For Friends and Family. Andy is looking for a new challenge, his current girlfriends sister has suffered a nervous break down, Andy is very similar in both size and looks, agrees to be changed into a Nichola look alike.
This is a dream for Andy who has a secret desire to live and work as a woman.

Sophie looked at me and burst into tears this was the first time I had seen such raw emotion from her! I took her into my arms and comforted her stroking her and patting her back she was devastated, sobbing, “I never meant for all this to happen, it all got out of hand, I’m so, so sorry.”

As I held her I crooned, “Sophie, Sophie calm down just calm down and start from the beginning”
Tears were streaming down her face as she looked at me she stroked my cheek and sobbed; “You are really beautiful, you are more Nichola than I ever was! I just couldn’t take the pressure! Oh god I’m so sorry”.

This was getting us nowhere so sharply I snapped, “Sophie, just pull yourself together come on girl stop crying and get your thoughts together!” At the same time I gave her a shake to emphasise how frustrated I was.

She calmed down somewhat then eventually started telling me the whole story. Every so often she would heave shuddering sobs - she was really in distress and mentally very fragile! I realised that I would have to treat her with kid gloves.

Apparently it had all started when she suspected the fraud and had delved deeper. The promotion was also on offer so things started to get on top of her. When she had won the promotion things sort of came to a head and she had the breakdown this had been a genuine breakdown.

It was then she discovered that she was far more at ease with herself with little or no worries and no pressure. So she decided to call herself Sophie after a well loved doll she had as a child!
She realised that this would destroy her career! But what she never expected was that I would volunteer to become her thus holding her job open! (If only she knew that I loved my new life)

When she found out that I was now Nichola things became complicated and she decide to remain as Sophie.
However she simply couldn’t let the criminals go free. With me getting involved was a golden opportunity to help hence the notes.
I asked her why she had used Morse code to sign her name? She smiled and told me that it was a dare - a test if you like.
If someone realised what she had written and who she was then this was added excitement.

Then she turned very serious and looking at me said; “I never meant for you to spoil your life Andy by becoming Nichola. It must be horrid for you to have to pretend all the time”

I was silent for a while deep in thought finally I answered her, “Please don’t call me Andy! For me Andy is dead I’m Nichola and I absolutely love it! But if you want to take back your old life then I will remain Nichola and make a new life!”

She looked shocked at that, “Y, y, y, you mean you actually like being a woman? A career woman who must be better than her male colleagues?” I nodded.

Still looking at me she carried on, “As for me wanting my old life back no chance, absolutely no chance I’m Sophie now. I’m going to keep on with my music and maybe make my life in music! You can keep your life my life, whatever – you have my full blessing – Nichola”

The way she said this with so much passion brought a lump into my throat in my heart of heart this was what I wanted to hear!
I just had to say this to her but I was aware of just how fragile her mental state was
I took a deep breath, “Sophie, do you think you were a bit selfish? After all the easier thing to do was to resign and follow your dreams.”
Tears started to flow no sobbing, no emotion just tears. Stricken she looked at me her big brown eye’s flooded with tears but she spoke clearly; “Yes, yes of course I’ve been selfish but the pressure was horrid. I just wasn’t thinking. I know I’ve hurt mum and dad but I thought that if I simply resigned I would let everyone down.”

This irritated me! Slightly sharper than I intended I replied, “You mean by your own high standards you would let everybody down! Really Sophie you never considered mum and dad they are so hurt so very, very lost wondering where they went wrong!” now I was weeping!

We sat in silence for a while each engrossed in our own thoughts then somewhat shyly Sophie (for that is who she is now) asked me, “I suppose you are going to tell mum and dad?”
I looked at her steadily and said; “No I’m not. But YOU are! Don’t you think that they deserve to know the truth mum’s been tearing herself apart wondering where she went wrong! And dad’s been blaming himself so Sophie, YOU have to tell them”

Quietly she sobbed, “But how, I’m so afraid and so scared of what they will think of me”
I hugged her close and consoled her, “Sophie, I’ll put no pressure on you if you want I’ll be with you when you tell them! Really take your time there is really no rush just tell them”

I realised that I had made a bit of a mistake when she said, “No rush?” I smiled sadly at her and said, “Well tell them before I get married because I want you as my bridesmaid not a flower girl!”
She nodded seriously and asked, “And you’ll be there when I tell them?” I nodded again saying, “If you want me to”.
Sophie nodded thankfully and said, “Yes please, it would mean a lot to me especially as I have caused all these changes to you.”

