This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, February 2010

Chapter 1

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Chapter *1*
 
"I wish I was as beautiful as that." Sally sighed.

"I’m sure you will be as long as you don't follow in my sisters loose woman footsteps."

We were stood outside the photographic store that I work at part time. Its not like I get paid or anything but in return for helping out for a couple of hours I get to use the studio and borrow a camera. Dan Jones' business is mostly family portraits but the reason my sister's picture is in the window is that he wants to break into the lucrative wedding business. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that my slapper of a sister is wearing a wedding dress, not hers of course, she'll never marry oh and the other thing is that it’s not my sister in the photo.

Six months earlier....

"I’m off James, hot date with Ryan! See ya later!"

With that the door slammed and I went back to my homework. Barely five minutes later the doorbell rang...geez that girl will forget her head one day not just her keys.

"What’ve you forgo...oh sorry I thought it was my sister."

"Is she here? She’s modelling for me this afternoon; I said I’d pick her up on my way to the studio."

She really is a dozy moo, this is the third time she's let someone down on a modelling job, it’s not like we're rolling in money either since Dad skedaddled.

"Erm, she er got called away on a family emergency, could you reschedule like, she'll be back tomorrow." I had to try and cover for the daft mare.

"No can do, the stylist and hairdresser will have to be paid for today even if we reschedule, and I was so looking forward to working with Jessica. I guess I need to find someone else, you don't have a girl friend by any chance?"

"Er not really."

He looked at me kind of weirdly, "hmm, how tall are you?"

My height has long been a bugbear; I’m not exactly a basketball player.

"Five feet four and a quarter, why?"

"Weight?"

"Eight stone two, why?"

"Hundred fourteen pounds, I think it might work."

"What might work?"

"If I have to cancel I’m minded to charge your sister the two thousand it's costing me."

"You wouldn't would you, we're already pretty skint."

"Well there is a way but it's up to you."

"How?"

"You take your sisters place, you'd even get paid."

"No way! Reality check mate, I’m not even a girl!"

"Guess I’ll just have to make out a bill then."

"Whoa, whoa, what is this job?"

So that's how come the picture in the window is of me and not my skanky sister. No one knows of course, well apart from Dan and the girls that did my hair and stuff and definitely not Sally, my thirteen-year-old next-door neighbour!

"One day I’m gonna have rich boyfriends and designer clothes."

"You really don't want to be like Jess, she's been out with three different blokes this week!"

Maybe I should tell you more about Sal.

Sally Morgan is my next-door neighbour in Acacia Gardens, her family moved here five years ago, that’s her mum Anna and her dad Gavin. They were the perfect young family, Gavin works in some kind of office and Anna was a nurse at the Royal. Notice I said was, three years ago she was taken ill, cancer. The only good thing was that it was over quickly; just three weeks after falling ill she was gone. Of course this affected Sal tremendously, gone was the chirpy little thing with more interests than you could shake a stick at replaced by well not a hermit but a much more introverted character.

Anna's death didn't really impact on me directly; my sister however was devastated as the pair had become very close. For me, well I guess I spent more time with Sal one way or another, she was always included in anything my family did and the Morgan's would often eat with us. Of course back then we were both at the same school so there was nothing weird about walking there together, it was like she was my little sister.

Of course things changed when I started high school two years ago. For starters it’s not exactly hip to walk with the junior kids and secondly I made new friends so although we still do stuff together we aren't so 'involved'.

"Ah Jamie, didn't think you were working today."

"I er have a project I want to work on if that’s okay?"

"Sure, you're girlfriend joining you?" Dan gave a wink.

"She’s not my girlfriend!" I huffed.

"If you say so."

"Well I’ll see you later." Sal sighed, not getting the invite she had hoped for.

"Yeah, I’ll come by to check your homework right?"

"Sure."

Dan doesn't bother me when I’m in the studio - he's one of only three people who know the truth about 'that' photo and the only person who knows what I do in these all too short sessions. The truth is that I take pictures of myself, not my Jamie self but rather a fantasy me - except it doesn't seem to be fantasy if its real. Okay, I’ll admit it; I dress up like a girl. There I’ve said it, it's not anything weird but I was fascinated by how I looked in the photo shoot, how a wig, makeup and a dress changed who I was - well not who I am but who I appear to be.

I borrow clothes from my sister - she'll never know, Dan gave me the wig and I’ve er accumulated some cosmetics. I guess I’m fairly lucky on that score i don't have the usual teenage boys problems of spots and hair but its still been a challenge to get it right. My sister has been useful for that, being a part time model she knows all the tricks and I’ve been studying her techniques, not openly of course!

"Geez, you sure you're not really a girl?"

"Don’t do that!" to be sure, I nearly had a heart attack.

Dan picked up another of the contact sheets from this evenings session.

"You’re getting pretty good with some of these poses, I can't believe you do it all yourself."

"You know I don't want anyone else to find out, if it got around at school my life wouldn't be worth living."

"So you're never going to do any of this outside of my studio then?"

"I’ve never thought about it."

So of course for the next few days that's all I did, think about shots, poses, outfits and what I’d need to have for a location shoot. I covered everything except my courage to actually do it, could I actually dress and go out in public? Dan seems to think I pass muster but what if someone recognises me? I guess I could go across town where nobody knows me.

"Hey Jamie, you seen my suede dress, you know the beige one?" Jess demanded.

"How should I know where you left it, maybe its still at your boyfriends."

Why did she want that particular one out of all the dozens in the closet? I thought I’d been careful in picking it out, I’ve not seen her wear it for months but today of all days she wants it.

"I guess it'll turn up, so what are you up to today?"

"Thought I’d go to the library, I’ve a history assignment that has to be in on Monday."

"I won't be back till late, Mark is taking me to the coast."

"Who’s Mark?"

"I told you the other day, he's in that band?"

I really can't keep up with her boyfriends, its a different one every week.

"Don’t forget to get something for Sal's birthday, its on Tuesday remember?"

"I know, I’ll get something nice."

I wasn't ready to expose my female self to my own neighbourhood so I took the borrowed photographic kit and a backpack and headed into town. I’d decided to go to Markwood Park so I got on the local train for the thirty-minute ride out to the rolling parkland. There was another reason for this; I headed straight into the toilet to facilitate my transformation.

“Excuse me miss, would you mind taking our picture?”

In my nervousness in being out and about in my female guise I almost froze when the woman spoke.

“I ah er sure.”

“I wouldn’t of asked except I can see you are a bit of a photographer and we so rarely manage to get a decent picture together.” She motioned to what I presumed was her mother.

“N…no that’s fine, I don’t mind, where do you want it?”

“Could we get the house in behind us? Sorry I don’t even know your name? I’m Janet and this is my mum Mavis.”

“Its erm,” I could hardly admit to Jamie then I saw inspiration in Mavis’s hand, “Peaches.”

“Like the Geldof girl?” Mavis asked.

“The same, mum ate a lot of them when she was expecting me.” I ad libbed.

“It’s a good job she wasn’t partial to kippers!” Mavis laughed.

“I’ll have to introduce you to my sister, Mars Bar ®!” I couldn’t keep a straight face at my own joke.

“Is this okay?” Janet enquired.

I spent a few minutes posing them and took several shots on their camera and (with their permission of course) several on my own borrowed kit. It was kinda fun working with them; I can see why my boss likes the job so much.

“So I’ll send you copies of these when I’ve printed everything up.”

“We should give you something towards the cost.” Janet pressed.

“I really don’t need anything, its good practice.”

“Look take this,” she pressed a note into my hand, “and if you are ever in Bishop’s Cleve pop into the shop.”

“Okay I will, bye.”

“Bye Peaches!”

The chance encounter had somehow allowed me to forget about being ‘outed’ and I had just about forgotten how I was dressed. The park wasn’t that busy being a football day and Disney on Ice ® was playing in town too so I managed to find several spots to take my self portraits — and a few scenic shots. Altogether I used six rolls of film before I started the trip back home, ‘film?’ I hear you cry. Well that’s down to Dan, he insisted that I learn how to take ‘real’ photos before getting into the digital format. It can be a bit of a pain but he takes a lot of pictures so I bow to his experience.

It was a lot different shooting outside, the light was constantly changing for one thing and even the way my hair and clothes moved was different. I think I got some good stuff.

I’m not sure quite why I was still wearing my sisters clothes when I got back into town but I rationalised that I could get changed at the studio, after all no one had pegged me so far today had they? I was still a couple of streets away from Jones Photographic when the day took an unexpected turn.

A group of kids were having a kick about in the school yard, a mixed bunch of youngsters, boys and girls all giving it some in their enthusiastic play. I found myself drawn to watch, I used to play myself in junior school, Tim and me formed the core of the school team that took the division title my last year there. Since then Tim has continued with his sport whilst I’ve well, not.

“To me, to me!” Sal’s voice rang out and the ball sailed towards the slight figure below me.

The tackle was brutal, all the more so as it was a hard surface and it was on a girl. Sal took a bone crunching impact and landed hard. I don’t know what moved me but I rushed round to where she sat nursing her now bleeding knee surrounded by her teammates.

“Sheesh girl you need to take more care.” I announced taking control of this situation.

“Its only a little scratch.”

“But even little scratches can scar and it doesn’t look good on a girl.” I carefully cleaned the wound of blood and grit.”

“Ow!”

“Sorry.”

I finished up then realised what I’d done, presented myself directly to Sal dressed as a girl.

“Well I um should get going, take care of that and get some antiseptic on it as quick as you can.”

I made my escape but before I was safely away she called out.

“What’s your name?”

Well what harm can it do?

“Peaches.”

“I’m Sally, thanks Peaches.”

“Bye Sal.”

Maddy Bell 08.02.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, february 2010

Chapter 2

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Chapter *2*
 
"Wait up Jonno!"

"Get a shift on Jamie, we'll be late for Chemistry." Jonno noted walking backwards as he faced his best mate.

"How comes its always us that get to put the mats and stuff away, we're always last out of Tuesday games."

"Must be our dazzling personalities." Jonno snorted.

The pair had been mates for too long to count, all the way from the infants up to now they'd even been in the same classes.

"So you coming to the match on Saturday?"

"Maybe, depends whether I’m needed at the shop."

"Its not the same without you helping make the moves."

Jamie shrugged; he had played at in the first eleven alongside Jonno back in middle school but that was before he 'discovered' photography. Jonno meanwhile was already starting to see some interest from club scouts and could well end up in the pro ranks.

"My hearts not in it anymore." Jamie mentioned once more.

The pair were indeed the last to arrive at the chemistry lab but the good news was that Mr Henderson was off sick so there was a supply teacher taking the class. As usual in this class they sat together and pulled out their books.

"For those latecomers, we are looking at how water can be used as a catalyst......." the stand in droned on and Jamie tuned out.

It was pretty easy to become invisible in a class like this and Jamie was well practiced so he was soon making mental notes on the girls in the class.

'Mags is a bit of a nag, geez and that laugh.' the poor girl was braying at something Susan Penhaligon had said.

'Hmm Susan's got real potential, I bet her boobs are C cup already.' his gaze settled on Karen Brownlea, 'I bet without those glasses she’s quite pretty even if she has all the personality of a dead fish, not bad legs either, what you can see of them.'

Karen Brownlea, now there's an enigma. The class boffin, uber geek even, since starting high school the previously gregarious girl had pretty much become a loner. Whenever the other girls got into discussing boys or fashion or anything that wasn't schoolwork it was as if a switch was thrown. The result of course being that whilst being top of the year in pretty much every subject she lived an almost hermit like existence.

"What’s that silly grin for?" Jonno enquired when they convened in the canteen.

"Nothing."

"Sure, you're dreaming about Petra again aren’t you?"

"Was not."

"Jamie, I can read you like a book, she's not worth the hassle."

