Part 38

Previously...

    Chrissy and the others were in the house trying to keep out the way, but also keeping an eye on things from a distance. They did have a steady stream of children wandering in and out to use the bathrooms downstairs, but they had closed the doors to prevent any of the guests wandering around the house. Chrissy looked a little puzzled when she saw that the doors from the pool room into the hallway were open a little bit, so she went to make sure some of the children hadn’t decided to find a bedroom.

    She got to the top of the stairs and couldn’t hear anyone up there, but she wandered up and down the hallways checking to make sure all the doors to the bedrooms were shut. They all were apart from Lianna’s bedroom door, that one was open just a crack, so Chrissy sneaked over and pushed it open slowly to see if she might catch a couple of kids making out on the bed, but what she found made her smile as it reminded her of being young herself.

    Chrissy had found a young boy stood in front of Lianna’s full-length mirror holding up one of Lianna’s dresses to himself as he danced around looking at himself.

    The door was still swinging open and it made a faint creak at one point which made the boy spin around and look right at Chrissy with fear in his eyes. He threw the dress back on the bed where he’d found it and tried to run from the bedroom, but Chrissy was blocking his path and she easily stopped him and then hugged him as he started sobbing how sorry he was.

     “I think you’ve got some explaining to do.” Chrissy said as she led the boy over to the bed and sat him down before she sat down next to him. “Why don’t we start with your name?” Chrissy asked as she passed him a tissue.

     “Charlie Whitmore, ma’am.” He said with a snuffle as he wiped away the tears.

     “Oh, so you’re Charlie, or would you rather me call you Clare?” Chrissy asked with a smile.

And now...

     “How do you know about Clare?” Charlie asked looking even more scared now as he looked Chrissy in the eyes.

     “You texted Lianna the other week from your cell phone, and then you gave her your cell number after you both became friends.” Chrissy pointed out the flaw in Charlie’s plan to hide who Clare really was.

     “So Lianna knows about me then?” Charlie said as his head dropped in shame. “That means everyone must know by now.” He added as he started sobbing again.

     “Do you really think Lianna would want to hurt you like that?” Chrissy asked as she pulled Charlie into a hug as he sobbed.

     “I’m not sure what to think, but is that why Jennifer is being so nice to me? So she can set me up for some prank?” Charlie asked as he looked up at Chrissy with hurt in his eyes.

     “I don’t think Jennifer knows anything about Clare.” Chrissy said. “As far as I know it’s just Lianna, Lauren, Danielle and me that know anything about the texts you sent.” Chrissy added as she passed Charlie another tissue.

     “Am I in trouble for being in here?” Charlie asked. “I wasn’t trying to steal anything.” Charlie added.

     “No, you’re not in trouble, but I do think we need to talk about what you were doing with that dress, and why you were sending Lianna those text messages?” Chrissy asked. “Do you think you’re like Lianna?”

     “I don’t know.” Charlie shrugged. “I like the way girls dress, but I also liked the way Jennifer makes me feel when she’s nice to me.” Charlie said looking confused. “I don’t want to kiss a boy though.” He quickly added.

     “That still doesn’t mean you don’t want to be a girl sweetie that just means you’d be a lesbian if you did.” Chrissy giggled.

     “So I could still like girls, but want to be one?” Charlie asked.

     “Yes, but you said you liked the way girls look, but do you like being you most the time?” Chrissy asked.

     “I’m fine with whom I am, but others have a problem with it.” Charlie sighed. “Even my dad use to say I was a wimp for a boy.” Charlie added.

     “Use to say?” Chrissy asked, not sure if Charlie’s parents were divorced.

     “Both my parents were killed in a car crash several years back. I live with my Aunt now.” Charlie explained.

     “Does your aunt know anything about Clare?” Chrissy asked.

     “No, I didn’t think anyone did until today, well apart from the texts I sent to Lianna, but I never thought about her putting two and two together. I just thought that if anyone could help me understand what I was feeling, it would be Lianna.” Charlie explained his reason for sending Lianna the text messages.

     “Just because you have an interest in female clothing, doesn’t mean you’re like Lianna.” Chrissy started to explain. “You will find that a lot of men like to dress up as women, but they still enjoy everything about being a man. They just like to show a softer side once in a while.”

     “I just thought I was like Lianna because I like to borrow my auntie’s things.” Charlie said before he realised what he’d said. When he did, he started blushing. “I’m sorry, but I find you easy to talk to.” Charlie added.

     “Do you not think your aunty would understand if you told her about these feelings you have?” Chrissy asked.

