Changing For Gym - The English Student Part 2

Meetings

***

The week was finally coming to an end and Andrew was looking forward to getting some recreation time in. There were no climbing walls in the area (a sad lack he thought) but he could spend a little time running in the pleasant weather and perhaps see if there were any areas for bouldering practice. “No Hassle” Castle was going away for the weekend with the Football Team for a training camp and away game with a rival school.

At home, his mother commented on how nice his skin was looking and how glad she was that he was taking steps to look good. He probably had the Prankster to thank for that, each time he took special care to bring a masculine scented shower gel or shampoo it would be replaced with a more florally scented style. If Andrew was honest with himself, he enjoyed the compliments he got from his mother and Jack seemed to like it too.

This Friday morning however, the Prankster changed targets. Andrew realised that he could not afford to keep getting new gel and shampoo. He smiled a little as he thought they must own a supermarket or something to keep changing them. He decided whatever, just face the Prankster they would lose interest if he simply went with the flow and ignored the embarrassment.

No, today after gym, the target was not his shower kit. Oh no, his stationery set had been changed! Gone were his blue and black pens, ordinary plain pencils and stuff. In their place gleamed purple and pink gel pens, electric pink pencils and a ruler, all far more feminine than the ordinary stationery they replaced. I don’t believe it! Pink! Who normally and rationally choses pink pens and pencils? They are just soooo girly! Suddenly Andrew imagined dotting his I’s with an occasional heart or just leaving a heart next to "No Hassle” Castle’s name. Despite thinking everybody in his class would notice, Andrew just pressed on and used the pens. Such lovely shades of pink and purple and my handwriting is looking better too… Nobody even mentioned the colours of the pens and fortunately one proved to have black ink to use in classes although it was bright pink with a diamante heart design on it. He thought his cheeks must be bright red or at least matching the colour of the pens. Despite his misgivings his Office Skills tutor did look closely but simply smiled and complimented Andrew on his neatness. In fact Andrew was surprised that just like the scent, nobody appeared to bat an eyelid. He wondered if everybody was in on the prank like some huge “Gotcha” but these sorts of things never lasted a whole week did they? Rejecting the thought, Andrew considered that his limited viewing of this sort of thing on TV tended to involve fairly obvious pranks and they were either edited or actually quite short anyway. No it was just a High School Prankster, play along, keep a straight face and they’ll lose interest and find somebody else.

Interesting the School thought, it had come across these things through its internet connections but was that the reason Andrew was starting to just play along? Yet there was something about Andrew’s spirit that called out to the School. It knew that observing Andrew and patience was the best way forward, no need to force anything. It HAD learnt from Danny and Bree that simply changing without thought for the person was wrong. Teresa and Patty McMahon on the other hand their change had redirected them from crass unfeeling boys into gentler and caring young ladies. Right now, the School felt their pain upon the death of Coach McMahon but they would need to come to terms with his passing and reach out to life again. Students were hurting and the School would help them. Across the School, students, teachers and staff felt unaccountably pleased with the way the week had gone.

***

Monday came and after his weekend running and for some reason wanting to meet with Jack again. In his bag he’d kept the pink diamante pen but replaced the rest with cheap pens etc. He couldn’t think why the pink pen called to him but somehow he simply could not imagine getting rid of it.

To his surprise, Jack was actually waiting at the changing room for him. A huge smile appeared on his face as Andrew approached. Andrew found himself looking at his friend and suddenly imagined what it would be like to rush into his arms. What? Where did that come from? Whatever… Andrew brushed the thought aside thinking such strange thoughts were just a natural part of growing up maybe everybody occasionally wondered so why worry he thought.

Interesting, perhaps Andrew is developing after all into the person she could be. But still best to let things develop slowly and in their own time. Let Andrew choose her own pace…

“Hey Andrew, good weekend?” Jack grinned.

“Sure, got a bit of running done but I couldn’t see anywhere reasonable for climbing.” Andrew replied still wondering how Jack’s lips would feel against his.

“Well I can ask around but perhaps we could run together sometime?” Jack looked pensive.

“Sure, unless you think it may look strange, the Sports Hero and the Bookworm?” There, I finally admitted to myself about the books Andrew thought. Was being a self-confessed book addict likely to cause problems? No, Andrew reasoned, they have a great library here but I’ve not taken a good look at the place yet. Somehow I’m not sure Jack would go with me though. Like garlic to a vampire a library probably has the same effect on Jocks! The thought made Andrew think of a bemused Jack and his friends running out of the library in fear. Andrew pushed the thought out of his mind as beneath him, all the sporty types here at Hill Street High seemed to be studious too. A gentle smile broke through and flittered across his lips…

“Hey, what’s the joke? Something wrong?” Jack looked shocked but privately thought the smile was nice.

“No, sorry a train of thought that broke in a funny place.” He grinned back.

“Come on, spill…”

“OK, probably too much TV, I had this odd idea of the Jocks reacting to a Library like vampires to garlic. You know, running away in terror out of the Library? Silly I know conforming to stereotypes.”

“Well we all do it I suppose. Fact is that to stay on the team you need to keep your grades up so perhaps we work twice as hard but being a bookworm isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Anyway best let you get into your changing room. Catch you in a few?”

“Sure, I’ll try to be quick.” Andrew flashed another smile as he swerved around Jack and into the changing room where he instantly froze in shock.

“Oh I’m sorry!” he blurted closing his eyes and turning back to the door.

Two girls were at their lockers, one just pulling down her sweater. The younger a blonde turned at the noise.

“Hey, you must be the new roommate? Calm down! You’re causing a scene and Tere doesn’t bite! I’m Patty McMahon by the way.” She looked amused at Andrew as he tried to overcome the natural reaction of finding two girls in his room despite being aware that at some point they were going to meet.

“Oh I’m sorry it was just the surprise of meeting you and seeing Tere, was it? adjusting her dress I thought I should… Oh sorry, I’m Andrew Stevens pleased to meet you.” Calming down, Andrew walked across and offered a hand only to find Patty giving him a chaste sisterly kiss on the cheek rapidly followed by the older girl Tere was it? Feeling a little surprised Andrew returned the gesture thinking it was just one of those customs you get used to.

“Nice to meet you, it wasn’t a dress but my jumper.” The older girl looked at Andrew, there was something about that look that Andrew found familiar and not in a nice way. Pain and loss, the look in the eyes that Andrew had carried since that awful night the Police called with the news. “I’m Teresa but Patty always calls me that and I think you can too.” There was the hint of a smile there and an acceptance.

Andrew had never forgotten that night and the terrible days that followed. He remembered that he had not cried or anything, just a few suppressed tears on the day of the funeral. He had become the “man” of the house and had to be strong for mom and hold things together while she dealt with her loss. Somehow he had failed and there was something missing between them ever since. He didn’t just know that look, it was the one he saw in the mirror every day.

“Oh, that it was just a figure of speech not an observation on your clothes. But that sweater looks lovely” Andrew wondered how he’d look in that…

“Thanks I just got it last week, my boyfriend Dave came by and I bought it specially for him. Well me of course but he loved me wearing it.” She gave a dreamy smile at the memory but the pain in her eyes remained.

