Tamara's Début   Part Nine   by Shiraz

 
Sunday 23rd November Continued
 

Elsie took her brother, the Headmaster, to one side and spoke quietly.

"Steven I know Richard has spoken to you about Tammy and I must tell you that I fully support Richard and Tammy, I think you'll have guessed that your wife does too. Obviously if you need to speak to the Governors then I'll be there, in fact I'll be speaking to many of the other Governors tomorrow if I can."

"Elsie, you know I want to do this properly as it would require a major policy change."

"Yes, but we might find ourselves in a difficult legal position, the discrimination legislation, as well as the Human Rights Act, will fully apply as Tammy is now over eighteen and not in compulsory education."

"I'm well aware, but from what I've read unless there is a report confirming a medical situation then there is no precursive situation and Tommy Smart would be expelled if he breaks the dress code. Even sixth formers are bound by it."

"Now Steven, don't get wound up. If you're worried about the school's reputation then until this afternoon very few people knew about Tammy being formerly Tommy, although Tommy Smart no longer exists - Tamara Smart is her legal name. Anyway, I digress, one member of staff, your nephew, has found out the connection and is threatening to expose Tammy, with the implication that the school will have to become involved in a damage limitation exercise."

"What is the basis of his problem?"

"He thought Tammy was a real girl and tried to take her as a girlfriend."

"Did Tommy, Tammy, lead him on?"

"No, either myself, Cathy or your nieces were with Tammy at all times. She did everything to reject him short of saying it to his face, indeed I believe that was to have happened today, but Tammy fell ill beforehand."

"So what am I to do?"

"Is the report from Environmental Health available?"

"Only the summary."

"So, what is the conclusion?"

"That there was a hygiene problem, mouse droppings were found."

"So there's the answer. The catering manager, my son, is directly responsible for the kitchen. He will also have signed a non disclosure agreement regarding all pupils and staff so we can either sack him or demote him or move him. If he's sacked the NDA still holds and we take legal action if necessary."

"He's your son and you'd advocate that?"

"Yes."

"I see."

"I suggest you phone him and remind him of the NDA, he can see you and Harry tomorrow."

"You are forcing me into a corner, little sister."

"That's what sisters are for, Steven. Use the phone in the study."

Elsie found Anne and Richard talking. "I've sent Steven to speak to John."

"Will he stop John?" Richard was showing some strain.

"I hope so, but we can only go so far with John, we can't gag him."

"Elsie, Richard, leave Steven to me." Anne was quite formidable at times.

"If anyone can persuade him, I know you will."

"So what do we do next?" Richard posed this to Elsie

"Nothing more tonight, let's wait for tomorrow morning. We need Tammy well so she can speak for herself and we need Jill Davison to see her, I've already organised that. Steven will have to deal with John for now, I'll speak to some of the other Governors."

Andrea and Alison had been talking to Sarah, catching up with the local gossip, but now joined the other three. Everyone was brought up to date before Sarah said she had to get home, but first she went upstairs to see Tammy.

Tammy was fast asleep. She'd been seen half an our earlier by Andrea who had helped her to the toilet as well as administer another paracetamol. Sarah quietly closed the door and went back downstairs, she said her goodbyes and left.

Steven and Anne were next. The Headmaster came out of the study slightly red in the face. He suggested to Anne they needed to get back to the school, their home, and thanked Elsie for a wonderful meal. Richard declined another Cognac and said he wanted to turn in, but first he also had to check on Tammy, giving her a kiss. By nine thirty everyone had gone to their room.
 
Monday 24th November
 
Monday morning brought a flurry of activity starting at seven. Alison checked Tammy, who was still asleep. Thankfully all the rooms had en-suite bathrooms so everyone was down for breakfast at eight, not having to suffer queues for the shower. Half way through a piece of toast Andrea decided she needed to check Tammy, in fact she had meant to go to the Rose Room before heading downstairs.

She entered the room and was surprised and pleased that Tammy was stretching.

"Good morning Tammy."

"Morning? What day is it?"