     “I’m not sure, we do get on well together, but I kind of feel like she doesn’t want me around some of the time.” Charlie said looking a little down about it. “I think she struggles to deal with having a boy hanging around the house. She does work some long hours though, and I do like to help out and keep the place clean for us.” Charlie said looking a little happier.

     “Does Clare ever do the cleaning up?” Chrissy asked.

     “Yes, but only when I know what time Aunty will be back, so I won’t get caught.” Charlie said with a grin.

     “Is this aunty from your mother’s side of the family or your father’s?” Chrissy asked.

     “My mother’s side, she’s my mother’s younger sister.” Charlie explained. “We use to get on really well together before I moved in, but now I feel like things are different, and I’m just in the way.”

     “She must care for you a lot to take you in, and then send you to the same private school as Lianna.” Chrissy pointed out.

     “I was getting picked on in the other school I went to, and it didn’t help because I was brighter than the other kids, as well as smaller.” Charlie frowned.

     “I know how you feel; I was the same at school.” Chrissy said before she realised what she’d said.

     “It’s okay for girls to be small and brainy though.” Charlie said, not understanding what Chrissy was getting at thankfully.

     “That’s true.” Chrissy said, not wanting to let Charlie know that she wasn’t a girl when she went to school at his age.

     “I think I better leave now before one of the others come up and finds me in Lianna’s room.” Charlie said as he got to his feet. “I’m sorry I went nosing around.” Charlie added.

     “Don’t worry about it Charlie.” Chrissy smiled as she got to her feet. “No harm done.” She added as she walked the two of them out of Lianna’s room and down the hallway before heading down the stairs. Chrissy looked a little puzzled when she saw Charlie heading for the front door instead of towards the back where the party was. “Where are you going Charlie? The parties this way.” Chrissy said pointing towards the back of the house.

     “I was going to leave. I didn’t think you’d want me to stop after what you found me doing.” Charlie said.

     “Don’t be silly and come back to the party, and we’ll sit down later and have a talk about Clare, just not while all the other children from school are here.” Chrissy said as she walked over and placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulder to lead him back towards the back of the house.

    They hadn’t taken more than a couple of steps before they saw Lianna and Danielle enter the hallways from the pool room.

     “There you are Charlie.” Lianna said with a smile. “I was worried someone had upset you, and you’d left.” Lianna said as she walked over to where Charlie was stood with Chrissy. “I see you’ve met one of my mothers.” Lianna grinned.

     “One of your mothers?” Charlie asked looking puzzled.

     “Yes, I have two mothers, but no father.” Lianna smiled. As if on demand Becky wandered into the hallway looking for Chrissy at that minute. “This is my other mother.” Lianna said as she ran over and threw her arms around Becky to get a hug from her.

     “Okay, what you broke?” Becky asked with a grin.

     “Nothing.” Lianna whined. “I just wanted to give my mommy a hug.” Lianna added with a pout.

     “Charlie just got a little lost.” Chrissy said as she let him join Lianna and Danielle. “I’ve also told him that some of us know his little secret.” Chrissy added in a whisper.

     “Are we still friends Lianna?” Charlie asked nervously.

     “Yes!” Lianna said as she stepped over and gave Charlie a hug. “I knew about Clare before I invited you to the party, and Danielle knows as well as Lauren, but I’ve not told anyone else.” Lianna explained.

     “Thank you, and I’m sorry, but I found my way up to your bedroom.” Charlie said looking a little sheepish.

     “You didn’t!” Lianna snapped looking shocked. “My room is a tip at the minute.” She added with a blush to her cheeks.

     “Yes, I did notice that young lady, and we’ll be having words later.” Chrissy said with her hands on her hips.

     “Sorry mummy.” Lianna said as she fluttered her eyelids at Chrissy trying to make her go easy with the punishment.

     “Just make sure you get it cleaned up, and make sure Charlie has a good time at the party, and we’ll call it dealt with.” Chrissy smiled. “Now go out and have some fun before Amy and I come out and show you all up.” Chrissy warned.

     “Okay mummy, we’re going.” Lianna giggled as she took Danielle by one hand and Charlie by the other and led them back out into the back garden.

     “What was all that about?” Becky asked with a puzzled look as she watched the three of them walking away.

     “Lianna found out that our little friend there has a softer side, and I just found him holding up one of Lianna’s dresses to himself as he looked in the mirror.” Chrissy explained with a smile.

     “He’s a cute little thing.” Becky smiled back as she stepped over to Chrissy and wrapped her arms around Chrissy just before they kissed.

     “Yes he is, and he also reminds me of how I was at his age, but I hope that Lianna and the others can help him learn to live with what he is, and show him he can still have friends.” Chrissy said between kisses.