Very business like I then suggested, “Now let’s get ourselves together dry our eye’s and go home before they send a search party out for us.” She dried her eyes as I looked at her by the light of the street lamp I commented, “I hope those red eye’s of yours disappear before we get home”.
Sophie weakly smiled and answered “thanks Nicky – I’m loving having you as my sister”
We got up but before we set off back I said to her, “One more thing Sophie?” She looked at me with a deer caught in the headlights look. Clearly afraid I was going to renege on my promises, “Yes “she carefully answered; I smiled at her and said, “This is just a suggestion - but if you start acting and dressing a bit more adult like it could smooth the path when we tell them.”

With that we linked arms and slowly walked home just before we reached home Sophie turned to me and quietly said, “Thanks Nichola a weight has been lifted from me”.
It didn’t need an answer from me secretly I was so relieved I was going to be Nichola for the rest of my life. So I gave her arm a little squeeze to show I understood her feelings.
As expected mum was worried I told her that we had lost track of time, and between walking and talking we found ourselves further from home than we should.

Supper was a pleasant affair AND I was really pleased to see that Sophie had heeded my words and was acting just a little bit more adult. Not too much; she was far too intelligent to go too far.
Talk got round to tomorrow and my second visit to another bridal salon – Oh joy (the girl’s being ironic).
Mind you I was starting to enjoy the bridal finery even though it was a bit of an ordeal.
But again the sensation of wearing a wedding dress was really amazing the feel of the fabrics, the cut of the dresses these were the ultimate expression of femininity!

The next morning after breakfast I got ready to go shopping. NOW I knew what to expect! So I dressed in items of clothing that could be taken off and on easily a pair of loose cream wool/silk mix trousers and a multi-coloured tunic top cream court shoes, matching 3” belt and shoulder bag, black parka style jacket completed my ensemble.

This second bridal salon was even more upmarket than the first one we visited, coffee was served while the sales person Steve. He was a wonderful man! So over the top gay he was unbelievable but had the knack of putting you straight at ease – I loved him.
Then it was back to the dresses, first I tried on a tea length dress in silk brocade with a sweetheart neckline and short cap sleeves, as I was marched off to the changing rooms.
Steve handed me over to a female assistant making the quip, “I have to hand you over the Angela! Can’t imagine why as girls are not my forte” I smiled sweetly at him - if only he knew.

Corsets!! Why do most brides’ dresses involve a corset? While I loved the shape one gave me the practicalities of daily wearing far outweighed these all those laces! And how DO you fasten them by yourself?

The first dress was completed with a short veil, while the dress was nice – no it wasn’t for me.
Next a full length one with a bustier top built in boning and bra. This was in cream satin with tulle over net and a hooped underskirt full veil and a fish tale train - no this simply wasn’t my style.
I suggested to Sophie that she could be one of my bride’s maids if she wanted, as she was too big to be a flower girl.

I saw mum looking hopeful and the look of delight and relief on her face when Sophie answered, “I’d like that Nichola can I be a bridesmaid mum?
The look of joy on mum’s face was wonderful to behold Sophie actually had called her mum for the very first time to see mum’s face was worth all the dressing and undressing. Thank god that Sophie catches on quickly.

Then I found THE DRESS, oh god was it beautiful, a pure cream silk satin column dress which really hugged my figure. The dress had boning which nipped my waist in and held my breasts just perfectly.
It was strapless but the bust line was filled in by shear tulle with seed pearls sewn on in an abstract pattern.
The dress pooled around my feet in luscious folds. I could only take short steps – but what the hell!
The veil matched the bodice shear tulle with the same pearl embellishment a small tiara held it in place.

