I arrived at Miss Snell's house at 5.58pm the following evening. She answered the door before I even had chance to knock and led me straight into her living room. I sat down on the sofa and noticed that the blinds were drawn.

Miss Snell was a woman in her mid-late twenties and was the crush of all of us schoolboys. She had raven black hair that she usually wore in a ponytail, and an incredible figure. Today, she was wearing charcoal grey leggings and a loose-fitting sleeveless white t-shirt (under which she was wearing a black bra). Teaching P.E., she would often wear tight leggings that would accentuate the delicious contours of her behind. Sometimes her leggings were so tight, you could trace the outline of her knickers, which would drive all of us boys wild. Many of us longed to be in the girls' class just so we had more time to admire her figure.

Now, I was being given just that chance, but not in the way that I had previously imagined. She took a seat on the sofa beside me and laid out her plan.

"I've been thinking this through, and I know we can make it work. Firstly, I need you to go into my bathroom upstairs, and shave so you're completely smooth all over. Everything you need is already laid out on the bathroom sink, and I've already run you a bath. When you're done, dry off and give me a bell".

This was all happening so fast, but I felt so much in a trance that I did as she'd asked without absolutely no hesitation. Within 15 minutes, I was smooth all over as requested and called for Miss Snell, who told me to make my way back down to the living room. I wrapped a towel around me and did just that.

I entered the living room and was instructed to stand in front of her.

"Now, this next part may seem pretty strange, but it's absolutely necessary and the sooner we get over the inherent awkwardness of it all we can begin making progress. Drop your towel, sweetheart."

Although stunned, I did as she requested. I was now standing completely naked in front of my school's incredibly fit P.E. teacher.

"Right, now I need you to put this on. It's called a gaff and it will keep your *ahem* male bits from making any unwanted appearances".

I put on the gaff. Although an unusual sensation, I can't say it was unpleasant.

"Good. Now, as I'm sure you can imagine, if we're going to make you look like a girl, you'll both need to dress and act like one too. Your dimensions were on the school database from your medical last month. I believe you'll be a small in terms of most women's clothing, including knickers. Obviously your bra size was more guess work, but I reckon a 32B will fit you." At this moment, she produced a plain white thong and a white sports bra. "Put them on sweetie".

I stepped first into the knickers and wriggled them up my legs. I tried not to let on, but the whole experience was starting to become a thrill. I then slipped the sports bra over my head and into place over my chest.

"Now, girls your age will have breasts and we don't want you looking out of place. So, I'll need you to wear these." Hereupon Miss Snell produced a pair of breast forms. "Hold your bra up a second, sweetie, and I will attach these. They have a special adhesive that will keep them in place until we need to detach them". Once in position, she held them firm against my chest for around 10 seconds before letting go. When she did release her grip, I was left with a new pair of boobies.

"Pull your bra back down, sweetie. Cool, now for some outerwear. Put on these leggings. We won't worry about a top for now, your bra will suffice."

The leggings were bright pink, the most feminine colour imaginable. I put them on as instructed and was led to a mirror. The reflection I could see projected that of a young woman, somewhat athletic, with noticeable boobage and a rounded backside. The only problem was my face, which was still my usual male one.

To correct this, Miss Snell led me to her bedroom and had me sit by her vanity table. She proceeded to put God knows what make-up on me, including a shade of nude lipstick. Then the final piece of the puzzle came: a wig. She placed over my head a shoulder-length brown wig and began fixing it into a high ponytail. When she was finished, she showed me to the mirror again, and what looked back was the image of an attractive 18-year-old girl dressed ready for exercise.

She led me back to the living room, saying she had some final things to discuss. "Firstly, you look amazing Toby, or rather, Tabitha, as I'll now call you when you're 'en femme'. I don't think we'll have any trouble convincing others you're a girl, you look so feminine and being 5 foot 5 helps with that. However, I do have one final question for you sweetheart, and please be honest with me..."

I spoke for what must have been the first time in at least an hour, "what's that?"

"All this time I've had you shaving your legs, donning women's clothing, doing your make up, styling your hair, and you haven't once shown any sign of restraint or anguish or regret. Tabitha, are you enjoying being made into a girl?"

Coyly, I replied, "Yes, Miss Snell. This is actually a bit of a dream come true."

We spent several hours that evening talking about what had just happened and what was going to happen over the coming weeks. The entire time I was sat wearing the leggings and sports bra Miss Snell had asked me to wear. It was all incredibly surreal, but undoubtedly exciting. I could feel my penis getting aroused during the initial stages of our conversation, but luckily my gaff kept it from springing loose. After about 15 minutes, that initial excitement died down, and the whole situation began to feel completely normal.

Miss Snell wouldn't reveal how she had acquired the clothes I was wearing, nor how she got hold of the breast forms or gaff. She said she would get all the clothes and make-up I would need for our little 'project', as she called it. All I had to do was focus on being a convincing girl.

At 11pm, I realised the time and said I better be heading home. As I began opening the front door Miss Snell called, "aren't you forgetting something?". It was only then that I realised I was about to leave her house still dressed as Tabitha!

"Come on, I'll take your make-up off and you can put your own clothes back on."

I ended up leaving just after 11.30pm. That night, I couldn't sleep, thinking about what had happened and how I was going to get to experience it even more over the coming weeks.

I'd agreed to see Miss Snell again the next day at noon. She told me we were going to do a 'passability test'. Even though I had no idea what that meant, I couldn't wait to be dressed as Tabitha again. I wore a pair of tracksuit bottoms and an old football top and knocked on her door at 11.45am. Wearing male clothes felt so boring after what I had worn last evening. I was itching to get whatever female clothing Miss Snell had prepared on and become Tabitha.

After an interval of about 20 seconds, Miss Snell answered. She had her hair worn in a top knot bun, and she was wearing a short denim skirt with a white milkmaid's top. "Goodness me, somebody's eager. Go straight upstairs to my bedroom and get your gaff on, it's lying there ready for you on the bed. I'll come and apply your breasts in a minute and we can begin your transformation."

No sooner said than done! I raced upstairs and was wearing just the gaff before you could say 'Jiminy Cricket.' Miss Snell then applied my breasts. When in place, she asked me to do a few star jumps, which I did, and the breasts jiggled up and down with my movement, not remotely coming out of place.

"Wow, they're amazing." I gasped.

"I know, right. Now, put on your underwear and sit by the vanity. I'll do your make-up and hair and then we can get you fully dressed."

I put on the black bikini cut knickers I was handed first, followed by the matching plain black t-shirt bra. Miss Snell then proceeded to fix my make-up and style my brown wig into what she called a waterfall braid. She showed me to the mirror, where I saw reflected a gorgeous brunette.

My outfit for today was a pair of tight-fitting blue denim ripped jeans, a thin strap low neckline black tank top and a grey knitted cardigan that was draped around my shoulders.

"Don't do your cardigan up", Miss Snell told me, "enjoy the opportunity of displaying a bit of cleavage."

With my outfit complete, we went to Miss Snell's kitchen, where she explained what her 'passability test' involved:

"In about 10 minutes, my boyfriend is coming over for lunch. I'm going to present you to him as my niece, who is going to play for our school in the county cup. That's also the story we're going with when I present you as Tabitha to the team. He'll only be here an hour at most."

I was slightly scared about being seen by a stranger as Tabitha, but knew I was going to have to be her in front of all of the girls football team anyway, so thought 'what the hell, there's no getting off this train now.'

10 minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

"Go and answer it Tabitha, and show him through to the kitchen."

I did as asked. I wondered on the way to the door what Miss Snell's boyfriend would look like: I imagined he would be a good-looking man of early-thirties, about 6 foot 3, extremely athletic and with no facial hair. I opened the door, and the man who stood there fit that description to a tee. My jaw dropped.

"Ah, you must be Tabitha", he said. "Nice to meet you. I'm Mark."

'Holy cow', I thought. 'Miss Snell is dating Mr Phillips!'

Mr Phillips and I sat down at the kitchen table while Miss Snell prepared lunch. Engaging in small talk with your old P.E. teacher who you were responsible for getting fired, all while dressed as a female alter-ego, was a very unique experience.

"So Tabitha, Miss Snell tells me you'll be playing for her girls team at the school. What position do you play?"

"Um, usually striker but sometimes in the centre of midfield", I replied, trying to master my feminine voice (which I had been practising the previous night when talking with Miss Snell).

"Fair enough. I hope you girls have more luck than my boys team just did. We lost the cup final on penalties. We let some dimwit take our final kick and he completely bottled it. Lost me my job, the stupid arse."

"I'm sorry to hear that", I said, knowing this was the right response, even though he had inadvertently called me a "stupid arse" to my face. I knew it was paramount that I kept up the pretence of being Tabitha, Miss Snell's niece visiting from out of town.

"Well, I'm looking on the bright side. Going to become a personal trainer now instead, think it suits me better than teaching."

At that moment, Miss Snell arrived with food. As we ate and small talked some more, I realised that Mr Phillips was actually alright. The conversation flowed, and we were all larking and joking about like long-time friends. I did notice that Mr Phillips would steal a sideways glance at my cleavage every now and then, which felt odd at first, but I decided to just embrace it. Actually, I was finding it something of a turn on (what was wrong with me?!?).

After we finished eating, we talked some more and before you knew that it, an hour had passed. I helped clear the table as Mr Phillips said his goodbyes. He gave Miss Snell a snog and also gave me an unexpected kiss on the cheek. "Pleasure to have met you Tabitha. I'll make sure I come and support you and Lucy [Miss Snell] in the tournament." And with that, he left.

Miss Snell and I sat on the sofa and chatted some more. She spoke about her relationship with Mr Phillips, and how they met through school. It was still early days and she wasn't 100% sure on him, "but he's a good shag, and every woman needs that." She said this so openly that I blushed deeply, which she picked up on.

"Oh don't be so bashful, Tabitha, us girls talk about these things all the time. Boys, clothes, sex. They're all bedrocks of girlie chit chat. You'll need to be ready for these kinds of conversations with your teammates. Trust me, they won't be shy discussing these things."

We made arrangements for tomorrow, which was to be the team's first training session. This was the chance for Miss Snell to introduce me, her niece Tabitha, to the team.

I then undressed as Tabitha, had my make-up, breast forms and wig removed, and changed back into Toby. I must admit I was beginning to hate every moment I was Toby rather than Tabitha. I said goodbye to Miss Snell, and made my way home.

Although nervous about the prospect of presenting to the team tomorrow, today's meeting with Mr Phillips had allayed my fears somewhat. He had absolutely no idea who I was, otherwise there's no way he would have kissed me as he left. I was a completely new person as Tabitha, and that gave me confidence.

The next day I was at the pitch with Miss Snell around an hour before my soon-to-be teammates would start arriving. I had already been transformed into Tabitha earlier in the morning: my hair was put into a high ponytail and I was wearing a pink thong and a pink Nike sports bra. Over this I was wearing a pair of white football shorts and a Manchester United football top. I had tried to protest about the top, being a Manchester City fan, but Miss Snell insisted. The top was hers, and she said "no niece of mine is wearing the enemy's kit", with a wink and big grin. She was wearing black leggings and a black Under Armour top.

I helped her set up for the day's session, and no sooner had we finished than the team started to arrive. When all of the players had arrived, Miss Snell (who I was henceforth to refer to as Aunt Lucy, to keep up my disguise as being her niece) called everyone in for a team talk.

"Hello girls. Today is our first training session before the tournament starts next week. We only have a few sessions before we get going, so let's make the most of our time here today. But before we get into the drills, I'd like you all to meet Tabitha, my niece. Tabitha here is allowed to play for the school team as our wildcard player. Every team has one, and luckily we've got Tabitha. She'll be our striker. Please make her feel welcome."

With that introduction done, we were sent around the field for a warm-up jog. As we were running, I became acquainted with some of my new teammates. The one who chatted the most was Katie, the team's captain. She explained how the team was really good, but hadn't had a striker who could score goals, and that was where they had struggled in recent years. They were all hoping I could bag the goals to win them the cup.

After the jog, we did some basic passing drills and also practised some 1-v-1 situations. The whole time I became lost in the moment. I didn't once think about being Toby...I was completely absorbed in the role of Tabitha. I could feel my breasts bounce as I ran and my thong slowly rising up my butt crack. Everything just felt so right!