     “Does his family know anything about this other side?” Becky asked,

     “His parents are dead, but he’s not said anything to his aunt, who he’s living with.” Chrissy explained.

     “And what are you planning to do?” Becky asked when she saw the look in Chrissy’s eyes that said she wanted to help him in some way.

     “I’m not sure yet, but he needs someone to sit and talk to at the very least.” Chrissy said with a sigh as she rested her head on Becky’s shoulder as they hugged.

     “And you’re the one to sit and listen?” Becky asked.

     “I was thinking more about Lianna being the one to listen, as they are closer in age, but I will help where I can.” Chrissy said with a smile.

     “It might be worth sorting out a get together with his aunt, to see how she feels about transgendered people.” Becky suggested. “I’m sure Lianna would help you test the water.” Becky added.

     “I knew there was a good reason I married you.” Chrissy grinned just before they kissed again.

     “Yes, no one else was mad enough to take on the job of keeping you out of trouble.” Becky grinned back.

     “True, but you have such an amazing mind, and body, and lips and...” Chrissy made each point with a kiss, and then moved her hand down to Becky’s personal spot as she spoke.

     “Chrissy! Not here, and not why we have a back garden full of kids.” Becky blushed as she took hold of Chrissy’s hand and walked her back towards the kitchen where Amy and Amber were keeping an eye on things through the kitchen window.

    Chrissy just giggled as Becky dragged her along like a naughty child. “You can’t blame a girl for trying.” Chrissy said.

     “No, but I can punish you later for it, you bad bad girl.” Becky grinned. This just made Chrissy giggle even more.

*****

    Lianna had led the three of them out into the garden, but instead of going back into the marquee with the music blasting out of it, she led them over to a set of seats away from everyone else so they could have a quick chat about what they knew of Charlie.

     “Are you okay Charlie? I don’t want you to think that anything is weird between us.” Lianna said after making him take a seat.

     “I just feel a bit foolish getting caught in your bedroom by your mum, or one of them.” Charlie said the last bit looking confused.

     “My mother’s are pretty cool about stuff like that, but I am a little angry that you went into my room without asking first.” Lianna said.

     “I’m sorry about that, but I didn’t think I could walk up to you and say I wanted to see what pretty clothes you had because I think I’m just like you and want to be a girl.” Charlie shrugged.

     “I would have said sure, and then helped you bring out the inner Clare.” Lianna grinned, thinking it would be like having a life size Barbie to play with.

     “I had no idea you knew I was Clare when I went into your room.” Charlie pointed out. “I guess everyone will know my secret now.” Charlie added with a sigh.

     “The rest of my family will need to know if we plan to help you, but other than that it will be our secret.” Lianna promised.

     “How can you be sure that they won’t tell anyone?” Charlie asked looking worried.

     “No one ever found out about me until we were ready to let them know about it.” Lianna reminded him.

     “Good point.” Charlie giggled, and it was a giggle. “You looked so different when I saw you at school on that Monday morning.” Charlie said as he thought back to that day. “I just wanted to run up to you and ask you so many questions, all because I thought I was weird for the way I was feeling.”

     “I know how you feel Charlie.” Danielle said as she reached out and took hold of his hand. “I spent many years trying to work out what was wrong with me, and I didn’t have any family, or anyone that cared for me who I could talk to about it.” Danielle added.

     “You’re like Lianna as well?” Charlie asked looking shocked.

     “Not quite.” Danielle said with a sad look towards Lianna. “I was labelled a boy at birth due to a birth defect, then I ended up in foster care, and due to reasons I don’t want to talk about. It was not until I bumped into Lianna and Lauren that I started to get things sorted out, and I was fixed.” Danielle explained.

     “How did you know you weren’t really a boy though?” Charlie asked Danielle.

     “I never felt right doing the things boys did, and I started to grow these, which was kind of a big give away.” Danielle added with a giggle as she pointed at her chest as she stuck it out a little more.

     “I guess that would be a big clue.” Charlie giggled again. “Your mum asked me some questions that I couldn’t answer up in your room when she caught me.” Charlie said.

     “My mothers have a good understanding of all this, and she would just want to help you find out if you just like the clothes, or if you want to be a girl.” Lianna explained.

     “What’s the difference between the two things?” Charlie asked.

     “I once heard someone say that a crossdresser would want to go to bed in high heels, but a transsexual would want to take them off.” Lianna said with a giggle.

     “So it’s just about the clothes then for some?” Charlie asked as he thought he understood what Lianna was trying to say.

     “For the most part, but I have been told that some who cross-dress, do later decide that they are transgendered. That’s why they have to do a real life test for two years to make sure it is what they want.” Lianna explained.

     “What’s a real life test?” Charlie asked.

