I find Mom still digging through the skirts. “Mom, what do you think? I think I look good in it.”

Mom smiles, quirks an eyebrow at my statement and says, “As I thought, you look great in it. Although some stockings would really finish it off nicely. What do you think?”

“If you think it’s a good idea, let's do that. Would you mind finding me some? I’m going to go try on the next set, be back soon.” I tell her and walk back to the fitting room with a smile.

I said before I was going to become a proper girl for them, but I was wrong to think of it that way. I believe I should mostly do it for myself, as well as for them. I’ll still require a lot of help to do so, but I have two of the most beautiful women I know to help me. Uh, no, make that three. There is Mayumi as well, and I’m fairly sure she would be happy to help me too.

When I reach the fitting room, Chinatsu helps me out of the outfit, she then proceeds to wrap her arms around my waist, and pins me against the wall of the fitting room.

“Is something wrong?”

“Hmm? No. I just want to cuddle a bit, that’s all.”

“I’m fine with that, but you know Mom’s waiting for me to show her the next outfit… Oh, who cares, she can wait a few extra minutes.”

“Sora-nee?” She says as she pulls back slightly to look me in the eye.

“Yes?”

“You’re my favorite person in this world. You know that don’t you?”

“You really like embarrassing me, don’t you?” I ask her, chuckling softly. “I feel the same way Chinatsu.”

Her eyes widen a little when I say that. “I don't even remember the last time you called me by my full name. Why?”

“Well, I was thinking I can’t call you Chi in front of everyone else. That’s what “I” called you after all. It would be a little too obvious since I don’t ever remember anyone else calling you by that nickname.”

“Of course not. You are the only one I ever allowed to call me that. Not even Mom or Dad get to do so.”

“Doubly so then since that would basically be announcing to everyone who I am.”

She sighs and snuggles up against me again. “Okay, but you still have to call me Chi when we’re alone, alright?”

“I’m sorry, but I need to break away from the old me altogether. That is the only way I can see myself being able to become a proper girl. I can’t hang onto any of my past, I have to become a new me. Although, that won't change how I feel about you, you know that right?”

“I don’t want that.” She says sounding like she might cry.

“It has to be that way, and you have to know that too. I have to change. Not only do I have to live as a girl, but becoming a real girl is also the only way I have to protect myself from the people who might want to hurt me.” I explain to her, then push her back slightly, I take my right hand, place it over my heart, and pat myself. “In here though, I'll always be the same. This heart that loves you more than anyone else will never change, understand?”

“I do, but don’t forget that alright?”

“As if I ever could. Besides, aren’t you the one who said you love having a sister? Wouldn’t it be so much better if I’m able to truly become that for you, instead of just looking like it? Someone who will enjoy doing girly things with you like a real sister would?”

“Honestly? Either way, as long as you are here with me I could care less, but I understand what you are saying.”

Pulling her back to me, I place my cheek against hers and decide to enjoy the feel of Chinatsu’s soft, warm body against mine for a little while.

A few minutes later, even though I really don't want to, I gently push her away. I'd be happy to simply cuddle with Chinatsu all day, but we have things to do. Not to mention, Mom is waiting on me to show her the outfits she picked out for me.

　◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

Ninety minutes later, I’m very tired, and slightly shaky on my feet. We’ve managed to pick out six one-piece summer dresses of varying styles, but all of them are rather short. The longest one, which reaches mid-thigh on me, is the most chic of those. It’s a satin off-white one-piece with an elegant lavender floral pattern and spaghetti straps. Even I think it looks fabulous on me. Mom also selected a pair of white, pumps with seven and a half centimeter heel to go with it. I wobble in them of course and probably would have fallen if Chinatsu wasn’t holding on to me. Honestly, Mom has always had excellent fashion sense. She said she chose that outfit for me to wear when we go out somewhere.

Then there are eight skirts, of which the majority are the mini style, and an even dozen short sleeve or sleeveless blouses to go along with them. All of which look rather cute on me. Chinatsu’s opinion was slightly different however. She said with my long legs I was ‘drop-dead gorgeous’ in the mini-skirts.

In addition to the pumps for going out, and the ankle boots and white sandals I already had, she got me another pair of sandals with five centimeter heels, this time in black. She also got me a pair of white sport shoes, which I'm not allowed to wear except for gym class and a pair of black leather shoes to wear with my school uniform.

There are also thigh socks, stockings and ankle socks to go with everything. She chose a black shoulder bag and a dark grey clutch for me as a final touch. All totaled, this was almost ¥169,000. I’m afraid Dad is going to have a heart attack when he sees the bill for this trip. This isn’t even remotely everything Mom says I need either. I still need a new school uniform, more clothes, more shoes, and other things. Thankfully, we will be ordering those online.

As a side note, Mom had the clerks take the tags off the light green mini-skirt, yellow blouse, a pair of ultra sheer yellow stockings and had me change into that. I feel quite awkward, but like I said, I do think I look great in it.

