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Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

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Part 1
 

'"Wait here please"

I was in no position to argue! I will tell you now; I was as they say 'shitting bricks'! I am in deep doo doo; here I am a bloke dressed up as a woman, with paperwork in one name and a passport belonging to someone else, neither of which is mine, deep doo doo!

I heard our bus pulling out of the shed and wondered what was going to happen next. What had they told Den? What did the passengers think? I'm out of a job that's for sure! I waited impatiently for what seemed like hours before the woman returned with another official.

"Now then Miss Ziegler or should I say Mister Hornby, you have some explaining to do!'

BEEEEEP!

Suddenly my world slewed sideways, I opened my eyes with a start just in time to see the fast approaching rear of a truck.

"Shit!" Den exclaimed as the brakes locked on in a scream of agony, the ABS unable to cope with two feet on the brake pedal. Behind me I could hear a growing cacophony of screams as I stared ahead waiting for the impact.

It never came. Somehow Den had managed to arrest our forward motion and our bus was now rocking back and forth on the suspension. By some miracle, we hadn't hit anything and nothing had hit us, the cause of our rapid deceleration even now disappearing up the autoroute towards Calais.

"I could have done without that!" Den stated, knocking the coach into gear and steering us onto the hard shoulder.

"I'll check the passengers" I was more than a little shaken myself, luckily none of the passengers had come to harm and they were as concerned about me as I was them. I returned to the front where I found Den outside.

"You okay Den?"

"Er yeah, just a bit shaky"

"What happened? I was asleep"

"One of those maniac Irish trucks, he just pulled straight out, no signal or anything. How we didn't hit him!"

"Well we've you to thank for that. You okay to go on?"

"Give me a minute"

"I'll wait for you on board"

The few kilometers down to Calais were thankfully uneventful and we still had time for a quick beer warehouse stop. I tried to recall my broken dream, but nothing came, I guess the trauma of the near crash had done a good job of wiping that particular block of memory. As usual we were due to link up with the others dockside, the rain that had threatened for the last couple of hours finally started as we cleared check-in. No sign of the other coaches, we were plainly the first to arrive. We watched the ferry dock and disgorge its cargo of motor vehicles, come on guys where are you?

Loading started, still with no sign of the other two buses, it looks like they'll miss the boat. Den and I were actually up in the driver's lounge getting our dinner when four flushed looking Global employees spilled through the door.

"We thought you'd missed it" Den greeted them

"So did we, there was a big crash on the N1, we both got caught in the tail back" Rob advised

"By the look of you, you had a good week" I mentioned to a bronzed Mandy

"You don't look too bad yourself girl" she replied, "that uniform looks better on you than me"

In truth after another week in dresses and skirts it felt pretty natural to be sat here dressed like this.

"Looks like you lost the bet," I told Jules, "one tour complete with me in a frock and makeup"

"I bet you enjoyed yourself, Jules said you went out with a German friend, that must have been fun"

"I've had worse nights," I allowed

We disembarked and joined the queue for immigration and customs, I found Ingrid's passport and prayed that they didn't check too carefully again. While we waited I presented Den with his model bus.

"I know it's not much, but it's a small thank you for looking out for me this week"

He unwrapped the package.

"It's just like 'Betsy'," I pointed out

"Thanks, thanks Nena, that's really thoughtful"

"You deserve a lot more after this week"

"Well thanks anyway, whoa here we go" he pulled Betsy into the shed.

You ever had that feeling of Déjá  vu? I seemed to know what was going to be said, what people were going to do, weird! It wasn't quite as I semi remembered, then it came back in a sudden flash as Den pulled us into the shed. I hope the next bit of the dream doesn't come true!

So far so good, it was a bloke who got on to check the passports while Den opened the side lockers for the dogs.

"All EU?" he asked

"Yes, all British except me" I replied

He walked up the bus to confirm that everyone was accounted for and returned to the front.

"Thanks miss" he passed Den in the doorway, "okay, you're clear"

Den slotted Betsy into gear and we drove through to where the feeder drivers were waiting. I do not want dreams like that ever again!

"You okay kiddo?" Den enquired as he rescued his briefcase from the overhead and prepared to disembark.

"Sure, just thinking, Chris'll be back tomorrow"

"I'll sort of miss Nena, there's never a dull moment with you is there?"

"A bit too lively at times!"

"Well thanks for a good tour Nena, tell Chris I'll see him at the depot tomorrow"

"I will, wiedersehn Den"

The drive back north was uneventful although it was nearly eleven when we got back to the depot and Julia's car.

"Mine or yours" Julia asked

"Yours, we can be exhausted together"

As I lay cradling Julia's head later on I thought over the past week, one attempted mugging, too much homemade schnapps, the evening with Mika and her friends. On balance things went pretty well. Not sure why I bought so much women's clothing though. I squirmed as I remembered how the dress I wore on Friday felt, hmmm, well sexy! I slipped into unconsciousness for a last time as Nena.

Monday morning. I woke early but not early enough to beat Julia to the bathroom! Then it struck me, I don't need to get up so early, I don't have to shave my legs or do my makeup today. Nope not today or any other! No I won the bet and the girl in the shower, my girlfriend was my sex 'slave' for the next month! Hmm maybe I should clarify that after all we'll be away on tour for two weeks of that, I'm gonna be short changed!

"Morning luvver" Julia purred from the doorway

"Hello you, give us a kiss"

We played tonsil hockey for a bit then Jules broke off.

"Aww!"

"Whoa tiger! We've got stuff to sort out remember"

"Joools!" I whined

"Come on Chris, sooner it's done the sooner we can have some more fun"

Well, when you put it like that!

The pair of us spent the morning and early afternoon sorting out our tour accounts, once again I or rather Nena had a good week, the catering account was above average and the tips, well I could get used to the extra income! We grabbed a quick lunch before heading off to the Global depot. It felt weird wearing guy stuff, no bra to itch my chest and my favourite boots that feel so restrictive after Nena's sandals and heels.

"I was half expecting Nena" Bill joked when I went to turn in my books

"I'm done with that caper now Bill, no more Nena"

"No more big tips, looks like that girl had another good trip," he noted as he glanced at my figures.

"Yeah well, the tips might be good but not good enough to keep Nena around"

"Pity, seems the customers like her too"

"Well yeah, the tips..."

"How about twelve customers ringing so far today. They don't just like Nena, they think she's the best thing since sliced bread!"

"It's still me" I managed as a flush of colour ran over me.

"Well they like you as Chris but we've never had so much feedback from the punters as we have on Nena's two appearances."

"Like I said, I'll be working as Chris again this week"

"See you on Thursday then"

"Yes sir!" I did a mock salute

"Get out of here Hornby!"

Jules dropped me back at my flat, for an exciting evening of laundry! I noted wryly that it was all Nena's clobber in the washer. Knickers, bras, tights, all stuff that had no right to be in Chris Hornby's washing machine. I smiled to myself when I looked at the various bits of clothing as I recalled the previous week again. Yeah, I guess it was mostly a good week; I chuckled as I recalled the Schnapps incident again!

Jules was going to do well out of this, several outfits with just one careful previous owner, all of them Chris magnets! Well I did pick them because I liked them. I remembered Ingrid's passport, must post it back in the morning, and I'll have to write her about last week too.

You don't want to hear about the rest of my week, even if you do I'm not going into it, what me and Jools get up to is our affair and working in a bar doesn't enthrall me that much so I won't inflict it on you! Rodg, the manager of the Oaks, still had Beth off with her wrist so once again I picked up some extra shifts. I wasn't even bothered about my hair, being blonde isn't that bad and I've got sort of used to it. Mind you it could do with a cut before the weekend.

"So what tours are due this week?" Mandy asked

The three of us were having a coffee at the Oaks before heading to the depot after my shift.

"Dunno, I'll check my diary" Julia reached for her bag

"You don't fancy doing another week as Nena then Chris?" Mand enquired

"No way! I've had my fill of being a girl, I'll leave that to you pair"

"Here we are, lets see - Poland, French Riviera and The Black Forest. I fancy the Riviera, I could do with some sun." Jools told us

"You're welcome to it! What about you Mand, any preference?"

"Well if Jools does France I wouldn't mind Poland, I've not been over there. You okay with Germany"

"Suits me, it's usually pretty relaxed, no long days"

"it's overnight isn't it?" Mand pointed out

"whatever, that means I get Sunday off"

"Well that's settled then, unless Russell has any other plans of course," Julia stated

"Russ never has any plans, only for his precious coaches!" Mandy offered

At the depot we were chatting with Maureen on reception when Bill came through.

"Hi slaves, come to get this weeks sentences?"

"And hi to you too Bill" I replied

"Can I have a word Chris? I won't keep him long girls"

I followed him through to his office.

"Have a seat. I won't mince words Chris, I want Nena! Well not me, the punters. All week we've been getting customers ringing to find out what tours she's doing, she's better than a ten pound booking discount!" he eased back into his chair as I sat there bemused.

"Look Chris, I never thought I'd be doing this," he shook his head, "but needs must. It's not to go outside this room, but we're only just breaking even, anything that can get more business needs to be considered. I've discussed this with Russ and well, Chris; we'd like you to do the rest of the season as Nena. There I've said it"

Talk about gob smacked! I wasn't sure what to say, what to do, even what expression to use. In the end I settled on the classic goldfish!

"Obviously we don't expect you to do it for no return, we've worked out a compensation package" he passed a sheet of paper over.

I looked at the page, bonus for a full coach, clothing allowance and small increase to my basic pay. I sat there bemused but did the mental calculations, with the sort of tips I got as Nena it was worth a fair chunk of dosh, somewhere about two grand! It was tempting I have to say. On the other hand it would mean dressing as Nena, well not just dressing, being Nena for another four months!

"If I say no?"

"Well we can't force you to do it. All I can say is that everyone's jobs will be on the line if we don't start picking up a few more bookings"

"What about the others? I get this," I waved the sheet of paper, "what do they get? Not that I'm saying I'll do it"

"That's a tenner I owe Russ, he said you'd ask that. The full coach bonus will go to everyone, the girls already get the clothing allowance."

"Huh?"

"Didn't you know? I'd have thought you'd have found that out. If things get turned around, we'll give everyone a raise in September"

This was all a bit much, unexpected. Do I want to do it? Not really. Can I afford to not do it? That's a lot of money at stake and ultimately my job, and my friends. Talk about a dilemma. I looked at Bill, I already knew his position, but I also know that he wouldn't hold a negative response against me. What would Julia say? Well last week was her idea so I guess that answers that!

"Okay I'll do it"

Bill let out a breath that I didn't realise he was holding, "thanks Chris"

"Out of curiosity what have you been telling all these punters?"

"That you were doing all of the German and Austrian tours" he grinned

"If I'd said no?"

"We'd have just sent our senior tour host instead"

"Who's that?"

"A guy called Chris Hornby, maybe you've met?" he chuckled.

"Erm what about my passport and stuff? I've been using a borrowed one but I can't keep doing that"

"All in hand. If Julia brings Nena to the depot at six tomorrow morning we'll get it sorted, oh and it would be best if you can bring a passport photo of Nena and your birth certificate"

"You really have been doing your homework"

"Well Den has, it was his suggestion"

Just wait till I see him!

"Is that it then? The girls will be wondering what's going off"

"I just need you to sign this new contract"

"Fair enough"

"I've put a cross where you need to sign"

"You what?" Mand shrieked

"I said yes. He reckons Nena can get more bookings and he's paying me extra to do it. And I've got a bone to pick with you two, you never told me you get a clothing allowance"

"What's to tell, everybody gets it" Jools stated

"I don't, well didn't" I huffed

"That's not fair" Mandy mentioned

"Well anyway it looks like I'm going to be Nena every other week"

"Why every other week?" Julia asked

"Well I'll be Chris when I'm home"

"That'll never work kiddo and I don't think you could do it" Jools told me

"Yeah you'd be schizoid in no time," Mand agreed

"And besides I quite like the idea of having Nena around for a while" Jools finished.

What have I agreed to? Now it's not just Nena at work but at home too. And my girlfriend wants me to be Nena too!

Friday morning found the three of us, Mand insisted on coming too, back at the depot. On the way we stopped at the railway station to get my passport photo done and despite my reservations I was ready for Bill and Den's plan. "You girls ready?" Den asked "As we'll be," I allowed "Hop in then" he indicated the company staff bus. "Where are we off to then?" Mand asked "Liverpool, the passport office" "Oh right, why so early then, we'll be there about eight" I queried "You've never been I take it? If you're not there when they open you could be there all day. Oh and you'll need the stuff in the envelope there" Den advised. Well you don't want all the gory details. I presented myself at the passport office and with surprising speed my passport was updated, at least my passport photo would look like me!

"Lets have a look then?" Jools asked as we headed towards Manchester.

I passed it over.

"So Nena has a new passport"

"Well picture at least," I agreed

"No" Mand interjected, "this says Nena."

"Lets see!" I grabbed it back. Flipping it open I scanned the info page, my new picture fine, name, my god she's right, Nena Agnetha Ziegler!

"Den!" I exclaimed, "how come this says I'm Nena?" I waved the passport at him.

"Well that's who you are"

"No I'm Chris pretending to be Nena"

"Not anymore"

"What do you mean?"

"Well you're officially Nena Ziegler now"

"No I'm Chris Hornby!" I stated

"I told Bill to ask you first"

"Ask me what?"

"Well you know those papers you signed yesterday?"

"The new contract, yeah?"

"Well one of them was a declaration of name change. The company solicitors got it all processed yesterday, so you really are Nena now."

"I'll kill him!"

"Hey Nena, at least your passport matches everything else" Mand offered

"And you can change it back afterwards" Jools soothed

"I guess. I'm still pissed at him though"

"Who came up with Agnetha then?" Mandy asked Den

"Blame me for that, I thought Nena should have a middle name."

"So where are we going now?"

"Well you know Maureen does amateur theatrics?"

We nodded.

"Well Bill asked if she knew any theatrical suppliers"

"What for?"

"Well you can't go all summer stuffing socks in your bra girl, can you?"

"Why not?"

"Nena!" the girls chorused

It felt really weird. Wearing a sock filled bra was weird but the size and weight of the two lumps now stuck to my chest was well beyond that. Not just that but they were proving to be a distraction as they jiggled at every step and I kept wanting to check my reflection much to the girls amusement! It wasn't actually a costume place we went to; in fact I was rather spooked by the place.

