Chapter 1 of 15

Synopsis:

How far would you be willing to go to protect your sister? Find out how far one brother's willing to, to protect his sister.

Editors Note: This new story by SaraUK will be posted weekdays for the next three weeks, Enjoy Sammi

 

Story:

    It was a dull wet day and the rain was falling down hard. A woman stood in the shadow of a tree in the graveyard, as she looked on at another woman placing some flowers on a grave. The woman standing under the tree couldn’t see the other woman’s face, and she didn’t want to risk being seen by anyone when she left her flowers on the same grave. It had been seven years since she’d been back in this town, and she had no real reason to be back here now. The woman at the grave didn’t seem to be in any rush to leave, but she finally did. The woman under the tree finally got a look at the other woman’s face and saw it was Sarah Briton, a girl she use to go to school with. She waited under the tree a little longer, and then put her umbrella up and walked across to the grave, once she knew it was safe to do so without anyone seeing her there.

    The grave was being well looked after, she thought that Sarah must come quite a bit and keep it this way. She looked at the grave and read the text on the headstone. The headstone read.

Here lies Alex Farrey

Born 1987

Died 2003.

    The woman was about to speak to the grave, when she heard a woman’s voice speaking to her. She turned around looking a little worried, and saw it was Sarah Briton stood there looking at her.

    “I’m sorry to bother you, but I left my umbrella.” Sarah said to the woman, and then she looked a little closer at this woman’s face. “Alice? Alice Farrey, is that you?”

    “Yes it is. Hello Sarah.” Alice said, as she stood up again, and turned to face Sarah. “Are you the one that’s been keeping Alex’s grave clean?” Alice asked.

    “Yes. Someone had too. You and your parents didn’t seem to give a damn about doing it.” Sarah snapped. Sarah hadn’t seen any of them since the trouble seven years ago that led to Alex’s death.

    “I’ve tried to come back here so many times, but it was just too hard for me to do.” Alice said, as she looked down at the ground, not able to look Sarah in the eyes, for more than one reason.

    “I thought getting back here and leaving flowers on his grave is the least you could do after what he did for you.” Sarah snapped again.

    “I’m sorry if my being here is upsetting you Sarah. I’ll leave.” Alice said, as she turned to walk away after placing the flowers down next to the ones Sarah had left. She thought she could cope with this, but seeing Sarah again after seven years was still too hard for her to deal with.

    “No, Stop. Alex doesn’t get many visitors, so please stop and talk to him for a little bit. I know he’d like that, and I have to be getting to work anyway.” Sarah said, just before she picked up her umbrella and walked away.

    Alice stood and watched Sarah walk away, she wished that they could still be friends, but that was never going to happen. Not after all the trouble from Seven years ago. Alice crouched down and looked at the head stone again, and thought back to when Alex was still around.

 

Seven Years Earlier

    Alex was sat in detention watching the clock go round, and wondering if the hour would end before or after he lost his mind. He’d been put in detention for getting in trouble again, this happened all the time. Alex was one half of twins; he had a sister called Alice, which was his identical twin. The problem for Alex was that he looked like Alice. They both stood at just over five feet tall, and were always getting picked on for their small size. Well Alex got picked on for his small size, or people tried to pick on him. That’s why he spent a lot of time in detention. Alex also got into trouble helping to keep Alice safe from being picked on, that’s what got him in trouble this time.

    Alice had just finished getting some books out her locker, when a couple of bullies singled her out, but before they could get too close to her, they were covered in white powder from a fire extinguisher that Alex had set off by accident, or that’s how he tried to make it look. The principle had other ideas and that’s why he ended up sat watching the clock tick around. The bell finally went off and he was free to leave and head home.

    Alex was surprised to see Alice stood outside waiting for him. “Hi sis. How come you’ve waited for me?”

    “Hey bro, I thought I’d keep you company on the ride home. And I wanted to thank you for helping me out with them bullies again.” Alice said with a smile, as they started walked off school grounds.

    “Don’t mention it sis. I just wish I’d been able to stop them without getting in trouble.” Alex sighed. “Dad will have a fit when he hears about this.” Alex added with a frown.

    “I’m sorry that you keep getting in trouble because of me Alex.” Alice said looking sad.

    “I don’t blame you for any of this Alice. I know I get a lot of stick from everyone because I look like your twin, but I don’t blame you for it.” Alex smiled. “I think its fun some of the time.” Alex added with a grin.

    Alex and Alice shared a little secret, that as far as they knew, no one else knew about. Alex liked to dress in his sisters clothes and play at being real identical twins. Alice had come home from the library one day while they were on holiday from school, and found Alex sat in her bedroom wearing her clothes.

