I woke up the next morning not 100% certain where I was. My memory of the preceding evening was hazy and my head felt heavy.

I peeled back the duvet to see that I was wearing my breast forms and a light blue nightie. My hand felt its way up to my head, whereupon I also realised that I was still wearing my 'Tabitha' wig. I crept towards the bedroom door, opened it, and stole a glance out at the landing. It was only then that I was fully aware that I was in Miss Snell's house. Her bedroom door was open but nobody was inside, so I presumed she was downstairs. I therefore made my way slowly downstairs.

Miss Snell was in the kitchen. She had her hair tied up in a bun and was wearing an oversized AC/DC t-shirt. She turned to see me stood in the kitchen doorway.

"Morning, sweetheart. Cup of tea?"

"Please", I said groggily, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

She made us both a cuppa and then offered me some breakfast. I asked for some toast.

She placed two slices of toast on a plate in front of me and then took up the seat opposite.

"So, shall we talk about last night?"

"Can do. But I honestly don't remember too much."

"Do you want to start with the guy you were snogging?"

"How do you know about that?"

"You told me, sweetheart, when I was putting you to bed last night."

"Oh."

"Look, you don't have to tell me anything more. But if you think it'll make you feel better to discuss it with someone, just know I'm here for you." She gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks. But I think that was just the drink."

"Fair enough."

"I really ought to get home to my parents. They'll already be worried sick about me."

"They know you're safe, sweetheart. I text them last night, and I've updated them this morning."

"Oh...great...thanks." At the back of my mind, I was wondering firstly how Miss Snell had my parents' contact, and secondly why they would be OK with me staying over at my teacher's house. But I didn't put forward these questions to Miss Snell. I trusted her when she said everything was OK, so took her for her word.

"Miss Snell, can I ask something?"

"Sure."

"Do you think I should tell my parents about Tabitha?"

She paused momentarily before answering: "Only if you think it's the right thing to do."

"I do. But I'm a bit scared they'll be upset by it."

"Sweetheart, I think they'll be proud of you."

"You can't know that for certain."

"I can't, but I've got a pretty strong feeling."

I ate my toast and drank my tea.

"Miss Snell, can I ask a really big favour?"

"Depends what it is."

"I am going to tell my mum and dad about Tabitha, and I think I want to do it today. Will you come with me, and be there as I tell them."

"Only if that's what you really want. Of course I'll come with you."

I got up out of my seat and walked around to Miss Snell and gave her a big hug.

"Thank you so much. For everything."

"It's my pleasure, Tabitha."

I text my mum to say I'd be home in an hour and that I was bringing Miss Snell with me. I added that I had something I needed to say to her and dad.

She replied: 'OK darling. I'll have the kettle on ready x'.

I went upstairs to get showered and changed. I'd decided that I had to be Toby when delivering the news to my parents, and Miss Snell agreed. Freshened up from my shower, I put on the Toby clothes that I had worn on my walk over to Miss Snell's house the previous day.

I waited in the living room as Miss Snell got herself ready. She was all set in about 15 minutes, emerging in the doorway wearing jeans and a black top, with her hair done up in a ponytail.

"Shall I drive?" she asked.

"Nah, let's walk. It's nearby anyway, and it'll give me chance to clear my head a bit."

"No worries".

We didn't utter a single word to one another en route to my house. But that was just what I wanted, as it gave me time to think.

When we arrived, I knocked twice on the door, before letting me and Miss Snell in.

"Mum. Dad. We're here."

"We're just through here", mum called from the living room.

I led Miss Snell through, and we took up position side by side on the couch opposite to my parents.

"Tea, both?" Mum asked, but we both declined.

I took a deep breath, and then began what I needed to say:

"Mum...dad...there's something I need to tell you."

I was shaking pretty visibly. Miss Snell held my hand.

This was so much more nerve-racking than either of the penalty shootouts I had faced within the past month!