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Living Next Door to Alex – Chapter 4
By Julie D Cole

We dismounted and I watched Alex quickly remove his helmet and open his arms to hug her. They kissed, but not too passionately, so I stepped back a little and tried to look unconcerned but really I was envious. Why couldn’t we ever greet each other like that? We must have met hundreds of times over the year and not one welcome to match theirs.
He swung her around and then put her down and asked if she was still singing. She shook her head and then looked towards me.

‘Who’s this Alex. Your girlfriend I presume. Hi I’m Gemma. Please forgive us since we haven’t seen each other for ages and we had some great times together. Alex was my inspiration.’

I mumbled hello conscious that my voice was still a little deep for a woman. Alex spoke up before I needed to respond.
‘Gemma I want to introduce you to Jules who I’ve known most of my life. We are best friends and we grew up together and we have no secrets from each other. Jules is very special and we thought we’d have a few days together to relax and relive some old times. Please don’t tell anybody we are here if they contact you. I decided I needed a break and to cleanse my body before I went insane.’

‘I’m not surprised you reached that stage Alex. Don’t worry your secret is safe with me. You know what I feel about Rachel. She was never satisfied with the success you had or the group performance and in my opinion she was jealous to death.’

‘I’m hoping we can stay a few days so do you have you a quiet cabin free by any chance?’

‘Of course. Since it’s you I can provide you with a luxury one that is vacant this week. It has its own pool and it’s in a nice spot with a great view. We had it built last year and it’s not overlooked at all.’

‘That sounds great. Just what I need some peace and quiet. I hope it suits you too Jules’ Is it OK to lounge around doing nothing except relive our memories and maybe take a dip in the sea. You are OK with it aren’t you?’

Gemma spoke up and I suppose she noticed my hesitancy.
‘By the way Alex it has just the one king size bed since it’s meant to be a honeymoon suite. Is that OK for the two of you?’

‘That’s great Gemma. It’s just perfect so I’m glad we headed here. I knew you’d come up trumps.’

I didn’t get chance to agree or disagree and clearly Gemma took it that we were in some sort of a relationship.
‘Don’t you have any bags you two?’

Jules replied and said he’d left in a hurry so left his bags behind. My overnight things and fresh undies were in the paniers. I found that there is a lot less weight in my baggage these days with less bulky clothes and nightwear. I was rushed out anyway so not much time to think or ask questions. Alex took control like he’d done many times over the 24 years. I liked it.

‘By the way Alex our restaurant is now fully open so I’ll be happy if you dine with us this evening. I recommend the steaks. Mum and dad will be delighted to see you again and dad’s the chef tonight. Sorry about that but it’s the chefs night off.’

‘That sounds perfect to me. As long as he has some T bones since I could eat a horse. How about you Jules?’

‘I can’t remember the last time I tackled a rib or a T bone. I would be delighted if your Pa has a small fillet mignon. I find I can’t digest large steaks these days.’

‘That’s perfect and I’m the same. I often take half of my steak home or sneak it into my lap if I’m dining in. No wonder my dog has filled out a lot since we came here.’

Alex spoke up again. ‘ Anywhere where I might buy a few things to last me a few days? You know fresh underwear etc.’

‘We do have a small shop where I’m sure you’ll find we sell sleep shorts and fresh underwear. A lot of people arrive with things missing. Otherwise there is a convenience store in town. Maybe not the latest fashions but passable. I can always find something that will fit Jules if she needs any help. Most of it never came out of the packets but it’s up to you Jules.’

I nodded my approval and thanked her then we all headed to the cabin with Alex carrying my bags. Not that they were bulky or heavy. Maybe he had decided it was better that we appeared to be in a relationship. Gemma seemed nice and she was very chatty as we strolled to the cabin. She was involved in running the place and had invested most of what she’d earned on the road with Alex. It sounded like the band just had a good time with lots of drinking and some heavy all night sessions. I hoped that Alex had not been involved. He never got into drugs like others at school and he wasn’t a great drinker.

Whilst showing us around the cabin Gemma was at pains to show us the large jacuzzi. It was almost big enough to take a swim.

‘You two should enjoy yourselves in there. I’ve been wanting to try it out but no suitable candidates yet.’ She had a pained expression on her face and looked Alex in the eye as she said it.

Finally Gemma left us alone and Alex flopped down onto the bed and laid back on the large cushions. I sat on the edge of the bed and before I could speak he reached for my hand.

‘Is this OK with you Jules? I didn’t plan this I promise but the bed is big enough for two of us so you don’t feel uncomfortable. We’ve slept in the same bed many times in the past but I guess this is different.