Apparently their stock in trade was a makeover service, for men! Yep you heard me, Men! The full nine yards, walk in a bloke; walk out a well, not woman but from the pictures on the walls, a passable replica. I know I'm sort of doing it but I never would have thought there would be enough business. I really was creeped out, I wasn't sure at first if the pretty girl who sorted me out was a bloke or not. Had to be a girl, no Adams Apple.

I didn't just get the boobs. When, after some encouragement, I told Sarah, that was her name, why I needed the chest enhancement she insisted that I needed a 'Vicky'. Yeah it got me too, Bill was spending, make that investing, in Nena so why not. Apparently with the 'Vicky' on I could pass for a girl downstairs as well, I wouldn't need to 'tuck' whatever that meant. It certainly felt strange but I must admit it did look reasonably lifelike. In one day I'd become Nena in name and now in body.

We got back to the depot late afternoon and after collecting our tour packs, headed home to pack. Tomorrow I'm off to Germany again but I'm not pretending to be Nena this time, I am Nena! Nena Agnetha Ziegler! Looks like I lost my prize from Jools, I've lost albeit temporarily, my equipment so our usual last night bed session ended up with just a fair bit of heavy duty snogging. It was a bit strange cuddling up to Julia and finding my own boobs in the way!

 

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Maddy Bell 03.06.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 1
 
 
To Be Continued...

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl

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Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

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Part 2
 

"Hi Nena, so Bill worked on you eh?"

"Uh huh, yes I'm with Global for the season" it was Colin, the feeder driver.

"Chris got another job? He's a good lad that one"

"I think so, Julia would know." That's something we'll have to sort out, especially as Jools is dating him, me. Well you know what I mean.

"You've got some odd ones this week" Colin offered taking a draw on his coffee.

"Odd ones?"

"You know strange passengers"

"Oh?"

"That bloke over by the coach, with the carrier bag?"

"Yes, I see him"

"Well that bag is all that he's got, no case or anything"

"No case?"

"I swear" Colin stated. "And the old couple just getting on look a bit strange too."

"Thanks for the warning"

He glanced at his watch, "best be off I suppose"

I don't know why, but I always have a feeling of excitement when I join the coach for a tour. Meeting the people that I'll be with for the next week, most for the first time, a few regulars, except with me as Nena they are all first timers!

We've been here before so you don't want to hear about the journey down to the Channel again really do you. Col was right, it looks like I've copped for all of this weeks weirdo's! Besides the ones that Colin pointed out at Leicester, there's two women with their teenage daughters, the mothers unable to admit they're not teens and dressed to suit. Watch out Den! If I was Chris I'd be nervous too! I suppose the rest of the nearly full bus were pretty average as passengers go, generally older and I recognized a few from previous tours.

The ride down was uneventful, we did our usual Toddington coffee stop, as you might imagine we three 'girls' spent the time there talking about our passengers. Mandy has pulled the short straw, one of her passengers uses a wheelchair, which will make for quite a bit more work for her.

We arrived in Dover almost in convoy, the drivers minibus as usual stood waiting for our arrival, for a third trip I have Den. I guess if I'm going to do most of the German trips we'll be paired for the season.

"Everything okay Colin?"

"A bit of fan belt whine"

"I'll tighten them up later then, passengers okay Nena?"

"No problems on the way down Dennis"

Colin finished getting his stuff together and Den worked on the Tacho.

"Well I'll see you next Sunday then, have a good trip, look after her Den"

"The bus or Nena?"

"Both but especially Nena" Colin winked as he stepped off of Betsy.

"I will, bye Col"

"Bye" I added

Den finished settling in and we were ready to roll. I pulled the mike out and stood up.

"Can you all have your passports ready please"

Well that includes me, it struck me then as I pulled the little booklet out, I was officially Nena Ziegler. No praying that they wouldn't check or thinking of potential excuses. Nope, in fact I wanted them to look, to check it! As we drove up the ramp I looked at the document, how did I come to this? I never looked for it, I mean until a month ago the only female clothing I'd ever worn was a pair of tights in a junior school play! (I was a pageboy).

I was disappointed that we were waved straight through today, we were soon dockside and waiting for the one o'clock sailing. There was a stiff onshore breeze but the sun was out and everyone was in good mood. The couple of smokers on board took the opportunity for a quick fag; I sat on the step with a can of pop. Finally they started to load and I got everyone back on, Den pumped up the suspension and we were off!

"Remember girl, you can ring us anytime" Mand mentioned as we chatted in the drivers lounge.

"I hope I won't need to"

"Well just remember, with those puppies on your chest you are bound to get hit on," Julia advised. Timely advice as it turns out!

Overhearing the last comment Den turned from his conversation with the other drivers.

"I'll be looking out for 'her'"

"It's you we're worried about!" Mand joked

"Give over guys" I stated

Just over an hour later we were out of Calais port and heading for the autoroute. We followed Mand onto the eastbound route while Julia's coach headed south towards their overnight south of Paris. At Dunkirk we turned off ourselves onto the Lille road leaving Mandy's bus to continue towards their own overnight near Dusseldorf. Did I mention that we are on an overnight? We are due at our destination resort mid morning tomorrow, I'm not sure of the logic other than it saves one hotel bill! Of course we've got plenty of stops scheduled on our seemingly strange route and we've got a couple of films for the passengers later. I hate overnights; you can never get more than a few minutes kip so you are wasted the following day. At least they've done some repairs on the A25 and we made good time to Lille. I did my usual tea run; this week looks like it might be hard work, not many takers now or on the way down to Dover earlier. We picked up the motorway into Belgium; direction Mons where our first stop of the evening awaits us. The thin squeal of the fan belts announced our arrival at Thieu services. "I'll have a quick look at the belts while we're here" "How long then?" "Forty five, the timings are quite generous"

 
 
"How's it going?" I asked passing Den a cup of tea

"Just about done, I'll have to change number three belt when we get there though"

"Will it be okay till then?" I instinctively held my skirt down as the wind whipped around my legs.

"Should be," he stated tightening the adjustment bolt back up.

The passengers started to drift back shortly afterwards, looks like we've got some 'lates', you know the ones who are always first in the meal queues but invariably 'don't hear' time instructions. There they are, no rush in them! It was the couple Colin had mentioned, he was wearing a raincoat and she was toting a shopping bag. I gave Den a look, he just shook his head.

"Are you waiting for us dear?" the old bint enquired

'Only five minutes!'

"Not really, everyone else was back a bit early"

Looks like we'll have to make some allowances this week. Den's mechanics seemed to have worked, the scream was gone and once more we were on our way. I sorted the DVD player out and set a harmless film, with that babe Gwyneth Paltrow in, some thing about an airhostess entitled 'View from the Top'. The passengers settled down and I resumed my seat and got out my book. We've got a couple of hours through the Belgian countryside while the film runs so I slipped my shoes off and propped my now painted toes on the dash.

The evening moved on, we passed Namur then our route headed for Luxembourg. We were just into Germany when the film finished, so I did a quick tea run aware that our meal stop wasn't too far off. In fact it was heading towards ten when we got to the services at Saarbrucken for our long stop, two hours.

Den and I joined the punters in the restaurant for a late dinner; by the time we returned to Betsy it was dark and getting a bit chilly. Den took the opportunity to catch forty winks and I settled down with my book again. Even the laggards were back on the bus in good time, there is only so much you can find to do in a German service station this time on a Saturday night!

Next stop Strasbourg! I put another film on, 'Bend it Like Beckham', knowing that most of the passengers would be asleep well before it's conclusion, me too quite likely. The autobahn was pretty quiet now as we passed the lights of Saarbrucken, as they passed behind we turned off to cut a corner through Sarreguemines.

We joined the Autoroute de L'est back in France and I dozed off.

"Chris!"

I stirred, had someone called me

"Bugger. Nena, wake up"

"Huh? What's up?"

"Not sure, we seem to be losing power"

"The belts?" I know nothing about engines!

"Could have something to do with it"

"What do we do then?"

"Can you look in the service book there and ring the help line, I'll keep going for now"

I got through to International Rescue and acted as intermediary as we trundled onward.

"Where are we?"

"Coming up to Saverne"

I relayed the information and got the instruction.

"He says to pull in to the services, he'll have someone out as soon as he can"

Not the best start to the week, I hope it's nothing too serious. Of course the early and unscheduled stop gained some interest from the passengers so I had to explain that we were just getting some professional advice. It was nearly two AM when the Setra service van pulled up; Den and I went to find out the crack.

The guy was good even if his English wasn't. Unfortunately the news wasn't good either, it wasn't too serious but not a roadside repair, worse still he didn't want us driving it any further.

Half an hour later and things were sorted, a tow truck was on it's way from the service center in Strasbourg and a replacement bus was being organized by International Rescue. When I rang Russell to tell him, I could tell that unavoidable as it was, to him it just spelled more expense.

Obviously we had to tell the passengers but I was loath to wake anyone up so I just made my way down the bus advising the few still conscious of what was going off. Sleep seemed like a good option, it could be hours before we were on the move again after all. I've had a couple of on tour breakdowns previously, we lost two days in Italy last year, luckily we were in resort then though.

I awoke to the sound of voices outside and a lot of clanging. Checking my watch I realised I'd managed a whole ninety minutes of sleep and the first signs of dawn were appearing in the eastern skies. I grabbed my jacket and joined Den and the tow truck crew outside.

"I was just about to wake you, these guys want to get hitched and rolling as soon as possible. If the other coach isn't here by four thirty we'll have to move the passengers into the services to wait."

"Great" I could already imagine the moaning and complaints. "I'd best get people awake then, what about cases?"

"Best transfer them in case I don't get down later"

I spent the next twenty minutes organizing my charges, there was no sign of the coach so after a quick bit of organization with the people in the services, the Global passengers and their luggage made their way inside.

"The mechanic reckons it'll take about six hours to fix once we get to the repair shop"

"So when should we expect you in Todtmoos?"

"It'll be at least midday before I get away, maybe four? I'll ring to let you know"

"Lets hope it's what he thinks"

"Yeah. Take care Chris, you're on your own now"

"Its Nena now remember, I'll get you for that! I'll see you later."

I watched with some vague misgivings as Betsy was towed off, I hope this relief coach hurries up!
 
 
It wasn't that much later, well just after five when I spotted the empty bus come in. I wasn't the only one; there was a murmur from the passengers as the news went round. He'd actually made good time having driven up from Freiburg where he was a night mechanic with SBG, the local bus operator. Our new steed was one of their Airport express buses, actually an older version of Betsy. I managed to extract that much before he disappeared.

Our new driver, Freddie, left me to organize the luggage and passengers while he got his mandatory break. Luckily a couple of the male passengers decided to take charge of the luggage, not that I couldn't but I was hardly dressed for scrambling in coach lockers! One of the perks of my new persona I guess.

With an ever-lightening sky we pulled back onto the motorway best part of five hours after we pulled off. I was starting to feel a bit grubby by now; I'd been on the go for nearing twenty-four hours. Originally we were to stop at Strasbourg then at Freiburg for breakfast but we were now missing the first of those.

"So Nena, you do this all the time?" Freddie asked (his accent was pretty strong so I've translated for you)

"Er yes, for about five years"

"You are German? You must be with that name"

"Uh huh" I allowed, trying to be non committal

"You have a boyfriend?" was he just making conversation?

"Not at the moment"

The conversation moved on to other things and we were soon negotiating the streets of Strasbourg en route for the Rhine Bridge over to Kehl and Germany. Sun light was now streaming into the coach and most of the passengers were awake as we passed into Germany. We soon joined the southbound autobahn; my stomach gave an involuntary grumble in expectation of breakfast.

Sunday morning traffic was light on the two lane road, the sun catching the distant hills of the Vosges off to our right and the Black Forest coming down to greet us on the left. We made good time and pulled into Breisgau services for our breakfast stop a bit after nine. Normally we'd have stopped at Mahlberg then given the punters some time in Freiburg afterwards but that would have to go by the board today.

I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable as Freddie watched me over the cafeteria table. I could feel his eyes weighing me up; he smiled a toothy grin through his cigarette smoke when I looked up.

"You come to Freiburg this week?"

"Not sure, maybe"

"Maybe we meet up eh?"

Was he coming on to me?

"I er don't think I'll have time"

"Maybe your day off?" he wasn't getting the hint.

"I don't get one this week"

"Ah shame. We could have had some fun eh? You, me, some beers"

"I guess I'll just have to take a rain check. I'll see you outside"

I collected my bag and headed for the ladies. The ladies, I can't believe I'm doing this - again, and that that letch was coming onto me! Gross! I was surprised, the passengers were in fine fettle despite our overnight trauma and even our late couple were at the bus when I got to it. It seemed strange not seeing Betsy there, instead this blue machine with a plane on the side waited. Strangest for me was that I wasn't riding shotgun; Freddie could actually see up the road, I wasn't his lookout!

Our temporary chauffeur seemed unfazed by my brush off and we were soon tonking down towards Basel. Again this was not normally our route, Den would have taken us across the Schwarzwald to Todtmoos but Freddie just wanted to get there quickly. We turned east past Lá¶rrach before we reached the Swiss border, finally leaving the motorway at Sá¤ckingen.

The last thirty kilometers took us north into the rolling hills and forest of the southern Schwarzwald. We finally pulled up at the hotel shortly before eleven, only about an hour later than planned. By now I just wanted to hit the sack for a bit, I went through the booking in procedure on automatic!

"Maybe I'll see you in the week eh" Freddie mentioned as he prepared to depart.

Not if I have anything to do with it!

"Possibly, thanks Freddie"

"Bye Nena"

I watched him drive off then turned my thoughts to Den. I hope everything is going okay; I'm not sure what happens if I've not got a vehicle for tomorrow. I retired to my room and after pulling the blind stripped my now quite whiffy outfit off. I looked at myself in the mirror, how did I get to this? Breasts and a very realistic faux vagina now defined me. Where is Chris? Who am I? Officially I'm now Nena, do I really want this? I extracted my PJ's, slipped them on and in exhaustion collapsed into bed.
 
 
"Brring Brring! Brring Brring! Brring Brring!"

I grabbed my phone and through sleep encrusted eyes checked the clock, one o'clock.

"'Ello"

"Nena?"

"Uh huh. Whozat?"

"Dennis"

"Oh hi" I sat up, "where are you?"

"Just about to leave the garage, it took a bit longer to do than we thought. When did you get there, I take it you are there?"

"Yeah, I'm in bed. Just before eleven"

"You didn't do bad then"

"Apart from the lecherous driver, he kept coming on to me all the way down"

"Can't say as I blame him"

"Den!"

"Well whatever you think you make a pretty good looking woman, you've got to expect some male attention."

