Jimmy Meets His Match

by Jennifer

 

CHAPTER 30

 

THE BABY IN THE SHOP WINDOW

 

'Good morning Jennifer, time to get up' said Aunt Mary cheerfully as she drew back my curtains. I threw back the blankets on my bed, and strolled off to the bathroom. Coming back to my room, I saw that my bed was already made, and Aunt Mary had my outfit for the day all ready for me. I gave a slight groan as I saw the pink and white gingham frock hanging on the door of the wardrobe. I put on my white vest and knickers, and Aunt Mary pulled the frock over my head, put my arms through the sleeves, and pulled the hem down below my knees. Then she buttoned up the back, and tied the sash securely in a dainty bow behind my back. Sitting me down, she pulled my white ankle socks onto my feet and buckled on my white leather sandals. Finally she placed my wig on my head, and tied two bows of white hair ribbon securely on my head, together with two matching pink plastic hair slides. Standing me up, she inspected me and said 'Yes, that pink gingham frock really does give exactly the charming little girl look you hate so much. Delightful.' She smiled, and led the way down to breakfast.

I was greeted with the usual jeers from the girls, and we sat down to breakfast. 'What a shame we have to go home today' sighed Diana, 'I'd love to have a few more days with Jimmy dressed as a little girl, it's been great. I've got to find some way of dressing him up as a girl at home, so I can take him for a walk along Brighton sea front dressed like that. Wearing baby reins, like yesterday. And with all my friends. That would be something to see.'

'Forget it' I retorted, 'No way sis, I've already told you.'

'And I've already told you' said Tricia, leaning over the table at me and smiling, 'That the photos Jane gave me will be more than sufficient to ensure that if Diana wants to take you round the town dressed as her sweet little sister, then you'll do it whether you like it or not!' I glared at her, and Diana grinned broadly. 'Aunt Mary' asked Tricia, 'When Jimmy comes back home, could we have all the dresses and frocks that he's been wearing? I think that they might come in useful, if you know what I mean.'

'Well I was going to keep them' said Aunt Mary, 'Do you want any of them Susan?'

'Me!' exclaimed Susan, 'Me! You have got to be joking. If I went out wearing one of those dresses I'd never live it down. No, I think it would be a much better idea if Tricia and Diana kept them for Jimmy, just in case he gets out of hand again. No, I certainly don't want them.'

'All right then' said Aunt Mary, 'I'll send them down in a case separately when he leaves. If I gave them to him to take with him I'm sure they'd disappear on the way.'

'Oh thanks Aunty' said Diana, 'That's great.' She looked at me with a smile of gleeful anticipation on her face.

When breakfast was over my mother and sisters finished packing, and were shortly ready to leave for home. We took their cases out to the car, and as we said goodbye, Diana said to me 'Well Jennifer, still another nine days to go dressed as a girl. Here, that is. I can't wait for you to get home, because I'm going to have all sorts of treats ready for you. Those dresses are going to come in really useful, aren't they? Bye for now.' She climbed into the car with the others, and with a few waves they were off down the road and gone. We went back into the house and I helped with the washing up wearing my Alice in Wonderland pinafore at Susan's suggestion. When everything had been put away, Aunt Mary said 'So what will you be doing today, girls?'

'I thought we'd take Jennifer into town' said Jane, 'I want to see Angela.'

'Is that the girl at the baby shop?'

'Yes that's right, I want to discuss an idea I've got for Jimmy with her.' At that, my ears pricked up. It sounded ominous, especially anything involving Angela, as it usually meant something fairly horrendous. 'What time are you going?' asked Aunt Mary. 'Oh, about eleven' replied Jane, 'There's a bus at ten past.'

'Well before you go' said Aunt Mary, 'I wonder if one of you could pop down to the store and get me a couple of things.' Neither of the girls looked particularly keen, so I quickly said 'I'll go if you like.'

'You?' said Jane, 'On your own?'

'Well why not?' I said. 'You've made me come home on my own before. If I was going to run away I would have done it by now. I'm hardly going to go far dressed like this, am I?'

Jane looked at me and grinned. 'No I suppose not' she said.

'All right Jimmy' said Aunt Mary, opening her purse, 'All I need is a bottle of washing up liquid, a litre of milk, and a large cut loaf of wholemeal bread. Here's the money, and don't be too long, the girls are waiting to take you out.' She gave me some money, and I went out through the front door.

Walking down the street, the pleasure of being out on my own, even dressed as I was, at last started the germ of an idea. What if I were to make a break for it? I thought. Trouble was, where would I go? It was a very long journey home, but that was about the only place I could head for. Hitch hiking was out, so I would have to walk into town and get to Brighton by train via London. I didn't want to travel dressed as a little girl all on her own, as that would attract far too much suspicion. No, somehow I needed a set of boy's clothes, but where could I get them from? I decided that the best time to leave would be about five in the morning, two hours before anybody got up. I would be well on my way by then, and it was unlikely that Aunt Mary would alert the police for at least a few hours. Money for the train fare? Sadly, I would have to rob Aunt Mary's purse, and I'd probably need about £60. The idea began to excite me, and dormant feelings of adventure began to stir. The old me wasn't dead after all. Being so single minded about the idea, I chose to ignore the dire warnings I'd received regarding just such an action. I'd worry about that later.

After about ten minutes I came to the village store, and went in. I bought the items that Aunt Mary wanted without even a second glance from the grocer. Walking out into the street, I recognised one of the boys from the primary school that I'd met when he was being told off during the outing to Whitstable. He came over to me and said 'Hi Jimmy, how are you?'

'Oh, not bad' I said, 'Apart from the way I'm dressed, of course. I'm just getting these things for my aunt.'

'God I'm sorry for you' he said, 'Dressed as a girl for six weeks. Imagine!' He shuddered, and continued. 'I'll tell you what, the thought of going through the same thing myself if I get into trouble next term has really worried me. I know that Mrs. Hall would do it, too, so I'm really going to watch my step. Oh by the way, I'm Richard.'

'Yes, well I've got another nine days of it to go yet' I said. 'I can tell you, I don't recommend it as much of a way of spending the summer holidays.'

'I just wish there was something I could to help, but I suppose there isn't anything really, is there?' Suddenly, my germ of an idea sprang into my mind. 'Actually Richard' I said, 'There is something you could do for me, if you're game enough. You're pretty close to my height. What size shoes do you take?'

'Size four' replied Richard, 'Why?' I smiled. Perfect. 'Because that's the same size as I take' I said. 'Now, how would you like to donate a set of your old clothes to a worthy cause?'

'I suppose I wouldn't mind, but I still don't see what you're on about.' I decided to take the chance.

'Can you keep a secret?' I said, 'I mean a real secret.'

'Sure, what is it?'

'I've decided to make a run for it. I've had as much as I'm going to take of being dressed up as a girl like this, so I'm going back home. I know there'll be big trouble when I get back, but I'll deal with that when I come to it. I've just got to get away, I can't stand it any more.'

'Strewth' said Richard, 'You're game after what you've been threatened with. A year in a girl's boarding school? All I can say is you're either braver or more stupid than me. Anyway, what do you want me to do?'

'Well' I said. 'If I'm going to take the train back to Brighton, there's no way I can travel dressed like this. It would be too suspicious, a little girl travelling on her own. That's why they took my clothes away in the first place, and where you come in. If I'm wearing your clothes I'll look completely normal, and no one's going to ask me any questions. I'll be fine.' Richard frowned for a moment and then grinned. 'I reckon you should try' he said, 'But be it on your own head. I'll give you the clothes, but if anybody asks you where you got them, you don't tell them it was me, no matter what. I don't want to finish up going to school dressed as a girl. All right?'

'That's a promise' I said 'Now how do I get the clothes?'

'Come round to my house tomorrow morning, and I'll have them all ready in a bag for you. Just one thing, if you happen to meet my mother I think you'd better be Jennifer. I've seen you in action and I know you can do it. OK?'

'Sure' I said, 'If your mum's there she won't suspect a thing. All she'll meet is dainty little Jennifer. You'd better tell her that I'm staying with Jane and Susan, and that I'm collecting for charity.'

'Good one' smiled Richard, 'I'll tell her. Now I live at number six Chantry Lane, got that?'

'Yes, no problem' I said, 'Number six Chantry Lane. Don't worry, I won't forget.'

'All right then' said Richard, 'I'll see you tomorrow. Bye for now.' He smiled and went into the store while I set off back home.

When I got there, Susan opened the door, and as I went in she said 'Where have you been, you've been ages!'

'Have I?' I replied, all wide eyed innocence, 'I didn't notice.' I went through to the kitchen and gave Aunt Mary her groceries and the change. Jane came into the room carrying a small suitcase and said 'Well let's be off, we've got fifteen minutes to catch the bus.' The three of us said goodbye to Aunt Mary and left the house. We reached the bus stop with five minutes to spare, and were soon on our way towards town. As we sat there, Jane looked at me with a slight frown, and leaned forward to retie one of my hair ribbons. 'That's better' she grinned. As we travelled, I said to Jane 'What's this idea about me that you want to talk to Angela about?' Jane smiled secretively and said 'Wait and see. All I will tell you is that it's to do with where she works.'

'I thought so' I grimaced, 'And that means baby things. Doesn't it?'

'You'll see' grinned Jane.

We soon arrived in town, and after getting off the bus, made our way to the baby shop. We went in and walked up to the counter where Jane was talking to one of her colleagues. 'Oh hello everybody' she said. Pointing to us she said 'Wendy, this is Jane and Susan, and the other little girl is Jennifer. Or rather Jimmy, the boy I was talking about.' Wendy looked at me, smiled, and said 'Nice to meet you Jennifer. My God, is it really a boy?'

'Oh yes' laughed Angela, 'Amazing, isn't it?'

'Impressive' said Wendy. 'So this is the Jennifer that you dress up as a baby as well?'

'We certainly do' replied Angela, 'As you are about to see. OK, Susan, you stay here with Wendy while we go into the other room for a bit. I think you'll like our surprise.' She led the way into the storeroom, and Jane and I followed her. She closed the door behind us.

'Now' said Angela, 'Let's get Jennifer ready for some fun. Did you bring the bits and pieces Jane?'