When I walked back from the changing room all conversation stopped. Steve burst out, “Oh sweetheart that is so you!”
I walked into the ring of mirrors so I could view it from all angles – it was perfect, absolutely perfect it highlighted every womanly curve of me! I LOVED IT!

As I swung around admiring myself from every angle mum breathed “Nichola, that’s the dress! It’s perfect for you”
Then I saw the price £9,500! That brought me down to earth with a bump! “Mum” I hissed have you seen the price? Mum smiles serenely, “Yes dear it’s gorgeous on you!” “But the price” I whispered again, “I can’t afford that”.
“Nonsense darling” mum answered, “Your father can afford it - after all it is his daughter that is getting married.” “But I’m not . . . . . . . “ I started to say when mum cut me off, “Don’t even say that young lady! You are and I’m proud of you. This is clearly the dress for you”.

Steve returned and mum said, “My daughter will have this dress can you make an appointment for a fitting next week”.
He smiled and responded, “Certainly madam as soon as I saw her in it I knew it was the dress for her”.

Mum paid a deposit and took a slip for the appointment for next week and we left. I was fretting about the price so once we were clear of the shop I protested to mum that it wasn’t fair on dad. After all I’m not really your daughter.

This was the first time I saw mum angry. She turned and looked at me saying “Nichola Mackinnon you ARE my daughter! As much as Amy or Sophie! So I’ll hear no more of that nonsense from you! Understand young lady!” She stood there hands on hips staring me down I was beaten and shame faced “Yes mum” I mumbled. “I beg your pardon” mum snapped “I didn’t hear that.
I cleared my throat and said louder, “Yes mum, sorry mum”. She smiled and continued as though nothing had happened, “Coffee girls”
Amy sidled up alongside me and hissed; “Now you know how it feels to be a naughty little girl!” She said this with a broad grin and I couldn’t help but laugh.

After coffee we actually did some shopping then home. Throughout the trip Sophie was unusually quiet while we were looking around Marks and Spencer’s,
Mum came up to me and asked sotto voice, “Exactly what did you and Sophie talk about last night?”
“Err nothing really, why?” Mum looked shrewdly at me and answered, “Well she’s asked me if she can have more adult type clothes”.
Caught!! I was in a quandary thinking fast I managed to get out a little white lie, “Well I did say that the styles of clothes for older girls would give her more choice of what to wear”.
“Oh really” was all she said in response, and to my relief left it at that. And considering mum’s a very good barrister I think I got off lightly.

Home then and something to eat I made a quick chilli with rice and salad. Then went and changed for my night out with Mel. After a shower I dressed in a plum coloured leather pencil skirt for the top I decided on a red chiffon blouse with matching camisole nude hold up stockings and 3” black shoes, matching hand bag (of course) my jacket was black faux fur hip length.

I met Mel at the usual pub Kylie was there as was some of the other people I knew through Mel. The silly cow thanked me for looking after Kylie and asked god knows how many times if we were sure Kylie could stay with us.
In the end I told her, “Mel for the ten thousandth time yes she can stay - and with the way she cooks she’s more than welcome to stay. Though I’ll never fit into my wedding dress!”
This got us talking about weddings, dresses, husbands and kids, Kylie left with a bunch of her friends as we carried on talking the country and western group came on and we danced, then as our party grew at the end of the night we all piled off to Mel’s house to carry on – I really enjoyed these Saturdays!

Sunday’s now they were quite a different story! While I didn’t drink an excessive amount we usually don’t finish until the early hours of the morning so it’s about four in the morning when I get to bed!
Sundays in our household are a quiet day, we go out for Sunday lunch and if the weather’s nice we go for a walk by the universities and river it’s a recharging batteries day.
Today of all days Sophie decided to tell Mum and Dad! She came into my room about nine and woke me. I was still half asleep as she informed me that she had better face the music some time. So sooner rather than later she had decided.

Of course I asked her if she was certain she nodded and sat on my bed while I took a shower and dressed. As I brushed my hair she commented; “Nicky, you are so beautiful far better looking than I ever was!” I paused in my brushing and reminded her, “Don’t be stupid it was your photo’s they used to mould me into the girl I now am.” She looked serious and finally replied, “That as may be but your body had taken what the surgeons did and changed it into something altogether different”.

