I had gotten the job at the store for the summer. I was a high school kid who needed extra cash and with the recession going on I had little choice as to what job I could get. I was hired as a stock boy for Carol's Wedding Dresses. I had worked through the summer with the embarrassment subsiding after the first week.

Wedding dresses, brides-maid's dresses, formal dresses, strapless bras, corsets, heels, stockings, lingere, and more. I had never been exposed to this before but at least most of my work was done behind the closed doors, in the back room. I unloaded the trucks when they came in, boxed the articles for shipping, and after the store closed I would clean the floor, dressing room, office and do other chores. I worked the late shift, 5 pm until midnight. This gave me two hours each night after the store was closed to clean up. By the end of the summer, Carol had enough confidence in me to let me stay the final hour alone and lock the store up.

I guess before I go on with my tale, I should tell you that I have been into dressing in women's clothes since Jr. High. I slipped on my sister's dress when I was in the 7th grade and have been hooked since. Obviously living at home I don't have much of an occassion to dress but when I do I thoroughly enjoy it. Now in spite of my proclivity for women's clothes I was good and did not take or try anything on in the store for fear of getting caught. Tonight that would all change.

Carol came to me about 7:00 and asked if I could stay late tonight. There was a shipment coming in around midnight that needed to be unloaded and stored in the back room. This was my last weekend and unfortunately I had nothing to do this Friday night. I agreed to do it.

The entire night my thoughts turned to trying on one of the dresses. How could I let a golden opportunity slip away like this??? The night dragged on but Carole let me go home for dinner at 8:00 and since no one was home I prepared. I barely had enough time to shave myself from arms to toes. A few little nicks would have to do as I was strapped for time. I packed a few things and headed back for the store.

It was a slow day so Carole was out of the store within a half hour after closing. I finished my chores and the truck showed up earlier than expected. I unloaded the truck and it left on it's way. It was now only reaching midnight and I would have time to play. Carole knew I was staying late so there would be no problem with the alarm company.

I went to the racks and found the dress that I had loved since I first saw it. An open back with four clasps at the neck to give it a heart appearance, a long flowing gown that would spread around me like a cloud. I grabbed the necessary lingere, a corset, a strapless bra, a garter belt, silk panties and heels. I was able to find one 3" pair in my size with a small buckle to hold them on.

I went to the back room and tore off my clothes. Slowly and deliberately the transformation took place. The bra and panties first, then I struggled into the corset. The corset was needed as it shaped my body into an hourglass. Then came the garter and hose. I put the shoes on and buckled the little hasp. Wait, something was missing. I looked at my chest and went to the padding wall near the bras. All brides want to look their best and fullest on their big day. I slipped the padding into the bra and there it was, a chest. Finally I was ready for the gown. I stepped into it and pulled the shoulders up. I reached behind my back and pulled the zipper up to near mid back. Next came the neck clasps. The first one went on with a little trouble but the others were nearly impossible. I struggled for nearly fifteen minutes to get them on.

Next came the makeup. I kept some in the car in the hopes that I would be able to make my dream come true. Eye shadow, eye liner, rouge, lipstick and all the rest. Fortunately there was a towel in the back room that I put around my neck to keep from getting any on the gown. After my face was done I donned the wig I had bought. It was dirty blonde and sort of shaped my face. The length was just below my shoulders and it caressed my back as I moved my head. I put the bobby pins in to hold it on my head. Next I did my nails. It would be another two hours before I had to vacate the store so I was able to indulge myself in the little things. I glued the inch long nails to my fingers and sat as I waited for the glue to dry. Next came a pretty pink polish that matched my lipstick. I had always been partial to pink. Within an hour the whole transformation was complete.

I walked onto the floor and over to a full length mirror. I could not believe my eyes. I was gorgeous. The long flowing gown made it difficult to walk but that just added to my state of vulnerability. I walked around the store a dozen times, just admiring the feel of the gown and undergarments. I was in heaven.

The mall officially closed at 10:00 pm but many employees stayed until as late as 11:00 to finish their nightly tasks. I was always the last one to leave. I was not satisfied anymore with just walking around the store. I looked to the front door of the store to where it led into the enclosed mall. My palms got sweaty and my heart started to race.

My mind questioned: What if I got caught?

My mind quickly answered: But there was never anyone around when I left and the mall didn't have a night security force.

How much longer did I have?

It was only 12:57 and I had over an hour to walk around and get back to change.

What if I damaged the dress?

I could store it in a box in the back and Carole would not find out for weeks.

I'm scared!

You will never have another opportunity like this again - my mind screamed back at me.

I walked to the front door and looked out. The mall was relatively dark, only a few night lights on which was enough to allow me to walk around. I unlocked the door and slowly opened it. I cautiously looked out and verified that there was not a sound in the mall. I picked up the train and walked from the safe confines of the store. The door closed behind me and I let out a big breath. I waited to see if I could hear anything. After two minutes there again was not another sound. I started to relax.

I walked towards the food court area. From there I could go down either of the other two branches of the mall or walk up the stairs to the upper level. As I walked I could hear the clicking of my heels. Every so often I would stop and listen. Never did I hear a thing. I felt so wonderful! I imagined myself on my wedding day, so beautiful and all eyes on me. At almost every store I could see my reflextion. Sometimes I would even stop to admire myself.

I reached the food court and had to make a decision. I thought for a moment and decided to go to the upper level where the walkway overlooked the main level. Again I picked up the train of the dress and started to walk up the stairs. It was difficult walking but fortunately I put on the heels with the clasps so they would stay on. In this dress I could not put the shoes back on as I could not bend over that far.

The second floor had most of the women's clothing stores. I admired the outfits I saw in them as I walked past. I was thoroughly enjoying myself. This night would bring memories for the rest of my life. I got near the other end of the tier and noticed a clock. "Shit", it was nearly 1:00 and I had to get back. I was disappointed that this night would have to end. I walked back down the stairs which left me closer to the store than if I walked back to the food court.

As I walked down the stairs I felt as if I was descending on my wedding as I had seen in some movies. I could picture the wedding guests looking up at me saying how pretty I was.

I got to the bottom of the stairs and made my way back to the store. Everything looked as I had left it. I paused at the door - did I remember to put the lock safety on? My had delicately grasped the handle and I pulled.... It opened.

I walked inside and started to walk towards the back room when I heard a woman's voice... Carole's voice. She started to sing...

"Here comes the bride, here comes the bride"

I stopped as did my heart. I looked to the side wall and saw Carole emerge from the office.