coming down the stairs. Knowing I’m about to get caught, I freeze on the spot with fear.

“What on earth do you think you doing!” Jess growls, as she walked into the kitchen and finds me standing at the coffee machine.

Pushing my mug away, I shake my head innocently.

“Nothing…..,” I say, rapidly getting down from the chair.

Stamping over to me, Jess leans over me and looks into the cup. Seeing the coffee inside it, she grabs hold of my arm and stops me from scurrying away.

“Emily….!?” She says, pulling me towards her.

As our eyes meet, I can see her looking at my made-up face in horror. With one hand holding me still, she runs her finger across my lips.

“This looks like my expensive lipstick,” she exclaims. “Did you use my makeup without asking?”

“No….,” I answer meekly, turning my face away.

“Don’t lie to me, young lady!” Jess yells. “I can see it on you. I can see it on the coffee mug you’ve just drunk from.”

“I didn’t!” I petulantly reply “Get off me, you’re hurting me!”

“You’re in big trouble young lady!” Jess moans. “Not only have you used my expensive makeup and made a huge mess on the floor upstairs. You’ve helped yourself to a coffee when we’ve told you no!”

“I can do what I like!” I Scream back at her, desperately trying to free my arm from her grip.

Having been caught and feeling super embarrassed about it all, I was started to feel so upset. With Jess hurting my arm and my feeble body not being able to break free, it made me angry.

“Get off me!” I growl, throwing my free hand at her in frustration.

“Emily!” Jess shouts, shocked at me hitting her.

With us both glaring at each other, I swing at her once again. Why isn't see letting me go? I’m not a child

“How dare you!” Jess thunders.

Gripping me tighter, she pulls me into the living room. I continue to struggle to break free, but she’s stronger. As we approach the sofa, Jess swiftly sits down and throws me over her knee. With my body bent over her leg, I let out a whine.

“Stop,” I shout, tears welling in my eyes.

“Naughty girls get punished,” Jess says sternly, pulling down my tights and panties. “Living under my roof, you live by my rules!”

With my bare bottom exposed, I try to squirm free. I knew what was coming and no way was she going to do that to me

With my feeble attempts to escape, Jess slaps my backside hard. With the sound of the slap echoing around the room, I scream out in pain.

With the sting of her punishment lingering on my bottom, I started balling my eyes out.

“If I tell you not to,” Jess says, ignoring my screams and tears. “You do as I say. I said that you are only to do makeup with me. We also told you no coffee!”

Still bent over her knee with my panties down, I felt so ashamed of myself. I felt so emasculated by her. I didn’t know what to say.

“Do you understand?” Jess says calmly.

“Y-yes,” I mumble through my tears.

With her pulling up my briefs and tights, she lets me get off her knee. As soon as she lets me go, I run off into the kitchen. Running into the corner, I sit facing the cupboard.

I didn’t know how to process what just happened. I couldn’t stop myself from sobbing and crying. What's going on with me. I wanted to just man up and get on with it. Why was I acting so much like a child?

After a good few minutes of crying, I do start to calm down.  As I wipe my eyes and stand up, all I wanted was a hug.

Slowly walking into the living room, I stand dejected in front of her. Jess was still sitting on the sofa. It was obvious she’d been crying too.

“J-jess,” I say nervosly. “I’m sorry.”

Turning and giving me a small smile, Jess also wipes tears from her eyes. Holding out her hand, she gestures me over. As I stand in front of her, Jess throws her arms around me and pulls me in tight. With my face pressed against her breasts, she starts gently stroking my long hair.

“Thank you for saying sorry,” she whispers into my ear.

As she starts comforting me, I start crying once more. I didn’t understand it. Why are my emotions so out of control? Was this girl's body affecting the way I think?

“Can I ask why you thought it was ok to use my expensive makeup?” Jess softly asks me, hugging me tighter.

“I wanted to surprise you,” I say, sniffing and sobbing at the same time. “I thought you’d be happy that I got myself dressed and did my own makeup.”

“Oh baby,” Jess sighs, letting me go.

Allowing me to step back and look up at her, she gently touches my cheek.

“I did notice that pretty little outfit,” she says, touching my pleated skirt. “and I can see you’ve really tried with the makeup.”

“I wanted to make you happy,” I say, wiping tears from my eyes. “You guys have taken me in and I wanted to repay you.”

With one large sniff, I see Jess looking down at me intrigued.

“Repay me?” She asks. “What do you mean? Surely you’re doing us a favor?”

Realizing I’d said too much, I sharply look away. I felt the blood rush to my face as my cheeks go red.

“Emily,” Jess says, brushing hair from my eyes. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“I’m homeless…..,” I say as quiet as a mouse.

“You’re homeless?” Jess questions, having heard me. “Is that why you came round so late the other night?”

“Yes,” I answer meekly.

