Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:13:34 EDT
From: Andichan@aol.com
Subject: Kate and Amy and....

This work might be offensive to some as it contains content of a sexual
nature between minors / minors, minors and adults. The basic story line is
factual.  The writer was not involved in any event portrayed within but is
just the vehicle to relay the story.

You are welcome to mail me at andichan@aol.com

All comments will be replied to, positive or negative however please don't
be offensive, - constructive will do nicely!


KATE AND AMY AND......


I really don't know why I'm doing this. I've soul searched and talked with close
friends, gone to quiet places and thought long and hard about putting this down
on paper. I've an understanding male friend in Andy, (not the one talked about in
this account, I must say! His wife would kill him if she thought he was 'my' Andy!)
Through my ramblings and notes jotted on pieces of paper, he has agreed to
word process this stuff. A great mate and perhaps the only man I can bear my
soul to. Even given the age difference, if I wasn't the way I was, well.........
Fact number one; I'm a lesbian.
Fact number two; I'm really happy to feel that way, some members of my family
aren't so sure------ but it's my life and only I can live it.

Now, at the tender age of twenty-eight, I can see how events unfolded. I was
young and totally without experience of the world.

My Dad was in the merchant navy and once he considered us old enough to go
to boarding school, my elder brother and I were shipped to single sex schools. I
was eleven, and Paul was fourteen.

I missed my mum dreadfully however my dad, having almost always been at sea,
was again just a distant memory.

I settled in well and shared a room with two other girls. Schoolwork went well and
I had a good crowd of friends. I wasn't too hot on the hockey field but I was a
good swimmer, so that made up for my shortfalls at field sports!

My thirteenth birthday came around and I was thrown a small party to celebrate.
Most of the gang where there. To top it all, I was told that I was to move to a
single share dorm, me and one other girl.
She was fourteen and a bit but we hit it off from the first meeting. We had the
same sense of fun, clothes and stuff. It was sort of hero worship. She had poise,
she was street wise and so much fun to be with. We would talk until the small
hours about everything. We would be seen arm in arm giggling and laughing,
head to head and then the outburst of uncontrolled laughter. Fantastic to have
that sort of a friendship.

I was not a very well developed kid. It came late to me in life but the feelings
were still there and I remember very clearly, the feelings about boys. I would
watch them on 'Top of the Pops' and go ''wow!!!!!! but when I was in there
company , they were brash and sexist. I was turned off big time.
I wasn't bothered because I was comfortable with my friend and that's all I felt I
wanted. I know now that it wasn't a phase that a lot of girls go through however,
for a while, I wondered if I was abnormal because I couldn't connect totally with
the other girls in my year. Sure. I made all the right noises but my heart wasn't in
it and yes. I felt different.













July 17th.I will never forget. I contracted scarlet fever.
I was hospitalised for two months and thought I was going to die...Parents the
other side of the world and me in quarantine. No visitors, no contact and really
frightened. Hospital staff were great but the feeling of being abandoned  will
never leave me.

Finally I was returned to school. Medical unit job to regain strength. A matron
with attitude didn't help.,.I was very weak following the high temperature I'd had
for so long so maybe she was right in refusing visitors for a time. Anyhow, one
Saturday afternoon, it was the day of the ''round robin'' hockey game. Right at
the end of the season. Amy, my room mate, was good  as her word. She made
the first chance to come and see me, and I was more than a bit surprised,
coming out of the shower, to hear her knocking at my door. Her team had lost the
first two games and were out of the tournament. She had asked for a pass to
come and see me and told it was ok. I shrieked ''Yes Yes come in!!'' and dived
under the bed clothes stark naked.

I was just so pleased to see her! She leaped on to the bed and held her arms out
to me. We hugged and then she sat back.
''Oh God, I thought I'd lost you''' she said.
''I thought I was dying, and I was so scared'' I replied.
''No. I really thought you were going to die on me and I couldn't take all that,
you're too special''

We talked and talked...About school life, most of which I'd missed out on hearing
about for two months, about the gossip and the other girls, the crisis in the school
dining room when someone went mad and accused the head cook of being a
mass poisoner and chucked up all over the table. Girl stuff but after that period of
time away from ''normal life'', I was in heaven.

We hugged again and this time it was more than just a hug. We really held each
other. We were both crying and trying to talk to each other at the same time but
the moment overtook us both. Amy, between sobs, tried to joke, ''I want to cuddle
you, not your bed sheets!!''
''Ok. '' I said and flung the duvet aside.

Amy kicked off her gym shoes and leaped onto bed, still wearing her polo shirt
and plaid hockey skirt. We hugged and cried and told each other how much we'd
missed each other.

I don't know why I said it as a young girl but it just came out.
''You wanted to cuddle me, not the bed sheets? Can I cuddle you and not your
clothes?''
She broke off and removed her polo shirt, skirt and pants, then buried her head
under the duvet and rolled down her socks. We entwined.
I could feel her silky smooth body next to me. Her little breasts pressing against
my yet barely unformed chest. I felt so good. I wanted this to happen. God, I
wanted breasts too. I wanted her to love me. She did. I didn't know it was
naughty. I felt so ,-so,- so alive!! I didn't understand that this wasn't the thing that
nice girls do.

Amy was giggling again!
''Oh! We're being naughty!''
''Yes!'' I giggled, '' I think so but I love it!''

She ran her hands down my back and over my shoulders. I felt so very good and
so I did the same to her but scared of what the reaction would be.
 We blossomed together. Bodies locked together. She buried her face in my neck
and wept.
Perhaps some guilt crept in but I was totally into it perhaps because I'd no other
experience. I kissed her neck ^Ö just a peck at first ^Ö but then something rather
long lasting. A real neck smooch!!
Then she broke away and looked at me in the eye^×still holding me^×and gently
kissed me on the mouth ^Ö working her tongue around my mouth and chin, I just
had to open up to her and let tongue meet tongue.
We kissed and caressed each other getting more worked up by the minuet but
then heard the sound of footsteps along the corridor. Amy was out of bed like a

shot, bundling up her clothes, into the bathroom and locked the door. I threw on
my night dress just in time to see matron walk in through the door.
''You look very flushed, young lady. Are you sure you feel alright?''
''Oh yes matron'', I stammered, ''I'm fine, it's just a bit warm in here.'' Just then,
Amy stepped from the bathroom.
''You look all hot and bothered as well. It must be catching.''
''I think it's all the running around on the hockey pitch.'' Replied Amy, giving me a
sideways wink.
''Well, say your farewells and run along. This girl needs rest if she's to get back
into school life quickly''.
Matron left the room and went off back down the corridor. Amy came over and
kissed me briefly on the lips, smiled and left the room.
My head was swimming. Thoughts running around in my head with no logic to
them, just all muddled up, my heart rate felt like double what it was normally. I lay
down and closed my eyes and after a short while drifted off to sleep.



2


''Matron, I'm bored. When can I get back to classes?''
Two weeks had passed since Amy had visited and I had regained a lot of my
strength thanks to good nursing but above all a determination to get out of the
sanatorium , back to normality, and even more, back to Amy. I was very innocent
but even I knew that somehow there was unfinished business between us.
''The doctor is visiting this afternoon. Let's wait and see what he has to say, shall
we?''
After a thorough examination, the doctor declared me fit enough to return to
school but cautioned me not to overdo things.
''You can swim if you wish'', he said, ''the exercise  will do you good. Just a little
and often and you are to stop as soon as you feel tired''.
I was overjoyed! I packed,- no threw my things into my bag and made my way
back to the room I shared with Amy. Classes were still going on and so I dumped
my stuff on my bed, grabbed my swimming gear and headed off to the pool.
Having changed into my little white bikini, I slipped into the warm water and
gently swam up the length of the pool. Up and down, up and down the length of
the pool, increasing my speed with each length. The water felt like an old friend.
It enveloped me, it soothed me, I was in my element.

I was aware of someone else diving in to the water but carried on swimming,
unaware of the other persons identity. Water can have a very disconcerting
sound quality. Drop a pebble in to two foot of water when it's quiet and it sounds
like a depth charge but when I was thrashing up and down the pool, creating my
own noise, it was less than a slight distraction.

Suddenly this other body collided with me, stopping me dead. I was just about to
give that body a mouth full when I saw it was Amy.
''So good to have you back!'' she yelled, ''I saw your gear on the bed and
guessed where you would be so I just had to come and join you!''
Treading water, she out stretched 'her hands to me. We touched and she pulled
me towards her and held me close. She relaxed her hold and let go with one
hand and gently touched my shoulder. Her hand slowly ran down across my
chest and around my waist until she was stroking my bum cheeks. She ran her
hand around and up my tummy and back to my shoulder.
''Kiss me, please kiss me? I've missed you so much?''
I needed no second request. Our lips touched and parted. Gently at first but
getting more urgent  by the second.
Suddenly we heard the sound of doors slamming and the gaggle of voices in the
changing room. We broke off.
''Damn'', I said, ''Why all these interruptions!''
''Won't have any interruptions after lights-out!'' she giggled. ''I'd better go now''
and turning she swam off down the pool. She turned and waved as she got out of
the water. I remained treading water hungrily feasting my eyes on her exquisite
form as she walked toward the entrance to the changing room. Just as she was
about to disappear from view, she turned and blew me a kiss and smiled an
impish smile.

The rest of the evening following supper seemed like an eternity.
 I was on my own in the room, Amy being in the library doing her prep for the
following day. I tried to read but couldn't maintain concentration.
Although I'd showered after the swim, to try and relieve the tedium, I undressed
and put on a bath robe. I wandered down to the shower block and let the water
do its work. I soaped my self all over and relaxed under the jet of the shower.
Having washed my hair, I towelled off, donned my bath robe and returned to our
room but via the post room. A letter from my mother asking after my health and
giving me all the news of their latest ports of call.
Back in the room, I was unaware that Amy, having finished her prep, had also
been back to the room and was on her way to the shower block.
I took off my bath robe and slipped into my nightie. I took a chair to the mirror and
dried my hair and brushed it until it shone .
I stood up just as Amy appeared in the doorway.
''Hello beautiful!'' she said. She tossed her sponge bag onto the dressing table,
turned and locked the door.
I don't know why I was supprised but when she stepped out of her bath robe she
was completely naked.
''Oh my God! Amy!! I, --um, -- wow!!"
''I, -um, wow??" she retorted, "What's that mean?"
''God, you're really beautiful, I ^Ö I mean really beautiful!'' I said.
Amy blushed a deep blush and hurried to cover her self up.
''Hey, I'm sorry. Really, I didn't mean to, er, embarrass you! I don't know what's
happening to me''
Amy broke down. She wasn't crying, not tearful, more, just shaking with
something of a nervous reaction.
After what seemed like an age, I spoke up. Amy was obviously very shaken and I
knew that I was the root cause of the problem.
"I'm so sorry about last night. I took advantage of you. If --- you want to shift
rooms, I do understand, I don't know what came over me. I just ----",

''I don't know either. Sometimes my head tells me that we're too close but my
heart tells me something else. I'm not sure what's happening to me either. I know
this. I never wanted to upset you. I want you to be with me for ever! Don't let me
go now!''
Amy sat up and looked at me straight in the eyes.
''You mean that, don't you! You really do, don't you!''
Yes I really did. I wanted to be close to that girl. I was in love for the very first
time. An innocent beginning but the best, God knows, what was yet to happen to
me.

Amy got up and dried her eyes. I couldn't keep my eyes off her willowy form. She
was just so beautiful.
I think she played to the gallery once she had regained her confidence, she
started to move her bum in a very provocative way when she walked across the
room.
''Kate?
Amy was out of the bathroom. She looked at me and then looked away and then
spoke.
''This afternoon, in the pool, can we, um, do you want----''
''Yes. Yes please. I want to cuddle you''
Amy still wasn't sure I'd understood. ''Yes but that cuddle was--well^×''
''Amy. Please hold me. I need something. I ^Ö I need , I need, ---you to hold me!!

God knows how I got the words out but it was so worth it!


Amy stood up. She looked fantastic. Young, upset, flushed but with that spark
that I still see today in her.
She took my hand and guided me over to my bed and then wrapped her arms
around me, pressing her lithe young body into mine and kissed me delicately on
the lips running her hands freely around my body.
'' You can touch me to, you know!'' she giggled. I let my hands roam over her soft
warm flesh.
She felt like silk. Soft and frictionless. The smell of her body after the bath was
intoxicating. It was as if I was on drugs. Totally overwhelmed. Just immersing
myself in this feeling of love, my head swimming, unable to stop it from
happening even if I'd wanted it to.
I didn't want it to stop. I wanted this to happen. What was going to happen? I
didn't care. HAPPEN, HAPPEN!! WHATEVER!!

We caressed each other, getting more and more turned on by the minuet.
Was it all part of the lesbian wooing thing, or did it just happen? I lost my footing
and fell back onto the bed. Blushing my apologies, I made half an attempt to
stand up but I was met by Amy coming down with me.
''Just cuddle me'', she said. ''You feel so good and I've missed you lots. Hold me
and let's be close.''

Feeling her little but well formed tits pressing into my own small, post nymphet
bumps felt so good. Amy turned so we were side by side and we explored each
other with our hands. Holding each other close but able to gently touch each
others backs and bums.

My body felt as if it was on fire. My groin was pulsating with pleasure and I could
feel Amy writhing into me. Juices were running inside me and I had the
overwhelming desire to touch myself  ''down there'' but no. I wanted Amy to do it
to me and I wanted to do it to her.



I slid my hand down her shoulder and gently massaged her back and down to
her bum kneading gently and as sexily as I could. I moved away slightly and Amy
moved more on to her back. Running my hands down the front of her thighs
towards her crotch. Her head went down and kissed my nipples. One then the
other. I could feel the feeling of complete wonderful completion coming across to
me but I needed more. I wanted to do that to her and as soon as she came up for
air I took my chance. Young, yes. Turned on, yes.!!
 I pulled away and like a beginner took my chance. Leaned into Amy and
searched for a nipple. Not hard to find! Like cherry stones. Hard and red, ready to
be pleasured. Oh, and I pleasured them!!
I started to lick and tongue but Amy was so hot as she offered her breast to me
and so I caressed and sucked and kissed, just letting myself go in the moment. I
didn't know it was bad, just I knew it was naughty!

