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I am up early on Sunday and once again help my father with the cows. This time I’m in my denim dress rather than jeans. I don’t bother with the wig, as I don’t want to get it dirty, instead opting for a headscarf to hide my short hair.

I’m now in full girl mode as far as my presentation, although as I’m working I’m not wearing makeup or nail polish, since it’s pointless. I’m wearing my normal wellies, which are effectively unisex in appearance. Both my parents also wear exactly the same style of boot, the only difference between the pairs being size. My mother is dressed in her usual style of tight jeans and blouse.

We spend the day focusing on maintenance. With all the commotion over the last few weeks, there has been a build up of odd jobs to be completed that we haven’t had time to finish.

My mother spends the day gardening. We have a number of raspberry canes, tomato plants, rhubarb, and a herb garden to the side of the farmhouse.

I assist my father in repairing a couple of fences, refelting the roof of a sheep hut and cutting back some of the hedging at the side of the fields and tracks. Most of the fencing is wooden and needs repairing every now and again when pieces start to rot. We have a stock of planks soaking in preservative in a tank at the back of one of the barns that we can use to make repairs.

Several of the fields we keep sheep in have small huts where the animals can shelter in bad weather. They are covered in roofing felt, the type used on garden sheds. The material lasts several years, but eventually breaks down due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and adverse weather conditions. We noticed that a couple of the shelters had holes forming a few weeks ago, but this is the first opportunity to repair them.

This type of work has never bothered me and I enjoy fixing things. I keep getting strange looks from my father every now and again while working. I assume that it’s down to my appearance and that he is still getting used to me as a girl.

After yet another sideways glance, I ask him what he is finding so amusing.

“It’s just that you seem so relaxed,” he replies.

“Well, I have been putting myself under a lot of pressure recently,” I respond. “I have been trying to hide my true self and have been worried about being found out. I was also afraid of hitting puberty in a big way and turning into a big ape like James or Kevin. Now that my issues are out in the open, and I don’t have to worry about appearing too effeminate, I can relax. It really feels like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

We finish the maintenance by mid-afternoon, and take a break before we need to see to the animals. We are sitting in the kitchen drinking tea when the phone rings. My mother answers it.

“Oh hi, Josh, yes I’ll hand you over,” my mother says, which catches my attention. She hands me the phone.

“Hello,” I say.

“Hi, Simon, it’s Josh,” he states, and I instantly notice the nervousness in his voice. “I have somebody here who would like to speak to you, but didn’t want to phone himself, I assume you are safe to talk without being overheard your end.”

“That isn’t a problem here anymore, and you know that, so I assume that it’s not safe your end”, I reply.

“Got it in one, let me hand you over to the person standing behind me,” he says.

I hear a very familiar voice come down the line, “Hello, little bro, sorry for the deception, but I thought it best if somebody else made the call. I didn’t want you getting in trouble for speaking to me. I assume ’rents are out of the room.”

“Mike!” I reply, “It’s good to hear from you.”

My parents and I are sitting round the table in the kitchen. My exclamation immediately draws their attention.

“You needn’t worry about me getting in trouble. Mum and Dad are not going to object to me talking to you. I take it you and Matt are paying Josh a visit.”

“Yes. Look, I don’t know how practical this will be, but I was wondering if you would like to pop over, if you can get away. We haven’t seen each other in months and I would like to catch up. I can pick you up from the bunker if you don’t want to cycle all the way here,” Mike replies.

“Sure, hang on a mo’, I will just go get clearance,” I say before putting my hand over the mouthpiece. I then say softly to my parents, “It’s Mike, he would like me to go meet him but he doesn’t seem keen on you knowing. Any objections if I go out for the afternoon.”

“No,” my father responds, “are you going as Simon or Jasmine though?”

“The latter of course,” I reply smiling.

“I will drop you off outside,” my father replies, “If Mike doesn’t want to come out and meet me, I understand. I promise to stay in the car and not interfere.”

I then reply to Mike, “No problem. No need to collect me, Dad will drop me at the door. Simply stay out of sight if you don’t want to meet.”