'Yes' said Jane, holding up the suitcase, 'Everything we need.' She put it on a bench behind me and started to take out various items. 'Now Jennifer' said Angela, 'Let's get you undressed.' I was so used to this kind of procedure by now that I didn't even protest, as I knew that they could force me to comply anyway. She helped me to undress until I was completely naked, and hung up my dress on a hanger. 'OK little girl' she smiled, 'Onto the cot.' She laid me down on my back in the cot, and slid a disposable nappy under my bottom before fastening the adhesive securing tapes to make a snug fit. Next she picked up a large pair of plastic baby pants and drew them up my legs and over the nappy. 'Now stand up Jennifer' she said. I did as I was told, and as I did so, she opened the wardrobe door and took out a large white baby frock. It had a smocked front decorated with small pink bows, and was a typical baby frock style. It had a peter pan collar, short puffed sleeves, button fastening down the back, and a pink sash fastening in a bow at the back.

'Arms up' grinned Angela, and I put up my arms. She slipped the frock over my head, pulled my arms into the sleeves, and after pulling it down over me, she fastened the buttons and tied the sash in a large neat bow behind me. 'Right' she said, 'Your feet next.' Taking a pair of white ankle socks with frills around the ankle in true baby fashion, she pulled them neatly onto my feet. To go with them, she squeezed a pair of black patent mary jane shoes on top, and buckled up the straps tightly. 'There' she laughed, looking at them, 'There's no way you'll be able to get those off, Jennifer. Now come over to the highchair.' Angela took my hand, and I walked painfully across to the large highchair in my very tight shoes. Looking at it, I saw that it had a number of white leather straps with roller buckles attached to it. The occupant was obviously not meant to be able to fidget. 'Right, in you get' she said.

I climbed up into the highchair and sat in it. 'Now' said Angela, 'First of all, let's make sure you don't fall out. Have you got the mittens Jane?' Having brought everything that would be needed to restrain me, Jane handed her the leather mittens. Angela soon had my hands helplessly strapped into them, and then covered them with the white woollen mittens, fastened on with pink ribbons sewn into the wrists. 'Right' said Angela, 'Let's strap her in. Jane, you start at the feet, and I'll do the top.' The girls now started fastening the straps. Angela began by strapping my ankles together, and then attached them to the foot rest. Another strap went around my legs just above my bent knees, and this was secured to either side of the highchair with two more straps. She then passed a strap attached to the back of the highchair around my waist and fastened it tightly. In the meantime, Jane passed another strap around my chest and buckled it up. 'Now Jennifer' said Angela, 'We want those little handy pandys out the way, don't we? Put you arms straight down by your sides.' I straightened my arms, and Jane strapped my wrists securely to the sides of the highchair. Then she pinioned my upper arms above the elbow to the highchair with two more straps.

'Now' she said 'Just one more.' She passed a strap around my neck, and taking care not to do it up too tightly, she buckled it in place.

The girls stood in front of me to admire their handiwork, and Angela said 'I think baby needs her feed now, don't you?'

'Oh yes' said Jane, 'I've got the big bottle here.' She produced a large two litre bottle with a teat attached that she had used on me once before. 'Good' said Angela, 'But first we need the highchair tray.' She went over to a table, and came back with the food tray of the highchair. She slid it into position in front of me and latched it in position. 'Right' grinned Angela, 'Now I'll get Jennifer's feed.' She went out to the kitchen to fill the water bottle, and soon returned with a tray on which were a jar of strained vegetables, a bowl of Farex, the large bottle full of water, and a normal baby's bottle of milk. Hanging over the edge of the tray was a bib. She put them down on the tray of the highchair and Jane tied the bib around my neck.

Standing next to me, Angel picked up the jar of strained vegetables and said 'Here we are Jennifer, open your mouth.' I did as I was told, and she began to spoon the stuff into my mouth with a small plastic spoon. After that, the Farex baby food went the same way. When the Farex was gone, Angela put down the bowl, and picking up the baby bottle of milk said 'Now Jennifer, open wide.' I had to do as I was told, and opened my mouth slightly, while Angela placed the teat between my teeth. I sucked greedily in true baby fashion until the bottle was empty. 'Now for the water' said Jane. I now had to drink the huge bottle of water, and could feel my stomach filling up as I forced it all down. Finally I had drunk the last drop, and Jane put down the bottle. 'Now then' said Angela, 'With what we are about to do, I think we'd better keep baby nice and quiet.' I knew what that meant, and unfortunately I was right. Jane stood in front of me holding the large baby's dummy, and arranged the long pink securing ribbons. Angela stood to one side, and holding my nose, forced me to open my mouth. Immediately, Jane pushed the large rubber bulb of the dummy deep into my mouth and wound the securing ribbon tightly around my head several times before tying it securely behind my neck.

'And now for the final touch' grinned Angela. She went over to her suitcase, and came back with the wig I had worn the other day. It was arranged in two bunches sticking up in toddler fashion, secured with two large bows of white ribbon. She placed it on my head, pulled down a piece of elastic attached to the wig, and tucked it under my chin. Taking a hair brush, she tidied the wig and arranged the hair ribbons neatly. Standing back, she said 'There you are Jennifer, all safe and sound in your highchair. Let's see you get out of that!' Taking her at her word, I futilely tried to get free, and heaved and squirmed in my restraints. I wriggled and writhed, but couldn't move. I tried to shake off my beribboned wig, but with the tight elastic securing it under my chin there was no hope of that. All it achieved was the charming effect of a little girl tossing her bunches from side to side.

'Well I think baby Jennifer's ready now' said Angela, 'Let's take her out to the others.' To my surprise, she released a brake at the bottom of the highchair, and the two girls started to wheel me out into the showroom. The highchair was on castors. I was pushed up to the counter where Susan and Wendy stood back to examine me. Wendy burst out laughing, 'Isn't she just delightful' she giggled, 'A gorgeous little baby in her highchair.' She put her face close to mine and said 'Isn't oo just the sweetest ickle baby!' Standing back again, she leaned on the counter and said to Angela 'You know, this really is a priceless punishment for a boy. Dressed as a baby girl, strapped securely in a highchair unable to move, and completely helpless. My word Angela, you said that the idea was to humiliate him, but this is brilliant. We could almost put him on display out here in the showroom.'

'Oh no' grinned Angela, 'We're going to do something even better than that. We're going to put him in the window for the afternoon.' My heart missed a beat, and for a moment I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Surely not, they couldn't. Even they wouldn't do a thing like that to me. But I was wrong.

'Oh you're kidding!' said Wendy with a chuckle. 'On display in the window. For all the people outside to see. That should bring in a few customers.'

'Yes, it probably will' said Angela, 'But in addition to putting him there, there will also be a notice I've printed up explaining just what he did, and why he's being humiliated. I don't think he can expect any sympathy, just lots of laughter. Oh and one other thing. We've filled him up to the gills with milk and water, so I guarantee that in a couple of hours, baby's going to have a nice soaking wet nappy, no matter how hard she tries not to.' At this, Susan had a fit of the giggles. 'Oh Jennifer' she said, 'Is oo going to wet your nappy? I can't wait to see the expression on your face. Six hours in the window as a baby girl, that's wonderful.'

'It's wonderful all right' grinned Jane, 'Just a minute and I'll get my camera, I can't miss this.' She went out to the storeroom and came back with her camera. 'Now everyone' she said, 'I'll take some of them with you, and some of him on his own. And then I'll take some of him in the window from outside. What a lovely souvenir of his stay.' Arranging everyone around me, she took a full set of pictures, and when she had finished, she folded away her camera and put it in her pocket. 'OK' said Angela, 'Let's get baby Jennifer into the window. Wendy, get the notice will you, it's under the counter.'

It was at this moment that I realised she really was going to put me in the window. I couldn't let that happen without some protest, so as Angela and Jane started wheeling the highchair towards the window I began to struggle with all my might. As I writhed helplessly against my restraints, I tried to scream in protest, but 'Mmmp mmm mmf!' was all I could gurgle into the dummy. I tried to shake my head fiercely, but with my neck secured, all I could do was toss my bunches and hair ribbons in a cute little girl way. 'It's no good Jennifer' laughed Susan, 'There's nothing you can do about it. This is absolutely hilarious, and I love it when you try and speak, you sound exactly like a baby!' We came to the small door at the back of the window and Jane opened it, while Angela and Wendy wheeled the highchair into the centre of the window. They turned it so that I faced directly out into the precinct, and Angela put the brake on. Wendy then placed the notice on a small easel next to me describing why I was in this situation. 'There you are Jennifer' grinned Angela, 'Now you just sit there where all the people can see you, and we'll check you out every so often. Have fun!' She and Wendy now walked out of the window and closed the door behind them.

A few moments later, the girls went out into the precinct to laugh at me through the window, and Jane took about half a dozen more photos of me from different angles. Then Angela and Wendy went back into the shop, while Susan and Jane gave me a little wave and walked off along the precinct. After a few minutes, three girls walked past. One of them stopped, looked at me, and then burst out laughing. Being in the window, I couldn't hear a thing. The other two girls joined in, and gradually more people stopped to see what was going on. I was certainly going to be the cause of hours of amusement. Some of them looked more serious when they read the notice explaining what had happened, but most people thought it was just screamingly funny. After some time, Susan and Jane returned with some of their school friends that I recognised, and they stood there giggling with delight. Eventually they went away again, but a steady stream of onlookers ensured my utter humiliation.

Discomfort of another type began after I'd been in the window for a couple of hours. I started to develop a strong urge to go to the toilet, but obviously I wasn't going anywhere. Gradually I began to wriggle and writhe with the strain of trying to hold on, but this just added to the mirth of the onlookers. I gurgled into my dummy, but there was no one who could have heard me, and it would have been just muffled baby noises anyway. Eventually I gave up, and as I let go, a stream of warm urine filled my nappy and I felt it squelching around my bottom, enclosed in my plastic pants. A little later, Angela came into the window to see how I was. With her back to the crowd she felt the area between my legs and said with a smile, 'Baby's wet her nappy, hasn't she?'