    Alice spent a lot of time at the library, and their mum and dad worked long hours. This meant that Alex had the house to himself a lot while they were on holiday, but this day Alice had come home early due to a couple of kids from school turning up at the library. They’d started teasing Alice, so she left. Alice was super smart, and she knew that Alex could be as well; if he wasn’t getting in trouble so much trying to prove he was something he wasn’t.

    Alex jumped up and looked like a deer in the headlights of a large truck when he heard his sister’s voice from the doorway. “Alice! What you doing back so early?” Alex asked with fear in his voice.

    “I think I should be the one asking the questions, don’t you?” Alice asked, as she walked into her room and sat on the bed, as she indicated for Alex to sit next to her.

    “I’m sorry Alice. Please don’t tell mum and dad, I promise I’ll never do it again.” Alex said close to tears. “I just see you in all those pretty dresses that mum brought you, and I want to look just as pretty.” Alex added, as he finally let the tears flow.

    “I’d never tell mum and dad about this. You’ve saved my life more times than I could ever repay, and I love the idea of having a sister to do stuff with.” Alice smiled, as she pulled Alex into her for a hug, as he cried on her shoulder. Alice had the feeling that Alex was finally getting a load off his chest with them tears.

    They sat on Alice’s bed and talked for a couple of hours about Alex and his dressing in her clothes. After that day, Alice spent very little time at the library; she would help Alex become her twin sister. They started going shopping together like that. Alex would leave the house dressed as Alice, and then Alice would leave ten minutes later. They would meet up in the next town over, where nobody would know them. That was just over a year ago, and so far they hadn’t been caught.

*****

    “I’m lucky to have a Guardian Angel, brother, sister, and best friend all in one little package.” Alice giggled, as they stood waiting for the bus home.

    “Thanks sis, I’m the lucky one having you for a sister though.” Alex said with a smile. “I can live with getting in trouble with mum and dad, just as long as it keeps you safe.” Alex added, as he gave his sister’s hand a squeeze, just before the bus arrived to take them home.

    Alex groaned when he saw his dad’s car parked on the drive when they walked around the corner. Alice heard him groan, and gave his hand a squeeze this time. “Just let him give you the speech, and say sorry before going to your room to do your homework.” Alice tried to advise him.

    “I’ll try sis, but he just gets me so mad when he starts going on about why can’t you be more like your sister. I just feel like screaming at him I wish I was more like you. I wonder how he’d take that.” Alex said with a sick little chuckle.

    “Please don’t do that Alex. I love having my sister to go shopping with.” Alice said looking worried. “Dad would never understand your need to be a girl.” Alice pleaded.

    “Don’t worry Alice, I won’t let it slip.” Alex smiled. “I love shopping and doing all the other fun stuff only two sisters’ can do when we get the house to ourselves.” Alex said with a grin.

    Alice got to the front door first, and put her hand on the door handle and looked at Alex before she opened it and walked in with Alex close behind. Their father was sat in the living room looking straight at the front door.

    “What time do you call this Alice? You should have been home over an hour ago.” Their father asked, but Alice already knew he had the answer by the way he was looking at Alex.

    “I’m sorry dad, but I had to have a word with one of my teachers, and then I waited for Alex. I thought it safer for us both to come home together.” Alice said with a smile.

    “Okay Alice. Go to your room and make a start on your homework while I have a word with your brother.” Their father said, as he turned his attention towards Alex.

    “Okay daddy, I’ll be back down later to start dinner.” Alice said, as she left the room and went up to her room. She gave Alex a sad look as she walked past him.

    “I got a call from your principal this afternoon. I’m beginning to think he has my office number on speed dial.” His father said looking frustrated.

    “I’m sorry dad, but I...”

    “I don’t want to hear it Alex! When are you going to stop screwing up?” His father asked. “Why can’t you be more like your sister? I know you’re smart enough, but you can’t keep out of trouble.”

    “It was just an accident dad, I leaned on it, and it went off.” Alex tried to lie his way out of trouble.

    “I really don’t want to hear it Alex. You’re grounded for two weeks, that also means no video games, and I want you home right after school. Now go to your room and do your homework.”

    “Yes dad.” Alex whined, as he picked up his backpack and went up to his room. “Great, two weeks of being stuck in the house.” Alex thought to himself as he walked up the stairs.

    Alice had her bedroom door open when Alex walked past. “How bad was it?”

    “I’m grounded for the next two weeks.” Alex said with a groan. “And no playstation either.” Alex added with an even bigger groan. Alex loved playing on his game system, so that would hurt the most.

    “I’m sorry Alex, maybe you should have let them do whatever they wanted to do to me.” Alice said looking sad.