“Wait,” Jess says confused. “I thought you lived with your Mom?”

“She’s dead,” I answer again, sobbing. “I have nowhere else to go.”

“Baby,” Jess cries, throwing her arms around me and hugging me tightly. “We’d heard rumors, but you never said anything. Is that why you wanted to repay me? Because we’ve taken you in?”

“Yeah,” I manage to say with my face buried in her chest.

“Oh god,” Jess groans. “I knew your mother was sick and the house was being repossessed, but I didn’t think it was that bad. Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Don’t know,” I answer childishly. “It was getting all a bit too much to handle. I didn’t want to think about it.”

Letting me go and looking at me again with a comforting smile, she wipes tears from my face.

“I also wanted you to know how it felt to have a daughter,” I tell her with my eyes welling up. “I wanted to show you how much I’d listened to you yesterday and how serious I’m taking my role as the flower girl!”

“Shit,” Jess whines. “I’m so sorry Emily,”

Allowing her head to drop, Jess starts to cry.

“We’ve been so wrapped up with our own lives,” she cries out. “We’ve not been checking up on you. I just spanked you for christ's sake and you were only trying to make me happy!”

Throwing myself at her, I throw my tiny arms as far around her body as I can.

“Is ok,” I say, looking up at her sad face with a smile. “I knew I was being naughty with the coffee.”

With her softly stroking my hair again, she smiles at me.

“Sorry for spanking you,” Jess says, with her eyes red from crying. “Thank you for doing that for me. I know becoming a little girl hasn’t been easy for you.”

“That's, ok,” I say, holding my hand to her face. “I’m thankful for the company and the warm bed. I’m starting to really enjoy the girl stuff too, so don’t worry about that.”

“You could stay like this…..,” Jess carelessly blurts out.

Letting go, I step back and look at her confused. Is that possible? Would they want that? Would I want that? Why say that to me now?

Stunned and stuck in my own thoughts, I gaze at her motionless.

“Emily?” Jess says, leaning forwards and touching me on the arm. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I can’t ask you to throw away your life so I can pretend you're my daughter.

Scoffing at her own stupidity, she shakes her head.

“Forget I said anything,” she groans. “I’m just super stressed with everything.”

Putting my hand onto hers, I look up at her with wide eyes.

“Is that even possible?” I ask. “I could end up staying like this?”

“You can,” Jess replies, giving me an awkward smile. “You don’t want to, so forget I said anything.

Not giving me a second to say anything back, Jess gets up and heads upstairs. I’m left flabbergasted at what she’s said. I hadn’t even considered that possibility. I’d just blindly gone along with it.

My mind now working at a million miles second, thoughts about staying a girl start popping up in my head. Would I want that? Would I want a new mom? Would I want to go through puberty as a girl? Would I like boys? Would I want Kevin as a dad?

With time passing by, I move around the room like a zombie. Lost in my thoughts, I sit at the table and slowly eat my cereal.

I could hear Jess moving around upstairs. She was likely cleaning up my mess with her makeup.

When she came downstairs an hour later, she’s got dressed in a casual plaid shirt and skinny jeans. He hair was done and her makeup looked perfect.

The silence as she entered the room was awful. I don’t think either of us really knew what to say.

“Erm,” Jess says breaking the silence. “We’ve got your dress fitting later today.”

“Oh,” I answer cautiously.

“Yeah, err.” Jess continues. “It’s not till this afternoon. I was wondering if you wanted to go shopping beforehand. Just us girls?”

“Ok,” I reply, giving a small smile. “Can you help me with my makeup before we go? I’m worried I did a bad job.”

“Sure,” Jess says, with the tension in her body language melting away. “You know, before we both started crying, you actually had done a really good job of it!”

“I had!?” I say back with surprise.

“Yeah!” Jess says, clapping her hands together. “Come on, let's go fix it and head into town. I’m thinking I can treat you to something nice!”

“Amazing!” I scream out with joy.

With Jess showing me how to be more delicate with the eyeshadow, we soon had my makeup looking great again.

Once my hair was brushed straight, we got on our shoes, and headed to her car. With me climbing into the back and asking for the music louder, we pull out of the drive and head to the mall.

Before long, we are at the mall, walking from shop to shop. I’d completely forgotten my worries about being seen as a girl at this point. Every so often I’d catch a boy of my age staring at me. I loved smiling back and watching them instantly look away embarrassed, It was nice feeling pretty and like the center of attention.

 I’d actually started finding it easier to think of myself as Jess’s daughter. I felt it made logical sense to treat her like she’s my mother. I mean, she basically was at this point. She was my role model in understanding being a girl.

Not something I was used to being an average-looking guy.

Finding ourselves in a sporting store, I wander off from Jess, who’s looking at the clothing section. Having no breasts of my own, sports bras don’t interest me.