We finished the drills and ended the session with a match. I was on fire in the match, and scored a hat-trick inside five minutes. To say I was on cloud nine as 'Aunt Lucy' blew her whistle to end the session would be a chronic understatement. I felt unbeatable. A few of the girls came and hugged me, saying they were so glad to have me added to the team, and that the team now had a chance of winning the cup. It was so nice to feel welcome and wanted, especially after my recent bad experience with the boys' team.

After a quick debrief, Miss Snell sent the girls on their way to the changing rooms to get ready to leave.

"Tabitha, you coming to get changed with us?" Katie asked.

"She's going to help me pack away Katie", Miss Snell replied. "She'll be coming with you guys tomorrow afternoon though, so she'll see you then."

"Ah, no worries. Catch you tomorrow Tabitha." Katie waved goodbye, and made her way to the changing rooms.

And with that, it was just Miss Snell and I on the field.

"Well done today Tabitha. Your teammates clearly like you already."

I blushed and thanked her.

"Now tomorrow is slightly different in that we won't be training. However, we'll still need Tabitha around as the team is going bowling for some team building experience. Come to mine at 5pm, and we'll get you ready, OK?"

"OK", was all I could muster. The training session had been such a whirlwind, I couldn't really think of what else to say. Within the last hour, I had been running around the field dressed from head to toe as a girl, and not only had nobody shown the slightest suspicion about my true sex, but I had had the most exhilarating time.

When we had packed everything away, Miss Snell drove us back to her house, where I transformed back into Toby. I was bursting with excitement in anticipation of the team building, whatever that entailed, that was awaiting me the next day. But for now, I would have to be Toby again, for the next 24 hours at least.

Miss Snell dropped me off just outside the local bowling alley at around 5pm. I asked her if she was joining us, but she said that this was just for the team and she didn't want to 'cramp our style'.

"Enjoy yourself, and I'll pick you up later. Just give me a call when you're ready." And with that, she left.

I was a bit anxious, as this was my first time dressed without Miss Snell around, as well as being the first time in a really public place while dressed as Tabitha. At the football pitch the previous day, it had only been my teammates who had seen me as the pitch is fenced off within the school grounds. And I'd felt safe when meeting Mr Phillips, albeit anxious, as I was in Miss Snell's house and trusted her when she said everything would be hunky-dory. But now loads of people, some of whom may know Toby from around town, would be seeing Tabitha. I took a deep breath, and entered the bowling alley.

The girls were stood inside the foyer. I had been the last to arrive. I was surprised to see everyone wearing leggings or jeans. I was wearing a tight green miniskirt and a black square neck long sleeve top, over a red thong and matching plain t-shirt bra. I definitely looked the most dressed-up, while everyone else was in more casual wear. 'Oh well', I thought, 'wearing a skirt actually feels quite nice...I think I may even prefer it to the leggings and jeans I'd worn previously.'

I had my phone and purse in a small clutch handbag that Miss Snell had lent me. She had also added a tube of lipstick, in case I needed a top up, and showed me how to apply some.

"There she is", said Katie upon spotting me. She came up and wrapped her arms around me; I reciprocated the hug. "Wow, you look stunning...you do know we're bowling right?" She said this with a lovely grin that put me ease, knowing she was just teasing me.

Katie then led the group to the reception desk, where we were assigned to lanes 10, 11 & 12. I was on the same lane as Katie, and with us were Evelyn, Zara and Amanda. While the bowling was competitive, I quickly realised that it wasn't the primary focus for any of the girls, who were never ending with their gossip and chit chat.

Katie: Is Mick coming to watch you when we play St. Mary's, Evelyn?

Evelyn: Yeah. He said a few of the boys' team will pop down to show their support too.

Katie: Aww, that's sweet of them.

Zara: I get so jealous of you sometimes, Evelyn. It must be so nice to have a boyfriend.

Evelyn: Oh babe, he's brill. Drives me around wherever I want to go, spends time with me doing whatever I choose, plus he's always buying me gifts. Honestly, he spoils me rotten.

Amanda: Jesus, he does all that for you? He must be getting a good deal in return.

Evelyn: Aye, I make sure he doesn't go short changed, don't you worry.

At this point, all the girls started giggling.

Katie (turning to me): Do you have a boyfriend, Tabitha?

I must have gone crimson, because the girls started laughing even more.

Katie: That surely means 'yes'. Who's the lucky fella?

Tabitha: Oh, no no no. I don't have a boyfriend. I quickly spat out.

Katie: Then, why have you gone as red as a tomato? *giggles* Oh, do you have a girlfriend? Don't be embarrassed if you do, we actually have a two couples within the team: Lucinda and Erin have been dating for a few months now, and Sabrina and Belle are also seeing each other, even though they try to play it down. It's actually pretty common in a girls' team, y'know.

Tabitha: No, I don't have a girlfriend either. Single and ready to mingle, me.

Why on earth did I add that last part? I think I must have thought I needed to cover for my earlier hesitancy and blushing over the mention of a boyfriend, but I overcorrected and must have sounded ridiculous. However, nobody reacted as if I had made a fool of myself, which was a relief.

Katie: That's the spirit girl. You never know, you may pull one of the lads from our school if you impress them in the tournament.

Amanda: That's your plan, isn't it K? Got your eye on Lloyd from what I heard.

Katie: Bloody hell, must have been Erin who told you that. Thought that girl could keep a secret! But, yes, if you must know, I wouldn't say no to those luscious blue eyes. Think we'll be asked to go to the summer ball together anyway, being the team captains, so I'll lure him with my skills on the pitch and seal the deal at the ball.

Evelyn: Poor boy, you'll scare him off.

Katie: No I won't, he'll be head over heels in no time, you watch.

All of this was clearly said in moderate jest, judging by everyone's tone, but you could tell there was truth lying beneath every word spoken.

Katie: Maybe you will pull one of the boys when they see you play, Tabitha. They all seem to love watching us running around the pitch getting all sweaty.

All of the girls laughed at this.

Tabitha: Maybe.

It was all I could reply. I could feel the conversation becoming dangerously close to being out of the realms of my comfort zone, but luckily our game was coming to a close and soon after we were heading for the exit.

Embarrassingly, I had come last in the bowling by quite some way. I had scored 62, while everyone else had scored 80+. Not to make excuses, but I was so conscious of the shortness of my skirt, that I was ardently trying to avoid any fashion faux pas and having my knickers exposed. After every bowl, I was conscious of the fact I was tugging at the hem of my skirt to make sure it was at an appropriate height - now I saw why all the others were in leggings and jeans! That may have been it, but I think truthfully it was probably that I'm a pretty rubbish bowler.

Katie won on our lane with a score of 119. I got the impression that not only was she the most sporty, but she was also the most competitive. It made sense now why she was the team's captain.

After bowling, we made our way to the local park, which was a fifteen minute walk from the bowling alley. Thankfully, talk had turned towards our first match, against St. Mary's. The team had drawn against them once in the past but they seemed confident of beating them this time out. There was even talk about who we'd play in the final, even though we hadn't even won our first game yet. But the girls seemed certain we'd be there in the final, and that we'd probably be up against Shevington Academy. Shevington were unbeaten in their last 20 matches, and had only drawn once in that time. They were clearly the tournament favourites.

At the park, we larked around for a bit, but spent most of it congregated in a circle on the dry grass. Then Katie announced, as pre-agreed by the team (although this was news to me) that the three losers at the bowling alley had to complete a forfeit. It was agreed that we would perform a dance to 'Single Ladies' by Beyoncé.

Before I knew it, myself, Manisha and Scarlett (the other bowling losers) were standing in the centre of the circle, and music was blasting from Katie's iPhone. We fell into line, and began to bust our moves, prompting mass hysterics from the other girls. We must have looked like dorks, but it quickly began to become fun. Although I was stiff at first, I gradually loosened up, and lost myself in the moment.

"Wooooo, go Tabitha, you sexy little minx you", Katie called out.

That made me chuckle. I had known Katie at school but had never really interacted with her aside from the occasional greeting as we passed in the corridor. In fact, I hadn't spoken much to any of the girls at my school, or even any other girls in my entire life, really. Now, I was one of them, and dancing spontaneously in a public place with complete abandon. Weirdly, I already felt a kinship with all of them, particularly Katie, despite them only having known Tabitha for less than 48 hours.

At one point while we were dancing, a group of lads walked past and wolf-whistled us. "You go girls. Looking hot", one of them called over. They walked off chuckling amongst themselves, but they were all taking cheeky glances at us over their shoulders as they continued on their way.

Unbelievably, I didn't feel any annoyance or embarrassment at being whistled at by those lads...it actually gave me a strange little tingle and a bit of an adrenaline rush. I think it just reconfirmed how much of a girl I looked as Tabitha. I was no longer a boy-dressed-as-a-girl-dancing-in-a-field in my mind but a proper girl who was enjoying a carefree evening bonding with her football teammates.

The music ended, and us three dancers locked hands and did a mock bow. The girls clapped and cheered wildly like we'd just done something amazing, and then we all sat back down and laughed some more about what had just happened.

We talked some more at the park, before I rang Miss Snell to ask her to pick me up. She arrived a little while later and I waved goodbye to the girls that remained (everyone was breaking off at different times, but there were still 5 there when Miss Snell arrived). I got in the car and she drove us to her house, where I would unfortunately have to turn back into Toby.

"Looks like somebody had a good time."

This was obvious from my beaming smile.

"Yeah. It was great."

"Do you realise the time?"

At that point I looked at my phone, which I dug out of my handbag.

"Oh my god! I's half past ten", I somewhat shrieked.

"That's just what happens when girls get together. Can't stop nattering, and the time passes in a flash."

"Sorry for calling you so late. I'd have called you earlier if I'd have known. I feel bad making you come back out at this time."

"Don't be daft, sweetheart. I'm honestly so glad you enjoyed yourself and have got to know your teammates better. Bodes well for the team in the tournament. Plus, it gave me and Mr Phillips plenty of time to do...well, you know what. I invited him over for the evening."

"Oh, well I'm glad you had a pleasant time too."

There was a pause, then we looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"Yeah, I guess you could say it was a 'pleasant time', babe." She chuckled some more, and then we were pulling up by her house.

"Time to get you changed. Training tomorrow and the day after, then our first match against St. Mary's. Excited?"

"Oh, more than you could possibly imagine" I replied. Then, on impulse, I threw my arms around her. "Thank you so much Miss Snell. I've never felt more comfortable than the past couple of days. This has been truly wonderful."

"Awww, sweetheart, I'm so glad you're enjoying it." She hugged me back, which felt lovely. "Now come on, we better get you ready to go home."

We entered the house, Miss Snell and me - Tabitha, but it was Toby who emerged half hour later. But this time, I was still wearing the red thong under my male jeans. I just couldn't resist!

We spent the next two days finalising our preparation for the match against St. Mary's. The county cup was an 8 team tournament, meaning that this was a quarter final match. Win, and we'd be in the semi finals, and another win there would put us in the final.

Despite my heroics in the first training session, where I'd scored a hat-trick and felt unbeatable, I was beginning to see how playing in the girls team would be no walk in the park.

Knowing that the game was fast approaching and hoping to impress Miss Snell, all of the girls were upping their game. Sliding tackles were not allowed (in case we injured one of our teammates) but that didn't stop anyone from being physical. I must admit, the upper body strength of the girls astounded me at times, and I was knocked to the floor on more than one occasion when challenging for the ball. Everything was good natured, the only motivation was to mark territory and impress Miss Snell to guarantee a place in the starting XI. But it was still an eye-opener for how I'd need to be at the top of my game come match day; 'if my own teammates are this physical in training, just imagine what the opposition will be like on the day', I thought to myself.

We practiced some tactical stuff like pressing their back line when they were on the ball (I was particularly good at this - even though I wasn't the fittest player, I had a great burst of pace and a keen eye for intercepting a pass). We also worked on our link-up play, including some passing combinations to get the ball behind their defenders more quickly, as well as some set-pieces.

I was still not the tallest player in the team, despite now playing in a girls' side. Several players were taller than me, including our goalie, both centre-halves and Katie. The rest were mostly the same height as me, while a couple like Belle and Evelyn were only just over 5 foot each, so at least I wasn't the smallest team member like I had been in the boys' side.