‘I’ll say it is but I’m not complaining since it looks really comfortable. Which side do you want to sleep by the way?’

‘I like to sleep on the left side.’

‘Oh, so it’s not your first time sleeping with another person.

‘You should know since we slept in the same bed many times if our parents were out. Anyway it was you that started it when you wouldn’t go to sleep until I swopped sides.’

‘That was years ago and we can’t have been more than 10 years old.’

‘I remember it very well like it was yesterday. You hardly moved all night whilst I couldn’t get to sleep. I think you were worried I might snore or something.’

‘Well you did snore so better put a nose clip on if you have one. I don’t want to smother you wia cushion. It might be me not sleeping tonight since I remember that you dream a lot and thrash about.’

‘Nothing to be scared about and I promise to behave. Just lean on my shoulder and I’ll calm down. I just need some reassurance.’

‘How about we go to the shop so you can buy clean underwear. You can’t feel very comfortable after almost 2 days in what you are wearing.’

‘I think that’s a good idea and I might say hi to Gemma’s parents as well. Are you coming with me?’

‘I would like to try that jacuzzi bath out if that’s OK. Assuming I can trust you will come back if you bump into Gemma.’

‘Yes you can trust me. I like her but she does not go back as far as we do. She is too young anyway don’t you think?’

‘Oh so I’m old then am I? But not as old as Rachel I think.’

‘Oh we are sensitive aren’t we? Just trust me since this is our chance to catch up and carry on our friendship where it left off. I think those hormones are definitely working by the way. You are just a bit jealous so take care.’

To that he laughed and shot out of the door before my shoe landed.

It took a while to fill the huge bath so I put on the TV to see if there was any news worth watching. The local news had a segment about the forthcoming tour by Alex and his band and an interview with Rachel. She looked out of sorts but made no mention of Alex having disappeared. The station showed the band playing one of their hit songs and Rachel said they’d be releasing a new album in the near future. I didn’t know how Alex would manage to avoid somebody recognising him like the waitress had done earlier and no chance for him to quickly grow a beard.

I was relaxing in the bath with the jets switched on when Alex came back. I didn’t hear the door open and the next thing I knew he was standing in front of me.

‘I got some bits from the shop and Gemma suggested she dyes my hair after dinner and shave off my beard. What do you think?’

‘Seems sensible to me. Rachel was just on the local news talking about your upcoming tour. They showed you performing with your band so you are too well known around these parts to be able to disappear so you need to do something.’

‘So what if I let Gemma cut my hair and dye it black and shave my beard? Would I look OK do you think?’

‘I think you’ll lose the rock star look and the blond streaks look good on you but then you’ll be more like the Alex I know. It might make you look younger too. It’s been strange looking at you today. I always liked your look before you left home. The girls always fancied you.’

‘Well if you agree then I’ll do it.’

‘Better wash your hair then before you let Gemma loose. There are some nice shampoos here that are complementary.’

‘How about I jump in with you then since you seem to be enjoying the jets and it’s a big bath.’

‘OK but you go that end since this is my end.’

‘There you go again. Claiming the best part.’

‘First come first served.’

‘OK you win as long as you don’t mind.’

I didn’t know where to look as Alex removed all his clothes and he teased me by going slow. He was in good shape but when he removed his shorts to step in I could see he had a weapon of mass destruction that had already stiffened a bit. It put my appendage to shame.

He stepped in pretending he was shy and then sank all the way under the water submerging his head to soak his hair and he had a big grin on his face. It was the first time I’d seen a smile that was always on the face of the Alex I knew.

He turned around so his back was towards me and I had no choice but to move my legs either side of his body which seemed to be what he’d wanted.

‘How about you give me a shampoo and rinse young miss. I will reward you handsomely.

‘How about I thump you in the middle of your back for interrupting my leisure time Mr Rock Star.’

We laughed a bit as I massaged his head and neck but I didn’t let things go too far. As we chatted Alex was complementary about the changes in my appearance and referred to the development of my breasts. Even though they were on the small side they suited my frame. Enough cleavage to display if I wanted that did make me feel good.

‘I like those and somebody did a good job. Were they expensive.’

‘Well they took up all my savings and it will take me ages to rebuild my bank balance.’

‘Money well spent. You are hot.’

‘Sorry I’ll turn on the cold tap if you want.’

‘It won’t have any affect.’

‘It’s a complement is it?’

‘Of course it is. Why didn’t I come home sooner. If I’d known how you had changed I’d have dropped everything.’

