Chapter III
Always…A Price to Pay
Michael sat with legs folded on his columbian blue bedspread. The gray sack stood in the middle of the criss-cross knees. The only sound in the room was the occasional muffled breaths from the hypnotized boy. A brighter expression took hold of his once taut face. His best friend, Peggy’s stomping footsteps on the stairs meant he would have moral support in this adventure.
Without a knock, Peggy entered the room. “Michael, did you wait? I hope you’re not disappointed,” she snorted, “again.” The young woman stood a little under six-feet. Purple hair fell covering her right ear. It contrasted with the close-cut area about her left temple.
“I know this will help me. I mean to look more feminine.” He said.
“Please, Michael tell me why you keep trying these Asian,” she took a breath raising her chest covered by the motor-cycle jacket. “These scam herbs.”
“Peggy, please listen to me. It’s supposed to be from Thailand. The home of Transexuals. They are all over that country,” his voice possessed a ray of hope. “If, I could look more feminine, then when I tell my mother the truth,” Michael needed to take a breath to continue. “Then it won’t be such a shock.”
“Baloney!” Peggy gave her opinion. “I’ve been telling you since sixth grade, tell your mom you are a girl. A girl deep inside.” She put her arm around his trembling shoulder. “Michael, your mother is more open than my parents and they gave in after a couple of months.” She snorted a humorous blast of air. “Michael, you look like a girl. You have such a pretty face and my goodness,” she paused to shake her head. “You’re gonna hurt yourself trying this stuff.”
Michael paid little attention to her. Green eyes focused on the worn cover of a small hardcover book. He gently opened it at the bookmark, Peggy’s dark brown eyes widened. The unique scent of crackling pages and aged papyrus slipped into her flexing nostrils.
“What is that? And how old is it?” She asked.
“This paper is the translation. I found the book at this Herbal store on Jackson Street. This sheet came with it.” He showed the doubting friend the translation.
Peggy begins to read. “Mix the ground remnants of the Aamyoe…sammeemy…arreat Sway. “What the hell is this? I’m guessing how to say the words.” Her thick eyebrows shot upward.
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“It’s called in Asia, I think the country that was Burma,” Michael looked up at the ceiling, “Myanmar? I think.”
Peggy continued to read. “It will enhance feminine qualities. Softness of skin, reduction of hair growth on the torso and legs without interference of scalp growth. Hmm,” Peggy took a breath.
“Read the rest.” Said Michael as his body shook with delight.
“Ok, Michael.” She continued. “Minute growth of breast area…”
Before she could finish, the excited boy leaped from his bed and hopped to the floor length mirror.
“If people see this supposed natural change in me, they will know I was supposed to be a girl.”
“Michael, isn’t it easy to just tell people. Have you talked to your doctor.” She walked to the animated figure in front of the mirror’s reflection and said, “calm down. If this is so great, how come it’s not on the market? I bet it’s got some bad side effects?” She grabbed his arms as they attempted to rip the stubborn navy blue tee-shirt that refused to travel over his head. “Let me help you.”
Now topless, emerald colored eyes sent off a sparkle as lower lids moistened.
“Michael, you are a doll. You will make a beautiful girl, but please what else is translated in this book that is older than,” she inhales. “Older than the Earth. I mean really.” She spread her hands around his small waist and kissed him on the cheek. “I would die if you hurt yourself.”
“Peggy, I love you too. But this will only take a few weeks. When I see the difference then I’ll be stronger to tell my mother.”
She hugged him tighter. “You better.”
The close friends stayed in that position for some time. Michael let his baggy black sweatpants fall to the floor. His matching panty highlighted the pale skin. As he admired hairless, slender legs, Peggy could not suppress the thought clawing up her soul.
But sweet innocent, lovely person that you are, she bit a lower lip.
There is always, though towering over Michael she bent to press her cheek next to his. She let out a sigh.
Always…a price to pay.