Gathering up the numerous bags, we head back to the car. Although the weather is still lovely, my enjoyment of it is somewhat lessened by the looks I’m receiving from the men and boys we pass. Some of them are outright vulgar which makes me want to go hide somewhere. Chinatsu smiles at me reassuringly and using my arm she’s holding on to, she pulls me a little closer to her. Looking at me she says, “You’re going to have to learn how to ignore them.” I nod, but I don’t think it’s going to be all that easy for me with my anxieties.

Arriving at the car a short time later, we pile everything into the trunk, get in, and we buckle up. I’m hungry, but I’m also looking forward to going home so I can take a nap.

“Sora, I know you are tired, so I'll leave the decision up to you. Do you want to go out to eat like we planned, or go home?”

My eyes open a little wider. Is everyone in this family psychic when it comes to me? I glance at Chinatsu, who looks as if she is about to laugh.

“No Sora-nee, you are just easy to read.”

I sigh and shake my head. What was the point in having me change clothes then? Whatever, I really am tired, and that makes the decision a lot easier for me. “Let’s go home then. I'd love to take a nap and besides, the food you cook is better.”

Mom nods and we head for home.

Once we arrive, we carry the bags inside and up to my room. I glance at the clock on my desk. It’s really only 11:40? I thought we were gone longer than that.

“Sora, go ahead and rest. We can put these up later.”

“Thanks Mom, I appreciate it.”

Mom leaves my room, leaving Chinatsu and me alone. I sit down on my bed, peel off my stockings, and begin to massage the sore muscles in my legs. Chinatsu sits beside me and pulls my legs onto her lap.

“Here, let me do that for you. Lay down and relax.”

“Okay, thanks a lot.”

Stretching out on the bed, Chinatsu’s deft fingers begin to work on my sore muscles. Twenty minutes later, I sigh in pleasure because the ache of my muscles is just a dull echo and my drowsiness comes to the forefront. I open my eyes to look at her as she works on my left thigh.

“Thanks a lot Chinatsu. My legs don’t hurt anymore.”

She gives me a conflicted look and nods. “You’re welcome. I know it has to be done, but it bothers me when you call me that. I wish you didn't have to do it.”

“It feels strange for me to say it too, but I don’t see that there is a lot of choice. It would be far worse if people found out who I am because I slipped up and called you Chi in front of them.

I hold my arms out to her. “Come here. Cuddle with me and let’s take a nap.”

Grinning, she wastes little time in crawling across me and snuggling up close.

　◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

After knocking on my door, Mom says, “Sora, Chinatsu, dinner is ready. Come down and eat.”

“Okay, we’ll be right down Mom.” I answer, sitting up while I rub my eyes blearily and glance at the clock to see it’s 6:00 in the evening. As I turn back to see if Chinatsu is awake, she sits up, yawns, and stretches.

“I don’t know why, but I always sleep so much better when I’m with you.” She tells me with a smile.

“Because you’re spoiled and think I’m your body pillow for some strange reason.”

Standing up, I hold my hand out for her, which she takes and stands.

“Come on, let’s go. I’m starving.” I tell her and pull her toward the dining room.

“Hi Mom, hi Dad.” We say as we walk into the dining room.

Mom is still in the kitchen, so I let go of Chinatsu’s hand and walk over to see if I can help.

“What can I do to help?”

“Oh, everything is ready, but you can help carry the serving dishes to the table. Do you feel better now?”

“Much, thank you. I really did need the rest.”

I pick up a large serving dish and carry it to the table to set down. Dad looks at me.

“Sora that’s a really cute outfit you have on.”

“Thank you. Mom picked it out for me, but everything we picked out today was really cute.”

Dad smiles and glances at Mom. I somehow get the feeling that I'm missing something there.

“Sit down girls and let’s eat. You two ought to be hungry since you didn't eat lunch.”

“Starving actually.”

“I’m hungry too, but I got something even better than lunch, so I’m fine with missing it.” Chinatsu states.

“Oh? What might that be?” Dad asks with a grin.

“I got to snuggle and take a nap with Sora-nee.” She says which causes me to blush while Mom and Dad chuckle.

“You really do love Sora don’t you?”

“Of course I do Dad, I always have. It’s just better now since she is also my sister.”

Mom and Dad chuckle again, while I shake my head thinking, ‘She truly does love to embarrass me.’

“Come on everyone, eat while it’s still hot,” says mom.

After dinner, Chinatsu and I help Mom clean up while Dad watches the news. With the three of us doing it, it doesn't take long to finish.

“Sora, don’t take off. Your father and I need to talk to you.”

“O-okay.” I say nervously, wondering if I’ve done something I shouldn't have. Nothing comes to mind though.

“Relax, you didn't do anything wrong. We just need to explain a few things to you. Let’s go sit in the living room.”

Chinatsu sits on a floor cushion and I curl up beside her while Mom sits on the couch beside Dad as he turns off the TV.

Dad turns his attention to me. “Sora, as your Mom said you’ve done nothing wrong, so relax.”