    “Do you really think I’d do that? No one does anything to you if I can help it.” Alex said with pride. “I will always be there to protect you sis.” Alex smiled, just before he went to his own room to make a start on his homework.

    Alice had already done her homework, so she followed Alex to his bedroom, and sat on the spare chair next to his desk, and kept him company while he did his homework.

    “Maybe I should tell dad what you were doing? He might let you off.” Alice said.

    “He might, but then he’d be on the phone to the school, and you’d have even more trouble with them, and any other kid that thinks you’re easy pickings.” Alex pointed out. “I can live with the punishment, and the bullies may leave you alone, and focus on me for a short while.” Alex added with a grin.

    “That doesn’t make me feel any better Alex.” Alice sounded worried.

    “Don’t look so worried Alice; you know that I have friends looking out for me.” Alex smiled, as he put his hand on Alice’s.

    Alex had helped other kids at school when they had trouble with bullies and other kids that thought it was fun to make life hell for the normal kids. So he had a good group of friends willing to help out where they can. Two of them were Bill and Ted, or that’s the nicknames Alex gave them. They both called everyone dude, and go wow, a lot. They both thought the nicknames were cool, so it kind of stuck.

    Bill and Ted could hack almost any computer system, and were a whiz with video editing. They had helped keep Alex out of trouble more times than he could count. Alex had stopped them both getting bullied once, and the friendship was formed. Now they loved helping Alex get even with them all from the background.

    Alex was glad that Bill and Ted were friends. They had most the school bugged and could find out almost any information they wanted. Alex either found them in the basement at each other’s houses, or in the computer room at the school, but they were always just a phone call away. Due to them having the school bugged, they could let Alex know if someone was having any trouble. Alex would then come up with a plan to help that person out.

    That’s how Alex had found out about the two bullies going after Alice earlier in the day. He’d not had time to come up with a better plan to stop them, and that’s why he’d ended up in detention for it.

    Alice sat with Alex until he finished his homework, and then Alex went down to help Alice start dinner. In some hope of getting on his dad’s good side again. They had dinner ready just as their mum got home.

    “Hello dears. Dinner smells nice.” Their mum said, as she kissed them both on the cheek, before going to the living room to say hello to her husband.

    Alice and Alex set the table and then dished up the food before Alice went to tell mum and dad dinner was ready. Mum gave Alex a disappointed look as she came back into the kitchen, so he knew that dad had filled her in on the trouble at school.

    “Why do you feel the need to get in so much trouble Alex?” Mum asked. “You test well, and I know you don’t struggle with the classes, so why do you feel the need to get in so much trouble?” She asked with a pleading to her voice.

    “I don’t do it on purpose mum, just the wrong place at the wrong time... I guess. I’m sorry for all the trouble.” Alex said, as he looked sorry for himself.

    “I’ll let it drop now Alex, your dad’s dealt with it, so we’ll move on.” Mum said, as she started eating her dinner.

    Mum and dad enjoyed dinner, and then went back to the living room to relax, while Alex helped Alice clean up the kitchen. Then Alex went up to his room and crashed out on the bed with a book until Alice came in and then they sat and watched a film until bedtime.

    The next couple of days were quiet at school, and Alice didn’t have any trouble with the bullies. Alex had Bill and Ted keep an eye on her when he couldn’t. By Friday afternoon, Alex and Alice were glad to be finishing school and going home.

    “Did you have any trouble today sis?”

    “No, but there is a game tonight, so I think they had other things on their minds than picking on me.” Alice smiled. “You know how they struggle to do more than one thing at a time bro.” Alice giggled.

    “Be grateful for small mercies, or small minded people.” Alex giggled.

    “You got any plans for the weekend?” Alice asked, as they got off the school bus at the end of their street.

    “Grounded remember, and no playstation, so I’ll be reading and watching TV all weekend.” Alex said with a sigh.

    “Sorry Alex, I’d forgotten all about that.”

    “Don’t worry about it sis.” Alex chuckled. “With luck, your sister might be able to visit, if mum and dad end up working.” Alex added with a grin.

    “That would be great if she could.” Alice said looking excited.

    “I wouldn’t get to excited yet sis, dad may work from home this weekend just to make sure I don’t go out.” Alex frowned.

    “I can’t see dad doing that, he’ll just call home a couple of times through the day to see if you’re there, like he’s done in the past.” Alice said, as she waved off the idea of her dad stopping at home, or she hopped it was. Alice really wanted to spend some time with her twin sister.

    “Keep your fingers crossed then sis that he doesn’t stay at home.” Alex said with a smile when he saw the hope in his sister’s eyes.

    Mum and dad were still at work when Alex and Alice got home, so they both sat at the kitchen table to do their homework. Once that was done they set to work making dinner, and it was ready when their parents got home.