'Mmmm' I gurgled. 'There's a good baby' she chuckled, 'Let's let everybody know, shall we?' She went out of the window, leaving the door open, and came back in a couple of minutes carrying a large piece of white cardboard with some writing on it. Holding it up so that I could read it she said 'How's that?' I looked at the notice. It said BABY'S JUST WET HER NAPPY. PLEASE CLAP IF YOU APPROVE. My face told her everything she needed to know about how I felt, and I was embarrassed beyond belief. Angela now put the notice down in the centre of the window in front of me, grinned, and went out of the window, closing the door behind her. In no time, people were laughing at me first, before reading the notices and then clapping. My humiliation was complete as I hit the depths of despair.

After what seemed an eternity, the crowd began to thin and I realised that closing time was approaching. Susan and Jane returned, and went into the shop. Finally I heard the sound of the shop door being locked, and the door behind me opened. Angela and Wendy came into the window, and releasing the brake of the highchair they wheeled me back into the shop, while Jane removed the notices from the window. They took me into the storeroom, removed the food tray of the highchair, and started to undo the straps. At last I was able to get down out of it, and Angela started to undress me. First she untied my dummy and took it out of my mouth. What a relief. Then she removed the mittens and gave them to Jane, who packed them in her case, along with the dummy, baby reins and straps. As she pulled the baby frock off over my head, Jane said 'Leave his nappy and plastic pants on, he can walk home in them. In his present state we'd better leave them on anyway.' Once my shoes and socks had been removed, Jane dressed me again in the pink gingham dress and shoes and socks I had come in. Finally she tidied my wig, shut her case, and we were ready to go home.

'Well that was a great idea Angela' said Jane, 'Absolutely great. I'm glad I took the photos, I think they'll make my record of Jimmy's humiliation just about complete. Well thanks for everything, and I'll see you next week sometime.' We took our leave, and I was led demurely out of the shop and into the precinct. The fresh air smelt good as we headed for the bus stop where the Throsley bus was waiting. We climbed aboard, Jane paid our fares, and I slumped into my seat next to the girls feeling exhausted. The bus started off, and as we journeyed homewards Jane looked at me, smiled and said 'I think little Jennifer's tired. I wonder why?' I didn't reply, and was glad when we reached our bus stop.

We were soon home, and Jane and Susan regaled Aunt Mary with the day's adventures. As always, she showed no great sympathy towards me, but just smiled as she heard what had happened, and when the girls had finished, she got up and prepared our tea. After my baby food for lunch, lamb chops tasted out of this world. After we had eaten, I wearily asked if I could go to bed. 'Of course you can' said Aunt Mary, 'I think you've had enough for today.' She untied the sash of my frock and undid the buttons down the back to enable me to get out of it. 'Just say goodnight to the girls and take your shower. Put your things in the washing basket, and leave the plastic pants and nappy in this bag on the bathroom floor.' She handed me a plastic bag to put them in, I said goodnight to Susan and Jane, and went upstairs for a shower. Once I had cleaned myself up, I ambled along to my room, put on my nightie, and got into bed. Shortly afterwards Aunt Mary came upstairs, kissed me goodnight, and put out the light. As I drifted off to sleep, I smiled with satisfaction. With any luck I would be out of here in a couple of days or so. That would show them. I slept soundly.

 

CHAPTER 31

 

FIONA'S BLACKMAIL

 

Aunt Mary got me up later than usual, about nine o'clock. After my morning wash, I went to my room, where she was ready to dress me as usual. 'The girls have gone out for the day' she said, 'You and I are going over to Margaret Hall's for lunch, so I want you to wear your yellow dress. Primrose yellow is such a pretty colour, and I want her to see you in it.' She soon had me dressed in my white vest and knickers, the pale yellow dress, white ankle socks and white sandals. My wig was decorated with two pale yellow bows of hair ribbon to complete the picture of little girlish innocence. That done, we went down to a mercifully peaceful breakfast without Susan and Jane to tease me.

When we had finished breakfast and cleared the things away, I went into the garden for a few minutes until I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to collect the boy's clothes for my escape from Richard that morning. I went indoors and into the lounge, where Aunt Mary was sitting on the sofa reading a magazine. 'Aunt Mary' I said, tentatively, 'Would it be all right if I went for a walk? I won't be long, and it's such a beautiful morning.'

'Yes I don't see why not' replied Aunt Mary, 'You've only got about another fortnight of your punishment to put up with, so I can't imagine you trying to run away by now, especially dressed like that. Yes all right, but don't be too long, and make sure you're back by twelve. Remember we're going to Mrs. Hall's for lunch.'

'Thanks Aunty' I said, 'I promise I won't be long.' I went out of the front door, and my heart leapt at the unaccustomed freedom of being out on my own. And also the fact that I was about to really do something about getting away.

I went round to Richard's house, and walking up to the front door, pressed the door bell. Mentally preparing myself to meet his mother, I assumed my most convincing image of a charming little girl. The door was opened by a kind looking lady who looked down at me and said benignly 'Hello, can I help you?'

'Oh yes' I said, all wide eyed and demure, 'Is Richard in?'

'Yes' she said, 'Come in.' I went in and she called up the stairs 'Richard, there's someone to see you.'

'Right ho' came a voice from upstairs, 'Coming.' A moment later, Richard came down the stairs. 'Oh hi Jennifer' he said to me, 'Glad you could come.' Turning to his mother he said 'Mum, this is Jennifer; she's staying with Jane and Susan Turnbull on holiday, and they're collecting old clothes for charity. I thought I'd give her some of my stuff.'

'Oh that's a good idea' said his mother, 'But just make sure you don't give her anything with holes in it, will you?'

'No' said Richard, 'I'll just go and get them.' He ran upstairs again, and his mother said to me 'Well Jennifer, I think that's a very nice thing for you to be doing, especially during your holiday. You must come round to tea sometime before you go home.' She smiled and said 'That's a pretty dress you're wearing, you look lovely.'

'Thank you' I said meekly. Richard came down again with a plastic bag and gave it to me. 'Oh that's great Richard' I said, 'Thanks for that.'

'That's OK' he said, 'You're welcome.' He opened the door, and his mother said 'Well bye bye Jennifer, nice to meet you, and I'll see you again sometime.' I said goodbye, and Richard accompanied me out into the street. 'That was brilliant' he said. 'You had her completely fooled. I've got to hand it to you Jimmy, you could go anywhere dressed like that and anybody would take you for a girl, even the girls at school. So what happens now?'

'Well, I'm going to leave the house tomorrow night. Problem is, if I start walking into town in the middle of the night and someone sees me, they're sure to stop me and ask me what I'm doing. Kids don't go out in the middle of the night, and they'd probably offer to take me home. So I'm going to wait until it starts to get light, about five in the morning, and then if I am seen, no one's likely to take any notice of me. I'll walk into town to the station and catch the first train to London. Once I get there I'll take the tube to Victoria station and the train down to Brighton. I reckon I'll be home by mid afternoon.'

'Sounds like you've got it pretty well worked out, but where are you going to get the money for the train fare?'

'Don't worry about that, it's all taken care of.'

'Well I wish you luck mate, you've got guts, that's all I can say. Let me know what happens, won't you?'

'Sure, I'll drop you a line. But if you ask Jane or Susan in about a week or so, I'm sure they'll know by then.'

'I'll do that' said Richard. 'I'll see you sometime then.'

'Yeah' I said, 'And thanks for the clothes, I won't forget this.' We said goodbye, and I set off home again. When I got there I went through the side entrance and round to the back of the house. I crept into the garden shed, and looking for a suitable hiding place, lifted the apron of the pram, placed my bag of clothes under it, and clipped it back in place. Closing the shed door quietly, I walked up the garden and into the house by the French windows. As I went indoors I noticed that the sky was clouding over with dark thunderclouds.

I went into the lounge, and Aunt Mary looked up at me, startled. 'Oh my goodness Jimmy' she said, 'You gave me a fright. Why didn't you come in by the front door?'

'Oh I don't know, I just wasn't thinking I suppose.'

'Well if you must come in that way call out or something next time, will you? You gave me quite a shock.'

'Sorry Aunty, I won't do it again.' I knew that was a safe bet if I was going to be gone within a couple of days.

'All right' said Aunt Mary, standing up and looking at her watch. 'We'd better be off to Margaret Hall's.' We went into the hall, and she put her coat on and picked up her umbrella. Taking my red mackintosh down off the coat stand, she handed it to me. 'You'd better take this' she said, 'You might need it later.' I hung the mac over my arm, and we set off for Mrs. Hall's. It wasn't a long walk, and we soon arrived.

Aunt Mary knocked at the door, and Fiona opened it, casually dressed in a pair of slacks and a white blouse. 'Come in' she said, 'Mum's in the lounge.' We hung up our coats in the hall, and went through into the lounge where Margaret Hall was standing by the fireplace. 'Oh hello Mary' she said to my Aunt, shaking her hand, 'Thanks for coming.' Then she looked at me and smiled. 'Well Jennifer' she said, 'You do look pretty today. I must say Mary' she said, 'You certainly know how to transform an unpleasant badly behaved boy into a sweet little girl. It's not just his appearance; the delightful pretty little dress, the hair ribbons and the white ankle socks and shoes. It's just the fact that he really has learnt to be polite and gentle, as little girls should behave.'

'Yes' she continued, 'More and more I'm inclined to institute a similar regime at the school. I think I'm going to work wonders with that small group of tearaways I have had to contend with. I've heard that since I showed Jimmy to them on the school trip as an example, those boys are all terrified that they're going to finish up spending five days a week dressed in the girl's school uniform, and then have to wear pretty little dresses like these at week ends. It's amazing how a period of such humiliation can be so effective. What do you think Fiona? You know some of them.'

'Well' said Fiona, 'I go to an all girls school, so I'm not quite sure, but we do mix with plenty of boys who know about Jimmy by now. When they first saw him and realised that he was a boy they thought it was hilarious, but when they heard the full story, and we asked them how they would like it if we did it to them, it was a very different story. I agree, the threat of being dressed as a girl for a month or two is just about the ultimate nightmare for any boy. When we told them about Jimmy's additional penalty of spending a whole year at a girl's boarding school if he didn't submit to this, they couldn't believe it until Jane and Susan showed them the written proof. After that, we asked them how they'd like to spend an enforced year as a boarder at Sion Convent, and they nearly freaked. So yes, I'd say it works.'