Amy was breathing fast as was I. I was getting really damp between my legs and
was very confused about all this, only I want to ''complete'' this. I was so turned
on but being young and innocent, I had no idea of what to do next. Natural
instincts kick in.

Amy turned on her back and with her right hand, started playing with my left
breast, I I popped a nipple into my mouth. It felt huge, like a peach stone but the
ardent lapping and licking did the trick. Her writhing became more intense. I knew
there was more to this than cuddles, but what?  I want to go down there but is it a
step too far? Is this the last taboo? I needed to know. I wanted to do this. Not
wrong because it felt right. GOD I WAS SO HOT!!!

My free hand wandered down Amy's back and after gently feeling her naval, my
hand wandered down the outside of her thighs to her knees, all the time playing
with her breasts with my free hand and tongue. She was moving in rhythm, and
as my hand came up from her knee and back up the inside of her thigh, I could
feel the relax kicking in. Her legs parted slightly and as I worked up towards the
'''naughty bits''
I touched her. My hand went from around her tummy to her crotch and she went
ape!!
OH OH OH SHITTTT
''Oh God!! I'm so sorry. I wanted to touch you''
"Do it. Oh for Gods sake don't stop. I want you to. I want you to touch me there. I
want you to love me and do it back to you. I've been awake at nights  wanting
you to have me. Please, please, please, make me yours!!!''

My senses left me and all thoughts of right, wrong, good, bad,  Christian
upbringing and the 'code' that was Boarding school, went out of the window.
No thoughts about how I'd look Amy in the eye later, I went for it.
My middle finger slipped down her slit. She was wet as hell and I met only the
thrusting of her thighs in response. I could smell the scent of her sex wafting up
which made me even more attentive.

Gently at first, I worked my finger up and down her crack. I thought about how I
would like to be touched and tried it on to Amy. With the amateurish touch of a
thirteen year old I worked Amy to a state of ecstasy and when I found her clit, I
fingered her to climax. I thought she was going to fall off the bed.

Writhing and moaning, the juices flowing from her. She had reached her peak
and more.

Finally, she relaxed. I removed my hand from her crotch and smelt the scent. I
licked, no, sucked my finger. Oh that was good!!

Problem was I was still high and ready to be satisfied. Amy was pole axed and,
ok, I felt good about what I'd done to make her feel so happy, I was not finished
personally.

She must of known, because as soon as her breathing settled down, she
released herself from the mutual hug and reversed
herself to a 69 position and started on me. Stroking my thighs and opening my
legs, she went down on me.
Kissing my navel and slowly working her way down, her mouth met my sex.
I could feel her breath on my tummy and then further down I could feel her mouth
on my hairless cunt and then she went for it. Her tongue was like a lance,
stabbing at my slit gently licking and probing my labia, darting her tongue in and
out of me
 Then she went for the kill.
My little pussy was on fire. She had sucked and licked me to a state of frenzy,
her hands were everywhere, touching, stroking, all of my body was in a state of
flux but somehow  I knew that the best was yet to come. Then she did it. With her
tongue, probing me, exploring my little body, she found my clit. Sucking it oh so
gently into her mouth then whipping it with her tongue! I CAME AND CAME AND
CAME. I didn't know what was happening to me, it was almost like a drug high, I
felt like I was weeing myself but of course it was a rather different secretion. I
didn't know how long it would last and I think I was just a touch scared but finally
I settled down and my pulse rate started to return to normal.

Amy, having already cum, was exhausted and I was feeling the effects of such a
massive adrenaline rush and also was ready for sleep. She turned over and we
cuddled closely, legs and arms locked around each other, every part of our
bodies that could, without compromising comfort, were touching. Drifting into
sleeps oblivion, finally we took our rest.

My first time. It's never forgotten. I was totally out of it! I went to sleep in Amy's
arms. The next morning, I swear I hadn't moved all night. Still in her arms and
still locked together. Amy was still asleep, breathing slowly and deeply. I went to
move but her grip around my tightened slightly and she let out a slight moan as
she held me. That  unconscious action meant every thing to me, it wasn't just a
thing that happened but something  as special to her, as it had been to me.

I lay in her arms until the alarm clock went off and then she stirred.

Her eyes fluttered open and she released her hold on me and stretched,
immediately returning to cuddle me again.
''Are you ok? I mean it just happened,-- you know, last night. I ^Ö well wanted^×''

''I'm fine! No. More than fine! Please don't say any more about it.''
I started to stammer my words. I didn't want to appear too eager but what the
hell!!
''I want you, I want, er, the same um, I want to do it to you. I love you. I really
think I love you''
''Oh thank you God!!'' she said, ''I just wondered that it might've....''
''No. I loved every second, so don't say another word. Just cuddle me again
tonight, PLEASE!''
''You know I will. Want to now but we'd better get showered and down for
breakfast before we get told off. Oh by the way. You go shower first, cos if we're
together we'll be naughty again!!''

The day came and went, much like any other. My mind not totally on the plot, I
have to say, but helped because of our age difference as we weren't in the same
year and so our contact was almost zero which allowed me to concentrate on
higher things.
Are there higher things?!
I looked at the other girls in a slightly different way but none of them were
anything like Amy, so I ploughed into my work, as much as anything , to take my
mind away from the feelings that kept heating me up!!

End of lessons. End of prep time, back to rooms, supper over! This is the time we
both wanted. On our own and with no interruptions.
I'd already showered. I'd done homework and swam. God. I was looking at the
other girls! Some older and some younger, but always with the same view!! I'd
turned in one night from a 'normal' girl to an out and out lesbian.
Of course, I didn't realise it as such then, but that, for better or worse, was the
case.
Amy came in through the door. She had to do her prep in the library and
obviously she had not had a good evening. Her face was flushed and was close
to tears. She through her bag against the wall and stormed into the toilet and
slammed the door and locked it. I assumed that it was my fault and knocked on
the door and pleaded with her to come out. At first there was no response but
after a while and after some persuasion, she answered me.
''They're calling me names. They say I'm a lesi. Just because I love you and
they're going to get me. They're horrible and I'm scared of them''
''Come out and talk to me properly. I can't help like this. You must tell me
everything and we can sort something out''
I was suddenly the one in control. I was the one with strength.
In my year, no one had sexual thoughts one way or the other or rather none that
were talked about except the pop videos and who 'when we were older who
would date who' or who was going to marry whatever pop star.

Amy came out of the toilet and hugged me. She had received some grief in the
past, reference her and me and our close relationship but because, up until the
previous evening, nothing had happened between us, she had truthfully
managed to dismiss as crazy. For whatever reason, someone had picked on her
and she couldn't reply in the negative. She just ran off back to our room.
''You're going to be the next target of their gang'' she warned. ''I think I should
shift rooms but I want to be with you''
''Don't go anywhere'' I said with much bravado", ''We'll cope with them'', however
I didn't know what to expect from my own sex when they've got the bit between
they're teeth. I was to have a fight on my hands.

Amy held me close to her as she talked. Not sexual but as one that needed
reassurance. As one that needed security and love in it's purest form.
She let it all out. Emotion ally!
She had been the subject of ridicule and bullying for a long time. No boy friend
from the local boys boarding school. End of year dance coming up and no one to
go with and no interest in finding anyone, she was the butt of every nasty
comment that fourteen girls could throw at each other. The fact was the boys
were throwing themselves at her, but she wasn't interested. She wanted to be
with me.
''Go with someone. It's ok. I will be here for you when you get back''.
 Naked and in bed together was perhaps not the best time to make such a
statement but what's said is said.

Amy broke off from me and went to her own bed. Stamping across the room and
very upset.
''You don't know how I feel. You don't understand. They're revolting and I don't
want to be with them. I thought you wanted me but you don't. I've made a fool of
myself.''

I climbed out of bed, naked as I was and walked over to her bed, but the fire had
gone from my belly. I had upset her and all I wanted was to make things better
but how? I'd








committed the biggest sin in suggesting she dated a boy rather than sticking with
me. I had no idea of the pain she was feeling as a result, but I tried my best.

I went to her bedside. Her bedsheets were up over her head. I touched them
where I thought her back would be and she pulled away.
''You said you loved me. You want me to go with boys. You can't love me if you
want that?''

For my young age, I found the power of eloquence. I found the power of speech
and argument.
''Don't be crazy! I don't want to see you with boys! I want you to be with me right
now, and forever. I just thought it would help if you went to the ball with someone
from the boys school. Take the heat off you. Please don't give me a hard time, I
happen to love you and I want to be with you. Please will you hold me??''

Amy came up from the folds of her bed covers. Blotchy faced, red rimmed eyes,
and what little make up she wore, smudged across her face, tear stained. She
looked wonderful!
''Don't say that unless you mean it. Don't tease me. Please don't do that. I've
gone through the mill 'cos. of my lack of 'boy' thing so don't make it worse. I only
want to be with you and it's all I've wanted since we roomed together. So don't
piss me off now!''
''Only I know this'' I said, ''I want you to cuddle me and I need your cuddles. Last
night was just a beginning for me and I want you so much more. I thought you
wanted to go to the term end dance and you could get a boy to take you , no
problem. That's all. I'd come with you but I'm too young and I'm not male.
That's.the only problem.''

Amy lay silent for a while. Then held her arms out to me and cuddled me. Very
close. Very tearful.
''Did you mean what you said. You would come to the dance with me if you
could? Rather than me going with a boy?''
''Yes, silly. Of course I would.''

 How though. Surely it would compound the problem if Amy went with another
girl. The ridicule and bullying would get worse, after all they would have the one
thing they lacked at the moment, proof. Even if we were prepared to stand up
and be counted, that would only make matters so much worse. There must be a
second way. Could I dress like a boy?  Convincingly enough to get away with it?
What if we were to be found out! I can't work it through. I'd have to take my hair
up, um, get some boys clothes, hide my..... bust. Well perhaps not too much of a
problem.!! Shoes. God how can we possibly....., We'll have to investigate.
''You would do that for me?''
''Oh yes I would. I'd do absolutely anything for you. Try me!!''
We talked some ideas over. Everything came up with a problem. My size , my
height, my build, the fact that what ever I did, I'd look like a girl in costume and
nobody would fall for it. The more we went over the practicalities of it, the less
workable it became. Eventually, tiredness took it's toll, and we snuggled up and
went to sleep, woken only by the seven o'clock bell.
'Amy, I'm still getting my head around our problem. Just need to get an angle.
There is a way, it's just sorting it out and using it.''
''Keep trying, 'cos I can't think of one. I think I'm just going to have to live with this
hate thing''


''Amy, No! It's not going to happen. Let's go into town on Saturday and see what
we can find. Come on, it's got to be worth a go and anyhow, we've not been into
Cheltenham in yonks!''
''Ok. You win, but I still think you're crazy!''
''Yep, for you, I am. C'mon lets give it a try!''


3

We started off by doing a tour of all he second hand shops. Our line was that the
school am / dram were doing a play in which I had to come on as a seventeen
year old boy. I had to have the looks and poise of a very streetwise kid.
The more we looked, the more we failed. We fell about with laughter just looking
in the mirror at what I was trying to become. Trousers falling off me, jackets
hanging like a scarecrow, finally and by this time we were almost at 'give up'
point.

Ziggi's Second hand Emporium.
Ziggi was a lady of stature. A throwback  from the sixties. Kaftan, loud leggins, a
hair colour that clashed with every feather that she could jam into and on to her
outfit and boots that were really naff. Everything was wrong with her dress sense,
but somehow it worked for her. ''
''Ok my dears, what are you looking for?''
We tried to explain.
Play at school. Me as a boy, etc, etc. Got to look the bit." What's going on?"
Ziggi saw straight through us.
''Mmm''.
''So it's a school production ,is it?'''
''Oh yes!''
''It's going to be the end of year farce,  really funny!''
''What's the play called and what part do you play?'' said Ziggi.
Damn! We hadn't thought that one through and had no answers.
''Can't remember.^×but it's so funny,--a real hoot^×''
''Thought you would have remembered something like that. It's obviously very
important to both of you. I wonder if perhaps there's another reason?!''
Ziggi smiled and looked as if she was enjoying our embarrassment.
''The only thing that going on at your school is the end of year ball'', said Ziggi,
''This play isn't''.
''Come on girls tell me the truth. What's the scam?''
We looked at each other and were just about to run like hell from the shop, when
Ziggi said,
''Common, spill I or I will tell you what's going on here.  No let me have a guess.
You, young lady, want to go to the ball,'' looking at Amy,
You want your friend here to go but she can't because she's too young.''
I started to squirm.
''Hey! Its alright! I could guess some more but you look if you're about to pass out
as it is!''
Amy was trying hard to focus on the plot. ''Er, well sort of. You're right, the play,
well um, it's not. Your right. It's to do with the ball.''
The look in her eyes said everything. The 'Please let me out of here, I need to die
with embarrassment ' look.
Ziggi was a star.
Waking over to the door, grabbing at a set of keys on her way, she turned the
'open for business' sign around and locked the door.
''C'mon you two, lets go back stage!''
There was no arguing with her, she, well sort of had that way about her.
Sometimes in your life you meet someone who you instinctively trust and would
follow without question. Bless her for ever. Ziggi was that one.