I left the conversation at that as it was beginning to disturb me for some reason. Slipping on a pair of skinny jeans and a sloppy Joe sweat shirt tying my hair in a pony tail we left to meet Sophie’s fate.
I am not going into this too deeply as it was similar to the conversation on Friday evening. Except the atmosphere was very highly charged at first slightly acrimonious then angry then emotional.
I think it ranged through every emotion humans are capable of until finally my parents became understanding and accepting.

At one stage dad asked Sophie, “And what about Andy? He’s gone through a lot because of you!” I was holding Sophie’s hand and butted in here, “Please dad – if I can still call you that remember Andy is dead! And it’s not about me I’m totally happy. This is all about reconciling the two of you and Sophie”
Dad looked at me and I saw love in his eye’s, “Nichola, never forget you ARE our daughter and I know I speak for Elizabeth we truly love you” Mum nodded her head vehemently.
There were tears of raw emotion from everyone (including me) I hugged mum I even hugged dad as the emotion got to him and of course Sophie who was a wreck!

Was I ever glad when that conversation had finished. Mind you when I say ended I think there was more to come on this as they say watch this space!
Finally we went for lunch and a walk by the river. Considering what had gone before; this part of the day was something like normal.
We got home and I contacted Brett via face time it was great to see him and talk to him. I longed to touch him, to hold him, to smell his maleness to taste him.

I packed my bag and got ready to drive back to London, Amy arrived back from Guy’s grinning all over her face, mum noticed and asked, “And what are you grinning at young lady?” Her smile was absolutely radiant - I suddenly realised and before she could say anything I blurted out, “Guy’s asked her to marry him!”
Amy’s mouth hung open this time I put a finger under her chin and closed it.
She looked at me saying, “How the hell did you know?” I hugged her and quietly said, “Remember we’re closer than sisters congratulations sweetheart
congratulations”.
We all hugged her and again I blurted without really thinking, “Double wedding sis?”

Amy let out an ear-bursting whoop; “You mean that sis? Really mean that? It’d be great getting married together!”
I was so happy myself but I had to check with Brett first so I answered, “I’ll check with Brett while you check with Guy then we can plan together – or rather we get the ideas and mum brings common sense into the proceedings!”

Dad gave a groan then speaking to mum he said, “Well Elizabeth if they do get married together it’ll save some money!”. At that mum sweetly said, “After the girls have gone I’ll tell you all about the darling dress Nichola’s set her heart on. But darling it’s a bit expensive”. Dad looked at me and said, “To hell with the cost it’s Nichola that’s getting married and we as a family owe her a lot.”

Amy and I beat a hasty retreat before mum told him how much my dream dress actually was.
Picking up our bags we left and on the drive back I told her what had transpired with Sophie!
At first she was incandescent with rage! Saying to me, “How do you feel? After all your life has been totally changed totally fucked up!”
“Language Amy” I chided her, “I’m fine in a way this is the best thing that could have happened to me Sophie doesn’t want her life back so I am Nichola for the rest of my life. Chill little sister feel some sympathy for the weight and pressure that drove her to her breakdown”
Amy looked shrewdly at me and replied, “You are really so chilled about it” I nodded.
She sat immersed in her own thoughts finally remarking, “Well if you’re at ease with the situation then I have to be – and the upside is I get on far better with you as my sister and I prefer Sophie now I can relate to her... But she still was a selfish cow!”

We were entering the outskirts of the city and I concentrated on my driving, we arrived home about eleven, and after a cup of cocoa (yes you read right cocoa) we went to bed. Inside I was buzzing, I was keeping my wonderful life as Nichola.

As I got ready for work, I was so, so happy, looking in the mirror I whispered to myself I’m Nichola Elizabeth Mackinnon, I AM Nichola Elizabeth Mackinnon for ever more.
I was still smiling as I dressed in a fitted business suit, dove grey, pencil skirt, single breasted jacket, over this as it was raining I wore a cream trench coat, making sure my umbrella was in my bag After a quick breakfast Amy and I left for work.
The week passed, I went for lunch with Fiona every day, unless I was in a meeting, I only saw Tim Williamson in passing when he was his usual flirtatious self, but my feminine intuition sensed that under the urbane exterior he was distracted.