"Monday and you're missing breakfast. Get in the bathroom, have a wee and a wash and get your pretty rear back in here sharpish. You might want to use some of that mouthwash while you're there."

Tammy returned a few minutes later, looking slightly better. Andrea poured a glass of water and gave her a paracetamol. She then checked Tammy's temperature, it was nearly normal. She held up a gown, which Tammy wrapped around herself and the two walked downstairs.

Tammy was about to be rushed but a look from Elsie stopped that, Andrea helped Tammy to the table, she was plainly weak. Thomas arrived with some tea for Tammy and asked what she would like.

"Just some toast right now please, and strawberry jam if you have it?"

"Certainly, Miss."

Richard decided he would ask the questions, he was sat opposite Tammy. It would of course be an obvious question.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure, I'll might know after some toast."

That was the end of the questioning, Tammy's toast and jam arrived shortly after. She definitely looked a little brighter after the toast and a cup of tea. A second cup was poured and Tammy asked for a second round of toast, this time with marmalade.

Alison helped Tammy back upstairs and sat her on the bed which had been changed whilst Tammy was downstairs.

"Are you well enough to get dressed and go back down?"

"I think so."

"I'll help you and if you need anything ask me or my sister, right?"

"Yes."

Fifteen minutes later they were back downstairs, they walked through to the conservatory and sat on a wicker couch, a pot of coffee was sat in front of them. Tammy poured a cup of coffee, black filter coffee, and sat back to sip it.

Elsie walked in and stepped up to Tammy, quietly she said, "don't feel you have to stay down here, go up if you need to, just make sure one of us knows."

"Yes Elsie."

Richard had disappeared into the study to phone to his secretary. Elsie had plainly been making some calls already and a bouquet of flowers arrived for Tammy, otherwise Tammy was left to talk quietly with Alison.

"When do you have to go back to work?"

"We were due back tomorrow, but I've taken some leave I'm owed. Andrea will fly back after lunch. If all is well I'll go back on Wednesday or Thursday."

"You don't have to stay, I'll be fine."

"You're not fine, not yet. I'll take you to see Dr Hoskins tomorrow morning, he wants you there at nine, first patient, so you won't have to wait."

"Have you heard anything about school?"

"They went back today, but the Head knows you're not well. Aunt Elsie and your Dad are handling the school."

"Will they let me back? What did the Head say?"

"Wait until your Dad sees you, he may know more than me." It was an excuse to stop this line of questioning, Alison wasn't sure Tammy could deal with it yet.

Tammy sipped her coffee, unsure if she should say anything. Michael walked into the conservatory and went straight to Tammy.

"I'm glad you're feeling better, if you need anything then please ask me." He bent down and gave Tammy a kiss on the cheek. Tammy in turn blushed.

"Michael, I thought you were in college?" Andrea asked as she too walked in.

"I don't have any classes before lunch on a Monday, and the food's better here than the cafeteria."

Alison could see that Tammy was still a little unsure what to make of Michael's attention, Alison thought it might be time to talk to Tammy alone.

"Tammy, I think it's time to make yourself pretty, I mean even prettier, come with me."

Tammy reluctantly followed Alison up to the Rose Room and sat her in front of the dressing table. Alison pulled up a chair next to her.

"Tammy, I get the feeling you like Michael."

"I don't know."

"It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, you go wherever your heart takes you. Now, I think the males wouldn't be able to leave you alone after we've applied a little of this." She pointed at the cosmetics, "not too much though."

Ten minutes later they walked back down, just as Richard Smart came from the study. Tammy ran to her father and threw her arms around him, burying her head in his chest. He reached out and in turn held her for a minute, everyone in the hallway made a discrete exit.

"Tammy, let's go to the sitting room, it's empty now." He could see Elsie indicating. They walked slowly, Richard closed the door behind them. They went to the couch, somehow there was a pot of hot coffee waiting there. Richard poured them both a cup.

"Tammy, firstly I think you need to know what's happening. Your school re-opened today and everyone was called on Friday. Did you get a call?"

"I had eight missed calls on my phone but I haven't checked them yet. I haven't look at my emails either."