"I was not thinking about Petra, if you wanna know it was Karen."

"You’ve got to be kidding boyo she like hates pretty much everyone and everything."

"Maybe I like a challenge."

"Okay then, I bet you a tenner you can't get her to go out with you by the end of term."

"Why would I wanna do that?"

"You said you like a challenge, what’s the matter, scared?"

"As if!"

"Well prove it then, take Karen Brownlea out by the end of term and the money's yours."

"What if I fail?"

"You get to buy my lunch for a week."

The gauntlet was thrown and Jamie couldn't resist the challenge.

"Deal!"

And so the stage was set, the end of term was just three weeks away and for someone with Jamie's track record with the ladies it looked likely that Jonno would be getting a week's free lunches.

“Mind if I sit here?” as an opening line it was hardly original but you have to start somewhere.

Karen carefully scanned the dining room before answering, “there’s a seat next to your friend.”

“Yeah but I fancied sitting on this table today, so do you mind?”

“Do whatever you like.” With that he was dismissed and she returned to reading her book.

It wasn’t exactly an invite so Jamie unloaded his food and returned his tray to the stack, by the time he got back to the table it was empty save for his chilli and baked potato. He sank into a seat with a sigh and started pushing the food around the plate.

“Struck out huh?” Jonno needlessly asked.

“For today maybe but I’ve learnt something which will bring success.”

“She always sits at this table so tomorrow we’ll be here first, she has to stay then.”

“If you say so Romeo, bum I need to get to footie training.”

Of course even the best laid plans rarely run smoothly so the following day when Karen arrived at ‘her’ table to find it partly occupied she just turned on her heel and took residence at an empty table across the room.

“Damn harsh!” Jonno noted.

“But useful.” Jamie insisted, “We’ll try again tomorrow.”

“Whatever.” It was no skin off Jonno’s nose where they sat to eat so humouring his friend was no issue.

Jamie meanwhile wasn’t leaving any stone unturned studying his target at every chance, hopefully these observations would come in useful in winning the bet. He hadn’t really noticed before but Karen existed apart from all her classmates. Whilst the other girls would be gossiping at any opportunity Miss Brownlea would have her nose in a book. In class she would answer the teachers questions but it was all factual (and always correct!). She barely interacted with anyone and the boys in particular were given short shrift. Without knowing it Jamie identified a key fact, Karen Brownlea was hiding behind this hard exterior.

‘What the hell is Jamie Worral up to?’ Karen mused while waiting for registration Friday morning. ‘Why’s he keep sitting on my lunch table? Do I have a stalker?’ apart from his sudden interest in her person Jamie was just another face amongst the many that populated the school. As a student he was in the lower third of the year in most subjects, below Karen’s academic radar and of no interest at all. She did envy him one thing though, friends. ‘So okay, maybe it’s my fault no one talks to me anymore but he has Jonathon and I’ve seen him in town with a girl too.’

There was nothing to do about it; her pursuit of academic excellence was the cause and reason for her isolation. She’d had friends, been one of ‘the girls’ before starting High School but her patience with her friends and classmates rapidly disappeared as her position as class swot became established. It wasn’t intentional by any means but the other girls, after successive put downs pretty much stopped trying to include her in conversation and by Christmas she had unwittingly become a social pariah, hiding behind glasses, books and strict adherence to the uniform codes.

‘Oh wow, I can’t believe she still has this.’

Jamie pulled out the pair of hangers that carried his sister’s old school uniform. He’d never really thought about it before but Jess had always looked cute when she wore it. Until that moment he hadn’t even thought about wearing anything other than ‘street’ clothes in his dressing up sessions. Okay it did all start with the wedding dress shoot but since then he’d been borrowing from his clotheshorse sister’s extensive array of current fashion.

‘I wonder how it’d look on me?’

Well of course that meant a full transformation session into his female persona, the recently named Peaches at the studio.

“Hmm, cute but there’s something missing.”

“Geez Dan!” Jamie’s pulse hit a sudden high at the unexpected sound of Dan’s voice.

“You really are nervous.”

“Well if people didn’t creep around…”

“Where’d the uniform come from, its your school right?”

“It’s my sisters and you’re right there is something missing, they are kind of sterile.”

“Good description.”

“I suppose its because I’m used to seeing it at school, it feels out of context in the studio.”

“So you are learning something. Setting can be as important as subject matter, people expect to see school uniform in a school so that’s the background you need.”

“And I’ve got a chance of a photo shoot in school!”

“You’ll think of something.” Dan grinned.

He wasn’t in the habit of skipping classes but since Saturday it had become a compulsion to get the desired shots. So after morning registration, on the way to Biology he’d made himself scarce to emerge from the janitor’s office as Peaches. It was super risky and not perfect but he reckoned he had thirty minutes to get his shots.

The settings had been swimming through his head all night, so he was soon taking frame after frame in the otherwise empty corridors and even a few in an empty classroom.

“Who are you?”

He nearly died on the spot at the voice.

“I said who are you and what are you doing in here.”

Jamie turned to see who the questioner was; let it not be a teacher!

“Phew, you had me worried there, I thought it was a teacher.” Standing in the doorway was Karen Brownlea.

“I’ll fetch one if you don’t tell me who you are and why you’re here.”

Shit!

Karen moved further into the room, “well?”

“Um Peaches, Peaches Smith.”

“So ‘Peaches Smith’, what are you doing in here?”

“I’m er new, I got lost.”

“What class are you supposed to be in?”

Without thinking he replied, “2B.”

“Well new girl in 2B, you are supposed to be in double Biology.”

“Oh right um thanks.” He made a break for the door.

“Don’t you want to know how to get there?”

“Er I guess.”

“Well I just need to get a box from the cupboard and I’ll take you, I’m in 2B too.”

Shit, shit, shit!

“I um I’m sure I can find it Karen.”

“Hah I knew it! Not a bad job Peaches Smith or is it Jamie Worral?”

“Bum! How did you know, you won’t tell will you?”

“How did I know? Even I would have noticed a hottie like you starting in class and I recognised your hands.”

“Hands?”

“You have very girly hands — for a boy, so why shouldn’t I report you?”

“Please Karen, its nothing nasty, I was just taking some photos.”

“You need to dress like a schoolgirl to do that?”

“Well I er.”

She had him right where she wanted now, on the back foot, “I won’t do anything on one condition.”

“Anything, if I get busted dressed like this I’m mince. What’s the condition?”

“Meet me at Mario’s after school.”

“Really? That’s it?”

“Yes Peaches Smith, I want to see you there.”

“You don’t mean like this? In public?”

“You’re in public now, so what’s it to be, Peaches?”

Maddy Bell 23.02.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, February 2010

Chapter 3

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Chapter *3*
 
My unexpected encounter with Karen had both scared me shitless and excited me in equal measure. After agreeing to her terms she let me go whence I made a hasty return to my normal attire, the janitors office had a sink and mirror which I was glad of for makeup removal!

"What happened to you? You missed all of Biology."

"Wasn’t feeling too good so I went to the nurses office, Karen saw me, didn't she say anything?"

"Not to me at least but there again I’d hardly expect her to."

I glanced across the room, Karen was watching me! ''Mario’s'' she mouthed at me from behind her textbook. I had kind of hoped I could slip away without making the rendezvous but it was pretty clear that Karen wouldn’t allow me to escape so lightly.

Lunchtime was even weirder. Instead of last weeks attempts to engage Karen in conversation we just went to our favourite table. Then the weirdest thing happened, my new tormentor came and sat with us.

“Er hi.” I stammered.

There was no reply. Just the merest glance, which was more unnerving. She ate her lunch and left.

“What was that about?” Jonno demanded.

“No idea.”

“I mean I know she’s weird but that was like creepy. Its not like her table was taken or anything.”

She was keeping tabs on me, that was the only explanation.

I really couldn’t concentrate on my classes the rest of the day; my impending ‘date’ at Mario’s dominated my every thought. Mario’s is not exactly what you might be expecting; it’s not somewhere I’d go usually although I know a lot of the girls at school do visit. Indeed I think any boy going there would feel pretty um, uncomfortable. Why? Well it’s a teashop that caters specifically for the erm, fairer sex, from what I’ve heard its all doilies and fancy cakes served on bone china. Should I chicken out? Could I chicken out?

If I don’t go she’ll expose me as some kind of cross dressing pervert, if I do, well she promised not to say anything and although she’s up front I don’t think she’d break her word.

As soon as the bell sounded I beat a hasty path to ‘my’ changing room and with a sigh made a start on my metamorphosis.

‘I wonder if he’ll come, I was pretty harsh with him earlier.’ Karen mused as she made her way towards the town centre. ‘I’m not even sure why I’m doing this, I know I caught him in a compromising position but I didn’t have to do this.’ By mid afternoon she was just about convinced she should call it off but something stopped her.

‘He’s not a bad looker but with that dark wig and uniform he looked pretty cute — what am I saying! And why did I pick Mario’s? Its not like it’s somewhere I like even. Well I’m betting he won’t turn up anyhow so I can just go home.’

Whenever ‘Peaches’ had been out in public before it had been as a ‘civilian’ and on ground of his own choosing, this was a totally new experience. The schoolgirl uniform attracted different reactions from people on the street and he adopted a different attitude in his demeanour to attract less attention. It wasn’t as if anyone said anything to him but the feeling of exposure was high.

The walk to Mario’s wasn’t a big distance, maybe a mile and a half, but it seemed to take forever. Jamie’s mind was working overtime but nothing coherent seemed to be produced. As the teashop hove into view his thoughts really did turn to gibberish but as though on autopilot he continued to his destination.

“Peach!” Karen’s voice reached him before he spotted her waiting outside the excessively cute tearoom.

“Peaches.” He hissed on joining her.

“Whatever, so Peaches, shall we go in?”

It was definitely an order rather than question so reluctantly I preceded her inside.

Everything I’d heard about Mario’s failed to do the place justice, I’m sure you could get diabetes by just entering the place. Everything inside was just so erm, sweet. We were seated by a girl in the cutest maid style uniform imaginable, more frills and lace than you can imagine in a clearly Manga influenced design. How can they wear those outfits?

We said nothing more before our ‘maid’ came to take our order.

“Good afternoon ladies, how can we serve you this afternoon?”

“We’ll just have tea for two, okay Peaches?”

“Erm can we have a cake plate too?”

“Of course, thank you very much.” The girl hurried off with our order.

“Why did you order cake?”

“I’m hungry okay.”

To be truthful it was really nervousness and the confections on other tables did look pretty good.

“You’ll get fat.” Karen noted. “I didn’t think you’d come.”

“You didn’t give me much choice, come or get turned in.”

“I could’ve done that this morning but what evidence do I have now?”

Shit! I never thought about that, she doesn’t really have anything on me does she? My attention snapped back to the present with the arrival of a body at my shoulder.

“Ah Karen, what brings you here?” the woman was loud, I’m sure everyone in the place could hear her.

A slightly flustered Karen addressed her reply over my shoulder, “I was just treating my friend Mum.”

“Well introduce me then.” She demanded moving around to where I could see her.

She was certainly not like her daughter in any way except a familial resemblance, dressed as she was in restrained but clearly expensive clothes and impeccably made up.

“This is Peaches, she’s new in our class, Peaches Smith, this is my mother.”

“Pleased to meet you Mrs Brownlea.” I managed.

“And you new girl Peaches Smith.” Her voice seemed to boom, “Karen remember you are cooking tonight and you’ve got that interview later.”

“Yes Mum.”

“Well I’ll leave you girls to enjoy your tea, nice meeting you Peaches.”

Our tea and cakes arrived at that moment and Mrs Brownlea disappeared.

I was started on a fondant cream before Karen spoke, “you shouldn’t mind my mum, she’s a bit full on.”

“Hardly see mine.” I got out around the mouthful of sickly confection.