'Very well put Fiona' said Mrs. Hall, 'I think that sums it up pretty well.' Turning to my aunt she said 'You've lived with Jimmy all the time he's been here Mary, do you think it's had a good effect?'

'Oh definitely' said Aunt Mary. 'When he first arrived, he was argumentative and aggressive about the whole idea. But because he's been compelled to dress and act as a well behaved little girl, and with pressure from Jane, Susan and myself, we've managed to break him of it. I think that he's also acquired a certain confidence in playing the part, and sometimes he almost seems to enjoy it. The one thing he does still really hate is being taken into town without a wig, when it's obvious that he's really a boy. But the whole purpose of his punishment is humiliation, and Jane and Susan have submitted him to some indignities that I know he'll never forget. I also think that the threat of an additional dose of the same humiliation for a whole year has ensured that there's been a permanent improvement in his behaviour. What do you think Jimmy, will you ever again behave as you did before?'

Considering that I was planning to make a break for it two nights later, and after all I had been through, I enjoyed deceiving them. I really turned it on. 'Oh Aunt Mary' I said, 'I wouldn't even dream of behaving as I used to after this. It really was such an awful way to be, and the way we used to treat the girls from St Catherine's was terrible. No, I think I deserved what I got. I'm truly sorry for what I did, and I know that I'll never behave like that ever again.'

'Very good, Jimmy' responded Mrs. Hall, 'Now I know I'm doing the right thing. I can hardly wait to put my first wayward boy into a dress. I know this is going to work.'

Even as she spoke, Fiona looked at me with a slight smile on her face, and I think that she was the only one astute enough to read my mind. 'Jimmy' she said, 'Come on out into the garden for a minute will you? There's something I'd like to show you.' We stood up and went through to the back of the house and into the garden. Once out there, she said 'What a load of rubbish. You won't change. As soon as you get home with your mates, you'll be at it again, I know you will'

'No I won't' I replied. 'Let's face it, if I'm up before that magistrate again I'm for it. She's made it pretty clear that it's the girl's boarding school for me if I'm in trouble again, and there's no way I'm going there. I'd simply refuse to go, anyway.'

'Well' smiled Fiona, 'I don't think you'd have that choice. They could take you there by force you know, and they have lots of ways of making you go. And not be able to run away this time.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' I said, wondering if she had guessed my plan. 'Oh nothing' she said coyly, 'It's just that I have a feeling that you're planning something, and I think that the most likely thing is that you're going to try and get away.'

'That's silly' I retorted. 'I've only got another fortnight to go before it's all over. Why would I ruin everything now?'

'Because you're impatient, for one thing' said Fiona, 'And because Susan and Jane have a final humiliation planned for you on Friday that will almost force you to run away. Don't you realise why they've gone into town today? To get a few things they're going to need. And would you like to know what they have in mind?'

'Of course I would' I said with insatiable curiosity.

'I thought you would' grinned Fiona. 'Well, this is what they plan to do. When you get up on Friday morning, they're going to dress you as baby Jennifer. Then, after you've had your breakfast, they're going to strap you into the pram, dummy and all. I must say that you do look irresistibly cute when you're in the pram like that. Anyway, when they've got you where they want you, they're going to take you for a nice long walk around the village to show you to everyone. But on this occasion, Jane won't be taking photos of you. This time she's going to shoot a full length video of you once you are strapped helplessly into your pram. She'll film you wriggling and gurgling like a baby, with and without your baby bonnet, meeting all the people around the village, and generally recording your humiliation in sight and sound.'

'But' she said, 'That isn't the worst of it. Oh no. When she's filmed the video, Jane's going to make several copies of the tape and send them to your sisters. The tapes will arrive well ahead of you, and by the time you get home, copies of the video will have been handed out to all your friends. I don't think you'll ever have street cred with your mates again.'

I stood there staring at Fiona in stunned silence for a moment before she grinned and said 'You should see your face, it's bright red. No wonder.'

'They couldn't!' I said in disbelief, 'They wouldn't!'

'They can and they will' replied Fiona. 'I told you, they've gone into town today to get what they need from the baby shop. Angela's going to lend Jane her video camera.'

'But why are you telling me all this?' I said, 'What's in it for you?'

'Oh nothing much really' said Fiona, 'Except that maybe I'm just a bit more sadistic than the others. You see, I must say that I do get a kick out of seeing a boy like you utterly humiliated by being dressed not only as a little girl, but also as a schoolgirl, or a helpless little baby strapped into her pram. And I do like it when you are all tied up so that you are entirely helpless, and unable to remove any of your girl's clothing, especially that nice red mackintosh that you so hate wearing. I enjoy that especially. Now, the reason I've told you what they have planned for Friday is that I don't think you're going to stay around to let it happen. That means that you'll make a run for it, and if you do, I'm pretty sure you'll be caught.'

'Well, we all know what that means, don't we? You'll be back before the magistrate, and you'll be spending the next entire academic year at that strict girl's boarding school. Your sister Tricia told me a few things about it while she was here. It's called Lauriston Girl's Grammar School. Do you know that it's in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Scotland? It's so remote that it was used as a P.O.W. camp during the war, so there's no way you'll walk away from that place. And do you also know that they have probably the most uncomfortable and old-fashioned girl's school uniforms in Britain? Really. The food is apparently awful, and the dormitories are Spartan. Apparently you'd be sleeping in a room away from the others, but I'll bet it would be just as uncomfortable.'

'So there we are' she said, 'That's what you'll be in for if you run away from here, and I know that you will run away because you're just not going to stay around for Friday. Now don't worry' she said, 'I'm not going to tell anyone, as that would spoil my fun. I just want to see what happens next. Shall we go indoors?'

Undeterred about running away, I followed her indoors. Mrs. Hall and Aunt Mary were in the kitchen preparing lunch, and Fiona and I laid the table in the dining room. We soon sat down to an appetising ham salad lunch followed by sherry trifle, and rising from the table we went into the lounge for coffee. As the afternoon moved on in polite conversation, we were interrupted by a knock on the front door. 'I'll get it' said Fiona, and went to see who it was. She came back into the room a moment later with little Emily, one of the girls I had met on the primary school trip to Whitstable. She was carrying some books under her arm, and grinned when she saw me. 'Hi Jennifer' she smiled. Margaret Hall introduced her to Aunt Mary, and Emily sat down on the sofa, throwing her pigtails back over her shoulder. She handed the books to Fiona. 'Thanks for those Fiona' she said, 'They were good.'

'My pleasure' said Fiona, putting them on the table.

'Emily, I hear that you were on the school trip to Whitstable' said Aunt Mary. 'Yes' said Emily, 'That's right.'

'And what did you think of Jimmy when you first saw him? Didn't you guess at all that he was really a boy?'

'No, he was just introduced to us as Jennifer, and we didn't think anything of it. I mean, he was dressed the same as us, you couldn't tell he was wearing a wig, and with the bows in his hair and the way he spoke, well, we couldn't possibly have guessed.'

'Well I'm not surprised that you thought he was a girl' smiled Mrs. Hall, 'If I hadn't known already, I wouldn't have guessed either. Everybody was fooled. You know Jimmy' she said, leaning towards me, 'If you ever have to disguise yourself for any reason, you'll have no trouble at all. Just borrow one of your sister's dresses and you'll be well away.'

'You should have seen him when he came on our school outing to the museum' said Fiona, 'He was dressed in my old junior winter uniform, you know, my gym tunic, blouse and tie, blazer, and school mac on top with the hood up. Nobody but us had any idea that he was a boy.'

'Yes well I suppose I'll be wearing that uniform in a couple of years' said Emily. 'It looks a bit old fashioned, but I suppose I'll get used to it.'

'Of course you will' said Mrs. Hall, 'At least Sion Convent still have a proper uniform, unlike some schools. I've seen some dreadful looking school uniforms in my time, and I still don't think you can beat tradition.'

Aunt Mary suddenly looked at her watch, and standing up said 'We must be getting back. The girls will be home soon, and no doubt they'll be hungry.'

'Of course' said Mrs. Hall, 'It's been lovely to see you Mary. Thank you for bringing Jimmy along, I still can't get over what a pretty little Jennifer he makes' she smiled. We went out into the hallway as Aunt Mary said to Emily 'Would you like to come home with us for tea?'

'If that's all right Mrs. Turnbull' said Emily, 'Thank you, I'd love to. I want to see Susan about something anyway.' Mrs. Hall opened the front door, and we could see that it was pouring with rain. 'My goodness' said Aunt Mary, putting on her coat, 'A good thing we brought our raincoats. Put your mac on Jennifer.' Mrs. Hall took down my mackintosh and held it out for me to put on. I slipped my arms into it, and she buttoned it up. Then she did up the belt and fastened the securing button. 'I must say these macs are very good for keeping the rain out' she said, 'But for some reason, once the girls are older than about eight they refuse to wear them.'

'That's because they look so childish' said Emily. 'I've got one like that at home, but I hate wearing it. I only put it on if my mum makes me.'

'By the way Emily' said Fiona, 'Did you bring a raincoat?'

'No' said Emily, 'I don't like wearing them anyway. I prefer an umbrella, but I forgot to bring it with me.'

'Well you can't go out like that dear' said Mrs. Hall, 'You'll get soaked.' She thought for a moment, and then said 'I know. Fiona, where did you put that pink mac and boots that Susan left here? It was about a month ago.'

'Oh those ones' said Fiona, 'Yes I remember; they belong to Susan, but she won't wear them any more. Jimmy wore them over here before we took him out in the pushchair. Hang on, I think I put them under the stairs, but they look a bit babyish. I don't think Emily will want to wear them.'

'I don't think it matters what they look like as long as they keep her dry' said Mrs Hall. Fiona went into the cupboard under the stairs and came back with Susan's mac and boots. She put the boots on the floor and held up the mac. It was a pale pink PVC raincoat with a pattern of little ducks in yellow wellies carrying red umbrellas. It had press stud fastenings, and an attached hood. Emily took one look at the childish raincoat and went red. 'Oh no' she said, 'I couldn't possibly wear that. And besides, I'm sure it'll be too small for me.'