"That's not a problem, deal with those when you're ready."

"So when can I go back to school, if I can?"

"The Head isn't sure, he needs to speak to the Governors. Officially you are off due to illness and that is all the staff will be told. Did you know that Elsie is a Governor?"

"I didn't, I presume that helps?"

"Yes. We've asked Jill to see you today as the school will formally ask for a medical report before they'll allow you to return as a day student, not a boarder. What they will do is send your coursework and allow you access to the intranet. For now, all your work will have to signed as Tom Smart, do you understand?"

"Yes, if that is what it takes."

"Now, there is another problem. John has found out that you were Tom and he's angry. He thinks you were leading him on, did you?"

"No, I didn't." Tammy started crying.

"Tammy, I'm sorry but I had to ask the question." He picked up a tissue from a strategically placed box and handed it to Tammy.

"Elsie is upset with John and the Head is seeing him today. He's going to remind John that he signed a Non Disclosure Agreement, we hope that will sort John out. Elsie will put pressure on him too. Otherwise we'll go for a gagging order in court."

"Is this all necessary? I mean, this is happening because of me?"

"No, you're not the only reason but I can't say any more right now."

"Okay, but if I stay at the school, where can I stay?"

"Here, Elsie has already offered. You probably don't remember but Elsie's husband was my second in command until he died five years ago. We'd worked together for nearly thirty years, straight from university. I wasn't his boss and he wasn't my assistant, we were a team."

"I don't remember him, or this house."

"That's alright, Elsie remembers you and cares about you."

Tammy shuffled in her seat and was obviously thinking of something. "Dad, what about mum?"

"Tammy, I haven't received her divorce papers yet and I can't tell her about you until I get those papers. My solicitor is working on it. She might try and use you in the divorce, to get to me."

"She can't!"

"She might try, that's why knowledge about you can't go any further than Thurso and the bank's legal team. Don't worry."

"I don't think she ever cared about me."

"Tammy, it's wrong to think that way. She did care, she just didn't show it very well. Regardless of that she is your mother."

"I suppose so."

"You know so. Come on, let's join the others."

They both stood up, Richard gave his daughter a kiss then took her hand as they made their way to the conservatory at the rear of the house. Alison and Andrea were playing chess but abandoned their game to give Tammy a hug.

Richard suggested that Tammy check her emails and phone messages, she went to her room and sat at the writing desk. Firstly she checked her phone calls. She identified all bar one of the numbers, two calls were from the school, three from Sarah, two from her father and an unidentified mobile number. She then played the three voicemails.

"This message is for Tom Smart, this to let you know St Andrews will be open on Monday 23rd November. Please ensure you are back at the school by six PM the previous day."

"Tammy, this is Sarah. Can you call me? I want to know you're alright."

"Tammy, where did you go after the reception? I need to see you again."

Tammy erased all of the messages, how had John got hold of her mobile number? It didn't matter now. Her phone started ringing, it was her mother's number.

"Hello mum."

"Hello Tom. I tried to get you at the school but they said you weren't well. Sarah Bonney said you weren't staying with her any more but my battery died before she could tell me where you were. So, where are you?"

"I'm with the McPhersons."

"What! I don't want you staying there, who put you up to this, was it your father?" She was quite angry.

"No mum, I fell ill during a wedding reception at the house and they looked after me, two of Elsie's nieces are nurses."

"I want you out of there and back at that school, they said they couldn't get hold of you."

"Mum, I was in bed with the flu, today's the first day I've been up. My phone was at Sarah's until yesterday lunchtime and I've only just checked my messages. It's not a problem, dad has spoken to the Headmaster."

"Where is he?"

"If you mean the Headmaster, he's at the school."

"Don't be sarcastic, I mean your father."

"He's here."

"If he's interfering, I'll get every penny he's got."

"I wouldn't bank on that mum, if you'll excuse the pun."

"I'll speak to you later when you're more civil."

"Bye mum." Tammy ended the call. This was not good. She forgot about her emails and went to find her father. Tammy gave him a summary of the call, Thomas brought her a fresh coffee.