Unfortunately, I was more or less useless in attacking the corners put into the box and was particularly bad defending them (as I always had been, usually to Mr Phillips' annoyance). As it was, Miss Snell must have seen my lack of aerial prowess and told me to lurk on the edge of the box when we had an attacking set piece, so that I could pick up any loose balls, and when the team was defending one I was to stay on half-way, pushing their defenders back and being ready for a counter-attack. I had never been given a tactical role like this before, but quickly found that it suited my strengths. 'Wow, Miss Snell has a much better eye for the game than anyone I've previously been coached by', I thought.

As the second session ended, we all took a seat on the grass completely exhausted by all the exercise. Miss Snell crouched in front of us, clipboard in hand, and ran through the team for the match.

"So, big game tomorrow girls. I'll run through the team now...please don't be disappointed if you're not starting, we're going to need everyone to get us a result in this match and to get us through the whole tournament. You've all trained really hard over the past few training sessions, so this wasn't an easy decision."

With that said, she began to reel off the team sheet: goalkeeper = Zara, right back = Manisha, centre backs = Millie & Wendy, left back = Sabrina, right midfield = Belle, central midfielders = Amina and Katie (captain), left midfielder = Evelyn, strikers = Amanda and Tabitha. Lucinda, Erin and Scarlett would be our subs.

'Thank God', I thought, 'I've made it in.'

We then went our separate ways. That night, when I was back home as Toby, I slept like a log. The training had been so intense over the last few days. But that was good, as I got a full night's sleep and woke up the day of the match ready and raring to go!

I couldn't wait to get to Miss Snell's house and get ready for the match. We'd agreed I'd get fully kitted up there and then she'd drive us over to the pitch.

I arrived and was quickly ushered upstairs to her bedroom. After putting on my gaff and breast forms, I slipped on the white thong and matching sports bra I had worn on my first day as Tabitha. Miss Snell fixed my make-up like always: "not too much today, you are playing football after all, not going on the pull at a nightclub", she had joked. She then put my wig in place and put it into the usual high ponytail I wore when training. She also made me wear an elastic headband that was a soft shade of yellow. That done, she pulled out my match day kit.

Our school colours were green and white, so our kit was made up of the same colours. The shorts were plain white with three thin green stripes down either side. Our tops were green and white vertical stripes on the front, and a block green on the back (with white numbering). I was given the number 9 jersey. I put the kit on, and it fit perfectly. The long sleeves were a bit odd at first (the boys always played in short sleeved versions of an identical kit) but I think in the end I preferred it. I was all set for my first football match as a girl.

We headed over to the pitch about an hour and a half before kick-off. Miss Snell had to mark the pitch and put up the goals, plus make sure our water bottles were full, all before the team arrived. I, of course, helped her with these tasks. Being there with her that early before kick-off made me appreciate the effort she was putting in for us - 'there's more to coaching than just picking a team and shouting at players', I thought, 'it takes a lot of dedication before everyone turns up and after everyone leaves, too.' She obviously had her timing down to a tee, too, as we just finished putting the final peg onto the net when the teams began arriving.

While Miss Snell spoke to St. Mary's coach and the referee, Katie took us all in a warm-up. We started with some static stretches, progressing to dynamic stretches, and then got into a circle, passing the ball around 2 'defenders' in the middle. We finished the warm-up with a small shooting drill, honing our precision while also warming up Zara in goals.

As we were warming up, a small crowd was gathering at the side of the pitch. There weren't loads of people, but it was a decent crowd of around 100. Most, I assume, were family and friends of the players; there was also a small group of the boys' team (only 5, including Mick and Lloyd), plus Mr Phillips had kept his word from our meeting the other day and turned up to show his support to the team (but mostly to see Miss Snell - I imagine he was earning brownie points).

After we finished our warm-up, we gathered around Miss Snell. Her team talk was short and snappy.

"Right girls, you all know our plan. Short sharp passing, get the ball quickly in behind their defence for Tabitha to run onto. Keep the defence tight and give them no time on the ball. High intensity, quick build-up and plenty of shots. We're going to win this game. Give it everything you've got, girls!"

We put our hands into a circle, cheered on the count of three, and then jogged into our positions on the pitch. This was it...now was my time to shine.

The referee blew his whistle, and we were underway. No more than a minute into the match, Katie dispossessed a St. Mary's midfielder. I set off on a run in behind their defence as soon as she had the ball at her feet, and she lofted a beautiful pass over their defenders. I beat the offside trap and was clear through on goal. I took two touches, getting the ball out of my feet and in a position to shoot. The goalie had come off her line to close me down, leaving plenty of space between her and the goal. I knew I had to chip her, so got my foot under the ball to lift it over her. I managed to lift the ball over her, but got far too much on it, and the ball sailed over the crossbar. I punched the ground in frustration.

"Great ball Katie", I could hear Miss Snell shout, "and great run Tabitha."

We were slicing through St. Mary's with ease every time we got the ball, but I must have left my shooting boots at home because no matter how hard I tried I couldn't find the net. It was the same for Amanda and Katie, too; we must have created at least 10 good chances in the first half compared to none for St. Mary's, but none of us could get that elusive breakthrough. We were all square when the referee blew for half-time.

Our supporting crowd clapped us in and there were calls of "well done girls", "you'll have them in the second time" and "don't panic, the goal will come". None of that helped my frustration. I knew I'd had glorious chances to make my mark in the game but hadn't taken any of them. If you're not scoring as a striker, what good are you?

Miss Snell kept the half-time team talk brief. She complimented us on our build-up play and restricting St. Mary's to very little possession. But she did highlight the need to be more clinical in front of goal. "Just relax a bit, Tabitha, you look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders. Relax, and you'll get that goal."

However, that goal never did come. It was still 0-0 after 70 minutes, with the second half continuing in much the same vain as the first - we dominated the ball and chances, but, try as we might, it was as though an invisible force field was protecting their goal. Their keeper made some worldie saves; their defender cleared it off the line one time; we hit the wordwork twice. To say I was frustrated was an chronic understatement.

To add insult to injury, I found myself substituted for Scarlett with 20 minutes remaining. I trudged off the pitch and took my place on the bench, head bowed.

"Don't beat yourself up, Tabitha", Miss Snell consoled me, "every striker has an off day. Use this feeling now as motivation. I'm still confident the girls will win this match, and you'll get your chance again next time out."

And win is just what they did. In the 89th minute, Katie poked the ball home after a scramble in the St. Mary's penalty box following a corner. A scrappy goal, but a winner nonetheless. As the referee blew his whistle, the girls celebrated together while I refrained from celebrating too hard as I felt I had let the team down a bit.

Miss Snell got everyone in as the crowd started to disperse and St. Mary's got on their team bus home. She kept it short again, mainly congratulating us on the win, emphasising that we'd need to be better in the semis, but that mostly we should be proud of how we had fought today.

Gradually everyone went their own ways, until it was just me and Miss Snell packing away. We didn't talk much until we got in the car to drive to her house.

"You're really gutted about today, aren't you?" she asked.

"Yeah, definitely. I shouldn't need that many chances to score a goal."

"I think your problem today was that you were trying too hard. It's easier said than done but try not to think ahead to what scoring a goal means. Think more about the moment and what's the best technique to use to get the ball past the keeper in any given situation."

"I guess you're right. I was hoping I'd score so the girls would...I don't know...respect me more, maybe?"

"You've gained their respect already, particularly Katie. They wouldn't have been playing you through if they didn't think you were up to the task. They'd have found another way through to goal, or shown their frustration to you directly. Let me tell you, those girls aren't shy of showing their true emotions on the pitch."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really! Nobody was frustrated with anyone else today because the play was really good for the most part and everyone was genuinely giving 100%. Everyone saw that. It just didn't click in the final third, but that can happen at times."

We arrived at her house, and she helped me to de-feminise.

As I was leaving, Miss Snell said, "put today out of your mind now. Next match is in a few days time, and I've just received confirmation that we'll be playing Oakwood High. Don't put the same pressure on yourself then that you did today. Just enjoy being Tabitha, playing a sport you enjoy with the new friends you've made."

With that, she waved me goodbye and I headed home. The game against Oakwood High couldn't come soon enough after her little pep talk. Rather than focus on outcomes, I knew hereon that I just needed to enjoy being Tabitha. And I would do just that in the semi-final.

The game against Oakwood High kicked off at 3pm, just three days after the match against St. Mary's. In between the games we'd had two more training sessions, the first of which was a recovery session, and the second of which focused on what we would likely encounter against Oakwood. They had a reputation for employing the dark arts, so we practiced short-sharp passing drills, designed at moving the ball on quickly and moving into space, so that they would have no time to commit fouls. Miss Snell also emphasised how we'd have to be mentally strong as they'd try and get into our heads and potentially try to get one or more of us sent off.

Training had gone well for me individually. I seemed to be applying the tactics Miss Snell was wanting to see and was scoring with better efficiency. Now all I had to do was apply that in the match. I was a bit worried that I'd start as a sub given my abject performance against St. Mary's, but Miss Snell selected the same starting XI and subs as we'd had in that match. "No need to change a winning team", was what she had said.

My pre-match routine was much the same as it had been three days prior. I got ready at Miss Snell's house and we made our way over to get the pitch prepped for the match. We only had to sort the nets and water bottles this time as the pitch was still marked from the other day, so we only arrived about half hour before everyone else.

On this occasion, I was wearing a blue sports bra and matching bikini briefs under my kit. They were both emblazoned with the adidas brand name and logo.

I was starting to wonder about how Miss Snell how acquired all these clothes for me to wear. I had spent more than a week now where every day I was dressing up as Tabitha, and in that time I had worn several different outfits. I knew that the football tops I wore to training were Miss Snell's, supposedly, and that my match kit was school property. But what about the bras and knickers I'd been wearing? And that's not to mention the outfit I'd worn when meeting Mr Phillips the other day, or the top and skirt I wore out to the bowling alley. They couldn't be Miss Snell's as our sizes didn't match up.

As we left the house to head to the pitch, I was going to ask where all the clothes were coming from, but then thought better of it. Maybe ignorance was bliss for the time-being. Plus, I didn't want to jeopardise the situation by asking the wrong questions. I was having too much fun!

As the teams warmed up, a crowd gathered around the pitch again, just like the game against St. Mary's. There were more people this time, with a much bigger opposition support. Still, it wasn't a massive crowd - maybe 150 people in total.

We warmed up with an identical routine to our quarter final, grabbed a quick drink afterwards, listened to Miss Snell's final few tidbits of advice, and then we were ready to go.

The referee blew his whistle and the match was underway. Miss Snell wasn't wrong when she said Oakwood were masters of the dark arts: they committed a series of blatant fouls in the first 10 minutes, all but one of which went unpunished by the referee. On one occasion, I had the ball at my feet and was about to play a pass to the wing when an Oakwood player came charging up behind me and clouted me in the back with her elbow. I went sprawling to the fall and hooked my hand around the ball as I did so, thinking the ref would be giving us a free kick. But instead he gave the free kick the other way, penalising me for handball.

"What the hell?" I yelled. "She barged me from behind. It should be a free kick to us".

"No she didn't", the ref responded. "You fell of your own accord and then handled the ball. That's a free kick to them".

"You're having a laugh aren't you? So it's fine to just elbow a player in the back now? No need to make an attempt at the ball?"

"She didn't touch you. End of story. Continue with the lip, missy, and you'll be booked for dissent".

I was still dismayed and about to continue my argument when Katie came across to drag me away from him.

"No point getting booked, Tabitha, he's not going to change his mind. None of the refs have the balls to stand up to Oakwood, it's the same every time we play them."

"But...", I started, before she cut me off.

"No time for it now. Let it slide and get on with the game. Get your own back by putting the ball in their net".

Oakwood took their free kick. Their centre half launched the ball forward, it was headed down by their striker and then their captain struck a beauty of a half-volley past Zara in our goal. We were 1-0 down.

"Heads up girls. We go again now", Miss Snell called from the sideline.

I was so angry that they'd scored, particularly as it was clearly a terrible call from the referee that led to it. But I knew that Katie was right: if I could channel this aggression in the right way, I could get us back into the match.

The score was still 1-0 when the ref blew for half-time. We huddled around Miss Snell, who was keen to impart some wisdom.