    They both had good paying jobs with the same company, so Alex and Alice never wanted for anything, and this is one of the reasons other kids picked on them. Mum and dad were strict with their punishment, but they also never took it any further than that. Proof of that was clear when their dad sat telling them about some knew computer software the company was working on. It sounded pretty cool, Alex and Alice were smart enough to follow what he was saying, and even offer advice when he got stuck on something.

    “I need to go into the office tomorrow, so I trust you not to disobey my orders, and go out after me and your mother leave.” Their father said to Alex.

    “I’d never do that dad. I know I’m grounded for another week yet.”

    “I was talking to your mother last night, and she thinks I may have been a little hard on you over the length of time I grounded you for. So come Monday, you’re no longer grounded.” Dad said with a smile. “But please try and keep out of trouble from now on.”

    “I’ll try dad, I really will.” Alex said looking happier now his grounding would be over come Monday. He also noticed Alice smile at their mum just as he was speaking to dad. He had a pretty good idea that Alice had spoke with mum, but he wondered just how much of what happened the other day she’d told mum.

    Alex was sat on his bed reading one of the women’s magazines that mum gave Alice after she’d done with them, when Alice poked her head round the door. Alex wasn’t worried about being caught with the magazine, as he had it hidden inside one of his computer magazines.

    “Hi Alex, do you mind if I come in and sit with you?” Alice asked with a smile.

    “I’ve never stopped you yet sis, I’m not about to start now.” Alex closed the magazine and put it down on the table next to his bed. “Is everything alright sis?” Alex asked when he saw the worried look on his sister’s face.

    “I’m worried that you might be mad with me.” Alice said, as she still remained standing near the door.

    “Why would I be mad with you sis?”

    “Because I spoke to mum, and got her to talk dad into reducing your grounding.”

    “That depends on how much you told mum about what happed the other day, and all the other stuff we get up to while they’re both at work.” Alex asked.

    “I just told mum that you were stopping some boys from picking on me. I made her promise not to say anything to dad, and not to contact the school.” Alice said, as she ran over to the bed looking a little hurt that Alex could think she’d ever tell anyone about her twin sister. “I hope you don’t think I’d say anything about my sister.”

    “I don’t know what to think dear sister. Before today, I never thought you’d go to mum behind my back.” Alex said with a raised eyebrow.

    “This is the first time I’ve ever gone behind your back Alex... please believe me.” Alice pleaded with her brother.

    “I believe you sister, but please be careful what you say to mum, just in case she does end up telling dad. He’d be straight on the phone, or going to see the principle.” Alex said, as he looked Alice straight in the eyes to make sure she understood what he was trying to say.

    “I will Alexis.” Alice said with a grin, as she used the female name she used for Alex. “Speaking of Alexis, will we be seeing her tomorrow? Now we know that mum and dad will be working.”

    “Do you really love spending time with your sister that much?” Alex asked with a grin.

    “You know I do Alexis” Alice said with an even bigger grin. “Does that mean she’ll be visiting for the day then?” Alice asked looking hopeful.

    “Who am I to disappoint my twin sister?” Alex smiled.

    Alice clapped her hands together, as she giggled, and wrapped her arms around Alex and hugged him. Alex was soon joining in, and doing a perfect impression of his sister. Alice use to find it scary, how Alex could copy her voice, but now she was glad he could. Alex had even fooled mum and dad on the phone a couple of times, when they rang home to say they’d be late getting home.

*****

    Alex was just sitting up in bed the next morning when Alice ran into the room and jumped on the bed next to him. “Morning sis.” Alex said, as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

    “Good morning Alexis.” Alice said with a grin.

    “I take it mum and dad have left for work then?” Alex asked when he heard her use his female name.

    “Yes, I just watched mum leave, and dad left just over half an hour ago now.” Alice said with a grin. “Can I help you get ready?” Alice asked.

    “Sure sis, but I think I’m able to take a shower on my own.” Alex said, as he slid out of bed.

    “Okay, I’ll go and get some clothes out ready for you.” Alice said, as she slid off the bed and ran off to her bedroom.

    Alex smiled as he watched his sister leave his room looking like a small child on Christmas morning. Alex knew that Alice loved having Alexis around, just as much as he liked becoming her. Alex was a member of the swim team, so he had a reason to shave his body hair, not that he had much in the first place. The fact that he wasn’t growing like his friends used to bother him, but since Alice found out his secret, he’d been glad he hasn’t.

    Once Alex had done in the shower, and washed his hair, he made his way to Alice’s bedroom to become Alexis. He’d started growing his hair just after Alice found out about him, and now it came down to just past his shoulders. Alice was able to style it to look just like hers now.

