Nick was the youngest of three children; Roger was his older brother, and Natalie, a real tomboy, his sister. For as long as he could remember, frocks and dresses held a strange fascination for him. He longed to feel what it was like, to wear one. He knew, somehow, that this was wrong, but there seemed to be nothing he could do about it. Natalie, in fact, hardly possessed any; she always wore jeans.

Nick was seven when he first put on a frock. Briefly left alone in the house - a rare occurrence - and hardly knowing what he was doing, he searched in Natalie’s wardrobe, and found a frock she’d long grown out of. He took off his shirt and shorts, and dropped the dress over his head. Breathless, he nervously stole a look at his reflection in the mirror. There he was - transformed. Dressed as a girl. As he knew he should be.

But, terrified of discovery, he pulled it off as quickly as he could, and dragged his own things on again, overcome with shame; just in time, as it happened, as he heard his mother returning downstairs.

The opportunity to repeat this experience never seemed to come about. One day, when his mother was arguing with Natalie, who had taken exception to the suggestion that she wear a dress to church, Nick suddenly came out with:

“I don’t know why you hate dresses so much! I’d love to wear one..... if I was a girl”, he added hastily.

Natalie retorted scornfully, “Oh, Nicky, don’t be stupid! Boys don’t wear dresses. Nor do girls, if we can help it! Whatever made you come out with that daft idea?”

“I don’t know.... I just would,” was all he could say, somewhat shamefacedly.

“What a sissy!” his sister replied in disgust. Mother gave him a wary look, but nothing more was said at the time, and Nick realised he’d better keep his unusual desires to himself.

Until the episode of the yellow dress. . .

Aunt Clara lived in America, and regularly sent generous Christmas gifts to the family. This year, Nick was given a camera, the first he’d ever owned. Natalie’s present came in a large flat box; upon opening it, she discovered, to her disappointment, an elaborate yellow party frock. Picking it up between finger and thumb, she exclaimed, “Whatever am I supposed to do with this, Mum? Is this some sort of joke, do you think?”

“Nonsense dear,” said her mother, “It’s a perfectly lovely dress! You’d look so sweet in it. You’ll see, there’ll soon be a party when you could wear it, and be the envy of everyone there.”

“I don’t think so,” she replied, dropping the party frock back into its box. “I don't mind wearing a dress to a party, but I wouldn’t be seen dead in something like that.”

Mother sighed. “Well, I think that’s most ungrateful of you. I can’t think why you girls these days think it’s so dreadful to make yourselves look nice.”

Natalie rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Oh, Mum, don’t go on about that again. Things are different now.”

Mother gave up arguing . The dress was hung at the back of Natalie's wardrobe, a thank-you letter full of insincerity was duly posted, and the matter was forgotten. The dress, needless to say, remained unworn.

Nick, when he’d seen Natalie’s gift, felt a stab of envy.  He had never seen such a gorgeous dress, so soft and flouncy, such a beautiful colour, so, so lovely. But, fearful of his sister’s contempt, he was careful not to let his feelings show.

From time to time, when he dared, he’d slip into Natalie’s bedroom and sneak a look at the  dress, hanging there in its protective plastic bag. Much as he longed to put it on, he didn’t dare disturb its pristine newness. But oh! How he longed to see himself wearing it!

It was over two years before Nick’s deepest wish was fulfilled. Natalie’s friends, Eleanor and Daphne, were discussing a summer carnival that had been announced. A fortnight of events and entertainment were programmed, including a Mardi Gras parade and fancy dress competition. “We thought we’d go in for that”, Daphne said, “'Cos Ellie’s got these Bavarian costumes, and we could go as Hansel and Gretel, you know, like in the fairy tale.”

“Sounds fun”, said Natalie, “Who’s going to be the boy?”

“I am,” Daphne replied, “I’ve got these leather shorts and a hat, it’ll be great! And Ellie can wear her hair in plaits, and be Gretel.”

“Hmmm... I’ll have to think of something." said Natalie.