“How come?”

“She doesn’t get home much.”

“How come?”

How come indeed. In fact I can’t remember the last time I saw her, I’m not even that sure what she does but it pays well, the bills are always paid and me and the floozy get a decent allowance. Since Dad disappeared before I was hatched its always just been the three of us.

“She works away.”

“Oh? What does she do?”

“Its something in government, she never really talks about it.” I admitted a trifle sadly.

“Sounds intriguing, what about your Dad?”

Geez she’s persistent.

“I’ve never met him, he left before I was born so all I know is that he was a pilot. What about you, what do your parents do?”

“Mother runs a beauty parlour and Dad works for a bank.”

“So what’s the interview for?” I enquired before taking a sip of tea.

Karen blushed, “mother thinks I should get out more so she’s sort of got me a job tutoring some little kid, the interview is just a formality really. Don’t you have some sort of job?”

“Er yeah, at a photographic studio.”

You could almost see the cogs sliding into place.

“You were taking photo’s this morning…oh my god you were trying to take some porn pictures in school!” her voice rose in pitch.

“Shush, I was not! That is just so not right!”

“Well just why were you wandering around school dressed like that then?”

Why indeed? I took another bite of strawberry tart before attempting an answer.

“I wanted to take some candid school girl pictures for practice.”

“So you dressed up like a schoolgirl yourself, oh come on Peaches, the other ones got bells on.”

“Its true.”

“So you’re saying you dress yourself up in girls clothes to take photographs, that really is sick.”

“Well it does sound a bit weird when you put it like that.” I admitted, “but its not like it sounds, honest.”

“So how is it then?” she hissed across the teapot.

“Well I er needed a model and I can’t afford to pay for one and what girl would pose for a schoolboy anyhow so I er do my own modelling.”

“Where are the togs from then?”

“I ‘borrow’ stuff from my sister, we’re about the same size.”

“She knows about this?”

“Er not exactly.”

“How ‘not exactly’?”

“Well she knows I take photos.”

“Hmm, you finished there?”

“Er I guess so.”

“Well I need to get home, I’ll let you pay Peaches.”

Five minutes later I found myself walking with Karen towards the bus station, I didn’t need to go there but I didn’t get much choice as Karen had looped her arm through mine and just started walking. She seemed deep in thought so I reckoned I’d keep quiet for a bit so we walked on in silence. We soon arrived at her stop and joined the other queuee’s.

“You still here?”

“You did sort of bring me.” I motioned to our still entwined arms.

She shook herself free before going on. “I want to see some of these pictures Peaches.”

“I er suppose its okay.”

“Meet me at Burger House tomorrow evening, six o’clock.”

It wasn’t exactly an invite.

“Er okay.”

“And Peaches,”

“Yes?”

“I don’t want to see Jamie understand?”

Was I being blackmailed into dressing as a girl?

“Understand?” she repeated, “I only want to see Peaches.”

Her bus chose that moment to arrive at which point she broke her grip on my arm and skipped off to rejoin the queue.

I stood rooted to the spot for long moments after the bus departed before I managed to gather my senses. What the heck is going on? Did I just agree to go on a ‘date’ with Karen as Peaches? That girl seems to have some kind of fixation, oh my god, does she like fancy Peaches, is she a lesbian? Ew, that’s so wrong, making me dress up to fulfil her sexual fantasies. And I don’t dress up as Peaches for kicks or anything; it’s for serious photography — isn’t it?

Maddy Bell 09.03.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, February 2010

Chapter 4

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Chapter *4*
 
I was nearly home before I remembered how I was dressed, my mind too occupied with today’s events. There weren't many people about so, as there isn't anywhere to change I decided to brazen it out, Jess won't be in at this time and hopefully none of the neighbours will see me. I read somewhere that if you look like you should be somewhere other people tend to accept that there’s nothing amiss so with that in mind I finished my journey albeit with growing tension.

"Peaches!"

Did I hear right?

"Peaches, it is you isn't it?"

I turned to see Sally running towards me, bum!

"Er guilty as charged."

"Sally, football?"

"Yes of course, how are you?"

"Great thanks, so's my knee see?" she exposed her leg by tugging on her dungarees.

How to get out of this fix?

"You live near here?"

"Number 26, you go to the High School?"

"Er yes," then inspiration struck, "hey do you know Jamie Worral, I’m supposed to be working on a project with him for school."

"You go to school with my big bro? What’s it like? Hmm I guess that’s a difficult thing to answer, I’ve not seen him come home yet."

"Oh, which house is it?"

"Next to mine," she pointed to my house, "the one with the red door."

"Thanks, I guess I’ll have to wait then."

"I’ll wait with you if you like, I’ve not seen him today myself."

Damn Sal, when did you get so obnoxious?

"It’s okay, I wouldn't want to impose."

"Nah its alright, I wasn't doing anything, I’ve got to hang about to meet my new tutor, I usually just ask Jamie stuff but Dad reckons I need more help."

"That’s thoughtful of him."

"I guess, but I’ll miss spending time with Jamie."

We were nearly at my house and I was starting to wonder how to get loose of Sal.

"SAAL!"

"My Dad, what's he want?"

"Come and get changed love, the tutor will be here in an hour."

"Bum I was going to ask you about High School Peaches."

"Er maybe some other time, you'd best go."

"I guess." she sighed

"Thanks for staying with me and I’ll tell Jamie you were asking of him."

"No problem, see you soon."

"Bye Sally."

And off she skipped.

Just in case anyone else was watching I made a big show of knocking on my door before letting myself in. boy what a disaster today has been.

After a shower and dressing in some more appropriate clothing for a teenage boy I settled down to start my homework. In the past Sally has often come over so I could help out on hers - it can be a bit of a distraction but for some reason this evening I felt bereft at her absence. After about an hour of sitting there not actually doing any work I decided to go over to Sal's, maybe even get to see this 'tutor' she was on about, it better not be a boy - not that I’m jealous or anything you understand.

I made the short trip - it really is only about ten metres from my house to hers and knocked on the kitchen door.

"Hullo, its only me!"

"Its open." Sal's dad mentioned.

I pushed the door and went inside as I have done so many times over the last few years.

"Jamie."

"Mr Morgan"

"The girls are just about finished I think."

"Oh ok."

Girls, that means the tutor is a girl, probably some old housewife or retired teacher, hang on though, would he refer to an older woman as a girl?

I took a seat and helped myself to a biscuit from the packet laying open on the table, we were like family so it would seem weird asking.

"School ok?"

"So so, you know how it is."

"Sal said you had a classmate over, bit unlike you to be so serious."

"Erm, it's a class project."

"Well I’m glad you are showing a bit more dedication these days, sounds like they're done."

"...So if you finish that chapter we'll go over it on Wednesday." a familiar voice, a voice I recognised from earlier this evening finished.

"Jamie!"

"Hi Sal, Peaches said she saw you earlier, just thought I’d pop to see how things are going."

"Good timing Jamie, this is my new tutor, Karen, hey maybe you two know each other."

"Er kind of." I allowed.

"Hey Karen, do you know Peaches too?"

This clearly caught Karen off balance too.

"You mean Peaches Smith?"

"If that’s her surname, she never told me that, she came to help Jamie with some homework tonight."

"Did she really?"

"You know, for 'that' project." I suggested.

"Oh right, I forgot she was your study partner."

"Well I er guess I ought to be going, stuff to do."

"You can walk me to the bus then." Karen suggested.

"Er okay."

Karen slipped her jacket on before once more addressing Sal, "so I’ll see you on Wednesday then Sally."

"I’m looking forward to it Karen, see you tomorrow Jamie."

"Yeah, g'nite, good night Mr Morgan"

"Nite Jamie, Karen."

"So how come you know Sally? You’re not some pervert with a Lolita thing are you?"

"Of course not! What do you take me for?"

"So?"

"I live next door, it's you with the dirty mind."

"So she's your girlfriend then."

"Get a life, she's like 13!"

"She knows about you and Peaches."

"We kind of met a couple of weeks ago but she doesn't know I’m Peaches."

"Hmm. i was going to ask you earlier, why Peaches, it hardly blends in you know."

By the time her bus arrived Karen had pretty much the full Peaches story and I had more complications in my life than I could've ever dreamt.

"Looks like I’m on a winner." Jonno crowed.

"Keep it down will ya." we were after all in registration.

"Three days left and you haven't got close to a date."

"That’s what you think, it’s all under control."

"So you say."

"It is, I suppose you want proof too."

"If you can pull it off I can just ask your date can't I?"

Phew, I thought he'd want at least a mobile pic, so like I could claim last night at Mario's couldn't I?

"That’s cool I guess."

I need to prime her so she doesn't drop me in it. My thoughts started to wander at this point as for the third time Jonno repeated in a loud voice how he'd scored in Saturday's match.

If anyone could see what's in my locker I’d be dead! My whole 'Peaches persona is down there including the school uniform and a casual outfit I snagged from Jess's wardrobe this morning.

"Hey Karen, who was that I saw you with last night?" Samantha Procter enquired as they waited outside the chemistry lab.

"Last night?"

"At Mario's, you were with some dark haired girl."

"Just someone I know."

"She was in our uniform but I couldn't place her, is she new here, what class is she in?"

What should she tell her nosey lab partner? 'Actually it was Jamie' or 'I wasn't there', nah she knows my mum and if she saw us she'd've seen mum too.

"She er just moved back here."

"So what class is she in?"

"She’s a bit um sickly so she gets home schooled, she'll only be in school for odd lessons I think." 'Good thinking K, I can get 'Peaches' to appear from time to time.'

"So what's her name?"

"Peaches, Peaches Smith."

"Cool name, you'll have to introduce us next time she's here."

"Er sure."

This was actually more conversation than she'd had with Sam Procter the whole of this term, the stupid cow never usually gave more than a grunt to anything she said.

‘What will these pictures that Peaches has taken be like I wonder’ Karen mused whilst Mr Cameron droned on about combining elements. ‘I bet they are all pervy, what is it the Japanese call it, oh yeah Hentai; yeah I bet they are going to be Hentai. Mind you that might be a bit weird, after all he doesn’t have all the kit does he?’ that thought was just way weird! ‘And why on earth did I pick Burger House to meet at? I hate all that processed food!’

Across the room Jamie’s thoughts were running on similar lines, he wasn’t a great burger fan but Karen was calling the shots and if she wanted to eat that stuff, well its hardly the end of the world is it. He was still unsure what he should wear; his tormentor had only said that it should be Peaches who attended. It felt semi perverted to wear the school uniform but on the other hand it was pretty comfortable. At the same time if he was to wear the other stuff he could show off his makeup skills. ‘Why would I want to do that?’

The day sped on bringing the inevitable conclusion ever closer, somehow both parties had similar fears ‘What if she doesn’t show?”

Maddy Bell 15.03.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, February 2010

Chapter 5

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Chapter *5*
 
"Usual tonight Jame?"

Damn, he'd forgotten about the RPG club.

"I er might be a bit late, got some stuff to do straight after school."

"Bell me if you're gonna cut then."

"Yeah, see you later."

Another complication. Jonno ran off to football practice, if it wasn't for Peaches he'd be going with him but that one fateful day changed everything.

I got to Burger House well early so rather than hang around looking suspicious outside I went in. as you'd expect with this kind of emporium it was doing robust business with a predominantly teenage clientele, I joined the nearest queue which seemed to be moving at a steady rate.

'Check out the hottie!'

'Where?' they weren't exactly being subtle, my own interest was piqued however and I cautiously looked around for said object of desire. That’s weird, I couldn't see any girls you could describe as hot, well not in my view anyhow.

'Shush, she's looking this way.'

The whisperers were easy to identify, two slightly spotty teens in what amounts to the current teenage street uniform of baggy jeans and hoodies. They turned away when they saw me looking at them, hmm the babe must be behind me. But there isn't anyone.... shit, they think I’m a girl!