“OK, I’ve just got to put a few things in my locker. Oh, by the way did you ever hear of a “Prankster” person here?”

Patty looked blank but Tere smiled, “I think that there must be somebody, we had a few pranks played on us I think it’s just a sort of tradition but after the first term we got left alone and whoever it was lost interest. Why, anything happen while we were away?”

“Not really anything bad but my shower gel and shampoo got changed for something floral and last Friday all my pens were pink! Sounds silly really, I thought it was a huge “Gotcha” type of thing but nobody really seems to notice anything and they’ve been really awesome to me as the new bod.” Thinking on it, Andrew realised nothing actually harmful or painful had happened and, of course, I know the McMahons cannot be the Prankster and perhaps they can look out for me?

Meetings, the School thought, there WAS something about the McMahons and Andrew. Bereavement, the loss of a loved one. The School had helped before but it felt the gulf that Andrew admitted to between himself and his mother also needed to be addressed. Andrew needed his friends and the School wondered if a friendship may blossom between the students in the room. Again it decided not to rush things, the next changes would be subtle… Interesting that Andrew brought the pink pen back too?

“Got to go Andy,” Patty interrupted , “Meeting Luke and making sure he makes up for lost time. Later!” She took her books and swung gracefully out of the room.

“Luke’s a gymnast and Patty’s been taking the same classes. She should take dance I think,” Tere gave a parting wave as she left and entered the corridor with its growing student population.

Heck, better get a move on, don’t want to keep Jack waiting! An image of a tuxedo clad Jack waiting for him to get ready sprang to mind, I wonder what I’ll wear? Grabbing his books, Andrew walked out to find Jack still waiting.

“Hey, did I keep you waiting? Sorry, I met the McMahon sisters aren’t they lovely.”

“They sure are, Luke’s a great guy and while not a footballer is very fit. Shall we get off to class the warning bell is about to go.”

“Sure, I’ve got Home Ec after that, meet you for lunch?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking?” Jack smiled down at Andrew as they walked down the corridor together.

Andrew looked at other students, some in pairs, holding hands as they went off to their classes. Not like back home where you’d never hear the last of it he thought and I’d love to hold his hand… Or to be held close to him… Whatever…

***

Monday also contained two other little surprises for Andrew…

The first was on returning from PE, Andrew showered using the floral scented gel and shampoo that had replaced his without even thinking. Returning to his locker to collect his books and watch he noticed after putting it on that it was smaller and more delicate looking than the one he wore to school. A small silver watch with a rose pink face was now adorning his wrist, a ladies watch! It looks simply divine a thought came to the front of Andrew’s mind even as he was wondering what had happened to his own watch. It does suit my wrist though and makes my fingers look even prettier… Leaving the watch on his wrist Andrew made his way to Home Ec and, he thought, another cookery session. He was wrong…

The class began with the usual collection of aprons to protect their clothes while cooking. Andrew loved to cook having been taught by his late grandmother although he was having a little difficulty with US measurements. He compensated by remembering gran’s advice that “weights and measures are just a guideline and most of the time it’s a handful of this, a splash of that” and spending time cooking at home allowed mom a needed rest. Today, the only free apron happened to be pink. Just peachy he thought but that pink matches my watch and look at that reflection! He saw himself reflected in a window his brown hair framing his face. For a moment he saw a girl but the fleeting moment passed and Andrew returned to the class baking cookies. For Andrew, this was a simple task and he helped Connie and her partner with the mixing and preparation.

“Class, pay attention please I need to remind you of the change in our programme to allow us to prepare for the Fashion Show at the End of Term Ball.” Mrs Hartford announced as they were cleaning up. “So from next week we will start work on our designs. Please remember this is part of the assessment but I don’t want you to worry too much as I am confident you will do well.”

“Fashion Show?” Andrew asked Connie, “I didn’t notice anything about a fashion show.”

“It’s a bit of a tradition, we hold a sort of “Easter Parade” fashion show as part of the Easter Ball. I bet you’ve got some great ideas what with the London Fashion scene Andrew?”

“So we just design something for a student to model?”

“You could say that Andrew.” Connie gave a knowing smile.

“Connie, you’ve got that look you know. What is it you’ve accidentally forgotten to tell me?”

“Well it’s like this,” she looked straight at Andrew, “you model your own outfit.”

“Well that’s no great hardship is it?” Andrew commented while thinking of what he would design. He could sew anyway having learnt when at Primary School and buttons and stuff came off regularly and being able to make repairs was a skill that always came in handy.

Good, the School thought, Andrew is coping well. He was not fighting the suggestions as strongly, even beginning to think like the young lady she will become…

***

Thinking about his fingernails, Andrew found a manicure set waiting in his locker after Dance class. A pretty pink case holding files, clippers and the other tools needed to keep nails in tip-top condition. Holding the case in trembling hands, Andrew did not see Patty enter the Changing Room.

“Hey cool looking set, I thought you were one of those “leave them alone and cut when they dig in” people Andy” Patty looked down at his nails.

“No, I really hate bad nails! I simply cannot let them get too long or dirty. Even climbing I like to keep my nails looking good and these are so much nicer than those really short or chewed nails you see about.”

“So you’ve a bit of practice in manicures?”

Andrew glanced down and looked at Patty through lowered eyes in an almost feminine gesture as she raised her hands and wiggled her fingers. “Pretty nails! I did get a proper manicure once, that was fun. Mom and I were at a Beauty Salon and one of the specialists gave me some lessons.”

“Mind if I practice a little on you?”

“Do we have time? I’m meeting No Hassle Castle for lunch that’s in about..”

“Oh we’ve about 10 minutes, I’m just going to shape them a little. Tere lets me loose on occasion and I promise not to paint them.” Patty gave a shy smile as though she was remembering something. “How about you tell me about where you came from I gather you are the English Kid?”

A few minutes later and Andrew was proudly sporting beautifully shaped nails having spent time describing some of the differences between Britain and his new home. Andrew also wondered how his nails would look with a nice coral pink or red polish…

Changing For Gym - The English Student Part 3

Metamorphosis

In which Andrea begins to emerge and changes begin in earnest…

***

A happy Andrew made his way to meet “No Hassle” Castle for lunch. His newly shaped nails felt and look good wonder if he’ll like them when I’ve polished them too... Almost bouncing when he saw him waiting he gave a shy smile in his direction.

“Hey Andy, lookin’ good, we’re a little early for lunch so we can get a nice seat over by the window. Nice view and out of the way of the crowd so less chance of spillages and stull”.

“Great I’m glad the food here is so much better than when I went to school before. It actually tastes of something although I will have to keep an eye on my weight” Andrew gave a wry smile at the memory of food at his previous school, the joke had been that the Kitchen Staff had all failed the Army Catering Corps training.

Collecting their trays the pair made their way to a side table and chatted idly about how their days had gone so far. Jack had a slight issue with his calculus class but Andrew quickly saw the problem and explained it in detail. A few members of the Football Team joined them along with Connie accompanying Peter Taylor her current boyfriend.

“So how come you’re not taking Math?” Connie asked.