     “They have to dress as their chosen gender for two years before the doctors will sign off on them having the final surgery.” Lianna said with a pout.

     “So you have to dress like this for the next two years, just to prove this is who you really are?” Charlie asked with some pain in his voice for Lianna. “Any fool can see this is who you were meant to be, you look amazing.” Charlie added.

     “Thanks Charlie, but that’s just the way they make sure this is what you really want, because once they have done the surgery to change your outie to an innie, there is no going back.” Lianna warned.

     “Wow, I never realised just how much stuff had to happen before you could get to this stage.” Charlie said as he pointed at Lianna.

     “If you are serious about looking into all this Charlie, then the first step will be talking to your aunt about it.” Lianna said looking worried for Charlie.

     “I’m scared she’ll hate me even more than she already does.” Charlie said looking scared.

     “Does she really hate you?” Danielle asked. “Lianna told me that she’s not that old, and to suddenly be stuck with a young child can be a strain, so maybe you just need to sit down and talk about things a little.” Danielle added with a smile.

     “How do you know so much about people Danielle?” Charlie asked.

     “You learn to grow up fast and pick who you can and can’t trust when you’re in the foster care system.” Danielle said with a shudder.

     “It also makes you not want to trust anyone as well.” Lianna frowned as she bumped Danielle with her shoulder.

     “I am learning though.” Danielle giggled.

     “Your mum said she’d have a chat with me when everyone had gone, do you know what that chat might be about?” Charlie asked nervously.

     “She will want to help you work out whether you’re like me, or just a boy that likes to dress as a girl once in a while.” Lianna said as she tried to help Charlie calm down. “Do you have any female clothing of your own?” Lianna asked.

     “I have one of the girl’s uniforms that you sorted out the other week when you all fooled the reporters.” Charlie said sheepishly.

     “I don’t remember you being part of the prank we played on the press people?” Lianna said as she looked to be thinking back to all the faces in the crowd.

     “I wasn’t, but I did manage to get my hands on one of the uniforms in my size and steal it.” Charlie picked at the edge of the cast on his arm as he said it, too worried about stealing the clothes to look either Lianna or Danielle in the eyes.

     “Can I ask you another question, and get a real answer from you?” Lianna asked.

    Charlie looked up and Lianna could see the fear in his eyes. “Sure, that’s the least I owe you.”

     “Did you really break your wrist on your mountain bike?” Lianna asked.

     “No, I don’t even own a mountain bike.” Charlie giggled at the bad excuse he’d come up with. “I did it when I fell down the fire escape after you called my phone the last week.” He added as he held up the decorated cast on his arm.

     “I’m sorry about scaring you, and making that happen.” Lianna said with pain in her voice.

     “It wasn’t your fault I can’t run down a flight of stairs.” Charlie shrugged. “And it did give us a reason to start talking, and I did get to come to this really cool party.” Charlie grinned as he looked on the up side to breaking his arm.

     “What did you tell your aunt when you got home and told her you’d broken your wrist?” Danielle asked.

     “I told her the truth, but she thought I’d been picked on again and had been pushed down the stairs. She took me to the hospital, and even took me for ice cream after.” Charlie said as he thought about the fun he’d had sat talking to his aunt while they waited in the hospital.

     “That doesn’t sound like the actions of someone that hates you Charlie.” Danielle pointed out. “Maybe you hate yourself, and just think that everyone else should as well.” Danielle added.

     “I use to think everyone did hate me until I started talking to Lianna last week.” Charlie said with a sigh. “My aunt has to pay out all that money to send me to that school, just because I’m a little brighter than the other kids, and they hate me for it.” He added.

     “Sounds to me like your aunt loves you and you don’t want to let her get to close because she might find out about Clare.” Danielle said as she slid a little closer to Charlie and wrapped an arm around him.

    Lianna was just about to say something about Chrissy helping her to sort out her feeling when they heard a girl calling out Charlie’s name. They all looked around to see Jennifer rushing over to them.

     “What’s wrong Charlie? Did someone upset you?” She asked with anger in her voice.

     “I’m fine; I was just chatting with Lianna and Danielle about some stuff.” Charlie said as he put on his best fake smile.

    Jennifer was smart enough to know something more was going on than just a simple chat. “What aren’t I being told?” Jennifer asked, sounding very protective of Charlie.

    Charlie just looked at Lianna as if he was asking Lianna if he could really trust Jennifer with his secret. “She’ll find out at some point Charlie, and you can trust her.” Lianna smiled as she placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulder.

     “I’m not sure, but I think I might be like Lianna.” Charlie said nervously as he waited for Jennifer to burst out in a fit of giggles, but Jennifer just looked at him for a couple of seconds before she smiled at him.