Duh! Of course they think I’m a girl, well I hope I look like one at any rate I’m wearing a dress after all.

"Hey Peaches!" Karen's voice called out, "you're early."

"Er yeah so are you actually."

She joined me in the queue.

"I nearly didn't recognise you"

"Well it seemed a bit you know weird putting the uniform on to come out for a burger."

At this point I should point out that my blackmailer was not in uniform either.

"I guess." she allowed.

"What’ll it be girls?"

I hadn't realised we were at the front of the queue.

"Two veggie burger meals with diet cola." Karen told the spotty faced youth before us.

"Coming right up."

I wasn't best impressed with her choice but what can you do?

"Gah! This tastes like poo!"

"You eat of lot of that do you?"

"You know what I mean." I blushed.

"Yeah and I have to agree with you, it is pretty shitty."

"So why'd you order it?"

"It looked vaguely more healthy than a triple king quarter burger with cheese."

I could see her point; eating here was generally bad for your health.

"Nice dress by the way, it looks nice on you." I wasn't fibbing, the pale yellow suited her well.

"You um look good too." she allowed.

I had of course, as instructed brought a bundle of my photographs, a portfolio if you like.

"So lets see the pictures then."

"Er ok," I delved into the voluminous shoulder bag that my sister 'donated' for the evening, "they aren't very good." I warned as I passed the first packet over.

"We’ll see."

I left her to it and went to fetch some more drinks, I wished I hadn't as for the second time this evening I became the target of teenage lust. This time however rather than spotty geeks it was far worse, Kenny James and Simon Davis, members of the football team.

'I could fancy a bit of that!'

'You’ve got no chance." Simon retorted

'Fancy your chances then?'

'Maybe.'

"Hey gorgeous, Simon wants a date."

"In his dreams."

"And yours I bet!"

I was momentarily lost for a reply.

"Whoa Si, she's thinking about it."

"Leave the girl alone." another voice entered the conversation.

"You and whose... oh shit!" Ken spluttered.

"I think its you who needs an army." my rescuer suggested.

"Come on Kenny." Simon exhorted, tugging his sleeve.

"Catch ya later gorgeous." Ken's parting shot was rather half hearted.

I turned to see who had 'rescued' me only to discover my boss stood behind me.

"Jamie?"

"Its Peaches."

"If you say so, I didn't know it had gone this far."

"It hasn't gone anywhere, I’m here with a girl."

"Kinky! Does she er know that you're, you know?"

"Course she does, what do you think I am, some sort of perv?"

He just raised an eyebrow.

"Look thanks for um rescuing me."

"I’d do the same for any pretty girl."

What’s that supposed to mean?

"You were a long time." Karen noted.

"It was a long queue."

"If you say so. You sure you took all of these?"

"‘Course I am, who else?"

"They’re really professional, you look quite cute."

"Um thanks."

"I mean it, a bit racy from time to time though, you wouldn't get me in some of those outfits, but they suit you."

I think that was some sort of compliment.

She went on, "in future though I want you in the school uniform."

"In future?" my day had suddenly gone downhill.

"If you want to keep seeing me."

"Seeing you?"

"That is what you want isn't it, what last week was all about?"

"I er guess so."

"It either is or it isn't."

"Yes, yes I want to see you." and deep down I knew it was true, that I really did like her, maybe always have.

"Well in that case you'll wear the uniform Peaches, I’m not being seen with a mere boy."

"But, but..."

"That’s the deal, I’ll go out with Peaches the schoolgirl, not some model."

I got the feeling there was something she wasn't saying about that, it wasn't that she was hung up on the school uniform. But do I really want this? Should I even be contemplating dressing as a schoolgirl just to see this girl?

"Well?"

The next sentence would seal my fate.

"Okay then."

I couldn't have foreseen how those two words would change my life over the coming months. I never did get to the RPG club that night; I was now playing a real character in the real world. Previously Peaches Smith had been an occasional visitor to my life, a girl whom I could practice my photography with, a private and rarely seen mannequin. Now she was transformed into a real person, someone people met, talked with - dated even.

It’s not like I even want to dress as a girl - not in any weird want to be a girl kind of way, well I don't think so. It was always about becoming a character for my art much in the same way that an actor uses a costume.

"What happened to you last night?" Jonno enquired draping his arm around my shoulder.

"You owe me."

"What for, if anything you owe me, I got whooped good and proper last night 'coz you weren't there."

"Yeah soz about that." I smirked.

"So where were you?"

"Out with Karen."

"You sly dog! How did you manage that?"

Well the truth would not be a good thing, "my animal charisma."

"No seriously bud."

"It was simple really," I fibbed, "I just asked her out."

"And she said yes?"

"I said didn't I?"

"So where did you take her Casanova?"

Well he'll never know will he?

"Burger House and then we hung out for a bit before I took her home."

It was stretching the truth a little but it was pretty much what we did.

"It can't have been that easy, she's like the uber ice maiden." he stated.

"It’s true honest, have I ever lied to you?"

"Not this week."

"Why don't you ask her then?"

"The ice maiden?"

"Who else?"

"Maybe I will."

I crossed my fingers and anything else available, my credibility was in that strange girls hands, one wrong word and I’m toast! I didn't have long to wait.

"Hey Karen, this lump reckons he was out with you last night, on a date."

'Please Karen.' I willed her to reply positively.

"We were in the same place."

Ooh that’s cold.

"Hardly a date Jame."

"It was, really, tell him Karen, please?"

"Well I suppose it was arranged so if that makes it a date I guess it was."

Thank you God!

Maddy Bell 26.03.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, February 2010

Chapter 6

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Chapter *6*
 
So I won the bet but at what cost? That question played on my mind all day and none of the answers were good. I’ve got a 'girlfriend' who apart from sitting at the same lunch table just about ignores me - unless I’m wearing the female students uniform, that is I’m dressed as Peaches. Not only that but Sal - who wasn't even supposed to know about my alter ego has adopted 'her' as some kind of role model. And its only Wednesday!

The 'good' news was that I don't have a 'date' this evening, Karen will however be next door tutoring Sal so there’s a fair chance I’ll see her, at least in passing.

'Hmm, I really should go thank the boss for rescuing me and I need to print up some of Mondays pictures.'

Dan didn't say anything about Tuesday night when I went into work, the box of stuff to be processed keeping him well occupied.

"Glad you're here, there’s a lot of processing to get through - must be the spring weather!"

"It certainly brings out all the granny shots."

I don't mean that disrespectfully but that’s what we call them, the rolls of pictures of children and or small animals that ultimately get sent or shown to friends or family. There’s nothing wrong with that, and we see less now that digital photography is so cheap but we still have good business doing 'grannies'.

I’m not entrusted with actual developing for paying customers, I practice on my own stuff, so I do the preparation, stripping the cans and so on then some of the finishing of the prints. Things moved on apace with two of us on the job so after just over an hour I was able to do my own couple of rolls.

"Nice colour balance."

"Dan!"
I really wish he wouldn't do that.

"Where did you take them?"

"At school on Monday."

"At school! What if you'd been caught? What were you thinking Jamie?"

"Well you said the studio shots lacked something so I thought I’d put the costume into its normal environment."

"I know what I said but I never thought you'd be stupid enough to take such a risk. So last night was the same?"

"Not exactly."

"How not exactly?"

"I did get caught on Monday."

"I knew it!"

"Not by a teacher, it was a student, that girl I was with, Karen."

"I take it she didn't dob you in."

"I almost wish she had."

"Eh?"

"Well she sort of blackmailed me into dressing up for her."

"She has the hots for the girl you?"

"Kinda, I think."

"So what's the crack then?"

"I get to be her 'girlfriend' and she keeps schtum."

"So in Burger House that was a date?"

"I guess so." I thought giving Dan too much info would not be a good idea.

"You using the studio tonight?"

The sudden change in topic threw me slightly.

"If I can, I know it’s a bit late."

"It’s okay, I have paperwork to do so you can have an hour, you earnt it tonight."

"Cheers."

After clearing up in the lab I got myself all Peach'd up and was quickly into practising my art. I thought I’d try some less dressy, more street sass clothes and poses and was soon engrossed in what I was doing.

"Jamie - time to go!"

So engrossed I hadn't noticed Dan coming into the studio.

"What time is it?"

"Nearly half seven, I thought you'd be done long ago." he mentioned eyeing me up.

"Er sorry I didn't notice the time, I’ll just get my stuff together, five minutes."

"You want a lift?"

"No ta, I could do with the walk."

I quickly stuffed my camera and so on into my bag and joined the boss outside.

"I thought you were changing?"

Anyone would think I was blonde!

"I clean forgot!"

"I’ve set the alarm now, sure you don't want that lift dressed like that?"

As I was wearing jeans I thought I looked fairly, you know metro sexual.

"Nah, its not far is it."

I set off on the short walk home and was soon lost in thought. I guess I was on that sort of autopilot that takes you from a to b without much recollection as the next thing I recall was the persistent ringing of a bell. I turned round to see a bicycle bearing down on me. Not just any bicycle but Jonno's with said owner sat astride.

"You stupid bint, get off the cycle lane!" he fumed.

I was like a rabbit caught in car headlights, I stood frozen to the spot not sure whether it was an impact or recognition I feared most.

“I’m sorry Jono!” I spluttered as he inexpertly steered his steed around me.

“Stupid bloody girl!” he almost spat as I turned to watch his departing form.

Oh bugger! Did I really say what I think I did? Did he hear me? How could I be so stupid?

‘What a stupid tart, she walks down the cycle lane then expects me to ride ‘round her! Not bad looking mind, wonder where she lives? I’m sure she said my name — nah I must’ve misheard, I’d remember a foxy chick like that.’ Jonno glanced behind him but he was already too far away from the girl to see her clearly.

I managed to avoid seeing and I hope being seen by anyone I know the rest of the way home.

“Jamie? That you?” Jess called from the lounge.

“Who else?” Bum, I forgot she might be home.

“I need to talk to you.”

“I really need a crap.” I made my escape and did the quickest Peaches to Jamie transformation possible before flushing the toilet for authenticity.

“What’s up?”

She really is a slut, sat as she was on the sofa scratching a breast and wearing just bra and panties. Talk about a turn off.

“Some of my stuff has disappeared, have you lost anything?”

Busted!

“Er I don’t think so, what’s missing?” maybe I can deflect her.

“My yellow sundress, that purple top with the tassels,”

“Are you sure they aren’t in the wash? I’m sure I saw them in the hamper.”

“I couldn’t see them, I think there’s a pervert nicking my stuff.”

“Must be a pervert if he’s taking the stuff you wear!”

“So says Mr no style, you’ve got lipstick on your cheek, you found a desperate girl?”

“Shit, no one said anything all afternoon, one of the girls was kissing anything in trousers in the canteen, I thought I wiped it all off.”

“Like her style.”

“I’m sure you’d get on fine, look I’ve got homework to do, we done?”

“I guess.”

I really am gonna have to be more careful, I did buy my own underwear, wearing my sisters would be sooo gross, but it looks like I might have to buy other stuff too. I sat staring into my wardrobe where the sundress and top hung alongside various other garments ‘borrowed’ from across the hall. I was sure I was busted with the lipstick but I think she bought that lame excuse.

“Morning Jonno.”

“Jame.”

“You look a bit erm, thoughtful.”

“Yeah, I’m trying to place this girl I nearly ran over last night.”

“In the hospital?” my heart sank.

“I said nearly, she was wandering along the bike lane.”

“So you ran her down?”

“Get real.”

“So what’s the big deal?”

“Well she looked kind of familiar and I’m sure she said my name when I went past.”

Damn, he did hear me, “so what does this paragon look like?”

“Bout your height,” figures, “shortish dark hair, not so big up top, pretty though.”