“Just bad luck I think, ended up in Office Skills instead. It’s pretty easy compared to some classes I took. I think it was the only available course with any places and being a late arrival I suppose I have to fit in as best I can. Maybe I can swap onto Math next year? I’m not complaining about things, just coming to terms with them and trying to go with the flow so to speak".

“Well you’re fitting in pretty well now, want to hang at the Mall after classes this afternoon? These lunks are off at practice so while they’re running about we can take a look at what’s new.”

“Sure Connie, that sounds OK?” Andrew felt a little unsure of himself. Back home nobody really hung out with him and the idea of shopping suddenly sounded attractive. Perhaps he could get some nice pretty things too?

Gently, the School thought. There was an emptiness about Andrew but he wasn’t resisting the nudges so far. Perhaps it was time to step things up a little…

The trip to the Mall was something of an eyeopener for Andrew. Connie and her friends must have visited almost every fashion store in the place. Andrew’s knowledge of shopping could be written on a postage stamp but he found himself smiling and giggling with the others as they modelled their outfits. Deep inside, Andrew wondered how nice some of the outfits would be on her. Oddly he seemed to develop an eye for the outfits and found himself offering advice as to colour and style.

“Connie, that skirt is killer on you, it really shows off your figure but isn’t it a little short?” Andrew observed with a shy smile.

“No, I wouldn’t wear it for School but when Pete takes me out I want his complete attention.”

“Oh I see! Definitely he’ll only have eyes for you Connie.” Andrew wondered how “No Hassle” Castle would react were he to wear something so daring. What was he thinking? He could almost feel the muscular young man wrap his arm about her, him whatever…

Andrew certainly had his limited knowledge of the intricacies of female fashion extended. To his relief, albeit well hidden, the girls steered well clear of Victoria’s Secret although advice was offered about how necessary such garments were to help a girl look good in her outfits. In the past, Andrew had just grabbed a clean pair of trousers or the pairs kept for his school uniform. Here there was no real uniform although the range of colours and styles for boys was fairly restricted for girls it seemed quite the opposite. His vocabulary increased as the girls modelled “Clam Diggers”, “Cropped Trousers”, “Capris” and the like, all showing off well toned and smooth legs.

Sipping at his Diet Coke Andrew idly twisted a lock of his shoulder length hair between his fingers as the girls discussed who was going out with who, what pop singers looked hot etc. Curiously, he found himself enjoying just listening and letting the gentle torrent of feminine conversation wash over her, him. It seemed “No Hassle” Castle was regarded as a good catch although he rarely seemed to go out with any girl he was evidently not regarded as gay, he was simply waiting for the right girl and whoever that lucky girl was, she would have a “keeper” whatever that was. Unbidden that comforting thought of being held in his strong arms and protected bubbled happily to the front of his, no Her, mind and a smile danced across his lips.

“Hey spaced out or what?” Connie nudged Andrew back to the present. “Come on girls, makeup beckons!” With that Andrew found himself swept along with a goggling tide of femininity towards more shops…

The girls went at the samplers with a will, pouting and pursing their lips as various shades of lipstick were tested. Various bits and pieces of advice were passed between the girls, some of which even made sense to him. It wasn’t that he was unaware about makeup, Andrew had used stage makeup in a school production last year but this was an entirely new world.

Andrew did make a few purchases of his own, a new hairbrush and a combined shampoo and conditioner. He didn’t really notice that he had selected quite a feminine scented product but the scent was simply heavenly…

***

Nothing else appeared to have been changed in his locker. Andrew wondered if the prankster had given up or was preparing something else. Who cares? He thought as he placed his books in the locker, adding the new shampoo and conditioner along with the hairbrush. Well I’ve got such lovely hair and it needs a little maintenance, I wonder where Patty and Tere get theirs done? Their hair always looks nice.

“Ah Andrew, there you are. I need to go over the preparations for the Fashion Show with you.” Mrs Hartford took Andrew to one side as the lesson began, the other girls working on their cooking.

“Sure Ma’am, I’m sure that I can come up with something for them to model.”

“Ah… I think you misunderstand Andrew. This course is quite specific, you are to design and model a dress suitable for a semi-formal occasion, like the Ball itself.”

Andrew’s heart sank as he took that piece of information on board. His masculinity seeming to shrink to nothing. “Isn’t there something else I can do? A different outfit or something?”

“I’m very sorry Andrew but the requirements are fixed. I could arrange a more private showing if that would help. I have to say Andrew that if your design is anything like the work you’ve produced so far you will not have any difficulties.” She looked sympathetically at the embarrassed boy, a blush washing across his cheeks.

“It’s OK Andy, look at what you were able to do at the Mall last night! You have a great eye for fashion, it must be from all those London Fashion Shows.” Connie look encouragingly at Andrew. Perhaps it won’t be so bad after all, maybe I’ll get a better mark because of it? “Hey, perhaps we can work together too, it’ll be fun.”

Connections, thought the School. Andrew was becoming accepted by a growing number of students but still there was an emptiness that the School instinctively reached out to comfort. Andrew needed to change and connect with her emotions, if he kept them bottled up eventually when they did burst through he would be damaged… The changes planned for Andrew would develop him into a more emotionally rounded person and help the McMahons too.

At the end of the day, “No Hassle” Castle met Andrew. “Hey, how’s it goin’? Thanks for that bit of calculus, you really helped me out there.”

“Bit of a downer after yesterday with the girls.” Andrew looked down a little, “Got a project for Home Ec and I don’t think I’m going to get out of it. I could try Mom but…”

“Been there, once Mom gets her mind made up, that’s how it’s going to be.” Jack smiled down at his friend. “One thing I’ve noticed here is that people really pull together so if you think there’s a problem somebody will help you out.” Squeezing his shoulder, Jack looked at the despondent Andrew. “Look gotta go practice, can I visit later?”

“Sure, we could take in a DVD or something, catch up with homework or something?”

“Great, about sevenish?”

The evening went fairly well once Andrew had gotten over the inconvenience of having European format DVD’s which didn’t play. He got a playful punch to the arm as the pair collapsed laughing. After that minor debacle, the pair made inroads into their shared homework, Andrew remembering his copy of “Calculus for the Completely Confused” and made a show of presenting it to Jack.

“Here, I found this useful when I was studying and I don’t think I’m going to get the use out of it for a while. Stupid Office Ed course but, well that’s how things are at least for the rest of the year.” Andrew explained sadly, he enjoyed mathematics and other subjects but knew he had to make the best of things.

“I know it’s frustrating but don’t let it get to you. Hill Street High is pretty good and you’ll fit in in no time. Back in England did you have the social life you’ve got now?” Jack tried to cheer Andrew up, he suspected Andrew was feeling a little out of place but he wanted his friend to see just how great life could be in the community.

“I don’t know, its been a rough year but I have a feeling that things are going to get better. Hey, fancy a run tomorrow?”

“Sorry Andy, Football practice tomorrow maybe you can meet us after practice and we’ll take in a coffee?”

“Sure, I can do some work in the Study Centre and meet you afterwards.” The idea of going out with Jack gave him a warm glowing feeling inside.