"I suppose so. Anyway, when will you get here?"

"About four I hope, I'll get something to eat on the way down, yeah about four"

"Take care then, I'll see you later" "Later Nena" I hung up and assessed my surroundings. Well I certainly felt a lot better after my sleep, I really ought to get up otherwise I won't sleep tonight. I hit the shower, hmmm that was nice. I could feel my hidden equipment but not see it, talk about weird, something like the ghost sensation amputees have I suppose, except I wasn't actually missing anything! Putting my PJ's back on I did my unpacking. Where did this lot come from? Over the last few weeks I seem to have accumulated so much stuff, dresses, skirts, sun tops, loads of underwear, shoes, sandals. And by experience I'd probably need most of it this week too! I selected an outfit for the afternoon then toddled out for a walk. The village isn't much more than one main street with a few shops, a few hotels, there's no railway and an infrequent bus service. Despite its lacks it's a popular resort and I've been several times before. I had a coffee before heading back to the hotel and was just coming out of the travel agency when I spotted Betsy coming up the pedestrian zone to the hotel. I waved at Den who waved back and hopped on when he stopped before going on to the 'Schwarzwalder Hof'.

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 06.06.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 2
 
 
To Be Continued...

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl

---

 

Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

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Part 3
 

"Good evening everyone"

"Evening," chorused back from the waiting audience.

"You'll be pleased to know that both Dennis and our coach have now arrived so our excursion programme will be almost unchanged." There was a little cheer as I checked my clipboard. "We have four excursions planned for you, tomorrow we go into Switzerland to see the wonderful Rheinfall at Schaffhausen. On Tuesday we have an excursion to the famous Spa town of Baden Baden with a scenic drive through the, how is it? Oh yes, high Black Forest. Dennis needs a rest so you have a free day on Wednesday, there are local excursions if you like or there are many pleasant fussweg, sorry footpaths in the area." I looked around the room; I seemed to have an attentive audience.

"On Thursday we will go to see the cuckoo clocks at Triberg and also the lake of Titisee. Finally on Friday instead of our usual forest drive, we will go to visit Freiburg, which we missed this morning. In the evening we will be having a barbecue and Heimatsnacht." I concluded

One reason this tour is usually pretty well supported is that all the excursions are included, no extras unless you want to go out on the 'rest day'. It also makes it easier for me and Den, no money to collect, no extra organization at all.

"Breakfast will be from seven thirty and our evening meal will be at six thirty. The hotel have asked me to remind you that they can supply packed lunches so please to not take food from breakfast. Also if you should like a bath, you need to get a plug from reception. If you have any questions, you can find Den and myself downstairs in the Stube after dinner. Thank you for your attention, enjoy your meal. Oh sorry I forgot to say, we leave at nine in the morning"

As if waiting for my signal, the waitresses appeared with the soup course and everyone's attention moved from me to their stomachs.

"How many times will you have to repeat that tonight?" Den asked

"I reckon at least a dozen" I sighed. If they took in even half of what I just told them I'd have done well!

In the couple of hours since Dens arrival we had exchanged the details of our day, Den even managed to catch more sleep than me while they worked on Betsy. He was mildly amused by Freddie's attempts to chat me up, I guess if I'm gonna look like this all summer I'd better start learning how to cope with male attention. In fact it was Den who pointed out that it was a surprise it hadn't already happened.

"So any ideas for Wednesday?" Den enquired, "I think there's a bus we could take down to Sackingen"

"Well" I started, "I've booked us seats on a coach trip"

"Busman's holiday eh? So where're we going?"

"Switzerland"

"What, Basel or something?"

"A bit further than that, Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland" I told him

"Phew, sounds like one of your specials, what is it? Eight o'clock start?"

"Seven"

Den nearly choked on his soup and it was only chicken noodle!

"Seven! You certainly pick 'em girl"

 
 

After dinner we made our way down to the in house pub, the 'Já¤germeister', down in the basement. It's a cosy little room, used by hotel guests and locals alike. The décor is all dark wood overlain with as you might expect hunting paraphernalia and strangely a host of pictures and posters of music acts of the German rock variety!

We joined the few local patrons and settled down at a corner table, Den on 'Alkoholfrei' and I settled on light beer. The bar tender was actually doing an excellent trade acting as the local pizza chef and he was serving as much coffee as beer!

At some point in the evening most of the coach made at least a brief visit to our little hidey hole and yep, Den and I had to repeat most of my earlier words at least a dozen times! The plug thing raised a few laughs; maybe they've suffered from plug thieves in the past!

"Have you seen Maria yet?" Den asked as we made our way up to our rooms a little before eleven.

"No, when I asked earlier, the girl on reception said she was away for the weekend"

"Probably catch her in the morning then."

 
 

Hmmm, I stretched and squirmed laid in my bed but after an initial feeling of euphoria something felt wrong. I sat up with a start and opened my eyes at the same time; there was an unfamiliar weight on my chest! Then it came back to me, my new friends, my hands grabbed my silicon additions and with a sigh I sagged back onto the pillow.

Once more I went over everything that brought me to this point, Austria, the Rhine, the conversation with Bill, Jools reaction. I bet there are people out there who'd kill for this, I'm not one of them, I'm doing it for the money, aren't I? The name change, the passport, this whole thing, it's just a job, but I'm allowed to enjoy my job aren't I?

A pressing desire to empty my bladder finally got me out of bed, as I sat on the pan it hit me that there was a lot more to being Nena than just wearing skirts and dresses. I'm sat here because for now at least, my body looks female, the breast forms and the silicon pussy sure accomplish that. I've always been small waisted and never exactly muscle bound so seeing me now, well I look like the girl I'm supposed to be, but do I want to be? My musing was interrupted by the alarm, I sighed; time to 'become' Nena!

"Nena!" Den beckoned me over, "Nena, this is Maria, she's in charge round here"

Having done this trip before I do of course know Maria as Chris, now I have to get acquainted as me, that is Nena.

"Hello Nena, welcome to my little empire, sorry I missed you yesterday, I had a weekend away"

"Nice to meet you. Somewhere nice?" I asked

"Skiing"

"Skiing?" Den and I both echoed, I mean it's forecast for about thirty degrees today.

"In Austria, you can ski all year on the high glaciers" she explained

I remembered then, they were skiing on the Stubai the other week when we were in Austria.

"So Nena, Den tells me you have joined Global for the season?"

"Yes, I filled in on a couple of trips then they asked me join full time"

"Well you two best get your breakfast, we can talk later, you are going to Rheinfalle today?"

"Just a short trip" Den agreed

"See you later then"

"Bye" I replied with a little finger wave. Finger wave! I'm even picking up some of Julia's mannerisms.

 
 

After eating, Den fetched the revitalized Betsy and a couple of minutes late we set off for the day. We dropped down to Bad Sackingen and headed east alongside the Rhein, it always seems a bit strange that the other side of the river is another country, Switzerland. The punters were in fine fettle this morning, rested and looking forward to the day. Carrier bag was dressed identically to yesterday and the bloke from our late couple, late again this morning by the way, had his coat on despite the early heat!

Shortly after Waldshut we left the river and another dozen or so K's we stopped at the Swiss border. Den slipped over to the office to do the paperwork and I sat watching a farmer cutting hay with one of the oldest tractors I've ever seen! It was only about five minutes before Den returned with one of the border guard.

"Passports please", he climbed on board and made his way back up the bus.

I fumbled in my bag for my passport, hmmm, my passport, I opened it up and looked at my picture. Is this really me? Nena Agnetha Ziegler, Agnetha! I shook my head in amusement.

"Fraulein?"

"Oh sorry" I handed my passport over.

He was being pretty thorough, flicking through the little book and checking me against the picture. He gave me an odd look but then closed it and gave it back.

"Okay, have a nice day" he swung off the coach, Den closed the door and we covered the remaining distance to Schaffhausen, Switzerland's biggest town north of the Rhein. First stop today isn't the town though but the falls.

"What time?" I asked Den

"Well, an hour is usually long enough?"

"There's a few seniors on though," I mentioned

"Okay, back on the bus at twenty past twelve" Den agreed as he reversed Betsy into a bay of the already busy coach park. Once we were stopped I took up the microphone.

"We hope you enjoyed the drive, in a moment we will go to look at the Rheinfall. We will depart at twelve twenty for the short drive into Schaffhausen for our lunch stop, please be back promptly. So if you can wait at the front of the bus I will take you to the falls"

I stepped down and the passengers began their exit, the lates were even last off the bus! After ensuring that I had everyone I led the way, the long way, down to the riverside, the roar of the falls finally reaching us as we emerged from the trees. It's a bit strange looking at these falls, it's difficult to get a grip on the scale at first, you know it must be pretty big but well, it doesn't seem so big.

"I'll leave you all here, you can walk up to the top of the falls, there are boats that do a trip up to the falls and there are several cafés. If you can be prompt back to the coach please"

My charges started to dissipate, some along towards the falls and others to the little island that the boats go from. I waited on a bench for Den, who arrived in short order having taken the steep short route down.

"Coffee?"

"Something cold for me" I mentioned

We started walking up the river towards the falls, thankfully there was a bit of shade from the few trees along the bank, the never-ending noise from the falls a constant background. In the sunshine there was a permanent rainbow in front of the falls where you could now get a better idea of scale with the tourist boats bobbing around. Not exactly Niagara but still pretty impressive!

I was feeling more comfortable today.

After a few minutes walk we reached a little path side café, we collared a table and the waitress was soon in charge of our order. "Phew! I didn't think it would be this warm today" I mentioned propping my sunnies on my forehead. "At least you don't have to wear your uniform, I'm fair cooking in this shirt and trousers" Den complained "Finally an advantage to being a girl!" "Hiya Den" a familiar voice called out, "and it's Nena isn't it?" It was George and his sidekick, the lovely Maureen. Oh you remember, they were at Krimml the other week, they work for Wallace Arnold. "Hi George, Maureen. Didn't see your bus when we pulled in" "We got here just after you" George told us "And how's Nena then?" Maureen enquired I could do without this but it's expected!

"Okay thank you, you will join us?"

"Thanks luv, I could do with a sensible conversation." She mentioned perching her not inconsiderable bum into a chair. The waitress was on the ball and everyone's drinks arrived in short order. George had Den's attention leaving me on my own with Mo.

"I thought you were only filling for young Chris when we saw you in Austria Nena?"

"That time yes but afterwards Global offered me work for the rest of the season, so here I am"

"Well good for you, it's nice to see some fresh young faces on the tours. So you're doing the Black Forest?"

"Black Forest? Oh Schwarzwald, yes we are at Todtmoos?" I laid it on a bit thick

"Frodenstat" she told me, I guess she meant Freudenstadt rather than a Hobbit town.

"A nice town" I commented, "I think we go through later in the week"

"I hope you won't take this the wrong way Nena, but "

"Leave the lass alone Mo. Sorry Nena, I thought you had a look of young Chris about you the other week"

"A look? Oh of course!" I managed a giggle, "he is how do you say Vetter?"

"Related? Den prompted

"Yes related, I remember now, cousin, yes distant cousin. That is how I know Global. I did not think I looked so like him"

"You don't lass" well that's, erm, reassuring! "But you have the same eyes" George finished

You're not kidding we do! Thankfully the conversation moved onto safer topics, our passengers, and our adventure of an outward journey, well basically talking shop.

"What's the time anyone?" Maureen asked

"Oh bugger, it's five to!" George exclaimed

"Looks like we'll be late instead of the passengers" Mo joked, "well nice to see you again Nena, I'm sure we'll see you about"

"Bye Den, Nena" George threw over his shoulder as he moved his companion in the right direction.

"Have a good trip" I called after them

"You too" Maureen replied

"We going for a walk?" Den asked

"I guess so," I agreed

We settled up and walked the short distance to the base of the falls where the noise was pretty incredible. I was glad I'd gone for trainers today when we headed up the steep path past the old watermill to emerge at the top of the falls. The constant noise of falling water was at least muted some up here and we stood watching the turbulent waters for a few minutes before heading back to Betsy.

Not exactly Niagra is it?.

"What's that smell?" Den enquired as we emerged into the bus park. "Hmmm, hotdogs" I drooled "I've not seen a stand," Den mentioned "That's why," I pointed to one of the German coaches, "they're cooking them on the bus" "Don't you get any ideas, I'm not having my bus stinking of hotdogs!" "Spoilsport" Well our little ruse on timing seemed to work; we actually had everyone on board before we were scheduled to depart! It was only a short drive up into Schaffhausen proper where we parked in what doubles as both coach park and bus station. We gave the passengers directions for the town, they were getting a couple of hours to eat and explore so we had plenty of time.

Den got his screen cleaning kit out and I perched on the step with my book, I've got Bernard Cornwell's Harlequin this week, a good medieval romp! I'd been reading for about ten minutes when I remembered something.

"Den, you got many Swiss Francs?"

"A few, maybe a tenners worth, why?"

"We'll probably need some on Wednesday"

"Good thinking batman"

"I'll change some up when we go into town then"

"Well I'm just about done, I'm only doing the windscreen now"

It was a good ten minutes later that we left Betsy and headed through the underpass to the town.

"There's a few banks just up there," Den pointed to our right.

"Credit Suisse will do, I've used them before"

Talk about a weird bank! Normal banking was on the ground floor but a big sign stating 'Bureau de Change / Wechsel' pointed us up a curious spiral stairway onto an upper level. We joined the short queue for a teller.

"Doesn't look much like a bank does it?" Den observed

"Huh?" I was fumbling in my bag for my traveller's cheques and passport. "Er no I guess not" I agreed having a quick glance up and around the room. In truth it looked more like insurance office, no partitions or security glass, no it was all open plan and quite relaxed. We only waited a couple of minutes before we got a teller.

"Ich má¶chte gern diese Reisechecks einlá¶sen bitte"

I presented the cheques with my passport and the young woman counted them out.

"Zweihundert Euro?"

"Ja, bitte"

"Schweize Franc?"

"Bitte"

"Der Wechselkurs ist zwei fá¼nfzehn"

"Okay"

She played about on her keyboard for a moment then passed the slips over for signing. Signing! I've only been Nena Ziegler since Friday and my Passport signature is hardly a signature at all, more a written statement of fact! For the second time today I got a funny look as she examined my passport.

"Er moment bitte" she excused herself and taking my passport and the signed cheques headed to her supervisor.

"What's that all about?" Den enquired

"Dunno" we didn't get a chance to think too much about it as the teller and supervisor arrived at the desk.

"Excuse me Fraulein, this is yours?" the supervisor asked in good English

"Yes, is there something wrong?"