“I don’t think meeting is a good idea after last time. We are out back in the conservatory, I will send Josh to let you in,” he replies.

“Sure, I’ll be across in about half an hour, I need to shower and get changed. Hand me back to Josh please,” I reply.

“Hello. Give us a sec’,” Josh says, then after a short pause continues, “Right, we are now safe to talk, I’m out of earshot. Sorry about calling you Simon earlier, only I haven’t told anybody here about you yet as I wasn’t sure if you wanted them to know.”

“I guessed as much. Mike is going to get a bit of a surprise when he sees me. I’ll be in full girl mode. Can I assume your folks aren’t going to be upset by my appearance?” I ask.

“You’re good. My parents won’t object,” he replies. “They might get a bit of a shock if we end up kissing again, but even that won’t bother them.”

I giggle and say, “As you suggested it, I think I might just do that and test your parents resolve. See you soon.”

I make kissing noises into the phone as he says goodbye and hangs up. I can’t help but giggle at my parents’ reaction, who are sitting watching me with raised eyebrows.

“Just what was that about?” my mother asks with suspicion.

“Just letting my boyfriend know what he can expect. I was asking if his parents will have a problem with me, and he doesn’t think so.” I reply, “Josh and I aren’t dating as such, but we both enjoy the occasional kiss. Neither of us are in any rush to do anything. We are friends first, but we both seem to fancy each other so if we naturally develop romantically then we will see where it goes, but not at the risk of what we have now. Don’t panic, I have no intention of going any further than a kiss or three.”

“I remember the shock you gave us at school when you planted one on him as you handed your bike over,” my father replies. “After the earlier revelations it didn’t have as much impact. I suspected you may be attracted to boys even before you came out.”

I laugh and head upstairs to shower. I spend five minutes soaping and rinsing my skin before drying myself off and heading across to my bedroom wrapped in a towel. I then pull out a black skirt, frilly white blouse, and a black knitted shawl to wear. I don’t own a little black dress, something I will need to correct at some point, but this ensemble will do nicely. I put on a clean pair of knickers, and my best white bra. This one isn’t my normal training variety but a regular B-cup. I don’t have enough to fill it, so I insert a couple of foam pads.

Next, I put on my wig and some makeup. I don’t wear a lot, just some lipstick, mascara and eye shadow to enhance my femininity. I then put on the skirt and blouse. I roll a pair of black tights up my legs and slip on my one and only pair of black heeled shoes. They are only a couple of inches, but are most definitely feminine.

It’s taken me twenty minutes to shower and change, probably a lot quicker than most girls getting ready to go out, but still slower than many boys do. I descend the stairs and walk into the kitchen, where my father is waiting. He has also changed into a smarter pair of trousers and shirt from the work wear he was in earlier. We head outside, and instead of the Land Rover, the Jaguar is waiting. My father bought an X-Type diesel second hand at two years old. We use it when we are going somewhere nice and want some comfort. The Land Rover is okay for day-to-day use, but it does get used for everything and isn’t the smartest of vehicles.

We pull up outside of Josh’s house roughly half an hour after the phone call. I get out and make my way to the door as my father waits and watches. I ring the bell and a few seconds later Josh opens the door. I turn and wave to my father and he starts to drive away as I cross the threshold.

“Everybody is out back, hiding,” Josh says and smiles, “come through and I will introduce you to everybody. You look gorgeous. I bet it will take several minutes for them to twig who you are.”

“I doubt it, but let’s see,” I reply.

Josh winks at me and I follow him down the hall, through the kitchen and dining room, out into the conservatory, where six people are sitting talking.

“Was that Simon?” Mike asks as he hears us approach.

“This is my girlfriend, Jasmine,” Josh states, deliberately not answering the question. I step out from behind Josh, who pulls me into a hug as I stand next to him.

“Hi,” I say coyly, “Nice to finally meet you all.”

“Jasmine, these are my parents, Bob and Margret, my aunt and uncle, Luke and Angela, and my cousin Matt,” Josh states, and I smile at each in turn. I notice he has intentionally missed out Mike, who I obviously know anyway. We both stand side by side, waiting for the penny to drop.