    Alexis had her own underwear, but she kept it in Alice’s room, just in case mum or dad found it. This cut down on any risk of them finding out about her. Thanks to Alice being the good daughter, mum and dad had given her a credit card and a much bigger allowance than Alex had, but she loved treating Alexis to gifts when they went to the mall’s shopping. Alice had treated Alexis to a pair of breast forms on one of the shopping trips.

    Alice had everything laid out on her bed when Alex got to her room. The first thing Alex put on was the bra and panty set, they were a soft pink in colour and heaven to wear. Once he had them on, Alice helped him pop the breast forms in. They never glued the forms on, just in case he had to change in a hurry, but he still felt like Alexis the minute he felt the extra weight on his chest. Alice only had small breast, so they got breast forms to match hers.

    Next thing for Alexis to add was a short pink flared skirt, and a white silk top. Then Alice sat Alexis down so she could style her hair, and add a little makeup to finish off the look. The last bit to be added to the look was a pair of shoes. Alice ran over to her closet and came back with a pair of white sandals that Alexis had never seen before.

    “I’ve never seen them sandals before.” Alexis said, sounding just like Alice when she said it.

    “I brought them for you the other day, as a thank you for helping me, and a sorry that you got grounded doing it.” Alice smiled, as she knelt down and helped Alexis put the sandals on.

    “Thanks Alice, I love them.” Alexis said, sounding just like Alice again.

    Alexis sat on the bed and watched Alice finish getting ready in a similar outfit to the one Alexis was wearing. Once Alice was finished, she pulled Alexis to her feet and they stood side by side looking in the full-length mirror on the inside of Alice’s closet door. Gone were the brother and sister that everyone saw at school and out with their parents, and in their place were twin girl’s wearing similar outfits stood side by side.

    “It’s really great to have my twin sister visiting for the day.” Alice said, as she looked at Alexis in the mirror.

    Alex looked in the mirror, and saw Alice and Alexis looking back. Two cute looking girls with shoulder length blond hair and a slim figure. Alex loved being Alexis, and being with Alice, he wished he could just be Alexis all the time, but he knew that mum and dad would never understand. Not to mention the trouble he’d have at school, it was bad enough now with people thinking he looked like his sister. They would never understand if he turned up at school dressed like her. This is the best he could do for the time being.

    “Thanks for helping me do this Alice.” Alexis smiled, sounding just like Alice still. This voice felt more natural than his male voice, so it was easy becoming Alexis when wearing a dress or girls clothes of any sort.

    “Anytime sis.” Alice smiled. “Do you want to go down and get some breakfast?” Alice asked.

    “MMM... sounds like a great idea.” Alexis said, as she took hold of Alice’s hand, and then skipped out her room and went down to the kitchen.

    Alice and Alexis set to work and soon sat down at the kitchen table eating French toast. Then they washed the dishes and put them away again, before Alexis helped Alice get the housework done.

    Alexis couldn’t get use to how happy Alice always looked when he was dressed as her sister. Alex worried about Alice, and how she never tried to make friends with anyone. That was one reason she was always being picked on, and being forced to help, or more forced to do the homework for other kids in school.

    They ended up in Alice’s room later in the day having a fashion show. Alexis was getting thirsty so she went down to get them both a drink, while Alice started putting the clothes away again, she heard a car door being closed. When she looked out her bedroom window, she saw their dad’s car on the driveway. Alice didn’t have time to warn Alexis, she ran to the end of the hallway, and stopped at the top of the stairs when she heard her dad say hello to her, or to Alexis, who he thought was her.

    Alexis was just walking back towards the kitchen door that led to the hallway and the stairs, when he saw his dad walking in the side door. Alexis froze looking scared.

    “Hi Alice, you’re looking lovely today.” Dad smiled. “I trust your brother is around here some place?” His dad asked.

    Alex was shocked when his dad didn’t realise he wasn’t Alice, so he thought he’d push his luck a little further by seeing if he could fool dad with his female voice.

    “I think he’s in his room. He said something about taking a shower. He got a little sweaty helping me do the housework.” Alexis said a little louder, hoping that Alice was close enough to hear and understand what he was trying to say.

    Alice heard what Alexis said, and understood, so she ran back down the hallway and then went into Alex’s room and closed the bathroom door before turning on the shower.

    “Has he got you running around making him drinks now as well?” Dad asked Alexis thinking she was Alice. “You’re too good to him you know.” Dad added, just as he heard the shower in Alex’s bathroom go on. “But I’m glad to hear you got him helping you around the house.” He added.

    “I really don’t mind daddy, he made lunch for me.” Alexis said in her best Alice voice. “I wish you wouldn’t give him such a hard time daddy. He’s a great brother, and does more around the house than most boys would do.” Alex knew he was taking a big risk, but he thought what the hell.