“Knowing you,” Eleanor said, “You’d definitely go as the boy.”

Natalie stuck her tongue out at her, but secretly she felt it was quite a compliment.

Natalie told her mother of the parade, and said she wanted to be in it. “Well, that’s fine, dear," she said, “but I’d like you to include young Nick, he won’t want to be left out.” Natalie’s face fell. “But I don’t want him to come, he’s too young, Mum, he’ll spoil it!”

“Nonsense,” her mother replied, “I’m sure you can think of something, if you try. And you’d look much better as a pair, than by yourself.”

Natalie considered several ideas, but none really appealed, until one evening when they were watching “That’s Dancing” on TV. “I know!” she exclaimed, “We could go as a ballroom dance couple!”

“What a good idea,” Mother concurred. “It would give you the chance to wear that beautiful dress your auntie gave you - I daresay it would still fit.”

“Oh, Mum, you know I don't want to wear that. No - what I meant is that I could be the man, and Nicky could be the girl. Remember he said he would like to wear a dress?”

Mother was rather taken aback at first.

“Oh, Natalie!” said Mother, exasperated, “You expect Nick to dress up as a girl? Why ever would he want to do that?”

“Oh, you know he could,” said Natalie, “It’s fancy dress! He could easily get away with it! What’s more, I do believe that he really would like to wear it.”

Mother realised that the idea did have possibilities. Natalie had reminded her of what Nicky had said, and she strongly suspected that Nick secretly longed to wear that dress, and knew that Natalie never would; moreover, Natalie would undoubtedly be more comfortable wearing pants than anything more feminine.

“Do you really think so?” she asked, suspecting that her daughter might well be right. Perhaps Nick really would enjoy dressing up as a girl - not only that, he could probably be made to look quite pretty. “Yes, well, I see what you mean. Of course, we’d have to do something about his hair - he’d need a wig... and, what are you going to wear? We haven’t got anything to fit you.”

Natalie thought for a moment. “I’d need a tail coat and a bow tie... now where have I seen those? I know! That shop in the Bourke Street near Myer's - don’t they hire out formal stuff? You know, for weddings and such?”

“Well, yes - I expect we could find something for you there. We’ll have a look tomorrow. It won’t be cheap, though. Good heavens, you're going to look like Champagne Charlie. You'll look quite sweet, actually. But first, hadn’t we better see what Nick thinks of all this? He might refuse point blank. After all, much as he might enjoy dressing up, I don’t suppose he fancies being seen by his friends dressed as a girl.”

When Nick was informed of Natalie’s proposal, he blushed furiously and stammered in mock protest, but they all guessed he wasn’t serious, and from that moment on, it was as good as a fait accompli.

“But I can’t go out wearing a dress!”

“Of course you can, silly; it’s a fancy dress parade! You can wear whatever you like. Don't be such a silly little boy.”

“But you’ll think I’m a sissy!”

“Oh, I think we girls know that already, Nicky.”

“No! No, you don’t. I’m not!” Nick was close to tears - tears of humiliation, recalling the teasing and jeering that he’d so often endured at school; and tears of frustration, at being offered such a wonderful opportunity, yet doubting if it could ever actually happen.

“That’s enough, Natalie”, mother interrupted, “Of course, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to, Nicky, but ...”

“It’s not that, Mummy, I do sort of want to, but…”

“Hmm... well, we’ll see. It would be a pity, though. It’s really rather a novel idea of your sister’s - it would be a pity not to do it. It’s such a lovely dress, it would be a shame if it never saw the light of day. Why don’t we see if it would fit you? I should think it would.”

Nick felt a surge of excitement. What he had dreamed of, ever since he’d first set eyes upon it, was about to come true. How often had he gazed at it, afraid to remove it from its covering? And now he was being offered the chance, not just to furtively try it on, but to be dressed and disguised from head to foot - as a girl! He could barely contain his delight, but at the same time, knew that somehow he had to suppress it. Boys weren’t supposed to like being made to look pretty. So he did his best to appear reluctant.

