So why would I want to be friends with the likes of Mark? Because he is not a bad person. He just allows himself to get his emotions pent up so much that he explodes. The girls and I will help him, though, because he is really a very nice person.

As we all went to our classes, I couldn't help but think that Mark needed someone on a regular basis to be his friend, maybe even his girlfriend. I knew though that if I wanted that role, it would have be slow so he would think it was his idea. That's what mom had taught me about the male gender. To make them think your ideas are their very own. That way they feel more secure. Oh well, but anyway I will go slow and I won't push. Not right now, anyway. Giggle.

I met the group for lunch, and to my surprise, Mark was sitting there with them. I walked over to the table after getting my lunch and sat down.

"Hi girls, hey Mark. How are you doing, Mark? Feel any better?"

"A little Allison. Thanks for not calling me any names or anything, like some of the other girls in school do."

"Okay Mark. You're welcome. But I just want you to know that we were all sincere this morning when we said we would help if we could. I like to make friends, not enemies."

"I do too," Dee said with a very nice smile. I think she likes Mark. Giggle.

"I think Mark is cute," I said with a wide smile. "I wouldn't mind having him for a boyfriend."

"Allison Dawn Kingston!" Dee exclaimed. "You're only nine years old, you'll be ten in August, what do you know about boyfriends?"

"Well, nothing, really. But, as my mom says, you're never too young to learn."

I got those eyes to the ceiling looks from all three of them, including Mark who also smiled at me and then gave me a wink. I think maybe he's older than his years, just like everyone says that I am. Well, I'm sorry, but, I wouldn't mind having a boyfriend. I think I'll talk to mom about it when I get home.

After lunch, we all went back to our classes and the afternoon seemed to just pass by so quickly which I spent thinking about Mark. The last bell rang indicating the end of the school day. On the way home we talked about me making eyes at Mark and all but declaring my love for him right in front of him. We walked Charla home and then went to our separate houses. We each said our goodbyes and I went in my house.

"Is that you, Allison dear?" My mom asked.

"Yes mom."

"So, how was school dear?"

"Just fine mom. Mom? I need to ask you something. Something about boys."

"Oh? Did you meet a new friend?"

"Well, sort of. It was Mark Winslow, the boy I told you about that gave us trouble at school yesterday."

"Oh? Did he start anything today?"

"No mom. He apologized and even sat with us at lunch and we talked for a while during lunch and I said that I thought he was cute. The group gave me the eyes to the ceiling look and Mark just smiled."

"Well! Looks like my little girl is growing up. What specifically do you want to know about boys, then?"

"Well, first, I want to know if I'm too young to have a boyfriend. Second, I want to know how to behave when with a boy. Third, I want to know...Oh mom, I just want to know."

"Well Okay, dear. Sit down and I will explain what a girl your age should know where boys are concerned. First of all, Allison, girls your age normally don't have boyfriends, but you are an exception to the rule. When you are out with a boy, at your age it is usually dutch treat, because boys like Mark at his age don't get a lot of money for an allowance. Holding hands is permitted if that is the only thing you do. He will probably want to kiss you, and if he does, make sure it is just a peck on the cheek. You said Mark comes from the big city. Do you know which one?"

"Yes mom, he said he comes from Chicago."

"All right, then. When you go to a movie with him, I suggest wearing jeans, not a skirt unless there are adults with you. Boys his age and noramlly from the big city like Chicago learn how to be sexually active real early. It's the way of those very large cities. Also, you should make him watch his language. No swearing or cussing, even when you are alone. If he asks you to go to a movie, you have to ask me first then I will call his father to see if it is all right. As far as anything else goes, we'll talk about it when and if it ahould happen. But right for now, I have told you all you really need to know about how to act and dress with a boy, especially a boy like Mark. Tomorrow, when you see him at school, tell him I would like to meet him and his father."

"All right mom. Thanks. I love you very much." I then gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

We then went into the kitchen and had our dinner. Mom is a very good cook and today she made Chicken, cut up and placed into a pot to make home made chicken soup. She put vegetables in it too and some bouillon cubes to give it a little more flavor. After dinner was over with, we both washed and dried the dishes and put them away. Then we cleaned up the stove and sink and went in the living room to watch some tv. There was the usual on, so we talked alittle more about nothing really, and then it was time to go to bed. I hugged and kissed mom good night, told her I loved her and went to bed.