"Thanks Tammy. If she calls again, tell her to call me. She seems to have forgotten that you're over eighteen and capable of making up your own mind."

"I think I can handle her, but she won't be terribly pleased, especially as I'm not a little boy any more!"

"I don't think she'd see the joke."

"Perhaps not, but it's true. Anyway, what about the money?"

"Don't worry, it's all safe. She won't get what she expects as I simply don't have it. By the way, your trust fund now owns several houses, businesses and lots of shares, had I mentioneed that?"

"No, aren't you supposed to have told me?"

"Do you remember the documents you signed last birthday? One of them was a financial authority certificate."

"So you used that?"

"Yes, we'll sort out the bits and pieces after the divorce, but you're worth alot more now, alot. Congratulations."

Tammy fainted.

"Tammy, Tammy, wake up."

Tammy opened her eyes and found Elsie looking down on her.

"Drink this." She held a glass of water to Tammy's lips, a paracetamol was popped into her mouth.

"Do you want to go up to your room?"

"No, I'll be alright. Did I faint?"

"Yes, it sounds like you had a bit of a shock. Don't worry dear, it happens to us." She missed off the word 'girls'.

Tammy sat back up. She reached for her coffee but it was now cold.

They all sat and talked about the pending divorce, Alison and Andrea learnt more about Tammy's history as Tom. Elsie just nodded, she obviously knew most of this already. After half an hour lunch was called. They all went to the dining room for a light lunch, Tammy wouldn't have been able anything heavy just yet but this time she did eat more than she'd managed since Thursday evening, three days earlier. They were just finishing lunch when Jill arrived at the house, she joined them for a slice of cake and tea before moving to the sitting room.

They talked about the wedding while Jill finished her cake, she then suggested her and Tammy move to the study, Tammy insisted her father was also there. Tammy introduces Jill to her father, and vice-versa.

"Tammy, you've had quite a weekend, but what is it that can't wait until Thursday?"

"My school."

"In what regard?"

Richard spoke, "the Head is not going to accept Tammy back at the school, not yet at least. He says he can't sanction a change of policy. There will have to be a governors' meeting."

"That partly explains the call from my father. I wasn't able to tell him anything, however. What's this about the Catering Manager, John McPherson?"

"He has discovered that Tammy was a schoolboy at St Andrews and thinks he's been setup. The Head was due to see him this morning."

"My father was in that meeting, it didn't go well apparently."

"Oh?" Tammy couldn't manage anything more.

"I don't have the details and I think it's best if you hear it from the Head. So, how are you taking it, Tammy?"

"I don't know, I only found out all this a few hours ago. If you're going to ask whether I want to be Tommy again, no I don't. I am Tammy. The problem will be convincing everyone else."

"Dr Davison, I realise you don't know Tammy very well, but we might need you to write to the school."

"I can guess what you want me to say, but it is too early to say that Tammy is transgendered. I feel I'll need a second opinion seeing as I've met Tammy in the shop several times. What I might be able to do is say that it is advisable for Tammy's mental health that she remains as Tammy for now, subject to an early examination by a gender identity specialist."

Richard asked, "who would you suggest?"

"Professor Roberts at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary but his NHS list is booked months ahead."

Tammy took over, "does he do private work?"

"Yes, but he's not cheap."

"That's not a problem."

"I'll give him a call then but can you get there?"

Richard intervened, "Tammy is recovering from the flu and isn't going anywhere. Can you find out when he's free then we'll send a helicopter for him."

"Okay, I understand that the McPhersons have access to one."

Co-incidentally there was a loud noise from outside the house, Jill looked out and saw a chopper landing on the lawn. There was a knock at the study door, Elsie opened the door.

"Tammy, Andrea's just going." Tammy got up and went straight to the front door where Andrea was waiting. They hugged each other then kissed.

"Tammy, promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise."

"I'll phone later, bye!"

"Bye Andrea!"

Tammy returned to the study, closed the door and sat down. "Tammy, before I make this call, are you serious about this?"

"Jill, I want to get back to school. If this is what it takes then I want to do it."

