My First Apartment Chapter 3

Next stop, the shopping mall! Chloe said.

Ms Chloe, can I ask a question?

Certainly Lana!

Please don't be offended by this, but I have to ask why all the attention, the piercings, the feminine work clothes, and why are you calling me Lana? I mean, I'm very grateful, but I'm very confused and scared!

Chloe sat quietly, driving for several minutes, thinking about how to answer. I studied her face as she drove. She occasionally glanced at me with a soft smile. It was a caring smile. She wasn't angry, but I could tell she was thinking carefully about how to answer.

Chloe pulled into the mall parking lot just outside of the Macy's entrance. I started to reach for the door handle.

Larry! Wait a minute! Please!

I didn't mean to... I started to say.

It's okay! Larry. Look, I'm sorry if I upset you. I noticed how much you studied my body, jewelry, makeup, and clothes. I can tell the difference between someone gawking at me and someone studying me. I noticed the scent of your skin moisturizer and the mascara. I even noticed the way you changed the way you walked. You looked like you were trying to develop a feminine persona. I just wanted to help! I love Androgynous and feminine young men, and you are so sweet

As far as calling you Lana, I thought if you wanted to become more feminine, a feminine name would be easier for you in public! Plus I love the name Lana! I like you, Larry! You're very sweet! Believe it or not, you are beautiful!

What do you mean beautiful? I asked.

Have you ever heard of James Charles or Manny Gutierrez? Chloe asked.

No, I haven't!

James Charles is a makeup model for CoverGirl cosmetics. Manny Gutierrez is a makeup model for Maybelline Cosmetics. Both boys are very beautiful and very successful. You are more beautiful than both of them. I can't help how I feel about you, Lana!

I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to do. I just wanted to show you a little support and another path. If you want to explore it, I can help you. We are a lot more alike than you realize! Chloe explained. I know what it's like to be alone and confused.

I couldn't say anything! I was more dumbfounded and confused than before I asked the question. I touched her hand and smiled. Thank you, Chloe! That was all I could say. She looked at me with a caring expression on her face! I smiled at her.

I felt like I could trust her. I was wondering what Chloe meant by more alike, but I would save that question for another day. The truth is I loved how I felt. The tight clothes, the heels. I loved the feel of lipstick on my lips. Every time I looked in the mirror, I couldn't keep my eyes off my ears and nose. It made me smile.

Come on, girlfriend! Let's have some fun! Chloe said.

She took hold of my hand and smiled. We walked into Macy's and straight through the store and into the mall. Chloe and I walked straight to the Nu-Image Salon. We checked in, and both got signed up for hair, coloring, facials, and mani-pedi.

A very nice Gothic stylist approached me. She had white hair with bright red streaks. Her makeup was dark grey and black with reddish black lips. She had more ear piercings than I did. She reminded me a little of Abby on the NCIS TV show I used to watch with my Dad.

Lana? She asked.

I'm Lana! I smiled.

I'm Bunny! Come with me cutie! She stretched out her hand, I took it. Chloe followed us. I sat in her chair.

So, what are we doing today? She asked.

I looked at Chloe. Chloe smiled back.

How about a slightly long pixie cut? Chloe suggested! Maybe add some blonde streaks. Lana likes to show off her ears!

A pixie cut would look great on you! Tell me, Lana, is this your first feminine haircut?

Yes, Ms Bunny!

I love Androgynous boys! They have such a wonderful understanding of fashion! I love your belly button!

I just had my ears, nose, and naval pierced today. I said.

I think they're lovely! Don't be afraid to try a halter top and mini-skirt, you have the legs and stomach for it! Bunny said.

Before I knew it, I was in a relaxing state as Bunny washed my hair and massaged my scalp. Soon, Bunny started cutting and shaping my hair. I smelled the chemicals being mixed up. She separated my hair and started coloring and adding foil strips throughout my hair.

I thought I'd be getting a few blonde steaks, but it seemed Bunny had other ideas. I didn't say anything, but my anxiety was climbing again. I could feel an erection starting. Thank goodness the leggings are tight. Soon I was sitting under the hair dryer with a Vogue magazine.

I read an article about Androgynous fashions. Chloe was right about Androgynous fashions becoming the new trend for men. It was an interesting article. I took mental notes.

I had to sit for 45 minutes to get the correct shade of blonde Bunny was looking for. My black hair was very thick. Chloe was getting her hair done in the chair next to me. She was getting her hair straightened and curled with 3/4-inch rollers. Chloe had red streaks added to her hair.

Bunny washed out my hair and finished shaping it. Chloe and I were given facials and were taken to the spa chairs. Bunny washed and scrubbed my feet. She massaged my calves with lotion. My toes were given a French pedicure.

Bunny removed my facial peel, my skin felt alive. She showed me how to blow dry and style my hair. One last thing! We have to wax those eyebrows, Lana!

Yes, please! I said. I looked in the mirror and knew she was right.

Do you trust me, Lana?

Yes, Bunny, I trust you.

Bunny gave me slightly high-arched brows. They were about 3/16 inches wide above the inside of my eyes and tapered pencil-thin at the outside. They were beautiful. Even without makeup, I looked very feminine. It felt like I was looking at my mother again. I realized there was no way I could dress up and look like a regular boy again, at least not for a few months anyway.

I paid Bunny and gave her a forty-dollar tip. Bunny gave me a hug! She handed me her business card and told me to call her anytime! I flipped the card over and she left her cell number on the back. I was almost floored with surprise.

