Hard Decisions by Elaine © 2020

There are some things I can't do anymore of course and a simple thing like running that I took for granted before, is often quite painful even wearing a sports bra. So, it's not always plain sailing.

As a matter of routine, I checked both small scar tissue sites, but both have healed well, and my breasts look full and hang down realistically. I won't bore you with cup sizes or anything, but I will say that they look, well just perfect and are not just two orbs stuck onto my rib cage. I cupped them and felt their weight.

There are times though when I wish I didn’t have to put on bra, but I know it will hurt if I don't. They are such a bother at times too but to cheer myself up I clipped on a new lacy bra that supports me comfortably.

I stared in the mirror; now excited at the prospect of applying make-up to my now naked face. I applied my cosmetics just as Janine showed me. When I was younger, I always enjoyed playing with make-up just like any other girl. Lipstick, blusher and mascara but I would always contrive to look like a giant panda, a ghoul or some screaming prostitute.

Janine taught me that little was best for the right amount of transformation. I undid the shower cap and checked my hair, which was just fine, and then gently started to tweak my eyebrows. There were only a few straggly hairs and I quickly took care of them. A high maintenance regime always helps, and both brows are thin and tapered just the way I like them.

I smoothed and blended a little Estee Lauder foundation cream into my face and forehead sparingly. My face is unblemished except for the small scar that I always notice at my neck. That's the legacy of a bygone era too. The make-up removed the sheen from my face making it look softer and rounder.

I like to create moods with my eyes and I carefully blended in the eye shadow to make my look more mysterious. It went from pale white at the inner part of my lids to dark brown at the outer. I removed my little silver Celtic design earrings and replaced them with two cute long pearl drops. I had been tempted to have a second piercing in each ear, but the first holes had hurt and then taken an age to heal, so one would have to be enough.