***

The following morning, the Prankster struck again. What the H E double hockey sticks in going on here? Andrew held a pair of soft stretchy plain white briefs between finger and thumb. A brief search told him that his own briefs were nowhere to be found. Well, the option is to wear them or go commando. That’s a non-starter he thought. With a sigh, Andrew pulled the soft briefs into place, completed dressing and left for Home Ec.

“Given any thought to your design Andrew?” Mrs Hartford asked him as he took his place.

“Sort of Ma’am I decided that this is a really good test of my design and sewing skills. If I can make the outfit look good on me then its got to be worth an A*!” He smiled back at her.

“That’s the spirit!” Mrs Hartford grinned. “Perhaps you can work with Connie and her friends to come up with a nice set of matching outfits. Of course, it also means you can save some money by clubbing together for accessories.”

“Sure, that’s great we can hit the Mall again after School?” Connie beamed.

“No can do, I’m going out with Jack after practice.” Andrew grinned back thinking about the coming evening. “Maybe tomorrow or the weekend? It’ll be great getting some help from you and your friends.”

“Oh that’s a shame, but we can check our ever crowded calendars and try to fit you in.” dramatically raising the back of her hand to her forehead in a ham actor gesture. It was too much, Andrew and Connie erupted into fits of giggles as they collected the sewing kits.

“Girls…” Mrs Hartford gently scolded as with a raised eyebrow she watched the pair calm down and set to work. She is really developing Mrs Hartford thought as she went to assist a pair of students with setting their sewing machine up.

Excellent the School thought Andrew is really fitting in now and soon Andrea can begin to emerge in her own right. Interesting that there was no thought of resistance when she found her first panties. The School had learnt that not all its charges needed to change but for some it was the best way forward to become better people or to find healing…Slowly and gently were its watchwords for the moment.

***

One thing that Andrew had got used to from the first day was the fact that the toilet seats did not move. It had started as “one of those things” but rapidly become a habit for him to sit down and take care of business. He was doing it at home too, quite unconsciously wiping himself dry with toilet paper. Well a girl should look after herself… Whatever, he thought.

Returning to his locker to prepare for Dance, Andrew found the outfit had changed. Well I MUST have put it there he thought. Pale blue polo shirt and high cut shorts, ankle socks and the most darling pair of dance pumps with pink stitching and laces. So flexible and they fit just perfectly but there was something that was waaay out of place. Checking the time, Andrew noticed a bottle of hair remover and reading the instructions on his way to the shower began to wet himself down prior to gently rubbing the lotion over his arms and legs…

Much better! Andrew thought as he emerged into the corridor and made his way to the Dance Studio for his lesson. He could feel the draught in the corridor playing across his newly denuded arms and legs and wondered how that cutie Jack would react when he saw her… him…

“Looking good Andy! Those legs are just amazing.” Connie gave a broad smile as Andrew entered the Studio.

“Thanks, a gir… guy should try to look good eh?”

“Sure, good job you’re going out with Jack after School then. Too bad we couldn’t make the Mall as well but you’re right, Friday should be OK. Ready for some Power Shopping then?”

“Shopping? You make it sound like a military campaign girl.”

“Well the secret is planning Andy, oh and having a nice guyslave to carry for us!”

With that, the pair went into their Modern Dance routine. To Andrews surprise the outfit was so much more comfortable, not tangling as he made the more athletic steps. Mrs Bold their Dance teacher was so impressed she got the pair to repeat the performace for the rest of the class.

“Wow, it’s a shame you both missed tryouts for the Cheer Squad. Maybe September?” Annabelle, one of the Cheerleaders looked on approvingly.

A cheerleader? I’m a guy not a gal! Andrew thought wildly but he could see Connie and herself, himself he corrected, gyrating in their uniforms watching Peter and that cute Jack “No Hassle” Castle perform on the field. Maybe she, he, could get Jack to explain what to his foreign eyes was Rugby with body armour…

“I don’t know, its not something we really had back home.” Andrew answered pensively but brightened up with the thought “But HERE is home now so I should join in more yes?”

“That’s the spirit girl, you two can keep an eye on Jack and Pete too”

“Girls, more practice, less chit chat.” Mrs Bold ordered smiling.

The lesson finished a few minutes early and Andrew knew that after the strenuous dances she, no he, needed to get cleaned up. Making his way to the shower, Andrew felt the warm water flow across her, his, body. The feeling was totally different from the way she had taken showers in the past. Emerging from the shower, Andrew saw Patty McMahon collecting her books.

“Hey Andy, nice hair. You do something different to your looks?”

“No, just trying to take better care of my hair and so on.”

“Cool, can I work on your hair before next period? I help my best friend Rachael all the time. I promise I won’t do anything you can’t undo. Just brush it while it is still damp?”

“Sure, I’ve never really done much with it just au-naturelle you know”

“What! With hair like yours I bet Tere could do even better but there’s a great salon that Mom takes us to in the Mall, M’Lady it’s called, you are sooo missing out on the experience. I mean, getting a nice hairdo and mani-pedi can be such a dreamy thing.” Patty was already brushing Andrews hair into a rather androgynous style, gently curling at the neck with a fringe falling over towards her, his, eyebrows.

For Andrew it was such a dreamy feeling to have his hair brushed into shape and he wondered if his allowance would stretch to a visit to the salon rather than the straightforward barbers he used to use. Why would I use a barber? I need to take care of my hair properly, she, no he, thought.

Yes! The School thought, slowly and gently easing Andrew into her new life as Andrea. Connections made and was there a spark between “No Hassle” Castle and Andrea, a spark that may even grow into love? A wave of pleasant thoughts swept across the school as staff and students suddenly felt so very good about something they did not quite understand. Even the sun reflecting off the windows seemed to reflect a degree of happiness in the school.

Changing For Gym - The English Student Part 4

Beginning to blossom

Andrea begins to emerge and changes continue apace.

***

Sporting her new hairstyle, Andrew made his way out into the corridor. Oddly, nobody made any nasty comments as he realised that Patty had styled it into an androgynous style neither fully female nor overtly male but it felt lovely. Andrew wondered if that cute boy Jack would appreciate it, the thought bringing a gentle smile to his lips as she imagined how it would feel tilting her face to meet his…

With a spring in his step Andrew made his way to the next class having completely forgotten that today his mother was scheduled to visit Ms Werner, the School Counsellor for a review and progress meeting. Connie met him and they made their way to Home Ec and his date with the fine art of sewing. It was a surprise but Andrew had something of a knack with a needle and thread and had already earned his first A for sewing. Nice to get the grade but too bad my first A is for sewing a new apron and Mrs Hartford has me wearing it in class. Mom will have a cow! He thought as they entered the class.

***

His mother was, at that very moment, feeling a pride in her child’s achievements. Ms Werner, the School Counsellor, was delivering a progress report about Andrew and how he was making friends both boy and girl and settling into the new environment. She felt a warm glow as she thought of the lifelong friendships with her girlfriends, she remembered the sleepovers and gigglefests that ensued. Ms Werner continued to describe the classes and teachers reports and, as she expected, academically all was going quite well. The only cloud on the horizon was Andrews reaction to the death of his father, afterwards it was though all his emotions had turned off but lately, she realised that Andrea had been much more open with her emotions.