Chloe was done about ten minutes later, we started walking back towards Macy's. We stopped at the Urban Decay makeup counter. To my amazement, there was a very pretty Caucasian boy working the counter. His name tag said, Antonio.

Can I help you? He asked with a soft musical voice.

Yes, Chloe said, taking charge again. I was more grateful than ever for her help at that moment. This is Lana, and she needs both a daytime and an evening look.

I love your hair, Lana! Antonio said. Are you Polynesian, by chance? Half caucasian, half Hawaiian, I answered.

You're very pretty even without makeup. Let's make you gorgeous!

Antonio started with a matching foundation to my skin tone. He showed me how to blend and contour the foundation for smooth, natural-looking skin. He told me the makeup was SPF 25. I love being outside, another excuse to wear makeup, I smiled.

Next up was my eyes. Antonio recommended permanent eyebrows and eyeliner. He showed me his, I could hardly tell at first. Antonio also recommended facial electrolysis.

You don't have a lot of facial hair, but as you get older it will get darker and thicker, Antonio said. It will also make your skin rougher, unlike the porcelain skin you have now.

Antonio is right, Lana! I can help you with the electrolysis if you want! Chloe said.

I squeezed Chloe's hand, acknowledging her generosity and support. As Antonio moved around me I saw he was wearing a red leather skirt and nude nylons. With chunky heel work boots like I wore at work.

He wore a black satin blouse. It was a 3/4 length waist-fitted blouse. By the buttons on the front, I knew it was a woman's blouse. His makeup was flawless! He had a blended foundation similar to what he showed me. He had slightly arched eyebrows and thicker and longer eyelashes. He wore thin black eyeliner above and below his eyes. His waterline was black as well.

Tim had a nose gold stud on the left side. His ears had 3 lobe piercings, and his tragus was pierced. As Antonio continued to demonstrate the different shades of colors to use and where to apply them, I watched and listened closely. I noticed his tongue was pierced with a stud. I thought it was very sexy. His lips were blended with a very subtle matte pink and skin tone color. It was barely noticeable, but I noticed it and admired it.

Chloe held my hand almost the entire time. At times, it felt like she was sending me additional courage and confidence as Antonio worked his magic on my face. I started relaxing; my anxiety started to dissipate as Antonio worked on me; his confidence and knowledge of makeup and fashion were very informative. He talked to me like a friend, not a client. I found it very comforting. I thanked Antonio for his help and counsel.

After almost an hour and 300 dollars lighter, Chloe and I went into the women's section. Chloe helped me pick out an assortment of mini-skirts and blouses, halter tops, and short tank tops. Chloe selected several pairs of Chino pants and lace-patterned yoga leggings in pink, purple, white, and yellow.

I picked out several sports bras to match my leggings, skirts, and Chino pants. Chloe helped me pick out matching wedge sandals. Chloe helped me with my selections and helped me with the proper fitting. Every outfit combination exposed my midriff. I bought two pairs of bicycle shorts and 3 leotards. Thank goodness they had a half-price sale! Chloe came back from around the corner with a couple of panty-looking things, both flesh-toned. She bought them before I could see them.

Chloe had me change into a denim mini-skirt, a yellow half-tank top, and sandals. While I was changing into my new outfit, she handed me the panty-looking thing. It was a gaff. Chloe explained how to put it on. As I changed, Chloe bought a new pink and white bikini.

Our next stop was Victoria's Secret. Chloe helped me pick out multiple pairs of panties and three trainer bras, 36 A-cup. As I was checking out, Chloe bought me two short baby doll nighties.

When we left the mall I could feel my hips swaying almost naturally. I was on cloud nine! I felt myself smiling with ease. Chloe was giggling at me.

What! I said.

You! You're so happy walking with a cute little strut of yours, it's almost like you're dancing! Chloe stated.

I feel happy! Thanks to you, Chloe!

Ohh girlfriend, this is just the beginning! If you stay on this course, you and I are going to have even more in common! Chloe said.

What do you mean? I asked

I'll tell you when the time is right. For now, let's pick up some supplies for your body piercings and your hair. Are you hungry? My treat! Chloe said.

We were loaded down with bags. We loaded up the car and stopped at Walgreens for Bactine and Q-tips for my piercings. I bought new shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, and mousse. Chloe helped me pick out hair and skin products. I bought a blow dryer with several attachments.

Chloe and I stopped at Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. I spent a little more money than I wanted to, today. But I was very happy with the way I looked and felt. I didn't understand why I was so happy. I decided to just go with the flow of things.

Chloe and I ate at the salad bar. I had an Iced tea, Chloe had white wine. I mentioned I had to go grocery shopping tomorrow. Chloe said she would come with me. She wanted to ensure I was making healthy selections. She also suggested I start a regimen of vitamins and herbal supplements. She said she would pick me up at 1 pm. Sunday morning.

I hugged Chloe and thanked her for a wonderful afternoon.

You're welcome, sweetheart! Wear something cute tomorrow!

Yes Ms. Chloe!.

I laid out my new purchases and started organizing my clothes. I used the totes for my mother's old clothes and started putting away my boy's clothes. I was constantly looking at every reflected surface. I couldn't believe how pretty I was. I sorta looked like my mother. I felt great! I kept fanning out my fingers admiring the French manicure I had. The cool air between my legs was a welcome sensation with my skirt on.

I found a couple of my mother's sexy lingerie and folded next to my new things. My mom had a Hawaiian flower headdress. I put it in a shopping bag and set it on the top shelf of the closet. It was almost midnight when I went to bed and I had to dump the trash and sweep in the morning.