Wondering off and into the soccer section, I eye a pair of soccer boots that I really love. Picking them up to look at them, Jess startles me from behind.

“I heard you was almost a pro,” Jess comments, picking another pair of boots up.

“Yeah,” I say, running my fingers along the boot's laces. “I’d love to play again but I’ve got a knee injury.”

“Not in that body you don’t,” Jess says as brash as daylight. “Would you like me to purchase you some boots and a ball so you can have a kick about later? Would seem a shame not to while you haven’t got a bad knee!”

“That would be so amazing mom!” I blurt out with excitement, not really thinking about it.

With Jess’s eyes growing wide, her mouth drops and she blankly stares down at me.

“Mom….?” She says, giving me an uncomfortable smile.

“Errr….,” I mutter. “Yeah……I’ve just been thinking it’s easier to pretend I’m your daughter. Sorry, that just slipped out. I’m ecstatic I can play soccer again!”

Nodding her head slowly, she takes the boot from my hand.

“Sure….,” she mumbles. “I’m….ok with that.”

“Sorry,” I say softly, lowering my head. “I just thought it’s easier for me to think that while we are out in public. I don’t want to draw attention to myself by acting weird or something.”

“Let me go buy these for you,” Jess states, giving me a wry smile.

As I follow behind her, I gently and secretly slap my forehead with my palm. I’d really dropped the ball with that one! Why’d I had to go and tell her that? I’m asking for trouble!

Standing with her at the counter, she asks the clerk to find my size. Once I’d put them on and agreed they were comfortable. Jess buys them for me.

We didn’t have time to talk further as we had to get to the dress shop. I could see Jess was conflicted about me calling her mom, in the way she was acting.

I wasn’t trying to get her hopes up that I’d stay like this. That wasn’t my intention! I hope she doesn’t think that. I needed to set the record straight as soon as I could.

As we reach the dress shop,  I follow her inside. looking around at all the gowns on display. From small frilly dresses that would fit me, to big beautiful white wedding dresses. I felt out of place, but for some reason, a little excited.

“Afternoon Miss Brown,” an older lady says approaching us.

“Hi Doris,” Jess replies, as I stand close behind her. “I’m here for my flower girl’s dress fitting.”

“Ah,” Doris says, looking down at me, then back up at Jess. “What happened to the other little girl?”

“Sophia?” Jess asks, “They couldn’t make it. “I’m hoping with a few small adjustments, Emily here will fit into the same dress.”

With Jess gently putting her hand on the back of my head, she pushes me out in front of her. Doris stares down at me. I couldn’t have felt more uncomfortable. I felt like I was a freak on show.

“Yes…..,” Doris mumbles, grabbing for her glasses that hang from her neck. “How are you doing sweety?”

“Hi,” I squeak.

Putting her glasses on, she looks at me in detail. Looking back up at Jess, she smiles.

“She’s a little smaller,” Doris comments. “But that should be fine. That’s easier than her being bigger!”

“Oh great!” Jess chirps

“This way then,” Doris states, beckoning me into the back of the shop. “Let's get you into the dress and I will pin it and makes some measurements.”

Following into the back area, it’s filled with half-sown dresses and mannequins. With a large desk in the middle, several large standing mirrors are off to the side.

“Here it is,” Doris says, holding up the dress to me and Jess. “Pretty, don’t you think?”

I didn’t know what to think. Pretty dresses weren’t quite my cup of tea. Having never been a girl before, it was kinda a silly question to ask me.

The dress did look expensive. The materials looked soft and thick. It looked like it would be comfortable to wear.

It was a two-tone dress. The skirt is a light purple and puffy. Clearly layered to add volume. The top half is bright white, with a jewel neckline. Or, that’s what I believe it’s called anyway.

I was kinda pleased with that. I don’t have any chest to show off, so I would prefer a higher neckline.

The dress also has no sleeves. Just frilly-looking thin purple bits coming off the shoulders.

“Do you like it Emily?” the lady asks, as I continue to stare at it.

“I guess,” I answer, not really knowing what to say. “I’ve never worn anything like it before.”

“Oh,” she replies with a smile. “Well, let's get you into it.”

“Can I go to the toilet first?” I say, suddenly desperate for a wee.

Looking around and holding my skirt, I hop on the spot.

Laughing at my wee dance, Doris points out the toilet. I head down the corridor towards it. Quickly relieving myself, I stand at the door as I dry my hands. I could hear Jess and Doris talking away in my absence.

“Who is that girl?” Doris asks softly, so I don’t hear her. “Is she a family member?”

“No…,” Jess replies, “She’s erm……,”

Throwing the paper towel I’d used to dry my hand into the wastebasket, I stand with my ear pressed against the toilet door. I was curious as to how Jess was going to explain me.

“She’s?” Doris asks, awaiting Jess’s answer.