“Can I get you a drink?” Bob asks, “We have lemonade, cola, orange juice, or I can boil the kettle for tea or coffee.”

“Lemonade, please,” I reply sweetly. I am trying, and it would appear succeeding, to project a feminine tone. This is something I have practiced, and is almost now second nature. In fact, when in boy mode I consciously have to control my voice to stop sounding so feminine.

There are three settees in the conservatory, with the three couples occupying one each. I notice that a dining chair and a beanbag have been squeezed in. Josh sits down on the beanbag and leans back against the wall behind him, leaving the chair for me. I decide to play the girlfriend role and sit on his knee, leaving the uncomfortable-looking chair for the non-existent expected guest.

Josh pulls me into a hug as I sit on him. I can see him trying not to laugh at the situation. There is an awkward silence until Bob returns and hands me my drink, for which I thank him. It is obvious that I’m not expected, and everybody is wondering what I am doing here. From the glances between Josh’s parents, it would appear that they weren’t aware their son was dating. Although to be fair, we haven’t actually gone on a date yet.

I have positioned myself so that I’m facing Matt and Mike, and I watch them closely, especially my brother, for signs of recognition. The two of them are sitting closely together, leaning into each other. Mike has his arm round his partner’s back. They appear relaxed and the affection between them is obvious. There is no attempt to hide it.

“Matt,” I say, “It’s nice to finally meet you properly. Mike never really got opportunity to introduce us.”

I smile at Mike and wait. I can almost see the cogs turning as he tries to work out who I am. I can’t help myself and start giggling.

“What’s the matter, Mike?” I ask, “Don’t tell me I’ve changed so much that you don’t recognise your own sister?”

“Simon!” Mike replies, surprised.

“I told you he wouldn’t recognise you,” Josh states laughing.

“Okay, you win the bet, I guess I better pay you the kiss I owe you,” I say before pulling him into my embrace. Josh doesn’t flinch; instead, he responds and draws us into a passionate lip lock. It is several minutes before we pull apart. We would have gone on longer, but Bob was politely coughing.

I turn back to the shocked looking Mike, who is now leaning forward and staring in my direction. I can see he is puzzled. He is probably thinking this is another prank, but the kiss has given him doubts. Mike knew about my girlish tendencies. He even knew that I occasionally cross-dressed.

We had an understanding between us when living at home, he wouldn’t mention catching me en-femme, and I wouldn’t mention seeing him snogging Matt. He even bought me the French maid’s outfit last Christmas. To our parents it was a harmless joke on his part, one of a number that we have played on each other over the years, but we both knew that it would be something from which I could get enjoyment.

“Simon,” Mike repeats, “Why are you dressed like that, and how did you get here without anyone seeing?”

“Mike,” I reply, “Please don’t call me Simon, at least not while I’m in girl mode. I much prefer Jasmine, although I occasionally go by Simone. As to how I got here, Dad dropped me off at the door, not that I have any trouble being seen like this.”

“Dad knows you are dressed like that?” Mike replies in surprise.

“Well yes, he brought me here in the Jag. He did ask why I have to wear my skirts so short, but really this isn’t that short,” I answer. The skirt I am wearing ends four inches above my knees. “He is still getting used to having a daughter instead of a son, but he’s coming round fast. I think he had partially realised what was going on before I came out. It’s mum who is taking it the hardest, but she is also trying her best to accept me.”

“I don’t believe it,” Mike states in shock.

“It’s true,” says Josh, “she gave me quite a surprise when she turned up for school on the first day of term. I had seen the class list beforehand and knew that Simon was in my tutor group. When we were taken to the classroom and the name ‘Simone Whittaker’ was called, I didn’t know what was going on. It wasn’t until later in the day that I found out that the lovely lady in front of me attended her previous school as a boy.”

I blush at his description. Josh then adds, “She even blushes the same as any other girl.”

I hit him lightly on the shoulder in retaliation, at which he smiles.