"Right, I'll speak to him. Do you two want to speak to Elsie about the helicopter?"

"Dr Davison, Elsie and myself jointly own the company, although currently Tammy has my fifty percent."

"Right, this is beyond belief but I'll accept what you're saying for now."

They walked to the sitting room, a fire was blazing in the hearth. Elsie spoke to Richard briefly before turning to Tammy. She asked how Tammy felt.

"A bit tired, but otherwise okay."

"How about you take a nap, we'll wake you at five."

"Right." Tammy gave Elsie and her father a kiss before heading up the stairs. She kicked off her shoes, cleaned her face and flopped onto the bed. She was asleep within five minutes.

Meanwhile Jill and Richard were talking in the study.

"So will he take it?"

"Professor Roberts can only fit Tammy into his schedule after six on Wednesday, and he's unsure about flying in the dark."

"That's okay, suggest he brings his wife and an overnight case. They can have dinner, he can see Tammy and they can stay the night. We'll have him back at the hospital for nine on Thursday morning."

"I'm not sure, but I'll speak to him again."

Richard went to rejoin the others but his mobile rang, his solicitor told him that the divorce papers had arrived and had been sent to his London home. Richard informed him he was in Thurso with his daughter.

"I thought you had a son?"

"No, now I've got a daughter, it's a long story."

"I think I understand. Anyway, she's saying there's been a irrevocable breakdown. Would you agree?"

"Yes, I don't think I've seen her more than twenty days this year. I won't contest the divorce."

"We'll need to talk about finances, she's asking for sixty percent and the London house."

"That's a shame, I don't own it."

"Who does?"

"My daughter."

"I get the feeling you predicted this."

"Perhaps, but it was my financial adviser who suggested I could reduce my tax bill. All of the financial transactions are based on his recommendations."

"Richard, you have been crafty, but I hope it's safe."

"I wrote to Tara in Lausanne six months ago to let her know I was moving some property, stocks and shares to Tammy's trust fund. I sent it registered, but I doubt if she ever bothered to read it. Do you want a copy of that letter?"

"Please, plus the other documents you mentioned."

"I'll have my secretary collate them and send them round to you." Richard gave him the postal address and fax number of the McPhersons house before ringing off. He then called his secretary and brought her up-to-date before issuing instructions, one of which was to ask the CEO to call him.

The rest of the afternoon passed quietly, Alison was in her room, Elsie was reading and Richard used the PC in the study to get some work done. The CEO phoned after four and was told that Richard would be taking a week's leave, starting the following day, due to a family crisis. No further explanation was needed.

At five, Tammy was woken by Alison and sent into the shower. Tammy arrived downstairs just before six, Alison ensured she had a paracetamol then they all moved to the dining room.

After dinner, Tammy excused herself to check her emails. One was from the school giving instructions on how to access the intranet. The rest were mostly junk, information or commercial in origin. she spotted one from a fellow sixth former, John Hibbert.

Tom,
I missed you at rehearsals on Friday, the girl who's playing Anita was missing too. Anyway, see you at school on Monday.
John.

Tammy sent a quick reply.

John,
gone down with the flu. I'm staying with some friends, not sure yet when I'll be back.
Cheers, Tom

Tammy then went back to Amazon, Ebay and the other sites to change her address. She then realised that she didn't know the address of the house. Looking around the room she found some writing paper on the desk in front of her, the address was printed on each sheet. She finished updating the sites then thought about her bank statements, she should speak to her father about that.

By eight thirty she was fatigued but in need of a hot chocolate. She walked out of her door and almost straight into Alison.

"I was just coming to see you, to see if you were feeling okay; where are you going?"

"To get a hot chocolate."

"I'll sort that out, I see we need to give you an induction and tour of the house."

Tammy was sent back into her room, she was coming out of the bathroom having cleaned her face when there was a knock at the door. One of the staff delivered her hot chocolate then wished Tammy a good night. As the member of staff returned to the kitchen she saw Elsie heading for the study.

Fifteen minutes later the hot chocolate was finished and Tammy was fast asleep.