The School was happy with the developments, Andrea's mother had visited a few times and she had been receptive to the gentle nudges the School had given.

***

“So how’s the design coming?” Connie asked.

“Not too sure, I’ve some ideas but think I might look in the Mall and see what they’ve got there.”

“Well with that hairstyle you’re going to find plenty to suit you hun” Connie looked closely at Andrew made a slight frown and looked pensive.

“What’s wrong? Did Patty make a mess?”

“No doofus! I’ve just noticed your ears.”

“What? What’s wrong with them?”

“Nothing silly!” she beamed “but why haven’t you gotten them pierced?”

“Oh I see, it just… well I never really thought about it, why?”

“Well you’d look really cute with a set of earrings and you need some accessories for the outfit and show. Maybe we can hit Claires too?”

“What’s a Claires?”

“Trust me Andy, you’ll love it and we can hit Claires on Friday after school.”

“Ladies, I understand the need to talk occasionally but you really need to get a grip of the political system here in the United States.” Mr Bainbridge, the Pol Sci tutor reminded them. He was generally quite easy going, not minding a little chat if it was matched by work and returned to the explanation of State Government.

***

“Hey Andy, something’s changed about you.” Jack giving another broad grin that Andrea found cute and seemed to be doing so more often.

“Little me?” Andrew returned the smile.

“I know…” he leant forward, “You’ve changed your hairstyle! I like it, it really suits you but…”

“But what?”
“I was wondering why you never pierced your ears.”

“Funny, Connie mentioned that in class. We’re going to somewhere called Claires when we hit the Mall on Friday. What are we doing tonight?”

“Well I thought a quick bite at Rusty’s and then take in a movie. Any preference about that?”

“Not really, let’s see what’s on then go to Rusty’s?”

“Sure, no hassle.”

Shyly reaching out his hand, Jack took hold of his friends delicate hand as they walked out of the School. Andrew felt a flush as her friend took her hand and thought a blush was playing across her face. She leant gently into Jack as they walked towards Rusty’s…

Almost there! The School though as the two close friends left together. Much better to let things develop in their own way and Jack and Andrea were fast becoming a couple. Still, there was the emptiness that lay in Andrea’s heart and the School knew that it could not intervene directly.

They ended up selecting a “Rom-Com” rather than the SF and action movies Andrew had enjoyed in the past. Indeed, Andrew spent most of the movie snuggled up against Jack’s chest. Somehow it seemed so very right to be held close by his friend. The walk back home was taken slowly and there seemed to be little to say in words but the gestures and actions told of a growing and deepening relationship.

“Thanks for a lovely evening Jack….” Andrew hesitated as he looked deeply into his eyes.

“No hassles? I’ve not enjoyed an evening like that since…. Well you are wonderful company. Can we do this again?”

Andrew felt a blush begin to build and rise on her cheeks as she tilted her face upwards just as Jack leant in towards her. The kiss was fleeting, unexpected, but it sent shockwaves flickering across her body. She felt her nipples harden as feelings that she had never considered flew across her mind.

“I’d love to Jack. This weekend?”

“Sure, I’ve got a match Saturday afternoon, say how about you join us and we can take another movie or a meal afterwards?”

“Great, I’m shopping with the girls after school on Friday so can get a new outfit to wear too. Football is still a total mystery to me but I’ll bet you can’t wait to explain the finer points.”

“You bet I would Andy, well I’ve got to go. Thanks for tonight.” With a final wave Jack turned and made his way home as Andrew opened the front door of their home.

***

Stepping into the living room, Andrew found his mother waiting for him…

“Nice night out?”

“Sure, Jack’s invited me to join him on Saturday and watch a football match. I still don’t think I’ll ever get used to the sport but it sounds like it’ll be fun.”

“”Well I saw your counsellor and got your progress report. I’m pleased that you are settling in so well. Now what’s this about a fashion show?”

“Mo-om!” Andrew whined, the pleasant feelings from this evening beginning to dissipate as he wondered what his mom had been told.

“I just heard that you are designing a dress and modelling it in the fashion show.”

“Well its part of the assessment, I have to do it but perhaps can model the dress more privately….”

“No dear” she smiled, “I’ve spoken to Mrs Hartford and she has agreed you can take part with everybody else in your class. Trust me, modelling can be great fun, you can get glammed up and I know you can design a lovely outfit. Tell you what, we can get you a nice appointment for a makeover before the show but you’ll need some better clothes. As a reward for doing so well, I’m going to give you an allowance for some new clothes so when you and the girls hit the mall you can do a little “power shopping”. Trust me dear, you are going to enjoy it.” His mother gave Andrew a warm smile “Now I think you still have homework to do so scoot!” She sat back with her coffee thinking how nice it was that her child was finally leaving that extended tomboy phase…

Andrew sat in his room thoughts flying through his mind. Idly he scratched at his chest, he had changed the washing powder several times but he must he developing an allergy he thought… But new clothes? What should a girl wear on Saturday when she went on another date with that hottie Jack? Andrea lay back on the bed as a smile flickered across her lips as she remembered the kiss…

***

“So how did last night go? Come on… spill!” Connie was all but bouncing as she saw Andrew arrive at school the following morning.

“Weell, it’s like this… We took in a move after getting a bite to eat at Rusty’s.” Andrew gushed, “then he walked me home and….”

“No! He kissed you? What was it like girl?”

“It was just a touch but you know that phrase “Time stood still”?”

Connie nodded as Andrew continued…

“It DID! We’re going out on Saturday to watch him play in the game. Mom gave me some extra money for clothes when we hit the mall too.”

“Awesome, you can get a new outfit and wear it when you go out Saturday.”

Later that day, Andrew found his t-shirt had changed for a softer, shorter one in pastel blue that felt so much better against his chest.

“Andrew? How long have you been itching like that?” Patty looked across the room to where Andrew was collecting his things.

“A while now, I think I must have picked up some allergy or something. I’ve tried changing washing powders and things but can’t seem to shake it off.”

“Hmmm, mind if I take a look?”

“Well, no I suppose not.”

Patty came across the room to where Andrew was standing and gently placed a finger on his chest…

“Thought so, I’ve got a tube of cream that will help keep the irritation under control. It’s nothing to worry yourself about but I bet you are finding these softer fabrics far more comfortable.” Patty came back with a small tube, “Just work a little into your chest where the itching seems worst.” Passing the tube to Andrew, he took the tube without thinking and rubbed a small amount of the gloop into his chest.

“Ohhh, thanks, that feels so much better.”

“Don’t mention it Andy, glad to help out. Catch you later, gotta go find Luke!” With that, Patty made her way out to where her boyfriend was waiting.

Patty is so helpful Andrew thought. Shame about her daddy though but she is such a nice person. Running the brush through her long ash blonde hair she wondered about the forthcoming shopping trip. Perhaps she could try a new hairstyle too, but didn’t want to lose too much hair. She could ask Connie for some tips as well. It was nice of mom to allow her some extra funds to get new clothes, she really had been in a bad tomboy phase with those rough grungy clothes. Pulling her capris on, she looked oddly at them, she must have worn them when she came but surely she was wearing jeans when she came to school. No matter, these fit perfectly and the pink decorated training shoes looked astonishing with them.