We followed her to the back of the shop and into an anti room. This room was
almost as big as the shop but filled with rack and racks of clothes. In the corner
was a cupboard the size of a small Welsh dresser and beside it some stools and
a table. To the left of the dresser was a work bench with, what I can only
describe as an industrial sewing machine.
''Sit you down and relax. Tiffin time!!''
What! What is she on! Tiffin time!? I looked at Amy and she just looked at me
and shrugged.
Ziggi produced a bottle of Gin and proceeded to pour three stout measures into
three glasses followed with tonic water.
She handed out a glass to each of us and we accepted without question. I don't
know why as the only 'real' alcohol I'd ever had was a half a glass of champagne
at weddings.
''Chin up, you to! We're going to sort stuff out for you. Just remember this. If I
over step the mark, you just get up and go but if you have some time, Ziggi can
advise and help. if you're up for it, the only thing I ask for is one hundred percent
honesty. I will help you guys but I'm not prepared to hear shit and lies. Have a
slurp of the good stuff and, by the way, when that's gone, that's it. You're not
going back to school legless!''
With a little coaxing, she found out the real meaning of mine and Amy's
relationship.
 It turned out that Ziggi had been at the same school as Amy and I but
Couldn't room share. That aside, she had a partner, another girl, who had been
in the same year. They had managed to steal moments together but had got
caught out. Ziggi was now 40 so a quick mental calculation would take her
experience back to before I was born,  Amy too! The school covered it up but
advised her parents that 'she isn't fitting in as well as we would like and we feel
she would be better in a school which teaches with a somewhat alternative style'.

''OK! My life is before you. Oh, by the way, Gill and I are still together. She works
in Paris most of the time and she makes it back as her work load permits. So,
I've been honest with you, and you know where the door is and you can leave at
anytime but it would be good for you if you gave it to me up front. Just tell me
how it is. I can help you!''

Furtive glances between us, red faces, the sweats had clicked in but in my case,
so had the gin!
''We love each other!'' I  blurted,
''I can't think of anyone else I want to be with. We're, -------very good friends.''
''Don't piss me off. You're lovers!''
 Ziggi was digging.
We must have looked like a pair of tomatoes we blushed so hard.
''Cool. Cool.Cool COOL!!!!!'' Ziggi crowed.
''That says it all! Now we get to work. We have a number of problems. Number
one, your hair. Too long, too blond and has to go. Height. Taller by five or six
inches. Complexion. Hmm. Sort that out, not too much work. Voice.       Hmm
voice. Got to leave me with that.''
''You kids get back to school and be good to each other. I'm here and I'm going
to do it for you. Come back next weekend if you can and I'll have a chance to
think. You kids remind me so much of the past. A blast from the past, so to
speak!! I  meant everything I said. You need that chance but don't be stupid. You
need some help from someone who understands. I do. Just let your feelings for
each other grow. Don't fight it or denigh it. Do what makes you feel happy. If you
guys can go to sleep and feel fulfilled, then go for it 'cos that's love !  Ziggi
knows!!''

4

Ziggi babbled the words out at such a pace that I had a job to get my head
around it all before we were shovelled out of the door and back to school.
 We arrived back just before the 'curfew'.

Safe in our room, the conversation turned to the meeting with Ziggi.
''Is she for real?''
Amy disappeared into the bathroom awaiting my reply but before I could say
anything she slammed the door.
I could hear her mutterings.
''Shit.  Shit.  Not today God, please!!''

''I've come on.''
Amy looked as if she was running into a fight''
''And so?'' I said,
''I  didn't want for this, not now, not right now. God, it's so unfair. Just as we
were...''
''Hold me now. I want you hold me. We're going to conquer this Ball thing. We've
all the nights in the world for, for,  um,  that!  Anyhow, you want bad news, I'm on
next week!  Please hold me! Everything's going to work out.''

Curled up together, we slept. I can't say I wasn't frustrated because I was but
Amy was worth every second. I was truly in love. We both were. With each other.

During the night, we had hardly moved. Locked into each others bodies, as if we
were siamese twins.

I woke first. I wanted to stretch but Amy was so close that I couldn't move.
I lay just soaking up the feel of her lovely body next to mine. She moved, just
slightly, almost imperceptibly on occasions but I would only relax my hold on her
so as to allow her to sleep on some more.
 Those moments, when your partner, in deep sleep, doesn't want you to let go, is
the sign of true love. I felt perfect. So happy. So fulfilled.
'Please wake up Amy, I want to kiss you'
No way!
Amy was out for the count and tomorrow was Sunday and we had an
appointment with Ziggi!
I drifted back into the arms of oblivion, content.   Yes. Very content.

Amy stirred. I was awake with a start and looking at the alarm clock, saw it was
only five o'clock. But that was it for me, I was really awake and I knew that Amy
was about to come-to as well. Wide awake by now, I held her. I consciously
slipped my left arm under her left shoulder until I could cup her right breast in my
hand. Very gently, I held her tit and worked on her nipple with all the feeling I
could muster. It grew from nothing to a pointed bead, hard and sensuous and
Amy, coming out of her sleep, writhed and wriggled on the bed, reacting to my
touch. I played her nipple and breast to the full. She was hardly awake but surely
was turned on!

''You cow!'' she muttered, still half asleep.
''I'm on now but you've got me going. Do it all to me. I want you to do it now. You
said you wanted to repay the feeling,  PLEASE SATISFY ME!!!!!''

Without thinking, I turned to a 69. I wanted to please Amy. So she was having a
period. So what. As I lowered my head, I could see her pussy lips, almost
hairless. Pink and with a slight hint of moisture.
She smelt exquisite. The musky scent of her sex was intoxicating.
I put my hands around her bum cheeks and, pulling her down on to my mouth,
willingly accepted the feast on offer.

My first time. Or should I say, another first time. I gently ran my tongue around
her slit, sliding my tongue down the length of it and then searched for her clitoris.
As I was working her up, I felt her hands around my hips, guiding me down onto
her mouth. Then we went to it! A true 69 !
It was almost as if we were in competition, - which one of us could bring the other
to a climax first, - but that wasn't the case. We just wanted each other to be
pleasured. We were both becoming so worked up, the squirming of soft female
flesh against soft female flesh, the lapping and tender tonguing of each others
sex grew and grew and OH YES, I came and with only a milli second between
us, Amy came too.
I must of flooded her mouth but she wasn't complaining. Her tampon absorbed
anything I was likely to receive.
''Oh, thankyou!! That was the very best ever!''
She licked her lips, kissed me tenderly on the lips, and sighed.
''I'm totalled!''
''Me too. It's all this, -- um^×''
''Holding each other. Being in love. Making love??''
''Yes'' I said,
''I think it is. What a way to get tired!!''
''Best way I know!!''


5


''This morning, you said it was the very best ever, you know, in bed and stuff.''
Amy looked at me and then turned away, continuing to fold her clothes, recently
retrieved from the laundry room.
''It was. I mean it really was.......''
''The best ever! That makes me think you have had other girlfriends! Tell me your
life history. C'mon! I need to know!''

Amy was obviously embarrassed.
''Kate. You really don't want to know.''
''You owe it to me. You know I've never been involved, done anything with
anyone before. Pleeease? Didn't we say we'd be honest with each other?''
Amy thought for a few seconds and then replied. Measured tones, obviously
picking her words carefully. She looked into her lap, with the briefest of glances
in my direction as she spoke.
''You're right, Kate. I have been with someone else but it wasn't anything I
wanted or arranged, it happened just the one time. She was much older than me.
I didn't know what was happening to me. OK. I enjoyed the sensation. The
person who did it to me,---, well, I was pleased when Daddy dismissed her.''

''God! How old were you?'' I gasped
'' Kate!!''
''Please be honest with me, Amy!!''
Her reply was whispered. ''I was eight years old. She was the nanny to my
brother. She ^Ö took an interest in me. I was a kid and she seduced me. I ^Ö sort of
wanted to say something to my folks but what do you say? It changed me for
ever. I was so young that I wasn't allowed a chance to see if I would fancy boys.
She ^Ö has lot to answer for.''
Amy paused briefly, seemingly studying her knees.
''Well. You wanted to know. Now you do.''
''Amy, I'm so sorry! I only wanted to...., understand. You know! I don't mind. It's
all in the past. It's us now, isn't it?''
''Oh it's all in the past now. I feel guilty about almost doing to you what she did to
me. You should have the chance of making up your own mind!''
''Hello, Kate speaking!! Please shut up!! Kate wishes to make a statement!!''
I paused briefly, took a deep lungfull of air and started. Amy looked at me as if I
came from the moon.
''You came into my life at the beginning of this year. From the first, I felt feelings
for you, not just as a good friend or as a room mate or as anything else. I felt
different about you and before I was taken ill, I couldn't have said or explained
how different. I only knew that I wanted to be with you. Yes, sure. Now I
understand my feelings some more but,-- you didn't seduce me. I wanted to
seduce you but I didn't know how.''
Amy looked up and studied my face.
''Amy, listen to me. I love you and that's all there is to it. I don't know what could
happen in the future, - to you ^Ö to me. Now is now. Forget the past. It's us now.
Show me you love me!!? 'Amy relaxed and threw half a smile at me.


6

''You know about everything now. Kate, you must understand, I was just a kid. I
didn't know what was going on. She changed my life. I never had a chance.''
''You have me. I'm not going to let you down. We've got to see Ziggi this
morning. We're going to the ball together, no matter what it takes. Perhaps then,
you'll see just how much you mean to me''
Amy grinned one of her impish grins and gave me a sideways glance.
''I believe I know already. You wouldn't have taken my mood swings if you didn't
think a lot for me. I've been a cow but mixed in with my longing for you, was the
guilt that I felt. You got both emotions. Nanny even robbed me of my virginity.
She used a, um, vibrating thing on me. Stuck it up me. I bled and then the pain
went and it felt nice. I had a climax. Eight years old and sexually experienced.
God, if my parents new! Kate, I'm in love with you. Don't let me push you any
further than you want.''
''Push hard, Amy!  I'm in love with you too. Just remember that I wanted you
before I was ill but I didn't understand my feelings, I didn't know what to do about
it. It happened naturally to both of us and you won't hear me blaming you for
anything, ever. Come on. Lets go into town. If we scoot, we'll make the bus''
Amy had regained her dignity.
''You're right again! C'mon. Lets do it!''
Just as we were about to leave the room, we kissed briefly.
''Kate, are you absolutly.....''
''Sure?? Damn right I am. We are going to the ball together. We have an expert
on our side. If she can't pull it off for us,---- well who can! Lets go!''


7


We dressed and did a 'once round the room' tidy-up and ran to catch the bus. As
we approached the bus stop, Amy groaned,
''Oh God, look who's waiting for the bus. Now we have a problem!''
Four of the girls who had been giving her a hard time were waiting, and worse,
watching us walking arm in arm towards the bus stop. Amy went to release
herself from my arm but I stopped her.
''They've seen us now. Stay as we are or it will look like we feel guilty about it''

Oh yes!! It's the lessees.! Going into town, are we? Together?  Have it off in the
public toilets, are we?

''Shut you dirty mouth, why don't you !! She's the friend to me like you never
had.''
Yes I was angry.
"But she can't get a boy to take her to the ball, they've all asked her but she's a
queer, and doesn't want to know!"
By this time, Amy was almost in tears. The control freak in me took it on board.
" Apart from your pathetic attention to Amys' life and all the hassle you've been
giving her, have you ever asked the question as to why she's not mad about the
boys who ask her out?"
"Oh yes, we know the answer! She's a lessi and so are you!"
Lynda was big for her age, not unattractive, but assertive and could rally a crowd
around her.
I went for it. The sight of Amy fighting back the tears made me lash out.
" You want to be bad to my best friend? OK FAT ASS go ahead. You wait and
see her boyfriend who's coming down from London to be with her at the ball,
perhaps then you'll understand why she doesn't want anyone else! Amy is in love
and you're wrong, so wrong! Just leave her alone. Just wait and see. You'll be
drooling over him. I know. I've met him!"
Well not entirely untrue. I'd not met the 'him' bit yet but I knew, with help, I could
create the myth.


8


During the bus ride, Amy settled down.
"That was some speech you made to Lynda!"
"Not bad for a beginner, huh?!" I said proudly. "Now all we have to do is pull it
off!"
'All we have to do!!"
"Shhhh! We can and we will do it!!"
"Going to have to now." Amy said quietly, "Otherwise I'm dead".
"No.- we're dead. Remember me? This is us now. We're doing this together!"

