This is a gentle coming-of-age story about a college-aged boy becoming the girl he knows he truly is.
With the help of his two girl friends he becomes Susanna as they teach him all about life as a girl.
Please note this is a gentle, sentimental tale and although there is some sexual content it is inferred, NOT graphic and tagged where it occurs

When we went back to Uni our tutor asked Shoni if she was ok. To us our Shonali was back on the surface but both Kelly and I wondered what she was like inside - mentally. When she told Miss Thompson that she was very fit somewhat rested and determined not to let last weekend spoil her life she had a smile on her face.

“After all” Shoni put it, “He only hit me it’s not like he raped me!” Kelly growled if he had raped you Susie and I would be up for murder.

Fiona simply smiled commenting, “You three are really close aren’t you?” We nodded in unison. Then Fiona carried on, “And Susanna I must say that you’ve really blossomed these last few months.”
Blushing I thanked her saying, “It’s mainly due to these two but also the reaction of the rest of the guys on the course being so accepting”

After this we went to lectures at lunchtime I phoned Paula and made an appointment for Saturday morning.
After lectures we adjourned to the ‘Key’s’ for our usual drink and game of pool, which we shouldn’t do as we were saving but............it was only one drink a day.

Kelly and I were discussing getting work while Shoni was scanning the Uni’s paper for jobs when Bill the landlord commented, “Well I could do with another barmaid if either of you are interested -------- and you’d be following in good footsteps as your friend young Jill (my counsellor) used to work for me.”

Kelly looked at me and asked, “What are you looking for Bill?” Bill told us, “well the missus says I should take it easy at my age so I’m looking for someone to work four till ten every night Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday twelve till six – still interested?”
Kelly looked at me I said to her, “You go ahead” Kell thought about it and asked, could we split the job between us Bill?”
He thought for a second and answered, “Yes I suppose so what were you thinking about?”
Kelly without even thinking about it said, “How about Susie doing Monday to Thursday then I’ll do the rest – ok with that Susie?” I simply nodded.
He thought for a while and finally just when I thought we’d blown it answered,
“That’s fine, I can live with that – c’mon Susie no time like the present to start”

“What now” I squeaked not expecting this at all! Smiling at me he nodded, “C’mon girl lets get started before we get busy!” He then nodded at Kelly saying, “And you may as well do a couple of hours so I don’t have to repeat myself on Friday!”
We both beamed at Bill went behind the bar; then simultaneously each of us kissed him on the cheek thanking him profusely.
He commented, “It’s a good job you girls arrived early cos I was going to ask if anyone was interested when the crowd arrived at five”

Shoni was on the phone when she turned around and we were behind the bar her mouth hung open with surprise, “What’s going on here?” She asked so we told her and she gave us high fives and told us I’ve got a job too – well I think I may have. Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday at the Central Nail Salon (this was a really up market place in the city centre), that is if I pass the test tomorrow evening”

This was some luck! No this was amazing luck the three of us were now working AND we had only decided yesterday to work. The employment gods were really smiling on us.
So Kelly and I became barmaids. When the rest of the gang arrived to say they were surprised when I served them (under Bill’s eagle eye) was an understatement.
He carried on showing me different things all night Kell and Shoni left at six so I carried on working.
At ten - knocking off time I discovered that I had really enjoyed the work the pub was busy and time simply flew.

I asked Bill if tomorrow there was a place I could change out of my day clothes into some working clothes he showed me the back room where we left our handbags and coats.
I thanked him again for the job gruffly he answered, “Once you feel at home girl you’re on your own I’ll be putting my feet up! – Oh and you had better tell young Kelly the same.” It seems that with Bill anyone is referred to as ‘young’

I got home about ten thirty tired but happy all of us had a job. We knew at £6 an hour we wouldn’t earn a fortune but in the time we had it will build up. Along with what we could save from our student loans (not a great deal) we should see by the time we graduated how much we had amassed.
I showered and did some studying then went to bed about one in the morning.

The next day I was more confident at work and kept on giving Kelly tips on how things worked Shoni came in shortly after six elated as she had passed the test at the nail salon with flying colours.
She was working Thursday four until eight, same Friday, and Saturday all day her pay was way more than ours plus any tips she received!

Thursday came and I was the customer Kelly was working I kept close to her so if she wanted to know something I was there. Shoni was working too so I headed home at the usual time and studied until Kelly arrived home with Shoni.

Saturday and it was my hair day I arrived at Paula’s and told her what I wanted doing to my hair.
She showed me a new longer style that she thought might suit me.
I wasn’t sure so she took a photo of me and on her computer showed me what the new style would look like.