'No it won't' grinned Fiona, beginning to enjoy herself at Emily's obvious growing embarrassment, 'Jimmy wore it over here, and he's slightly bigger than you.'

'Give it to me' said Mrs. Hall. Fiona handed her the raincoat, and she held it out for Emily to put on. 'Now come on Emily' she said in her best teacher's voice, holding out the raincoat, 'Don't be silly and put it on.' Emily miserably put her arms into the sleeves, and Mrs. Hall pulled the raincoat on and did up the press studs down the front. The raincoat was obviously plenty big enough, and hung down to well below her knees 'Good' said Mrs. Hall, 'Now the boots. Take off your shoes.' Intimidated, Emily sat at the bottom of the stairs, removed her shoes, and Aunt Mary put them in her bag. 'Foot out' said Mrs. Hall. She picked up one of the pink calf length rubber boots, and squeezed it onto Emily's right foot. Then she put the other one on and Emily stood up. 'Right' said Mrs. Hall, 'Chin up.' Emily lifted up her face, and standing in front of her, Mrs. Hall put up the raincoat hood, fastened the press stud under her chin, and pulled the hood well forward. Then she stood back, smiled approvingly and said 'There we are, that'll keep you dry. Now Jennifer' she said, turning to me, 'You as well.' She pulled up the hood of my mackintosh, buttoned it under the chin and we were ready. Fiona grinned at Emily and said 'Oh Emily, you do look sweet.' Emily gave her an icy stare as we said goodbye and set off through the rain.

We soon reached home, and were greeted at the door by Jane and Susan. Susan giggled as she saw Emily. 'I'm sorry Emily' she grinned, 'but I have to say you look even more like a toddler in that cute little mac of mine than Jimmy did!' We took off our wet coats, and Emily lost no time in removing the pink boots and replacing them with her shoes. As we went into the lounge Aunt Mary said 'Talking of raincoats Susan, I was looking at your school mac this morning, and I think we'd better get you a new one. That one you've got is getting too small for you and some of the seams are going.'

'Oh it can wait' said Susan.

'No it can't' said Aunt Mary, 'It's Thursday tomorrow, and we've got to take Jimmy to report in at the police station. So afterwards we'll go and get you a new mac. And that's final.'

'All right, all right,' said Susan sullenly. 'But Jimmy can wear it home, I won't.'

'If you like' said Aunt Mary, 'As long as we buy it. Now I'm going to get tea ready.' She went out to the kitchen to make the tea, and we were soon enjoying a meal of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits, washed down with copious quantities of lemonade. After tea we went into the lounge to watch television, until Emily said that she had to go home. Unfortunately for her it was still raining, and Aunt Mary made her put on Susan's pink mac again, but at least she didn't have to wear the boots as well. When she had gone, I was packed off to bed. I lay in bed wondering when I was going to get a chance of getting my boy's clothes out of the shed and into my room. Oh well, I'd sort that one out tomorrow. One more day to go.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 32

 

SUSAN'S NEW SCHOOL MACKINTOSH

 

Next morning I was roused by Aunt Mary, and after my return from the bathroom, found Susan's spare summer school uniform waiting for me. 'Susan insists that you wear this today' said Aunt Mary, 'She wants you to wear her new school mac home, and I've no objection. In you get.' I was soon dressed in the maroon and white striped dress, white ankle socks, brown T bar shoes, and Susan's maroon school blazer. Being my police station visiting day, I wasn't allowed to wear a wig. We went down to breakfast, where Susan was delighted to see me. 'Very suitable' she said. 'It will go so well with my new school mac that you are going to wear home'

After the breakfast things had been cleared away we made ready for our trip into town. It was a fairly quick run in Aunt Mary's car, and we soon found ourselves at the police station for my weekly check in. We went up to the counter and the policeman on duty called Jean Baker out to see me. She came out, looked at me and grinned. 'Off to school today Jennifer?' she said. 'Not off to school' said Susan. 'But I've got to get a new school mac today, so I'm going to make him wear it home. I thought that if he's going to wear my mac, he might as well wear the rest of my uniform to go with it.'

'And very pretty it looks too' smiled Jean, 'The very picture of a little schoolgirl, and especially unpleasant for Jimmy without a wig.'

'That's just what I thought' laughed Susan.

'All right' said Jean, 'I'll tick you off in the book Jimmy. Only two more weeks to go and it will all be over. I expect your cousins will quite miss having you around, with all the fun they must have had. Well on the Thursday you go home, you can report in with your parents on your way, and you needn't be dressed as a girl, you can wear your own clothes again. But I'll still come round to see you sometime next week, if only to see you dressed as a little girl for the last time. I might even bring my camera with me.'

We said goodbye, and walked out of the police station. 'Now' said Aunt Mary, 'Let's go and get your new mackintosh Susan. Come along.' We walked along the precinct, and of course, without wearing a wig, I was quite noticeable enough to suffer a number of teasing remarks from passers by. I blushingly tried to ignore them.

After a few minutes we arrived at the school outfitters, and went upstairs to the girl's schoolwear department on the first floor. I walked up to the counter under the amused gaze of the shop assistant. Looking first at me dressed in my girl's school uniform and then at Susan dressed in jeans and a white blouse, she smiled and said to Aunt Mary 'Excuse me, but have they swapped clothes or something?'

'Oh no, not at all' replied Aunt Mary. 'It's just that he's being punished.' She went on to briefly explain why I was in this situation, and as she comprehended the reason the girl grinned and said to me 'My goodness, you've certainly paid for your crimes, haven't you? I can't think of anything more humiliating for any boy than to spend his entire summer holidays dressed as a girl, and especially as a little schoolgirl, like that. Well' she said, turning to Aunt Mary, 'What can we do for you?'

Indicating Susan, Aunt Mary said 'My daughter here needs a new school raincoat.'

'Is it for Sion Convent?' said the girl, looking at me.

'Yes' replied Aunt Mary, 'She needs about a size 12, preferably on the large side.'

'Of course' said the girl, going over to a rack of coats, 'They grow out of them so quickly, don't they?'

Checking along a row of raincoats, she pulled out a grey Sion Convent mackintosh. 'Here we are' she said, bringing it over to us. 'Size 12.'

'Try it on Susan' said Aunt Mary. Susan put the mackintosh on and fastened the buttons and belt. It was an almost perfect fit, but Aunt Mary said 'I think I'd like her to try on a size larger to allow for growing. Do you have a size 14 in stock?'

'Certainly' said the girl. She went to the coat rack again and came back with another mackintosh. Susan gave her the one she was wearing, and put on the larger one. The assistant fastened the buttons and belt, and Susan looked at herself in the mirror. The hem of the mac hung well below her knees, and the sleeves came down to halfway down her fingers. It was definitely on the large side, but it was what Aunt Mary had in mind. 'Yes that's fine' she said. 'Oh no!' Susan exclaimed, 'It's much too big. It makes me look like a little new girl! I'm not wearing this. I'll take the other one.'

'No you won't' said Aunt Mary firmly. 'You'll have grown into it in six months, and I'm not going to buy you another one then. You'll wear this one and that's that.' Susan knew when she was beaten. 'Oh all right' she said petulantly, 'But I am definitely not wearing it home. You said that I could make Jimmy wear it.'

'So I did' said Aunt Mary, 'I remember. All right, he can wear it.' Susan gratefully removed the mackintosh and gave it to the assistant.

'Are you really going to make him wear it?' said the assistant to Aunt Mary. 'Oh yes' she said, 'It's all part of his punishment, and since he's the one wearing a Sion uniform at the moment, it seems quite suitable.'

'Well let me help him into it' said the girl, grinning, 'I don't often get the chance to dress a boy in one of these.' She held up the mackintosh while I slipped my arms into the sleeves, and she fastened the buttons and the belt. I stood there in front of the mirror. The mac was about two sizes to large for me, and made me look even smaller than I was. The girls laughed, and Susan said 'Put the hood up, it makes him look so sweet.' The girl put up the hood and tied the tie tapes under my chin in a bow. She stood back, looked at me and grinned. 'You're right' she said, 'He does look sweet, doesn't he?'

Susan didn't need anything else, so Aunt Mary paid for the mackintosh and we went downstairs and out into the street. 'Right' said Aunt Mary, I'm going home now, are you coming, or would you like to stay in town for a while?'

'I'll come with you' said Jane, 'I've got to get a few things ready for tomorrow.' She grinned at Susan, who grinned back. Little did they guess that I knew exactly what they had in mind, or that I would ensure that it didn't happen. 'I think I'll stay in town with Jimmy for a bit' said Susan, 'Some of my friends are around, and I love introducing Jimmy to them. Especially with him looking like this.'

'All right' said Aunt Mary, 'Have you got some money?'

'Oh about ten pounds' replied Susan.

'Well here's another twenty, just in case you need some lunch' said Aunt Mary, giving her the money, 'And please don't be too late back.'

'We won't' said Susan, and we walked off along the street.

She obviously had a specific place in mind, because she headed straight for one particular coffee bar where we had met her friends before. We went in, and several of them were sitting down waiting for us. After they had said hello, one of the girls who had met me before looked at me and said 'Why have you got your hood up Jennifer? It must be awfully hot wearing it indoors like that, and it isn't raining anyway.'

'Yes Jennifer' smiled Susan, 'Take off your mac and let the girls see what you're wearing underneath. Come on, stand up.' I stood up, and Susan removed the mackintosh, revealing me wearing the Sion Convent junior summer uniform. The girls were delighted. 'Oh yes' said one, 'Doesn't he look lovely? One little schoolgirl all ready for her new term. Oh Sue, I wish you could bring him to school on the first day of term dressed like that, it would be a hoot.'

'I would if I could' said Susan, 'But he's only going to be here for another two weeks, so he'll be gone by then. I'll tell you what though, we're going to have a really good session with him tomorrow. We're going to dress him as a baby, strap him into the pram, and then we're going to take him out for the day. If you want to join in the fun, you're very welcome. Just be at my place by eleven o'clock. We're going to do something else to him as well, but he's not allowed to know what it is yet.' She got up and walked round to the other side of the table and started whispering in their ears. I knew what she was telling them of course, thanks to my conversation with Fiona the day before. As she told them, broad grins and giggles were their reaction. Grinning at me knowingly, Susan came back and sat next to me. 'So who'd like to come?' she said. Three of the girls eagerly said yes, and I could imagine what a circus it would have been, had I been around to oblige them.