“That probably describes half the girls in our form.”

“She’s not in our class dumbo but she seemed quite familiar all the same.”

“If I see her I’ll let you know.” I grinned.

“Okay clever er do you mind if I owe you that tenner till next week? I’m a bit short.”

I shoulda seen that coming, “I guess so but I won fair and square!”

“You wound me!”

“Get on with ya, flippin’ drama queen!”

What with my sister and her pervert stealing from her wardrobe and Jonno mooning over a girl he nearly ran over I’m getting a little paranoid. At lunchtime Karen once again sat with me and Jonno which I guess wouldn’t be so weird if I was really her boyfriend instead of which I guess as myself I’m just a classmate.

We were just about to clear the table before she more than grunted in reply to our conversation.

“If you see Peaches can you tell her I’ll see her after school by the gates.”

“Er sure, if I see her.”

Karen left us stood stupidly by the table.

“Who’s Peaches?”

“Some girl that Karen knows.”

“So why’d she ask you to pass on the message? We take the same classes.”

I shrugged, what could I say to that observation?

I finished my makeup and cautiously slipped out into the corridor. Is this really such a good idea? Still, I guess I get to spend time with Karen.

“Peaches!” Karen waved me over.

“Hi Kaz.” I don’t think that went down too well by the look she gave me.

“You!”

Oh sugar, what now?

Maddy Bell 02.04.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, June 2010

Chapter 11

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Chapter *11*
 
"Eh?"

"You going to reprise your first studio session for me?"

"You serious?" by the look on Dan's face he was, most definitely.

"So?"

"No way, you can get a proper model in."

"I tried that before if you remember."

Boy do I remember.

"And anyway," he went on, "you have a certain 'something' that those girls don't, plus you look good in a wedding dress."

"Ut uh."

"There is a modelling fee."

“Nope.”

"Sod! I was certain you would, I’ve booked the makeup girls and got Ted Jones’ Roller lined up and everything for Friday evening."

Talk about lay it on.

"What if I can get you a model?"

"You know someone?"

"I can ask."

"Its not your sister?" his tone fell.

"As if!"

"And you reckon this girl will do it?"

"Fairly sure."

"Hmm, okay but if you can't supply a model you're it right."

"Fair enough." I allowed.

"Just bear in mind that I organised all the stuff to fit you."

Well Karen is about the same size as me so that’s one thing but how do I get her to go for it? All the way home I ran various scenarios through my mind, 'do you fancy doing some modelling?' - that sounds like something in a porn film, erm 'you want to be famous?' - nah that won't work. Everything I could think of sounded crass and the whole thing followed me into my dreams.

‘Peaches look this way.'

I flicked my tresses over my shoulder and pouted at the camera.

'Luvverly, now show us your tits'

Hang on this is getting a bit er beyond dressing up. Still, I hefted my chest towards the camera.

'Great stuff girl, now take the dress off.'

There was a leer in the voice; this is getting out of hand. I hesitated; I didn't want to do this.

'Come on doll, I haven't got all day.’ he moved from behind the camera, but it wasn't Dan - or even a he.

'KAREN!'

A sharp knocking noise woke me with a start.

"Jamie, Jamie, what are you screaming for?"

"Eh, what?"

"You were yelling, are you okay?" Jess enquired.

"Dream." I managed.

"Well if you're okay I’ll go back to bed."

"Sure."

"You can tell me who Karen is in the morning."

"Wha?"

Of course, Karen and Jess have not been exactly introduced, lets face it taking your girlfriend home to meet the family when she insists you dress as a schoolgirl is not good karma. Especially when the family is Jess - even if she does seem to be kind of ok with Peaches - at least as a concept. No that’s not something I want to do any time soon.

"So who is Karen then?"

Bum, she remembered.

"Who?"

"Karen, you were shouting out her name half the night remember."

Not strictly true - well I don't think it is at any rate.

"She’s Sal's tutor, you must have seen her."

"That mousy girl with the glasses?"

"Er yeah."

"So that’s the who, why were you shouting her name?"

"Nightmare?" I offered, well it wasn't a lie.

"I can see why she might cause that reaction, she's not exactly a looker is she."

I nearly choked on my corn flakes! That’s the girl I love she's denigrating.

"She’s not that bad."

"Did I strike a nerve, do you fancy her?"

"She’s in my class is all."

"You must admit that she's hardly model material."

"If you say so."

"I think I know what I’m talking about." Miss tarty pants preened.

What’s the point in arguing? However the exchange hardened my resolve regarding Dan's shoot at the weekend, that is I really need to convince K to do the job. The question is how.

"Erm Karen?"

"What?"
I think I’ve mentioned before how she barely speaks to Jamie or Jono. We were walking towards my place, well strictly speaking Karen was headed to Sal's and like living next door its difficult not to go the same way.

How do I phrase this?

"You know that I help out at the studio."

"It has been mentioned."

"Well Dan's doing a shoot on Saturday, for his new promo brochure."

"So?"

"Its for weddings, so its all white dresses and stuff."

Did I just see a glint of interest?

"And?"

Talk about Ice Maiden.

"Yeah like there’s a problem, his original model has cried off so he needs a replacement."

"Get Peaches to do it, I’m sure she'd love all that, she did it before didn't she?"

"She can't do it."

"How come?"

I’ve got interest.

"I’m doing the assistants stuff, sorting out the cameras and stuff."

"So why are you telling me all of this?"

"Well we, that is I wondered if you'd like the gig, er job? You get paid." I hastily added.

"Why me, what about your sister? Sally told me she's a model."

"Lets just say that there’s a bit of history between Dan and Jess."

"So why me, why not one of the cuties in our class?"

Well that’s a fall back position I guess.

"You’re just as cute, I mean pretty, er good looking as any of them. I’ll just get in the hole and bury myself now shall I?"

She didn't say anything for several long minutes as we walked up my street; in fact we were at my gate before she spoke again.

"If I were to do it..." she was cut off by Sal.

"Hi Jamie, Karen."

"Er hi Sal."

"Hi Sally."

"So what are you going to do for big bro Karen?"

"Apparently I’m to be a model on Saturday."

"Cool. I wish I could do that."

"When you're older maybe." Karen suggested.

"You could come and watch." I offered.

"Really?"

"I don't see why not," I decided to try the guilt line,” that is if Karen agrees to do it?"

"Go on Karen it'd be so cool."

"That’s what i said." I added.

"Ok I’ll do it."

"I guess I’ll have to ask round at school."

"I said I’d do it."

"Brill!"

"I’ll have an experience to share with Peaches who will be coming to my house after school tomorrow."

"Sure, sure, I’ll tell her, I can't believe you're gonna do it."

"Neither can I." Karen mumbled.

"So romantic." Sal cooed.

"That’s Saturday, tonight its Logarithmic algebra."

As I unlocked my door I couldn't help but overhear Sal talking to Karen just a few feet away.

"Its cool that he asked you to model Karen."

"I guess."

"Its a surprise though."

"It is?"

"Well I’d have thought he'd ask his girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" Karen’s voice rose an octave.

"You know, Peaches."

"Peaches." Karen sighed.

"Yeah, she's round here a lot lately, she's really pretty and cool tho' she can't play football to save herself."

"Yeah, she's not exactly the sporty type is she." Karen agreed.

"Anyway its great that he asked you."

"Yeah, its really er surprising." Karen half-heartedly agreed.

Well at least I have my model for Dan without having to wear a dress myself. I’m sure there will be repercussions with Karen but I’ve scored some Brownie points with Sal too, not that I’m sure I know why that matters. I pushed the door open with a sigh and headed to the kitchen to start dinner, I am so not getting on the wrong side of Jess over that again anytime soon!

Maddy Bell 25.06.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, June 2010

Chapter 12

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Chapter *12*
 
Of course there is always a price to pay for a favour and mine was preying on my mind already. There was just something in the way Karen had said it 'I’ll have an experience to share with Peaches who will be coming to my house after school tomorrow.', well it sounds innocent enough and its not like I haven't met her mother before, as Peaches that is, how bad can it be?

At school I never got a chance to think too long or hard on the subject, even at lunch I found myself working on my history project, not that I was alone in that, Jonno was in the same boat. No it was only Karen who wasn't playing catch up and she sat there with a grin on her face reading a book, whether the grin was at something in the book or directed at our plight I couldn't say for sure but I suspect the as the book was an algebra text book.

"You took your time." Karen dryly commented.

"Yeah well."

"Come on then." she beamed, looping her arm in mine.

Our town isn't the biggest place, you could walk everywhere if you wanted to, Karen actually lives closer to the school than me, just in a different direction. It’s not actually a bit of town I would normally go to, it sits in a loop of the river so unless you need to go there, well you get my drift.

"So erm what are we doing tonight?"

"You’ll see."

Cryptic as ever.

"Like what?"

"Its a surprise Pea."

How come I get a nickname but she doesn't?

"I just love surprises." I noted dryly.

"Lighten up girl, you'd think you were going to the block, did you bring your camera?"

"Always in my bag, why?"

"Just asking."

She’s got something up her sleeve I just know it.

It didn't take long to reach her estate, a newer estate than where I live dominated by big bungalows rather than the 30's semi’s that me and Sal live in. we turned off of Button Avenue, the loop that runs through the estate and into Hill Dell, a banjo with half a dozen mini ranches sat around. Karen’s abode was off in one corner, neat and trim without some of the garish trim of some of the neighbours.

"Mums home." Karen advised me.

"How do you know?"

"Well duh! That’s her car,” she pointed to the pink Audi TT stood at the side of the house.

"Oh right." I should have guessed.

I had a sense of foreboding as I followed Karen to the kitchen door and thence into my 'girlfriends' home.

"That you Princess?"

"Yes mum," Karen replied with a hint of annoyance, "I’ve brought a friend."

I hovered by the door, unsure as to the etiquette of the situation.

"Lovely dear." Mrs Brownlea Allowed from beyond the breakfast bar.

"Hi Mrs Brownlea." I squeaked.

"We’ll be in my room."

"That’s nice dear." the disembodied voice supplied.

"Come on Pea, you can leave your shoes by the door."

"Er sure."

Her bedroom! Oh my god, what has she got planned?

"Erm Karen," I hissed, "you sure this is ok?"

"‘Course, where else would we go? Come on."

Well if it was my place probably the lounge or just hang in the kitchen, even Jonno hasn't been in my bedroom. I followed Karen out into a short hallway and turned almost immediately through another door into her lair? Boudoir? Bedroom? I really wasn't sure what to expect, my sisters room is like a discount boutique with a 50% sale on the best of days and the one time in found myself in Sal's room - well she was six at the time, it was all stuffed animals and pink.

Karen's room was - well, ordinary. It was neither excessively girly nor was it a tidy fest, that’s not to say it was messy just lived in.

"I’m gonna shower and change, I shan't be long, park your bum for a bit."

She’d been gathering garments as she said this then left me bewildered, alone in her room. A quick look around identified her computer desk as the best seating option so I nervously sat down to await whatever was coming next. The sounds of a shower starting up indicated she was now naked. Naked! Oh my god, I’m sat a few metres from a naked girl! My heart started racing and I could feel sweat starting to form on my back. Must calm down, its not like she's even in the same room is it?

To take my mind off naked bodies I started to look around the room. It really wasn't that much different from my own, well okay the book case actually had proper books on it and the walls are a pale lilac but there are piles of stuff on the floor and the walls are decorated with stuff apparently randomly blue tacked up. It wasn't exactly girl central but it was clearly not a boy’s abode, you could tell by the assorted cosmetics on top of the dresser.

I was kind of lost in my musings when a voice made me jump.

"Here we are girls, I thought you'd like a drink and some biscuits."

Well I pretty much fell off the chair in surprise.

"Are you all right dear?"

I scrabbled to get back up from the floor.