“Oh, do I have to? I don’t want to wear a dress …I’m not a girl!”

“Nonsense, Nicky, of course you do,” said Natalie, “I know you’re simply longing to wear it. I’ve seen how you look at girls in pretty dresses. Here’s your big chance. We’ll make you into a pretty little girl just like you’ve always wanted.”

“Now stop that, Natalie. Don’t tease him. All right, I dare say he would make rather a sweet little girl, but I don’t imagine he wants to be seen in a dress, do you, Nicky?”

“I...no. Of course not. What if my friends see me?” he stammered. After all, he’d be parading in front of everyone...what if he was recognised? As he was sure to be, in his sister’s company. He quailed at the prospect of being seen by his school classmates - they’d have all their suspicions confirmed. He’d never hear the end of it.

As the consequences of going through with it became apparent, Nick was engulfed by waves of shame and despair. However much he longed to do it, he sensed that far from being a wonderful experience, it would be humiliating and would cause him endless misery. No, he’d have to forego it. He couldn’t do it.

Tears welled up in his eyes, his face crumpled and he turned away, and ran out of the room, sobbing.

“Now look what you’ve done. I’ll admit it sounded like a good idea, but if it upsets Nick so much to even think about it, obviously it’s just not on.”

“Oh, Mummy, yes it will be. He’s just putting it on - don’t worry, I’ll bring him around. He’ll be fine once he’s got used to the idea, you'll see.”

“I don’t know about that - I’m sure he doesn’t want you trying to persuade him. Having to parade around in a dress is the last thing any boy wants to do, I would think. Don’t you go forcing him into something that will make his life a misery. It’s hard enough for him as it is, being as shy and small as he is.”

Natalie took hold of her mother's hand. “Mummy, you don’t realise, do you? Little Nicky is dying to do this, in spite of what he says. Haven’t you seen the way he looks at dresses in the shops?  He really should have been a girl. I’m sure he’ll do it, it’s just that he can’t admit that he wants to.”

“That’s exactly right. Whether he wants to or not, he can’t admit it, and nor should he. It’s not right. And he’s worried about being teased.”

“Oh, they tease him anyway, Mum!” Natalie replied. “They think he’s a sissy as it is, as he won’t join in with their games. Mummy, look, I promise I won’t be unkind. I’ll just try to make him feel better about doing it. After all, it is fancy dress, it shouldn’t be such a big deal.”

“Well, I suppose so, dear, but go easy on him, won’t you?”

Natalie went to Nick’s room, where he was moping unhappily. She put her arms around him. “Nicky, don’t cry. I know how much you really want to do this. Don’t pretend you don’t want to.”

“But I can’t,” he protested.

“Sssh... yes you can. Trust me. Tell you what, why don’t we try it on you, just to see if it fits?”

Nick looked closely at his sister’s face. He could see that she wasn’t making fun of him, and oh, how wonderful it would be to wear that dress. All the same...

“I can’t”, he whispered, “It’s not right. I don’t want anyone to see me.”

“No-one will see you - only me,” she replied, “come on, let’s try. Take off your shirt”.

Nick felt resistance slide away. Why not? He would find out what it was like, at last - and he didn’t have to go through with it. No-one - except his sister - would see him. He’d be safe. “Promise you won’t tell anyone?” he asked.

“Well, Mummy will see you, you won’t mind that, surely?”, she said, deftly avoiding the promise.

“I suppose not,” he muttered. Natalie left the room, returning immediately with the dress, which she gently withdrew from its bag, laying it on the bed and smoothing out the skirts and sleeves. “There - isn’t it beautiful, Nicky?”

Nick felt mesmerised, gazing at the dress as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it off. He dropped his shorts and slipped out of his sandals, so that he was standing dressed only in vest and underpants. Nervously he reached for the dress.

“Just a moment”, said Natalie, “It would be better if you would put on a petticoat first. I’ll find one.”