The School observed the beginnings of Andreas blossoming into the woman she needed to be. It felt the warm glow of love growing between her and Jack and the developing relationships with her girlfriends promised great things in the future. Across the school, pupils and teachers felt unaccountably pleased with their day.

Changing For Gym - The English Student Part 5

The Flower of Healing

Andrea completes her transformation and three broken hearts begin to heal.

***

The week flew by in a flurry of lessons, dances and sewing. Andrea still found time to spend with No Hassle Castle and both were looking forward to the coming date on Saturday. Andrea, of course, was occupied with the eternal question… what to wear for the date and how should I style my hair. If there was a cloud on the horizon it was just a zephyr of unease as she thought something was not quite right but each time the thought began to form something else would drive it out, usually in a fit of giggles with Connie and her growing sisterhood of friends. Back in England she dimly remembered always feeling outside the web of friendships and gossip but now she couldn’t think of anything she would change except…

A tear drifted down her cheek…

“Hey cutie, what’s up?” Jack asked concern etched across his face.

“Hmmm? Sorry, something in my eye.” Andrea gave the stock response to unexpected tears. In fact in her heart she knew it was nearly a year since that terrible evening but she resolved to remain strong and comfort her mother.

“Uh… OK hope it isn’t an allergy or something, some students are real martyrs to pollen and stuff and I suppose you haven’t been exposed to the plants and stuff around here.”

“Oh Jack, you make this place sound like a new planet!” Raising the back of her hand to her forehead in a faux-dramatic gesture, “Oh Brave New World and all that.” Giving a grin that lit her face up she playfully punched him on his arm.

“OK, OK I surrender” he laughed, joining in the pleasant feelings that his friend was giving off. That smile lights up the room like the Sun he thought and it’s aimed right at me.

The lesson change bell went off and exchanging a brief hug the pair split and went to their lessons. Jack taking the opportunity to enjoy the view as Andrea made her way along the corridor.

The School watched its latest charge make her way to her lessons. Andrea was continuing to develop and her emotions were beginning to show more clearly. Jack clearly had strong feelings for her and the spark was kindling and developing into a stronger, more nurturing relationship. It was good that she was becoming more attuned to her emotions, soon, it knew, the dam would burst and the healing could begin. It regretted the pain she would feel but it needed release or the damage Andrew had inadvertently done would get worse and past the point of healing.

***

At home Andrea (when did she begin thinking of herself as she?) found herself no longer concealing her clothes from Mom. She smiled to herself as she thought about the lengths she had gone to, to conceal her clothes. Why would she hide them from her mother? They are so lovely but not as lovely as the dress design she was working on would be when she modelled it! She made a moue as she tried to remember what she wore before coming to her new home. Whatever it was I bet it was cute but I am sooo hitting the Mall with Connie and the girls tonight. Her outfits were so cute Dad would have loved them. A solitary tear made its way down her cheek as she thought how proud her father would have been and she missed his hugs. An odd thought wandered across just then, why do I never seem to have a photo of myself? Because you were holding the camera doofus! She remembered now that she always stood behind the camera but that’s going to change too! Especially with that cutie Jack at the movies tomorrow…

“Hi Mom! Good day at work? I’ve made a salad for us tonight, I’ve got to watch my figure you know!” Andrea beamed “And we’re off to the Mall to get some materials for the fashion project and maybe some new rags too?” Andrea looked hopefully at her mother.

“Thanks, you’re a treasure and NO I haven’t forgotten my promise to you dear. Were you thinking about getting your ears pierced too? I seem to recall something about Claire’s…” her mother looked quizzically at her daughter. She’s growing up so fast now, Michael would have been so proud and probably practicing his DAD look on Jack. Such a sweet young man and I can see Andrea is smitten with him too. Ah young love…

“Well I did promise you some funds for new clothes didn’t I? And I’m so happy to see the end of that tomboy phase, did you say you were going got a new hairdo as well?” Funny, she thought, when she thought about their old lives in Britain but she could never quite see her daughter’s face except as the blossoming beauty her beloved daughter had become. “Now, don’t go mad on this card, I’ve put $200 on for clothes only, as though you’d waste money, you’ve always been careful with your cash.” Leaning across, she and Andrea exchanged deep hugs as the doorbell went. “Remember hun, just the one set in your lobes, or I’ll ground you for a month!” She teased, knowing her daughter had already had that conversation but, well Moms were Moms after all.

“That’s Connie, catch you later Mom!” With a smile, a wave and a happy bounce, Andrea slid to the door to greet her friends.

***

The short drive to the Mall was punctuated by giggling, laughing girls as they planned their shopping expedition with the precision of a military operation. Andrea thought D-Day didn’t get this level of planning, she joined in the giggles as she imagined “General Connie” resplendent in her uniform barking orders to her troops.

“Remember Andy, Claire’s first girl!” Connie issued the first order of the oncoming campaign.

“Yes Ma’am” Andrea snapped off a salute to a chorus of giggles and more salutes from the girls.

Before coming to Hill Street High, Claire’s was a place that Andrew would have had to be dragged into. Now she was part of a gaggle of teenage girls on a mission… Connie and Tina found the cutest set of bracelets but Andrea’s eyes were drawn to a pair of earrings with an emerald coloured pendant that she knew would look awesome and match her eyes as well as match the dress she was working on. She held them to her ear and looked at her face in the small mirror. Funny though, she would have sworn her eyes were brown like her late Dad’s… whatever, she knew she would look awesome with these eyes and Jack would not be able to resist tomorrow!

“Awesome choice Andy, now you’ve so got to get pierced” Connie giggled with glee.

“I don’t know, doesn’t it hurt?” Andrea asked pensively.

“No, just a noise and then it’s done, I got mine done last year when they had an offer on.”

“What “Ears pierced while you wait?” sort of thing?”

“No doofus, spend $30 and they throw in the piercing. Look the offer is still on so let’s grab a few more accessories. A girl simply cannot have too much jewellery. Look I’ll hold your hand if you’re nervous but really, there is nothing to worry about. Sure they’ll feel a bit delicate for a while and there’s a certain amount of aftercare but I can see you’ve been brushing regularly just from the sine in your hair so let’s get you inducted into the “Sisterhood”!”

“So ready to get your first pair?” a young fair haired woman took her place at the seat. “Nothing to worry about, I’ll just mark your lobes and then we can look at your choices for studs. I suggest those because they will be easier to deal with while you heal. We provide a care solution to help you heal faster. Did you have a pair in mind for your first pair?”

Andrea showed her selections, quietly admitting that she would love to wear the pendants but knew she needed to get used to the new look first. She selected a pair of jade green studs in a simple jewelled setting.

“Good choice for a first pair, bet you can’t wait to wear those pendants.” There was a hiss of air and a thud as the piercing gun did its work.

“I barely noticed a thing! Thanks”

“Well the trick is to keep your mind on something else and look away”, another brief noise and Andrea showed her new studs to her clapping friends.