"Er yes thanks."

"Where’s Karen?"

"Shower." I supplied.

"No manners that girl, sorry about my daughter Prunella."

"Peaches, its ok really."

"Mu-um." Karen moaned from behind her mother.

"Well I’ll leave you two to it, you are staying for dinner aren't you Plum?"

"I er."

"Of course she is Mum, I did tell you."

"That’s fine dear."

Karen let her parent past and closed the door behind her.

"Parents!" she stated bouncing onto her bed.

I hadn't seen what Karen had collected to wear so I was pretty surprised to find she was in the slightly sluttish teen fashion of tight denim shorts over leggings topped by an ill-fitting vest top. If you'd asked me before I would have denied the possibility that she'd own anything of the nature. Jess yes, Karen no way.

"What’s up, my knickers showing?"

I must have been staring at her.

"Er no, I erm didn't think you wore that sort of stuff."

"Why not?" she challenged, "just coz you don't."

To be honest I have tried the look but wasn't comfortable with how exposed it made me, lets face it, I have a um little extra to hide.

"Where are your glasses?"

I knew there was something really different about her beyond the clothes.

"Well duh, you don't wear specs and contacts!"

"You look..."

"Different. Yeah I know, the windows are a disguise."

The contacts really did alter her appearance and with her hair loose she was stunning.

"You wanna get changed?" she prompted.

From anyone else it would have been an innocent enough question but with Karen nothing is that straightforward.

"Me?" I spluttered having just taken a sip of my drink.

"You’re not gonna wear that stuffy uniform all night." it was a statement rather than enquiry.

"You never said to bring anything," I hedged, "I’ll be fine like this."

"No way José, you can wear some of mine."

"Really its okay."

"Don’t be daft, what kind of girl friend do you think I am? You’re my size so lets see what we can find."

When she's in this mood there is no nay saying her, this is a line I never envisaged seeing let alone crossing.

She sprung off the bed and headed to a closet behind me, "now then lets see what we can find."

It was clear I had been set up by the third outfit change, her insistence that she borrow my camera to take some pics each time only reinforced the truth of it. Initially there was a complete lack of enthusiasm on my part but as time passed I started offering some camera tips and actually started enjoying myself. She was a cunning minx though; each garment change moved my appearance to an ever girlier look.

"I think that'll do." she stated nearly an hour after she started playing Barbie with me.

"You sure, its a bit prissy." I mentioned, not exactly comfortable with how I looked.

"It’s great, Mum’ll just love you in this, lets do your hair and get some slap on that face."

She was really enjoying this whereas I was very much the unenthusiastic plaything.

"Do we have to? You’re not wearing any." I pointed out.

"You think I’m going out there looking like this?"

Well you do kind of assume.

"Yes?"

"Come on, it won't take long."

"Dinner girls!" Mrs Brownlea called down the hallway.

"Coming," Karen replied, "come on Pea."

With a sigh I followed her, there was nothing I could do about how I was dressed or made up now short of making a run for it. Its not like I looked like a clown or a hooker or something, no, just the opposite in fact, with a couple of minutes of tonging and painting I looked.... well I looked different. Not bad different but compared to my usual look this is a cuter look and I’m not sure I like it - or I like it too much!

"There you are girls, you look nice Blossom, I see Karen’s handiwork there am I right?"

Karen dived in before I could reply, "Pea's mum doesn't like her wearing makeup, not that she needs much."

"Well sit down and I’ll bring it through."

'Where?' I mouthed to Karen.

She pointed to the seat opposite as she pulled out her own chair.

"Here we go." Karen’s mother returned a moment later, hands full with a large roasting dish emanating interesting smells.

"Dad not in tonight?" Karen enquired of her mum.

"Later."

By the tone there was more than that to tell and Karen’s reply hinted at some unrest in the household.

"That’s twice this week."

"Not in front of your guest Karen."

"Sorry."

"Help yourself Peaches, there's pork chops, stuffed peppers, oh I forgot the salad."

"I’ll get it mum." Karen offered almost leaping from her seat.

Lest you get the wrong idea, the diet at my place is dictated by our cooking skills more than our finances but the last time I even saw a repast like that in front of me was when mum took us for a meal on Jess's last birthday.

“Um thanks.”

To be honest I didn’t really know the etiquette, and the last thing I wanted to do was expose myself as an uncouth lout.

Maddy Bell 16.07.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, June 2010

Chapter 12 plus 1

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---

 
 
Chapter *12 plus 1*
 
The meal was delicious, I won't bore you with the details but I’m gonna try to find out how to do some of this stuff. Mrs Brownlea, despite her apparent lack of interest earlier was, besides a great cook, quite chatty and before dessert had extracted almost my entire life history! Karen surprisingly let her mother drive the conversation as the information was gradually squeezed from me.

Of course the big issue for me was being outed as a fraudulent 'girl', I carefully couched my replies to the questioning to avoid bringing gender into the conversation and I think I succeeded in maintaining my 'cover'. The meal over us 'girls' did the clean up which wasn't so bad as they have a dishwasher which Karen soon had gurgling away to itself.

"I’m impressed." Karen informed on returning to her room.

"About?"

"You. I was convinced she was going to see through Peaches, you almost had me believing!"

"You could've warned me." I huffed.

"What? And miss that fantastic performance, besides you wouldn't have come if I’d told you would you?"

"Probably not," I admitted, "so what now? Any more surprises?"

"I thought we could maybe take a walk along the river seeing as it’s a nice evening."

That didn't sound too bad, I could do that.

"Okay, as long as we're not too late getting back, I have to get home afterwards."

"Already sorted, Mum’ll drop you off."

"Still."

"Well don't get your panties in such a bunch, lets get off."

I mentioned before that Karen's estate is in a loop of the river, it was just a short walk from her house via a gennel to the banks of the languid River Lea. it's neither the fastest flowing or widest river you'll come across, if you go downstream far enough it joins the Bristol Channel, upstream it goes through Markwood Park and meanders up into the Chilterns forty miles away.

"So." I mentioned as Karen looped her arm in mine.

"Hmm." she replied snuggling into me.

"Where are we going?"

"Nowhere in particular."

"Okay."

There was a gentle breeze along the river, pleasant and just strong enough to keep the flying things at bay. The other effect it had was to make me very aware of what I was wearing, thinking on it I never did tell you what I ended up wearing after Karen's dress up session. To say it was girly would be to state the obvious; no it was more than that by a mile. It wasn't so much that the flouncy pink skirt was that bad, or that the pink and white striped t shirt was really that bad either, no it was the overall effect with the lacy socks, white sandals and Karen’s makeup and hairdressing skills that had transformed me into this, this almost parody of a teenage girl. For her part, Karen had swapped the shorts for a denim skirt, whose knee length exceeded my own by inches.

Whilst we weren't the only ones using the path we only crossed a couple of dog walkers and were nearly mown down by some lads on mountain bikes.

"Idiots!"

"Shush!" Karen urged.

"Well they are, we might've ended up in the river." I fumed.

A squeal of brakes and the distinctive sound of tyres sliding on gravel drew my attention anew to the bikers.

"Shit!" Karen stated whilst gripping my arm like a vice.

"If it isn't the Ice Maiden,” the bigger of the two mentioned from inside his motorbike style helmet.

His mate chuckled.

"Who’s your girlfriend Brown Knickers, not seen her before."

"She’s er just visiting." Karen supplied gripping my arm ever tighter.

"Well she won't mind visiting with me will she, what's your name gorgeous?"

I thought I recognized the voice even if his face was hidden, Butcher Baines from the lower sixth.
“Don’t tell him.” Karen anti prompted.

“I didn’t ask you Knickers.” He spat, “so?”

“Er P.”

“Patricia!” Karen finished for me.

Patricia? What the hell is going on here?

Baines looked pissed by Karen’s further input, “that right Patty?”

I could hardly deny it at this point could I?

“Uh huh.”

“Not so gobby now are we Patty?” he menaced.

Karen still hadn’t released her grip; I’m going to have a right bruise.

“Where’re you from gorgeous and why’re you with Shitty Pants?”

His reputation as an arsehole seems justified and what’s with all this abuse towards Karen?

“Bere,” I offered as the first place I could think of, “and she’s my er.”

“Cousin.” Karen interrupted, “yeah we’re cousins, on my Dad’s side.”

“Well ‘cousin’ Patty no one gets to dis Brian Baines and gets away with it so I reckon you owe me.”

“Leave her alone.” Karen pleaded.

“Leave her alone,” Baines mimicked, “I told you to shut the $%& £! Up! Get over here Patsy or maybe Poo Pants fancies a quick tumble instead?”

Oh shit, this guy is a real piece of work. I weighed up our options, two of us, two of them — and they have bikes so running’s out.

“What’s in it for me?”

“Pea!” Karen hissed.

“In it for you?”

That took him unawares.

“You get to snog me and I let the dissing go — for today.”

Well at least I knew the score now.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” he confirmed.

“But on my terms.”

My answer had clearly thrown him and his lackey.

“Terms?”

“Yup, agree or it’s no deal.” I told him.

“So what are they then?”

I’ve got him.

“Karen gets to go first,”

“Okay.” He sneered, “anything else be-atch?”

Geez this guy watches too many third rate B movies.

“You take that thing off your head, there is no way I’m snogging a crash helmet.”

“If that’s all…”

“Tonto here has to go the other direction to Karen.”

“Oi, who’re you calling Tonto?” the sidekick demanded.

“If the cap fits.”

“Why you...”

“Leave it Steve,” Baines ordered, “okay deal.”

“What’re you doing?” Karen whispered.

“Just get going, I’ll catch you up in a bit.” I did my own bit of ordering.

I pushed Karen forward, she hesitated but my hand on her back propelled her forward. Meanwhile Tonto headed back from where we’d all come from leaving Bully Baines pulling his helmet off. I just hope this works.

A minute later I was sprinting along the riverbank towards where Karen was waiting. What happened? Well lets just say that Baines might think twice before trying it on with another girl, when I left him he was squirming on the ground clutching his nuts after my knee forcibly engaged with them as he grabbed me for his ‘dues’. I paused only to ram his helmet into the spokes of his bike’s back wheel before taking off like a scalded cat!

“What happened?” Karen asked when I caught up to her.

“Huh, huh, lets huh just say he won’t huh be pleased.”

“Why?”

“Tell you later, come on before he recovers.”

“Sugar!” Karen allowed falling in beside my trot.

“Is there a way to lose them?”

“The old bridge, its just round the corner.”

“’Kay.” I huffed.

Well it was actually best part of half a mile further on, my lungs were bursting and Karen was flagging by the time we reached the derelict railway crossing.

“How does this lose them?”

“You’ll see.” Karen grinned leading the way up to the deck.

It was an old girder bridge; the track long gone along with most of the timber deck, the only way across was via a narrow ledge next to the parapet. If Baines wanted to follow he’d have to leave his bike behind, and I couldn’t see him doing that, it being an expensive looking full suspension model.

Karen led the way; we were nearly halfway across when I spotted Tonto sprinting along the riverside, his master following more slowly behind.

“They’re coming.”

“Have they seen us?” Karen asked.

“Not sure, oh sugar yeah, Tonto’s heading up to the bridge.”

We increased our pace, well as much as a six-inch wide ledge allows, our only real hope of escape being if they abandoned the chase.

“Come ‘ere bitch!” Tonto shouted at us.

He clearly wasn’t keen on setting out in pursuit, as if we’d return to his side! A moment later there was a loud clang as a pebble ricocheted off the metal work behind us.

“Keep going!” I urged my girl friend.

Another stone pinged off the girders and then we were across, I chanced a look back to find Baines just arrived on the opposite bank.

“Just you wait bitch.” He yelled.

Having made our escape Karen led the way down to the riverside and we started back downstream.

“Phew, that was close.” I allowed.