A waitress came up to the table to take our order, and seeing me, grinned. 'And what would you like little girl?' she laughed. Blushing, I ordered a hamburger, chips and a milk shake. Susan ordered the same, and we were soon munching our way through our lunch. When we had finished, we all got up from the table to go. Picking up my mackintosh from the seat, Susan held it for me to put my arms into. Then she buttoned it up, fastened the belt, and to the giggles of the girls, she pulled up the hood and tied the tie tapes in a tight non-slip bow. I grimaced with humiliation at being put into my mackintosh by Susan like a little six year old, and the girls knew it. She paid our bill, and we all walked out into the street. 'I must say' sniggered one of the girls, 'He really does look like a little new girl, doesn't he? That mac's far too big for him, so he looks really cute.'

'That's not so funny actually' said Susan, 'My Mum bought it for me this morning and it's a size too big for me. And I'm the one who's got to wear it next term. Ugh!'

'Hard luck' replied the girl sympathetically.

We split up, and Susan and I walked to the bus station. With the mackintosh hood up, I suddenly realised that with my head covered, people once again understandably took me for a girl, and consequently didn't take much notice of me. They might have just thought it odd why a girl would have her hood up on a fine day, but that didn't concern me. We arrived at the bus station, climbed onto our bus, and were soon on our way, reaching home about mid afternoon.

As soon as we walked into the lounge I knew that something was seriously wrong. The pram was in the corner of the room, and my bag of boy's clothes that I'd hidden under the apron had been upturned into it. Both Aunt Mary and Jane stood up as we entered, and Jane went over to the pram, picked up my pair of trousers and said angrily 'Just where did these come from?' My heart missed a beat, and I stared at her, blushing to the roots. 'I don't know' I whispered, tears already welling up in my eyes. 'Don't lie!' yelled Jane, 'You got them from somebody. Who was it?' Although I'd been rumbled, I realised that they couldn't possibly know that it was Richard, and there was no way that I was going to betray him. A little courage returned to me and I said 'Well I'm never going to tell you, so you can scream and shout as much as you like.' Seeing my point, Aunt Mary said 'All right, let's all sit down and discuss this.' We all sat down, and she continued. 'I assume that you were planning to run away Jimmy, is that right?' I suddenly realised that they thought that I would only dare to run away dressed as a boy again, and that suited me for the moment. 'Yes Aunty' I replied, 'I've had as much of this as I can take, and I just had to get away.'

'Well you obviously needed them to travel' sneered Jane, 'So we'll simply lock these clothes away. That'll keep you anchored here. I don't think even you would want to try going all the way back home (Assuming that's where you were planning to go) dressed as Jennifer. Apart from which, you don't have money for the train fare, and if you tried hitch hiking dressed as a little girl, you'd soon finish up handed over to the police. No, I think it was a pretty hair brained idea, especially when you've only got one more week to go.'

'I suppose you're right Jane' I said, sounding as receptive as possible, 'It was a bit crazy.'

'Exactly' she replied.

'Well let's try and forget it for now,' said Aunt Mary. 'Take off that mac Jimmy, and give it to Susan. And Susan, take it upstairs and hang it in your wardrobe. Then we'll have some tea.' I stood up and gratefully took off Susan's mackintosh, and she took it upstairs. I went into the kitchen and helped Aunt Mary get the tea ready, while Jane disappeared with my boy's clothes to lock them away.

Tea was a fairly subdued affair. After my dressing down, nobody felt much like saying anything, and after tea I went out into the garden to enjoy the early evening quiet before Aunt Mary called me indoors to go to bed. I went in, and after saying good night to Susan and Jane, I went upstairs to my room with her. She helped me to undo the back zip of Susan's school dress before taking it off and hanging it up. 'How does she do it up by herself?' I asked. Aunt Mary laughed. 'With practice,' she said. I put on my nightie, and after cleaning my teeth I got into bed. 'Night night' said Aunt Mary as she kissed me good night, 'See you in the morning.' Oh no you won't, I smiled, thinking of my little adventure to come. I lay awake for some time, realising that I was now going to have to risk travelling all the way back to Brighton dressed as a girl. But I knew that by now I could get away with it, so I wasn't overly concerned. Intent on waking at first light, I drew back the curtains and opened the window, knowing that the dawn chorus would wake me. Then I slept a shallow sleep.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 33

 

ESCAPE

 

Before first light the sound of a blackbird woke me. I looked at my bedside clock and saw that it was 4.15. Perfect. My first thought was the money I would need for my train fare, without which I would be going nowhere, so I got out of bed, crept to my bedroom door, and opened it. Going out onto the landing I was pleased to see in the dim light that the other bedroom doors were all closed, and I could hear the sound of gentle snoring coming from Aunt Mary's bedroom. With my heart pounding, I went slowly and carefully down the stairs and into the kitchen. As she often did, Aunt Mary had left her bag hanging over the back of a chair, and I gently opened it and took out her purse. Inside the purse was some money, and I took out three £20 notes. Then I put everything back as I had found it. I crept upstairs, back into my room, and quietly closed the door.

I switched on the bedside lamp and opened the wardrobe door, wondering which dress to wear. Noticing that one of my wigs on the chest of draws still had its bows of yellow ribbon in it from two days before, I took out the primrose yellow dress and a pair of black T bar strap shoes from the wardrobe and put them on the bed. Then I went to the chest of draws and took out my white vest and knickers and a pair of white ankle socks. Lifting the wig off its stand, I took them back to my bed. Putting on the vest and knickers first, I then put on the yellow dress. It was quite a struggle fastening all the buttons up the back, but I finally managed it. I tied the sash in as neat a bow at the back as I could, and sat down to put on my shoes and socks. Having made sure that the ankle socks were neatly turned down and the shoe buckles were securely fastened, I stood in front of the mirror and put on the wig. By now, the wig had been put on my head and brushed neatly so many times, I had no difficulty in arranging it properly. Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I was impressed at what a realistic little girl was looking back at me. I grinned at myself, picked up the money and my hairbrush from the bedside table, and suddenly realised that my dress didn't have any pockets. Oh well, I'd put them in my coat pocket in a moment. I switched out the bedside lamp and was glad to see that the light of the coming dawn was bright enough by now to see fairly well.

Creeping quietly out of my room, I eased the door shut and glided silently down the stairs. I knew that I would need a coat, so I went to the coat stand in the hall and took down my red mackintosh. The rubberised satinette fabric rustled noisily as I took it down, so I decided to wait until I was outside before putting it on. I quietly crept into the dining room, out through the French windows, and onto the patio. Closing the windows silently behind me, I began to breath more easily. It was a cloudy morning, with quite a chill breeze blowing, so I was glad to put on my mackintosh. I put my arms into the sleeves and pulled the cold rubber mackintosh on. Putting my money and hairbrush into the pockets first, I did up the buttons and secured the belt. Leaving my mackintosh hood down, I checked that my wig was in place, and crept silently down the side of the house and out into the street.

I walked quickly, as I wanted to get clear of the village as soon as possible. Many people there would have recognised me if they'd seen me, and that was the last thing I wanted. But after about ten minutes I had reached the main road and was out of sight of the village, so I slowed my pace. Several lorries and cars went past, and my heart missed a beat when one car started to brake in front of me, but fortunately it didn't stop. In a short while it began to rain, and for once I was glad that my mackintosh had a hood. I pulled it up, buttoned it under my chin, and putting my hands in my pockets and my head down, walked on through the rain with increasing confidence. After about an hour, I reached a bus stop, and turning round, saw a bus approaching. I put out my hand, and the bus stopped. I climbed on and bought my ticket. 'City centre please' I said to the bus driver as I held out a £20 note. 'Is that all you've got?' said the driver. 'Yes, sorry' I replied, 'It's all my Mum gave me.' Muttering, the driver handed me my ticket and change. There were only a couple of other passengers on the bus, but I sat at the front as far from them as I could to avoid conversation, and kept my hood up. It only took about fifteen minutes to reach the city, and I was glad to get off. It was still raining, and head down, I walked to the railway station.

Once inside the station I lowered the hood of my mac and went to the booking office to buy my ticket. This was going to be the moment when I would have to answer any awkward questions without hesitation. I was aware that it's unusual to see small girls buying tickets from York to London at seven thirty in the morning, but I didn't have any choice. I went up to the window and said to the booking clerk 'One child single to London please.' He looked at me for a moment and said 'Are you travelling on your own?'

'Oh no' I said quickly, 'My Aunty's got her ticket, and she forgot to get mine.' The man didn't think anything of it and said 'That's £37 please.' I handed him two £20 notes, and he handed me my ticket and change. 'Thank you' I said in my best little girl voice, and grinned to myself as I walked away from the window. I checked the time of my train to St. Pancras, and saw that I had about half an hour to wait, so I kept moving around to avoid attracting attention.

At last I decided to board my train, and found a corner seat. I felt slightly uncomfortable in my wet mackintosh, so I took it off and hung it up on the hook above my head. The train pulled out at eight o'clock, and I settled down to try and make up for some of my lost sleep. I dozed off for a while, and woke up when we stopped at Lincoln. A woman and two girls about my age got onto the train, the woman wearing a light blue raincoat, while one girl wore a blue blouse and beige slacks, the other one a white blouse and blue shorts. They hung up their jackets, and after putting their cases on the luggage rack, they sat down facing me. I didn't feel comfortable about this arrangement, since it meant that I would be continuously under the girl's gaze. Well, I'd fooled plenty of girls before, and I was sure I could do it again. The train started off, and as I dreaded, they started talking to me.

'Are you travelling on your own dear?' said the woman to me, smiling. 'Oh yes' I said in my best girl's voice, 'My aunt's meeting me when I get to London.' That seemed to satisfy her, but one of the girls kept staring at me. Suddenly she said to me 'Excuse my asking, but how old are you?' Now I had to be careful. I knew only too well that the dress I was wearing was more suited to an eight year old, but if I said that I was eight, the woman would probably insist on looking after me until we reached London and handing me over to my imaginary aunt. I decided to tell them the truth about my age. 'I'm twelve' I replied, 'Why do you ask?'