Whoever invented mornings should be shot at dawn. Giggle. I got up and shut off the alarm and went in to take my shower. After my shower, I patted down put on some nice lavender body powder and went in to get dressed. What to wear. I want to impress Mark today, so, what to wear? I looked through my closet, but they were the same old clothes I'd been wearing. I need to get another outfit. So, I took out my white print dress, knee high socks, black Mary Janes. I got out a simple white pair of briefs and got dressed. I maybe won't impress Mark, but I'll be dressed good. After getting dressed, I went down to breakfast. I had just and orange juice, and started out the door.

"Wait a minute, young lady. Where do you think you're going?"

"Mom, I'll be late, I have to meet the others."

"You mean that you'll be late meeting Mark. Ok, take this bagel with you then." She kissed me goodbye and wished me luck.

I got to the sidewalk to meet up with Dee and Chrissie. They were just coming down the walk as I got to the end of my front yard. Dee was dressed pretty today with a blue skirt and matching blouse, knee high socks and black Mary Jane shoes. Chrissie on the other hand was wearing a nice floral print dress, floral print tights and white Mary Janes. We all complimented each other on how we were dressed and proceeded to meet Charla at her corner. As we got to Charla's corner, she was just coming down the sidewalk, so we all waited and walked off to school. Mark was standing there by the entrance to the playground as we approached. I told the girls I had something private to say to Mark and I would meet them before we had to go in. They all said okay and walked on. Dee gave that wink like she knew exactly what I had in mind.

"Hi Mark," I said very cheerfully, skipping up to him.

"Uh, hi Allison. What's going on?"

"Oh, nothing really. I talked to my mom about you last night and I told her what I had said during lunch yesterday. She wants to meet you and your father. Maybe you can come for dinner tonight and we can get to know each other's families."

"Okay, Allison. That sounds real nice. I told my father about you too and he is interested in meeting you and your mother."

"That's great!" I exclaimed. "Come on, let's walk together."

We walked onto the playground toward the school where Dee and Chrissie were waiting. Both Dee and Chrissie gave me that look as if to say, well what happened. I would tell them at lunch,or maybe on the way home.

During school we had the usual lessons and then it was lunch time. I met the group for lunch. Melanie was even there today. I didn't even get a chance to sit down when Dee asked me what happened when I talked with Mark at the beginning of school. I told them what we talked about and Melanie started.

"Allison, are you sure about this? I mean, have you talked about this?"

"Yes, Melanie. I talked with my mom last night and she wants to meet Mark and his father and Mark said his father wants to meet us. So, I guess it will all work out. I mean I'm not going to marry him, I just want to be his friend."

"Oh! Well, you had me worried there for a minute. I thought maybe you wanted to go out on dates with him alone."

"Maybe in a couple of years. What I was planning was more on the lines of going swimming, or maybe having him over for dinner or maybe my birthday party coming up in August. Maybe have him over to play a few board games or watch a little television. But nothing like a REAL date. Oh! By the way, I have to see Dr. St. Clair on Saturday, so I won't be around until after lunch. She wants to talk to me about the first part of the actual transition."

"That's cool, Allison. I can't wait for you to be really complete and then we can have some real fun. I mean, not that we're not having fun now, but, just think. Double dating and a whole lot of things."

"I know Melanie and I can't wait either. But Dr. St. Clair said this was very important."

We finished lunch and went to our classes. Why wasn't Mark at lunch with me, today? Oh well! I'll find out later. School went pretty fast that afternoon as always, and we got our books and coats and headed out out of the door. Strange?!? Mark isn't waiting for me. I'll call him when I get home, maybe he was sick or something.

When I got home I put my coat away in the front hall closet and took my books up to my room. I then went downstairs and called Mark's house. His father answered.

"Hello, Mr. Winslow speaking."

"Hello Mr. Winslow, this is Allison Kingston, is Mark there?"

"Uhm, yes he is, Miss Kingston. Just a minute."

"Hell - o," came a wek voice on the other end.