“Yeah.” Karen agreed.

“So how do we get back across the river?”

“We’ll have to go into town.”

“That’s miles!” I complained and these sandals are starting to rub.

“You got any better ideas?”

The peeling of church bells rolled across the meadows, which gave me inspiration.

“You got your phone?”

“Well duh.”

“Can you pick us up mum?”

“Where are you?”

“Bentsfield.”

“What are you doing all the way over there?”

“I’ll tell you later, can you fetch us?”

“Give me thirty minutes.”

“Thanks mum, we’ll be by the church.” Karen closed her phone, “she’s on her way.”

Apart from the obvious, this evenings adventure has brought up some questions that I’m determined to get answers to, just what is the history between Baines and Karen?

Maddy Bell 27.07.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, June 2010

Chapter 14

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Chapter *14*
 
One thing's for sure, I hadn't expected to be riding home in a sports car, a pink one at that nor had I expected to be wearing Karen’s clothes either. By the time Mrs Brownlea had collected us and ferried us back to their home time was getting on.

"Come on you two, lets get Nutmeg home, her parents will be wondering where she is."

We’d only been back for about 3/4's of an hour, long enough to get a drink and kick back in Karen's room.

"What she really means is that her programme starts straight after the news." Karen sighed.

"I’d best get changed."

"Girls!"

"Yes Mum."

I was fiddling with the buckle on one of 'my' sandals.

"Leave that, you'll have to go like that." Karen mentioned.

"I can't." I moaned.

"You can and you will if you want a ride home."

After our earlier run in with Baines the thought of walking the streets on my own was not appealing.

"Ok." I agreed with a sigh.

So now I was once more squeezed into the Audi, this time with my school bag stuffed with two uniforms. Not only that but she'll insist on dropping me at the door and no doubt wait for me to go inside, I just know it. Wonder if Jess is home?

"Er next left, its down at the end." I directed.

You don't get many sport scars on our street so I’m sure curtains were twitching as the car growled to a halt.

"Thanks for tea and the ride home."

"No problem Blossom, come again anytime, Karen doesn't have many friends."

"Mu-um." she complained from the back seat.

"Well its true."

I extricated myself from the car, "bye."

"Nite Pea, see you tomorrow."

"Yeah." I agreed before giving a quick wave and heading to my door. There were lights on so unless we have bungling burglars Jess is home. I turned to give a final wave to Karen before going inside to face my sister.

That’s strange, the telly isn't on, Jess always has the idiot box on. I wasn't exactly keen for her to meet Peaches the teen idol but habit still had me checking to see where she was. It took but seconds to identify where she was, the sound of tuneless singing from the bathroom, phew I should be able to get cleaned up before she sees me. I crept up the stairs, no sense in broadcasting my arrival too soon and was almost past the bathroom door when I realised there was something amiss, no shower noise or singing.

"Peaches, be a luv and get my dressing gown." came a voice from behind the door.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. It wasn't Jess in the bathroom it was Mum!

"Er sure Mum."

Without thinking I dropped my bag into my room and went into Mum's room next door where I found her cases on the bed already open and in disarray, typical Mum. I spotted the dressing gown and was soon back at the bathroom.

"I’ll um leave it here."

"Don’t be daft girl," Mum opened the door, "it's not like I’m naked!"

That’s Mum all right, her and Jess could be sisters, at least in the looks department but that’s pretty much where the similarities end.

"Go stick the kettle on, I’ll be down in a minute."

I was in too much shock to do anything other than follow my parent’s request. I think I mentioned before that we don't see Mum much as she works abroad a lot; it's been over six months since she was last home. That of course means that me an' Jess are 'home alone' for extended periods, to officialdom Jess is acting loco parentis but there again they don't know her like I do.

"That tea ready?" Mum asked a few minutes later now dressed in jeans and a T.

"Just brewing."

"Come here you lummox, give your ole Mum a hug."

She might be away a lot but we still love her loads and I didn't need a second invite.

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming?"

"It was a bit last minute, a job was cancelled so as I was already packed..."
I hugged her hard, a tear making its way down my cheek. I guess I miss her more than I thought. It was mutual, Mum hugged me just as hard and we held each other for long minutes.

"Lets take a look at you,” she finally suggested, releasing her grip some.

"K." I felt like a little kid again.

"Well I never expected you to dress quite so prettily, you look just like Jess at your age."

Those few words had brain central suddenly click into gear, Mum hadn't batted an eyelid when I got home - she even called me Peaches. How did she know? To be sure I’d forgotten that I was ‘dressed’ as soon as I realised Mum was home, excitement overriding everything else.

"I, I can explain. How did?"

"Did I know that the pretty girl who let herself into the house was my new daughter? Your sister of course."

"When? How?"

"We do speak you know."

"Yeah but..."

"She’s concerned about you Peaches."

"I should get changed."

"You don't have to Jamie, if you prefer to be Peaches its fine with me, I understand, we can get you help, whatever you need to become my daughter for real if that’s what you want."

"I’m not, I don't, I’m not having this conversation, not like this."

I took off for my room, stumbling on the stairs - note to self, don't run up stairs in flimsy sandals, where I almost ripped Peaches from my body. In truth I was mortified that Mum knew about Peaches, no one was supposed to know about her, she's my photographic model who happens to hang with my girlfriend sometimes. I don't want to 'be' her, I don't want to 'be' a girl, I’m fine as I am, really I am, why did you have to tell Mum Jess, I hate you!

"Jamie? Jamie? Can I come in luv?"

"‘S open." I mumbled into my pillow.

I heard the door open and a moment later the bed sagged as Mum sat down next to me.

"Do you want to talk?"

She placed a hand on my back, which kind of felt comforting.

"Hmmpf."

"Tell your ole Mum all about it. How did you pick Peaches as a name? It suits you you know."

Mum always knows which buttons to push and she had hit the right combination once again, for the next hour or so we sat on my bed as I gave her a sometimes illustrated biography of Peaches Smith. For her part Mum seemed to relax as we talked, maybe her bravado at having another daughter earlier had been a front, my insistence that Jamie was here to stay and Peaches was an occasional visitor I think was a relief.

"And so no one else knows who Peaches is?"

"Ut uh, and I intend to keep it that way."

"Clearly this Karen has some issues." Mum noted.

"I guess." I agreed.

"Well just remember that you can say no to her."

"I know."

"I mean it Jamie, if you are uncomfortable with any of this, tell her, be firm. At the moment she holds most of the cards but you hold the trump."

"Okay." I agreed.

"Jess says you've been borrowing her stuff."

"She said I could."

"I know that, what I was going to suggest is that we buy you some stuff of your own."

"I’ve got my own underwear."

"I was meaning other stuff, maybe a few tops, a skirt or two, some shoes - stuff that belongs to Peaches."

"I dunno, I don't really go out as Peaches very often, tonight was a bit of a one off and I usually wear school uniform."

"It amazes me that no one has twigged at school."

"Its not like I go to class as Peaches, I guess everyone assumes she's in another class or year."

"Maybe." Mum didn't sound convinced, "so, you fancy going shopping Saturday?"

"I can't, I’m working, we've got a shoot at the studio."

"How about Sunday, we could go over to The Springs at Malmworth?"

Whilst on one level I didn't really want to go out shopping, I did want to spend time with Mum, I have no idea how long she's home for so stuff like this is precious.

"We could do that I guess."

"And we'll all three of us go out to dinner Saturday night, how's that sound?"

"Indian?"

"If you like."

"Brill!"

"So what're you so happy about?" Jonno enquired as we trooped back from Assembly.

"Mum's home."

"For good?"

"I wish, for a few days I guess."

"And this is good because?"

"Well duh!"

"What I mean is she'll like give you a curfew and stuff, when it’s just you and Jess like you can do whatever you want."

I could see where he was coming from and to some extent he was right. On the other hand I do sort of have to earn my liberty by doing chores and stuff - Jess is quite strict and whilst she's never exactly grounded me in theory she has that authority.

"I don't think she will, its not like I’m out all night anyhow."

Jonno shrugged, "just be warned, mothers can be evil."

"If you say so." I couldn't even remember Mum doing more than raising her voice towards us, so anything else - well she just wouldn't.

To be honest I was a bit exhausted this morning what with one thing and another so I wasn’t really tuned into what was going on for most of the morning.

“You couldn’t put a word in with Peaches for me eh?”

“Huh?

“You’ve not heard a word I’ve said have you?” Jonno accused.

“Er, something about fruit?”

“You don’t care, you’ve got a girlfriend.”

Kind of.

“Course I do but what’s that got to do with anything?”

“Well you know her, you could like drop some hints.”

“You fancy Karen?”

“Have you been taking stupid pills, she’s too scary for me and she’s your girlfriend, Peaches of course.”

“Peaches?”

“You really haven’t been listening have you, go on be a mate just ask her if she’d meet me.”

Jonno’s got the hots for Peaches! Is he blind or what?

Maddy Bell 29.08.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, September 2010

Chapter 15

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Chapter *15*
 
"So he fancies you?" Karen asked for the third time since we left school.

"Not me, Peaches."

"That is just so..."

"You already said." I pouted.

"Out of all the girls in school he goes for you, that is just so funny."

She was starting to get on my wick now.

"And just why is it so funny?" I demanded going on the defensive.

She looked at me strangely, "you fancy him." she accused.

"I do not! What is odd about him fancying a girl, its not like Peaches is a dog or something."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Do? Nothing."

"You can't do 'nothing'."

"Why not?"

"Because lover boy is clearly smitten."

"How do you know?"

"He asked you to set up a meeting,” she pointed out.

"So?"

"You can be quite dense at times. If he wants to meet with Peaches and is prepared to ask someone else to set it up he must be well smitten."

"I guess. So what do you suggest?"

"You need to turn him down so he knows the score."

"Turn him down?"

"I’m not kidding Pea, you can be so dense. Yes turn him down, why do you think he wants to meet?"

"Er."

"He wants to ask you out dumbo."

"Ah." the light bulb finally flickered into life. "So what do you suggest?"

"Arrange a meeting."

We stopped at the top of Sal’s path, “So I’ll see you at nine, at the studio.”

“Okay.”

“Hey you guys.” Sal called from her doorstep.

“Hi Sal.” I replied for both of us.

“You guys going somewhere tomorrow?”

“David Bailey here has talked me into modelling some frocks tomorrow.”

“Kewl!”

“Kaz!” I complained, which earnt me a withering glare.

“I’d like to be a model like Jess is, she looks so cool in that wedding dress.”

“Maybe you could come and watch, I’m sure Jamie wouldn’t mind?”

“Er no, I mean I guess that’d be okay.”

“Well done girls," Dan grinned, "we got some great stuff today."

"It was good fun." Sal beamed.

"Hmm." Karen sounded less enthusiastic but there again Dan had most definitely had her jumping through hoops all day.

"I’ll make sure you get a full set of contacts so you can pick out what you want printing, Jamie'll do that. Talking of which, where is he?"

"He mumbled something about dinner with his Mum." Karen supplied.

"You girls want a lift home?"

'Well that went well.' Jamie thought to himself, 'Karen looked fantastic and I thought Sal was going to go into orbit when Dan suggested she could be bridesmaid.'

He half walked, half ran back home with a mixture of excitement and dread.

"There you are, I thought you weren't coming." his mum grinned when he stumbled into the kitchen.

"As if!"

"Go get ready, your sister is meeting us at the restaurant."

"K."

Given that it was Jamie going out the getting ready bit was pretty quick, the only panic being when he discovered he needed to do some laundry - still no one can see what you are wearing inside your trousers can they?

"I don't see why we had to come here." Jess complained as we perused the menu.

"Jamie's choice, you can choose next time." Mum informed my sibling.

In truth The New Taj Mahal wasn't my first choice of eatery but the Shamal was booked out and I didn't want to give in to Jess' demands for pizza.