"No not really, but I advise you to get your passport corrected, it says you are a man which you are obviously not"

I heard Den chuckling behind me, I decided to play dumb.

"Where?"

"Zis code here" he pointed to a string of numbers across the edge of the page, "this letter here should be F not M"

"Computers" I sighed, "thanks for telling me"

"A pleasure Miss Ziegler, Hilde will get your money" he left with Den trying to suppress his laughter.

The teller, Hilde finished on the keyboard, obviously nothing much gets past her, and there was a minute or so delay before a canister popped out of a recess in the desk. Ah so that's why there's minimal security, there's no cash kept on the floor, cool! She counted out the brightly coloured Swiss notes and dropped the cheques into the canister and sent it off to who knows where.

"Apologies for the delay Fraulein, have a pleasant stay in Switzerland"

"Thanks Hilde, wiedersehn!"

"Wiedersehn"

Well after that I was, I don't know, relieved, annoyed? A bit of both I suppose, relieved that they thought it was an error and annoyed that they didn't doubt that I was a girl. Or is that the other way round? Now I'm confused.

We walked into the main town square and randomly selected a table outside of a bar.

"I don't know how you did it?" Den said poker faced as I pored over the menu.

"What, in the bank?"

"No, well that as well. No how did you manage to pretend to be a bloke for so long?"

I couldn't have been listening properly.

"Pretending to be" then I got it! "Den, just you wait!"

"Seriously Nena, I know and I only see a girl opposite me, what chance has anyone else got, I'll tell you, none"

I was distracted by two of the waiters, I got a bit of their mumbled conversation on the breeze which roughly translated as 'I wouldn't mind a bit of that' 'that lucky old sod with her'. I don't think I'll tell Den! I was brought back to the present by Den's voice.

"What's this Nena?" he pointed to a name

"Gitziprá¤gel?" I wasn't sure, "some sort of fritter I think" I addressed the waiter, I'm sure he winked at me!

"Was ist Gitziprá¤gel bitte?"

"Kaninchen im Schlagteig, eine spezial auf Schweize" he advised

"Battered rabbit" I translated, "some sort of local thing"

"Well you only live once!" Den addressed the waiter, "Eine bitte"

"Gitziprá¤gel, und fur die Fraulein?"

I scanned the menu again.

"Was ist die Tagessuppe bitte?"

"Spargelsuppe"

Hmmm, asparagus!

"Okay, eine Suppe und eine Jura Omelette bitte"

"Trinke?"

"Zwei Glas Cola bitte"

"Eis?"

"Ja danke"

I know he winked this time!

"Eine Gitziprá¤gel, eine Tagessuppe, eine Jura Omelette und zwei Cola" he reprised our order, then headed off to no doubt exchange comments about me with his mates.

It must have shown on my face.

"It goes with the territory you know"

"What does?"

"Getting chatted up"

"He wasn't was he?"

"Women!" Den rolled his eyes

"You're having me on!" I took a playful swipe at him

"Well you looked so serious. So what are you having?"

"Asparagus soup and a fancy cheese omelette"

Our drinks arrived and soon after so did our food. Dens rabbit smelt as good as it looked and the asparagus soup was hmmm, gorgeous! We still had a bit of time after we finished eating so Den came up with the idea of climbing up to the 'castle'. It was a fair ol' climb but eventually we emerged at the top, I was more than happy to collapse onto a bench while Den got us some frozen dairy product, you know, ice cream.

We sat looking down over the river and town below for a few minutes while we ate our ices. The sun beat down incessantly so after a quick stroll around the walls we headed down, back to the here and now of work. We managed to beat any of the passengers back to the bus, Den got the air con going while we waited, it was well over 100 inside Betsy! I watched fascinated as one of the famous Swiss Post buses came in to the little bus station and collected a huge four wheel trailer before collecting a couple of passengers and heading out into the Swiss countryside. Talk about integrated systems!

The passengers started drifting back, Bag Man had acquired a straw hat and the Lates lived up to their reputation, late and him still in his overcoat! There's not much choice of route back to Todtmoos so we retraced our route with only a brief stop at the border point this time. I did a drinks run, much appreciated and the cold drink supply was running low but after the trip down we could do with topping up the coffers!

Den had obviously been studying his Falk because he had us on some narrow lanes through some pleasant little villages, by some of the looks we got, coaches don't usually use this route! We pulled up back at the hotel a bit after five and although it had only been a shortish trip I was knackered! Must be the heat.

"Good day you two?" Maria asked as we joined her in reception.

"Hot" I mentioned

"Well you'll be up for our pool party after dinner then"

"Pool party?"

"David, our chef, he has a large pool and Monday nights since he came we always go for a swim, you're both invited and I won't take no for an answer"

"Well I'm in" Den agreed

"Er, okay" another curve ball.

"Great, wear your best bikini"

"Me too?" Den chortled

"Dennis! Just Nena in a bikini of course" talk about humour bypass!

"Okay then bigmouth, what do I do now? I've got three hours to come up with some sort of swimsuit that I don't want to wear to a party I don't want to go to!" I hissed at Den as we walked up to our rooms.

"You'll think of something!"

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 14.06.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 3
 
 
To Be Continued...

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl

---

 

Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

---

 
Part 4
 

"Jools, help!" "Chris?" "Who else, you've got to help!" I demanded "Whoa girl, slow down." I calmed down and sank down onto my bed. "Better?" "Sort of" "Okay so what's the panic?" "We got invited to a pool party tonight"

"Cool!"

"No it's not. I can't go"

"Why not?"

"Well duh, they'll be expecting me to wear a swimsuit, Maria said as much just now"

"And?"

"What do you mean 'and'? In case you've forgotten I'm not exactly all woman and there is no way, even if I had one, you'd not get me in it"

"Slow down. Number one - you looked all girl to me on Friday, no one'll be able to tell you've got something extra down below. And two, I put one of my bikini's in your case so you do have a suit"

"But Jools, I don't want to go" I whined

"You'd go as Chris right?"

"I suppose"

"Well you can go as Nena then. You can't be Nena no friends all season"

"But..."

"Ut uh! No excuses, you can wear the sarong, now stop stalling. So how's the trip going?"

How does she do that? Turn the conversation around like that. So I spent the next, I dunno, half an hour, bringing her up to date and getting the latest from the Riviera. Eventually though we ended the call, dinner was beckoning and we both needed to get ready.

"Er Nena"

"What" I snapped

"Look I'm sorry, I should've at least asked you before accepting, I'll tell Maria we can't go" Den was contrite

"Well it would have been nice to have been asked"

"As I said, I'm sorry"

"We're going but you owe me one"

"Going?"

"Yes going. If I'm gonna be Nena all summer, I need to act like Nena and whether I like it or not, that includes going to this damn pool party"

I'm not sure who was most surprised by my 'outburst', Den or me? Well anyway there was dinner first, not that I was that hungry, nerves I guess.

Can I really get away with this? I looked at my reflection and had to question the wisdom of this. The bikini top emphasized my silicon boobs and the sarong slung around my hips between them revealed far too much of me! I slipped my jacket on, there is just no way I'm walking through the hotel like this! I decided that I'd best take a change of clothing with me, in case I ended up in the water, not that I planned to do so but well you never know.

Well what a night! Maria had organized a taxi, David's apartment was actually in Todtnau, a few kilometers away and when we arrived things were already in full swing! It felt a bit uncomfortable besides strange to be introduced to all these strangers as Nena and not wearing much more than underwear! Den was resplendent in cargo shorts and a terrible Hawaiian shirt and as usual was right in there. It helped of course that our host, the chef, David is a Scot so the two of them got on famously. Me being a girl, and German, supposedly, I had no such reprieve! Nope, I was 'stuck' with a bevy of bikini-clad women. I could hardly keep my jacket on as all the others were down to their cozies, boy did I feel exposed! Den 'helped' David with the bar and food and a few people braved the pool. I got as far as paddling from the poolside with Maria and I think the other girl was Inge or something like that, I couldn't quite tell as she had a bit of a lisp. As the evening bore on it got a bit rowdier, more people ended up in the pool including me. I was taken by surprise when I was hauled vertically from the poolside, slung over a large German shoulder then along with my abductor launched into the pool. By the time I'd recovered from the shock there were only about two people not bobbing around in the pool. Given everyone's happy mood I decided to go with the flow and I almost forgot how I was dressed for a while as everyone splashed each other amongst screaming, giggling and general good humour.

It was only when I finally dragged myself out of the water that I recalled my barely decent attire.

"You'd best get changed" Den suggested draping a towel around my shoulders

"How come you're still dry?"

"Experience. Now go get changed while you've got a chance of some privacy"

Hmm. Good idea!

By the time I emerged into the rapidly cooling night, most of the other swimmers were out of the water and I guess the party was winding down a bit. A few people were slow dancing; others were back to drinking and talking. I got talking with Inge and discovered her lisp was caused by her new tongue decoration. I wasn't sure whether to be grossed out by it or intrigued. Intrigue won out I think, I couldn't stop looking in her mouth at the shiny orb sat on her tongue! Now that is gross! Looking in someone's mouth, not the piercing. Oh you know what I mean!

It was after midnight when our ride back to Todtmoos turned up and we made our farewells. Despite my earlier apprehension and misgivings, I really had a good time. I woke up when the taxi stopped at the hotel, my head in Den's lap, his arm around me. Whoa! I do not want to go there! I finally collapsed onto my bed and in minutes I was out of it.

"Good morning everybody!" I beamed down the bus as Den headed Betsy towards today's destination, Baden Baden. It was however a false impression, I was actually feeling pretty knackered. Last night turned out to be great, even ending up in the pool wasn't so bad but I could have done without this mornings nine o'clock start!

Everyone looked happy enough as I did my customary morning trip up the bus, it took about forty-five minutes to get across to the Autobahn for our trip north and shortly after Freiburg I started a drinks run. Up past Lahr, Offenburg, the turn for Kehl and Strasbourg that we'd used to enter Germany on Sunday. Achern, Bá¼hl, next turn Baden ²! Instead of following the coach park signs, Den took us through the tunnel to emerge closer to the attractions.

"We have just one hour here so if you can please return for ten to twelve"

At least parking at this end of town the punters were closer to the 'attractions', the casino, the hot springs and just as importantly, the shops!

"You going for a walk?" Den asked as the last of our charges headed off.

"I think I'll give it a miss, you want a drink?"

"Wouldn't mind a coke"

"Coming up"

"So you recovered from the party?" he called up the bus.

"Just about. What about you?"

"I stuck to coke all night" he took the can I offered

"Wish I had, sorry for falling asleep in the cab"

"No problem, you looked well gone"

"Don't remind me! God it's hot on here, I'm gonna sit over on the grass"

"I'll grab forty winks then"

I dug around my bag and found my Cornwell and leaving Den behind went to sit in the shade. I made myself comfortable and started to read more of Thomas of Hookton's adventures in thirteenth century France. After a few minutes I slid my strappy sandals off and luxuriated in the slightly damp feel of the grass between my toes. A huge Univers coach pulled up behind our bus and for a few minutes the chatter of German tourists broke the peace of the little apron of serenity. I returned to my book after checking my watch, twenty minutes yet.

"Hallo?"

I jerked my head up, was someone talking to me.

(Translated from German)

"Oh sorry, I thought you were someone I know." The girl was about my age with dark hair and the smart Univers uniform on.

"That's okay" I smiled up at her.

"You are with the English coach?"

"Um, yes"

"My friend, she works for the same company, perhaps you know her? Julia?"

Coincidence or what.

"I think so," I added a doubtful tone to my reply

"She has a boyfriend who works for your company too?"

"Oh I know who you mean! I only started this week."

"You are English? Sorry I'm Sonia"

What to reply? Well perhaps a bit of embellishment was in order.

"Nena, my parents are German but I was born in England"

I'll have to write all this down!

"That explains why you speak such good German"

"Sonia!" a male voice called out, "give me a hand here"

"Kurt, my driver" she rolled her eyes, "useless like all men! Maybe we'll see each other again later, we are on the HochstraáŸe, oh and tell Julia hello for me"

"I will, tschuss!

"Wiedersehn!"

(Back to English folks!)

That was a bit unexpected. My passengers were starting to arrive back, ah well, back to work! As you might have guessed, ten to twelve was a ruse; we didn't need to be away until midday. Just as well really as the lates were true to form and now had a new disciple, bagman! Ah well, these things are sent to try us.

Den set us off up the avenue out of Baden ² and I took up the microphone.

"I hope you all enjoyed our short visit to Baden - Baden, no one lost all their money in the casino eh?"

A few chortles came back.

"They take that possibility seriously here, residents of Baden are not allowed to play the tables, sensible really, as traditionally the poor are looked after by the stadt, er town so it is everyone's interests. Only visitors can be poor in Baden! In a moment, we will join the Schwarzwald-HochstraáŸe, one of Germany's famous tourist routes. If you look out to the right, over the famous Kirschen orchards, you can see across the Rheintal, the Rhine valley to the hills of Alsace and the Vosges"

"Hang on tight" Den interrupted, I made a grab for a handrail to steady myself as we swung around one of the tight bends that characterize this northern end of the road.

"In a few kilometers we will stop for lunch at Mummelsee. We will have one hour thirty, plenty of time to eat and explore the gift shops!" that got a bit more reaction - food and shopping!

I sat myself back down and enjoyed the drive south, it barely seemed five minutes before we pulled into the parking area at Mummelsee, actually it was nearer to twenty five as Den had been taking it steady. As usual the place was packed with tourists as befits one of the 'must stops' on the HochstraáŸe. Two o'clock was our target departure time, plenty of time. I succeeded in getting everyone across the road in one piece and as they all set off in search of bargains and food I headed straight into the Inn where Den would meet me.

"There you are, you ordered yet?" Den enquired "Only drinks, she'll be back for our food order in a moment" Okay so I won't go on about the food today! Well not too much, I had a pretty good Rá¶sti and Den had Gulaschsuppe. "I met a friend of Jools in Baden" "Hmm?" Den enquired around a mouthful of soup. "Her names Sonia, she was on that Univers coach" "That six wheel thing?" "Yeah"

"So how come she talked to you?"

"I think she thought I was Julia, seeing our bus"

"Well she was nearly right"

"Yeah, can't say as I'm that chuffed at being mistaken for my girlfriend though"

"No disrespect to Julia but she's the one who should be concerned"

"What do you mean?"

"Well the fact that this, what's her name"

"Sonia" I supplied

"Yeah, Sonia, thought you looked enough like Julia to speak to you, just confirms what I've said before."