"Hard lines there girls. We knew what Oakwood would be like, and they've just proved us right. But we need to focus on our own game and not theirs. I think that's where we went wrong in that first half. Their defence is pushed up quite high, so there's space in behind. Yet, we haven't played Tabitha or Evelyn through once. Defence, let's transition that ball quickly to the midfield, and midfield, when you get the ball, look to play it straight away through or over their defenders. Tabitha, Evelyn, when one of the midfielders get the ball, set off straight away in behind and they'll find you. Still 45 minutes left here girls and we've got the talent to turn it around. Now, come on, let's show everyone what we're made of".

With Miss Snell's words still fresh in our ears, we returned to the pitch ready for revenge. We were much better and more aggressive in the first 10 minutes of the second half, but still hadn't managed to get the ball beyond their defence.

Then, Belle played a square ball to Katie who in turn played the ball for Belle to run onto down the wing. Belle got the ball under control, took it to the edge of their penalty area and then looked up. Myself and Evelyn were both screaming for it in the box. Evelyn had found herself marked by an Oakwood player at the back stick, but I had managed to lose my player and weave a run around to the front post. Belle struck the ball low and hard towards the edge of the 6-yard box. I stretched my right leg for all I was worth, hoping to connect with Belle's cross...and I managed to do just that. My tiptoe managed to get to the ball just before their keeper and poked the ball into the bottom-right corner. We were back level.

I got up quickly and grabbed the ball. I tucked it under my arm and ran with it back to the centre circle. High-fiving teammates on the way, I now had the bit between my teeth. I placed the ball down the the spot with authority and got back into position to go again. I looked over to Miss Snell and the subs and pumped my fist in celebration - a gesture they replicated - before quickly turning my attention back to the game in hand. I was delighted to have scored, a feeling I'd not experienced in the boys' team in a proper match for 2 years or more, but knew the game wasn't won yet. But the fire in my belly had been well and truly ignited, and I knew, don't ask me how, that we'd win the game from here.

With 25 minutes still to play, we won a corner. I took up my designated position just outside the box. Belle floated the corner into the box, but an Oakwood player headed it clear at the near post. However, they didn't clear it very far and the ball fell to my feet just outside the D. I got the ball under control, moved it 1 yard to my right, and clipped my foot around it. I lofted a delicious cross towards the back post, where Millie had found herself stationed still from the initial corner. She towered above her marker, planted her forehead to the ball, and powered her header past the despairing Oakwood goalkeeper. 2-1.

She ran off to the corner to celebrate, and the team all followed her. We were cheering and high-fiving, hugging anyone and everyone who was near to us. Then Katie got us into a quick huddle.

"Brilliant girls, but we can't let this slip from here. We keep our heads now and do everything basic. No risks at the back and we'll see this out. Come on."

She roared these last two words and led us in a run back to our half for the restart of the match. We were all pumped up but knew cool heads were called for, and we did manage the game well from there on out. There were a few close calls: Oakwood pressed for an equaliser and thrice drew good saves from Zara. But as they pressed for that equaliser, they left more gaps in their defence.

After one of her saves, Zara had ball in hand. All of the Oakwood players had pushed up the pitch in desperation, as it was now approaching full time.

"Quick!" Miss Snell screamed. "Release Tabitha!"

Zara looked up and spotted that I'd set off on a forward run. Instantaneously, she struck the ball forward. I was in my own half as the ball left her foot, so I was onside. I got the bouncing ball under control, looked up, and saw it was just me versus the keeper. A quick glance behind told me that no other player, any of my teammates nor any Oakwood player, were catching up. I had the freedom of the Oakwood half to myself.

I took the ball into the Oakwood penalty box with my first 3 touches. As I entered the box, their keeper started to move off her line. She approached quickly and I considered chipping her. But I decided against that and dropped my shoulder to the left. This sent her in the same direction, and I quickly manoeuvred the ball to the right, instead. I took another touch to take it past her fully and was left with a completely empty net. I dribbled right up to the goal line, not wanting to take any chances, and proceeded to leather the ball into the net. 3-1.

I punched both fists into the air in celebration. None of my teammates came to celebrate with me, but I could see why: they were all knackered and had collapsed to the ground with relief as I'd scored our third goal, the goal that had put our win and place in the final beyond doubt. I made my way back slowly to our half and passed the disconsolate Oakwood team on my way, averting my gaze from the scowls they threw my way. Three minutes later, the referee blew his whistle to signal full time.

We'd done it! County Cup final, here we come!

We were all celebrating wildly when one of the Oakwood players approached me with her hand outstretched. I smiled and reciprocated the handshake, but as soon as I was in her grip she wouldn't let go. She pulled me in and proceeded to barrage me with abuse.

"You lot got lucky today. Never seen a worse team make the final. You're just lucky your coach obviously paid the ref before the match. I got a right mind to lay you out right now."

She let go, pushing me back as she did so. I stared at her in disbelief. She then spat a ferocious volume from her mouth which hit me straight in the face.

"What do you think you're playing at!?" Katie screamed as she ran over. She positioned herself between me and the other girl.

"What you gonna do?" the girl asked.

To which Katie responded by striking her flush in the cheek with a haymaker of a right hook. The girl was sent to the ground in an instant.

A huge fury then broke out amongst all of the players. No more punches thrown, but lots of grabbing, confronting and screaming profanities. It took a monumental effort from both of the teams' coaches, some of the spectators and the referee to break everyone up. While all of this was happening, Belle had ushered me to the side and grabbed a towel from her kit bag to wipe the spit from my face.

Eventually, everything did die down and both teams were separated. We were cooling down as a group by the side of the pitch, Miss Snell doing her best to calm everyone down, when the referee strolled over.

"Captain, a word please", he summoned Katie.

She walked towards him.

"I saw what caused all that commotion. You punched that girl in the face. Violent conduct gives me no choice but to show you a red card." At which point he pulled out the red card and brandished it to Katie.

"You can't do that, the match had finished", a few of the girls protested.

"Actually, I have authority to show yellow and red cards for offences from the time I enter the field at the start of the match until the time I leave the game. She punched that girl as I was still shaking hands, so the red card stands." He then walked off.

Everyone was dismayed. The elation we had felt immediately after the match had rapidly evaporated.

And the reality of the situation was outlined by Miss Snell when she said: "well, girls, we're in the final, which is a great achievement...but, Katie, you'll be suspended for it now, because of that red card".

It was a strange feeling that followed our semi-final. On the one hand, we had done brilliantly in reaching the cup final, which had always been our aim. On the other hand, we would have to play the final without our captain, Katie. I felt particularly bad: she'd only been sent off because she was acting to protect me. I did express this to her, but she wasn't having any of it.

"Don't be silly. It's my own fault, I act before thinking sometimes. But at least I made it a good one, wiped the stupid cow right off her feet."

We both shared a laugh and a hug.

Training ramped up in intensity in preparation for the final. It was indeed Shevington Academy who we would be playing. They had won both their previous games by a 4-0 score line each time, so they were in red hot form. Not only were we training harder but we were training longer, too. Everyone was determined to win this match, and our added incentive now was to win it so that Katie could join us on the pitch and lift the trophy as our team captain.

But as she'd be missing the match through suspension, someone else would have to lead the team in the match. At the end of our final training session, Miss Snell gathered us in to run through the starting XI and subs.

"So, we've obviously had to make one change for the final, and it'll be Erin coming in to midfield to replace Katie. We're going to keep everything else the same as it has been working to good effect so far. As for match day captain, I've been thinking long and hard about this, and I've decided that it'll be Tabitha wearing the armband."

She held out the armband for me to take. I was stunned.

"Oh...um...well...thank you, Aunt Lucy...but...well...I'm still new to the team...and...I suppose...really...shouldn't someone else be captain for the final instead? I feel like I've taken someone's spot a little bit, y'know?"

"Nonsense. You've been a great addition to the team. Plus, you showed a steeliness in that last match. You're proper captain material. Am I right girls?"

I looked around, expecting everyone to disagree with Miss Snell. Instead, I was met with smiling faces and nods of approval. They weren't just placatory nods and smiles either. I honestly believe every single player was happy with me being appointed captan for the match. I took the armband from Miss Snell.

All the girls came up and hugged and congratulated me in turn. I can't put into words how good that feeling was. I was now in a place where I felt accepted, where I was contributing valuably to the team, and where I, for the first time in my life, felt really, really, really happy.

As Miss Snell was driving us back to her place, I said: "thank you so much for making me captain. I promise I won't let you down."

"You earned it, sweetheart", she replied. "I'm proud of you. But don't go putting too much pressure on yourself because of that armband. You played with more freedom in the last match, I could tell, and you played better for it."

We pulled up by her house, entered, and I headed straight upstairs, ready to become Toby again (which was easily becoming the only downside of this experience: having to become Toby after being Tabitha was like transforming from a princess into a frog every day). But as I was halfway up, Miss Snell, just entering the hallway herself, called up, "I was thinking, Tabitha, that maybe we should head out for some food, you know, just the two of us. Reward ourselves for a job well done so far, and talk a bit about the final, too."

"Oh, that sounds lovely", I replied. "But I told my parents I'd be home in an hour."

"You could always text them and ask if you can stay out later? But don't stress about it, if you want to go home that is fine."

I considered for a moment, then rang my mum. She answered after three rings. "Hi mum, I'm out with a friend and they've asked if I can stay out a bit later...yeah...oh, about 9pm, no later...yeah...yeah...oh, thank you so much mum!...I'll catch you later...ok...ok...love you too, bye!"

"I guess you've got the green light then", Miss Snell said.

"Indeed. But I'll need to be home by 9. Is that alright?"

"Perfect. We'll go to Luciano's in town."

"Oh, wicked, I love Luciano's...but what am I going to wear?"

"Oh, don't you worry about that. I think it's best you have a shower first, and I'll grab something for you to wear."

She helped me detach my breast forms, placed my wig on a mannequin head she had in her bedroom, and left me to shower. I showered and also shaved again for the first time since my first transformation into Tabitha. Luckily, everything I had used the first time was still laid out on the bathroom side unit. I finished up drying myself and wrapped a towel around me.

I walked into Miss Snell's room to see her fiddling with her phone.

"Ah, that was quick. I was just booking us a table." She slipped her phone onto the bedside table.

I whipped my towel off without even thinking, I'd become so comfortable in her company, and pulled the gaff into place. She then held the breast forms against my chest, letting go after the usual 10 seconds. All tucked and with boobs applied, I was ready to get dressed.

"Right, whack on this bra and these knickers, Tabitha." She handed me the red bra and matching thong I'd worn to the bowling alley. I put them on as instructed. She then handed me a red, short-sleeved skater minidress. I slipped it over my head. There was a small zipper at the back of the dress that Miss Snell did up for me.

She did my make-up a bit heavier than usual, and the lipstick she put on me was of a shade of bright red that matched my dress. She placed the wig on my head and started styling my hair. After she finished tinkering, she explained that she'd put it into beach waves, and told me to look in the mirror. I did, and saw that I looked gorgeous, but I didn't stay looking for too long this time. I'd become used to looking good as a girl...maybe I was taking it for granted a bit that Miss Snell would style me up all lovely, as she'd never let me down before.

Miss Snell then went into the bathroom to get herself ready for our outing. While she was doing that, I sat on her bed and watched some TV. I flicked through the channels and settled on some reality TV show called 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'. I'd never seen nor heard of it before, but quickly found out I was into it. I dunno, but I think I'd always liked this sort of rubbish-but-in-a-good-way reality TV stuff but never thought it appropriate for me to watch it as Toby. But, as Tabitha, my tastes were allowed to be slightly different, and this was right up my street.

She must have been a good hour or more before she emerged, as I'd watched a whole episode and was partway through my second.

"A girl after my own heart", Miss Snell said as she entered her bedroom and saw what I was watching. She turned the television off by the remote and said that it was time to be heading off.

She was wearing pleated maxi dress that was an autumnal shade of orange with floral decoration. Her hair was worn straight back so that it flowed to halfway down her spine. Her lipstick was a shade of plum. If I thought I looked gorgeous earlier, then Miss Snell was on a whole new level of gorgeous. 'Mr Phillips is one lucky man', I thought.

We drove into town, parked up, and headed for Luciano's.

We were seated towards the back of the restaurant and were served by a handsome waiter named Giovanni. He was wearing tight black trousers and a black shirt with the top two buttons undone. He had short black hair that he'd clearly gelled up at the front, and I also noticed that he had a gold stud earring in each of his ears.

