Andlat's Story Spot

Caitlyn told herself she went out into the woods to try to find a new wand, but she knew a part of her just liked to spite Mom. Mom wanted her to wear dresses all the time and she, being a former boy (the former still stung to admit), refused. At least it would all be fixed soon. Much as Caitlyn hated to admit it, there were some nice things about being the only girl. She no longer had to worry about a brother stealing her favorite shirt, they were forbidden from barging into her room, and she could not deny that it was kind of nice being mom's obvious favorite. All the same, she still refused to believe she was getting used to being a girl, Bryan's words from that car ride to grandma's echoing in her head. There was still plenty she would never get used to, like mom insisting on picking out the absolute worst outfits for her. "You're still young enough that I can choose some of your clothes." Mom would say, showing her yet another hideous dress. Caitlyn ...

"James," Caitlyn whispered. "This isn't funny. You have to figure out a way to change me back." "Can't." James replied. "Threw the magic wand in the lake." "I can't stay..." The former boy couldn't bring herself to say the g word. Not yet. "Like this." "You gonna have to." James said with a grin. "You'll get used to it, I bet." Bryan whispered. Caitlyn sighed. Why had she sat between the two of them? "Being a girl, I mean." "Duh." Caitlyn muttered. Get used to it? Bryan wasn’t the one stuck there in a pink dress, long hair getting everywhere. "I bet the spell will make it so even we don't remember you being Michael." Bryan shrugged. "What are you three whispering about back there?" Their dad asked. "Oh, leave them be, Mike." Lisa said. "They were fighting all morning. I'm glad they'll at least behave for grandma." ...

"Give it to me!" Lisa sighed as she set her lemonade down on the counter. Why did it always seem like she could only get a minute's peace and quiet before the kids started yelling again? "Give it, James!" Yep, it sounded like Caitlyn was being bossy again. The screen door closing behind her was normally enough of a warning for her kids that mom was coming. Today, however, Caitlyn kept trying to tug a stick -- a stick of all things! -- out of her brother's hand. She surveyed the scene as she drew closer. Bryan and James in their matching outfits -- sure, they were eleven months apart, but that was practically twins -- plaid shirts and stylishly torn jeans. And then there was Caitlyn in her pink dress and a big bow in her hair. Lisa almost stumbled. That darn lump! She tripped over it every day! She looked back at her kids and, for the briefest moment, something felt amiss "James!" Caitlyn yelled. The way she was trying with all her might to get tha...