While she was out of the room, Nick touched the dress, stroking it, letting the layers of chiffon rustle and slide over the satin lining. He could hardly believe it - he really was about to wear this wonderful dress…

Natalie returned with a short lace-hemmed petticoat. Nick took off his vest and she dropped it over his head. The hem brushed his thighs, arousing him instantly in a way he had never before experienced. Now she picked up the dress, and unzipped it.

“Here we go, Nicky dear,” she said, “lift up your arms,” and she threaded her own into the layers of skirts to find the sleeves, into which she then guided his hands. In a tumult of slithering skirts, the dress dropped over his body and fell around him.

It was actually a little on the small side, and Natalie had to ease the sleeve cuffs up above his elbows, to allow the waist to drop into place before drawing up the zip behind to encase Nick firmly into the confines of the bodice. Nick thought he would faint with sheer pleasure as the dress was drawn tightly across his chest, simply from the embrace of the dress, the sensation of the soft flounces brushing his thighs - and he hadn’t even seen himself in the mirror yet. Natalie tied the sash in a large bow at the back, and stepped back to have a good look at her brother.

“Not bad,” she said, grinning. “See - it does fit you. Come and have a look at yourself.” She led him by the hand to her own room, where there was a full length mirror.

Nick gazed in awe at his reflection. He was indeed, a pretty girl. Even as he was, with his short hair, barefooted, he could have been taken for a girl. He certainly saw himself - herself? - as one. He was speechless. Natalie called out to their mother to come and see. Nick scarcely noticed her come into the room. He was in a world of his own, as she saw. Wisely, she said nothing at first.

Nick emerged from his dream, gradually becoming aware of his situation. He was a boy, wearing a dress. Shouldn’t he feel foolish? To himself, he looked marvellous, but what did his mother see? Didn’t he just look ridiculous? He didn’t know what to say.

“Mummy?”

“Oh, Nicky, you look adorable. I must say, you do make a lovely girl, in that dress.” she said, anxious to assure her son that it was merely the dress that created that illusion.

“But.... I still look like me, don’t I? People will still recognise me, won’t they?”

Natalie avoided answering that. “The main thing is that the dress does fit you,” she said, “Now, to disguise you properly, we’ll need to get you a wig, and with that, and a bit of make-up, you’ll look completely different, you’ll see.”

Nick was unconvinced, and began to feel embarrassed, with his mother and sister inspecting him. He tried to reach behind to unfasten the zip. “Want to take it off already?” Natalie teased, but heeding a warning glance from mother, she helped him to ease himself out of the dress.

Nick returned to his room, and hurriedly pulled on his own clothes. It had been a fantastic experience, but now he felt deeply ashamed of allowing himself to be dressed up like that. He wasn’t able to look his mother in the eye when she came in, mumbling a reply when she asked him if he was all right. She sat down beside him on the bed. “Well, now you’ve tried it on, I expect that’s all over and done with, isn’t it? You don’t have to go along with your sister’s idea if you don’t want to, you know. And don’t worry, we won’t say a word to Daddy”

Nick was lost for words, and after a few moments, his mother went back downstairs, leaving him alone. One part of him was relieved that he wouldn’t be forced to go out in public dressed like that; but another part was infinitely saddened at the thought that he probably would never ever have another chance to wear it. Unless, that was...unless, he took the risk. Perhaps he really could be effectively disguised. Perhaps he could pretend to be Natalie’s cousin, or something. Maybe he could deny, afterwards, that it was really him. That was it.

The desire to wear that gorgeous dress again flamed anew, so strongly that he found it easy to ignore the risk of being recognised, that had caused him such distress. Once the fantasy took hold, he blithely ignored the possible consequences. He had to do it. Yes, he’d get Natalie to disguise him completely, and pretend to be someone else altogether.

So, when Natalie cautiously sounded him out, he allowed himself to be persuaded, on the condition that she would pretend ‘he’ was her cousin, not her younger brother. Natalie couldn’t agree to that - she wasn’t prepared to tell fibs if asked directly who her ‘partner’ was - and secretly, she knew that Nick’s identity would be obvious, no matter how good the disguise. So she made evasive assurances, guessing (quite correctly) that Nick would do anything for the chance to masquerade as a girl.