"You ready to order", he asked, and we both nodded. "Splendid. What can I get for you, M'dam?"

This was directed to Miss Snell. She ordered the 'Risotto del Contadino' and a sparkling water to drink.

"Excellent choice! And for you, pretty lady?"

'Jesus', I thought, 'Is this guy flirting with me?'

"What would you recommend?"

"Well, as I say, the risotto M'dam here has ordered truly is bellissima. But the 'Ravioli Di Capra' is very nice too, and there's always the 'Pepperoni Campagna Pizza', if you feel a little cheeky tonight." He said this with a wink and knowing smile.

'God, he really is flirting...but I don't mind it at all.'

"In that case I'll have the pizza, please. Oh, and a Fanta to drink, too."

"No problem", he said, and finished scribbling our order on his jotter pad. "I'll just take these menus from you beautiful ladies, and I'll be back with your drinks in a minute."

After he had left, I said to Miss Snell, "was he flirting with me just then, or am I imagining things?"

"Oh, he was flirting alright", she replied, "and you were too. Taken a fancy to the hunky Italian waiter have we?" She giggled as she said this.

I blushed, a telltale sign that she was on to me, but batted away the notion, claiming to be joking around.

Giovanni returned with our drinks a minute or so later, and our food arrived about 15 minutes after that. I hadn't eaten since before the match that day and was tucking into my pizza as soon as it arrived. The food was scrumptious, and we both cleaned our plates. Over food we talked a bit about the match, a bit about the team, a bit about local town gossip, and a bit about fashion. The last topic certainly wouldn't have been a comfortable subject for me just two weeks ago, but now it felt utterly normal.

Giovanni came by once we'd finished eating to collect our empty dishes to take back to the kitchen. He asked if we wanted to see the dessert menu.

"Not for me, thanks Giovanni, I'm watching my figure", I joked, patting my belly.

"Ah, a small dessert won't harm you, surely? You look terrific. Are you sure you don't want anything?"

"No, honestly, thanks. I'm fit to bursting after the pizza. Which was 'bellissima', by the way, as you said it would be. Thanks for the recommendation."

"My honour, amore mio. What about you, M'dam?"

"No, I'm good too, thanks", Miss Snell answered. "Can we get the bill though, please?"

"Absolutely, give me two seconds."

He went away and came back with the bill. Miss Snell paid for us both. I didn't have any money on me, but said I would pay her back.

"No you won't." She had said. "This was my treat."

She paid up, left Giovanni a generous tip, and then we left the restaurant. Giovanni was waving at us as we left, and I returned a hearty smile and waved back.

We jumped in the car and headed back to Miss Snell's house. En route, she fished a piece of paper out of her handbag and handed it to me.

"I think this was meant for you", she said as she handed it over.

It was crumpled a bit so I unraveled it. It turned out to be the bill for our meal. And at the bottom of the paper was a phone number. 'Giovanni's number!' I realised.

"Oh my god! What am I meant to do with this?"

"Well, I think you know exactly what he wants you to do with it. But don't worry about it now, you don't have to act on it straight away. Or ever, even, if you don't want to."

"Um, OK". I kept the bill crumpled up in my hand all the way until we got to Miss Snell's house. As I went through the usual routine of turning back into Toby, I slipped the bill into Toby's trouser pocket. I can't lie, Giovanni giving me his number had spun me out a little bit. But it didn't appall me in any way. Actually, I was kind of glad. I had no idea what I would do with it, but I wanted to keep it safe in case I wanted to act on anything at a later date.

I thanked Miss Snell for a lovely evening, and headed home.

Tomorrow was cup final day, but I wasn't really thinking too much about that. Maybe that was why Miss Snell had taken me out to dinner, to take my mind off the forthcoming. Whether that was the plan or not, I slept soundly yet again, drifting off as soon as my head hit the pillow. And that night, as I slept, it was Giovanni who was at the forefront of my dreams.

My alarm woke me up at 8am. The final wasn't due to kick off until 5pm, so I'd only need to be at Miss Snell's house to get ready 2pm at the earliest. That gave me 6 hours to kill before then.

I got up and did myself some breakfast. Then I decided to go for a little morning run. Nothing too strenuous before the big game later in the day, but something to get the blood flowing and the body active. I slipped on a pair of pants, a pair of shorts and an under armour t-shirt.

As I was running, all I could think about was how unusual it now felt to be exercising as Toby and not Tabitha. It was actually kind of unpleasant. I had grown to like the weight of the breast forms on my chest as I ran about the football pitch, and my outfits as Tabitha just felt so much nicer, too. Exercising now as Toby just felt plainly boring and not quite right.

I ran for about 5km in total. I checked my watch as I wound up back at my house and saw that I'd completed the run in 39 minutes and 12 seconds. That was a new personal best; I'd never run 5km in under 40 minutes before.

I had a shower to freshen up after my run, put on some of my 'lounging around the house' clothes, and fixed myself some breakfast. I sat in front of the TV for a bit eating my Cheerios and drinking my orange juice.

After finishing my breakfast, I turned the TV off as I wasn't able to follow what was going on with it anyway. I wanted to watch another 'Real Housewives', but my parents were in and out of the room, and that would have been out of character for Toby. I settled on the 'Match of the Day' highlights, instead.

My mind kept flitting back to the cup final. I knew it'd be similar to the boys' cup final a few weeks earlier, the one in which I had fluffed up the deciding penalty. There was quite the crowd for that game, 417 people in total, according to the local newspaper. Now, being a girls match, the crowd would unlikely be so enormous on this occasion, but I imagined it would still attract over 300 spectators, double the number we had watching our semi-final.

This unnerved me a bit, as did the thought that the local paper may turn up again to report on the game. I just had this unmoving thought that this would lead to someone definitely recognising that I was Toby, not Tabitha. I tried to tell assuage my fears by reminding myself that plenty of people had already seen me as Tabitha who also knew me as Toby (the girls on the team, Mr Phillips, and the boys from the school who watched our first match), which was certainly true. But I couldn't help but think my secret was on the cusp of being revealed. Call it gut instinct.

I lounged around the house for the next couple of hours, doing everything and anything I could think of to try and distract myself a bit. But, try as I might, nothing would relax me. Playing on the Xbox? Lasted 15 minutes. Reading a book? Only managed 5 pages. Scrolling through Instagram? Listening to music? Doing a crossword? Nothing, and I mean nothing, could distract me from the match.

I suppose it wasn't just being recognised as Toby/Tabitha that I was worried about, either. I was desperate to win the match. I wanted to win to repay Miss Snell for her time, patience and faith in me. I wanted to repay the girls for their friendship and embracing me as a member of their team. I wanted to see Katie lift the trophy. And I wanted all of those things so desperately, I was fit to bursting.

I'd managed to hold out to noon, but could wait no longer. I text Miss Snell, and asked if I could come round early to get ready. Waiting for her reply was agony. I kept checking my phone every 15-20 seconds. Nothing for 30 minutes. I was getting pretty restless, even more so than I had been, when her reply came through:

No problem. Pop round when you're ready x

'Thank God!' I thought.

I was round her house less than 10 minutes after receiving her text. She opened her door as I was walking up her driveway and gestured for me to head straight upstairs to get ready. The usual process ensued, and in the blink of an eye I was Tabitha again. A blessed relief for my restless heart!

I was wearing the pink Nike sports bra and thong that I'd worn to the very first training session (which felt like a lifetime ago!), with my hair done up into its typical high ponytail. I wore a pair of pink leggings for the time-being, as it was too early to be kitted up fully for the match. After dressing, I headed downstairs.

I entered the kitchen, and to my shock Mr Phillips was sat at the kitchen table. Miss Snell explained that he had called to ask if she wanted him to take me and her to the match. She had accepted his offer, and he'd arrived just 5 minutes ago (he had arrived in the intervening period when Miss Snell had left me to finish getting changed on my own and me finally traipsing back downstairs...I don't know how I didn't hear him at the door, but that just shows how distracted my mind was with the match and everything around it).

I recomposed myself as quickly as I could and took the seat opposite him. I had talked to him before as Tabitha, and he had been exceedingly nice. But, and it may see daft, but I felt a bit...naked...I suppose, this time, sitting opposite him in just some leggings and a sports bra. Sure, the bra concealed 'the girls', but it wasn't like it served as an actual top.

But I thought: 'Oh, get over yourself, Tabitha. Girls wears sports bras and leggings as a complete outfit all the time. It won't be anything he's never seen before. Plus, it's not as if you're in the nude!'

"You ready for your game today, Tabitha?" he asked.

"Can't wait!" I replied

"Lucy tells me you've been in good form. Scored a couple of goals in your last match?"

"Yeah, and got an assist, too."

"Nice. Just got to bring that form again today now."

"Yeah, I suppose I do."

"No supposing about it, I know you will", Miss Snell said, bringing me over a glass of water. "You got this girl!"

She patted my shoulder and set my drink on the table.

The three of us continued talking for a bit. I relaxed as the conversation went on, forgetting largely about how I was dressed.

It got to 3.30pm, and Miss Snell said we'd better be getting ready to go. I went upstairs, took off my leggings and was about to put my kit on. As I was standing there in just my bra and thong, I heard the toilet flush and Mr Phillips came out onto the landing. I had left the bedroom door open, not thinking at all, and Mr Phillips had clearly stolen a glance at me as he'd exited the bathroom. Luckily I had my back to him, so he hadn't seen my front, at least. I took a peek over my shoulder. As I turned, our eyes met for the briefest moment, a fraction of a second, and he quickly averted his gaze and spurted down the steps. Whether he had stood admiring me or just happened to glance into the room by chance, I knew he'd seen me in just my underwear. But that didn't bother me. Actually, it made me smile.

I pulled on my jersey and shorts and checked myself in the mirror. I also pulled on my captain's armband, proudly shifting it into place over my right bicep.

"You've got this, girl," I said to my reflection. "Go out there and give it everything you've got. Make a name for yourself, Tabitha!"

I headed downstairs with a spring in my step.

We jumped into Mr Phillips' car and made our way to the pitch.

Once there, Mr Phillips helped Miss Snell with the nets while I filled the team's water bottles. We finished earlier than planned thanks to Mr Phillips' help, so Miss Snell took advantage of this little extra time together to pull me aside for a 1-to-1 chat.

"Excited?" she asked.

"Very!" I replied.

"Good. Now, I know this may be an odd thing to hear, but I don't want you to worry about the final result today. It'd be nice to win, but something more important has come from this tournament, for both you and I. You seem so much happier as Tabitha. Am I right in thinking that?"

"Yeah."

"Then that's the biggest win here. The rest of this, well, it's all superfluous."

I threw my arms around her.

As she let go, she said, "I mean it, Tabitha. Be proud of who you are. If you can do that, there's nothing more anyone should ask of you."

As she finished her kind words, the teams started to arrive.

I got everyone in, fulfilling my leadership duties, and led the warm-up. I didn't change anything from Katie's warm-up as it was effective as it was. I was so absorbed in leading the warm-up well that I wasn't at any point aware of the size of the crowd that had gathered. It was huge, and there wasn't much standing room left around the pitch. On one side, behind the Shevington bench, were stood the Shevington supporters, while behind our bench stood our group of supporters. In addition to the faces I'd become accustomed to at our previous matches, the entire boys' team had come to show their support this time, as well as several teachers from our school.

That felt odd at first: teachers who had taught me for the last seven years were about to watch me play football as Tabitha. But I'd grown used to people I knew seeing me as Tabitha, so that novelty soon wore off.

The local paper was in attendance, as I had anticipated, and called us in to take our team photo. We were all set up and ready, me with the captain's armband, knelt down in the front row with the ball at my feet. But something felt wrong...missing...and I realised what it was.

"Hold on 2 secs", I said to the photographer, getting up from my position and jogging over to the sideline.

"Come on, you've got to come in the photo", I said to Katie, who was stood by who I assume were her parents.

"But I'm not part of the team today", she replied.

"Yes you are. You may not be *playing* today, but you are a part of the team. A big one at that. We can't have our photo taken without our captain."

I started pulling her towards the team.

"But I haven't got my kit on."

"Yeah, and I'm glad about that. You'd look stupid standing on the sideline in kit when you're not playing. I wouldn't allow you to do a John Terry, anyway." She laughed at this. "You're getting in this photo. I'm insisting." I turned to face her and did mock puppy dog eyes.

