A Gift in Disguise Ch. 17

"I'll be graduating from Madison High in about three months."

"I see," Karla said. "I know that Madison High generally recommends Anthony's Photography for its graduating seniors. May I ask why you happened to choose me rather than Anthony's?"

"Sure. You were highly recommended by a woman whom I grew up with. Her stage name is Dianna DeChenne, but you probably knew her as Toni Lewis."

Karla flashed an expression of both recognition and slight disbelief upon hearing the names.

"Oh, yes, I remember ... her ... well," Karla said, her pause putting just the slightest emphasis on 'her' when she uttered it. "But she graduated last year as I recall. You say you grew up with her? Forgive me, but you look a bit young to ..."

"Well, we've actually been friends since we were about ten. Toni and I are the same age."

Kerri fumbled inside her purse and quickly produced a driver's license which she handed to Karla, saying, "Toni said I probably ought to show this to you, Ms. Katz."

"Please, call me Karla," she said clearly warming up to Kerri's confidence, her youthful cuteness, and her intriguing sexuality while still remaining businesslike. She handed the license back to Kerri after very carefully inspecting it and having Kerri recite her date of birth.

"Toni and I would have been classmates but my parents held me back in grade school for one year - for medical reasons. Toni and I are both nineteen.

She showed me the 'special' photos you took of her in addition to her graduation photo. In fact, she sent one for me to give to you. Toni is always telling me about the many ways you helped her assess her talents for her career."

Kerri reached into her backpack to retrieve a brown manila envelope containing an eight-by-ten glossy print of a beautiful nineteen year old trans woman in a nearly transparent black body stocking. Even in the photo and concealed by the body stocking, the woman's erection was prominent. The photo was inscribed "Snapzz, I hope you'll help my friend Kerri all the same ways you have helped me. CU soon. Kisses, Toni."

Karla smiled and relaxed noticeably upon seeing the photo and reading its inscription.

"Snapzz is Toni's pet nickname for me. Only she and I know it. I presume you are aware of Toni's physical attributes and considerable talents," Karla probed delicately.

Kerri gave her a very obvious, sly look and simply answered, "Very intimately. In some ways she and I are quite similar in fact."

"Well, then," Karla said with now obviously increasing lust, "I have no other appointments this afternoon. Why don't I close the shop, and we can go in back and tend to your graduation photo without any concern for interruption?"

Karla walked to the front door, locked it, flipped the hanging sign so it displayed "Closed" to the outside, and returned. She picked up the backpack and put her other arm around Kerri's waist to guide her to and through a second door. Karla's hand was sliding down slowly toward Kerri's ass as they exited and the scene faded to black.

A moment later on the DVD, the second scene faded in on a set appearing to show a professional photo studio bedroom scene set suitable for boudoir photos. The room held an array of lights, diffusers, reflectors, cords, and two DSLR cameras. Karla and Kerri are entering from the doorway. On the wall opposite the bedroom set was a selection of ceiling-mounted, pull-down backdrops of various colors and patterns with a plain sturdy stool four or five feet in front of it.

"Kerri ... may I call you Kerri?" she asked as she placed Kerri's backpack by the stool.

"Yes, of course. Please do."

"All right, Kerri. I suggest we get the graduation photo out of the way first. That will give us more time together ... for your personal assessment."

Karla made no effort to conceal her intensifying sexual attraction to Kerri.

Karla's mannerisms and vocal inflections were even making me hard.

Karla continued with a disconsolate sigh, "Even though the trend for several years has been toward more informal, full-length, and even outdoor photos, Madison High is firmly anchored in the mid-twentieth century and requires that all senior yearbook photos have a traditional, consistent appearance. I call it the 'asexual look,'" she sniffed. "I've found ways around it for special young friends like Toni, though.

For women graduates, Madison High insists that you be photographed in a black velvet graduation drape which simulates the appearance of a formal gown photographed against a blue background. It has a modest V-neckline that drapes over your front and fastens in back with velcro."

While she continued talking to Kerri, Karla pulled down a dark blue portraiture backdrop to the floor.

"About the only latitude the school gives you is your choice of a tasteful necklace and matching earrings and, of course, makeup. Nothing garish and certainly nothing provocatively revealing.