Once mother was satisfied that they were both committed to entering the competition, she discussed with Natalie how to obtain all the things they’d need. Natalie observed that what the dress really needed to make it more like a ballroom frock was masses of net petticoats. “Couldn’t you make them, Mum?” she pleaded, “lots of swirly net petticoats, to make it swish around when I turn him? Please?”

“I dare say I could,” Mother replied, “But what about shoes? Would any of yours fit Nick do you think?”

Natalie found a pair that would do. “What we need, though, is a wig. What a pity your hair is so short. Can’t we find a wig for him, Mummy?”

“We’ll have to see what we can do,” she replied, “I could have a word with my hairdresser. I can see that this little effort is going to be quite expensive. What with hiring a suit for you, a wig for Nick, material for petticoats...”

“But Mummy, it’ll be such fun. Please say you’ll help us?”

“Well, yes, dear, but you will have to do your part as well.  You won’t be able to simply stroll around if you are supposed to be dancers. You’ll have to learn some fancy steps to make it look convincing, won’t you?”

“But I can do those. And Ellie can help me - she takes lessons.”

“Yes, I know - but you’ll have to learn to do the boy’s steps. And you’ll have to teach Nick how to do the girl’s.”

“No problem, Mummy, we’ll start right away.” And so she did, leading Nick to the lounge and proceeding to instruct him in the waltz. “Rest your hand on my shoulder - no, don’t grip it - just lay your arm along mine, and I’ll hold your other hand like this,” she said, placing her right hand behind his shoulder blades. “Now, the basic step goes like this...”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Nick took naturally to dancing, although never having tried it before. After some initial stumbling, he soon mastered the basic back - side - together, and Natalie started leading him into some simple turns. Over the next few days, with Ellie’s assistance, they soon became quite fluent with a brief sequence of steps, including several turns where Natalie could energetically spin Nick around in a way that would show off the full skirts he’d be wearing. Mother got out her sewing machine and made some beautiful multi-layered petticoats, and, best of all, her hairdresser came up trumps with a synthetic wig.

“We’re not allowed to hire these,” she explained, “due to health regulations, but you can have this one for a nominal amount - it’s been used for display, I can’t sell it as a new one anyway. But you must let me see how Nick looks when he wears it.  I expect he’ll look just cute.”

It was a dark wig of long, straight hair, which when fitted on Nick's head, transformed his appearance completely.

A suit of tails was hired for Natalie, and she made a large number to pin on the back. The day of the parade was anticipated with mounting excitement. Occasionally, Nick would become a little nervous, but all the same, he was thrilled to the core at the prospect of wearing such a beautiful costume. At the back of his mind, a little voice told him there would inevitably be a price to pay, but now that the ball was rolling, so to speak, he would allow nothing to deter him.

His father took a dim view of the whole affair, but he took little real interest in his offspring, being far more interested in his work in the city. As he habitually worked on Saturdays, he would not in any case witness what he considered his son’s absurd performance.

In no time, the great day dawned. The parade was not due to commence until 3 pm, but the preparations began in the morning. Nick was bathed and scrubbed, and was made to sit still while Natalie painted his nails, another new experience for him. When it was dry, she set to work on his make-up. With his young, fresh complexion, he needed very little, but Natalie insisted on the complete works, having seen how competition dancers tended to go over the top. Over foundation, powder and blusher, she painted and penciled, giving him vivid blue eye shadow and liner. She sprinkled sparkles on his cheekbones and brows. Lipstick and outliner were painstakingly applied, until finally she was satisfied, and allowed Nick to look in the mirror.

“Good grief,” he cried, “What have you done? I look like a freak.”

“Well, it’s not what a ten year old boy would normally wear,” she said, sarcastically, “but wait until you see the whole effect, with the wig.” The wig was then produced, and she fitted it carefully over his head.