“I thought that after what happened when you came out, that Mum and Dad would never accept me for who I am. Fully expecting a fight, I didn’t tell them what I was doing until after I had already started attending school as a girl. I expected a volcanic eruption, but what I got wasn’t even a puff of smoke,” I explain. “That is thanks to you. Your departure really got them thinking, and having reflected on it, they really regret chucking you out. Outing myself as a transsexual forced them into either accepting me for who I am, or lose both of their children permanently. It didn’t hurt that as I’m younger, they couldn’t as easily evict me.”

The room grows quiet, and I sip on my drink as all eyes fall on Mike and me. I take a few moments looking down to recompose myself before looking back up into Mike’s eyes. The revelation has left me emotionally drained, and a tear escapes my left eye and rolls down my cheek. When I look into Mike’s eyes, I can also see that they aren’t dry. Taking a handkerchief from his pocket, Mike dabs his face.

“You’re saying that they may actually accept me back? I’m not sure I can do that after all that was said. It hurt Si... Jasmine,” Mike replies, swiftly correcting himself as he starts to say my old name. “I don’t know if I want to risk going through that trauma again. I wasn’t even sure if I should see you, but Josh and Matt here convinced me that I shouldn’t shut you out.”

Matt puts his arm round Mike, squeezing him tightly in a hug. He then says, “Mike was deeply upset, although not at all surprised, by the events of his eighteenth birthday. We knew that there might be a problem, and were ready for him to be kicked out. However, having your worst fears realised was distressing for both of us. You are family, and I insisted you be here for a reason.”

Mike grasps his partner’s hand and takes over having regained his composure, “We have an announcement to make. Yesterday we visited the registrar’s office and made the preliminary arrangements to enter a civil partnership together. We’re getting married.”

“Congratulations,” I reply. I am joined by Josh and his parents in congratulating the couple. It would appear Matt’s parents already knew, and this was for the benefit of Matt’s extended family and myself.

We spend the next couple of hours talking, catching up with events. Mike explains what happened since he left home. Starting with how he ended up at the police station after the fight with our father and in his anger, insisted charges were brought. Mike had already come out to Matt’s parents a while before, and they had already made arrangements to stay at Josh’s house should the need arise.

Matt was already staying with his aunt and uncle after a tree fell through the roof of his parents’ house during a storm. Nobody was hurt, but the damage made several rooms uninhabitable and Matt had moved out while repairs were made.

The last time I had seen Mike was briefly when he came to collect his belongings while my parents were out. We didn’t have time to talk, and he was accompanied by a police officer to make sure that nothing happened.

Matt’s parents had acted as guarantors and helped the couple set up home in a flat in Norwich. The original plan was for them to attend University, but that has been put on hold while they take a year out and earn some money. Both of them have been working in the city, Matt as an insurance salesperson, and Mike as a veterinary assistant under an apprenticeship scheme.

I in turn explain what has been happening at home, although I don’t mention my self-surgery or the exact details of how I had to be sedated. I don’t mind Mike knowing, but I’m not as comfortable with the other people present.

At the end of the afternoon, Mike offers to drive me back home. Matt also insists on coming along for support, and in fact ends up driving figuring that Mike may be too distracted to drive safely. I tell both of them that they have nothing to fear from our parents.

I give Josh a farewell kiss at his front door, much to his delight, and his parents’ amusement, before getting into the car with the boys.

We drive along in silence as we approach the farm. It is with some trepidation that Matt pulls into the farmyard. He does a u-turn before pulling up, so that he is pointed the right direction for a quick getaway. I let myself out of the back as the engine is turned off. I open the passenger side door where a nervous Mike is sitting.

“They won’t bite, I promise,” I say as he climbs out of the seat.

I hear the back door open and turn to see both of my parents standing in the doorway, watching. My father has his arm round my mother, and both are looking at us.

“Michael,” my father says, “I’m sorry. I was a fool. It has taken me a while to see it, but I was totally wrong. I know you may not be willing to believe that things could be different, but I would like a second chance.”