Every so often she had to go and meet someone I asked where Rachel was (the receptionist) Paula gave a big sigh and said, “Rachel’s just separated from her husband and has to look after her kids on a Saturday” adding, “It’s a total pain but there it is”.

I thought ‘in for a penny in for a pound’ so I asked, “Do you want a Saturday girl?” Paula grimaced answering, “Do I ever - why you know someone?” Casually I said, “Err yes – me or Kelly” remembering Kelly needed the money more than I did.

She stopped working on my hair looked at me in the mirror saying, “Are you joking Susie?” “No we need work because we’re going backpacking when we graduate,” I answered.

“Right” she said, “I’ll finish your hair and you can start I’ll show you what to do” in my mind I groaned - twice in one week but we needed the money. Then she added, “And if you decide that Kelly’s working YOU can show her the ropes next week– OK?” I happily agreed to this as Kelly did need the money more than I did.

She finished my new hair style of course she was right it really suited me it was below my shoulders in a fly away style longer in the centre of my back to say I was made up with it was putting it mildly.

Now to the reception, she showed me the appointment book how to work the phone then she gave me a salon outfit as I was expected to help wash hair ready for the stylists.
She showed me the correct way to do this; in between times I swept the floor and made the coffee – all this for £8 an hour which was a good rate.

I phoned Kelly to tell her and her reaction was typical, “You lucky cow!” Thanks I said dryly, “I love you too” then I carried on, “Look Paula is cool about either of us working for her so I’ll show you what to do next Saturday morning –if you ask Bill if it’s ok for us to swap our days!” “WHAT” she shouted, “You mean?” grinning I told her, “Yep I’ve got you another job” “Susie I love you!” I could hear her chortling as she hung up.

I had to phone the dance school, as my Saturday lessons were no longer feasible, however I was offered a slot on Tuesday evenings however this was with an advanced ballet class.
I mentioned that I was afraid I would hold the whole class back but the teacher told me, “Look Susanna, you’ll never be a Darcy (a well known ballerina) but you’re no plodding elephant you’ll manage.”
I was quite happy about this because after a short time I had been doing ballet I found I enjoyed the exercise and discipline as it toned my body and (a big bonus) helped my posture and balance.

So the weeks went on Shoni also got a job as a waitress on a Sunday and so our cash pot’s slowly mounted.
Two months later and we had Shoni’s and Kell’s mums arrive to stay and do some shopping. It was great to see them and they bought three packages with them wrapped in Christmas paper.
One for each of us when we opened them we found a Haglofs Q60 backpack each these were top of the range and perfect for what we wanted. I was really touched and true to form and the bloody hormones I burst into tears of gratitude.

We talked to them about our trip of course they were concerned for their daughters and very touchingly me as they included me in their family.
We promised to discuss things with them when we had sorted things out and mentioned that money was our main concern it was then that Shonali’s mum dropped a bombshell telling Shoni that her Gran was very excited that Shonali intended going to India to see her extended family so she was going to help Shoni by adding to her saving pot the money she was going to leave her in her will!
Then Kelly’s mum said that they would help her too which was great news and relieved a lot of the financial pressure they had been feeling.

As we all were working we had to leave the mothers to their own devices, but they seemed happy enough. On Sunday Kelly and the ‘mums’ came to the pub where Shoni and I worked for their Sunday Lunch.

On Sunday night Gill phoned it was great to hear from him as after we had discussed me not wanting a steady relationship we only spoke every two weeks or so. However just hearing his voice triggered something deep inside me.

He asked if it was ok to visit next weekend to see me I told him I was working Friday evenings Saturday and Sunday until after six.
He sounded reasonably happy and so I arranged to meet him on Friday lunchtime at Manchester Piccadilly railway station.
Of course when I told the girls, there was a, ‘Oh we Know what you’ll be doing’ look on their faces. Luckily the mum’s told them to leave me alone!

The Sunday night was a good girls night there was us three and our mum’s (used to this now I classed both Kell’s and Shoni’s mum’s as ‘my mums’).

Monday the mum’s were to the station shortly after we went to Uni so we had a fond farewell and just couldn’t wait to see them again.
I told them about the villa and offered them full use of it. Of course there was an argument (I know where Kell and Shoni get their argumentative streak from!)
But for once the girls were on my side as my argument was that it’s better using the place than leaving it empty and anyhow they are like a family to me. Also it was big enough for family holidays so they may as well use it as leave it empty.
Finally after an hour of arguing we were late (well nearly) for Uni and the two of them had missed the train they were going to catch but at least they agreed to use the villa. So I promised that I would tell the agent and send them all the info to enable them to use the place.