     “I had a feeling you were a little like Lianna, but I didn’t want to push the matter just in case I was wrong.” Jennifer said.

     “So you don’t think me weird?” Charlie asked looking a little shocked.

     “I never said that.” Jennifer grinned. “But I still like you, and want to spend time with you.” She added as she stepped forward and gave him a hug. “And you’re super smart as well.” She giggled.

    Charlie just giggled and then had to slap his hand over his mouth to mask the sound he made. “Sorry about that.” He mumbled through his hand.

     “Don’t be, I like the sound of your giggle.” Jennifer said as she looked into his eyes. “You have very pretty eyes, and I’d kill for those lashes.” She added with a pout. Jennifer could see why Charlie had so much trouble with being picked on now. He was just too cute to be a boy.

     “You have a very pretty everything.” Charlie said like he was in a trance as he looked back into Jennifer’s eyes.

    Jennifer just started grinning as she turned red, then she kissed him on the lips quickly before linking her arm through his and leading him back towards the marquee with the DJ in it.

    Lianna and Danielle just looked at each other with a grin on their faces. “Do you think Jennifer has feelings for Charlie?” Danielle asked.

     “Looks that way, she has been helping him with his meals at school, and the news he might be like me doesn’t seem to have put her off.” Lianna said as they watched Charlie and Jennifer skip off into the marquee.

     “I’d say it made Jennifer want him even more.” Danielle pointed out. “I just hope Uncle Brad is okay with Jennifer dating someone like Charlie.

     “I’m sure Aunty Ann can help calm him down if he’s not.” Lianna giggled as she thought about how their Aunty Ann could wrap Uncle Brad around her little finger, and Jennifer was pretty good at it as well. “I think Uncle Brad will just be happy for Jennifer to find someone to love her and treat her right, and I think Charlie would do both.” Lianna said with pride for her new friend.

*****

    The party finally started to wind down and Lauren was sat with Simon out in the garden when they saw Chrissy and Becky walked over to them.

     “I think it’s time for me to go.” Simon said as he went to get up, but sat down again when Lauren pulled him back down.

     “I want to go on that date I promised you, and it won’t happen until my mothers have spoken to you.” Lauren said as she placed her hand on Simon’s knee.

     “Are you trying to get me in trouble?” Simon whispered as he tried to place Lauren’s hand back in her own lap, just to have her snake it back onto his knee and take hold of his hand to stop him trying to move it again.

     “Hello sweetie.” Chrissy said as she kissed Lauren on the forehead before sitting on the bench next to her, while Becky sat next to Simon and smiled at him.

     “Mrs Clarke, Mrs Clarke.” Simon said looking nervous as he looked at first Chrissy and then Becky.

     “Hello Simon, and please call us Becky and Chrissy.” Chrissy smiled. “You’ve more than earned that with everything you’ve done to help Lianna settle in at school.” Chrissy added.

     “Lianna is still my friend as much as Andrew was. I’d do anything for her.” Simon said proudly.

     “I hear you want to take our other daughter out on a date?” Becky said looking very serious as she said it.

     “Yes I would ma’am... I mean Mrs Clarke... Becky...” Simon said falling over his words as his nerves got the better of him.

     “I can’t do this.” Becky said as she burst out in a fit of giggles. “Why do I have to play the brooding father figure?” She asked between giggles as she looked past Simon and Lauren at Chrissy.

     “It was your idea to scare the poor boy in the first place.” Chrissy giggled.

     “We’d be happy for you to take Lauren out on a date Simon.” Becky said once she got her giggles under control. “After what happened the other day at school, we don’t need to worry about you not respecting her.” Becky added.

     “I can’t believe the two of you wanted to scare Si like that.” Lauren whined, but she was trying to hide a grin as she said it. Lauren already knew her parents were fine with her going out with Simon, but they wanted to have a little fun with him first.

     “I thought you played the brooding father figure really well Becky.” Simon chuckled. “You had me really scared.” He added.

     “Good, but you looked scared before we even sat down though.” Becky pouted. “You’ve earned both our respects over how quickly you stepped up to help your friend when she needed you the most.” Becky said looking serious again as she gave Simon a hug and kissed him on the cheek.

     “Thank you and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” Simon said as he blushed over the kiss he just got. He was soon blushing even more when Chrissy leaned over and kissed his other cheek.

     “Hey! Stop kissing my boyfriend.” Lauren pouted as she threw her arms around him in a protective manner. “You’re worse than a couple of cougars.” Lauren added.

    Chrissy and Becky just giggled as they got up and made their way back towards the house. “Oh, Charlie will be getting a lift home from your Uncle Brad or someone later, so Simon doesn’t need to worry about giving him a lift home when his mother comes to pick him up.” Chrissy pointed out.