"Oh, fine. If it means you'll leave me alone." She giggled.

"Good. And you'll be needing this, too." I took the armband off and slid it up her arm.

"Oh, honestly, I...", she started, but I'd given her my puppy dog eyes again and the tilt of my head told her not to argue any more.

Now, I should say, she did look somewhat silly wearing the armband. She was wearing a beautiful thin strap blue floral summer dress. Her hair was worn so that it fell down elegantly in long curls over her left shoulder. And her face was made up as if she was about to go on a date (I imagine her plan was to sidle over to flirt with Lloyd at some point during the match). The armband on her looked more out of place than a kangaroo in the arctic. But she was our captain, who'd led us to this point in time. She needed to be a part of this moment, front and centre.

She stood at the centre of the back row. "I'm definitely not kneeling down at the front in this dress...I'm not getting mud on my knees", she had stated definitively, drawing laughter from the team. I got back into my position at the front and the photographer took the photo.

Everyone ran with Miss Snell back to our dugout, ready for the pre-match team talk, while Katie held back to put the armband back on me. She hugged me and said "thank you, Tabitha. That was so lovely of you."

"Don't mention it, Katie", I replied. "You, and the other girls, have done more for me than you will ever know."

"Oh, babe", she said and pulled me back into another hug.

As she let go, she finished, "go and win that trophy, girl."

We made our way over to the side: I joined the team around Miss Snell while Katie went back to stand with her parents.

"I'm not going to say too much girls", Miss Snell began. "But I do want each and every one of you to know how proud I am of you all. You've not once given up during this tournament. You've overcome adversity and now you're here, in the cup final. Shevington will be a step up from what we've played so far, but, so what? I'm not going to focus on them when I know that, here in front of me, are the best group of players any coach could have. Enjoy this experience."

"Come on!" the team roared in unison, and we dispersed to head to our positions on the pitch.

The referee called in the captains with a blow of his whistle.

"Tabitha", Evelyn said, "that's you he needs".

"Oh god, forgot about that", I said, to which she chuckled. I jogged over to the ref and shook both his and the Shevington captain's hands.

"Heads or tails?" he asked me.

"Heads."

"Heads it is. Do you want kick-off or to choose your end?"

"We'll have kick-off".

"Alright. You get choice of end." He directed this statement to Shevington's captain.

"We'll stay as we are", she answered.

"Splendid. Good luck girls...may the best team win".

We all shook hands again and she ran back to her position to get ready for the match. I stationed myself by the ball on the centre spot, ready to take kick-off.

'Deep breaths', I told myself, and closed my eyes. 'Remember what Miss Snell said: "you've got this, girl!".

I reopened my eyes. I was ready.

The referee blew his whistle. The final was underway...

'This is surreal', I thought. 'You're playing in the girls' cup final, Tabitha, in front of all of these people...and it feels AMAZING!'

I played the ball back to our centre half, Wendy, from kick-off. We tried to keep possession for a bit but Shevington applied an unbelievably quick press and they took control of the ball before we were able to string three passes together. That set the tone for the rest of the first half.

Shevington wore a kit that was yellow and black stripes: they looked like bees. And with the way the pressed us so quickly all over the pitch, they acted like bees, too. Whenever one of us got the ball, we'd find ourselves surrounded by 2 or 3 Shevington players in an instant. They swarmed us all over the pitch, preventing us from constructing any sort of passing game or finding any half-decent rhythm. And when they got hold of the ball, they were impossible to dispossess. They played the ball around us with such rapidity and calm that we were all left chasing shadows.

In the end, all we could do was arrange ourselves into a low block in front of our goal: make it difficult for them to break us down and penetrate into our box, forcing them to play hopeful crosses or shoot from distance. After hopelessly chasing for the ball for the first five minutes, sitting back into the low block did allow us to recover some energy. Plus, we were leaving fewer gaps for them to break through.

But that didn't hold them out for too long. 23 minutes into the game, still in our low block, a Shevington player picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and decried to have a pop shot. She didn't catch the ball fully, but just enough to have Zara in our goal scurrying to her right to cover the shot. As it was travelling towards goal, Wendy stuck out her leg in an effort to block it...but she didn't get enough on it, and only succeeding in deflecting the ball in the other direction. It diverted off her outstretched leg and flew into the back of our net. Zara was already diving to her right and had no time to shift her weight back the other way. We were 1-0 down.

As Shevington wheeled off to celebrate in the corner, I clapped my hands and told the team:

"Hey, heads up girls. It's only one goal...still plenty of time for us to pull this back."

I took kick-off again, and, much like the first kick-off, we were dispossessed after no more than five passes. It was clear that we would have to change our approach. Shevington were so much better than the teams that we had played previously. They were so much faster to the ball, so much more technical, so much more adept at passing. Playing out from the back and through the phases would not work against this lot.

As much as it was frustrating at the time, on reflection I have great admiration for Shevington, their players and their approach to football. The teams we had played so far were either a bit rough or a bit route one. They were comfortably the strongest team we had faced, and I actually thought they were better than the vast majority of boys' teams I'd played in my time. They were a great advertisement for the growth of the women's game and how much more proficient it has become.

The clock ticked down towards half-time and we remained largely in our low block. Aside from one breakaway opportunity, which had resulted in Evelyn narrowly striking the ball wide, we didn't get out of our half at all. But we were keeping the score to 1-0, which was good enough for now. Keep it like this and we still had time to turn it around in the second half. My main thinking was to get into half-time as we were, and listen to Miss Snell's words of wisdom - she'd know how we could get back into this match.

That was the intention, anyway, but on the 45th minute we conceded a corner. I took up my position on halfway, ready for the counter attack, but that ultimately would not materialise. Shevington floated in the corner. Zara came to punch it clear and missed the ball entirely, and there was a player free at the far post to nod her header into the empty net. There was no time to kick-off again as the referee blew his whistle for half-time. We were 2-0 down in the cup final.

"I'm so sorry girls", Zara said as we were all taking on fluids and eating oranges. "That second one was my fault. We shouldn't be 2-0 down."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up, Zara", I replied. "We win as a team and lose as a team."

I put my hand on her shoulder as reassurance. She smiled back meekly and mouthed, 'thanks.'

"Alright girls", Miss Snell started. "Not how we wanted the game to go but we can't undo what's happened. We just need to learn and adapt from here. There's still 45 minutes to go, so there's plenty of time for us to get the goals we need to reverse the scoreline. We're going to have to be brave if we're to win this, so no more staying in that low block. Amanda and Tabitha, I want you both pushing up onto their defenders, forcing them back into their own half. Their weakness lies in their full backs, so let's transition the ball out to our wingers in as few passes as possible. Evelyn and Belle, when you get the ball, drive at them, take them on. Let's step onto them this half, pressing them a bit more urgently. Come on girls, I know you've got this in you. Big push now."

We ran back onto the pitch to whoops and cheers from our supporters.

'Come on, Tabitha', I told myself. 'Big half, girl.'

Shevington kicked off. And unlike the first half, it was us swarming them. They managed to put together more passes than we'd managed from either of our kick-offs, but eventually they misplaced one and we had a throw-in on half-way. A much better start.

The game was much more even in the second half. I think it was a mixture of us being better and Shevington maybe tiring a bit. But we still were struggling to create any clear cut chances, and Zara was forced into a fine save low to her left to keep the score at 2-0. That brought a smile to her face: I think in her mind she felt that she'd redeemed herself a bit after her first half mishap.

Just after the hour mark, the ball broke my way midway through the Shevington half. I played it wide to Evelyn, who squared up their fullback. She cut inside and got to the edge of the penalty area before a recovering Shevington player slid in and took her standing leg. The ref blew to award us the free-kick.

Myself, Evelyn and Belle assembled around the ball. We were discussing what to do with it.

"You take it, Evelyn", I said. "It's too close to get it up and over the wall. Best bet is to whip it low and hard around the wall, to the keeper's side. Even if she saves it, we'll follow in for the rebound."

The girls agreed. Belle and I left Evelyn to place the ball down and take her steps back. The ref blew for her to take. She ran up and struck the ball towards the goalie's side, plenty of pace and whip on the strike. It beat the wall and hit the ground just inside the 6-yard box. The bounce of the ball deceived the keeper, and looped up over her outstretched glove. A huge cheer went up from our supporters. We were back to within one.

I sprinted into the goal to retrieve the ball and ran back with it to the centre circle. Game on!

This lit a spark in the team and we were much more active after that. We had more possession and were forcing Shevington into more uncharacteristic mistakes. They were getting frustrated, arguing with one another: this was a good sign.

But despite these frustrations and mistakes, we were unable to capitalise fully. A few half-chances fell here and there with myself, Belle and Amina all coming close to scoring. But we still couldn't find that elusive equalising goal.

We were becoming more and more desperate, too, as the clock ticked down towards full-time. Our chance at cup glory was slowly slipping away from us.

It was now into added time at the end of the game. The referee told us there'd be two more minutes to play because of stoppages due to substitutions.

Shevington were trying to see the game out by keeping hold of the ball. And they were doing a darned good job of it. On our last reserves of energy, we were chasing the ball for all we were worth, but nothing we did could dispossess Shevington of the ball. They had regained their composure and were doing a professional job of closing out the match.

That was until their defender picked up the ball and tried to play it back to their keeper. She stumbled as she tried to play the pass, and didn't connect with it fully. The ball ran loose.

Realising the opportunity, I sprinted forward and was first to the ball. What's more, I was 1-on-1 with the keeper, just outside the penalty area. I took it into the box and looked up at goal.

'This is the chance', I thought. 'You can take this to penalties'.

I pulled my right leg back, ready to shoot, when I saw Amanda running up alongside me out of the corner of my eye. She was in the perfect position for the square ball. The keeper came out to close me down, and as she did so I laid the ball off to my left. The keeper fell at my feet, but the ball had already made its way to Amanda. Calmly, she slid the ball into the empty net. That was the final kick of the game. We had drawn level, 2-2, and taken the game to penalties!

We gathered around Miss Snell at the sideline.

"Well done girls!" she said. "That was a monumental effort. But we're not done yet. This game is here for the taking. Zara, make yourself big and imposing, and choose which way you'll dive early. That'll give you the best chance of saving their spot kicks. As for takers, I don't want to force anyone to take one who doesn't want to. So, can I have five volunteers, please?"

Four hands went up immediately: Belle, Amanda, Evelyn and Amina. Nobody else looked so keen, though. Then a fifth hand went up: mine.

"Great. Five fab takers plus a brilliant goalie. Good luck girls!"

I jogged up to the referee for another coin toss alongside the Shevington captain. I lost it this time, and Shevington opted to take first. I was offered the choice of end to take the penalties at...and I chose the same end at which I'd missed in the boys' cup final.

We all shook hands again and I rejoined my teammates on the halfway line.

The Shevington number 9 strode up to take the first penalty of the shootout. Zara bounced up and down on her goal line, trying to make herself as big and imposing as possible. The Shevington player took a short run-up...and sent Zara the wrong way. 1-0 Shevington.

Belle was our first taker, and she began walking up as soon as Shevington had scored their penalty. She also took a short run-up...but her effort was tame, and the keeper was able to smother it low to her left. Advantage Shevington.

Belle was disconsolate as she made her way back to us on half-way. We all gave her hugs and expressed reassuring words, but they were little help right now. She sat for the rest of the shootout on the floor at the end of the line, knees clutched to her chest. I knew how it felt to miss in a shootout, and empathised with the anguish Belle was experiencing. But I couldn't think too deeply about that now. The shootout was far from over, and only positive thoughts would give us any chance of victory.

Shevington scored their second penalty to put them 2-0 up. Then Amanda took our second kick...and she scored, blasting the ball confidently down the centre of the goal. Shevington also scored their third kick, while Evelyn scored her penalty shortly after. The shootout stood at 3-2 to Shevington.

One of Shevington's centre halves walked up to take their fourth penalty. She looked nervous. 'Come on Zara', I thought, 'pull something out of the bag here, girl!'

But as it turned out, Zara wasn't needed. The player dragged her penalty past the post. 3-2 still, but Amina had the chance to pull us back level. And she did just that, with aplomb, crashing the ball low and hard into the bottom left corner, out of reach of the diving Shevington goalkeeper. 3-3.