The effect on Nick was astonishing. Can that be me? he thought. But of course, it is. Yes. That’s really me. That’s how I really am.

Nick was struck speechless. “Well, what do you think?” said Natalie, “Pretty good, eh?”

Mother said, “It’s amazing. No-one will recognise you, Nick, how could they? You look - I don’t know - completely different, yet...the same, somehow. My goodness,” she said, shaking her head, “You’d fool me.”

This reassured Nick somewhat. Perhaps, after all, he wouldn’t be recognised. And yet...the face he saw in the mirror was his. It really is me, he thought, this...is me.

“Now let’s get you dressed,” said Mother. “You need time to get used to your dress, to feel natural and comfortable in it, so take off your things, and let’s get started.”

Nick, of course, could barely wait, and slipped on a pair of silky knickers, which Natalie handed him, without complaint. Mother helped him into a pair of glossy tights, then gave him a pair of panties covered with rows of yellow frills, which would show whrn he twirled. He buckled on a pair of black patent tee-strap shoes that his sister had found for him, and which he’d worn when practising his dance steps. Mother then dropped the full slip with the light clouds of lemon yellow, net petticoats over his head.

“There you are - that’ll do for the moment - why don’t you practise your steps with Natalie now, to get used to everything?”

Nick was so overcome with the most amazing sensations from the long tresses brushing his shoulders, and the floaty petticoats skimming his thighs, that he felt quite weak. In a daze, he allowed Natalie to take him in a ballroom hold, and lead him into the steps they’d practised. He was living his dream. He felt like a princess in a fairy tale. It was wonderful.

Nick was too excited to eat anything for lunch, and had little more than a sandwich, before it was time to get ready to go out. Natalie touched up his make-up, he went to the bathroom, and then finally he was eased into the glorious dress. Natalie fastened ear clips, and clasped a necklace for him. Smiling, she told him, “Nicky, you look perfect. But I can’t call you Nicky. You’re Nicola now.”

Nicky shyly grinned back. “I like that,” he said.

Natalie had meanwhile put on a white shirt and the hired tail suit and trousers. Mother helped her adjust the bow tie, and pinned the number on her back. Her black shoes were highly polished. When they were ready to leave, mother made them pause for some photos. “You look so great, I just have to have a picture,” she said, taking several.

Mother drove them the short distance to the green in the car, where they saw others starting to assemble. Bands were playing, a gymnastic display was underway, and they saw several marquees set up around the green, which was thronged with families enjoying themselves. Realisation hit Nick with a shock. He was going on show - in a dress.

Momentarily he panicked, and froze. Natalie stood at the open door of the car. “Come along, Nicola. Don’t be scared. Come and let everyone see how pretty you are.”

Nick remained fearful. “I...I can’t. Not in front of all these people. They’ll laugh at me. They’ll see I’m not really a girl.”

“Sssh. Don’t let anyone hear you say that. Don’t even think it. Why would they? How could they? Now, come along, my pretty little partner, come with me.”

“That’s right, darling.” said Mother, and, leaning over, kissed him on the cheek. “Good luck. Now you go along with your sister. I’ve spent a lot of money, and a lot of time, on all this. It is NOT going to be wasted! Is that understood?”

Natalie half dragged him out of the car, onto his feet, easily overcoming his feeble resistance, and firmly led him by the hand towards the crowds. Nick’s heart sank. What he’d imagined as a dream had become a nightmare. Nearly everyone they passed, turned to look at the pair. Afraid to meet their gaze, Nick kept his eyes downcast, fancying he heard them whisper - “Look at that. Look at that boy dressed up as a girl. What a sissy.” His cheeks burned with shame.

Sensing his fear, Natalie pulled up and turned to face him. “Nicky, look up. Smile.  And try to look as if you’re enjoying yourself. People will only take notice if you look shamefaced. You’re supposed to be having fun, remember. Come along, Nicky. Enjoy yourself. Smile.”