Mike has frozen in place at the sight of our parents. Matt comes up alongside him and squeezes his hand in support. I position myself at Mike’s other side, and take his hand in my own so that all three of us are linked.

“Get the kettle on, I think we have some things to discuss,” I say.

“Of course, do come in,” my mother replies, before disappearing back into the kitchen.

My father stands to one side, and I start to walk towards the door, pulling Mike and Matt along with me. We enter the kitchen and I pull the chairs out from under the kitchen table for my brother and his boyfriend. Nervously they sit down, still holding hands. As Mike seems lost for words, I make the introductions. I present Matt as Mike’s boyfriend rather than fiancé - that piece of news I figure should come from the boys themselves. However, I will tell my parents later if they don’t say anything.

“So, Jasmine wasn’t pulling my leg,” Mike finally says, “she really is living as a girl and you are happy with this.”

“How much has she told you?” our mother asks.

“General overview only,” I reply, “I left out the bit where you shot me.”

I grin at the two boys’ shocked reaction, as they try to gauge if I’m joking.

“It was a tranquiliser dart,” my father says softly, “she wasn’t acting rationally. I had scared her so much that after she revealed her secret, she panicked and tried to run away, behaving like a wild animal. When she grabbed a pitchfork and tried to stab us when we got near, I decided that she might harm herself. I fetched the air rifle, and when I came back Jasmine was trying to escape in one of the buggies. Your mother had to jump out of the way in order to avoid being run over. I don’t know where she thought she was going, but I had a dreadful feeling that she might harm herself if she got away. I therefore shot her to calm her down.”

“After what happened to you, I sort of overreacted thinking they would literally kill me,” I add, “I did have an escape plan, having already stockpiled supplies at our old secret hideout, of which they don’t know the location. However, I wasn’t in a fit state of mind to implement it properly.”

The tension in the air is broken by Mike starting to laugh. It starts as a low belly rumble, rises into chuckling, and then breaks out into a full laugh.

“You were always trying to outdo me,” Mike states once he calms down, “not only are you one-upping me on revelations, you also managed to have a bigger bust up as well.”

“In fairness, it was Jasmine doing all the aggression this time,” our mother declares, “we were simply trying to understand what was going on and calm her down.”

“While shocking, it didn’t come as big a surprise like your own coming out,” our father tells Mike, “you caught us completely off guard, and I reacted badly, which I deeply regret. I knew something was bothering Simon, and I suspected he may also be gay. We also knew he liked to cross-dress. When Kevin and James visited, they tricked Simon into dressing up in the French Maid’s outfit you bought him. He was slightly too comfortable in the role. The following weekend he dressed up in it again when asked by some of his girlfriends, again seeming far too relaxed whilst dressed.”

“You seem to accept Simon as Jasmine. Does that now mean you are willing to accept my choice of partner?” Mike asks.

“Yes,” our father replies, “I don’t like your choices of lifestyle, but that is your decision to make and I will respect and support that judgment. I accept that you have stated your preference and I won’t try to interfere.”

“Thank you,” Mike says, “if it makes it any easier for you to accept, the reason why I invited my sibling over earlier was that we had an announcement to make. Matt and I are getting married, or at least the legal equivalent. We intend to join in a civil partnership.”

“Aren’t you a bit young for this?” my mother asks with concern.

“Maybe,” Matt replies, “but we love each other and we don’t think that is likely to change. We have been dating for several years. We are already living together so this is the next logical step. There are also a number of benefits, including being classed as each other’s next of kin.”

“There are also some financial benefits as it becomes easier to set up joint accounts, and when needed, mortgages,” Mike adds, “Also the benefits system is designed to give preference to married couples.”

“Congratulations,” my father declares, “you have my blessing and I hope you’re happy together. I am a firm believer in the institute of marriage, and I don’t care for the modern fashion of not bothering to get married. The government has seen fit to create civil partnerships and give them the same status as marriages, so I’m not going to let my own feelings counter that idea.”

“I fully understand if you don’t want us to attend, but I would like to be there if possible,” our mother tearfully says.

Matt turns to Mike and says, “My family will be there, it’s your call if you want yours.”