"Which is?" I was getting a bit antsy

"That no one would even contemplate that you're not what you seem"

"If that was meant to mollify me, don't bother" I huffed

One good thing about this stop is that everything, shops, lake, restaurant, are all pretty compact so for the first time on the tour, even the lates were back at the coach on time. I was still a little pee'd at Den but that little victory cheered me no end!

Once more we pulled onto the HochstraáŸe but not for long as we shortly turned off for our next stop, the Allerheiligen Fá¤lle.

"We will be stopping again shortly, I must warn you that there is a one point five kilometer walk, any one who prefers not can stay on the coach with Dennis, you can see the falls from the bottom."

I just had time to put my trainers on before Den pulled us into the coach park.

"If you can follow the signs to the falls I will follow along behind"

Most of the passengers elected to do the walk a couple of older couples and, yes! The lates, on the bus.

"We'll see you in about three quarters of an hour then" Den mentioned

"Okay, have the kettle on" I joked grabbing my bag and stepping off of Betsy.

I made a lav stop before following my passengers down the path towards the falls. I'd just about caught up with the tail end Charlie's by the time we got to the top of the falls proper. I'd forgotten how steep the path is, I'm glad we were going down, the German party coming up were making hard work of it. Hang on, I saw some of this lot earlier, they're off of Sonia's bus. Truth be told, the falls were more noise than action today, last time I was here it had rained over night and it was a regular torrent rushing down the gorge. We finally made the bottom and as we reached the road I was a little disappointed not to see the Univers bus there. For some reason I wanted to talk to Sonia. "We got everyone?" I enquired "I think so, saw your mate on the way down" "Yeah I saw her passengers on their way up" "You want to do a quick Freudenstadt? Or head straight back?" There was a good reason for the proposed stop, I fancied afternoon tea and for the passengers, Freudenstadt has the largest market square in Germany at over half a square kilometer!

"It's only three, if we go back up onto the top road we can manage half an hour I suppose"

Den sat himself down while I did a quick heads count, all present and correct. We turned around and headed back up the hill. At the top I spotted Sonia and Kurt by their monster bus.

"Give 'em a toot Den"

Betsy issued forth a loud Beeeeeeep, the Univers crew looked up and Sonia recognizing our machine cheerily waved. It must be catching, I waved back and strangely as I looked back up the bus so were half of our passengers. No idea why! We rejoined the tourist route and the twenty-five K's soon slipped by and we were soon parking up in the town's huge square. "Okay we have a bonus stop here in Freudenstadt, four o'clock Dennis?" "Quarter past" he advised "Den says we need to leave at four fifteen, so if you can all be back promptly please." They all exited the bus into the late afternoon sunshine, some headed straight for a nearby café, others set off to explore around the arcades that surround much of the square. "Coffee?" Den asked once we were unloaded "You read my mind"

After locking down the bus we headed to one of the square side café's and sat under an umbrella in the light breeze, I suddenly felt content. The cappuccino and the large slice of Black Forest Gateaux only reinforced the feeling. Guess who was last back to the bus? You got it and annoyingly we could see them making their way oh so slowly back to us. They even had the nerve to go into a shop!

Well I determined to not let them wind me up today so I just smiled pleasantly when they finally arrived and boarded. Den soon had us headed out on the more scenic route south to Wolfach, Elzach then via St Peter to Todtnau, scene of last night's shenanigans, before arriving at ten to six back at our Todtmoos base. No surprise parties tonight I hope!

 
 

---

 
Maddy Bell 18.06.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 4
 
 
To Be Continued...

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl

---

 

Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

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Part 5
 
No Marie tonight, instead I barely recognised Inge with her clothes on manning reception. Oops! You know what I mean, she was wearing a bikini last time I saw her.

"You have a good trip today?" I'd told her where we were off to last night.

"Pretty good, no drama's at least. Any luck with, you know?"

"With what?" Den enquired

"Inge's Dad runs the mining museum just up the road," I advised

"Donnerstag after dinner okay?" Inge told us

"He said yes? That'd be great. How much? I'll tell the passengers tonight."

"Fá¼nf Euro each"

"That sounds good, I'm sure they'll go for it. I'll let you know numbers later yes?"

"Okay, see you later Nena, I'm on reception all evening, oh I nearly forgot, Maria asked me to mention, erm Frá¼hstá¼ck?"

"Sandwiches?"

"Yes, sorry to have to mention it but " she shrugged in resignation

"Hey not your fault" Den stated, "we'll mention it later okay"

"Danke"

"I'll see you later about the visit Inge" I confirmed

"Okay"

"Tschuss"

"Where did that come from?" Den asked as we headed up to our rooms.

"We were talking at the party last night, it was Maria's idea really"

"No one could ever accuse you of not trying!"

"Yep, I'm very trying" I quipped

"I'll do the jokes if you don't mind" he retorted

"Don't they ever listen, I bet we get this breakfast thing every time we come here," I complained

"Not your fault if they want to be treated like kids"

"I know but it's embarrassing"

It was a traditional pork meal tonight, a bit much for some people, myself included. I've never been great at eating off the bone so I'll admit to only picking at my main course. There were a few red faces when I mentioned the hotels stance on breakfast, from some unexpected quarters! Certainly not who I'd got pegged as roll thieves! The proposed mine visit was well received; I had forty-three names for Inge.

With no driving for Den tomorrow, we slipped down to the Já¤germeister for some alcohol! About ten the smell of pizza got the better of me and I ordered a Hawaiian for 'supper'. We called it a night not long afterwards; it's an early start in the morning.

"Damn Chris, there's a bite in the air"

"Tell me about it" I retorted, "I'm freezing" I hugged my jacket closer as Den paced up and down. "Give over Den, they said seven, there's a few minutes yet" Yep seven o'clock in the AM is not the warmest time of day to be stood or sat on a breezy Todtmoos street corner.

Just then there was the distant sound of an approaching bus and I collected my bag and the 'takeaway' breakfast that Maria supplied for us. The growl of the approaching vehicle was the only human sourced noise, the twittering of the birds and rustling of leaves providing counterpoint.

Although we were the only pick up here, there were already about a dozen passengers on board and there were pickups all the way down to Bad Sá¤ckingen. It seemed a bit odd not sitting at the front and Den was certainly at a loss! We made four more pickups before our last in Laufenburg. The driver turned us around and dropped down to the Rheinbrá¼cke and the crossing into Switzerland.

It was like something out of one of those old spy films, barriers at each end of the bridge and guards complete with guns. All very James Bond! The guard did a cursory passport check and waved us through into the impossibly narrow lanes through the Swiss side of town. It was already eight o'clock as we left the Rhein and headed into northern Switzerland.
 
 
I sat watching the green fields go by, Den broke open our 'breakfast' and I munched on a ham sandwich as we headed towards Aarau. This was all new to me, when we transit this area we are on the motorways, we never see the countryside more than as a fleeting backdrop to a procession of motor vehicles.

We joined the motorway system just north of Luzern, not a stop on today's trip. I was starting to feel vindicated by my choice of outfit for the day, it was warming up nicely and almost clear blue skies were reflected in the waters of the Vierwald Stá¤ttersee, Lake Lucerne to you and me! Pilatus loomed on our right as we turned for the Brá¼nigpass and the northern range of the Swiss Alps appeared on the skyline.

I was a bit surprised when we pulled off of the main road in a little village and came to rest outside what I can best describe as an up market transport café.

"Dreizehn minuten bitte" the driver advised, he was first off and into the little emporium!

"Coffee?" I suggested

"Why not" Den agreed

We joined the motley collection of German hausfrau's, pensioners and holidaymakers that made up the passenger list and found a little table by the open front windows.

"Enjoying it?" I asked

"It feels pretty odd, not driving"

"I know what you mean, I keep thinking I ought to check on the passengers"

"The driver's not exactly talkative is he?"

"I guess there's not much mileage in getting friendly with day trippers"

"I suppose" Den allowed
 

We finished our drinks and with ten minutes before we were due to leave, took the opportunity to have a quick explore of the village, Sachseln apparently. Not much to see really, down past the main road the waters of a lake sparkled in the morning sunshine and almost next to the café the imposing church dominated. Back on the bus once more, we resumed our journey, climbing steadily up to the top of the Brá¼nigpass, the sign at the top claimed a mere 1008m. We dropped much more rapidly on this side joining the road towards Brienz and Interlaken. At the former we passed a smoky little steam locomotive waiting to haul it's passengers up the mountainside beside us. No stop at the woodcarvers for us today, instead we followed the Brienzersee along to Interlaken. I have to say that I was less than impressed with the place, a few big hotels and a smattering of mostly tourist shops. I guess it does make an excellent base for exploring the area, lakes, mountains and some of the finest rail rides anywhere. I don't think anyone was too upset when we didn't stop for more than the lights and instead continued on across the valley floor towards our lunch stop. Leaving the main valley our route wound slowly uphill before turning onto the climb proper that after a short series of hairpins brought us out under the gaze of the top of Europe a mass of 4000m summits crowding the horizon. This is more like it! It was just a smidgen after twelve when we pulled to a halt in one of the coach parks. Everyone got off but we had no instruction from the driver.     "Um wieviel Uhr fá¤hrt der Bus ab?" I enquired

"Fá¼nfzehn Uhr"

"Drei Uhr?"

"Ja"

Talkative isn't he?

"Three o'clock Den"

"What do you want to do then?"

"Eat, how about going on a train or something, we've got time I reckon"

"Well let's check that out first" Den suggested, "I saw the station just back down the road"

There were some nice shops; I wouldn't mind a look in one or two of them if we have time. At the Bahnhof Den took charge and checked the timetables and pricelists.

"It's not cheap," he declared

"Go on"

"Over fifty quid to the top"

"That is a fair chunk of dosh," I agreed

"Hmm, we could go to this Shedig place, that's only fifty three Francs"

"Well I guess we're here, it's not like we're skint" I checked the map to see where he meant, must be this Kleine Scheidegg place.

"Come on then, it's due to leave in a couple of minutes."
 
 
Tickets bought, we climbed onto the waiting train and settled into a pair of window seats and pushed the window down. I breathed the clean rare mountain air and sat back with a smile on my face. With a squeal and lurch we were off. As we cleared the station the north face of the Eiger came into view and I could just pick out the rail line on the alp below that huge slab of rock.

Den was busy with his camera and as we dropped down to cross the valley I closed my eyes and sighed in satisfaction. This is the life, fresh air, no responsibilities, and great scenery; yep I could get to like this! I unconsciously straightened my skirt; well maybe there is one thing I'd change!

"You okay?" Den asked pausing from his David Bailey activities.

"Yep, I could manage this every day"

"You'd get bored eventually"

"I guess but it'd be good for a while. What about you? You ever fancy doing something other than driving?"

"Not really, oh I know it can be boring up and down the motorways but I'm pretty much my own boss, I get to go to some interesting places, meet lots of people."

"I guess you're right, I would get bored, but it's a nice idea"

The train steadily climbed towards our destination, still hidden from view ahead of us.

"So why did you agree to be Nena?" Den asked

Not a question I was prepared for really. I thought a while before replying.

"Not really sure, the money"

"I'd want more than a few extra quid to do what you're doing" Den mentioned

"Well I suppose I sort of enjoy being Nena"

"I know you've taken to the shopping aspect" he joked

"A girls got to look good" I smiled back, "and anyway you don't seem to mind me being Nena"

"Well I have to admit, I wasn't keen on the whole thing when it started but you're the same person underneath. You were always good to be on a tour with but with Nena it's, I don't know, different maybe better."

"You prefer me as a girl?"

"I didn't mean that, not really. It's just, oh I don't know! You seem to be more relaxed. You're sat there now just looking at the scenery and stuff, if Chris was here"

"He is," I pointed out

"If Chris was here" he reaffirmed, "he'd be bouncing around taking photo's, rattling away about this and that. You're just a lot calmer in a skirt"

Am I really? Does wearing a skirt make that difference? I don't feel any different; I hadn't even noticed that I was talking less. Did I talk because I was nervous; am I more confident in women's togs?

The train rattled and clanged to a stop, we were at Kl. Scheidegg station.

"Come on, lets get some lunch" Den suggested.

"Coming"

We joined the diners on the restaurant terrace under the gaze of the Má¶nch and Jungfraujoch. After a light lunch we had half an hour before our return train so we took a stroll up the hillside and found a spot to sit amongst the alpine flowers under the still clear blue skies, just a hint of cloud touching a snow capped mountaintop. A train trundled past below us breaking the silence. "So you gonna be Chris again after the season?" "You bet! There is no way I want to keep these," I hefted my boobs, "or sit to wee longer than necessary!" Den looked thoughtful "We'll see" What's that supposed to mean?

 
We arrived back in Grindelwald at two thirty, time for a quick shop! Well window shop anyway. I actually only bought a couple of postcards but it was the effort that counts! Back at coach there were still a few minutes before we were due to leave, the driver was doing a good trade in bottles of beer and soft drinks. Den fetched a couple of bottles and we sat looking at the mountains sipping beer, drinking in the view until we heard the coach start up.

At this time of day you'd expect to be heading home and we were soon back at Interlaken, we picked up the northbound motorway up past Spiez and Thunersee and along the Aare valley before pulling into Bern. I wrote my postcards and stuck stamps on, I intended to post them in Switzerland. Our taciturn driver pulled up by the bear pits and with only a cursory 'eine Uhr' left us to it.

Much as I hate this sort of thing we joined the crowds at the bear pits where a couple of slightly sorry looking Ursus kept the crowds attention, but not mine.

"Come on Den, let's have a look up the town"

"We've only got an hour"

"Long enough"
 
 
We crossed the bridge high above the Aare and entered Bern old town. The road climbed up and shortly the road was flanked by arcades on both sides of the road hiding a whole variety of shops. Den took a few more pictures, the arcades, mid road statuary and such, I found a post box for my cards, 'nother job done. We didn't get that far really before it was time to head back, we crossed the road and headed back down the hill.

Commuter traffic slowed our exit from the city but soon we were back on the motorway skirting the Bernese Oberland on our way back to Aarau and eventually Germany. I have to admit that the mountain air had got to me and the boring motorway soon had my eyelids dropping. A sudden deceleration jerked me awake and to my mortification realised I had been lying on Den's shoulder.

"Er sorry"

"What for?"

"Laying on you"

"Don't worry about it"

"Where are we?"

"Aarau I think, it's not far back to the river from here"
 
 
Den was right; we were soon waiting for the Swiss Guard back at the Rheinbrá¼cke. The drop offs were quicker than this mornings pick ups and we stepped down ourselves in Todtmoos shortly after seven thirty, too late for dinner at the hotel, but we knew that anyway.