    “I know he’s a good kid Alice, but he’s always getting in trouble. I just wish he’d knuckle down and get his act together.” Dad said with a sigh. “I better let you go, or those drinks will get warm.” Dad added, as he saw Alice holding the two cold drinks in her hands.

    “Okay, thanks daddy. I’ll see you later when Alex and I come down to make dinner.” Alexis said, hoping that dad was still buying him being Alice.

    “Okay dear, see you later.” Dad said, as he went to the living room to sit down and read the paper.

    Alexis wanted to run up the stairs to get away from her dad, but that would look wrong, Alice never ran in the house, but Alex did. So Alexis took a normal paced walk back up the stairs and then walked down to Alice’s room, then she left the drink for Alice on her desk before going back to Alex’s room so he could get changed back.

    “Alice it’s me.” Alex said in his normal voice, as he tapped on the bathroom door in his room.

    Alice slowly opened the bathroom door with a worried look on her face. “How did you get away from dad without him not realising it was you?” Alice asked in a whisper.

    “I guess I look more like you than we both thought.” Alex said with a sigh. “I better take a shower and see about getting changed. You better take these clothes and change into them as well.” Alex added, as he slipped off the top and then the skirt.

    “Do you think dad was taking that much notice of what you were wearing?”

    “Not sure, but I don’t want to take any chances sis, so please just do as I ask.” Alex said, as he stood in his bedroom dressed in a pink bra and panties and wearing a pair of white sandals. “I’ll drop the other bits back in with you later, once I’ve taken a shower.” Alex added, as he ran off into his bathroom before their dad came up. Alice walked back down to her own room to get changed and then finish putting the clothes away.

    Alex slipped the breast forms out his bra, and then removed the bra and panties before bending over to remove the sandals. Once he was stood naked in his bathroom, he jumped in the shower and washed off the makeup, and removed the style that Alice had added to his hair to make it look like hers. Alex started to shake, as he thought how close he’s just come to his dad meeting Alexis, the second daughter he never knew he had.

    Once he’d finished in the shower, Alex went back to his room and grabbed some of his normal underwear before slipping on a T-shirt, and some sweat pants. He grabbed the remaining items from the bathroom and poked his head out his bedroom door before running down the hallway and into Alice’s room.

    Alice was stood waiting to take the items off Alex, and put them away again in the hiding place at the back of her closet. She then returned to the bed where Alex had collapsed on her bed with a sigh.

    “That was a close call sis. I can’t believe he didn’t realise I wasn’t you.” Alex finally said looking shocked.

    “I could hear you talking to dad, well until I heard you talking about you taking a shower. You sounded just like me the whole time.” Alice was grinning as she said it.

    “We’re lucky it wasn’t mum that got home early, she never would have believed it was you.” Alex said with a worried look.

    “That’s true bro, mum is a little more switched on when it comes to how I look and dress.” Alice said in agreement.

    Alice took a closer look at Alex’s face, and she could still see a trace of makeup on there, so she ran over to her dressing table to grab a wipe to remove it.

    “Sorry bro, but you missed a little makeup when you were in the shower.” Alice said, as she sat down on the bed again, and started wiping Alex’s face to remove the last of the makeup. “Let’s not give dad any reason to question who he was talking to in the kitchen earlier.” Alice added with a smile.

    “Thanks sis. That would have been a dead giveaway. Not to mention it would have got mum thinking as well, even if dad missed it.” Alex said with a worried look, and he let Alice wipe his face.

    “There you go bro, all gone.” Alice smiled, as she threw the wipe in the waste basket at the side of her bed. “Did you have a good time today as Alexis?” Alice asked looking hopeful.

    “I had a really good time sis, and thank you for the shoes. I loved them.” Alex smiled. He wanted to hug his sister, but thought it a little weird while being dressed as her brother.

    Alice could sense that Alex wanted to hug her, but was worried about it, so she wrapped her arms around him instead. “You will always be Alexis to me, no matter what you look like on the outside sister.” Alice whispered in his ear.

    “Thanks Alice. Its nice being your sister, I just wish I could always be her for you.” Alex said looking sad.

    “Maybe you should sit down with mum and dad, so you can tell them how you feel.” Alice said. “They may be a little shocked, but I think they would understand, and help you work it all out.” Alice added.

    “I’m not so sure sis, so I’ll keep it between us for now.” Alex said with a worried look. He wasn’t as sure as Alice when it came to expecting mum and dad understanding his feelings.

    “The choice is yours bro. You’ll always have me to lean on.” Alice smiled, as she leaned against Alex, and rested her head on his shoulder.