Shevington's captain was next up to take. She had probably been the best player in the match. She was a diminutive figure but was so graceful on the ball; she glided past players with ease and could play the ball around effortlessly. It would take something special for her to miss, was my impression.

She strode up and struck the ball well. It was arcing high towards the top-left corner...but wasn't destined for the back of the net. Heroically, Zara dived the right way and stuck out her right arm as far as it would stretch. Her fingertips just got to the ball, and she tipped it onto the crossbar. It smacked against the woodwork and rebounded out. It was still 3-3.

Zara beat her chest triumphantly and let out a big roar. Justifiably so...she had just given us the chance to win the final. She'd just given me the chance to win it!

I began the long and lonely walk from halfway to the penalty spot. I walked past the Shevington captain on my way...she looked devastated.

My legs were shaking and my mind was racing. It felt like an eternity before I had the ball in my hands, ready to take my kick. I settled it down on the spot and took three strides backwards and one to my left. I puffed out my cheeks and eyed the goalkeeper. She was stood stock still on her line. Her eyes were menacing and piercing straight through me.

I began my run up. Head down, I focused fully on the ball. I knew where I intended to put it: high into the top-right corner. Just like how I planned to dispatch my penalty in the boys' cup final. I connected with the ball and sent it in just that direction.

I looked up as I struck the ball. It was heading in the right direction...but the keeper was headed that way, too. My heart beat palpably as the ball travelled towards the goal. How can a moment that really lasted only a few seconds in reality have felt like a lifetime?

The keeper was close to it, stretching ever fibre of her being to get to the ball...but to no avail! It nestled into the top corner.

I'd done it!

We'd done it!

We had won the cup!

Complete euphoria engulfed me. I've never known elation like it. I wheeled away towards Zara, who was standing just off to the left of the goal. As I was running, I impulsively pulled off my jersey and flung it high into the air behind me, doing my best impression of Chloe Kelly in the Euros final. Zara ran towards me and I jumped into her arms. She held me aloft as the team came flooding towards us to celebrate. She let me down and we were soon all huddled around, dancing and chanting in unison:

"Championes, championes, ole, ole, ole!"

If I could relive any moment of my life again, it would be that one right there. It was pure unbridled joy of the highest order.

We made our way over to the sideline after a little further chanting and celebrating. As we walked over, Zara picked up my jersey and handed it to me. I pulled it back on.

"Oh, girls", Miss Snell said, tears running down her face. "I can't say much more than well done. I'm so proud of you".

We all crowded around her in a group hug.

We waited as the trophy presentation was set up. Then we were asked to form a guard of honour, to clap the Shevington players through as they collected their runners-up medals. After they had walked through and collected them, they too formed a guard of honour, this time for us to walk through.

We lined up, and I again handed the armband to Katie, who we had stood at the back of the queue.

"You'll be the first person to lift a football trophy while wearing a dress!" I joked.

Then, we walked through to collect our medals. There were a series of official-looking people stood in a row who we were all to shake hands with; I'll be honest, I didn't have a clue who any of them were. Well, apart from the mayor, that is...his big gold chain was a bit of a giveaway!

I was bedecked with my medal and made my way over to the team, who had gathered off to the side in preparation for the trophy lift.

Katie was the last to receive her medal, and once it was placed over her head she was led over to the trophy. The mayor handed it over to her, and she walked with it in hand over to us.

We all cowered low, waving our hands towards the ground in anticipation. Katie also crouched low as she began approaching, then took up position at the front by me. She held it out for me to take one of the handles.

"Together on three", she said.

I took the handle.

"Ok...1,2,3."

We lifted the trophy high over our heads while the team all sprang up from their crouched positions. An enormous cheer went up from the crowd. And we broke out into another chorus of: "championes, championes, ole, ole, ole!"

Our mission was complete: we had won the cup!

Following our win, the girls arranged for us to have night out on the town to celebrate. It was already 8pm by the time everything had wrapped up, but everyone agreed to get quickly changed back at their homes and to meet at the local Wetherspoons for 9pm.

Mr Phillips drove myself and Miss Snell back to her place and seated himself in the living room while we both went upstairs to get dressed. I quickly showered, while Miss Snell fixed her makeup and put on some fresh clothes. She said she didn't need to shower, but I certainly did after all the sweating from running around the football pitch.

I exited the bathroom and rejoined Miss Snell in her bedroom. How she got herself ready so speedily I do not know, but she was sitting already fully dressed at her vanity table and was just applying the last bits of mascara. She was wearing black leather trousers and a tucked-in white blouse.

I put on my gaff and breast forms and then put on a nude strapless bra and matching high leg cotton knickers that Miss Snell had laid out for me. The dress she'd chosen for me to wear was a figure-hugging black knit number that finished just above my knees. It was comfortably the sexiest thing I'd worn so far as Tabitha. It accentuated the curves I now had. Miss Snell placed my wig on my head and fashioned it into curls that fell down past my shoulders. Quick glance in the mirror - 'you look gorgeous, Tabitha' - and we were off downstairs to head into town.

"Looking sexy, ladies", Mr Phillips said when we entered the living room. We didn't linger at the house for too much longer, and soon all hopped in his car for him to drive us into town.

We parked in the Wetherspoons car park and entered the building as a trio. Miss Snell and I had our arms interlocked while Mr Phillips held the door open for us to walk through: what a gentleman!

"I'll get the first round, girls", Mr Phillips said, pulling out his wallet. "What you having Tabitha?"

"Ooo, do you mind if I have a pina colada?"

He chuckled. "Yeah, no worries at all. Do you want a cocktail as well, Lucy?"

"Oh, go on then, be rude not to", Miss Snell replied, "I'll have a pina colada, too, actually."

"Two pina coladas coming right up", he said as he strolled over to the bar.

The team was sat across a few tables at the back of the restaurant. A few of the teachers were also out having some drinks at a table not too far away. I took up a seat by Katie while Miss Snell went over to sit with the group of teachers. Mr Phillips brought over my drink, I thanked him, and he then made his way over to Miss Snell and the teachers' table.

We spent around half hour there before Wendy suggested we head out to the local nightclub. Everyone agreed, and headed out to leave, but I hung back, a little nervous. I called Miss Snell over for a quick chat.

"Everyone's going out clubbing", I said.

"Yeah, and you want to go with them?"

"Absolutely, but I've got no ID...I won't get in."

"Oh, honey, you will. They'll be going to 'Havana' just a couple of streets over from here. The security there is lax, and they let in all the pretty girls. I've been going there since I was 18, like you are now, and not once have I been asked for ID."

I looked at her, and she could tell by my eyes that I wasn't convinced.

"I tell you what, I'll come over with you, just to get you in and to have one drink. Then I'll leave you and the girls to it."

"Ok", I said, "thank you."

She told Mr Phillips what was happening, and then we walked over to 'Havana'. The girls had gone on ahead and were waiting in the queue, where we joined them.

"Go on Miss Snell", Manisha said, "you joining us?"

"Yeah, if you all don't mind", she replied. "But I'll only stay for one".

"Don't mind at all. You're one of us girls, anyway."

The queue whittled down and we were suddenly at the nightclub entrance. My knees were trembling. The bouncer took one look over at us, and then waved his arm in a gesture that told us we were in.

"Told you", Miss Snell whispered in my ear.

We grabbed a table near the dance floor. Miss Snell got a round of drinks in for the whole team. Another 20 minutes or so lapsed and Miss Snell leant in to me and said, just about audibly above the din of the music:

"You alright if I leave you now?"

"Yeah, I suppose."

"Don't be nervous, Tabitha. You're here with your friends. They'll look out for you. If you do have any trouble, just give me a ring. I'll only be a couple of streets away."

"Ok."

She gave me a hug and said goodbye to the girls.

Before leaving, I could see her grab a quick word with Katie. I don't know exactly what she said, by I inferred that she was asking her to look after me, because that's exactly what she did.

Katie came and sat by me, and we talked for a bit. Then she said:

"Come on, let's dance!"

She pulled me onto the dance floor in much the same way that I had pulled her into the team photo before the cup final.

We danced for a bit, and the other girls came and joined in. Soon, we had the dance floor to ourselves, and were boogying and goofing around to our hearts' content. A few people started whooping and geeing us on. I quickly lost myself and loosened up. It was so much fun!

I was starting to feel tipsy at this stage, and a couple of drinks later I probably entered the realm of inebriation (I'm not somebody who's able to handle their drink well!).

At one point, I was on the dance floor with Amanda, Scarlett and Lauren. We were joined by 4 handsome young men, who we ended up pairing off with. The guy dancing with me was called Darnell.

He turned me so my back was to him and pulled me in close. We moved in time to the music. My backside was pressed tight against his groin and he kept his hands on my waist. He rested his head on my shoulder and whispered.

"What's your name, pretty girl?"

"Tabitha."

"Pretty name for a pretty girl."

He spun me round to face him. Hands still on my waist, he pulled me in for a kiss. I positioned my hands gently on his neck and reciprocated his advances. We were smooching fervently in the middle of the dance floor, and I could hear someone from our group shout, "Wooo! Go on, Tabitha!". Our lips were still locked when I could feel his right hand manoeuvre from my waist round to my buttocks. He partially lifted my dress and caressed my right butt cheek. His grip was firm, but not unpleasant.

Our kiss was intensifying in passion when I felt us being separated. Katie had pulled me from Darnell.

"Sorry, mate, this one's taken", she had said, leading me not only from the dance floor but towards the exit.

"What do you think you're doing?" I slurred, unsuccessfully trying to free myself from her grip. "I was enjoying that."

"Sure you were, but I don't want you doing anything that you'll regret when you wake up in the morning."

"Where are we going then?"

"Back to the pub. The teachers will still be there, and I promised to deliver you back safely to your aunt."

I tried to protest, saying that I didn't want to go home yet and that I had to get back to Darnell. But I wasn't able to get loose from Katie or make any coherent justification. In the end I acquiesced, realising Katie was not going to let me back into the nightclub under any circumstances. In hindsight, I'm grateful for that...and I'm grateful for her devout friendship, too.

She held me by the waist as we walked towards the Wetherspoons, just about managing to keep me upright. I was staggering quite a bit.

We got into the pub and made our way over to the teachers. It was only Miss Snell, Mr Phillips, Mr Collier (my history teacher) and Mrs Dias (the school's Spanish teacher) left.

Miss Snell rose and took over control of me from Katie.

"Looks like someone had a good night", Miss Snell said.

"Superb!" I blurted, swaying a bit and putting my thumb up in exaggerated fashion.

"I thought it best to call it a night and bring her over to you", Katie said.

"I think you made the right decision there. Thanks for looking after her Katie."

"My pleasure."

"We were just getting up to head home, actually, so this is good timing. Can we offer you a lift home, Katie?"

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely", Mr Phillips said. "You'll just have to give us the directions."

"Sure. Thanks"

Miss Snell and Mr Phillips said goodbye to Mrs Dias and Mr Collier, and we piled into Mr Phillips' car. Miss Snell sat up front while Katie and I sat in the back. I had my head laid on Katie's shoulder, and, according to Miss Snell when we spoke in the morning, proceeded to speak complete drivel for the entire journey. We dropped Katie off at her house just gone 1am, and were back at Miss Snell's house 5 minutes later.

Miss Snell helped me out of the back of the car. Mr Phillips offered to help, but she said she'd manage on her own. He said his goodbyes, giving Miss Snell a quick peck, and then drove off home.

Miss Snell struggled with the keys, what with having to support me at the same time, but did manage to get the door open and me plonked down on the sofa in the living room. She fixed me a glass of water, which I drank, and then helped me upstairs. She put me in the guest room which was already made up, and had to help me get my dress off. She sat me on the bed in just my bra and knickers and started cleaning the makeup off my face.

As she was doing this, I suddenly blurted out:

"I kissed a guy tonight." I was bleary-eyed at this stage but grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

"Oh, did you?" she returned.

"Uh-huh. He grabbed my bum. I think he liked me. But Katie stopped him."

"Oh, well, maybe that was for the best."

I shrugged my shoulders in a 'who knows?' gesture.

Makeup cleared, I suddenly mumbled: "Feel sicky."

Miss Snell rushed me into the bathroom, whereupon I threw up into the toilet. She sat on the side of the bath, holding the hair out of my face. We were there a little while before I'd finished.

"All done?" she asked.

I nodded meekly.