Ziggi was a star!!
"OK guys. How have you been? No, don't tell me, I can guess. You're confused,
you're getting hassle, name calling, bullying? Yep, I can tell!"
Ziggi paced the room for a while.
"Do you , um, love each other? I mean, do you......"
Amy and I looked at each other and as if on cue said, "Oh yes. We do!"
Ziggi beamed!
"Right then! Lets get to work! I want to introduce you to Gill!"
Ziggi stamped on the floor.
"Gill. For Christ sake. Come and meet our guests!"
Not one to be trifled with, was Ziggi!
Gill, or rather Gillian, was the complete opposite of Ziggi. Tall, poised, slim,
attractive, immaculately dressed and --, well--, quiet!
"Ziggi has told me so much about you. You are famous in your own lifetime!!".
Gillian spoke with just the hint of an accent. Maybe  French, Dutch. I didn't know.
" I like what you're doing! You are a recreation of Ziggi and I. She has called me
back from Paris, not so convenient, I have lots of clients that........."
"Gill!!" Ziggi looked as if she was going to blow a gasket. "You agreed. Now come
on and tell the girl your plan and let's get to work!"
Amy and I looked at each other, the 'what the f*** is going on' look.
Gillian looked abashed. "I'm so very sorry", she paused and then continued.
"Ziggi and I, like you and Kate, love each other and have done since meeting at
school. We had a rough ride. I'm from Holland. The ideas there are, shall we say,
more liberal that in England, so my mother and father were accepting of the
situation, not easy for them but in Holland, children, are raised to be themselves.
Even sex between boys together is ok at fourteen, but here it is eighteen! Now I
spend most of my time in Paris, it is where my work is, and with Ziggi!"
I studied Gillian as she spoke. I'd seen her before somewhere. The accent the
look. Where on earth did I feel I knew her from?!
Then I knew! Her next statement sealed it!
" My work is as a stylist of hair"
"You're Gillian DeBrech, aren't you! You ..you..you do it for all the stars and
stuff!"
"Not all.  Some, yes. I'm flattered that you have hear about me"
Ziggi was becoming more touchy by the second. "Gill, come on for Christ's sake!
Just get on with it"
"Ok, ok! I'm going to cut your hair."
'Oh my God! DeBrech haircut. No one will believe it' My thoughts were going
crazy.
"And before you think about talking about it,"  Ziggi interjected, "This is not about
crowing to your peers at school, this is a professional scam. Get it?"
"Yes Ziggi. We do understand, don't we Amy?"
" It's fine with me."
Gill continued. " The style I'm going to use, will mean that you can wear your hair
in a very fem style before the event and of course, after but on the day, I can
alter it in such a way that you will have a very 'up to the moment' male style. You
are a natural blond, yes?"
" Yes, absolutely natural." I answered.
" I will have to change that but it will have to be in a way that we can change back
for the next day."
" Next day?" I interjected.
" More about that later." Ziggi said, " I told you I was going to sort everything out
and I believe I have, so just listen to what Gill has to say and then you can ask
questions. Ok?"
Gill continued. " I can alter your complexion and Ziggi has ideas about your
clothing and how we can make you appear a little taller. We can also change you
voice, make it deeper, more masculine."
" How can you do that? That was one of my worries?"
Ziggi's turn to interrupt.
" Allow me to demonstrate."
" Gill, come over here and say something nice to me!"
" I love you to bits!"
" This I know and I love you to bits back! Now please can you use this
nebuhahler, just one pump and wait a few seconds and tell me that you love me
again!"
Gill inhaled and mentally counted to ten.
" I love you to bits! What is that stuff!"
Her voice had the depth of a mature tenor!
" Don't go shopping for the next four hours, Gill my love! Not dressed as yourself!
It is used in theatre a lot. This inhaler alters the tension of the vocal cords and so
the depth of your voice. Its effect lasts for about four hours but a trip to the toilet
and another quick squirt and you're away again. It has no health effects and so is
perfectly safe!"
I was gob smacked! " That is just fantastic! It all is just fantastic!"
" Wait until you see the outfit I have in mind for you." Said Ziggi, "It's not sorted
yet but I know what I want to do. I need to measure you first and next weekend
you must come back so we can do a first fitting. I'm not going to show you now,
you will have to wait and see. This I will say. You will look the part from head to
toe. No one will suspect you are Kate. No one will suspect that you're not the
very good looking young man that we are going to make you into!"
Gill thought for a moment and then spoke. "We must also talk about deportment,
poise, mannerisms, and habits. You will need some tuition. This I will arrange.
We have a friend who is expert in this, don't we Ziggi?"
" Oh yes of course, George. Ok, he's more expert in doing it the other way
around but he is expert, of that there's no doubt!"
The more we talked about the problems that I foresaw, the more I was
reassured. Ziggi and Gill had every possible avenue covered
We went back to school with a renewed optimism. Knowing that it would work
and, my God, we had a formidable team on our side.


8

The following week was spent like any other. Amy had been spared of grief from
the other girls, still getting the 'we will see' looks but no verbal, no physical
hassle. I studied and swam and the evenings were spent in each others arms
talking about what was to come. Beyond that, we refrained from anything more
than cuddles. The 'curse' had hit me and Amy was on the tail end of hers, so we
reconciled ourselves with hugs and lots of conversation, growing closer and more
in love by the day.
Saturday morning dawned and we were up and dressed, down for breakfast
before the bell went.
"Never seen you too before the last call!", said the head cook.
"Got something on? Ok. None of my business. Have a nice day!"
We ate a light meal and were down for the bus. We were so early that no one
else from the school were there and when we arrived outside the 'Emporium', it
was still shut.
Finally, the shutters were drawn and the door unlocked. It was Gill who opened
the door to us and with a broad smile, let us in and offered a cup of tea, which we
accepted thankfully.
"First we do the hair. This is much work, maybe two hours. Perhaps by the time
we're through, Ziggi will have managed to get out of bed. We had a, a, um nice
night last night! A fabulous meal, some drinks and then,.....Well you know!"
She winked at both of us and then continued.
"Sit here please Kate. We must begin."
For over an hour and a half, Gill hacked and cropped, muttering to herself.
After some half an hour of this, Gill stopped for a breather. Looking down onto
the floor, all I could see was a mountain of hair and in the mirror, the tattiest head
I'd ever seen! Gill had seen me looking and the sheer panic in my face.
" That was just getting cut what I can't use! Relax. You will look fantastic, I
promise you!"
Another hour and it was done.
"Look now in the mirror and tell me you look awful!"
Oh God I looked like a film star. It was short, sort of bobbed, layered and cut in
down the back of my neck. Immaculately styled and shaped. If anything, it did
make me look older somewhat but what the hell. Amy gave me the 'thumbs-up'
but I had to ask the obvious question.
"I look so good! How are you going to change it into a masculine style?"
"Don't worry about that," answered Gill, "It will work, I promise you. I'm good at
my work and I've put a lot of thought into this. It will work!"
Gill continued, "Have you a name for this boy friends of yours?"
"Yes. He's going to have my brothers name, Paul, we can both remember it
under pressure! We thought that we would use my mothers maiden name as I
will have to introduce myself to teachers and stuff and I have to use something
that'll role off the tongue. Her maiden name was Philips. We think it sounds ok
and we will both remember it. Amy's brother is Philip."
"Very good. That is a very good idea. Keep it simple, understandable, and, as
you say, remember able!!"

Ziggi appeared, looking a touch frayed around the edges.
"Oh Yes, Gill, just as you explained! Oh, hello girls, I'm not feeling on top of stuff
yet. I need a coffee, perhaps followed by a gin and tonic. Give me a few minuets
and I will be almost alive again!"
Ziggi finally reappeared. Looking more like her old self.
"So sorry girls. Gillian doesn't get home as much as I would like and so we
celebrate in style. Last night was style!!"
Gill walked over to her and kissed her with feeling, then with arms around each
others waists, Gill said.
"This is life for us. You know I want you to live in Paris with me but you are
stubborn bitch and you won't do it!!"
"I like it here and it's so good when you're back. It's just so good!"
Ziggi was almost in tears, looking at Gill then me and then Kate and back again.
Kate took the initiative. Standing up and hugging Ziggi.
"We do understand. This ball. Then  eight weeks summer holiday." Amy looked
at me with her own eyes welling up with tears. "How am I going to cope without
her?"
"Listen to me." Gill at her most assertive.
"We will get the ball out of the way and then, we can talk of the future. The ball
first. Ziggi, tape measure and do you're stuff. Make it the best your talented
fingers can do."
I was measured all over including my size 3 feet and at the end of what was for
all of us, a very emotional day, we were reassured into walking back to school,
not without 'tiffin'. Gin and tonics all round, my dears?"

The following weekend was even better however I'd had so many compliments
about my hair, I was becoming something of a celebrity in my own right, Amy
was very understanding. Perhaps, another plus was that the bullying had
stopped and even the 'gang' had complimented me on my hair, asking where I'd
had it done etc., not that I could answer, only I said that my Dad had paid for me
to go to London and have it done. I played the innocent.

The following weekend, we appeared at Ziggis' again. Gill, being back in France,
meant that Ziggi was up on time and her shop was open by the time we arrived.
"Hi girls! Come in and make yourself at home! Oh wow! You must try on the kit
I've put together for you, Kate! Cup of tea first, I think." Ziggi wandered off and
we could hear the clink and rattle of cups and the noise of the boiling kettle.
"Is this really practical."
Amy was getting butterflies.
"We're in too deep. You're friend Lynda expects to see a 'boy friend'. She is
going to see a 'boy friend' and  he's going to the ball!"
Amy hugged me and snuggled into my neck.
"I'm scared."
"Me too. It has to work now and even if I get caught it will have been worth it!"
"ROCK ON!"
Ziggi had returned with the teas.
"Couldn't help but overhear as I left the kitchen. You won't get caught. Gill and I
have a master plan. It's full proof. Leave the planning to us and concentrate on
your studies!"


10


Ziggi had tailored together an evening suit, wing collared shirt with all the frills
and some shoes, slightly built up and which looked huge at first sight but I was to
be reassured.
"Why do you think I measured your feet! You can't grow six inches and still have
size three feet, for Gods sake! Dead giveaway. "
I looked good. I couldn't believe the transformation. The suit fitted me like a
glove, the shirt and bow tie set it off and the shoes were so comfy, in filled with a
flexible foam, they allowed me to walk as if I was in my own shoes but giving the
appearance of size. The built up heals were also undetectable.
"Next week end is the ball." Ziggi was fussing with my trousers.
" A week Friday, actually Ziggi?"
" Better! I have to sew all this together as a regular suit! We must talk more now
about the way you behave as a boy. Kate. Go into the changing room and get
back into your own stuff. When you get back maybe George may be here. This is
so very important. You must listen to him."
I went and changed, being careful not to pull the temporary stitches that had
been used to put the suit together. Once changed, I ventured back into Ziggis'
back room, only to be met by George. A simpering man, dressed in such a way
that he could have been taken for a girl or a man. A trilby style hat at a rakish
angle and a load of make up. A dress style that I've only ever seen on television.
He was George!!
So camp! So up front!
"Hello, girls. I'm George, but some people call me all sorts of names, none that I'll
repeat before you! I do make up for the stage and screen and Gill and Ziggi have
given me the task of sorting you out, Kate, for the ball. Before you get too flighty,
I know what's going down and you have no need to make any explanations to
me. I think it's cool! Oh, I think back to the young boys I used to....."
"George, for Gods sake!!" Ziggi interjected,
"So sorry sweet girls. I was just........."
"Just do it, George. Stop poncing about!" Ziggi had lost patience.
George gave the head flick of one who has been wounded. A toss to the side
and a look of hate towards Ziggi.
"Cow!!" he muttered. "Ok, then. We have to put some years on you, oh, and give
you a shadow on your face like you are old enough to shave, sort of a
Mediterranean look. Oh the boys from the med........"
"George!!"
"So sorry, sweet Ziggi. Just got carried away!"
George experimented with various make up techniques and then pronounced
that he could do it.
"She is just so fem!! Really such a tall order but for the sake of my reputation,
darlings, I will do it! Kate, sweetie, you will look so butch! So wonderfully butch!
No one will ever know! You will look so fantastically manly that even I would want
to ask you out!"
Once George had left, Ziggi talked at length about practicalities.
"Getting out of school is a breeze. Getting back in is the big problem, so I would
suggest that you don't even try, and before you say a word, this is what Gill and I
have worked out. You can object if you like but we think we can pull it off but it'll
mean that you have to spend a night apart. Now I know it will be tough but we
have to get this right.  Kate. After a long illness, a close aunt has died. A letter
will be sent to your head, asking that you should attend the funeral. You are to be
collected on the morning of the ball and returned the afternoon after. This will
give us the time to put you, for the sake of another word, into costume and the
following morning, to put you back together again as Kate. We can have you
collected from school in a flash car with driver, of course, and returned in the
same way. The author of the letter will be Gill, a distant cousin, and she will be in
the car to collect and return you should there be any questions asked. After the
ball, the same driver but a different car will collect you and you will spend the
night here with us. We have a spare room. The following morning we will have to
re style and re colour your hair, remove all traces of make-up and get you back
for mid afternoon. All angles covered! What do you say!!"
"It's brill! It really can work!" I said, "Will I really look the part, I mean, no one will
suspect?"
"The only thing that will give you away is if you need to go to the loo. For Gods
sake go to the gents and not the ladies!!"
Deportment was taught by George over the coming week. Men walk differently to
women. Not the small steps but longer but not so I looked like ape man. How to
take the lead in dancing, no handbag but a wallet, hold to hold myself, how to sit.
It sounded so easy but It took some doing!

11

The letter had arrived. I was called to the head mistresses office. She asked me
if I'd been separately informed about 'aunties' death. I said I had and how upset
I'd been.
"I've written to your cousin and given her permission for her to collect you on
Friday morning but she also is aware that you must be home for nine o'clock on
Saturday evening. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Kate. I know you will have an
emotional day however, all your tutors think the world of you. You will be a credit
to your family and a credit to the school I am sure. If you need to talk, my door is
open, please don't hesitate."
I left the office feeling very guilty. Mrs James had been so kind and
understanding and I was being untruthful. Then I thought of Amy and the ball. Go
for it! I thought. No one is being hurt, so where's the problem?

The day dawned. Amy stirred and I woke with her. We slowly 'came to' and once
we were fully awake, started talking.
"It's tonight! We're going to the ball together! Oh God, I'm so nervous! Amy, do
you think we can pull it off? I'm going to miss you tonight!"
"Oh Kate! It's going to be ok. Look at who's stage managing this deal! You're
covered. From excuse to dress, to make-up to clothes to accommodation to,
transport to everything! I will be so proud of you tonight. Just remember to use
the gents toilets!!!"
Amy collapsed in hysterics.
"Oh, piss off, Amy!"
"Yes! Exactly what I mean! Just make sure you do it in the right place!!"