    “That’s enough for me right now.” Alex said, as he rested his head on the top of Alice’s.

    The two of them sat like that for a little bit while Alex calmed down from the close call with his dad, then they decided to go down and make a start on dinner.

    Alex was a little nervous as they entered the living room on the way to the kitchen. Alex was waiting for his dad to turn around and ask him why he was pretending to be his sister earlier, but dad just looked up and smiled as they went to the kitchen.

    “I’m glad to see you helping your sister sort out dinner.”

    “I always help Alice with dinner.” Alex snapped.

    Alice put her hand on Alex’s arm to stop him upsetting dad so close to his grounding coming to an end. “Please Alex; don’t let him get to you.” Alice said in a whisper as she pulled Alex into the kitchen.

    Alex took a couple of deep breaths and then smiled at Alice before going to the fridge to get the things out to start dinner.

    “Thanks for stopping me getting into another argument with dad. I don’t know why I let him get to me so much.” Alex said in a whisper, as he helped Alice set the table.

    Dinner was ready by the time mum got home from work, so Alice and Alex brought it all to the table and then they sat and ate. Dad had the odd little pop at Alex, but Alex didn’t bite. Alice was proud of Alex for that.

    “As I think you did most of the work on dinner Alice, Alex, you can do the dishes.” Dad said when they’d finished eating.

    “We both did the same amount of work on dinner Daddy, so I won’t leave him to do all the dishes on his own.” Alice said, as she got up and started clearing the table with Alex.

    Dad wanted to stop her, but knew that Alice could be just as stubborn as her mother once she got an idea in her head, so he just got up and went back to reading the paper in the living room.

    “Thanks for a lovely dinner you two.” Mum said, as she gave them both a kiss on the cheek before leaving to go and get changed out of her work clothes.

    Alice saw her get a strange look on her face, as she stepped back after kissing Alex on the cheek. Alice waited for mum to leave the room before walking over and sniffing Alex’s cheek. “I think we might have a problem with mum Alex.”

    “Why... What do you mean?” Alex asked with a worried look.

    “Mum had a strange look on her face, as she stepped back after kissing your cheek, so I just sniffed your cheek and I can smell the makeup removal wipes on you.” Alice said looking just as worried as Alex was now. “We better start being a lot more careful around mum from now on.” Alice added.

    “Do you think?” Alex said with sarcasm in his voice. Alice just put her hands on her hips and tilted her head to one side. “Sorry sis, but it’s a little bit of a shock to find out mum might know about Alexis.” Alex said in a whisper.

    “Okay, I’ll let you off this time bro.”

    They finished cleaning up in the kitchen and then went up to their bedrooms for the rest of the night.

    Alex went to his bathroom and washed his face with some soap and water, so he could remove the smell of the wipe Alice used on him. Then he crashed out on his bed flicking around the TV channels, as he tried to find something worth watching. He looked up when he heard a knock on his bedroom door, and saw mum stood there looking at him.

    “Hi mum. Is everything okay?”

    “Hello dear. I hear that your father told you about the grounding being ended early.”

    “Yes, I really want to thank you for having a word with him for me mum.” Alex smiled, as he turned the TV off and sat up to chat with his mum.

    “Alice told me what really happened, and I can understand you not wanting to tell your dad because he’d be straight down the school reading them the riot act. This would only make life even harder for Alice and yourself.” Mum smiled, as she sat on the bed next to Alex.

    Alex was glad he’d used the soap and water after getting back up stairs, as mum leaned over and gave him another kiss on the cheek. He was sure mum was trying to see if she could smell anything on him still.

    “I’m sorry for getting in trouble mum, but I wasn’t going to let anyone pick on Alice.” Alex said, as he slid away from his mum a little bit, getting worried she’d worked out what he’d been doing while they were out at work.

    “I’m glad that you and Alice get on so well. Most brothers would be happy to let their sisters get picked on.” Mum smiled, as she played with his hair. “You’re dad will be nagging at you to get this cut soon.” She added with a smile.

    “Dad’s not happy unless he’s nagging at me about something mum.” Alex said with a roll of his eyes.

    “True. So what did you get up to today then?” Mum asked.

    “Not much, I was grounded remember.” Alex said with a frown. “I just sat reading, and helped Alice do some cleaning.” Alex added.

    “Okay dear, I’ll leave you in peace then.” Mum said, as she leaned over to give him another kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for helping your sister out with the cleaning today as well.” She added with a smile, as she got off the bed and left the room.

    Mum hadn’t been gone long, when Alex saw Alice enter his room with a worried look on her face. “What did mum want Alex?”