I spoke to Brett daily either on my i-phone of face time, he also seemed distracted, when I mentioned it to him he said it was pressure of work, but he was winding up the Italian upgrades and moving to Switzerland next.
On Thursday I got some news that shocked me to the core, in an internal memo that was circulated to all managers I will quote it here.

‘It is with great sorrow we have to inform you of the sudden and
as yet unexplained deaths of William J Ritter Corporate Head of Security
and Joachim Ragatz manager of R&D Switzerland, they died in a boating accident in the Bahamas.

Preliminary reports point to a fault in the fuel system of the boat they were using no other people were involved in this tragic accident.

Our thoughts are with their families and relations at this dark time”

I was stunned, completely stunned, what had happened? Then Fiona burst into my office, “Nicky, have you heard the news?” I looked up and answered “I’m just reading the memo now”

“No not that, there have been arrests in the States, Italy, Greece and Switzerland!
There has been a mammoth fraud involving the Security and R&D departments.
Corporate security in New York has been decimated as nearly all were involved in the fraud.
Demis Patera and Gino Agnello have been arrested as have two other under managers in Rome and Athens.
In Switzerland the head of security and head of finance have been arrested! Rumour has it a multi million fraud and money laundering ring has been broken apart!”

I sat there with my mouth hung open I was stunned - totally and utterly stunned things had suddenly happened and happened so fast.
“Nichola” Fiona said bringing me back to the here and now, “Please close your mouth girl”.
My mouth snapped shut, it all made sense now well part of it! I would put money on the fact that the deaths had been arranged – but why?
Why kill them not arrest them? Unbeknown to me I had muttered this last bit out loud.
Fiona can’t have picked it all up as she said, “Pardon” this caught me unawares “Erm sorry just thinking out loud. It was nothing really well nothing worth while! It’s just that what with everything going on I’m stunned”.
Fiona was a shrewd cookie because she commented, “Make’s you wonder if Ritter and Ragatz had anything to do with it!”
All I could do was shake my head really I was overwhelmed, “Early lunch?” I suggested as I needed to get out of here for a while!

“Good idea Nicky I could do with a drink” she answered. I grinned and responded “and something stronger than coke”.
Just then my phone rang, “Excuse me a second” I asked Fiona as I answered it,
“Brett, honey, yes I have just heard the news. You are? When? Tomorrow that’s great see you then darling”

Fiona grinned and said, “From the half of the conversation I heard I take it lover boy is arriving tomorrow?” “Err yes he said it was a quick call to let me know” with that she commented, “Well it was quick I’ll give him that.”
We got our coats and headed for lunch. Strangely enough we met Tim on the way out – I’m beginning to think that with Tim Nothing is by chance.
He looked like the cat that got the cream, “Ladies” he said beaming, “Lunch is on me!”
Fiona and I exchanged glances then smiling sweetly we accepted.
At the pub Tim insisted on not only buying us lunch but also bought Champagne. As this was already chilled the cunning fox must have pre-ordered. As I said nothing he does is by chance!
We ordered and sat at a secluded table after the drink was poured. Tim raised his glass and proposed a toast for the successful conclusion and for my help in the case! I was very embarrassed Fiona cocked her eyebrow at me as much as to say we’ll talk later.

The lunch was very good and Tim expanded on what small part I had played in cracking the fraud making me squirm with embarrassment.
We were late heading back to the office and Fiona and I were slightly tiddly! I managed to get Tim alone and asked the question I was burning to ask. “Tim that accident with the boat - was it - I mean did we? Oh god what do I mean?”
He looked grim and answered, “Nichola I am afraid that was the only way to handle the situation. The two of them were ready to skip to somewhere we couldn’t get hold of them”
“B, b, but that was murder!” I stammered, “That’s a crime! It’s horrid, and no matter what they had done surely they didn’t deserve that!”