"So what's it to be?" Mum enquired.

"Lamb Rogan for me." Jess stated.

"Beef Madras?" I asked hopefully.

"Your stomach," Mum noted, "Pilau? Naan?"

"You bet." I enthused in turn.

You don't really want a blow-by-blow account of the evening, suffice to say that we had a good time; Mum was trying a little too hard I guess as she tried to catch up with our lives. It was of course something of a one-way conversation, due to Mums job being kind of hush hush there wasn't a great deal she could tell us in return.

"Ugh."

"And morning to you too."

"Sorry Mum."

"You want some breakfast?"

"Toast?"

Geez, how does she manage to be so chipper at this time of the morning?

"So, what are you wearing today?"

I hadn't given it a great deal of thought really.

"Jeans I guess."

"Oh," she sounded a little deflated, "I had rather hoped it would be Peaches going especially as we're supposed to be shopping for her."

"Er yeah."

"Jam?"

"Please, I um guess Peaches could go."

Mums demeanour changed like a switch.

"I saw this really cute top yesterday that'll suit her colouring, make sure you wear something easy to take off."

"For why?"

"Well if you're trying stuff on you don't want to be fiddling with loads of buttons and stuff - oh and slip on shoes."

Thus ordered I finished my breakfast and headed upstairs to become my mothers second daughter. To be honest it felt a little weird, normally when Peaches makes an appearance its either to be with Karen or for me to take photos. This is something else, something I never bargained for when I first 'borrowed' some of Jess' stuff after that first wedding shoot. I wasn't sure what I felt about that but Mum seemed pretty keen on this particular idea - today at least.

I felt a bit self-conscious on the short walk to Mums car and just hoped that no one saw me. I say Mums car, it’s hired really but it was still quite nice to be lording or should that be ladying, in the front seat of a new 5 series.

"You look very nice Pea." mum noted as we negotiated our way onto the bypass, "maybe a bit heavy on the makeup."

Now Mum's calling me Pea!

"Okay."

I’d followed Mums breakfast advice and whilst I wasn't that keen on wearing skirts in public I did have a basic denim mini that Jess had 'donated' to my wardrobe, which I teamed up with a sleeveless white polo neck.

"You have a very pretty face, you don't need to use quite so much foundation."

I looked over at her, she seemed to be wearing hardly any makeup but she still looked stunning.

"Its how I normally do it, it looks okay in the photos."

"Ah, well that’s the thing, for that you do need to wear more but daytime you don't need as much, most teens make the same mistake, I’ll show you later if you like?"

"Er sure."

"So how did the photo thing go, you didn't really say last night."

"Okay I guess."

The rest of the drive to The Springs was spent with me going over the previous day's events.

Mall shopping. You either love it or hate it and I’m firmly in the latter camp! What is it about them that they attract every teen within a hundred miles who as far as I can tell buy a happy meal and nothing else? Certainly at The Springs they make up most of the crowds, the only other big group - at least on the weekend are the 'sport' shoppers. They do buy stuff but they tend to treat it as a competition, I’m sure most of it comes back on Monday! Which leaves me, the reluctant shopper.

I didn't think Peaches needed more stuff but Mom was Adam Ant or maybe Gary Numan.

"Show a bit of enthusiasm Pea."

"Well it’s not really me."

"Okay, so what is?"

Mum's 'cute' top was atrocious, it might have worked if I looked like a pencil and was into frills, I fit neither category so I just looked like a sad meringue.

"Well," it wasn't something I’d given a lot of thought to, "nothing too fussy or bold."

"We can work with that."

"Oh and nothing that shows too much um flesh."

"Come on then, times a wasting!" mum enthused.

It was more than a little strange having my mother encouraging me to try stuff on and buying a fair chunk of it. This was a side of mum I hadn't seen before but as she said when I complained 'I do it for Jess so I’ll do it for my other daughter too.' so what’s a girl a erm boy to do?

By the time we were done Peaches had acquired half a dozen tops, three skirts, a cardigan, a 'posh frock', a pair of capri's and a pair of jeans. Of course there was more, two pairs of shoes and a variety of hosiery along with a bunch of stuff from Claire’s. Way too much but every time I argued I got the same ' I do it for Jess' response. It certainly seems weird that Peaches now has her own, new to her stuff in my wardrobe, not just stuff 'borrowed' from my sister.

"We’ll have to get you a dressing table."

Now enough's enough!

"There’s no room and anyway I don't need one."

"Hmm, we'll see." Mum didn't sound convinced.

I mean, what if Jonno came round? The clothes I can hide but a dressing table? And what exactly do I need one for?

"Do you want to see if Karen wants to join us to eat tonight?"

"I can ask, what about Jess?"

"Oh she's out with some lad, won't be back until late. It’d be a chance for me to meet your girlfriend."
I’m not sure that’s entirely a good idea but I made the call as we drove back from the Springs.

Completed on 11.09.10 and first read at the Gabycon on 12.09.10

 
This is a new occasional series that takes its basis and some of its storyline from the cancelled Tokyopop Manga, Yubisaki Milk Tea by Tomochika Miyano. It’s a great series and well worth looking out, it’s a mystery why they cancelled it. For my version I’ve changed the setting from Japan to England and of course the names, then I’ve added some new characters and situations to produce Jamie and the Peach. The original series was cancelled before completion but I intend to take my version somewhat further!

Maddy Bell, September 2010

Chapter 16

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Chapter *16*
 

"What time?"

I repeated the question to mum.

"Half six, we'll pick her up."

"I heard." Karen mentioned in the other ear, "see you later Peaches."

Just what have I let myself in for now?

"Yeah, laters." I ended the call.

"That wasn't so bad was it?"

"I guess not."

"You can wear your new dress." mum enthused.

Oh yeah, you missed that bit, not only does my mum get to interrogate my girlfriend but I have to go as Peaches. Well what could I do? She said yes on proviso that my alter ego went and given how I’m currently dressed I could hardly demure could I?

"You okay Hun?"

"Eh? Oh sorry, I was miles away."

"We’ll be home in a minute."

Oh goody - another chance for the neighbours to see Peaches.

I thought I’d made it.

"Hi Peaches, hi Mrs Farmer"

"Hi Sally, how's your Dad?"

"Okay I guess. So where's Jamie?"

"Isn’t he at home?" Mum thankfully was playing dumb.

"Not seen him."

"And Peaches has made a special trip to see him too haven't you?"

"Um yes Mu-rs Farmer"

"So what are you up to Sally?"

"Nothing much, I was going to see if Jamie could help me with my maths homework, hey you don't know about long division Peaches?"

"Er I guess so."

"Could you help pretty please?"

I looked hopefully at mum.

"I’m sure she will eh Peaches? I’ll take your shopping inside and I’ll let you know when Jamie gets here."

Sunk.

"No problem." I allowed, forcing a smile to my face.

"Kewl!" Sal shrieked.

Just what is mum playing at?

"So if you bring that down." I’m certainly not the greatest mathematician but this much I can manage.

"Ah I’ve got it now."

"Hasn’t Karen done this with you?"

"She did but I wasn't really paying attention."

There was a knock on the door then Mum poked her head inside.

"Hi kids."

"Is Jamie back?" Sal enthused.

"He just rang, he's over at Jonno's and won't be back till late."

Mu-um!

"I was wondering if you girls fancy going out to eat?"

"Yes please!" Sal bubbled.

"I was going to meet Karen?"

"She can come too, keep an old lady company eh?"

Its not like I’ve got a choice is it?

"I did get a new dress earlier." I half-heartedly agreed.

"Kewl!" Sal cheered.

"Outside in half an hour then Sally, you can use our shower Peaches."

"Um thanks."

I think Mum has lost the plot - either that or I have.

"Why’d you invite Sal?" I enquired once we were back in our house.

"Why not? It must get very lonely for her with just her dad for company.

"She has got friends you know."

"I just thought it'd be nice, anyway Peaches you'd best go get yourself ready and go easy on the makeup?"

"Yes Mum."

"Its Mrs Farmer With Sally around remember."

Unless I want my cover blown.

“Ooh Peaches, you look scrumptious!”

“Um thanks, you look pretty nice yourself.” It wasn’t a lie, she did in that way pre teen girls do, not much in the way of figure but I’m hardly Dolly Parton myself — not that I want to be.

“Come on girls, Karen’ll be waiting.”

“Karen’s coming?” Sal queried.

“Uh huh.”

“That son of mine doesn’t know what he’s missing, all these pretty girls.” Was Mum giggling?

Karen was waiting at the end of her driveway when we arrived.

“Peaches?”

“Uh huh.” I agreed.

“Hello Karen,” Mum offered through the open passenger door window, “I’m Jamie’s Mum, hop in.”

“Hiya Karen!” Sal greeted her tutor as my girlfriend slid into the back seat.

“Hi Sal, so um what’s the occasion?”

“In the absence of my son I thought I’d get to know some of his friends a bit better.” Mum supplied as she set the car back into motion.

As Sal was safely in the front seat and chattering away to Mum, Karen and I managed a covert exchange.

‘What’s going on?’ Karen mouthed.

I shrugged in reply, ‘your guess…’

‘Why the dress?’

‘Sal saw me earlier.’

“What are you two muttering about?” Sal interrupted.

“I was just admiring Pea’s dress.” Karen bluffed.

“It really suits her.” Sal agreed.

Just what I need, a Peaches fan club.

Mum had decided to take us to 'The Strung Fox', a pub cum restaurant over in Nether Pinkton about five miles from town.

"Weird name." i noted.

"There's the 'Butchers Knee' in town," Karen mentioned, "now thats a weird name."

"Come on you two." Mum smirked.

I felt a bit self conscious when we finally navigated our way into the building, the place wasn't overly busy and all eyes turned to look at thge new arrivals.

"Table fer four ladies?"

"Please."mum confirmed.

"This way." our host, a lad in his late teens, slid out from behind the bar and led us to a table in the middle of the sparsely populated dining room.

He slipped menus in front of each of us when we were seated, "drinks ladies?"

"Can we have a moment." Mum smoothly requested.

He headed off to the bar leaving us to check out the options.

"I need to powder my nose." Karen told us as she stood again. "Peaches?"

I was engrossed in the menu, "'kay."

"Peaches!" Karen hissed, making 'come with me' motions with her eyes.

I don't need the loo.

"Its alright Peaches luv, we'll hold the fort." Mum stated, even my dim brain got the message now.

"So whats the crack Pea, i thought Jamie was coming tonight, not that i'm bothered."

"I told you, Sal saw me."

The ladies wasn't the most salubrious place but it was cleaner than the gents.

"Theres more to it than that so spill."

i gave her the two minute version of the day's events.

"That is just so funny."

"To you maybe." i grumped.

"Your Mum seems to like having a second daughter."

"A bit too much, we should get back."

"There you are girls, we thought you'd run off with the barman didn't we Sal?"

"You were gone ages." Sal confirmed.

Before either of us could reply said barman was stood at my elbow.

"One Coke," he placed a glass by Sally,"and dry white for the rest of the ladies."

I gave Mum a querying look.

"Are you ready to order yet?"

"Another minute." Mum's tone brooked no dissent.

"What's with the wine?" Karen hissed in my ear.

"No idea, just drink it." i'm certainly not gonna look a gift horse in the choppers.

"So, what are we eating?" mum enthused.

I spent the meal taking my cues from Mum and Karen, Sal was doing the same for different reasons! I fancied a burger, Jamie would've had one but i went with poached salmon the same as Karen and foresook the dessert options too. The wine wasn't something i was used to, but its something i could get to like. i tried to keep up with the conversation but didn't take much part as Mum subtley pumped Karen for information. If Kaz realised she didn't let on.

"Well that went well." Mum stated once we were back inside the house.

Maddy Bell 28.09.10