    “She said she just wanted to thank me for what I did to help you out at school, but I think she was also trying to work out if she did smell anything on my face earlier or not.” Alex said looking worried. “I used some soap and water when I got back up stairs after dinner, so I’m hoping she didn’t smell anything. I’ll have to be really careful from now on though sis.”

    “Does this mean you won’t be dressing as Alexis anymore?” Alice asked looking worried.

    “I never said that sis, but we will have to cover our tracks better when I do become your sister in the future.” Alex smiled.

    Alice smiled again, and then she crashed out on the bed next to Alex, as he found a movie to watch. Alex knew that Alice still thought of him as her twin sister even when he was dressed as her brother. He was happy to just be himself without worrying what anyone thought at times like this.

*****

    Just as his dad had promised, Alex’s grounding ended on the Monday, and he got the controllers back for his playstation. So he spent a couple of nights shooting and racing things. He hadn’t spoke to Alice much at home, and she’d been quiet on the bus ride home, so he quit playing on his game on the Wednesday night to go and make sure she was okay. He walked down to her room and knocked on the door, and then entered without waiting for her to say enter, just like he always did.

    “Hi sis. Is everything okay? You seemed really quiet on the ride home tonight.” Alex asked, as he watched Alice trying to hide whatever homework she was working on. Alex thought it odd for Alice to still be working on her homework at this hour in the evening.

     “Do you never wait for me to let you know it’s safe to enter Alex? I could have been naked for all you knew.” Alice snapped.

    Now Alex knew that something was wrong. Alice only ever snapped at him when she was worried about something. He walked over and moved her hand aside, so he could pull out the homework she was working on. “What the hell is this sis?” Alex asked, as he held up the English paper. “Whose home work are you doing? I know it’s not yours, as you are well beyond this level.”

    Alice just sat at her desk, looking down at the floor for a couple of seconds before she answered him. “It’s Damon Cartwright’s homework, and I have a second one to write for his team mate Paul Smith. They said they would beat you up if I didn’t do their homework for them.” Alice said with a worried look.

    “Do you think for one minute that I’m afraid of them jocks?” Alex said, as he slammed the paper back down on the desk. “We’ll show them not to mess with either of us.” Alex said with a grin.

    “What do you have in mind Alex?” Alice asked looking even more worried now. “I don’t mind doing it, if just to keep them from beating you up.”

    “They must be failing the class, or they would have found someone else to sort out the paper for them. So I’ll help you do the homework, and when they fail the class they will be kicked off the team.” Alex smiled.

    “But that will make them mad, and then they will come and hurt me and you for what we did.” Alice looked scared as she said it.

    “You’ll be safe sis. They will come after me, and I have a couple of tricks to keep them busy.”

    Alice wasn’t keen on Alex’s plan to teach Damon and Paul a lesson, but once Alex made his mind up, it was hard to talk him out of it, so she let Alex pull up a chair so they could work together on doing a poor job of their English homework for them.

    They soon had it done, and Alice had to laugh at some of the stuff they put down in it. She knew that the teacher would know right away that they never wrote it, and it was all wrong as well.

    “Thanks for the help, and I’m sorry for not coming to you after they cornered me with it.” Alice said, as she packed it all away again in her school bag.

    “I don’t like the idea of letting you hand over the homework sis.” Alex said looking worried for his sister.

    “We don’t have much choice in it Alex. They will know something is wrong if you meet with them.”

    Alex looked to be deep in thought, as he tried to think of some way to keep Alice away from Damon and Paul. Then his face lit up, as he had an idea. “I’ve got it sis. You will meet with them tomorrow, but it won’t be you meeting them. I’ll do it, dressed as you.” Alex said with a grin.

    “Are you crazy?” Alice asked with a shocked look on her face. She could tell by the look on his face that he really meant what he just said. “It’s one thing to trick dad, but you’re talking about being in school dressed as me. What am I suppose to do while you’re walking around school?”

    “If we can fool dad, then we won’t have any trouble tricking them two morons.” Alex said sounding confident. “We’ll take one of your spare school uniforms to school, and I’ll meet you in one of the girl’s toilets and change into you, then I’ll leave you waiting in the toilets until I’ve given them the homework. That way, no one will see two of you walking around the school.” Alex added.

    “You make it all sound so easy bro, but you’re the one taking all the risks, and I don’t want to be the one to face them, but I don’t want it to be you facing them either.” Alice looked scared as she said it. “We’ll go along with your plan.” Alice said with a sigh, as she still wasn’t sure his plan would work.

    Alex helped Alice put a second school uniform together, so he could look just like she did, and then she put some of her makeup and hair products in a bag, so she could do something with his hair. Once they had everything packed in their school bags, they both called it a night and went to bed.

 

To Be Continued Tomorrow  

 

Story by SaraUK

 

Edited and Posted by SamanthaK