"Mark? Is that you? This is Allison."

"H - hi, Alli - son. I, I'm not feeling well."

"Oh! I hope it's nothing serious."

"I just got the flu. The doc - tor said I'm supposed to be in bed. I have a fever, and head - ache and I feel sore all over."

"Well, okay Mark. You get well. I'll tell the gang. do you want to talk some more or do you want to rest?"

"I really need to rest. My throat is sore also."

"All right, Mark, I'll talk to you later. You get well, you hear me?"

"Yes, ma'am, I do hear you."

I went in the kitchen and talked to mom.

"Mom, I just talked with Mark and he sounded terrible."

"Yes, dear. Mr. Winslow called as soon as Mark got home and told me. Maybe I should send some soup over. That is always good for what ails a body."

"When you get it made, I'll take it over to him."

"All right, dear, that would be very nice."

So mom got out the things to make homemade chicken soup, complete with noodles and vegetables. I helped to get the water in the pan and started it to boil. As mom put all the ingredients together, I got out the small casserole bowl that I would take the soup in over to Mark. When the soup was done and placed in the bowl, we taped the cover so I wouldn't spill any of the contents on my way. Mom drove me over because they lived on the other side of twon, but stayed in the car while I went to the door. I knocked and Mr. Winslow answered it.

"Yes? may I help you young lady?"

"Hi Mr. Winslow. I'm Allison Kingston and I brought some soup for Mark so he can get better."

"Well, welcome to our humble home, young lady. Is that your mother in the car there?"

"Thank you, Mr. Winslow, and yes, that is my mom."

"Well! Just don't stand there, tell her to come in."

"Yes sir, and thank you sir."

Mom got out of the car and came inside with me and we were asked to sit down while Mr. Winslow took some soup up to Mark. When he came back down, he sat down also and we began to talk.

"Mark has told me a lot about you, Miss Kingston. He really likes you a lot."

"Well, Mr. Winslow..."

"Fred, please."

"Well, Fred, you do know that Allison is in transition right now, don't you?"

"Yes, I do Mrs. Kingston. But I have been asking about Allison all over town and everything I have heard about her is true. She is polite, a little excitable, but polite and does things for friends on the spur of the moment. Now, while...when you are a grown woman, you may not be able to have children naturally, there is always adoption, young lady. And, with your attitude, you won't have any problems at all. So, I am glad that Mark has found a true friend he can depend on."

"Mr. Winslow? I will be Mark's friend, girlfriend, and confidant if he needs someone to talk to his own age. He is a nice boy and deserves good friends. My friends and I will see to it that he isn't bored, becauase there really is a lot to do here. Sometimes on the weekend, we got into the city by coach bus to Marchand's department store. Mr. Marchand is very nice and you can even ask him about our little group. Even when we go by ourselves, as a group, we behave ourselves and have respect for others."

"That's good to hear, Allison. In Chicago, there are children your age in gangs and smoking cigarettes and who knows what else. It's good to be in a town where people have scruples."

"Well, I know I can't see Mark, but tell him I said to get well soon. It's no fun without him now. Even my other friends want him to get well and they may be coming over too."

"Well, thank you, Fred. It was nice visiting but I do have to get back. I'm leaving an open invitation for you and mark to come to dinner. Just like in the morning if you are coming that night or the next day, so I can get the necessary provisions."

"All right. It's a deal."

We went back out into the car and drove home.

"Mr. Winslow seem very nice, mom."

"Yes dear, he does. I'm sure he is and we will get to know one another's family. I mean, it didn't take long for Dee and her family to move her from New York, now, did it? I mean you met her at camp and the next thing I know you are asking her to spend the summer."

"I will call Mark later to see how he is doing and how he liked the soup."

"All right, dear."

The rest of the week went by real fast because I wanted Mark to get well and I had to See Dr. St. Clair. When I got home Friday after school, mom called me in the kitchen.

"Allison? Will you come in the kitchen, please?"

"Yes mom. Be right there." I walked in to the kitchen and poured myself an orange juice and sat down. "What is, mom?"