“Don’t tell anyone,” Jess answers, her voice a little quieter than before. “She’s not family. She’s not even related. I’m really hoping she’s going to let us adopt her.”

“Adopt her?” the lady enquires, also talking slightly quieter. “Does she not have a family of her own?”

“It’s hard to explain,” Jess quickly replies. “She’s been living with this last few days this week. I wasn’t expecting her to take to me so well, but I’ve really been enjoying spending time with her. It’s kinda a dream coming true for me. Y’know, since I found out.”

“That’s lovely Jess,” Doris replies, clearly pleased for Jess. “Do you think she wants to be adopted?”

Pressing my ear harder against the toilet door, I started to feel deep regret for agreeing to be their flower girl. Coupled with the fact I just called her mom, I felt awful. I felt like I’d been playing her along. Getting her hopes up for the daughter she always wanted!

“I’m not too sure,” Jess says slowly. “She did just call me mom in another shop just now. I’m taking that as a huge signal that she might be ready. The poor girl just needs someone to give her a break. She just lost her mom and her home.”

“Crap,” I groan under my breath. “I didn’t mean it that way!”

“Poor girl,” Doris replies. “I couldn’t imagine a nicer couple than you and Kevin taking in a sweet girl like that.”

“Don’t say anything to her,” Jess replies instantly. “I don’t want to scare her away. She’s a very unique little girl. Very wise for her age and I don’t want her thinking I’m pressuring her into a big change like it. With her past, she might be very resistant to becoming my daughter.”

“I see,” the lady answers, with a secretive tone. “She’s taking her time by the way. Maybe you should go find out if she’s ok.”

“Emily!?” Jess swiftly calls out, realizing the same. “Are you ok baby?”

Instantly taking my ear from the door, I could hear her walking towards me. I didn’t want her knowing I’d heard their conversation, so I flicked the tap on and started washing my hands again.

“Emily?” Jess question from outside the toilet door. “Everything ok? We need to get this dress fitted! Don’t be nervous. No reason to hide.”

“I’m coming,” I reply, yelling through the door.

Drying my hands once more, Open the door.  Jess is leaning over, with her smiling face at my height.

“You ok Em?” she asks, gently brushing stray hairs from my face.

“Yeah,” I nervously say back with a smile. “I needed to go poo,” I continue, whispering my excuse.

“Oh,” Jess giggles, “I see…. Did you wash your hands?”

Giving a cheeky smile in response, I hold up my clean hands to her.

Smiling in return, Jess holds out her hand to guide me back to the other room.

“Please don’t hold your hand out like that Jess,” I whine, walking past her and in the direction of the other room. “I’m not a child.”

Entering the other room, Doris immediately starts bossing me about. Asking me to get undressed, she stands me on a small platform. Standing in just my panties, I shiver nervously in front of the mirrors.

To my relief, Dories quickly helps me into the dress flower girl dress. As the dress bounces around my legs and Doris zips me into it, she scuttles around me, pining parts closer to my body. She spends special attention around my stomach. The other girl who was meant to wear it clearly was wider than me. I’m such a skinny little mini.

After a good twenty minutes of measuring my body and pinning sections, she takes a step back and claps her hands.

I’d got somewhat used to seeing the girl in the mirror staring back at me, but now she’s dressed in a gown. It was weird knowing that this dress I’m wearing looked so feminine and it was perfectly suited to my tiny girly body. I looked with intrigue at how tight the dress was around my waist.

With Jess gushing at how I looked, they concluded they were both happy with how it fit me. Again, I wasn’t given any choice or asked how I felt. I think Jess was starting to live in la-la land. I think she was really starting to forget who I really am!

As we leave the mall and get into the car to go home, I hadn’t said a word to Jess since we left the dress shop. I knew I needed to make sure she understood I wasn’t staying this way. I just didn’t know how to bring it up. It was starting to really worry me was seriously stressing me out.

“Did you like the dress?” Jess asks, turning in her car seat to look back at me.

“It was fine,” I distantly reply, looking out the window.

“Does your mommy have good taste or what?” Jess boldly asks.

With a second of uncomfortable silence, I’m frustrated that she’s calling herself my mommy.

“You’re not my mother!” I growl, looking at her with a frown.

“Oh,” Jess recoils “I’m sorry, I thought you…..”

“You thought wrong!” I sneer. “Mum mother is dead and you can’t be a Mother, so stop pretending you are one at my expense!”

Without her saying a word, I could see that my words had cut her deep. I really didn’t mean it to come out like that!

With Jess turning in her seat, the atmosphere had turned sour.

“Jess…..?” I say softly, hoping to say sorry.

“What is it Steven?” she answers with irritation.

“Nothing,” I reply quietly, not having the confidence to say how I truly felt.

“Good,” Jess groans. “Let's go home. I think I need some space from you right now.”