“The ceremony is in a fortnight at Ashby hall. Matt did some work there earlier this year and in return, they are giving us a good discount on the use of the venue,” Mike explains. “They had a free slot and we jumped for it. It beats the registry office, which is what we would normally only be able to afford. I would be honoured if you would attend.”

Our parents break out into big smiles and say that they will be delighted. Matt and Mike then start to elaborate on the details of the ceremony. Matt’s family will help with the catering. My parents offer to assist by throwing in some more food, specifically what we can source or provide from the consortium at cost price. My father also enquires as to whether the couple are having a honeymoon, however they reply that they can’t afford one. Our father disappears into the study for a minute and returns with the bookings ledger for the cottages.

“We don’t have any more bookings for the cottages, you are welcome to use one for a short break if you wish. We promise not to disturb you if you want time to yourselves,” my father states, “Also if you intend to invite any other family members, we can potentially put people up if needed. Were you thinking of inviting my brother and his family? I know James and Kevin are a bit dodgy, but they seemed to accept Simon as Jasmine without much trouble. Emily is openly bisexual and Peter and Anne seem to accept that.”

This results in an emotional phone call to our cousins to give them the news, and arrangements are quickly made for them to attend.

After an emotional hour of talking, the couple return home, thankful that peace seems to be prevailing. Overall, the afternoon has gone well. Mike and Matt have accepted me as Jasmine, and they themselves have been accepted by our parents.

They leave shortly before six, heading back to Josh’s for tea. We have our own meal to attend to and settle for a relaxing evening in front of the television.

Monday morning is more relaxed than previous weeks. Now that I don’t have to divert and change at the bunker on the way to school, I have more time in the morning and everything feels less rushed.

After assisting with the milking, I take a shower and dress in my school uniform. I have a clean blouse and skirt to wear today after the washing I did over the last few days. I apply the minimal amount of makeup I wear during the day and make sure my wig is firmly attached.

Securing my helmet to my head, I mount my road bike and cycle out of the farmyard slightly later than I have been doing. Not only do I not now need to stop on the way I can also shave several minutes off by taking the direct route.

I arrive in school in plenty of time. I notice some strange looks and whispers going on around me as I walk through the building. I guess the news about me is starting to spread. This doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. I was fully expecting open hostility towards me, therefore the amount of trouble - or lack of it - which I’m receiving is a refreshing surprise.

I doubt it will last, but for the moment, I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I do however note that the teachers seem to be making their presence known more than usual, especially wherever I seem to be. I think they are expecting trouble.

The morning progresses without incident. While I seem to be the talking point, there is no open hostility. Mary and Alison are keeping tightly by my side wherever possible to make sure there isn’t any danger.

During break and lunch, I am still in detention, which is keeping me away from the general school population and out of possible flash points. While sitting in silence in the detention room over lunch I begin to become apprehensive. I have now caught up with all the outstanding homework and have finished reading the notes from the lessons I missed.

One of the classes I was scheduled to have on Thursday, but didn’t take, was P.E. and this afternoon will be the first time changing with the girls since they found out that I’m not exactly what I appear to be. They voted to allow me to continue to change with them, but as the time draws closer, I become increasingly worried about their reactions when it comes time to strip in front of each other. Will the girls regret their choice in retrospect?

I find it hard to believe that all the girls in my P.E. class are willing to accept me without any complaint and that none of them have bad feelings or want to cause me harm.

By the time afternoon registration comes round, I am starting to become a nervous wreck again. Mary, Alison and Julie all watch me with worried expressions as I sit edgily in my seat as the register is called.

Registration only lasts a few minutes and we are soon heading off to the sports complex to get changed.

Standing waiting to go into the changing room, it feels like all eyes are on me. We are called to order and we form a line, facing the front. I am at the back of the queue and feel relieved that everybody is now looking the opposite direction. The boys are called first and they disappear inside the building. We are called a moment later and Julie leads the assembled girls into the facilities.

I follow up the rear, but as I come to the door marked with the feminine stick figure, I freeze, unable to move forward.