"Good day?" Maria greeted us

"Brilliant!" Den supplied

"I think he enjoyed himself" Maria quipped, "you two eaten?"

"Not since lunch"

"Well go and get freshened up, you can come eat with me"

"There's no swimming pools involved?"

"No, only Boris"

"Who's Boris?" Den asked

"My baby"

"I didn't know you had children Maria"

"Kinder? No, no, Boris is my Hund!" she laughed

"Okay, thanks Maria, we'll join you and Boris for dinner"

"About forty minutes then"

"Forty minuten" I confirmed
 

At the allotted hour Maria found us and the three of us set off on the short walk to Maria's apartment. It was pleasant if small but it did sport a good-sized balcony, Boris' territory! Oh yeah Boris is what I call a 'sausage dog', and for all lack of leg he gets around quick enough! The fact that dinner arrived pretty quick told me that Maria had this planned earlier.   "Ooh thanks Maria, smells good" "Ach it's not so much" The not much was meatballs and spaghetti followed by cheese and biscuits. "Is that the time already, you'll have to excuse me for a few minutes, I need to take Boris for a quick walk" "I'll do that Maria" Den volunteered "Are you sure Dennis, he can be very stubborn" "No problem, me and Boris get along just fine, don't we lad" Den chucked Boris under the chin. So Den set off with Boris in tow leaving me at Maria's tender mercies.

 
She started in German, which I've translated for you

"You are Transvestit no?"

Well how's that for an opening gambit!

"Sorry?"

"You are Chris aren't you?"

"I, ah" I started to panic

"Calm down, you've answered the question."

I took a long draft of coffee and sat looking at my hands.

Maria pulled her chair round next to me.

"Don't worry, it doesn't bother me and if you were wondering how I guessed, well it wasn't anything you've said or done wrong. In fact I still can't believe it myself"

"So how?"

"The register, you signed in as Chris Hornby"

"Bum!"

"I remember Chris from last year, he looked nothing like you do now. If you don't mind me asking, why the change?"

"It's a long story but not what you think"

"If you want to tell me?"

"Okay, well it started..."
 
 
I gave her the short version, short enough that Boris was still not back from his walkies when I finished.

"Den knows this?"

"From the start" I confirmed

She shook her head in amazement.

"Well your secret's safe with me but I think the chef will be disappointed!"

"He doesn't?"

"Hook, line and sinker. Don't worry, I'll put him off."

Den and the moribund Boris returned just then.

"We ought to be making tracks Nena" Den advised

"I suppose so. Thank you for the meal and everything Maria"

"No problem. See you both at breakfast"

"Goodnight"

"Night"

"Maria knows," I mentioned as we walked back

"How?" Den asked calmly

"I signed the register as Chris on Sunday, it wouldn't take a great detective to work it out"

"I take it she's okay though?"

"Yeah but I've got another problem"

"More?"

"Your buddy David has apparently got the hot's for me"

"My girl's pulled!"

"No she hasn't and doesn't want to either!" I fumed

"Easy. So what are you going to do?"

"Maria said she'd have a quiet word."

"You need a 'taken' flag"

"A what?"

"A 'taken' flag. You know like a wedding or engagement ring. It won't put all the Lothario's off but it will work on most of them."

"But that's ..."

"That's sensible, that's what it is. Unless you want to have a string of love struck men trailing you?"

"No way!"

"In that case I suggest we look out for a ring. Call it part of the camouflage"
 
 
We reached the Schwarzwalder Hof and were greeted by Inge, covering the night shift.

"Good dinner?"

"Fine thanks, tomorrow night?"

"I've swapped shifts with Birgit and Maria has already asked Dave to have dinner ready a bit earlier"

"Thanks Inge, you're a treasure!"

"That's what friends are for"

"We'd best get to bed" Den mentioned

"Let her get some sleep though Dennis" Inge suggested. I blushed all the way to the roots.

"In her own bed, she snores" Den retorted

"Good night Inge" I managed

"Gá¼ten Ná¤chte"
 
 

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Maddy Bell 19.06.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 5
 
 
To Be Continued...

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl

---

 

Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

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Part 6
 
I woke to the sound of birds chirping away outside my window, a quick glance at my watch confirmed my worst fears, it was only six thirty! I thought back over last night at Maria's, once more I've been found out, this time by a stupid signature! I say once more but in reality it's the first time isn't it, Ingrid had a tip off and, well there isn't an and.

Then there's David. I hope that Maria can put him off the trail. Den's right though I need to take some precaution and get some man handling advice!

"I hope you all had a good time yesterday?" I got the usual round of mumbles in reply. I went on, "today we are to visit some of the Schwarzwald's best known destinations, on the way Dennis will give us a small scenery tour. So sit back and enjoy the ride"

I replaced the microphone and sat back into my little cave. Den headed us north and three quarters of an hour later we arrived at one of the tourist 'honey pots', Titisee. We looped off the main road to join an already full coach park, we had already decided to make this a quickie, and the passengers will appreciate it later - honest! We sent them off for an hour and after a quick brew I settled down to read more of my Cornwell novel while Den made Betsy pretty outside.

True to form the 'lates' were once again fashionably late, Den winked at me as I helped them on board, yep we'd got their measure!

"We must be going to Triberg now" I heard one of the punters tell one of his fellows as we did indeed join the 500 north. Little do they know. I waited a bit before taking up the mike and starting my rehearsed spiel.

"I hope you all enjoyed the See" mumbles, "well now we will see some not spoiled scenery" Den made a left. "So, what is the Schwarzwald famous for?"

"Gateau!" that was expected!

"Yes, the Schwarzwald Torte, anything else?"

"Trees"

"Trees of course" I encouraged

"Cuckoo clocks" finally!

"Yes, cuckoo clocks! The road we are now on is called the Deutsche UhrenstraáŸe or German Clock Road; the villages along the way are famous for their clocks and woodcarving. The speciality of this region is of course cuckoo clocks and we will stop for lunch at Triberg where we will see the largest cuckoo clock in Germany!" by now they were mostly looking at the scenery and waiting to spot the first clocks.
 
 
At Sankt Má¤rgen I headed up the bus to do a tea run and as we wove around the little villages and hillsides I did a fair old trade. At Sankt Peter we took a short cut along part of the PanoramastraáŸe up to Waldkirch before rejoining the Clock Road back towards lunch.

"Up on our left is the Bregquelle, the ursprung, how do you say erm, yes source of the River Donau, the Danube."

There were several 'oohs' and some straining to see something, later we'd cross the fledgling river but here there is nothing to see! We dropped around the bends into Triberg and Den pulled in behind a familiar looking bus, Sonia's charge, the big Univers Setra. Hmmm, maybe I can have a chat with her?

"We have two hours here, the famous Triberger Wasserfall is just a short walk, it is the highest in Germany and of course there are café's and shops in the town here. There are toiletten just behind the bus. So half past two please"

They all filed off, the call of the lav getting most of the coach, the clock and tat shop opposite gaining the rest.

"You fancy a walk?" Den asked

"Before or after we eat?"

"Before, we can go up to the falls"

"I suppose it would be a good idea, I've never actually been up"

"You surprise me"

"You've been?"

"Nah!"

"You're worse than me, the number of times you must have come here"

"I keep promising myself a clock too but I've never got round to it"

"Den!" I admonished

"Well" he locked the coach up, "something always distracts me"

We crossed the road and made our way up to the path to the falls.

"We have to pay?"

"Well it's only a couple of Euros, don't be so tight"

"I'm not!"

"Well shake a leg then"

"Women" he sighed

"I heard that"

"And?"

"Er nothing I was just saying"
 

Like a lot of these things, reality didn't fill our, well my expectations at least. Don't get me wrong here, there was plenty of falling water but Niagara it aint! We saw several of our passengers on the path including 'baggy' still dressed in his one set of clothes. There wasn't much to keep us there so we dropped back into town to get some lunch and maybe get Den his clock.   Back in the town, Sonia's bus had departed so no chat today, well for now at least! We found a café that did a reasonable schnitzel and chips then headed back up the hill towards the bus. "Lets go get you a clock" "Nah! I can wait" "Well I can't, you'll just go on about not getting one so come on" "You'd get on well with the missus" "Well we have one thing in common already" "Which is?" "We both got lumbered with you!" "Ooh that stings" "Sorry I couldn't resist, come on lets have a look at these clocks" I led the way into the shop, the front 'room' was pretty much taken up with tourist 'tat', in the back was the expensive stuff, wood carvings on one side and a wall full of cuckoo clocks! Small ones, big ones, electric and wind up, in every variety you can imagine. I was drawn to the more intricate multifunctional models, well until I saw the prices, well over Euro 1000,00!

 
"I like this one" Den mentioned pointing out a less grandiose piece

"Aw! That's cute" and indeed it was. The 'house' was a two-story affair with a balcony and window boxes. The cuckoo doors were in the roof apex above and the barometer feature had the traditional man and woman emerging onto the balcony. "Are you getting it then?"

"She'll kill me, it's a hundred quid"

"And next year it'll be more, and the year after"

"Okay, you've made your point"

I felt rotten for bullying him.

"So?"

"She can only kill me once I suppose, why not die happy!"

Most of the passengers were waiting when we got back to the coach bearing the two stout boxes containing the clock, two because one had the weights and chains the other the house. Of course the punters were intrigued so Den had to open up and show his purchase to the assembled masses!

By the time we were packed up and the clock stowed, even the 'lates' were back at Betsy. We set off down the hill just about on time. After a brief photo stop at the huge clock at the bottom of the hill we followed the road east to Villingen where we again picked up the UhrenstraáŸe for our afternoon drive through the hills of the eastern Schwarzwald.
 

I did another drinks run that just about cleared out the fridge, we'll need to restock in the morning. I remembered to get Den to stop as we crossed the stream that would become the Danube, nothing to see of course, it's just a little beck here. We stayed true to the scenic route as far as Lenzkirch, where we headed for the Schluchsee. We did a brief ice cream stop at the lakeside before resuming our journey back to Todtmoos via Sankt Blasien; after all we've got another excursion this evening!     True to her word, Maria had cajoled Dave into having our evening meal ready for six so that by seven everyone who'd signed up for tonight's visit was ready and waiting for our guide, Inge. "Sorry Nena, I had to sort Birgit out" "No problem, are we walking far?" "Neh, Papa is bringing the tram along"

 
"Tram? I didn't see any tracks," Den mentioned

"You are thinking of O-bahn" Inge chortled, "the museum has how do you say, touristzug?"

"A Noddy train, I saw a picture at the tourist office" I advised

"What is 'Noddy train'?" Inge enquired

"Ah... don't worry, the English humour" trying to explain Noddy and Big Ears was not a good idea!

Just about then the little land train pulled up outside of the hotel, my charges got the idea and piled on as Inge introduced her father to us.

"Thanks for doing this"

"My pleasure"
 
 
He started the tractor up and we chugged through the town and out the short distance to the mine entrance. Inge's Dad, Franz, spoke pretty good English that was just as well, my technical German is lousy!
 

"Good evening ladies und gentlemen, welcome to the Bergwerke Todtmoos, the Todtmoos Magnetite Mine. My name is Franz and I'll be your guide this night. Before we go inside I must ask you all to be careful, the tunnels are often low, we have hart Hut?" he gave me a questioning look. "Oh sorry, hard hats" "Yes hard hats in side for everyone"     I helped Franz and Inge get everyone helmeted then Franz led us off for an hour long trip around the maze of galleries that make up the 'public' areas of the mine. It was clear that Franz was a mining enthusiast; even philistines like myself got something out of the visit. By the time we got back to the hotel I was feeling a bit rough, I left Den to socialize for a while and headed to my room for an early night.

 
 

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Maddy Bell 30.06.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 6
 
 
To Be Continued...

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl

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Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

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Part 7
 
Brring! Brring! ... Brring! Brring!

Urgh! What time is it? I peeled my eyes apart and tried to focus on the clock.

Brring! Brring! ... Brring! Brring!

Ten thirty five, hmmm. Hang on, ten... whoa!

Brring! Brring! ... Brring! Brring!

I located the source of the ringing, my mobile.

"Hullo?"

"Oh you are alive then"

"Morning Jools"

"What are you on about?"

"It's gone ten thirty and I've missed the bus"

"Why? Was Den going somewhere tonight?"

Hang on a minute, tonight?

"No this morning, he'll be on the way to Freiburg now"

"More likely propping up the bar"

"Am I missing something here? Why would Den be in the bar?"

"For a drink?"

"But its mid morning"

"I hope not, I'm just getting ready for bed"

I finally got it! Dur! Its still night.

"I er thought it was morning"

"I won't ask why. So howz'it going up there?"

"Well it's good to hear your voice"

"Stop it and get on"

"When did we last talk?"

"You were going to some pool party?"

"Oh yeah. Well..."

So I told her the highlights of my week so far, the party, meeting Sonia, the trip to Switzerland, dinner at Maria's and her discovery and finally today.

"Well you certainly pack it in, no wonder you were in bed early"

"How's your week been?"

"Oh you know, Nice, Monte Carlo"

"Proper little jet setter aren't we?"

"Hey you had the choice"

"I know, I was only kidding Jules"

"Well I must dash, there's a firework display down in the harbour at half past and a few of us are going down to watch"

"I can get back to sleep then"

"Aww! Poor Nena's sleepy"

"Get on with ya!"

"I'll give you a bell on Saturday kiddo"

"Okay, love you"

"Love you too Chris"

"Nite"

"Ciao"

I put the phone down and now thoroughly awake had to retrieve Thomas of Hookton, as sleep was now far away.

"Morning everyone!" I put what I hoped was an enthusiastic tone in my voice, enthusiasm that I didn't have right now. I slept really badly and didn't feel any better for being up and about!

There was the usual lack of reply, they were still settling down as Den navigated his way onto the road out to Schá¶nau.

"We are going to the town of Freiburg today, famous for it's Universitat and the Sankt Martin's Tor" I was pretty much talking to myself, well it seemed that way! "We will be there in about forty minutes so sit back and enjoy the scenery"

I sat myself down, "well that went down well," I mentioned to Den

"End of week blues"

"I guess so, drink?"

"I wouldn't say no to a tea"

"Coming up"
 
 
I did my morning walk up the bus, pausing briefly to start Den's tea, there was no point in doing a full tea run, they'd only just had breakfast! Den gave us a more scenic approach than most people get through Merzhausen and the other villages that are usually bypassed.

As we traversed Bismarckallee, past the bus and train stations I spotted a familiar vehicle.