Dressed in a suitably sombre outfit, I waited for Gill to collect me.
She was right on time.
Gill went into reception and asked to see Mrs.James. Some twenty minuets later
I was called to her office.
Gill held her arms out to me and gave me a brief hug and a token kiss on each
cheek.
"So good to see you Kate. Under such sad circumstances, I know. We must keep
in touch more frequently. You are growing up into such a beautiful girl. Your
mother and father must be so proud of you. Mrs. James tells me you're quite a
scholar too! Come. We must go. Mrs. James. So many thanks for letting Kate
attend mothers funeral. She would have been so happy!"
"Ms DeBrech. Just bring her back to us safe and well. Kate. We'll see you
tomorrow. God bless you and be strong."
I broke down into floods of tears. Not for the passing of my 'aunt' but with nerves.
Once in the car, Gill was ecstatic! You should be on the stage! The finest crying
I've ever seen!"
"They were real tears." I retorted, "I don't like telling fibs."
I had been collected in a Bentley Turbo. A small £125,000 car complete with
uniformed driver.
"Got to make it look right and after all, Jason had nothing else on this morning!"
Ziggi at her best!
The three of us talked. Ziggi, putting the final touches to my suit, Gillian getting
more nervous than me, and me? Well, just waiting for the moment.
"Ok, it's time to rock and roll!"
Ziggi was looking like the cat who'd got the cream!
"Hair, make-up, lights, camera man! Let go for it!!"
Gill coloured and styled my hair, made me up, and tested the voice spray. Ziggi,
with some pride, told me to change into the suit she'd made for me. It fitted like a
glove and I had to pose in front of the mirror for some time before I pronounced
myself ready. The shoes looked huge on me but in keeping with my increased
height. They were comfy at least. I did look like a boy. A very attractive one to
boot!!
I was ready!
"We must be at the town hall before the schools arrive, otherwise Amy will friek
out."
Ziggi was the practical one for once.
"C'mon Gillian, lets go and get this lady to her friend"
On my own now. A last minuet change of plan. The car. Can't be seen in the
same car that collected me from school. A Porche Boxter did the trick. I thought
every eye in the world was looking at me. As we pulled up in front of the town
hall, I only wanted to go home, back to school, anywhere but here!
I couldn't let Amy or Gillian or Ziggi down. This was it!!
As I sat there, the coach with the girls on board arrived.
Jason nodded to me and said,
"I'm going to get out and open the door for you. Don't say anything to me, just
ignore me as if this is part of everyday life. Once you're with Amy, just tell me to
be back at eleven-thirty, and walk. I know it's not in your nature to be rude but
just do it this one time. Oh, Have a wonderful evening!!"
"Jason, thanks!!"
Jason, with all professionalism, opened the door to the car so I could get out. The
overwhelming earge to cross my legs was intolerable but I managed.
All eyes were on me. I knew all these girls but none knew me, except Amy, who
ran over to me and kissed me square on the mouth and held me so very close.
"Super star!! Look at them gawping! Jesus you look so-,so masculine! Good job I
know the truth! Kiss me again and let's give them something to talk about!"
"Thankyou, Jason. I will want to be collected at half eleven."
"Very good sir. Have an  enjoyable evening."
The car swept down the drive and away into the distance. All that was left was
Amy, me and a bunch of envious girls! It was working!
I had to take the lead and in my dark brown voice, I said, "Which way, Amy? This
is your territory, not mine!"
We went through all the normal introductions and I was fine. I talked with ease to
everyone I was introduced to. I received admiring glances but fortunately, none
of recognition.
At the bar, only soft drinks, of coarse, Amy was getting a bit twitchy.
"God, what if someone recognises you! What can we do?"
"Not a lot. Jason doesn't pick my up till late, so just chill out! What do you want to
drink. Look like you're having fun for Gods sake!"
"Tonic water, please. If ever I needed 'tiffin', it's now!"
"Tonic and tiffin coming up!! Ziggi said you were more likely than me to get the
panic attack! Here you go!"
I'd secreted away a half bottle of gin and once Amy had taken a slurp, she
started to settle down. A good job too. I was the next object of attention!
Lynda was on the prowl!
"Oh hi, Amy! Introduce me to your boy friend! Oh, I'm Lynda and a very close
friend to Amy. She won't mind if I steal you for a dance? You don't mind. DO
YOU AMY !!"
"Lynda, you flatter me. I came a long way to be with the girl I love more than life
itself. I want to spend my every moment with Amy. I'm sure you understand
Thank you for the invitation. Please don't think me as rude."
"Oh no. um.., no problem. Some other time... well maybe not.... You are a lucky
girl, Amy. Don't you know everyone wants to dance with your fellah?
I was on the confidence trip.
"Lynda. I was surrounded by girls for most of my life. I met Amy and it happened.
There was no getting away from it. I was in love. I don't want anything else but to
be with Amy. She has a fantastic friend in Kate and she can talk to her. I'm all for
Amy. It will happen for you but don't push to hard. It comes to you when you least
expect it."
The band stuck up a nice slow number!
"Amy, please dance with me? I need you!" My voice dark brown, but Amy saw
the look in my eyes. No make-up could cover that up. I needed to hold her. We
took to the floor and danced in such a sexy way that I was sure we were going to
be sent off. I saw other girls dancing with the boys, almost eating them. No
problem for them so I gave Amy the works. We writhed together, absolutely in
time. Eyes closed and every available part of our bodies that could touch, were
touching.

The evening flew past. Much of our time was spent on the dance floor or out
sampling the fresh air on the huge balcony, always hand in hand. Some of the
boys from Cheltenham Boys College occasionally asked Amy to dance but
always gently turned down with a sweet smile. Lynda was all the time looking at
me, to the point where I started to believe she'd seen through our deception.
But all was well. On a trip back from the Gents, she accosted me and again,
asked me to dance with her.
"Oh please? I'm sure if you explain to Amy, well, it'll be alright!"
"Ok. I'll ask her."
Amy wasn't best pleased at the suggestion but relented when I said,
"If she does figure it out, she will have done the one thing that she's paranoid
about!"
Amy went quiet and then looked at me.
"You don't fancy her do you?"
"Oh please!! What do take me for! It just looks like I'm normal. -  polite. ^Ö not
aloof. Just the one and I promise you, I'll be back for you!"
"Ok, but just the one!"
Kissing Amy gently on the lips, I walked to the waiting Lynda.
We danced. Well I did. Lynda was too busy catching the eye of her friends, in a
'look what I've got' way.
The one dance and back to Amy, who had been watching my every move. She
smiled at me. One of those special smiles.
"Now we know it worked! I wonder what she's going to tell the others about what
you said to her! How wonderfully she danced, how beautiful she looked!!"
"Oh more than likely. She's always got to be one up on the crowd. You know I
didn't say a word to her on the floor!"
"Yes I know. I was watching!!!" Amy was radiant!

Then we were shut down.
"Excuse me young man?
"Yes, is there a problem?"
The teacher in charge ,like she thought she had a chance of controlling so many
hormones,  was doing her duty.
'Check out the toilets. Maybe your time will be better spent!' I thought.
"Your driver is waiting outside. He says there is no rush but I wanted to let you
know that he's here."
"Thankyou very much and thankyou for allowing me to come tonight. It has been
a very special evening for both of us."
"You are very welcome. You obviously think a lot of each other!"
Amy blushed deep red and looked at her shoes.
"Don't be embarrassed, Amy, you're a very lucky girl to have such an attentive,
handsome boy friend." The teacher left.
"Amy, come with me and say goodbye! I'll be back tomorrow."
My voice was starting to return to normal. One more shot, or back to Ziggis.
Amy kissed me, held me and kissed me again.
"Give them shit! They know that you have someone. Let them think what they
like!"
Amy and I walked down the stairs, through the cathedral- like entrance hall, to
the car.
Jason was out like a shot. With the touch that only a professional can give, he
opened the passenger door of the Porsch to me and stood almost to attention,
waiting for me to step inside.
I held my arms out to Amy and we crushed together and kissed. Wolf whistles
and cat calling from the girls hanging out of various windows made our kissing
more exiting. We broke off and with a quick wave to the 'balcony', I stepped
inside the car, the door being shut behind me. Jason smoothed us down the
driveway and on to Ziggis.


12


Ziggi opened the door to me and lead me inside.
"Well? How' it go?"
"It was magical Ziggi. I couldn't have believed that it, it would work so well. No
one suspected a thing and I was getting chatted up by all the other girls, and
even some of the teachers!"
"Did Amy enjoy the evening?"
"Yes she did. I think that she would rather have had me there as another girl but
even so, yes, we both had a great time!"
"Tiffin, my dear, just as a night cap, of course! My pulse rate has gone through
the roof just hoping everything was going ok. I need a relaxer!"
"Oh thanks Ziggi. I'm still up there too!"
The drinks were pored and Ziggi sat down on the couch opposite me . We talked
for hours filling her in with every small detail of the events of the evening.
Ziggi smiled and looked wistful. "Oh you guys bring back the memories."
She pored more stout gin and tonics, sat down and looked directly into my eyes.
"A couple of questions for you. I need to know this stuff. This is important and
some of the questions are of a personal nature and, please Kate, don't answer if
you'd rather not"
She smiled and refilled the glasses.
"Ok. Fire away!" The gin was having an effect. I'd steered clear at the ball just in
case I made a blunder.
"Kate. You're very much in love with Amy, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am! Why do you ask!?"
"Getting the whole picture. It's obvious from what I've seen but many girls go
through the stage of fancying their peers but rarely does it progress further. For
you, it has and I'm proud of you. Oh shit! I'm making a mess of this! OK! Have
you ever fancied a boy. Yes, or no!"
"No never!"
"Thank you Kate!! I needed to know but felt uncomfortable asking. I'm an 'up-
front' person, you know that but some things have to be said and understood!"
"Why did you ask me?"
"Gill and I went to a lot of trouble for you. We both wanted to know that it was for
all the right reasons. No we're not looking for money or even thanks but if it had
just been a prank, we would have been a little hurt. That's all!"
"No prank, Ziggi, I promise you. I love Amy and she loves me. I don't want to be
with anyone else, ever! I can't think of any way I can repay your kindness, or
Gills, or Jason's, or Georges. We don't have money like that!"
"Oh, Kate! It's not about money! We all gave our services to a great course! The
scam of the decade! We all loved doing it for you both! However I do need
something from you. Amy as well, and you can tell her when you're back at
school tomorrow. I want you to promise me something."
Ziggi took a deep breath, stood up and refilled the glasses.
"I want you both to promise me that in the future, you won't live a lie. To your
folks, to employers, to anyone. You must and I mean, must, be open and up front
about your sexuality. Don't be frightened about telling the truth. People will
respect you for it even if they don't share your views. You said you don't like
telling fibs! You did to me at first! Take your time telling your parents. It will come
as a very great shock to them. Perhaps tell your brother first and count on his
support. Just a thought. When it comes to it, you'll need all the moral support you
can get, depending, of course, on how liberal your parents are. Get school out of
the way first. Then think about it. Visit us when ever you want. Both Gill and I
would love to see you. Bedi-bys for me! You know where your room is. Sleep
well 'cos we've got to 'put you back together again' in the morning!"
"Ziggi! Thankyou so much! We will be back soon. We'll bring the photos!"
"Somehow don't think that Gill could use them as part of an advertising drive!
Love to see them anyway."
Ziggi went up to her room and I sat and finished my drink. The message from her
had made it's mark. Amy and I were an item and it's ok right now to keep it under
wraps but the time would come when the wraps would have to come off and let
the world know. God, my parents would go spare!  I wandered upstairs and
slipped out of the suit, and proceeded to remove the make-up. I slept well, all
things considered. My mind, helped by the gin, was numb!
The following morning, I was woken by Ziggi, cup of tea in hand.
"I know it's early but I've to collect Gill at Birmingham Airport at eight."
I glanced at my watch. Six o-clock! Shit!
I had a bath and made a second attack at my make-up. Once happy I went down
stairs and found some cornflakes and milk.
I hadn't long finished, when Ziggi and Gill walked in through the door.

"You look as if you had a nice time last night? Any  problems?" Gill asked.
"No none at all, except it had to end!"
"Yes!" she laughed, "This is the biggest problem always! But now we must attend
to your hair. The colour will wash out with a special shampoo and then we must
re-style. It will take about an hour. Then we can go for some lunch and I will
return you to school, back to your lovely Amy!"

After she had finished with my hair, Gill stood back and assessed her work.
"Yes. Now you are ready. Make sure everything is packed into your case and be
sure that none of the clothes you were in last night are included. We cannot
afford a mistake like that now and also you must keep up the act regarding the
funeral. One slip of the tongue will give you away. Please be careful!"

We had lunch at a very swanky restaurant and I was aware that some men were
looking at me and also a number of girls giving me the eye. Gill explained that
the restaurant was frequented by 'like minded girls' and straight men and if I ever
wanted to book a table, to mention her name. I would be assured of the best
service. As she finished speaking, a very refined looking lady in her fifties
approached the table.
"Gillian. My dear. How wonderful to see you! We don't see enough of you."
She kissed Gill on both cheeks before turning her attention to me.
"Introduce me to this delightful young lady, Gillian." She winked and continued,
"Two timing Ziggi, are we!"
"Amanda. Allow me to introduce you to Kate. Kate this is a very lovely lady and, I
might add, the owner of this fine restaurant, Amanda."
We touched hands and Amanda sat down with us.
"Kate's a friend of ours, as is her friend, who unfortunately can't be with us right
now." Gillian was smoothing things out but Amanda was intrigued
"Do I know your friend, Kate? I've not seen you in here before?"
"No." I replied,
"Gill suggested that we took lunch here and I have to say, it's a fine place!"
"Well thank you for that! What is your friends name?"
"Amy Cadbury."
"Of the Cadbury family? Chocolate and
what have you?"
"Related." I replied with some caution.
"Amanda's ok. She understands the same way as Ziggi and I. She to, met her
love at school. You didn't invent this thing, you know!"
 Gill was great. She introduced me to so many people, with the gentle
explanation of the circumstances.
By the time we left, I was so at ease with myself, that all nerves had left me but
not feeling complacent about the future. We had friends. Good friends. Influential
friends. Wonderful people we would count on in the future, not that we knew so
at that time.


13


The Bentley took me back to school. Gill, of coarse was with me,  to retain
continuity.
I was seen into the heads office and sat and waited for what deemed like an
eternity.
Mrs. James finally appeared.
"Hello Kate. How are you feeling?"
"I'm a bit tired, Mrs. James, and a bit---um---teary. Otherwise I'm fine. I need to
sleep some."
"It's the best medicine You run along to your room and have a good nights rest.
You will feel better for it tomorrow. Your room mate Amy has so much to tell you.
Her young man is quite a catch! Have you met him?"
"Yes Mrs. James. I was introduced to him some weeks ago. I think Amy loves
him!"
"Time will tell! He was very well deported. Very sure of himself but without being
aloof. He must be from a very well connected family."
"I've only met him a few times, I think he's nice too! "
"To your room now, Kate.Trust in God. Sleep well and, as I said before, if you
want to talk, my door is always open. Go and see Amy. She was very concerned
about you."
Did she know? Or was it my guilty conscience? I've got to remember, that it's
only the guilty who sweat.
I was not feeling guilty. I wasn't going to give in. I wasn't sweating!