Did you happen to bring a velvet graduation drape and any jewelry you might like?"

"No, I don't recall anyone at school ever saying anything to me about needing any drape thingy. About the only jewelry I wear is some earrings, and I don't usually wear much makeup."

"Not to worry, my dear. I keep a studio drape in the closet that has velcro fasteners I can adjust to fit you perfectly. It's freshly cleaned and pressed. I rarely use it since I don't do much graduation photo business and believe me, it is never requested by the women who come here to have boudoir or glamour photos done to impress their lovers.

And I've got a necklace and earrings that would look perfect on you."

Karla's expression changed to reflect her own discomfort with her next question. "Kerri, I hope you understand that I do have to ask this though: What kind of graduation photo will your parents feel comfortable sending to family and friends?"

Kerri's response was disarmingly relaxed. "My parents are very comfortable with me as a young woman, if that's what you mean. My parents have supported my transition as much as Toni's parents encouraged and supported her."

Karla smiled broadly. "That's so refreshing to hear, Kerri. We'll make sure that they get the perfect graduation portrait of their very beautiful and very sexy daughter, then. And Kerri, I promise you that you'll pay substantially less for your graduation photos here than with any other photographer.

Now, why don't you take off your raincoat and hang it on that coat rack. Don't worry about it dripping on the floor. You couldn't do anything about the spring shower today. Then have a seat on the stool in front of the screen."

Kerri removed her coat. Underneath she was wearing a denim miniskirt and a three-quarter sleeve candy stripe button front blouse and white slip-on sneakers.

Karla gave her an appraising look, then said, "Kerri, can you please unbutton your blouse enough to pull it off your shoulders so it doesn't show above the V-neck drape? Also, if you are wearing a bra, you might need to step behind that screen over there and remove it so it doesn't show either."

"Why don't I just take my blouse off? Then you won't get in your way," Kerri offered helpfully but with a slightly suggestive tone.

Then without waiting for Karla's answer, Kerri removed her blouse completely. She wasn't wearing a bra, and the appearance of her two small but perfectly formed and proportional 32B breasts caused Karla to stare.

Karla wasn't the only one staring at Kerri's breasts. My erection that had begun moments before became even more prominent in my cargo shorts. I had forgotten for the moment that Bethany's hand was still resting on me there. At this increasing sign of my hardening, Bethany gently tightened her hand pressure on my shaft. Bethany's own breathing had caught and increased at her first seeing Kerri's breasts.

"You really do have beautiful ... skin, Kerri," Karla said appreciatively while struggling to keep her own composure. "And obviously an equally beautiful body. We'll have to be careful to not expose too much of your breasts, though. Madison High would not approve if they saw too much of your beautiful cleavage.

I hope you don't mind my asking, but did you and Toni happen to have the same doctors?"

"Oh, I don't mind at all.

Yes, we did. In fact, that's how Toni and I and our parents met when we were ten or eleven."

"I thought so. No surgical augmentation, and I suspect little or no hormonal treatment. You and Toni were likely candidates for Dr. Frank's and Dr. Roxanne's diet and exercise alternatives. Am I right?"

Kerri beamed at Karla's astute knowledge and observations.

"Yes, you are. Toni had told me that you ..."

Karla was now smiling warmly. Remarkably, her face seemed to be taking on a more youthful appearance as she began her answer.

"Yes. I was referred to Dr. Frank and Dr. Roxanne about twenty-one years ago now when they were first beginning to specialize in working with us. They and their associates are nothing less than miracle workers. The way they can methodically calculate the most appropriate shapes and proportions for our bodies is close to being miraculous.

Like you and Toni, I chose to forego the faster but more disruptive hormonal and surgical alternatives. And being able to enjoy full-volume ejaculation with orgasms is such a pleasurable experience.

Their patience and willingness to work with us to be the women we are rather than indifferently manipulating us like lab rats in hopes of changing us into what we were never meant to be makes them very special in my book."

While they had been talking, Karla had walked to a closet and returned with the black velvet drape, still on a hanger under the dry cleaner's plastic. She removed the flimsy plastic protector bag and tossed the loosely wadded mass into a nearby wastebasket. Then she took the drape from the hanger, released the hook-and-loop fasteners in back, and opened the drape.