     “Okay, thanks mum.” Lauren said as she watched her parents walking away.

     “They are both pretty amazing.” Simon said as he checked out their backsides as they walked away.

     “They sure are.” Lauren agreed. “So where are you planning to take me on this date then mister?” Lauren asked, throwing Simon with the sudden change in conversation.

*****

    Danielle was seeing everyone off and thanking them for the gifts and promising to spend time with them when she finally started school after the holidays. Liana was stood at her side thanking everyone for coming.

    Charlie was in the living room with Jennifer, Jessica, Nicole, and Tina. Richard. Craig and Peter had gone off to the games room to play on one of the game systems in there.

    Chrissy entered the living room and smiled at Charlie just before she spoke to him. “Do you have a couple of minutes to come and have a chat Charlie?”

    Charlie nodded as he got to his feet; he looked a little shocked to see Jennifer get up as well. “I’m coming as well.” Jennifer stated as she looked at first Chrissy and then Charlie. Charlie smiled as Jennifer took hold of his hand and then led him from the living room as they followed Chrissy into the study where Danielle, Lianna and Becky were all sat on one of the sofas they had in there.

     “Please take a seat so we can have a chat about these feelings you have, and please don’t look so worried, we won’t bite.” Chrissy said as she pointed for Charlie and Jennifer to sit on one of the other sofas while she sat next to Becky, with Lianna and Danielle on Becky’s other side.

     “What happened to your arm Charlie?” Becky asked trying to ease some of the tension she could see in him.

     “He fell off his mountain bike Aunty Becky.” Jennifer answered for him.

     “I didn’t actually.” Charlie said looking nervous as he looked at a shocked Jennifer. “I did it falling down the fire escape at school when I was trying to get away from Lianna finding out about me being Clare.” He explained.

     “Does the school know that you fell down some stairs?” Becky asked.

     “No, I kept it quiet until I got home, but it was starting to bruise, and it was really painful.” Charlie explained. “My aunt thought I’d been beaten up again.” He added.

     “I’m really sorry I scared you Charlie.” Lianna said again as her eyes welled up with tears over the trouble she’d caused for him.

     “Please don’t blame yourself Lianna.” Charlie pleaded. “I was the one daft enough to start texting you, and not thinking to put my phone of silent first.” Charlie shrugged. “I’m not used to having anyone want to call me, so I never gave it a thought.”

     “I still feel like it’s my fault though.” Lianna pouted.

     “Everyone says I run like a girl, and I could trip over a blade of grass.” Charlie giggled, but soon looked worried when he saw all the frowns he was getting.

     “Probably not the best thing to say in a room full of girls, Charlie.” Jennifer whispered.

     “I didn’t mean it like that.” Charlie tried to talk his way out of trouble. “I’m just not much of a sports person.” He added as his head dropped in shame. “Face it; I’m just a screw up with anything other than a text book.”

     “Just because you don’t feel like you fit in Charlie, doesn’t mean you’re a screw up.” Chrissy said in a harsh motherly way. “Don’t keep putting yourself down.” Chrissy added with a smile.

     “Sorry Chrissy, but I just don’t feel like I fit in with all the other boys, and none of the girls want to hang out with a wimp like me, even if I am smart.” Charlie grumbled.

     “We like hanging with you.” Jennifer said with a little anger in her voice as she slid her hand out of his to show she was a little upset with him.

     “I’m talking about before Lianna dragged me into your little group.” Charlie said as he searched out Jennifer’s hand again and smiled at her. “I finally feel like I can relax and just be me, even if I do have to watch how I act around Simon and Ian, but with the rest of you I can just be me.” He smiled.

     “Si and Ian wouldn’t be bothered if you did act more like a girl.” Lianna said with pride for her friends.

     “How do you feel about letting us help you try out life as a girl over the holidays?” Chrissy asked, but she was already worried that Charlie might be more than a crossdresser with some of the things he’d already said, most of it reminded her of how she felt at his age, and she’d already shared a look with Lianna that she thought the same thing.

     “I’d love to, but what will the others think of me dressing as a girl?” Charlie asked nervously. “I don’t want to be laughed at.”

     “We have a very understanding family when it comes to things like this Charlie, so you won’t be laughed at, but they will help you feel like one of the girls.” Chrissy warned. “That may mean them pointing out things you need to do different.” Chrissy added.

     “I’m still being coached by them.” Danielle giggled.

     “So am I.” Lianna added with a roll of her eyes.

     “To many girls these days act more like boys than girls, so you’ll do fine sweetie.” Chrissy said to reassure Charlie.