'Well' she grinned, 'I'm twelve, and Melanie here is eleven, and we just thought your dress was so babyish. Mum hasn't been able to get me into a dress like that for years.'

'Tanya!' exclaimed the woman, obviously her mother. 'That's rude. You don't make personal comments to people about how they're dressed. Now apologise.'

'No it's all right' I said, putting my hand on her arm. 'She was just saying what she thinks. As a matter of fact I hate being dressed like this myself. It's just that my aunt is very old fashioned, and Mum insisted that I dress like this to please her.'

'Well I think it's very thoughtful of you to go along with her wishes' said the woman, 'I know that neither of these two would.'

'You bet' said Tanya, 'And as for the hair ribbons, well, all I can say is, you poor thing. What's your name by the way?' It was an innocent enough question. 'Jennifer' I answered. I was so used to it by now that I had no problem convincing them, and she seemed satisfied The next three hours of our journey continued easily enough in little girl chit chat, but I was still glad when we were about to reach St. Pancras. I stood up, took down my mackintosh, and put it on. As I fastened the belt, Melanie looked at me and said 'Do you have to wear that mac as well? I haven't worn one like that since I was about six. Well, you really have my sympathy.' The train finally came to a stop, and I was glad that the others were encumbered with luggage as this enabled me to get away from them easily.

I walked rapidly along the platform in order to lose them, and handed in my ticket at the barrier. That done, I followed the signs down into the tube station. Buying a ticket to Victoria station from a machine was certainly preferable to buying it from a booking clerk. Not being the rush hour, the train wasn't very full, and soon I had reached Victoria station. Again, I was able to buy my ticket from a machine, and was soon checking the time of the next train to Brighton. Two o'clock. Soon be home. I decided to buy myself a lemonade, and sat on a chair with my legs crossed, sipping it demurely through a straw. Disposing of the can, I headed for the Brighton train, and climbed aboard. I found an empty seat and there were very few people on the train, so I hoped to escape conversing with anyone.

The train pulled out on time, and I was soon looking out of the window at a familiar landscape. I smiled as I realised that I'd never seen it dressed like this before. The hour long journey went by quickly, and I began to relax as we drew into Brighton station. After passing through the ticket barrier, I headed for the main station entrance, and out into Queen's road. It was pouring with rain, so I put up the hood of my mackintosh, and started walking up the hill towards home. It was only a twenty minute walk, and as I turned into my street, I wondered who would be there when I arrived. As I came nearer to my door, I suddenly stopped dead in my tracks. Parked outside my house was a police car. I stood there for a moment, my mind in a turmoil, but then I decided that there was no turning back now, and I'd just have to face the music.

I walked up to the front door and rang the bell. A moment later the door opened and there stood my sister Tricia. For a moment she stared at me silently with a look of amazement on her face, and then she grabbed my arm and pulled me inside, muttering 'Come here, you.' She slammed the door shut and yelled 'He's back. You were right, you said he'd come here and he has.' She dragged me down the hall and into the lounge, where quite a welcoming committee stood there. The first two people to catch my eye were a policeman and policewoman. There was Mum, a grim looking Dad, my brother John, and my sister Diana. They obviously weren't glad to see me, except for Mum, who just looked sad. Dad broke the ice. 'You idiot' he said, slowly and deliberately, 'You stupid little idiot. What the hell do you think you've done? Have you any idea what happens now? Your Aunt Mary's already rung us and we've been sick with worry. Not only have you broken the conditions of your sentence, but you stole money from her as well. Why?'

'Because I needed the fare home' I whispered. 'Because you needed the fare home' he repeated deliberately. 'You stole your aunt's money, and you absconded with just two more weeks to go. You are an idiot.'

'Well' he continued. 'As far as I'm concerned, you've blown it. This entire exercise was designed to teach you a lesson, and it seems that you haven't yet learnt it. Well I promise you that you will now.' Turning to the policeman, he said 'What would you like to do at this stage?'

'I think the first thing to do now that he's arrived' said the policeman, 'Is to take him down to the station and formally charge him with escape from lawful custody. We'd like you to come with him so that you know exactly what's going on. But before we go, I think we can let him change out of those clothes and back into something more suitable. Would you like to take him upstairs Mrs. Chapman?'

'Come on Jimmy' said Mum quietly, taking my arm, 'Let's go upstairs and find you something.' We went upstairs to my room, where I took off my mackintosh and put it over a chair. Then she removed my dress, wig, and all my other girl's clothes, and took out a set of my own clothes from the wardrobe to put on. I dressed myself, and a gleam came into my eye as I saw my true self for the first time in over a month. Mum picked up the wet mac, and we went downstairs, where she hung it up on the coat stand to dry. 'Right' said the policeman, 'Let's go. We'll take Jimmy in our car, and Mr. and Mrs. Chapman can follow. I don't think we need the other children with us.' Diana and Tricia agreed to stay behind with John, while the rest of us went out to our respective cars.

It was only a short drive to the police station, and we were soon sitting in an office while I was formally charged. The decision was that I would appear before the magistrate for further sentencing in three days, my punishment to begin immediately. This meant that I would probably not be allowed to return home after sentencing. Until then I was to remain at home under a surety of £1000 being lodged by my father. He would ensure that I didn't leave the house. My father paid the amount, and we finally went home. When my sisters heard about the situation, they still couldn't resist teasing me about my forthcoming fate.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 34

 

IN COURT AGAIN

 

The weekend went all too quickly, and nobody was in a communicative mood. Dad more or less ignored me, and my sisters were out most of the time. Only Mum seemed to sympathise, as usual. But on Monday morning, everybody came with me to the juvenile court. As before, the magistrate spent some time with Mum and Dad before I was called into court and stood in front of her for the second time. Opening some papers in front of her, she studied them for a moment. Then she looked at me and began. 'James Chapman, you have already appeared before me on charges of vandalism and theft. In view of the nature of your offence, I sentenced you to spend six weeks staying with your relatives dressed as a girl. At the time your punishment was decided you were told very clearly that if you should seriously misbehave, or even worse, abscond before your sentence was complete, you would suffer a similar but far more extensive punishment. You do recollect that, don't you?' White faced, I said that I did. 'Very well then' she continued, 'At least you admit it. In that case, you have no cause for complaint at your subsequent punishment.'

'Arrangements have been made for you to spend the next entire academic year as a pupil at Lauriston Girl's Grammar School, situated near the village of Glencarn, in north west Scotland. You will of course sleep in your own room, but in every other way you will live as one of the girls. The school has a proud tradition of discipline and learning, and you will be placed in the year most suited to your present academic achievement so as not to disrupt your education. I suspect that will be the most junior year. Unlike the other girls, you will not be permitted to return home during the holidays, although you will be allowed 2 visits per term from your family. You will of course wear the regulation school uniform during the entire year, including holidays, and you will be fitted with your uniform in Inverness on your way there. And on the subject of clothing, the dresses and shoes that you found so humiliating to wear during your stay with your relatives, will be sent on to Lauriston Girl's Grammar School. I'm sure that the staff and pupils there will find them most adequate when more extreme humiliation is required.'

'A word of warning. The school is located in one of the most remote parts of the Scottish highlands. As you will find out when you arrive there, the area is desolate in the extreme, and should you attempt to leave, it is unlikely that you would survive. Each year for the past twelve years we have sent one recalcitrant boy, usually about your age, to learn humility, gentleness and obedience. We have always succeeded. We only send one boy at a time so that they will not have another boy with them to sympathise. I can assure you that you will receive no sympathy from the girls, especially when they hear what you did to the girls at St. Catherine's. I've no doubt that the senior girls will come up with even more inventive humiliations than did your two cousins.'

'You will travel from here with two police officers to Brighton station. You will then go by train to Edinburgh, where you will be detained overnight. The next day you will go to Inverness, where two teachers from the school will meet you. They will take you to be fitted with your uniform, after which they will drive you to the school in time for the new term, which begins next Monday. That will give you a few days to familiarise yourself with the school before the other girls arrive.' The magistrate concluded. 'You may have thirty minutes with your family before you leave. That is all. Court adjourned.'

I was stunned as I was led out. A girl's school in the north of Scotland. For a year. I could hardly believe it. I was taken into a side office, and even my sisters began to cry. Dad looked stoical, and Mum kept back her tears for later. They told me that they would come up to see me as soon as possible, and that they would see if they could spend longer with me during the school holidays. The half hour flashed by before a policeman and policewoman said that it was time for me to go. I kissed everyone, even Dad, and then I was led out, down a corridor, and into a waiting police car where the driver was waiting.

They drove me to the station, where we took the train to Victoria. Here, we transferred to a police car which took us to King's Cross station. The fast train reached Edinburgh by late afternoon, and I was taken to a remand centre for the night. It was frightening, but they at least kept me separate from the other detainees, so it wasn't quite so bad.

CHAPTER 35

 

MY JOURNEY TO LAURISTON

 

I was woken at six o'clock, and after a shower and breakfast, I was taken by police car to Waverley station. We pulled out at nine, and after a train ride through some magnificent scenery, we reached Inverness at about one o'clock. From the railway station we were driven to the police station, where I was taken into an office to await the arrival of the two teachers who were to escort me from here. I was given tea and sandwiches while I waited, and had just finished when two forbidding looking women were brought in by a policewoman. I automatically stood up to be introduced. 'Now Jimmy' said the policewoman, 'These are the two teachers who are going to take you to Lauriston Girl's Grammar School. This is Miss Winthrop, and this is Miss Munro. We are going to go and get you fitted with your new school uniform now, and then they're going to take you to school.' I greeted them as politely and submissively as I could, trying to make a good impression, but they didn't seem very receptive. Perhaps with the full knowledge of what I had done, they were looking forward to knocking me into shape.

The four of us left the room and were soon outside in the car park, where we all got into the teacher's car. We drove off through the streets of Inverness with Miss Munro driving, until she parked the car in a quiet street. We all got out, and taking my arm, Miss Winthrop led us across the road towards a shop with the sign 'Haley Schoolwear' above. The window was full of boy's and girl's school uniforms, and I knew that this was where my transformation was to take place. We went in, and Miss Winthrop led us up to the girl's schoolwear department on the first floor. There were racks of school blazers, dresses, skirts, gym tunics and coats. Shelves of blouses, underwear and socks. Ties, hats, and even a small shoe department with regulation school shoes, plimsolls, and wellington boots.