“But... they can see...They know...” he complained.

“No they don’t. They’re admiring us, silly.”

Nick looked up, seeing the people around them more clearly. No-one looked scornful. Many smiled. Little girls were tugging at their parents, pointing them out, clearly in awe of striking sight they made.

He felt better. More confident. No-one appeared to be mocking them. A smile crept onto his lips. He was living his dream. He lifted his head, smiled openly, relishing the ever-so-lightly rustling bounce and sway of his lovely skirts. What a beautiful dress this was! How delightful to be walking freely, in the open, like this.

They came to the others taking part in the parade, and spied Eleanor and Daphne in their Bavarian costumes. “Hello Natalie,” Daphne called out, “My, you do look dashing. And who’s your pretty partner?” she teased.

“Daphne, you know Nicola. Isn’t she gorgeous?” Natalie replied. “But you two look great. Isn’t this a hoot?”

“I’ll say,” Eleanor responded, “Doesn’t Nicky look cute, though?”

Natalie hushed her friend. “It’s Nicola, not Nicky.” she said. “Don’t give her away - no-one’s supposed to know she’s - you know.”

“Oops, sorry,” she apologised, “but Nick...Nicola, you do look absolutely gorgeous, you know. And can you really dance?”

“Of course we can” Natalie replied, leading Nick off into their practised sequence. The girls applauded enthusiastically.

Eventually, all the fancy dress participants were marshalled into some sort of order, and were led on a route that took them all around the green. Natalie led Nick by the hand, every now and then breaking into their little sequences, although it wasn’t as easy on the uneven turf as it had been in their lounge at home. Nick abandoned himself to the dream, not focusing on the onlookers, but simply reveling in all the wonderful sensations he was experiencing through being dressed the way he was. He was exquisitely aware of every detail; his flowing tresses, the way his bracelets tingled, the pinch of the ear-clips, the elastic grip of the puffy sleeves on his upper arms, the embrace of the bodice, the grasp of the sash, and above all, the swishing and rustling of the layers of skirts and petticoats, ribbons flowing, as they spun and danced along.

All too soon, the procession came to a halt. They were all thanked and urged to enjoy the many attractions until later, when the winners would be announced. Mother came over to congratulate them, and took them to a stall to buy ice creams.

Nick was so comfortable by now in his disguise that he was startled to hear his name called out. “Nick. Nick. Is that really you? Yes. It is. Good grief. What’s got into you? What on earth are you dressed up as a girl for?”

It was Greg, Nick’s best friend. “It wasn’t my idea,” Nick stammered, blushing, “But Natalie persuaded me. What do you think? Did we look OK?”

“You look ridiculous. Gosh, I never dreamt you were such a sissy.” he replied contemptuously. “I don’t know how you could ever think of letting yourself be got up like that.”

Nick was terribly put out by his friend’s reaction. “Come on, Greg, I’m not a sissy. It’s only for fun.”

“Well! You looked sort of…” He shrugged his shoulders. “Did your sister make you do this?”

“No!”

“So you wanted to do it?”

“No…no, my Mum said I had to.”

But Greg had already walked away. What would happen now? Nick looked around for his sister, but to his consternation, she was nowhere to be seen, and neither was his mother. Great, he thought, leaving me stuck out here on my own, dressed like this - like a sissy. That’s what Greg thinks…I could tell. I guess he must be right. It was so wonderful while it lasted - why does everyone think it’s so terrible for boys to like pretty things?

He started off in search of Natalie. The looks he received now seemed less friendly than before; readily he could imagine that they could all now see that he was really a boy, in a sissy dress, and the joy he had so vividly known melted away.

His mother came to the rescue, and seeing his distress, hurried him back to the car, so that he could hide from unwanted attention. “Never mind, Nicky,” she comforted him, as he sat silently in the car in an ocean of net petticoats. “You did so well, you looked just lovely. In fact, I think it would be a good thing if we saw a lot more of Nicola at home from now on.”

Mother and Natalie grinned broadly at him.