"Kerri, why don't you position this over your chest and hold it in place while I refasten it in back. I'll make the final adjustments on it after you're in your final portrait position."

While appearing to position the drape, Karla visibly let her hands touch and caress Kerri's soft skin on her shoulders and breasts.

"You have a very soft, gentle touch," Kerri encouraged, offering no resistance to Karla's touches.

"Thank you for noticing," Karla cooed, her voice a deep, seductive near-whisper. After fastening the drape, Karla walked back toward the camera, then turned to face Kerri.

"I'm going to turn on the modeling lights now so I can get some idea of what makeup and jewelry might look best on you for the photo. The light may look harsh, but don't worry. The light from the strobes will be diffused and much softer, much more flattering in the photos.

Speaking of makeup, don't be concerned if the makeup I might suggest for your photos isn't necessarily what you would normally choose.

If you're considering a career in modeling or videos, this will be your first lesson: Makeup that looks good in a photo is not always the same as what looks good in person. That's true for lighting and angles as well. The camera captures small flaws that our minds psychologically mask. Since my specialty is glamour photos, I've learned to look for what needs to be fixed or avoided before the photos are taken."

Karla turned on the modeling lights, then walked around Kerri appraising her position and appearance.

"You are so beautiful. With that pixie haircut you could easily be a double for Emma Watson even though I think she's a bit taller than you.

You have excellent posture, Kerri. And your fair skin is so blemish-free, soft, and creamy looking. You're a photographer's dream. With your facial features, you'll appeal to both men and women. You're a natural. Are you considering a career in modeling? Or maybe adult entertainment like Toni?"

"Realistically, full-body modeling is out. I'm not tall enough.

Toni has been trying to persuade me to partner with her at one of the high-end adult video companies that makes trans videos for discriminating audiences. I might do that to learn 'the business,' though. Youthful appearance fades quickly. I'd rather get into direction and production, maybe representation, for a career. There's definitely room for us as actresses and eventually executives in adult entertainment - if we have the talent and other assets. I'm planning on majoring in theater and video at the University and minoring in business administration."

Karla nodded approvingly at Kerri's vision and wisdom, then stepped back and looked again.

"All right. Turn just a little to your right on the stool and look at the electronic picture of the cat on the wall there. Perfect! That's the position we'll photograph you in."

Karla walked to Kerri and said, "I'm going to put your feet on the stool's rungs here ... and here." As she did, Karla ran her hands up Kerri's bare legs, stopping at the miniskirt's mid-thigh hem. Kerri smiled demurely and murmured a "Mmm" of complete approval as Karla was clearly feeling her up.

Pleased at Kerri's very encouraging response to her touch, Karla once again stepped back from Kerri and looked.

"Yes, that'll be exactly the position I'd like you in." Then she added hastily and with a smile, "... For your graduation photo."

Now, let me take off the drape before we go over to the makeup table. We'll try the jewelry on there in front of the mirror. We'll talk a little more about makeup there, too.

Here's a towel to cover you while we're at the makeup table."

Karla removed the drape and placed it back on the hanger. Kerri draped the towel over her shoulders but made no effort to close it to conceal her breasts.

Sliding off the stool, Kerri picked up her backpack. Then she and Karla walked to the makeup table. Karla turned on the array of makeup lights surrounding the mirror when Kerri seated herself looking into it.

Almost unnoticeably the on-screen image Bethany and I saw quickly dissolved, then returned so we seemed then to be standing in back of the mirror looking through it at Kerri's face with Karla standing behind her with her hands on the towel covering Kerri's shoulders.

"You said you had your own makeup, dear," Karla said helpfully.

Kerri reached down into her backpack and retrieved a small makeup kit. She opened it and placed it on the table in front of her.

Karla looked at the various colors and shades, then said, "Very good choices, Kerri. Is Adrianne still the makeup artist Dr. Roxanne uses to teach the makeup classes? She's a master with hues and shades, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is," Kerri answered.

"When I go to Baltimore for my check-up visits, I try to spend a bit of time with Adrianne. As my own skin has aged, she has made very helpful makeup suggestions to compensate for aging.