I climbed the long flights of stairs to our room. I was almost there, when I was
accosted by Lynda.
"What are you doing here? This isn't your dorm?"
Lynda smiled.
"I've been up to see Amy. We were talking about her boy friend! I'm going to take
him off her! She stands no chance against me! She's small time that one, that
boy needs serious sex and I'm going to make sure he gets it!"
I made a mental statement. 'I don't think so!!'
"I danced with him!" she continued, "He was all over me. Telling me that he
wanted to be with a girl like me. We swapped telephone numbers and all sorts!
He wanted to take me out into the gardens where we could be alone!! That bitch
Amy was watching our every move. I'm going to have him. Just watch!"

Walking into the bedroom, Amy leapt up and through her arms around me.
"You were fantastic last night! How did you cope? I can't think that I'd have the
strength to do that! 'You ok??"
"I'm fine!  Was quietly crapping myself on occasions but once I realised that I was
not going to be recognised, I was fine! How did you think it went?"
"I wasn't sure at first but like you, I got used to it. You were so convincing! So
much so, you've just missed a visit from Lynda."
"Yep, I know! She stopped me on the stairs! I couldn't believe it! She has gone
for it hook line and sinker!"
Amy was giggling again!
"She says that she's going to take you off me! She really thinks you're a guy!"
"Yes she said more to me on the stairs. She was going to give me, sorry, him,
serious sex. I don't think she realises what I need and I don't think she can
provide it!"

Amy held my hands, and at arms length, looked at me.
"You were brilliant last night! You took the roll and made it yours. I was so proud
of you. Even dancing with Lynda, you looked as if you were trying your best but
she was just showing off to her cronies!"
I was so full of love for this girl, I crumbled,
"I love you. I want you. I want you to want me."
I pulled Amy close to me. I just wanted the reassurance of holding her.
"I'm shattered. I need some sleep. I'm sorry but it's all happened so fast! We got
back to Ziggi's at about mid-night, and the two of us talked until two-thirty. I dread
to thing how much gin we had, so what little sleep I had wasn't proper sleep. Also
she woke me with tea at six before she went to collect Gill!"
Amy was quick to respond,
"Go for it! I didn't have to get up this morning, so I did a lye in 'till one o'clock."
"Sleep tight! I love you too! Lynda's chasing a shadow."




14


I think I slept for England.
When I came to, I'd missed breakfast and lunch was fast approaching.
I wandered along to the shower block and had a soak, got dressed and collected
my clothes and headed off for the laundry room. There were a small crowd of
girls there sorting out washing and of course, the obligatory babble of
conversation. On this occasion, just the one topic. The ball.
"Oh hi Kate." Suzi was in Amy's class.
"Shame you couldn't come the other night. You missed a fantastic evening!"
"So I'm told but next year I'll be able to go. Let's hope is just as good. What was
the music? Live or a disco?"
"A mixture of both." She laughed, "The band was booked by Mrs.James. Not
what we all would have booked!"
"They were ok!" Mel interjected. "Perhaps not right up to the minuet but at least
they were in tune and could sing."
"True enough," Suzi said, "hasn't Amy told you all about it?"
"I was blitzed after the funeral. She wasn't around when I got up so really haven't
had too much opportunity to talk about it."
"Doubtless she will! She was practically eating her boy friend on the dance floor!"
"Oh yum, yum!!" Mel sat down and had that far away look in her eyes. "Who can
blame her, he was just such a dish!"
Oh God, I was blushing!
"What's up with you, Katie? Are you jealous?" Suzie looked at me. Concern in
her eyes, not ridicule.
"No I don't think I'm jealous of Paul. He's nice. Good for Amy. I've met him on a
couple of occasions and he is sweet. I know he's good for Amy. I really think their
relationship is full time. I'm happy for her. Really I am. God knows, I hope they
stay together."
"How old are you now, Katie?"
"Suzi, I'm almost 14. Please, I'm very stressed, another time?"
"Sorry babe. I forgot about the funeral. Never been the best at diplomacy. I'm
sorry."
Suzi was visibly shaken. She'd pushed too far and I'd reacted too heavily.
"Suzi, it's ok. I'm just a bit emotional right now. You understand. Don't want to be
rude. I'll be ok. Be nice to chat another time, just not right now."
Mel had come out of her cloud.
""Katie, go back and talk to Amy. In school, you're her closest friend and I
suspect, she's yours. Not a problem. Let her give you the reassurance you need.
You've had a bad time and we've had a great one. Sorry for being so insensitive"
A collective mutter of agreement from the girls.
"Thanks, I'm not feeling too sociable right now."
I made my thanks and left.
I wandered back to our room. The realisation that I could, in my own right, go to
the ball next year suddenly hit me. I couldn't go to another funeral. Oh God! What
can we do. What do I do! The problem was to be solved. We had another
watershed to get over. Summer Holidays. A life time of being apart. We had to
sort stuff out.
Back in our room I had time to mull things over in my mind. Next years ball could
be a big problem. Escaping for this year seemed like a good idea at the time but
a precedent had been set. What were the possibilities? I could, if it came to a
push, try another reason to get out of school and go with Amy again but could I
ask Ziggi and Gill again? A bit of a cheek, I thought, anyhow I would've grown
more and that would make it more difficult to disguise myself. Amy could say
she'd dumped Paul but what good would that do? She and I would be expected
to go to the ball with lads from Cheltenham College. We could 'come out' and
admit our sexuality, we probably would not get expelled but we wouldn't be able
to room together, that was for sure and could we both handle the hassle from the
other girls? I thought that perhaps I could. I'd grown in confidence since Amy and
I had 'got together' but Amy was still as sensitive as ever, she would find it harder
than me. Not to go at all was out of the question. Some solutions, with some
engineering, were possible, some were not. The only comforting thought was that
we had a year to work something out.
I looked in my overnight bag and found the half bottle of gin I'd hidden away
together with a bottle of tonic water I'd bought on the way back. I poured myself a
large one. The glow of the alcohol felt good and I could feel myself relaxing. It
had been a wonderful evening. One never to be forgotten. Amy would be back
soon from the library, studying for her mock 'O' levels. We would talk it over then.
Two heads being better than one and all that. I finished the gin I'd poured myself
and lay back on the bed, hands behind my head, just letting my mind wander.
I must have drifted off to sleep, because the next thing I knew was Amy crashing
in through the door.
"I've got them" she beamed, "The photo's from the ball! I had them developed 24
hour special. Cost a bit but what the heck! I haven't looked at them yet 'cos I
wanted you to see them with me. That's why I'm late!"
"Brilliant! Open them up. Let's see!"
Amy flung down her bag and fished out two packs of photographs. Sitting down
beside me, she explained that she'd had two of everything printed. One for her
and one for me.
"Oh you are sweet! How much do I owe you?"
Amy gave a look of one who has been mortally wounded.
"Don't be silly. Nothing at all. It was our evening. You took all the risks, this is my
chance to try to redress the debt!"
She ripped open one of the photo bags and took out the thirty-six photos inside.
They had captured almost everything. Mostly of Amy, me and us dancing
together. Two,  Amy had taken of me dancing with Lynda.
"That's a couple for the record, just in case she goes back on the attack!"
I filed through them again looking at everything. The backgrounds, the faces, the
looks on them.
Amy was looking through her bag again. After much searching around, she took
out a parcel wrapped in brightly coloured paper.
"I know it's not your birthday until August. So this is your early present. Open it
now! Please!"
Looking at the 'ear to ear' grin on her face, I carefully unwrapped the parcel.
"Oh my God!!! Who took that!!! Oh it's just wonderful!! How did you get this. It's
just so brilliant!!"
I was looking at a framed photo of Amy and I.

 As we had left the ball, we had kissed before Jason opened the car door. As he
opened it, we had been aware of the wolf-whistles from the balcony and had
turned around. I'd been aware of a light flash, but was too worked up to even
bother about the source of the camera, let alone the photographer.
Still in a clinch but looking back at the people on the balcony and waiving at them
, the shot was taken. It was the best of the night.
"That's fantastic! It's you and me! It's just wonderful! Thankyou so much!"
I flung my arms around her and gave her a big hug.

"Don't you see a problem with that photo? Like who took it and why?" Amy
teased.
"Um. You were down stairs with me. Not off your camera, I've seen all thirty-six.
Someone else's. Who come one tell me, you tease!"
Amy took her time, working my intrigue with all she could muster.
"George! He does make-up and stuff but he's a fab photographer as well. You
didn't see him there 'cos he was dressed up and stuff but  when you went and
danced with Lynda, he came over and  told me what to do and when. He had
blagged his way in so he could keep an eye open just in case there was a
problem. Guardian angel or in his case, guardian fairy! You don't mind, do you?"

"Mind!" I answered, "I love it! You've got one too, haven't you?"
"No. that's a special for you. The only thing I ask is that we hang it on the wall
just to remind ourselves of a special night. A VERY special night!"
"Deal done! We'll do it tomorrow.! The other thing is, shall we go to Ziggi's place
with the photo's next weekend?"
"Got to do that." Let's go down for dinner."

Supper over, I voiced my concerns about the ball the following year.
Amy's face mirrored my worries of earlier that  evening. I explained every avenue
that I'd thought of and like me, she dismissed all of them.
"The only consolation, like you say, is that we have a year to work something out.
Although I can't see how we can get over such massive problems. Perhaps you
were right after all, you know, should have gone with a boy?"
"You would rather have not gone at all," I replied, "You would've freaked if a boy
so much as tried to kiss you. You would only have compounded the suspicions
the likes of Lynda and co were spreading around. No, I really believe we did the
right thing, the only solution given the circumstances. Just out of interest, what
would you've done if we'd not met?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, would you've gone to the ball, or what?"
Amy thought for a moment before replying. "I think I would have invented an
illness, headache, earache or some such thing. I don't know. It's the sort of thing
everyone wants to go to but the conditions attached put you off. I think though I
probably would have gone and gritted my teeth! You changed any possibility of
that!" Amy smiled at me. "It's all your fault!"
"Sorry about that!" I laughed, "I promise never to touch you again!"
"Don't you dare say that! Not even in jest!"
"Ok, you win. Statement retracted!"
The call for lights out. We snuggled up in bed. So totally together, world war
three could not have parted us.

We woke the following morning with renewed optimism. Dark thoughts at night
always seem less daunting come daylight and these were not the exception.
Positive thinking was the order of the day.
Before leaving our room for lessons, Amy hugged and kissed me. "Give some
thought to last night's conversation. My dad always says 'for every problem,
there is a workable solution'. He's generally right. See you later. I love you.
Please don't forget that!"
"No chance of that! I love you too and you're right, we will find a solution."





16


The following Saturday, we bussed into Cheltenham and headed for Ziggy's
place, photo's in hand, we walked into the shop.
"Hi girls! I'm so pleased to see you! Come on through and I'll put the kettle on."
"Gill back in Paris?" I asked,
"Yes. Back tonight, all being well. She had a big deal going down. You might not
have caught up with the fact, cloistered as you are, but President Mikolov of
Russia is at a summit or something in France and asked for Gillian to attack his
wife's hair! Quite a coupe! She had to go all the way down to Nice! Five star
hotel, liveried driver, all the shit! Tough at the top girls!"
"Yes. What would've happened if she'd messed it up?" I asked. "Tough at the
top, maybe, but you have to get it right first time 'cos there's no next time! It
would have been the salt mines in Siberia for her!"
Ziggi laughed. "Good one. I'll use that when she gets back!" Ziggi continued.
"Your right, of course. Gill was like a cat on a hot tin roof when she was asked
but you have to admit, she's good! She works such that when she's working, she
just sees a head, not an individual, a person, just a head of hair and just goes for
it! She'll call later to let me know her flight time, not that I've got to pick her up,
that's all taken care of by the French government! Anyhow, let's look at the
photo's! She will be so sorry to have missed you guys!"
"Really? Will she? I wondered if she was just,--well,-- doing it because you asked
her to?"
I was staggered with the reply.

"Shit no, Kate. Gill was so eager to do this for you. Remember. We came, all of
us, to our situation, the exact same way! She would, and I promise you, she
would have cancelled the presidents wife to do that for you. That is fact! She has
a tendency to come across as cool but you must remember that she deals with
very wealthy people, and she just sees herself as a hair stylist. She has to work a
mind thing and hers is to come across as a quiet, reserved person. She's not any
such thing. I don't have the sole rights on 'outrageous', don't you know!! You will
get to know her. We're going to be good friends. We both think you're so brave,
so committed to each other, you're always welcome in our house!"
Tea was served, and a chance to view the photographs. Ziggi was really
impressed but we'd taken down the framed photo of Amy and I and kept that 'till
last.

"Oh that's beautiful! I know who took that! George, the bugger! It's got his
handwriting all over it. It's you guys to a tee! So wonderful! Next time he takes
one , you must hold the same pose but you, Kate, should be dressed as a girl.
That would be cool!"
"We don't see a chance of that, we've been talking. Wondering if we made a big
mistake with the ball and stuff. We or rather me, I mean, I wasn't going to say
anything to you about it but I'm going to have to now."
I took the plunge.

We explained to Ziggi about our misgivings and worries for the following years
ball.
"We can't seem to find a practical way around it. Which ever idea one of us has,
seems to have holes in it you could drive a truck through. Nothing seems to
work." Amy fighting back the tears as she spoke. "We're really sorry to burden
you with this and we weren't going to say anything to you because we're so
grateful for what you, Gill, George and Jason did for us the last time and we
didn't want to appear, well, ungrateful."
Ziggi thought for some minuets before sitting upright in her chair. She looked at
both of us, shook her head and smiled.
"Firstly you had no need to thank us. We all know that you had a fabulous time
and I would venture to say that while you see only problems for next years bash,
you don't actually regret it. We were all in it for you and because we're all
extroverts, had a lot of fun getting one over on 'the establishment'. Think about
what you did. It's not a criminal offence? You hurt no one? You bent the rules but
what the hell, that's what bloody rules are for! Secondly, if you hadn't talked
these problems through with me and I'd later found out about it, I would and I
think we all would have been deeply hurt. You have to remember what I said to
you before. We are all friends, you guys, Gill, Jason, George and me, we're true
friends and friends help each other. Your age doesn't matter a damn. Look at the
mix you have here. Gill and I, an item. You and Kate. An item. George. The
biggest fairy that ever walked Gods good earth but with a big heart to match.
Never see you down, George! He's the best, bless him! Jason. The only straight
one in the team. Married with three of the nicest kids you could hope to find and
his wife is cute too but not in 'that' way, -- but then again! No, she's an angel. Gill
uses his limo hire to ferry swish clients around and we got to know each other
very well. Because we are, well, what we are, his wife, Christine, doesn't feel
under threat. He got screwed by the inland revenue for some tax irregularity and
so he has a beef about 'the rules'. We take Jason and Chris out for an evening
every so often as a way to say thank you. So now you have it! We had FUN!"
Ziggi paused and looked at the clock.
"G and T time. You guys up for some?"
Silly question really.