She led me back to the guest room and put me in a light blue nightie. It was too big for me really, so I expect it was one of her own. She pulled back the duvet and tucked me into bed. She was just exiting the room and about to turn the light off when I only just audibly said: "Parents?"

"I've already text them to say you'll be staying here tonight and they're OK with it. Shut your eyes now, Tabitha, and go to sleep. Everything is sorted. We'll talk in the morning."

"Ok", I said, and fell into a long and dreamless slumber.

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!

I proceeded to tell my parents everything that had happened in the last couple of weeks. Well, not everything, obviously. I deliberately omitted the specific details of flirting with the hunky Italian waiter (whose number was still tucked away in my jeans pocket) as well as having snogged Darnell at the nightclub. But I did tell all regarding becoming Tabitha and playing for the girls' football team.

Miss Snell kept hold of my hand throughout. That was an enormous comfort to me in that moment. And my parents didn't once interrupt my flow. I honestly couldn't decipher their emotions as I told my story. They looked at me a little blankly, in truth, but at least they hadn't stopped me from continuing my speech. I felt that if I stopped, I'd never be able to restart.

"So, you see, well, I became Tabitha initially to help out Miss Snell, and the school, I suppose, because, well, I felt bad for missing the penalty in the boys' cup final, but, also, if I'm being honest, I was also excited by the idea, y'know, of dressing as a girl. Deep down I think it's something that's always been inside me, and this was an opportunity to explore it, and, well, one thing led to another, and I have loved every minute of being Tabitha. I've made new friends, I've felt more comfortable in my own skin, and I feel like I've become a part of a team. And, if I'm being honest with myself, I think I want to be Tabitha more often. Like, maybe even permanently. Because I'm happier when I'm Tabitha, and less happy when I'm Toby. I know this is a lot for you to take in but I hope you still love me, and I'm still your child, and I still love you both, to the moon and back. And, yeah, I suppose, umm...I don't really know what else to say. I'm sorry, I'll stop rambling on..."

Tears were streaming down my face. I wiped them away with my hoodie sleeve but the waterfall still poured. Miss Snell squeezed my hand and beamed a sympathetic smile in my direction.

I looked towards my parents. My dad was still largely expressionless, but I thought I could detect the traces of a tiny smile forming on his face. My mum now started to look a bit more emotional, and a solitary tear escaped her eye and trickled down her cheek.

She gestured for me to go and sit between her and my dad. Miss Snell let go of my hand and I took up the seat my mum offered. She then pulled me in for a hug as my dad patted my knee. They didn't have to say anything. I knew from that moment that they still loved me, regardless of whether I was Tabitha or Toby.

She released me from the hug and then set me back so I was facing her. She put both her hands on my shoulders to keep me looking straight into her eyes.

"Darling, I'm so, so, so, so proud of you." She pulled me back in for another hug before setting me back to look at her again.

"There's actually something we need to tell you, though. And I'm not sure how you'll take it."

"What's that?" I was still crying, but not so vociferously. My initial fears of rejection had now been quelled. The biggest obstacle I faced, in my mind at least, had now been overcome.

"Well..." The pause before she continued was agonising. "We already know about Tabitha."

"What? How can you already know? It's only Miss Snell and me who..."

I looked over towards Miss Snell who had her head bowed slightly and was fidgeting with her fingers. It was at that moment that the penny dropped.

"You told them, didn't you?" I asked. But there was no anger in my tone, and I did not feel betrayed. I actually felt grateful.

Miss Snell didn't speak, but my mum spoke for her.

"Miss Snell here had to tell us, darling. She needed our permission. And, well, she told us how happy you were the first couple of times you had become Tabitha. And that's what we want for you, Toby, to be happy. So we gave her, and Tabitha, our blessing. And you've just told us yourself that you are happier now, at least when you're Tabitha, that is. I must admit, we were shocked when she first told us, and I think it's fair to say your father even felt a little angry. But she explained everything so calmly and earnestly, that we couldn't not trust her. Your dad took a little more convincing, admittedly, but even you can see that this was the right thing to happen, can't you darling?" My dad nodded but didn't speak.

I turned towards Miss Snell, walked back over to the sofa she was on and wrapped her in an enormous hug. I didn't say anything, but I didn't need to. She too had started crying. Everyone in the room was crying, except for my dad.

Nobody spoke for a minute or so, until my dad walked over to the coffee table. He had picked up the newspaper that sat there and flipped over to show the back page.

The headline read:
Tournament Triumph for Church Lane Sixth Form!
Church Lane fight back from 2-0 down to win County Cup final on penalties.

Under this was the picture of myself and Katie holding the trophy aloft, surrounded by our teammates.

"I take it this I Tabitha?" my dad asked, pointing to me in the photo.

"Uh-huh."

"So this picture is also of you, then?" He pointed out a smaller picture in the bottom right of the page: it was of me after I'd flung my top to the ground and ran over to celebrate with Zara following my winning penalty. Zara was holding me up while I had my fist clenched high in the air. The caption beneath the photo read: 'Penalty hero Tabitha [left] celebrates with goalkeeper Zara [right].'

"Yeah, that's also me."

"Bloody hell", he said, then paused. "Takes some bottle to convert the winning penalty. I'm proud of you, kiddo."

"Thanks, dad." I got up to hug him, too. I wasn't usually much of a hugging person, but I'd been hugging so much in the last few weeks that it was starting to become my M.O. He didn't really reciprocate the hug, just patted my back, but that was just his way of showing love.

"I just wish I'd been there to cheer you on. You know I love a game of football. And to see you play, in a cup final no less, well that would have been a treat."

"Then why didn't you come? If you already knew all about Tabitha?"

"We were scared we'd put you off", my mum interjected. "We thought if you saw us by the side of the pitch that you'd panic and it'd throw you off your game. Miss Snell has been keeping us updated, and she'd explained how much progress you were making. We really did want to come but didn't want to be responsible for putting you off."

"No, that does make sense. And you're probably right, too."

We all sat in silence for a bit. My mind was still racing, but a definite pressure had been lifted. I imagined everyone else's minds were racing too, but maybe the truth being revealed was a relief for them, also.

Finally, mum broke the silence: "Obviously we've got a lot more to discuss, but that can wait for another day. For now, how about we let Miss Snell go about the rest of her day and we do something as a family, just the three of us. It's been a while since we spent some quality time all together, with you being so busy with the football this past month."

Miss Snell took that as her cue to leave, but my mum wouldn't let her go before giving her a hug and saying thank you. My dad showed his thanks by shaking her hand.

"Just one thing before you go", mum said as Miss Snell walked towards the door. "We, Bill [my dad] and I, would really like to meet Tabitha in person. Would you be willing to help [she gestured towards me, but I think was unsure of whether to call me Toby, Tabitha, or something else] y'know, do what's needed to make that happen?"

"Absolutely. I'm free tomorrow afternoon, if that works for you all?" Miss Snell replied.

"Oh, that would be wonderful. That OK with you, darling?"

"Yeah", was all I could conjure.

"OK. Why don't you come round mine tomorrow at midday, and I can drop Tabitha back off here when we're finished?"

"Sure", I said.

"Lovely, that sounds like a plan", my mum wrapped up the conversation. She led Miss Snell to the door and saw her out while my dad and I sat in the living room.

My mum, dad and I ended up spending the rest of the day together. My mum did us her iconic Sunday roast for lunch, then we played some board games and finished the evening off by watching a film. I went to bed that night with a full heart and a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Tomorrow was a big day, but I wasn't particularly nervous about it. I was looking forward to my parents finally meeting Tabitha.

I spent the next morning with my parents. We didn't do anything in particular, just had breakfast together and mooched about the house. The introduction of Tabitha was an obvious elephant in the room, but it didn't feel like there was any dreaded anticipation attached to her homecoming. More just a biding of time until it was to happen.

It reached 11.45am, and I said I'd better be heading off. No need to say where or why.

"Ok, darling", my mum said. "We'll see you when you get back home."

My dad, head buried in the morning newspaper, raised his hand to bid me adieu.

I headed out to Miss Snell's house at a leisurely canter. I didn't feel in a huge rush, like I usually did, to become Tabitha. And that wasn't because I was nervous about my parents meeting Tabitha in the flesh, but because I felt relaxed about the whole situation. I'd become Tabitha soon enough, so why not enjoy a nice stroll on a beautiful Spring morning.

I arrived at Miss Snell's house at just gone midday. The walk to her house from mine typically took around 10-15 minutes, but instead I had taken 20. She opened shortly after I knocked and led me inside. She offered me a drink, but I wasn't thirsty.

"Ok, then", she said. "Shall we get you upstairs and start getting you ready?"

I nodded, and she led the way upstairs to her bedroom. There was no need for shaving as it had not been long since I'd last done it, so we got straight down to the business of dressing. I was shortly stood in the middle of her room wearing my gaff and breast forms.

Usually, Miss Snell would have the clothes I was to wear laid out on her bed for me, ready to put on, but today was different.

"I think you ought to choose what to wear, Tabitha", she said. "After all, I won't always be around to help you."

Although she didn't have an outfit prepared for me, she did have an assortment of clothes for me to choose from, all of which were housed in a suitcase she pulled from under her bed. I sifted through the suitcase, amazed by how many clothes there were. Admittedly, there wasn't enough to constitute a girl's full wardrobe, but there was more than enough to cover a full week of different outfits.

My first port of call was choosing underwear. I selected the black bra and the bikini cut panties that matched. Underwear adorned, I set about choosing the right outfit.

There were a couple of skirts in the suitcase, as well as a couple of dresses. But I didn't want to wear anything like that the first time my parents were meeting Tabitha. Although they were clearly accepting of the situation, I just thought that seeing their son in a dress might be too much too soon (or maybe that was just me overthinking the situation). In the end I plumped for the ripped denim jeans. I realised I was more-or-less fully dressed up as I had been when Mr Phillips met Tabitha, but I did wear a different top this time: a lightweight brown knit sweater.

All dressed, I sat at the vanity for Miss Snell to do my makeup. But she didn't do it for me this time.

"I think you'll be Tabitha a bit more often from now on, so you need to learn to do things like hair and makeup for yourself. I'll talk you through everything you need to do."

She did just that. She ran me through everything step-by-step from moisturiser to concealer, from foundation to eye shadow, and from mascara to lip gloss. I wasn't made up to the extreme, I was just seeing my parents, after all, but it was just enough for me to learn the basics and to look pretty.

Makeup applied, I placed the wig on my head. Miss Snell taught me how to brush it out, and then how to put it into a ponytail.

"A ponytail is easy to do, but you can experiment with other hairstyles another time. There'll be loads of tutorials on YouTube and other such things. Same goes for makeup. And if you're really stuck, I'm only ever a phone call away. I am your auntie, after all." She said this last part with a wink.

With Tabitha all ready, we made our way downstairs and outside.

"I know you don't live far away, but I'll drive you home."

We arrived at my house and parked outside.

"You ready for this?" Miss Snell asked.

"Absolutely", I replied. "You coming in for a bit?"

"No, sweetheart, I think this is something you have to do on your own. Also, I'm going round to Mark's for the afternoon."

"Ok...I know I've said it before, but thank you ever so much for everything you have done for me. I'll never be able to repay you, but please know that I'm eternally grateful."

"Bless you, sweetheart, but you have already repaid me. Seeing you so happy is all the payment I need."

We both leant in for a hug.

"Now", she said, letting go, "I've still got all of Tabitha's clothes round my house. I didn't want to rush things today, but I'm sure you'll be keen to move them into your house soon. There's not a lot in that suitcase, but there is enough for now. You will need so more clothes, though. And when you decide that you want to go shopping to get some more outfits, I want first dibs on being your shopping buddy."

"I'll take you up on that offer", I said, beaming an enormous smile her way. "I can't wait for a bit of retail therapy."

"Fabulous. Well, give me a text and we can sort something out. For now, I think it's time for Tabitha to meet her parents."

"Yeah, you're right. Wish my luck", I said as I opened the car door and exited.

"You don't need it, sweetheart. I can tell love when I see it, and your mum and dad love you more than anything else in the world. Take care, and send me that text when you're ready."

"Will do." And with that, Miss Snell drove off. I stood waving her goodbye until her car turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

I took a deep breath, then began my walk towards the house. I knocked twice before letting myself in.

"Mum. Dad. I'm home."