That week passed slowly - what was I going to do? Did I want to sleep with Gill? Does he feel the same about me? How does he feel about our proposed time away? Oh a thousand things were going on in my mind.

Tuesday and I joined my new Ballet class as I stretched and warmed up I was so excited and nervous.

The class I was now in were a couple of classes up from my old one. I tried to keep up so as not to hold them back but there was no way I could ever attempt to do some of the things they accomplished with ease.
The whole class was really helpful as they tried to help me; but they were so much better than I was.
I was a bit depressed then as we got changed one of the girls approached me and said, “You did well Susie, keep it up”
I smiled weakly at her telling her, “Thanks very much but I’m so afraid of slowing you girls down.”
Grinning at me she simply said, “We leave you to work on your own and concentrate on our own work and we’ll help you when we can so don’t worry you’ll not hold us back.”

By now as a barmaid (me, a barmaid!) and I was very confident and Bill was leaving me to it completely.
He had showed me how to change the barrels when they need it (without getting covered in beer) and so I didn’t see much of him at all.
I found I really loved the job! I loved the flirting and loved the interaction with the customers.

Then finally it was Friday, I made my way to the railway station - would things be the same between us after all it was two months since I had last seen him.
Wondering to myself would the ‘thrill’ of having a half girl still be with him – I only thought this to myself or else Kell and Shoni would give me a real talking to!

I needn’t have worried I got to the station - late (as usual) so of course I was scanning the crowds looking for him when I felt a light tap on my shoulder.
I gave a little squeal of surprise then I was in his arms and being kissed I instantly responded and moulded myself to his lean body - eventually we came up for air!

The pleasure on his face was not faked he was genuinely pleased to see me he looked me up and down and breathed, “You’re even prettier than I remember, I’m so glad you let me come this weekend.”

I was walking on air answering him, “And why wouldn’t I want to see you – you hunk?” Well he retorted, “It’s been two months and other guy’s err you know” he finished lamely”
I smiled at him and stroked his cheek affectionately telling him, “Other guy’s have a lot to live up to compared to you – you are gorgeous come on let’s get home.”

He picked up his suitcase I looked amazed at the size of it and asked, “I thought you were here for the weekend?” Puzzled he retorted, “I am, why?” Then he looked at me looking at the suitcase.

Laughing he told me it’s not what you think I got some stuff for you girls from Mark (Kelly’s brother) and from me, its just a little something to help you three on your adventure.

I told him off telling him that he shouldn’t have because now all three of us were working we can afford things but he told me to shut up because they had bought these things because they wanted to.
Shyly as we walked to get a cab I asked, “How do you feel about us going away?”
Laughing he replied, “Well I won’t miss the two witches (Kell and Shoni) but I will miss you” as he said this he looked at me longingly.

In for a penny I thought so blushing furiously I told him, “I hope you don’t mind but I’ve put you in my room.” He immediately said, “I couldn’t shove you out of you room – no I’ll sleep on the settee.”
Very quietly I answered, “But you’re not shoving me out!” He realised what I was saying and looked searchingly at me.
Blushing scarlet I stammered, “B, b, b, but only if you w, w, wan............” I got no further as he dropped his suit case and grabbed me saying, “Are you sure sweetheart are you really sure”
All I could do was nod and smile I was so happy I had been so brave (and very, very forward)

As we settled in the taxi he asked, “What about the two witches?” I looked at him radiating happiness and simply told him, “Sod em!”
He chuckled telling me, “You realise that we’ll both be in for some stick from them?”
Nothing could dent my happiness now I simply told him, “But it’ll be well worth it” He echoed my sentiments on this.

As we drove I told him I started work at four so he would have to look after himself.
I mentioned to him Shoni should be home by nine but Kelly would be home shortly after I had left for work.
So he proposed that we meet me at work (The Keys) then go for a meal afterwards.
This sounded great to me so I sent a text to the girls and they agreed with me Shoni saying she would be home about half past eight to get ready.

Just then we arrived at the block of flats where we lived he gave an appreciative whistle and commented, “Nice place”
I took him upstairs (well we used the elevator) and showed him around I showed him my room then started to get ready for work as he was going to see me naked later everything seemed so natural I had just started undressing.
Watching me he breathed, “God Susanna, you are perfect, absolutely perfect you’d better show me how to work the Jacuzzi.”

There still were a couple of hours to go before I started work so I thought why not! I showed him the controls and went to finish getting undressed.
I slipped a satin dressing gown on just as he came back saying, “Your bath is ready Ma’am!”
Then he pulled me close and kissed me passionately I knew what was on his mind and gasped, “I have to be at work by four.” he picked me up and carried me to the Jacuzzi and lowered me into the hot bubbling water saying, “Well we had better be quick then.” How I managed to get out of my dressing gown I have no idea!