Sipping our gins, Ziggi continued.
"Hope I'm not pushing you guys into a life of alcohol abuse? It does seem to
have, in moderation, the chance to let the mind cut loose and wander. When
you'll all tensed up, you are in control of your brain, not letting it expand, your
telling it 'concentrate on getting rid of this stress. Nothing else matters.' After a
drink you relax and you brain has some time to do it's own thing. 'Number
crunch' or what ever. The same reasons that the best ideas come from a good
nights sleep. When you're tired, all problems look insurmountable. Come the
morning, this lump of nerve tissue has been hard at it, working on your problem,
getting it sorted for you! Why! 'Cos your not telling it what to do all the time! It can
happily regulate your heart and breathing but can concentrate on the tasks that
you couldn't get your head around the night before. Shit. I'm wittering on again!"

"No. Your right!" I answered. "Absolutely right! About everything. I sampled a
small tot of gin the other night after I got back to school and I was able to think at
a tangent. Ok, I was tired but my thought processes were not concentrating on
my self but on other things. It was very helpful. Nice too!!"

"Keep it to small tots. It can also wreck you mind! You'll be ok. Leave us with
your problem for next year. Come 'round every time you're in town. I'll keep you
up to speed."
Ziggi handed a card to both Amy and my self. "This is my number. Use it. For
advice, for information, as a panic line! We're all here for you! Don't you dare
keep concerns, worries, or whatever, to yourselves. Remember. You're on the
team and you're friends, and we think you're brill!! Almost, today's roll models!"
      Today's role models! Oh God, what a thought!

We talked for ages. Not just about logistics, the ball and stuff, but about the
others, the rest of the 'team'. They all came together in dribs and drabs, nothing
co-ordinated, things just happened. Both Amy and I started to realise the greater
picture. It was a bit like our relationship. We roomed together by chance. We
neither of us had requested it and we hadn't even met each other before. The
fact that we fancied each other was a matter of fact and also one of chance. Had
we not have been roomed with each other, we probably would never have met,
so it  would follow on, that I would have been 'straight' still. Probably unaware of
my sexuality.
For me, that was not an issue. It could be argued that I wasn't given a chance to
find out . Whether I'd met a boy and found it wasn't  for me, I couldn't of said, 'I'm
a lesbian', perhaps just have said 'I don't like him', but now I was totally
convinced. Totally in love with Amy. Ziggi and Gillian, for me were the real role
models. I liked boys. Socially but not sexually. I wanted to be with Amy . I was in
love with her without reservation. This fact was to be our saving grace. Things
were going to work themselves out.
 George. Working in theatre, came to the 'Emporium' looking for costume ideas.
Ziggi was able to furnish him with everything needed for the production, including
lending him the welsh dresser drinks cabinet! A chance meeting again. They hit it
off, bouncing off each other verbally, so much so that a stranger in the camp (
pardon the expression! ) would've thought they were at war with each other.
Nothing was further from the truth. Just true soul mates with loads of banter!
Jason was Gills contact really but slotted into the 'team' with ease. Happily
married with three kids, who we were to meet, seemed like an unlikely ally but life
is strangely wonderful and proves the fact that no matter what race, colour,
creed, sexual orientation, if you can have respect for other peoples' beliefs and
their absolute right to express them, no matter what your personal view point
may be,  the world could live in harmony.




17



The days came and went. We were in bliss. We started to understand each other
so well. What drove us, our backgrounds, our respective families, our hopes
ambitions. Our innermost thoughts and fears were up for grabs. We had no taboo
subjects. Ok, fine. We would have some heated discussions but that, we thought
healthy. At our young ages, we were maturing fast. Not just physically but
mentally as well. We came to know each other in minute detail.

Shopping in Cheltenham, one Saturday afternoon, the town packed with
shoppers, we went to cross the road on a crossing point. The car that had
stopped to let us go over on the far side of the road, started blasting us with it's
horn.
We made to speed ourselves up but the honking became more intense!
"Hello, lovely girls!!!!"
A voice shouted. Looking around we saw it was George. Leaning out of the
window of an antiquated Ford Cortina.
By this time the lights had changed and the barrage of horns had risen to a
crescendo.
George motioned us to wait at the pavement. He pulled away from the lights,
pulled over and stopped to let us in.
"Oh you girls! Head in the clouds. When you're shopping you don't know what
time of day it is," he camped up. " oh but I'm just so pleased I spotted you. I've
some news. Oh silly me! You may already have heard if you've been to Ziggi's
today!"
"No. We were going to call in on our way back to the bus," Amy replied, "we've
not been in today."
"Oh goodie good! Let's go there then!" George tore off down the road, far faster
than the clapped out car looked as if it were capable of travelling.
 "Oh don't get in a tizzy, nothing's wrong, it's some news Ziggi was going to give
you. Both of us are so exited for you! We think you're problems are solved!"
George swerved to a standstill outside The Emporium.
Ziggi was outside to meet us. She ushered us in and closed the door.

"George, I can't make up my mind which is the most dangerous, you're driving
anything , or what you drive.!"
"Oh poppet. You're concern touches  me. This heap, can do nought to sixty in
four seconds, given the chance! The shell looks like doggie-doo's but is solid. I
will take on a Porsch, Ferrari, or similar. ----- Just don't tell them what I've got
under the bonnet!!!!!"
"You never cease to frighten me, George! But you're brill anyhow!"
"Well, you might be a woman, however I have to say, amongst women, strange
as they are, as much as I can't find a reason to get excited about them, I love all
of you! Platonically speaking, of course!"
Amy spoke up. "We love you to George. You're a very special person. Also we
want to thank you for all you did for us. We're more than a little in your debt."
George visibly squirmed. Flapping his arms around and blushing, "Don't be so
silly you lovely girls! It was a gas! You're in the team! Now stop making me go
red. Red clashes horribly with my outfit!"
"George, why don't you tell these guys about your plan for next year. Ok, it's in
the embryonic stage but they need something to go with."
George thought for a few minuets.

"I have a friend, a very good friend, who works as a councillor for Gloucester
county council. He works primarily with kids with problems. He was asked to see
two young boys who are at school at The Kings School, the same school that the
boys at the ball were from. They're not disturbed. Not violent. They're gay.
 At that
school, if you're caught out, is enough for you to be the subject of psychiatric
analysis. They are one year older than each of you. They have been spared the
pain of expulsion thanks to my good friend but they have to prove themselves.
They must be seen to mix with girls. We thought that, ----- well, you were in a
good position to help them. They are not interested in you sexually, they need a
leg up and so do you!"
"Meet them is all we suggest." Ziggi interrupted, "They are very nice boys. It
could help everybody. If it doesn't work,---, then back to the drawing board!"
I looked at Amy. "What do you think?"
"Nothing ventured and all that, have they had a very rough ride George?"
"Peter was trying to top himself, bless him, that's how it all came out. They have
gone through hell. Sweet girls, they need a break. If it works, you will have dates
for next years ball, they will be off the hook, everybody happy. You, Amy will
have to say that Paul is abroad and can't make the event but trusts you enough
to go with someone else. Kate being your chaperone!"
"When should we meet them?" I asked.
"Sooner the better for them, but perhaps you should give it some thought before
you make any decisions."
"Can Amy and I have a quick chat, alone for a mo?"
Ziggi stood up and smiled at George. "Come on sailor, let's get the drinks in and
give the girls a moment to think!"

Once they had left, Amy and I talked.
"They're like us. They've been sussed. In the crap. We were helped. Maybe it's
time we repaid in kind. Helping them. We would've been dead in the water had it
not been for these guys! We owe a debt of thanks. If we make it clear that we will
meet up and if it doesn't work, we walk?, will you go for it??"
Amy agreed.

"Ok. We're up for it."
 Amy, this time was the spokesperson.
"When shall we meet up?"
"George will, together with his contact, will sort something out. Call me this
coming-----?"
"Wednesday." George answered,
"Wednesday! We should have a date for you. Is there anything to avoid for you
guys?"
Amy looked at me. I shook my head.
"No, but better at a week end."
"Be the same for them remember! They're at school too! Let George sort
something and if it's sudden, I'll get Gillian to call the school and you can get that
the news that way. I would also suggest that you meet here, that is unless you
had any other ideas."
Amy looked relieved. "I was rather hoping you would say that! I'm not sure how
I'd feel meeting them on our own."
I nodded in agreement.
"Fine. That's settled then. Here it will be. There you go, g and t's all round!"




18


That night, back at school and in bed together, we went over the latest plan.
"It could work, couldn't it?" Amy didn't sound altogether confidant.
" I mean, if the
boys were ok about it. We could go together or rather with them but none of the
messing about."
"Like us, I'm sure they'll want none of that. The only problem that I can see is that
we will have to dance with them."
"What, even slow ones!"
"I guess so. The only consolation is that they're probably going through the same
thing, thinking and worrying about the same things as we are. We can only see
how the meet-up goes. See what they're like."
"What if they're really ugly!"
"Worse, what if they're really, you know, camp. What if we end up with two
Georges!"
As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I collapsed in hysterics.
"Shhhh! Keep it down, Kate! Don't even think thoughts like that! Oh God, what a
thought!" Amy giggled.
"They won't be. Right, George hasn't met them but his contact or whoever, has,
and I'm sure that he wouldn't be so stupid as to inflict that sort of humiliation on
either them or us."
We eventually settled into sleep. Both of us satisfied in every way. Emotionally,
mentally and,  naturally, sexually!!"

We both waited for the call from Gillian with nervous anticipation, but we
understood that it would probably be the next weekend before we knew. After all,
the boys would have to think about it first and they were probably be agonising
about it as much as we were. We had to be patient.

No word.
Saturday morning dawned. We readied our selves for breakfast. Tidying the
room and bundling up laundry for washing later that day. We had made a routine
of crumpling up the un slept in bed. It was made of course but engineered to give
it the lived in look !  We took turns in who's bed we slept in , so as not to create
too many suspicions. For the most part, it worked but on this occasion I had hung
a silver medallion over the bracket of the over head light of Amy's bed. The bulb
had blown and we'd reported it to the maintenance engineers.
"Swapping  beds now, are we girls ?"
Roger was a slimy, greasy little man. About 30 ish, unmarried and always looked
at the girls in a way one imagines a pervert to look at kids. He was probably ok
but not that many of us struck up conversation with him as he had a knack of
twisting the conversation around and 'talking dirty'! However this time Amy, not
me, thought she'd have some fun with him. She told him the truth. It's a fact that
sometimes if you tell it the way it is, no one will believe you!
"Actually Roger, we only ever sleep in one bed."
"I , er , "
" Normally it's Kate's bed but it gets so much punishment that sometimes we use
mine!" Amy was doing her hip swaying, strolling about the room bit and Roger,
could not keep his eyes off her!
"You know how it is Roger, when sex gets that good, well, the trappings of the
room are just things to use, to excite, to...."
"Bulb's done. Got to go. Sign here."
"Oh Roger. So soon? Don't you want to see Kate and I go down on each other?"
Fuck the signature, Roger went down the corridor like someone had set fire to his
arse.
If he got his pleasure from looking at school girls, he was to have something to
bring himself off with following that conversation!
"Shit ! What if he'd called your bluff! Yes girls. Do it for me!"
Amy was relaxed.
"Some things I can figure out all by myself and some I can't. He's so strange that
he wouldn't have had the balls to say 'ok do it' ! A gamble, I agree, but the odds
were good."
"Do you think he'll say anything?" My turn to be twitchy.
"Get off!" Amy was on a confidence trip.
"How can he say anything. He's a real thinker, not a doer. He survives on erotic
thoughts. A looser who gets kicks out of seeing young girls, dressed or
otherwise, he uses his imagination to see what he would like to see. If he was to
see one of his fantasies, he would run like a scared rabbit. Look. I offered him, in
just, that opportunity. HE RAN!"
A short pause in the conversation followed. It seemed as if it had lasted for ever.
Then at last I spoke up.
"I got kicks out of seeing you naked. Half dressed, in the shower, fully dressed?
Where do I fit in to the pattern. Roger is a man and he looks at a girl and he, well,
has thoughts. Where is he wrong? He is, to most people, normal! I'm the strange
one in all this, or rather we are, but you have to see it from his point of view. He's
really creepy but in the eyes of convention, he's normal."
Amy went silent.
"You're right. I was cruel. God! You make me feel so guilty about it!"
Under the fake mortification was a smile !
"I'll say something next time we have a bulb blow!"
"Kate, don't be cross with me? I'm trying to get around next weekend and the
boys? The last thing I wanted was that sad git."
I couldn't maintain a façade of hate for Amy for more than minuets. We were in
each others arms in seconds!
"You sod, Kate ! I really believed you were upset about my game with Roger !"
"Don't be daft. He's weird and it was good to see him squirm !"
A quick breakfast and we were off into Cheltenham.
We toured the shops first to allow Ziggi to come out of hibernation. We didn't
have too much cash, but I bought some really sexy undies. A suspender belt,
black, two pairs of stockings, black, lycra had just been introduced, mega
expensive, thongs, size 8. I was growing up ! God ! I was fitting into a full size 'A'.
Amy  was, well, loving my growing up!