‘Let’s not get silly I’m in transition and whilst I feel much better I’ve a way to go yet.’

‘Well if you’re sure I’ll be happy to stick around when the time comes. Are you sure you only want to go half way rather a full operation? I hear they are really skilled these days and have made a lot of women very happy.’

‘I can’t afford it at the moment and it depends on things like insurance and medical advice anyway.’

‘Well don’t let the cost get in the way of being happy. I have a healthy bank balance which keeps escalating. I could be your sponsor.’

‘Alex I can’t accept your money. I would feel embarrassed.’

‘Well let’s see because I don’t have anything else to spend it on that would give me anything like the satisfaction. After all we are like family aren’t we? Brothers but now brother and sister.’

‘Well you will likely as not be heading back to your career soon and me back to my job but we could stay in touch. I hope so anyway.’

‘I’ve put that at the back of my mind for now. We are here to relax and what will be will be. Maybe I won’t let you go back to your waitress job. You are far too smart to be working tables.’

‘Come on let me rinse your hair. It will take ages to dry unless you want me to use the hair drier and brush. I’m an expert.’

‘Yes I noticed but let’s relax since this is nice and we should make the best of the facilities courteous of Gemma.’

He leaned back against me so I wrapped my arms across his chest. I had to fight my feelings. I wanted to kiss his ear since I was so happy to be together again.’

I switched off the jets and we lay together for a while and I gently massaged his neck until I sensed that Alex was dropping his chin as he started to doze. I hadn’t shared a bath with anybody in my life and was always self-conscious about my weak body but this was nice. After seeing how Alex looked when he arrived on my doorstep I was pleased to see him relax. He definitely needed a break and I was determined to help him if that was possible. He needed to open up and share his concerns and future ambitions and probably I was in a better position than most in view of our long friendship and having no involvement in his industry. I didn’t think his parents would help since they didn’t want him to leave and they expected him to be part of the business.

He stirred a little and smiled then mumbled for me to carry on. I was happy to oblige since it was giving me a nice feeling too.

‘Jules this has given me an idea. You ought to consider opening a massage and beauty salon somewhere and I could set up the finance for you.

‘I guess that’s an option if I ever have the confidence to run my own business but right now waiting tables is stress free even though it’s hard on the feet. My regular customers are very kind and the tips are good.’

‘Just a thought. I suppose we ought to get moving since it’s dinner time already. Luckily we don’t have to worry about jackets and smart dress for the restaurant although I did feel underdressed when we met Gemma in the small bar for an aperitif. She had a nice top and a short skirt that showed off her nicely tanned legs. I complemented her and she was gracious enough not to say anything about our casual travel clothes.

Her mum and dad were really friendly and had met Alex a few times. I was welcomed and so my initial nervousness gradually waned. Gemma decided to leave us to dine alone and the steaks were wonderful. It was rare for me to order steaks or even visit restaurants and so this was a real treat. Alex ordered a bottle of Merlot and insisted I join him. After two large glasses I was feeling a bit wobbly and Alex said I had become very chatty.
Gemma and her mum joined us for a drink afterwards and I felt that I was under close scrutiny. My feeling was that she had guessed my birth gender that put me in defence mode for the rest of the evening although Alex was kind enough to intervene and help me out when the questions got more intrusive.

Alex and Gemma discussed about dying his hair and left me with her mum Victoria who insisted I call her Vicky. We had coffee that I hoped would help me remain sober. Then I realised that Vicky was really trying to find out how strong my relationship was with Alex since she hoped that Gemma would find a partner and settle down. On the upside she seemed to believe that Alex and I were in a serious relationship so I told her we were only friends. I didn’t want to stand in the way of Alex getting into a relationship with Gemma and couldn’t imagine that Alex’s parents being enamoured by me coming back on the scene as a trans woman. They seemed to have a problem with me in my youth as it was although I’d never done anything to upset them that I could recall.

When Gemma returned she suggested that we close our eyes. I was hoping her hairdressing skills were better than mine and primed ready to see Alex with a thick mop of black hair. Instead his head had been almost shaven completely so it was quite a shock.

I burst out laughing and covered my face with my hands.

‘OK Jules what’s so funny?’

‘You look so different. You need to shave off your beard. I don’t think people will recognise you. They’ll think you are on leave from the army or something.’

‘Well if you don’t want to be seen with me just let me know. You have to admit that Gemma did a great job.’

‘Doesn’t he look years younger already?’

‘Yes I can’t wait to see him without his shaggy beard.’