A middle aged woman came from behind the counter towards us with a smile on her face. 'Amelia, Katrina, how lovely to see you.'

'Hello Felicity' said Miss Winthrop, 'This is police constable Mary McLeod, and this,' indicating me, 'Is the boy who's going to spend the next year with us at Lauriston.'

'I see' said Felicity, looking at me and grinning, 'Another naughty one. And he's here to be fitted with his school uniform?'

'Every item' said Miss Munro, 'Down to the last stitch. But like his young male predecessors, we want him fitted with the old style uniform, not the present one. We want him to be as conspicuous among the girls as possible, so do you still have some of the older ones?'

'Oh yes, plenty' said Felicity, 'We'll have no trouble in finding everything he needs.'

'Excellent' said Miss Winthrop. 'In that case, let's begin, shall we?'

'Right' said Felicity, picking up a tape measure from the counter, 'Let's measure him up. I'll just get a measurement chart and the old Lauriston uniform checklist and we'll start. What's his name?'

'Well up till now, it's been Jimmy' said Amelia, 'But as of now, he'll be called Jennifer. He might as well get used to it.'

'All right then Jennifer' smiled Felicity, 'Take all your clothes off except for your underpants and put them on the chair.' Not being in any position to argue, I did as I was told, and was soon standing there in just my underpants. 'Right' she said, 'Now lets see what size you are.' She began to measure me, and as she called out my measurements, Katrina wrote them down on the chart. When she had finished, she said 'Umm, pretty average for a first year girl. He's a size 10. Oh yes, we can fit him in the old style uniform with no trouble at all. Katrina, you can help me here. We'll put everything he needs on the counter first, and then we'll dress him. In the meantime Jennifer' she said, going to a shelf, 'You can take off your underpants and put these on.' She took down four pairs of baggy navy blue knickers, handed me a pair, and I removed my underpants and put the knickers on. I immediately felt how uncomfortable and itchy they were, as the elastic dug into my waist and legs.

A large pile of items soon accumulated on the counter, and Felicity began to dress me, under the watchful eye of the two teachers. 'Vest next' she said. Raising my arms, I allowed her to put it over my head and tuck it into my knickers. 'And now your blouse.' She took the blouse out of its wrapper, removed the pins, and held it up for me to put on. It had long sleeves, and a large puritan collar, so popular on girl's school blouses in the 1950's. I obediently put my arms into the sleeves, and she buttoned it up to the neck, fastened the buttons at the wrist and pulled down the cuffs of the sleeves, which came down to my knuckles. Next, she picked up a navy blue and red diagonally striped tie, and tied it firmly round my neck. 'Now on top of that goes your lovely gym tunic' said Felicity. 'The girls at Lauriston all wear the new style uniforms, which are more stylish and comfortable, in fact the prefects wear skirts these days, but at least the other girl's A line gym tunics have a bit of shape to them, with a back button fastening and belt. You will be the only one having to wear one like this.' Grinning widely, she went across to a separate clothes rack and removed a gym tunic that she held up for me to see. 'Isn't it lovely?' she laughed. It was the very essence of a girl's school uniform. A typical old fashioned navy blue box pleat gym tunic, with two button fastenings at each shoulder and a buckle belt at the waist that fastened in place at the end with two buttons.

Undoing the shoulder buttons and belt, Felicity held it down for me to step into. 'In you get Jennifer' she smiled. I stepped into it, and she drew the gym tunic up over me and fastened the shoulder buttons and the belt. 'Good' she said, 'Shoes and socks next. Sit down.' I sat down, and she pulled a pair of white ankle socks onto my feet and turned them down neatly at the ankle. Then she picked up a metal sliding scale, and measured my foot. 'That's a size four, D width fitting' she said, and going over to the shoe section, she brought back a pair of black T bar strap shoes. 'Try these' she said. She slipped them on, and they fitted me perfectly. 'Right' she said as she buckled them on firmly, 'You'll need three pairs of those. This lot's going to cost your father a bit, isn't it?.' I didn't need reminding. 'Now for your blazer' said Felicity, as she helped me on with it. It was navy blue, and again, the sleeves came down to my knuckles. I was beginning to realise that they were deliberately dressing me in a uniform about one size too large for me. The idea was obviously to make me look as much like a junior new girl as possible, and to make it as humiliating as possible. Unfortunately for me, they were succeeding.

'There' said Felicity, 'That'll keep you warm in those cold Scottish highlands. But we also need to keep you dry. Nowadays, the girls wear a navy blue gaberdine raincoat, and sometimes, you'll wear one too. But in your case, only in very cold winter weather. At all other times, you will be wearing a nice traditional old fashioned school mackintosh.' Going over to a rack of raincoats, she took one and brought it back to show me. I could see that it was a heavyweight double texture rubberised cotton mackintosh with an attached hood, almost identical to the little girl style mac that I'd had to wear when I stayed with Sue and Jane. This one was also red, and the hood was lined with the same red rubberised cotton as the outside. It was obviously made to withstand the heaviest downpour. 'Now try it on' said Felicity, 'I picked a size 12 so that there'd be plenty of room. Arms in, Jennifer.' I put my arms into the mackintosh, and in what had become a familiar ritual for me, she buttoned up the front and did up the belt. Like everything else it was too big for me. The hem hung well below my calves, and like the blouse and blazer, the sleeves came down to my knuckles, but were about an inch longer. 'And last but not least Jennifer, your school hat.' Felicity picked up a traditional navy blue velour girl's school hat. It had a red and navy blue striped hatband with the Lauriston school crest at the front. She placed it firmly on my head, and then pulled the elastic down and positioned it under my chin.

'There we are' said Felicity, 'What do you think ladies?'

'Oh yes' said Katrina, 'He looks just fine. Once his hair's grown a little more he'll begin to look just like one of the girls. Tell me Jennifer, when did you last have a haircut?'

'About last Christmas' I answered, 'Mum lets me grow it as long as I like, and it was the style of our gang.'

'How very convenient' said Katrina, grinning, as she ran a comb through my hair, 'It's well over your ears now, and about an inch below your collar. I'd say that in a few weeks your hair will be quite long enough for us to start putting hair ribbons and slides in it. I can't wait.' I cringed at the prospect.

'I'd say we're just about finished here' said Miss Winthrop, 'Felicity, I don't think he needs to try absolutely everything on, so I'll just leave the other items to your expert judgement. Just put the other things into a bag and we'll be off. Jennifer will of course stay dressed as she is. Now how much does that come to?' Felicity added up the bill. 'That'll be £476 exactly' she said. Miss Winthrop paid her, and the two teachers picked up the bags. Mary McLeod took hold of my arm in one hand and a bag containing my boy's clothes in the other, and after bidding Felicity farewell, we went downstairs and across to the car.

'Well I'll say goodbye here Jennifer' said Mary to me gently, 'I'll send your clothes back for your parents to collect from their local police station. Try and behave yourself this time, and please don't do anything stupid, for your sake.' With a wave she walked off down the street and we got into the car. I sat in the back with the bags of clothes, and Miss Winthrop locked the child proof doors on either side of me. 'Right' she said, 'Let's be off.' We drove away, and the suburbs of Inverness soon gave way to wild highland scenery. As we left Inverness, my blouse began to itch, and the collar began to chafe my neck. Too late I remembered that Fiona had told me how uncomfortable the Lauriston school uniform was to wear, and I had a whole year of it to look forward to. I stared miserably out of the window.

As the scenery became more and more bleak, I began to understand why I had been sent here. Miss Munro looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I know what you're thinking Jennifer, and you're right. No one who leaves Lauriston gets very far on foot. Car's the only way. Don't worry, I know that you'll absolutely hate it at first while you try and fight it. But submit to the humiliations that I know the girls will have in store for you with good grace, and by next June, when you leave, you'll be a better person for it.' As we headed north west, the villages grew fewer and smaller, and eventually petered out altogether. After several hours we turned onto a narrow lane that wound for miles across open moorland, and it began to rain steadily in typical highland fashion.

Eventually, we could see through the driving rain the high grey stone walls of an estate ahead of us, and we drove through an impressive wrought iron gate with the words Lauriston Girl's Grammar School and the school crest above it. A little further on we passed some playing fields, before we drew up in front of a large impressive granite mansion with some smaller red brick buildings around it. We had arrived. Getting out of the car, the two women put up their umbrellas and took the bags of clothing indoors. Then Miss Munro came out, got into the driving seat, and drove us a few hundred yards to where there was a garage. She parked the car, and releasing the lock of my door, told me to climb out.

As we came to the door of the garage, she looked at me and said 'Take off your hat, Jennifer.' I did as I was told, and while I held the hat in my hand, she put up the hood of my mackintosh, tied the tapes under my chin in a bow, and secured the hood's button fastening as well. Being treated as a little girl like this seemed familiar as I remembered my time back in Throsley with Jane and Susan. 'There we are' she smiled as she pulled the hood forward, 'One little schoolgirl ready for the rain. You look sweet.' She locked the garage door, put up her umbrella, and we walked through the downpour up to the main entrance of the school. We went in, and Miss Munro took me down a corridor and up several flights of narrow stairs. We turned down a small passage, and at the end of it was a door which Miss Munro opened. I went in.

Unfastening my wet mackintosh hood and throwing it back off my head, I saw that I was in a small bare room containing an iron bedstead, a wardrobe, a chest of draws, and a table and chair. On the floor were the bags containing my new school uniform. 'Well here we are Jennifer' said Miss Munro, 'This is your room. Unpack your things and put them away neatly. I'll be back in a moment with your washing things and a couple of nightdresses, and then we'll go and have tea with Matron. She will probably be your best friend, and the nearest thing to a mother you'll have while you're here. In the morning you'll meet your housemistress, Miss Jones, and then I'll introduce you to the headmistress, Miss Williams, before I show you round the school.'

She went to the door, and turning to me, she smiled and said 'Oh and by the way Jennifer, welcome to your home for the next year.'

 

END

 

 

 

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