19



Town was really busy that day. The reason was unknown to us. The weather
was, well, not bad but not good either. No sales on and no bank holidays. The
upshot was that because of serious weight of pedestrians, we were later arriving
at Ziggis than we'd anticipated.
As we approached, we saw two men walk in through the shop doorway. We hung
around for a few minuets and then decided to go in ourselves. We weren't used
to walking in when Ziggi had customers and normally she would turn the 'open'
sign around and bolt the door when we were there.
We walked in to a shop devoid of people but we'd seen two men walk in not ten
minuets earlier.
The door chimes announced our arrival.
Ziggi appeared from the back room and on seeing us hooted with pleasure and
hugged us both.
"You guys ok?"
As we were about to reply, she looked around her and said "Perhaps it's a good
thing! Come on through, there are two young men you need to meet!"
We didn't have the chance to protest. No time to think it over. No chance to bottle
out !!

We walked into the now very familiar surroundings of Ziggis work room. As we
walked through, two very handsome boys stood up from the couch to greet us.
Clean cut, very smartly dressed in they're 'Kings School' uniform and as
completely without words as were we !

Ziggi, sensing an en-pas, came to the rescue.
"Ok. Not like I planned but let me make the intro's. This is Kate and this is Amy."
She gestured to each of us in turn.
"Girls, this is Peter and this is Andrew."
Mutterings of 'Nice to meet you' were banded around and then silence you could
have cut with a knife. Both the boys looking, first at each other and then at there
feet.
Ziggi, sensing a problem pulled Amy away. " Lets have tiffin early! Shit, the
others promised me they'd be here by now!"

I was not going to let this phase me so during the time Ziggi and Amy were
flapping around, I went for the conversation bit.
"This wasn't the way it was going to be!" I laughed. "We were going to arrange
this properly. Are you guys as taken aback as we are?"
Andrew spoke up. "We both thought that we were going to talk about stuff, you
know, place, time and all that. We never expected.."
I could see Andrew reaching out for Peters hand and I felt so much akin to them.
"We didn't either. We were late getting here and, well sorry but maybe it's better
like this, you know informal, unannounced. No getting all fucked up about it!"
Peter looked visibly relieved. "You sound just like us when we're talking things
through. We just talk and talk." He looked down at the floor. "That was until we
were separated. More of a problem now."
Peter was clearly on the verge of tears. Looking at Andrew, obviously needing a
hug.
"Andrew hold him for Gods sake. He needs you!"
Amy had spotted it too. A situation that could have ended in a walk out but a brief
cuddle and some words of reassurance between them, kept the show on the
road.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry ! It's getting to be very difficult for us and it's starting to tell,
especially for me. I tried to commit suicide, perhaps Ziggi told you. We don't get
to be with each other at all for anything other than school work and rowing."
"Rowing?" Amy interjected,
"Yes. We are partners in a double scull. That's how we came to meet. We're
good at it. I hope that doesn't sound too swell headed but we're at three counties
level and in our age bracket there's not many to touch us."
"It's the only reason we weren't expelled," said Andrew, "Honour of the school
and all that. We had a lot of success and it had given the school some good
publicity. For it to be discovered that we were a pair of faggots would have been
unthinkable in their eyes. Saved? Yes. We now have to see each other daily, row
with each other daily, but can't ever be with each other as we both want to be."
The tears were rolling down my face. I could see their pain. I could understand
how we would feel in the same situation. I couldn't think of a worse torture.
Andrew had seen me crying. "Kate, I'm sorry. I had no intention of upsetting you.
It's our problem, not yours."
"Wrong, Andrew! It's a problem for all of us! We will all work together to sort it
out! We were helped by the most fabulous group of people when we were at our
witts end and now it's our turn to work it out for you two, with the help of the
same team."
Ziggi had been listening. "You're part of the team, Kate, remember? The team
will do it!"
Andrew blushed. His words came in a considered fashion. Peter was looking
grey. I could see how he could have lost the plot and tried to kill himself. It was
so unfair. Why couldn't they be happy and together. They obviously were in love,
so what was the problem?
"You're really kind. You actually understand! I don't know how you do but we're
grateful."
Kate looked puzzled. "You guys know that we're in the same situation, don't you?
We love each other too!"
Andrew and Peter looked at each other. Peter at last looked as if he was going to
pull through. A spark had ignited somewhere in him.
"We knew you were really close but Ziggi never said it, you know she was never
that up front about your relationship."
"Wasn't for me to say, was it?" said Ziggy. "The girls knew about you and your
problems, it was almost in the public domain, theirs wasn't. I've been keeping out
of the way. You have to sort stuff out for yourselves without my interfering. Sorry
boys but would you've turned up had I'd been totally up front?"
"I'd like to say yes, but that's probably hindsight talking."
Andrew was smiling. "We've met Amy and Kate now and they're, um delightful.
No I mean delightful and personally speaking, not being into girls, I would be very
happy to have either one on my arm at any time, not just as a point maker, but as
a friend."

"I have not felt so positive in months. You girls have opened my eyes and I can
see a way to cope now. You're right. Friends who understand. We will do it. We
can make it!" Peter was looking good!
"Peter. Amy and I said that speech first some months back! You have the right to
make it your own. More so than us." Leaning over, I kissed Peter gently on the
cheek.
"Thankyou, Kate. That kiss has just sealed a friendship."

Ziggi is and always will be, a control freak. This was to have been a situation she
was to have stage managed but the situation had overtaken her. In truth, it had
worked so well that even she could not have believed that the outcome could
have been so positive. She raised herself from the chair and announced that it
was tiffin time and we were all to stay.
Drinks were served and the conversation flowed. All of us, Ziggi included, giving
our thoughts to various problems and how to solve them. A lot of general chatting
about school life and the differences between the schools and the approach to
boarding and freedom to explore outside of the school walls. It was obvious that
we had the better regime. The boys were more regulated than us and a more
strict level of control were placed on them.
The more we talked, the more we understood.
Suddenly the bang and crash of a car pulling up outside. Seconds later, in
walked George accompanied by another man. A suited gentleman in his fifties,
old by our standards but once introduced, turned out to be Andrew and Peters
councillor.

He was a very personable man. Softly spoken with a hint of a Welsh accent but
the thing that struck me the most was his ability to listen. A refreshing change in
an adult. Our experience had been that almost all adults wanted to hold court
and stifle any views that we might want to view but he was very interested in
what we have to say. We were very interested to hear to what he had to say!

" You see, the problem, in inverted commas, with Peter and Andrews
relationship, is that in the eyes of the law, it's actually illegal but by contrast,
yours is not. The reasoning behind this fact is bizarre. When the first legislation
outlawing male homosexuality were introduced back in the Victorian earer,
women didn't even have the vote let alone have the chance of putting
themselves up for parliament so it would follow that all the legislature were men.
You of course have heard the expression ' Victorian attitudes', well they were as
hung up as the expression implies. The very thought that women could have a
same sex relationship was unthinkable! They were at the beck and call of their
men-folk and as he was the only person that made decisions within the family
unit, were not allowed, for the greater part, to work, they're only roll in life was to
sit around being pretty and entertaining her husbands guests and making babies,
if she was fortunate enough to marry into money. If from the lower social order,
her roll would be to keep house, cook for her husband and, make babies!
 Their
thinking was totally screwy as history has proved. Their virtual imprisonment,
shackled to their husbands every wish and whim, made for some very unhappy
marriages and so where better to turn for understanding and sympathy than
someone else in the same predicament! So there you have it. More same sex
relationships between women than you could shake a stick at! During the first
real period of social liberation, we're talking 1920's here, they even had a word
for it! 'pash' . 'I'm having a pash with, whoever!' Everybody knew what it meant
but the blokes were reduced to brief liaisons in public toilets and parks,
constantly looking over their shoulders, making sure the police weren't about.
The penalties were desperate for them if they were caught. None of this fifty
hours community service, or a probation order, oh no. Look at Oscar Wild.
Ballard of Reading jail and all that. He was never caught! He only admitted in
public that he was homosexual and they banged him up for years! Unfortunately
the prejudice lingers on. Peter and Andrew have been, in one sense, lucky. The
school didn't make too much of an issue of it only to say that 'they needed help'.
In that regard, I believe that they do but not in the way the school had in mind. It's
my belief that we all have choices in life. You can steer your education to suit
your talents, you can follow various fashion trends as you wish, live how you wish
and in almost every other respect, be your own person. I do understand that you
boys are in love with each other,. This is one of the things you get no choice in.
Depending on your view point, it was fate or Gods will."

A look at each other said all. Like Amy and I, they were committed to each other.
" You should be happy that we've found a way to go. How do you want to play it.
Do you want us to arrange further meets?"
All four of us looked at each other and shook our heads.
" I recon we all feel comfortable enough with each other to arrange stuff
ourselves. We should build on our new friendships. What do you think boys?"
I was feeling very upbeat.
" Definitely." Peter replied. "I've not felt so positive, well, for months. I really feel
now that we can move forward. All of you, all of you have given us real hope!"
"You're not going to desert us are you?" Ziggi looked concerned.
"God no!" Amy looked at her with a smile, "We'll be plaguing you every time
we're in town!"
"As will we. You can't shake us off now, after everything you've done for all of us.
Especially Peter and I."
"Andrew, we think that the biggest scam was done for us. Amy and I would have
been buried had it not been to these guys!"
" I feel the first tiff coming on, Kate!!" Andrew was trying to suppress a giggle.
Ziggi was collapsing into hysterics.
"Coool ! I want to make one arrangement on your behalf, and before you say no,
let me tell you what I - . No not I but Gillian has set up for you."



20




"Do you, Kate, remember that meal in town with Gill ?"
"Well yes. Never to be forgotten, except I was  so nervous, you know, being just
after the ball and everything!"
"But you had a good time, enjoyed the meal and the company, I mean the
company of the other customers.?"
"Yes. It was wonderful. What are you trying to get at !"
" Gill has left a blank cheque with the restaurant, on condition that this meeting
was a success. It's for all four of you to eat and drink out with her love. It includes
taxies each way and all you guys have to do is let me know date and time and it's
a done deal. What do you say!"
Amy and I looked at each other and beamed!
"We're up for it ! You guys also? "
Andrew spoke for both.
" We'd love to. We have school commitments but yes, it would be great. Would
you and Gillian be there too?"
" You will be on your own. Terms of conditions and all that. This meet had to be a
success. The question of 'did you want us to arrange the next meet' was the
crunch question! You guys scored the bulls eye.! "
" That would be fantastic. " I said. " This place is brill and non of us will feel 'out of
place' ! It's the best venue for us to meet up together for the first time alone. "
They were all looking first at me and then at Ziggi. Totally confused.
" This is the place. I'll try and tell you what it's like. We will all love it. All four of
us. I promise! "
I gave probably the best marketing presentation ever. Once I'd stopped talking,
they were sold and the date was set for the following Tuesday evening. It had to
be soon. Term end was upon us all.




21



Three days later following prep and not appearing for evening dinner, we
prepared ourselves for the evening ahead. As girls do, we took time selecting our
outfits, meticulous with our make-up and hair. Gill had spent some time showing
me how to blow-dry it into the style she had cut. I have to say, I was getting really
quite good at it!
Once satisfied that we were ready, we headed of for the gate lodge, late passes
in hand. These weren't too much of a problem to get as mocks were out of the
way and so the pressure was off us to a degree.
Our taxi arrived and we sped off into Cheltenham.
We arrived at the restaurant earlier than expected. Andrew and Peter hadn't yet
arrived. It was starting to drizzle and so we opted to take shelter inside.
We were greeted by Amanda.
"Hello you two! You must be Amy. So pleased to meet you and of course, so nice
to see you again Kate. Am I right in suggesting gin and tonics might fit the bill
right now?"
"That would be great. Thankyou. Nervous anticipation. I think we both need some
shoring up!"
Amanda gestured to one of the waiting staff who promptly came over to us.
"George, I want you to take good care of these very lovely customers. They are
to be your only responsibility tonight!"
I looked. Amy looked. George smiled!
"Yes lovely girls! I'm your slave for this evening. Got to keep close to members of
the team. Not too close mind. Just here to be sure they're no unforeseen
problems like unexpected teachers or whatever. I'll fetch the gins right now and
I'll also keep an eye out for the boys. Lovely aren't they! Oh you won't think that
but me,-- gins on they're way"
George minced off to get the drinks.

"Actually he's wrong." Amy was looking quizzical.
"How's that?"
"They are lovely. The boys. Peter and Andrew. I don't mean I fancy them but
they're well educated, well behaved, well groomed and, for boys, well,- lovely!"
"Yeh, you're right! I've got to say I'm rather intrigued to see how tonight goes! I
like them too. Couples together we're really very alike."
Amy was still deep in 'thought mode'
"We've had better breaks. Let's not loose sight of that."
"Yes you're on the button as always, Amy, I won't."
Just as I thought I was going to feel humiliated, George arrived with the drinks.
"Hmm! Boys are late! Here you go girls!" George placed the drinks on the table
together with some up-market 'nibbles'.
"We're early, George!" I whispered.
"No, won't hear of it. You two are just too divine to be early, late or anything else.
Got to be the boys!!" A switch of a smile, and George left us.
We sipped at our drinks and chatted.
Some half hour later, just after we'd ordered another round of drinks, Amanda
came to our table.
"I've two young gentlemen asking for you. Shall I show them to your table?"
"Thank you. Yes please. Is it Peter and Andrew?" I asked.
"Yes it is, however I have to be seen to be unassuming!!! I'll bring them through!"
Amanda reappeared some few minuets later with the boys. They were out of
school uniform and looked much more 'young men' than they did at out first
encounter at Ziggis. They had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to dress well, as
had we and I have to say, heads were turning!
"What can I get you gentlemen to drink?" Amanda asked.
A momentary pause, then Peter spoke up. "Gin and tonic for me, Andy?"
"I'll have a glass of white wine please. Dry if possible, thanks.
"I will bring the wine list over to you and you can select to suit your self."
"No need but thanks, just a glass of the house dry wine will do just fine!"
That's ok but I'll bring the wine list over just in case you would like to order to
compliment your meal. Kate. Would it be ok if I could have just a quick word?"
I followed Amanda to the reception desk.
"Don't hold back on ordering, my love. Have the lot if you can take it! I know that
this is paid for by Gillian but I'll be gentle with the account. Have the best of the
best. I'll try to advise with the wine. The food is up