I was really quite disgusted! I didn’t know exactly why but it didn’t seem right.
I think he must have felt my disgust because he answered, “Normally I would agree Nichola gratuitous killing is abhorrent to me. But they were funding people trafficking and drugs! I have no qualms about their deaths – and I’m sorry if you think any the less of me for my views on this”.

I was slightly mollified but still uneasy so we agreed to disagree on this and to show him that there were no hard feelings I gave him a peck on his cheek as we parted.
However Brett was going to face some serious questioning when I saw him.

Gren noticed that I was a bit tipsy and fielded a lot of my workload. I was beginning to really respect him for his work ethic. His new fiancée must be good for him as him attitude to women had done a 360 degree turn – wonderful what love can do!

I got home and told Amy all my news like me she was slightly disgusted at the killings.
However when I told her Brett was coming home tomorrow she was happy for me.
I face timed Brett and we spoke for over an hour closing he said that, “Tomorrow I will hold you in my arms” that really thrilled me and brought goose bumps out.

The next day at work I was bubbling I couldn’t wait to see Brett unfortunately I couldn’t pick him up as I had some meetings to attend that couldn’t be avoided, but he had a key to my flat to let himself in.

About three in the afternoon I got a call from Tim Williamson; “Nichola” he started, his voice sounded worried, “Tim” I answered, “Whatever’s the matter?”
“It’s Johannsen, he’s done a runner,” he told me, “He skipped before we could get hold of him but he won’t get far as we have his passport”

I was alarmed, because ‘the pig’ as I called him was a nasty piece of work while I was thinking Tim continued; “Can you give Brett a call to warn him”.
“Warn him,” I queried, “Warn him of what?” Like he was talking to an idiot he explained, “Look Nicky Johannsen is dangerous he is capable of doing anything, just warn Brett – please”

Now I was even more alarmed! I tried phoning, but it went straight to voice mail. I assumed he was on airplane mode so I sent a text deciding that this was all I could do for now I continued to work trying his phone every 15 minutes or so.

I phoned Tim telling him that I couldn’t talk to Brett, I assume because he was in the air though I had sent him a text.
Tim grunted non-committedly and we left it at that. Leaving work I headed for the tube and set off home at my station as I reached the surface my phone gave the alarm ring!
Our silent alarm had been tripped I thought it was Brett, possibly he had forgotten then I remembered what he did for a job and knew he wouldn’t have forgot something like that.
I opened the video link and flicking through the images my blood ran cold! ‘The Pig’ had Brett and they were in my flat!
He slammed Brett into a chair and handcuffed him - then I saw the gun he had a gun!!!!
Now I went into full panic mode and started to run to my flat what I was going to do I hadn’t a clue, I just wanted to be with my Brett!

Nearing the flat I stopped and looked at the video feed again. I watched sickened as ‘the pig’ hit my Brett with the barrel of his gun my darling was hurt and I was raging mad - and it must be said not thinking straight.

I sprinted for the door (difficult in 3” heels) vaguely I remember hearing a voice shouting after me, “Nicky, Miss Mackinnon NO, STOP, FOR GOD’S SAKE STOP!” But I took no notice and ran up the stairs.

I slammed my way through the door surprising ‘the pig’ who waved his gun at me he said, “Well, well, lookee here”.
I didn’t even check my pace but simply flew at him fingers clenched into claws. I was going to use my long nails to good effect on the bastard.

At the same time Brett threw himself chair and all towards ‘the pig’ I heard a Phut! And felt the most tremendous pain in my right thigh this was followed by two more Phuts! I saw small blossoms of red appear on Brett’s chest I realised that I had been shot and so had Brett!

Then there came three tremendous bangs, my ears rang then I saw ‘the pig’, slumping to the floor his chest was covered in blood, the wall behind him was absolutely splattered.
I managed to figure out that he had been shot, as I crawled to Brett whimpering in pain from my leg a young guy stood in the door way talking on his mobile and holding a gun!

I reached Brett and managed to hold him in my arms cradling him trying to take away his pain, stroking his ashen face crooning sweet nothings to him our blood mingling on the floor.

Then blessed darkness took me and I fainted still holding my love.