"Den! Over there"

"Eh?" "Over there" I pointed across the road

"It's a coach"

"Well dur! No it's Sonia' and Kurt's bus"
 

"Oh right, it's a monster motor" I wonder if I'll get the chance for a chat today? Den swung us up a tree-lined street up towards the town and we were soon parked about as close as you can to the Altstadt. I stood up and took the mike. "We have vier, sorry four and one half hours for our visit we will be leaving at here at three o'clock please. If you just walk down to the tram tracks and turn left, the town is in front of you. If you get misplaced, ask for the Karlsplatz" I stepped down and helped the passengers off into a pleasantly warm Freiburg im Breisgau. "So what do you want to do today?" Den asked "Not sure really" "How about a coffee over at the café first?"

"Okay"

Justifiably Freiburg is another one of those 'honey pots' and while we relaxed with our coffee's another half dozen coaches of various nationalities joined Betsy in the coach park.

"So, what are we going to do then?"

"Have a wander around the town?"

"Okay, but no clothes shops"

I pretended to pout, "but I need a new dress" I could hardly keep a straight face.

"Get on with you. Come on"

We walked through to the town that has an extensive pedestrianised area; only the red and white trams, a few buses and delivery vehicles trespass into the central area. When it comes down to it most towns are quite similar, McDonalds(tm), and variations on department stores, shoe shops, boutiques, banks, the names may change, the content very little. And here in Germany the town centre still rules, the out of town retail parks are not in such profusion as back home or even France and the Low Countries.

So we wandered along without much of a plan, Den did his David Bailey bit, cursing the tram wires for spoiling his shot of the St Martin Tor and we found ourselves in the back streets leading down to the railway station.

"Let's see if Sonia's about, seeing as we're here" "Whatever" Den was non-committal on the idea. I led the way, half expecting the big Univers bus to be gone but it was still stood where I first spotted it. Kurt was dozing in his seat and there wasn't any sign of Sonia when we got up to it. "So?" Den enquired "Hmmph!" I knocked gently on the door. Kurt cocked an eye then sat up and hit the door control "Hallo?" "Morgen, ist Sonia hier bitte?" "Ja, moment" he got himself up and trundled up the coach, returning shortly with Sonia in tow. (I've translated this bit for you as some is in English and some German!)

 
"Ah Nena, I thought it was your bus I saw earlier. You want coffee?"

"Please, oh sorry this is my driver, Den"

"Hello Den, you've met Kurt already? This is Nena Julia's friend," she explained to her own driver"

"Come on up, we have a lounge area at the rear of the bus"

We followed Sonia on board and after shutting the door; Kurt followed us along to the casual seating at the back.

"So you are having a good trip?" Sonia enquired a few minutes later as we sipped our drinks.

"Yes, the weather has been good and the passengers well behaved"

That brought a few chuckles; I had to translate for Den.

"You?" I enquired

"About the same"

We chatted about this and that then after about twenty minutes, I missed the why but Kurt and Den left us 'girls' chatting.

"...So Julia and Den both suggested I get some sort of ring."

"Great idea, not that it'll stop some of them" Sonia chuckled

"I don't know what to get though, I'm not really a jewellery person, something plain I guess"

"Ach! You have to wear it so you should like it yourself"

"I guess so"

"You two eaten yet?"

"No, we were going to go to McDonalds(tm) in a while"

"Yeuk! Tell you what, Kurt and I always go to a place up in the Altstadt, we can eat together and I know there are some Juwelier up there too, we could do a bit of shopping?" there was a twinkle in her eye.

What the heck!

"Okay, sounds good"

"Come on then, we'll collect the boys and go now"
 
 
The four of us walked up past the theatre and university buildings then Sonia led us into the Altstadt's maze of little streets finally arriving at a small café bar behind the Minster. I could tell why our new German friends always dined there, the food was good and well priced and it was relatively grockle free. With Den's lack of German and Kurt's equal lack of English I'm not sure how but the two of them managed to carry their conversation through lunch and were still rabbiting away when Sonia and I slipped away to go ring shopping.

Although I've been before, several times in fact, as Chris, the jeweler's shops, candle shops and so on in the Altstadt have held little attraction. Now as Nena and with my own personal shopper leading the way, my eyes were opened. Sonia if nothing else is an enthusiastic shopper and we visited several shops before I spotted a likely looking piece.
 
 
I was quite surprised at the contemporary nature of much of the jewellery and I was tempted by several items that as Chris I would have ignored. Sonia dragged me inside the shop and the assistant checked the size before going to retrieve a ring for me to try on.

"So you going to get that necklace?" Sonia asked seeing me eyeing up the set I'd seen in the window.

"I don't think so, it wouldn't look the same without the earrings"

"Well get the earrings too!" she exclaimed

"No point, my ears aren't pierced"

"Well that's easily fixed"

I was distracted by the return of the assistant with the ring.

"There you go Miss" he offered me the ring that I picked up and started inspecting.

"Sheesh Nena, for heavens sake, try it on!" I like Sonia, I haven't known her long but I feel like we've known each other forever!

"Okay, okay." I slipped the ring onto my finger, "there!"

"Lets have a look then"

I presented my hand for her inspection; it felt really weird to have a woman hold my hand like that.

"It suits you, not too big and not too boring!"

I held my hand up to examine it myself, turning it this way and that just as I've seen women do countless times, now I'm doing it! I missed what Sonia was saying to the assistant however.

"...Of course. I'll just get Anna to come and do it for you, if your friend will sit on the stool?"

"Hmm, I think this is the one. What was that about?"

"Your other problem" she tweaked an ear but I just nodded as she guided me to the stool which I perched on, still looking at 'my' ring. Hmmm it looks really nice, contemporary and the tiny diamond is pretty cute. I'm sure Jools will like it, she can 'inherit' it after the summer, maybe we should get engaged. Hmmm! I closed my eyes and imagined the scene of my proposal, me on one knee trying not to ladder my tights or show my knickers, hang on that's not right.

"Oww! What was that?"

"Anna just did your ears" Sonia advised

"What?" I grabbed for my left ear finding some new additions there

"Careful Miss, they'll be a bit sore for a day or so" the Anna person advised

"Now you can get that set" Sonia enthused

"Er yes, can I see, you have a mirror?" I asked Anna

"Sure, here we go" she held up the mirror for me. I was used to how Nena looks and I was expecting to see a stud in my ear, but

"Two! Twice?"

"Only one lot of soreness, twice the fun!" Sonia grinned

I hadn't even considered getting any part of me pierced let alone a double ear piercing. On Chris it would have looked stupid but on Nena, well I have to admit it looked pretty cute!

Needless to say, when we left the shop I had parted cash for the ring and the necklace / earring set.

"Phew it's warm out here now"

"I know, we can have a quick paddle," Sonia suggested

My new girl friend led me around a corner to where a narrow water way threaded down the middle of the street.

"How comes I've missed this before?"

Sonia just shrugged, perched on the curb and soon had her feet in the cool water.

"Come on Nena, get those pinkies in here girl"

Well it looked inviting enough, a couple of youngsters seemed a bit bemused by two adults joining them for a paddle but aaah! that's good. We sat and let the waters cool our feet for a few minutes before starting back, shoes in hand, to find the lads. "Hang on a mo, Sonia" "What?" "They've got some model buses in here" I indicated a toy store window. "So?" "I thought I'd get one for Den" "Okay" she shrugged We located the models inside, there were quite a few but not as many as in Koblenz!

 
"So which one then?"

"I'm not sure"

"Blondes!"

"Hey! No fair!"

"How about that blue bus there"

"SBG Nachtrichten?"

"I saw one like it in the bus station earlier, I think SBG is the local company"

Come to think of it I think she's right, the buses I've seen in Todtmoos are SBG but not blue. Well I the purchase was made and still barefoot we made our way back to the café where Den and Kurt were still chatting away in a bizarre mixture of German and English.

"Hi guys," I mentioned

"We're back!" Sonia added.

"Anyone for coffee?" I enquired

"Me and Kurt just had one" Den told us

"Well I'm having one" Sonia stated.

We had our drink and on checking the time discovered that we were due back at Betsy in twenty minutes.

"Here's my mobile number, ring me next time you come out" Sonia instructed as we finished our goodbyes

"I will, and thanks again" I was a little taken by surprise when she gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek which I had to return, didn't I?

"Have a good trip home"

"And you Sonia, bye Kurt" I finger waved and we set off in opposite directions.

"So what did you and Kurt talk about for nearly two hours?"

"This and that, he did a tour to Russia last year"

"That'd be quite different," I noted

"That's not exactly the words he used" Den chuckled, "so did you get your ring Miss Ziegler?"

"Yep" I held my hand out so he could see it, "what do you think?"

"So you're engaged now then?"

"Or married if I turn it round" I demonstrated by twisting the ring around my finger.

"Looks like you've got it all covered, I'd put your shoes on, there's some glass in the roadway"

Luckily, where Betsy was parked was afforded some tree shade, Den opened her up and I dashed over to get us some ice cream. The day was certainly turning out to be a stinker and I was glad that I'd had the foresight to ladle the factor 20 on!

I sat on the step lost in thought and absentmindedly watched 'baggie' returning, carrier bag in hand. There's something odd with his hat! I frowned as I tried to work it out then it clicked when a woman cycled across in front of him. He was wearing a woman's hat! I chuckled to myself. It was obvious now, the red ribbon trailing off the brim, without that it could just about be unisex but the ribbon. How had I not noticed before? I mean, he's been wearing it all week! Ah well.

"We all here?" Den asked a few minutes later

"What do you think? Best part of five hours and they're still late!"

"And I bet it's our fault too" Den added

We sat and fumed for another fifteen minutes before they arrived.

"Are we late Nena?" she asked

I wanted to scream 'yes you are twenty minutes late you mangy old fool' but sense prevailed.

"Only a little bit, we were just finishing our ice creams"

"Oh that'd be nice," he suggested

"Er we haven't time now, we'll be stopping again shortly, you can get one there"

They clambered into the bus and got a few dirty looks from the other passengers, but I reckon they're hardened to it; they obviously do it all the time.

"That's us" I told Den

"Okay" the door clamped shut and I was returned to air-conditioned splendor!

We negotiated the afternoon traffic and Den headed us out following the signs for Schauinsland, our last 'proper' stop of the week's tour. We climbed steadily for best part of six K's before the road turned more steeply upward around a series of hairpins and under a cable car to eventually come out at almost 1300m high summit. We parked up and gave the punters an hour to explore the panoramas, maybe visit the museum or like Den and me, get afternoon tea and cake!

Armed with Black Forest Gateau and coffee I settled back into the less than comfortable 'camp' chair and sighed a deep sigh. The breeze up here was just keeping the temperature down that bit and the almost clear sky allowed good views out across the Schwarzwald and over the Rhein valley towards France.

"What are you fiddling at?"

"Eh?"

"That's at least three times you've fidgeted with one ear or the other in the last five minutes"

"Oh sorry, they itch a bit" I absent-mindedly tucked a stray lock of hair behind an ear.

"Well you never cease to amaze me!"

"Eh?"

"I never expected that you'd get your ears pierced"

"Neither did I, and they itch!"

"Why two?"

"Sonia. All I said was that I liked a pair of earrings in the jewellers and next thing I know I've got these. As for why two sets, ask Sonia"

"Well it suits you Nena, don't think it would be such a hot look for Chris though."

"You're right there"

"So did you get them?"

"Get what?"

"The earrings?"

"Oh, yeah and the matching necklace"

Den just shook his head.

It wasn't a long drive back down through Todtnau and back to Todtmoos. Just as well, tonight is last dinner night; our traditional last night in resort blow out for the passengers. We pulled up and before the door was open Maria was stood waiting.

"Er, Nena we've had to change the plan for tonight"

"What's happened?"

"We had a burst pipe in the kitchen, they are trying to fix it but we've no chance to cook tonight"

"Bum!"

"I've got Dave on the barbeque, it's warm enough, we can go how you say, 'al fresco'! Maybe twenty minutes late?"

"Okay, I'll tell them"

I claimed the microphone and addressed the now impatient passengers.

"Sorry to keep you but I'm afraid there is a change of plan for tonight"

There was a round of sighs and associated comments; I waited for them to quiet a bit before continuing.

"Instead of sitting in a hot restaurant, we are dining outside, the chef is hard at work but the food may be a little later than planned. So you'll find us and the food amongst the flowers behind the hotel!

Well that seemed to go down okay and it would certainly make a change. However, Maria caught Den and me again as we went through reception.

"Nena, Den, a moment please" she motioned us over to a corner.

"What's up, the barbeque blown up?" Den quipped

"Not to suggest even!" Maria glared back.

"So?" I enquired

"Sorry Nena. Well we thought it would be nice if the staff dressed up a bit"

"Sounds good"

"I've even got Dave to fetch his Scottish Rock to wear"

"Huh?" Den queried

"I think you mean kilt Maria, I don't think he'd be happy you calling it a skirt!" I put in. "so I can feel something I'm not gonna like coming"

"Oh you will!" Maria jollied, "we thought you and Den could wear costumes too"

"There isn't exactly an English costume"

"We thought Swiss, it's just a dress"

"Me too?" Den squealed

"The mans costume of course" Maria giggled

"For one minute..."

"Well, what do you think?"

I was surprised by Den's fervent

"I'm up for it!"

"Nena?"

"Oh alright, in for a penny"

"What is this penny?" Maria asked

"Never mind, I'll do it"

"Wunderbar! Get ready then come down to the office Nena, I'll get yours Dennis, I'm sure you can manage on your own"

An hour later I joined Maria, Inge and her other girls in the office where they were helping each other with their costumes. I felt more of a fraud than ever, a peeping Tom or should that be Tomasina stood there in a room of partially clad girls and women. True they'd mostly been wearing a lot less at the pool party but somehow seeing them in their lingerie didn't seem right.

"There you are Nena, I've got your dress over here" Inge told me

"Thanks"

"Ooh you got your ears pierced"

"Er yes"

"And twice also"

"It was my friend Sonia"

"Well I have to agree with her, it suits you"

It wasn't as bad as I thought, the sizing was fairly generous as it mostly laced or pinned together over my own underwear, being seen in my own bra and knickers was pretty unnerving too. I finally pulled the white stockings up, they used a sort of draw cord to keep them up and put on the one size too big shoes that they'd found for me.