He undressed and slid into the bubbling water next to me slipping his arm around me he kissed me deeply I moaned in pleasure as he caressed my body, slowly bringing me to an orgasm.
Shuddering in passion I moaned, “Please I need you so badly I want to feel you inside me!”

Our lovemaking was wonderful he was a thoughtful tender and unselfish lover bringing me to multiple orgasms.
I was putty in his hands my body was floating on air (and water) it was so different from Will so different and so satisfying.
As I lay in his arms he murmured, “Susanna, I’m sorry I didn’t use a condom” I looked at him with adoring eyes smiled and told him, “That’s ok lover it’s not like I’m going to get pregnant or get an STD is it?”
He looked at me kissed me on the end of my nose and in a soft voice told me, “I forgot all about that - you are so wonderfully feminine - I simply forgot.”

We got out and as I patted myself dry I could see him examining me especially my ‘vagina’, in the end I had to ask him, “Well, do I meet with your approval?”

Poor Gill he was embarrassed at being caught out but he recovered quickly and replied, “Susie if I didn’t know I would say that you’re all woman how do you do that?”
I smiled and explained about my prosthetic vagina he shook his head in amazement commenting, “Good grief I’m a doctor and I would never have thought it possible you look amazing!”
Then I noticed the time “My god I’ll be late for work” I gasped.
I got dressed in record time and said a very fond farewell to Gill as I flew out of the house.
I was late for work but Kelly was smugly working behind the bar – no sign of Bill with a broad grin she said, “I had a feeling you’d be late so I told Bill I’d fill in until you arrived – from the look of you young lady you’ve had fun!”

I thanked her profusely but she smiled and told me, “Susie you’d do the same for me so shut up!”
With that she left heading home no doubt to give Gill some grief as she normally does.

The night went slowly until Gill Shoni and Kelly arrived arm in arm with Gill in the centre of the two girls.
Being Friday it was busy so they sat at the end of the bar and chatted away until I had finished my shift.
Somehow Gill must have mentioned to Shoni about the sleeping arrangements. And of course she had told Kelly who commented to Gill, “I hear you’re having you’re having your wicked way with our Susie!” She said this so loud that I couldn’t help but overhear, “Kelly” I gasped, there’s no need to tell the whole place.
She simply snorted saying, “This lot’s lucky to hear themselves speak, let alone hear me – and they’re that pissed they’ll never understand anyhow!”

Bill arrived and I handed over to him we had one more drink (another advantage of being a barmaid is that people buy you drinks so we mark them on a card meaning we don’t have to pay – even Shoni as we simply deduct her drink from our card)
We went to the Mahal for a meal Gill paid after an argument from the three of us. And as was expected the two of us got ribbed unmercifully from Kell and Shoni about the sleeping arrangements but it was all good-natured.

Shonali had seen the big suitcase and Gill had told her that there was something in it for our travels but he wouldn’t tell her what.
So being a girl she was intrigued about the presents and scolded him for buying things he instantly replied, “I’ve got to make sure you two go! Now you can’t back out; but why you’re taking Susie I’ll never know”
Shoni wasn’t to be bested by her brother and shot back at him, “To keep her out of your clutches my dear brother.”

When we got home it was well after midnight Gill gave us the presents he and Mark had bought us and we were to coin a phrase ‘gobsmacked’! (speechless)
Kelly put into words what Shoni and I were thinking, “Gill, thanks, but we can’t accept these, they’re far too expensive”
Gill smiled and told us, “You’ll have to they’re from the States and there’s no return on them”

Gill had bought us three top of the range REI Flash woman’s sleeping bags (one each) plus three Thermo rest neo air Xlite sleeping pads.
While Mark had bought us lightweight REI ¼ dome 3 person tent complete with footprint (groundsheet). We were made up and thanked Gill profusely we would phone Mark and Sara tomorrow to thank them.

Finally we went to bed Kelly hissed at me, “Don’t you dare keep me awake with your moaning!” Then she added, “Lucky cow have fun you know we love you”

The weekend passed oh so quickly, it was wonderful waking up seeing Gill laid next to me sometimes I would just look at him wondering how I was so lucky. Lovemaking was wonderful I really felt so fulfilled as the girl I was rapidly becoming I was truly contented.

And I tried -------- I really tried not to make a noise but from the friendly glower I got from Kelly each morning I think I failed miserably! But the thing is I didn’t think I was making that much noise!

So it was a tearful goodbye on Monday morning I was still sniffling when I made my first lecture I was sad, but oh so happy – if that makes sense.