     “When do you want to try and make me look like a girl?” Charlie asked.

     “There will be no try my dear, you will look as pretty as a picture by the time we’ve done with you.” Chrissy said with promise in her voice.

     “We were planning a little shopping trip on Wednesday, so that would be a good day to try out some looks on you.” Chrissy said as she looked to be thinking out loud.

     “I’ll have to wait until Wednesday?” Charlie asked sounding a little sad about the long wait.

     “You’re welcome to come over to the house and spend time with Lianna and Danielle, and I’m sure they will help you try out some different looks, but we will make you perfect on Wednesday when we go out shopping.” Chrissy explained.

     “You want me to go out dressed as a girl on Wednesday?” Charlie said when it finally sank in what Chrissy had said. “What if I get found out?”

     “They won’t, not by the time I’ve done with you.” Chrissy said in a dismissive way.

     “Mother is very good at what she does.” Lianna promised.

     “She really is Charlie.” Danielle said backing up Lianna.

     “I’d like to sort out a meeting with your aunt as well at some point, just so we can see how she deals around transgendered people.” Chrissy said.

     “You’re going to tell her about me?” Charlie asked in a squeaky voice due to the fear in it.

     “No silly, I was thinking of introducing Lianna as your friend, and then let her know that Lianna is transgendered to see how she reacts to it.” Chrissy explained her plan.

     “She’ll be working from home today, but apart from that, I’m not sure what time she’ll have.” Charlie said with a shrug.

     “Your aunt works on a Sunday?” Becky asked looking a little shocked to hear this.

     “She runs her own company, so she works most days.” Charlie said feeling sorry for his aunt. “I do try to help out by cooking the odd meal and keeping the house clean, as well as doing the laundry.” He added trying to let them know he didn’t just expect his aunt to do everything. “I’m not a very good cook though, so I think she’d rather I not play around in the kitchen.” Charlie sighed.

     “I’m sure we could teach you to cook some simple, but tasty meals, if you want use to teach you?” Chrissy asked.

     “You can cook as well as looking beautiful?” Charlie asked with his mouth hanging open in shock.

     “I’m not sure how to take part of that comment.” Chrissy frowned why Danielle, Lianna and Jennifer burst out in a fit of giggles, and Becky was trying to look serious, but even she was sniggering.

     “I just meant I thought you spent most your time making yourself look like this.” Charlie sputtered out. “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you.” He added as he let his head drop again.

     “If you think they look beautiful now Charlie, you should see them when they’re going to the club on a Saturday night.” Lianna grinned.

     “Oh stop it.” Chrissy said as she waved her hand, but she did have a flush to her cheeks from all the compliments. “Becky and I will drive you home later and have a word with your aunt about you coming over to play during the holidays to make sure she’s okay with it.” Chrissy explained.

     “Will you tell her about Lianna as well?” Charlie asked.

     “No, we’ll leave that for a week or two and see if we can get your aunt to take a little time away from work to join us for a meal before we start telling her too much.” Chrissy said.

     “We find it best to let people get to know you before we drop that bombshell on them. We hope they have formed a better understanding of the person, so they don’t suddenly fear what they are.” Becky explained their reason for doing things the way they do.

     “Are you happy with everything we’ve said Charlie?” Chrissy asked.

     “Yes, very happy.” Charlie grinned.

     “That’s good then. Why don’t you go with the others and hang out in the games room until we’re ready to take you home later.” Chrissy said as she got to her feet and helped Becky up before they all left to carry on with there Sunday evening.

*****

    Chrissy was sat in the front of Becky’s car with Becky behind the wheel, while Charlie was sat in the back with Lianna and Danielle. Becky had programmed her sat nav, so she knew where she was going and she was soon pulling up outside an old looking Victorian house.

     “This is a lovely looking house Charlie.” Chrissy said as she helped the three of them get out the back.

     “Yes it is, but it’s a little spooky when I’m here on my own.” Charlie said with a shudder.

     “Is it just you and your aunt that live here?” Chrissy asked as she let Charlie lead the way up the path to the front door where he got a key out and let them all in.

     “Yes, it’s just the two of us.” Charlie smiled. “Aunty Caroline! I’m home, and I’ve brought Lianna’s parent’s home to meet you!” He shouted from the hallway.

     “Hello Charlie, did you have a good time at the party?” A female voice asked as a woman walked out into the hallway from a side room. “Oh, hello.” The woman said as she took in just how beautiful and well dressed the two women were stood behind her nephew, and how pretty the two girls were stood next to Charlie.