“Now the first order of business is covered, our quest continues. The Mall awaits!” Connie commanded.

Thanking the assistant and paying the bill, Andrea joined her friends on their journey into the complex world of fashion.

“Remember that I still need some things to finish my dress off. I’ve pretty much finished the design but still want to find simply the right material to make it work. Can we stop off there first?”

“Of course your ladyship”, Connie giggled, “let’s get business sorted and then…”

“Pleasure!” they all chorused.

***

The blizzard of activity as the girls circled their prey began to subside as hushed comments about how a swatch of fabric looked, felt, was raised to their skin and either consigned to the growing reject pile or placed to one side for consideration began to abate. Andrea gave a happy shriek as she noticed an offcut of taffeta a deep red, almost a black.

“That’s perfect, just the thing to accessorise my design and there’s just enough too.” Giving a happy smile, she gathered up the cloth, taking care to make sure that it didn’t get dirty.

“Andrea, “ Connie looked pensive, “You know that it’s a lovely design but, well don’t you think its in danger of showing a bit too much?”

“No, I’ve made sure that it covers all eventualities so to speak.” She smiled back.

“No doofus, I meant you need something extra to show yourself off you know. You’ve got a great figure and it's time to move a little upmarket. Jack won’t know what hit him tomorrow!” Connie giggled as Andrea’s face fell when she realised Connie was looking very meaningfully at the entrance to Victoria's Secret…

“I can’t go in there! I’m…I’m… I’m a” Andrea stuttered…

“A very beautiful young lady who needs the right underthings to help her new design get showed off the way she deserves” Connie calmed the blushing Andrea. “You’ve got…. Well boobies dear, we girls are allowed to admit the fact after all. Now I bet they’ve got some great outfits for us. Come on girls!” Imperiously Connie gave a wave and a broad smile and holding Andreas hands they made their way into a wonderland of satins and lace…

An assistant saw the group of girls entering the store, one of the girls was a little androgynous in appearance but very feminine in her mannerisms. Her accent was a little difficult to place until she remembered watching TV and listening to the English in costume dramas, was she really English? Connie took charge and they shared a cubicle to get Andrea fitted for her first really adult lingerie. A few “accidental” brushes to the new girl and she was convinced that she was just a late bloomer but her beauty was going to stop traffic. The slightly reticent girl was persuaded to try a number of bras and lingerie sets, occasionally s tremble as if she were unsure then she would stiffen and a new resolve would pass as the girls selected a number of outfits.

Well, she thought to herself, something to tell Big Sis when I get home…

Andrea found herself leaving the store with a selection of outfits, stockings and other delicates. The bags leaving nothing to chance that a casual observer may know what feminine delights were in the bags. Thinking she was safe for a while, she did not resist as Connie and her friends led her past the Food Court and into a shoe store…

“I’ve got a few pairs already, do I really need more?” She pleaded as the pack of shopping frenzied girls led her into the waiting maw of another store. Shelves packed high with shoes of all shapes, sizes and colours.

“Andrea, no girl has just a few pairs you have no idea of how many different types you need to be introduced to. Did you really have just a few pairs? We thought you English had style!”

“Well we do, I’m still getting retail therapy for my extended tomboy phase. I know I need to get used to more fashionable shoes but there’s something to be said for a good pair of Jeans and Trainers.” Andrea looked at her feet.

“Well we’ve got time to give you a good old fashioned makeover before you meet Jack tomorrow. Peter will be picking us up so we can all go together. Now let’s take a look at your new shoes girl!”

To Andrea’s surprise, Connie reappeared with what to her eyes seemed the thinnest and tallest heels she had ever seen. Andrea had expected a slight heel not the 3”+ jade green pair that Connie waved smilingly at her.

“Don’t worry, you’ll soon get used to a pair like this, just don’t make a habit of it or you’ll store up trouble for the future. Mom’s a chiropodist and gets really antsy about heels. They help your legs look great but a girl pays a price for beauty.”

“What, you mean they’ll cripple me, probably break my ankle when I fall off them”

“No girl, just get used to the feel, I’m not too sure of the colour for you and your outfit and you’ll feel the burn in your legs later. Just take smaller steps and you’ll slay Jack when he sees you, Pete had best keep his attention on me too.” She grinned back. “Besides, I only want them to have eyes for me!” Connie’s eyes twinkled with gentle amusement and Andrea knew she was teasing her.

Pulling her into a hug, Andrea breathed in her ear, “Thanks for being here for me Connie, it means so much to have friends I can trust.”

“Awww you’re just saying that but it must be so difficult coming to a new place for you.”

“It’s not just that, it’s well…” Andrea fell silent and gave a happy grin, “You’re all so awesome, thanks.” Silently concealing the foreboding that the coming anniversary was filling her with.

A happy period of shoe trying, Andrea tottering a little in unfamiliar high heels and finding herself laden with a few more boxes…

“I wish Jack were here now rather than at practice.”

“Why? You’ll see him tomorrow you know, girl you’ve got it bad!” Connie giggled.

“No, we need a nice guyslave or two to carry our baggage silly!”

“Oh well, we’ll just have to make our way back slowly. Ready to refuel at the Food Hall?”

The gaggle of girls made their way back to the Food Hall, Andrea found herself reacting to the occasional stares and glances from some of the other boys around the Mall. Occasionally she adjusted her outfit but in the main Jack was on her mind far more. Thoughts about the coming date and watching the match but definitely her attention would be on Jack…

***

“MOM!” Andrea almost shouted when her mother asked about her purchases.

“Now dear, I know you might feel a little embarrassed about mother looking at your new clothes but you are still learning and the loveliest of clothes can look terrible if you are wearing unsuitable lingerie. Now be a dear and let me look at your new lingerie. It isn’t as though I’ve never seen you deshabille is it?” Andrea felt suddenly uncomfortable but the logic of her mother was inescapable. Opening the bags and boxes she proceeded to hold up the assorted items. “Really Andrea, you of all people should know you need to wear this lovely lingerie so I can see how well it fits. I’m sure the fitter at Victoria’s did a good job but mother knows best you know.”

“But nobody else will see them mom.” Andrea almost whined.

“Really?” her mother asked with a raised eyebrow and a very knowing expression on her face. “Not even Jack?”

Andrea felt the blush rise from her very toes at the thought, but why would I not let Jack see or feel this lovely lingerie? The thought of Jack’s hands drifting up her legs to feel her stockingtops gave her the most wonderful feeling but she valiantly tried to hide that from her mother.

Realising that she was about to receive both the “Mother Stare” and the “Mom Voice” Andrea surrendered to the request with just that little piece of teenage rebellion that says “I am grown up, sort of…” She opened the bags and laid them across her bed for inspection. There was no way she could hide the femininity of many of the garments but they made her feel soo very good.

“Andrea, I think you need to actually wear some of these so I can get a good idea of how they fit. I know you want the floor to open under you but really, you are a young lady beginning to enter the bloom of womanhood. You know there is a conversation we will have to have in the near future dear. For now, let’s get these tags off and you can show me how you look. Did you get those bras fitted properly?”