"Ta da!" Inge exclaimed "Ah, you look lovely Nena" Maria told me "I feel a bit silly" "Inge chuckled, just wait till you see Dennis!" "Why?" "You'll see" "Okay ladies, work time!" Maria told her staff, "Nena, I'll see you out back"     When I got to the barbie ground, Dave was there tending the grills in full highland dress and sipping a beer and trying to hide was Den. For once I think I got off lightly! Swiss costume, well Alpine costume for blokes is what you see on the postcards, not lederhosen but knee breeches, lots of decoration and topped off with one of those funny hats. As I say, at least mine is only a dress, what am I saying? Well I have to say that the evening went off like a well-oiled, well-lubricated dream. After he got over his initial reticence, Den had a good if basically sober evening and when the little be-costumed band struck up, he was in constant demand for dancing.

I got a fair bit of attention too, I've never been much of a dancer, I think I've told you that before, but it's much easier being 'the girl'! But those damned stockings! It seemed like I had to disappear to adjust them every couple of minutes. Oh for some suspenders or tights! There I go again! Every time I looked his way, Dave was looking at me with puppy eyes, I don't know what Maria told him but I thought I'd flash my ring as well, just as insurance.     I think everyone enjoyed themselves, although it was cooked on the barbeque, the meal was pretty much what we would have had in the restaurant. There'll be some sore heads in the morning if the amount of beer flowing is anything to go by! Den retired about eleven and I followed not long after leaving most of the coach still drinking and dancing.

 
 

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Maddy Bell 03.07.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 7
 
 
To Be Continued...

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl

---

 

Nena: Book 3 - Jungfrau

 
 

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Part 8
 
"See you soon Nena!" Inge called

"Tschuss!" I waved back

"Take care girl, practice that signature" Maria told me

"I will, thanks for, well you know"

"You coming Nena?" Den called over

"Yes Dennis! Well bye Maria, see you in a few weeks" I don't know where it came from but I gave her a hug.

"Wiedersehn!"

I clambered on board and did a quick head count, all present and correct!

"We ready?" Den asked

"Yep!"

Den put Betsy in gear and we started off, Maria and her staff waved us off and I joined the passengers in replying in kind. I did my little morning speech then the bus walk; we were in Zell before I got back to my seat.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, it's just been a full week"

"Eventful any way" Den agreed

"Drink?"

"Wait till we get off these lanes"

"Okay" I settled into my seat and put my feet up on the dash. Yeah what a week! I ran over the events in my mind, Freddy the lecherous German driver, and then there was the pool party and Dave. Meeting Sonia was good and I really enjoyed yesterday in Freiburg even if I did end up with my ears pierced! And that trip to Switzerland, that was a good day; maybe I'll get up the Jungfrau sometime. Yep it's been a fair week but I'm looking forward to being Chris again!

"You making that tea then?" Den's voice brought me back to the present.

"Oh right, tea"

I was halfway through the drinks run when we crossed the Rhein at Neuenburg taking us into France, picking up the road to Mulhouse. I was just about done when we passed the huge Peugeot factory before entering the town.

"Museum?" I asked

"Yeah, okay" Den agreed

We negotiated the Saturday morning traffic and found our way to the coach cum car park.

"A little bonus, for you this morning" I announced to the passengers, "we have time for a visit to the Museé National L'automobile, the French national car collection. We have" I looked at Den who mouthed 'two' at me, "two hours, entry is just three Euro and there's a café inside if you get fed up ladies!"

Den got us parked as close to the access bridge as he could manage and the passengers started to exit Betsy.

"You coming?" I asked Den

"I'll give it a miss this time, I'll get forty winks"

"Okay, see you later" I grabbed my bag and joined my charges on the short walk to the museum. I caught up with the front-runners and led the way to the entrance. I managed to gather them all together and collected their Euros; it's always easier to do it in one go! (And I get free entry as group leader!)

"If you can all be back here twelve o'clock please, we'll be stopping for lunch later so you don't need to eat here. Have a good visit."

They all filed inside and I headed for the ladies!
 
 
Comfortable once more, I started to drift around the old factory building that houses the collection. In truth, there is something of a bias towards blue Bugatti's; I think someone donated a collection or something like that. I've been before, we stop here once or twice a season, it's something a bit different and I've never seen another UK based coach here.

I've never been into cars like some blokes but I don't mind looking at these old timers from the days of open tops and gas lamps. All that polished brass and leather, when did all that turn into the millions of looky like tin boxes that clog the roads today? Beaulieu this aint, it's less about telling you about the cars than just collecting them! I wandered around for a while then retired to the café for a coffee.

I pulled my phone out and hit Jools number.

"Hullo"

"Hi Jools, it's me"

"Chris? That you?"

"Yeah"

"Hang on, I'll just go to the back"

I could hear the noise of traffic and passengers ebb and Julia came back on.

"Sorry about that Chris, I couldn't hear you down the front"

"S'okay, where are you?"

"Goodness knows, some bit of motorway, what about you?"

"The museum at Mulhouse"

"Alright for some, we go straight up to Paris today, so how's tricks, what did you get up to yesterday?"

The miracles of modern technology! I spent twenty minutes sat in a French museum talking to my girlfriend on a coach a couple of hundred kilometers away with only an occasional signal break caused by bridges. Incredible.

"So you've got a new girl friend then" Jools pouted down the phone

"Well Nena has anyway"

"So you don't fancy Sonia then?"

"Do you know, I never even thought about it. I just felt, I don't know, a sort of..."

"Affinity?"

"I guess. I don't think as Chris we would have got on the same"

"Of course not, girls are different around blokes, she thinks you're a girl so she treated you like one."

"What about you? Do you treat me as a girl?"

"We'll see tomorrow shall we?" she teased

"I'd best collect my lot or Den'll go mad"

"Yeah I need to do a tea run too, bye Nen"

"Bye Jools, see you tomorrow"
 
 
I shut off the phone, Nen? Apparently you can shorten Nena! Pretty much as expected, those two old duffers were late again, but at least not by much this time. We were soon back on the road and for the first time today, on a motorway. The distance up to Colmar was soon eaten up and then we headed into the Vosges. No stop at Kayserberg this time we kept going up hill only stopping when we reached the summit of the Col du Bonhomme the old pre 1918 German border. It's also home to a couple of restaurants and at a bit after one a good lunch stop.

Unlike last time we came this way when we stopped at Nancy, we have a bit further to go today, all the way up to Reims. After lunch we descended to the Meurthe and St Die, Baccarat, Luneville, Nancy and onto our afternoon stop just after Metz. It was all motorway now, past Verdun and across the rolling hills westward. The signs for Chalons signaled our arrival in Champagne country and we finally pulled off the motorway about quarter to seven.

Tonight's accommodation was a Novotel, incongruously dumped next to the N44, nowhere to walk to, just factories and fast food emporiums. It's just as well that everyone was tired and after eating most of the passengers retired for the night.

"So Miss Zeigler, you ready for three more months of this?" Den asked

"I said I would. I'm getting used to all this girl stuff now"

"Well I have to admit, I did have some doubts"

"But you took us to Manchester last week, why didn't you say something?"

"Would it have changed your decision?"

"I don't know. There's a lot riding on this, my job, yours, the whole business. No I don't think it would, I had to give it a shot"

"And now?"

"I think I can do it. No one even suspected this week, Maria only found out due to a stupid slip. Heck, I even pulled off the swimsuit - I was petrified I'd get caught at Dave's.

"Me too" Den chuckled, "I wasn't sure how I was going to try and get us out of that one"

"Oh before I forget" I dug in my bag, "another bus for your collection" I presented him with the bag containing the model Sonia had picked yesterday.

"You didn't have to"

"I know but I wanted to, it's from the Black Forest"

"Well thanks" then he did something totally unexpected, he leant over the table and gave me a peck on the cheek. I was gob smacked and pulled away!

"Er sorry, Nena"

"You er surprised me"

"It's, oh I don't know" he was as confused as me

"It's what you'd do if I was a girl right?"

"I guess so," he agreed

"So you're thinking of me as a girl then?"

"Hmmm"

"Well as that's what I'm supposed to be, if that's what you do, do it. But any wandering hands and I'm outta here!" I joked

"I'll try to contain myself Nena" he grinned back

"You hinting that I'm not pretty enough?" I giggled

"More like worried what Julia would do to me if she caught me with her girlfriend!"

Crisis over. If I'm gonna be a girl for a while I need to know about these things. I need Jools and Mandy to give me some more 'girl for beginners' tips!
 
 
I pulled my uniform skirt up and tucked my blouse in, it was somehow comforting being 'one of the girls', you'd think I've got a uniform fetish wouldn't you? I know Anna at the jewellers said to wait a week or so, but I thought I'd wear my new earrings and necklace today. By the time I'd done my makeup I looked more girl than ever, I could fancy myself!
 

After a rather basic coffee and croissant breakfast, Den reloaded the luggage and as we were closest to Calais, Den suggested a quick 'city tour' before we started for the coast. As I've never really 'done' Reims, Den provided the commentary for our passengers as we passed the various Champagne houses and cellars that the city is so famous for. We did a quick photo stop at the Cathedral then we headed for the motorway and the Pas de Calais. The weather was decidedly cooler this morning and it looked likely that we'd get some rain before we got home. We trundled north taking a break to refuel just beyond the huge Canadian war memorial near Arras. The familiar flat French coastline took over from the hills and after the usual stop at Plonk Express we arrived at the ferry terminal first of our three buses. As usual after check in we were waved through customs and joined the loading queues. The coach from Poland was hard on our heels leaving just Jools and co coming up from the Med. The first spots of rain fell while we waited on the dockside, welcome home everyone! "So, good week Nena? Ooh you've got your ears pierced!" Mandy exclaimed "Yes and yes! you like?" I presented an earring for approval "They're gorgeous" she enthused "And there's a matching necklace" I pulled it from inside my blouse

"Ooh and you got engaged!"

"Who got engaged?" Julia enquired from behind me

"Nena"

"No I didn't! it's the ring I told you about Jules" I gave her a hug

"Good job too!"

"Well it looks like an engagement ring," Mandy stated

"She's not wrong" Jools agreed, "like the earrings girlfriend"

"Thanks"

"You girls eating or what?" Den asked

"Er coming"

Mand and Jools giggled.

So of course I had to bring Mandy up to date and Julia extracted more from me before I was regaled by the details of their respective trips. Of course I had to tell them about the lates and baggie, especially that hat! Mandy had her own lates as well as a couple of selective vegetarians; they were spotted digging in to Big Macs(tm) in Warsaw!

Jools had a lecherous old bugger to contend with all week but even that didn't upset her too much, I mean she'd been on the Riviera for a week!

"Hmm, there's still something missing Nena" Jools whispered

"What?" I asked

"Well you don't smell right"

"What do you mean? Don't smell right, you mean I smell like a bloke?"

"Well no, but you need perfume!"

"I do?"

"Of course you do!" Mandy exclaimed, "come on, let's go to the duty free!"

"Do we have to?"

"Uh huh" Jools agreed

"Come on" Mandy enthused

"See you later Den"

"Have fun girls" he chuckled when I pulled a face

Girl lesson number sixty-three - when shopping try every alternative then go back to the first choice! The girls fussed, sprayed, sniffed just about every perfume on board, every time I said I liked one it was too common, too tarty, so last year!

"Okay, you pick one then"

"Try this" Mand suggested, spraying the inside of my wrist, "rub your wrists together" what nonsense is this? I sniffed and liked what I smelled.

"Lets smell" Jules demanded grabbing my arm, "hmmm, that's the one Mand"

Mandy did her own sniff test, "yep that's you Nena!"

"So what is it then?"

"Chanel"

"It would be"

"It's a classic is No 5" Mandy stated

"With a price to match"

"You don't need to bathe in it" Julia noted

"And you can get it on here fairly cheap"

"If you insist" I was beaten again.

I bought the bottle of smell and it was just about time to meet up with the boys again. We were soon back in Dover, the lates were late, again! And we dropped down the ramp back into England and rain, home sweet home! We eventually pulled into the customs shed and the girl got on to check our passports.
 
 
"Miss Ziegler? Nena?"

"Urgh" I curled my nose in distaste and jerked awake away from the smelling salts.

"Are you okay Nena" it was Den asking

"Er yes, I think so. What?"

"She okay?" another male voice asked.

"I think so officer" Den replied.

"Phew, she had me worried there"

"You passed out girl, the officer was just going to ask you a couple of questions, you up to it?"

"I guess so" questions?

"It won't take a moment Miss Ziegler"

"Okay" I agreed

"I'll just pull the bus through, I'll see you in a minute Nena"

"What's this about officer?"

"The Police in Andernach asked us to contact you."

"Oh?"

"Essentially they want to know if you want to press charges against one" he looked at his form, "Christos Hampula"

"Who?"

"You were involved in an attempted mugging? I understand this Hampula chap is the assailant"

"Oh, right" that was nearly a three weeks ago.

"They'd normally send someone to visit you but, well you're in England and they only have another twenty four hours left in which to charge him."

"I thought they only had seven days?"

"That's right, the incident was last Monday?"

"Huh?"

"They didn't realise you had left until this morning, so they contacted your employers and then contacted us."

My mind was swimming, what on earth is going on?

"Miss?"

"Oh sorry"

"Do you want to press charges? The German authorities would like you to, seems Hampula is some sort of gang leader and this is the first time they've got a sound case against him."

"In that case I suppose I'd best do it"

"Okay then, I just need you to date and sign this and I can fax it to the Germans"

I just caught myself before putting Chris Hornby on the form; Nena Ziegler is going to have to go to court!

"All sorted kiddo?" Den asked when I joined him outside.

"I think so, the bag snatcher, they want me to press charges"

"And you are?"

"I said so"

"Looks like we'll be seeing more of Nena then eh Chris?" he mentioned as we walked over to Betsy.

Hang on! The board in the front says 'Eifel Experience', shouldn't it say Black Forest? I'm confused! Hang on, if that says... I opened my bag and checked the contents, UK passport for - Chris Hornby and Austrian for Ingrid. I checked my ears, no earrings or sign thereof, did I just dream the last two weeks?

"Den?"

"Er yeah" he mumbled

"We've just got back from Andernach?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Oh nothing must have been a dream. I thought for a minute we'd been to the Black Forest"

"That's next week kiddo, you coming with me?"

"I think I might"
 
 

---

 
Maddy Bell 04.07.04  © 2004
Photos  © Maddy Bell 2001,2002
 
 
End of Part 7
 
 
End of Nena Book 3

Pictures of Nena have been generated using Ania's 'Cherie' Fkiss doll on Angy-Chan's template and are Copyright 2004. They are used with permission, if you'd like to see more go to www.acharsi.prv.pl