     “Hello, I hope you don’t mind us dropping in on you like this, but we just wanted to make sure Charlie got home alright, and also make sure it would be okay if he came over to the house to spend some time with the other children during the holidays?” Chrissy asked with a warm smile as she stepped forward and held out her hand to shake Charlie’s aunts.

     “That was so kind of you to drive him home, and I’d love for him to spend some time with other children.” Caroline said as she tried to tidy herself up a little bit, due to her feeling scruffy next to Chrissy and Becky. “I’m sorry I look such a mess, but I wasn’t expecting any company today.” She added with a nervous giggle.

     “You look fine.” Chrissy said waving off her worries. “Charlie was telling us that you’ve got your hands full running your own company. I know what that can be like.” Chrissy added as she thought about some of the days at the shop when they were busy.

     “What time would you want me to drop Charlie off at your house?” Caroline asked as she tried to work out her route to work the next day.

     “Please don’t worry about that, we can sort out picking him up for you. We have plenty living in the house that can drive.” Chrissy giggled. “No point dragging the poor boy out of bed at the crack of dawn for no reason.” She added.

     “Are you sure? I don’t mind dropping him off.” Caroline said looking happy that Charlie would have some friend’s to hang around with over the holidays. “It’s nice to see he’s finally making some friends.”

     “This is Lianna and Danielle. It was Danielle’s birthday party I went to today.” Charlie said as he pointed at each of them in turn.

     “It’s nice to meet you ma’am.” Lianna said as she stepped forward and held out her hand in a polite manner to Shake Charlie’s aunts.

     “Hello Lianna. Charlie’s told me so much about you that I feel like I already know you.” Caroline smiled as she shook Lianna’s hand. “And please call me Carol.”

     “I hope it’s nothing bad Carol.” Lianna said with a nervous giggle. She was worried that Charlie might have said she was transgendered already, but she thought Charlie might have said if he had.

     “He made you sound like an angel to be honest.” Caroline giggled.

     “Aunty...” Charlie whined as he started blushing.

     “He’s told me how much help you and your family have been to him since breaking his arm, and how a girl called Jennifer has claimed the rights to feed him.” Caroline explained what Charlie had been telling her.

     “I hope we can find you a little free time to come over to the house for a meal, so you can get to meet the rest of the family.” Chrissy said.

     “I’d like that a lot.” Caroline said with some excitement in her voice. “All I seem to do these days is work, so name the day and I’ll be there.” She added with a grin.

     “We’ll be having a barbecue in a couple of weeks, it will be a Sunday, so it shouldn’t interfere with your work too much, and I think it does us all good to relax once in a while.”

     “That sounds like a wonderful idea. I’ll make a note of it on my calendar.” Caroline smiled. “Would you like to stop for a coffee?” She asked.

     “Thank you for the offer, but we really need to get back and carry on sorting out the mess from the party.” Chrissy said. “Someone will pick you up at ten in the morning Charlie.” Chrissy added as she smiled at Charlie stood next to his aunt smiling back at her.

     “Thank you for driving me home, and for a wonderful day.” Charlie grinned as he walked them to the door with his aunt.

     “Yes, thank you again for bringing him home, and for inviting him in the first place.” Caroline said with love for her nephew in her eyes. “I was really beginning to worry about him mopping around the house, but meeting your daughter has really brought him out of his shell.” Caroline beamed.

     “He’s a lovely child, and we’re all glad that we can help him have some fun.” Chrissy said as she stepped forward and bent over to give Charlie a quick hug and a kiss on the forehead.

    Lianna and Danielle both gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek before Becky stepped forward and hugged him before kissing him on the forehead like Chrissy did.

     “See you tomorrow Charlie.” Lianna and Danielle said as they waved from the end of the path while Charlie waved back with his aunt grinning at his side.

    They all saw Charlie’s aunt wrap an arm around him as she stood there waving to them just before she turned Charlie around and led him back into the house.

    Becky drove them all back to the house where Danielle and Lianna helped the other’s carry all of Danielle’s gifts up to her bedroom, while Chrissy and Becky went to explain what they knew about Charlie to the other grownups.

 

To Be Continued Next friday  

 

Story by SaraUK

 

Edited and Posted by SamanthaK

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Child and Parent guide:

Parents	Children
Chrissy & Becky	Andrew/Lianna, Lauren (Twins)
Amy & Amber	Jessica
Ann & brad	Jennifer
Sara & Cathy	Peter
Mandy & Carl/Carla	Craig, Danielle (Adopted)
Jayden & Callum	Richard, Nicola (Twins)
Dan & Faith	Penny, Christopher

    EDITORS NOTE: Please Comment and/or leave Kudos and let Sara know you like her work please, Any comments on spelling, grammar or the layout of the story please PM me “Samanthak” not Sara. Thank you