"Well, the good news is, that Mark is all better and will be able to go with you to Dr. St. Clair tomorrow. The very good news is that, Dr. St. Clair is going to do that procedure she talked to you about at your birthday party last summer. School is almost out for the summer, just a month to go and then it will be a month and half before your birthday. So, what do you say we get rid of anything that can make you grow up like a boy?"

I just sat there with my mouth wide open and a big grin. I was happy that Dr. St. Clair hadn't forgotten.

"I, I don't know what to say. That would make me very happy, though."

"I knew it would, darling. You know, you are her favorite patient. When she took you out, when she first met you, she was very impressed on how much of a young lady you really are. She is coming over for dinner on Sunday, and we are having a special dinner."

"Oh good. I like Dr. St. Clair, too. She's very nice."

"I think so too, dear."

Dr. St. Clair

Saturday morning, mom woke me up so I could take my bath. I put in some nice lavender bath crystals and soaked until I smelledlike a flower bed. after washing and rinsing, I went to the sink washed my hair as my mother wanted my hair wet and she would "do it up right" as she put it. After washing my hair and rinsing it out, I patted it to get the excess water out, then I called to mom that I was ready for my hair. She came in the room and and started to run a comb through it to straighten it out. Then she began to roll it in rollers, when she got it all done she brought out her portable hair dryer and put the plastic cap over my head. Portable hair dryers in the late fifties made the most gawd awful noise. It took almost thirty minutes for my hair to dry and when it was done my mother took out the rollers and brushed my hair so it looked really nice. I had slight twisty curls all the way the way around. I then went in my closet and found my lvender dress, panty and slip set, lavender ankle socks with lacy frills and my pair of lavender T-straps. After I got dressed, I looked in the mirror to make sure everything was all right. Then I went down to breakfast.

As I got to the kitchen door my heart stopped a couple of beats, I think. Dr. St. Clair was sitting at the kitchen table. I ran to her and gave her a big hug.

"Well! Good morning to you, too, Allison."

"Good morning, Dr. St. Clair. I'm glad you're here."

"Oh? And, why is that, young lady?"

"Because I really don't like to see you in your office. I like it when I can see you like this. Like we're friends."

"But Allison, dear, we ARE friends. Did you're mother tell you that I told her that you are my favorite patient?"

"Yes, she did."

"Well, today I am going to tell you that on or around your birthday, I am going to do the special procedure I told you about at camp last summer. How does that sound, Allison?"

"That would make me very happy, Dr. St. Clair."

"Good. Now, let's all go out to breakfast, my treat." Dr. St. Clair said. how many head shrinkers do you know, would treat their patience to breakfast and come to their homes and talk to them like they are friends or family? Not many, even in the late fifties. But, Dr. St. Clair was a very special lady and cared for her patients very deeply and with concern.

The next month of school went by pretty fast as all I could think about was that I would be starting my transition pretty soon. I talked with Mark on the phone and we even had pizza either at his house or mine or maybe Dee's or Chrissie's. As I was just ready to go up to my room, the phone rang.

"Hi Allison, can you come over?"

"Yes, I can Chrissie. I'll be right over."

I knocked on the door and chirssie answered it. "HeyAllison. Come in."

"What's going on Chrissie?"

"I bought you a present, sis. Come upstairs, this is a surprise."

I followed her upstairs and there was a box on her bed. "Go ahead, Allison, open it."

I went over to the bed and opened the box. There was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. It was coral in color and had lace across the top of the bodice, along the edge of both arms and all the way around the hem. I took off my skirt and blouse and put on the dress. It fit perfectly. Chrissie is so nice, no wonder I like being her sister. After i had the dress on, Chrissie called her mother in to see it on me and she complimented me on how pretty I looked.

"Allison, you look so pretty in that dress. Chrissie said she wanted to buy something for her sister. Of course, how could I refuse."

"Allison, what do you want to do tomorrow? I thought maybe we'd go see that new movie playing at the theater."

"Hey! That sounds great Chrissie. Have you asked Dee, Charla and Melanie?"

"Uhm, Allison? I thought that maybe you and I could do things as sisters tomorrow." She said with a pouting expression on her face as though she was disappointed.

"Okay Chrissie. I would love to things with you tomorrow." She beamed and gave me a hug.