As for your makeup kit, those are just right for you when you're going out in public, Kerri, but for the cameras, we may use some that are just slightly different."

"Toni told me the same thing," Kerri said agreeably. "She said maybe you would help me the same way you helped her?"

Karla's facial expression again became one of unmistakable lust for the aspiring youthful model seated in front of her. No audience watching the action through the mirror as Bethany and I were could have missed it.

"It would be my pleasure, Kerri, but you must understand that sometimes the best results require somewhat ... unorthodox ... methods to fully bring out your natural beauty."

"Yes, I understand. Toni explained that to me, too. She said that rather than load some models down with too much makeup, there are ways to stimulate our bodies to naturally produce a desired skin tone. I very much like that idea - natural stimulation I mean."

"I can demonstrate one of them to you in a way that will add some real 'pop' to your graduation photo but in a way that the school administrators won't object to. They'll feel its effect, but they won't know why," Karla smiled conspiratorially. "Of course, if you tell me to stop, I'll stop immediately."

Kerri's growing excitement was evident to both Bethany and me.

"Yes, go ahead. Please! I'm eager to learn," Kerri urged without any hesitation.

"All right, then.

First, go ahead and highlight your eyes just as Adrianne guided you."

Still looking straight into the camera as if it could see through the mirror, Kerri reacted quickly.

"Very nice," Karla complimented. "Now, do your lips."

Again, Kerri moved quickly and delicately.

"Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful," Karla continued. "You're one of the very few who can wear the same lip treatment in daylight or in photos. What's really amazing is that your everyday lip treatment will look even better in photos after natural stimulation."

Kerri reached for her foundation primer.

"No, don't use that, dear," Karla said. Kerri gave her a puzzled look.

"We're going for the natural Kerri look for a graduation photo. The very slight accent on your eyes and lips stand out without it but would be dulled by foundation. You'll see what I mean.

Your skin is nearly perfectly flawless already, but it's very bright white. This is where we'll experiment with finding what brings just the right natural color to your skin. That will tell me just how little matte I can use to reduce your skin's reflective whiteness - if I need to use any at all.

It's easier to show in photos than live in the mirror, so let's position you on the stool, turn on the modeling lights, and I'll take some test photos to show you what I mean.

So you're not startled, let me explain what you'll see and hear. When I push the camera's remote control shutter release, the strobes will flash. At the same time you'll also hear a muffled pop with the flash. That's completely normal, then the modeling lights will come back."

Kerri returned to the stool and sat back down in nearly the same position as Karla had earlier approved. The video's camera angle smoothly transitioned to her repositioning.

Karla knelt down in front of Kerri and once again lightly stroked Kerri's legs while positioning Kerri's feet on the stool rungs. Then Karla stood back up and looked as if she was going to retrieve the black velvet drape from its hanger.

In anticipation of Karla's putting the drape back on her, Kerri removed the towel draped over her shoulders. But instead of placing the drape on Kerri, Karla simply took the towel from Kerri.

"Your breasts are so white, but your nipples are beautifully pink and stand out proudly against the brown of your aureolas, Kerri. The color contrast against your white skin makes them look even more delectable. Would you mind if I took a few test shots without the drape to show you how your white skin will look if we don't slightly enhance its coloration? Think of it as a 'before' shot."

"No, please, go right ahead. Whatever you want," Kerri smiled agreeably as she spoke. "Anything at all."

Karla was displaying both arousal and pleasure at Kerri's ease at being topless. Though Karla's work slacks had obviously been specially tailored to accommodate and gracefully conceal her genitalia under normal circumstances, Kerri's beautiful breasts so tantalizingly close was hardly a normal circumstance. A bulge from Karla's partial erection was visible, but she was making no effort to conceal it from Kerri or the audience.

"Once again, look at the cat picture on the wall please," Karla suggested.

There was a muffled pop and quick flash each time Karla pushed the remote shutter release three times with just a few seconds in between each shot.

"Now, let me put the drape on you," Karla said.

She put the drape on Kerri and loosely fastened the Velcro in back. Then she came back around to the front.

"No, that's not quite right," Karla said. "I think we can help those beautiful breasts stand out just a little more without causing the Madison High principal to have a heart attack," she finished with a little laugh.