Andrea remembered the young lady with the tape measure and nodded.

“Good, it is very important to have properly fitted underthings, you will understand when you get a little older. Now why did you choose a suspender set as well as hose, thinking about Jack were we?” Her mother gave a knowing smile, “Nothing to worry or be embarrassed about, both options have their merits and there’s no law against feeling good is there? Oh and that’s the material for your dress design! It looks simply darling, you’ll knock them dead hun! Just remember, be a Lady and let the boys down gently. Somehow I don’t think you will ever have that problem with Jack, he is such a gentleman and the way he treats you reminds me of your father when we met.” A slightly sad look ghosted across her mother’s face, it was almost a year since that day…

***

The following day, Connie and Peter picked up Andrea and Jack and went to the game. Andrea still did not really understand much of what was going on but resolved to learn at least enough to follow the game. Afterwards, she and Jack had a light meal, Jack gallantly holding the chair as she sat. Andrea thought afterwards that she really couldn’t remember what she ate as she spent most of the time watching Jack, looking into his eyes and realising he was doing the same…

The movie could have been anything, neither of them had eyes for anything but each other. Jack escorted Andrea home and the mutual kiss on her doorstep was one in which time stood still for both of them. Andrea even raised one slender leg in that classic “Stork” pose lovers sometimes use.

***

School on Monday was almost an anti-climax. There was one thing that ate at Andrea’s heart as she entered the changing room giving a shy wave to Jack as she did so. Jack’s heart was in his mouth and worry ate at him, something was wrong but the date and afterwards had been wonderful, he knew he had behaved correctly, what was it? He made his way to his locker, brow furrowed with concern. Andrea sat on the bench in front of her locker, it wasn’t about Jack, he was so sweet and gentle. He couldn’t know that one year ago was the terrible day her beloved father was taken by a drunken driver. She remembered the Policeman and woman who brought the news that her father, so careful in his driving would never be coming home. The emptiness in her soul had scarred her emotions, driving them deep inside while she remained strong for her mother.

“Hi Andrea, good weekend?” Patty and Tere McMahon entered the room. Suddenly, they noticed the emotions warring for control, the tremble of Andrea’s lips and eyes. “What happened? Did something go wrong between you and Jack?” Patty knelt next to Andrea, concern etched across her face.

A tear began to form at the edge of her eye as Andrea looked at Patty, “No, it’s not that, it’s….it’s…” she paused, collecting her thoughts and struggling to bring her emotions under control, so much for a stiff upper lip she thought. “This time last year, my father died. There was a drunk driver and they say daddy could never have known much about it but… but… I’ve been strong for Mom but I just can’t…” Tears began to flow down her cheeks as the emotions pent up for so very long finally broke through the wall she had built to stay strong for her mother.

Patty and Tere were there in an instant, embracing Andrea in a group hug as the emotions each of them had held back finally broke through. Tears streaming down cheeks as they began the process of grieving for their loss and above all to heal the wounds of love. Each loved their father even when there had been the occasional difference of opinion as there always will be between parents and their children.

The School felt their pain, it had to send help, students were hurting even though this was the pain of the healing process beginning…

Principal Harris and Counsellor Werner were at that time walking to another meeting when they heard a sound that was very rarely heard at Hill Street High. Ms Werner placed a gentle hand on Mr Harris’ arm as he turned toward the changing room door and raised a finger to her lips.

“Wait, if this is what I think it is we must wait. Andrea, Patty and Tere all have a loss in common and they’ve bottled it up for a long time. Not all tears are wrong and these tears are healing, letting emotions suppressed finally out. I’m going to clear my diary for the day, I think I will have some work to do.”

Principal Harris considered the advice, his instinct was to help but Ms Werner was probably right. Walking slowly and silently into the room he placed a number of slips of paper by the girls who were all but oblivious to his presence. Three Hall Passes with instructions to report to Ms Werner before going back to lessons.

The tears lessened but the girls were still locked in a group hug passing strength, understanding and emotion between them. Tere noticed the passes first but said nothing, pausing to wipe her reddened eyes she looked at her sister and Andrea. She loved her sister and Andrea was a really nice person, a little withdrawn when she came and was that really her hair colour? Something about the past drifted across her mind but like morning mist was gone before she could really think about it. It wasn’t important, the world was the way it should be and she could feel the pain of losing her father lessen a little. She knew it would never truly go away but now they could heal and move on.

The School observed its most recent changees, Andrew would not have survived his emotional turmoil. He had become an emotional cripple, unable to deal with his loss and isolated from everybody about him. Andrea was learning to get in touch with her emotions and the growing love between her and Jack promised great things in the future for both of them. It would take time and all three would have a number of sessions with Ms Werner but they would all return to school happy again.

“Hey girls, Principal Harris left us passes to see Ms Werner. We’d best repair the damage before we get seen on the corridors” Tere advised the others.

“OMG I look awful!” Andrea sniffled, looking at the dark trails her mascara had left on her cheeks. But within she felt, better… freer than before as though a great weight had been lifted from her spirit.

“Not to worry, I’ll get Patty fixed up then we can get you looking lovely again.” Tere smiled. She realised that they had a common bond in their loss but a stronger one in their caring for each other.

Almost half an hour later the three young ladies with faces and hair repaired made their way to Ms Werner’s office. Initially they all sat together while Ms Werner explained the counselling process they would be going through. It was a good thing, she told them, to let the bottled up grief out and begin the process of coming to terms with their loss. She arranged for each to have two short sessions twice a week for the next month and had already discussed this with both their mothers. She did remind them that it is OK to cry and that this is a natural part of the healing process.

Jack was waiting in the corridor outside Andrea’s changing room, concern and worry etched across his face. Wanting to take her into his arms and hold her, protect her from whatever was hurting the woman he realised he loved deeply. There, he admitted to himself, I love her, I want to stay with her for the rest of my life if she will have me.

Andrea appeared, walking along the corridor from her meeting with Ms Werner, tears still welling in her eyes but feeling much better. Jack made to move toward her but hesitated not wanting to be the cause of her tears.

“Jack!” she called, breaking into a run and holding her arms wide.

Released from his hesitation, Jack took Andrea into his arms, hugging her close as Andrea’s tears dried on his shirt.

“Is everything OK Andrea?” He looked down, concern etched upon his face.

“It is now Jack, Ms Werner explained that not all tears are wrong. It’s just that my father was killed exactly a year ago and I’m only really starting to come to terms with that. Oh no! Did you think it was something from our second date?”

“Well yes I did. Hey you said second date? Does that mean there will be more?” he gave a hopeful look.

“Of course…. There is something I need to tell you though…”

The School looked at Andrea and Jack in their loving embrace, Teresa and Patty McMahon along with Andrea had started the road to healing. Andrea was blossoming into the beautiful, caring lady she was meant to be. Andrew, the emotionally crippled boy could never have come to terms with the loss and had secretly thought about ending his life. Across the School, students and staff felt a wonderful, warm glow wash over them. Something wonderful had happened…

Looking deeply into Jack’s eyes, Andrea whispered…

“I love you.”

Changing For Gym – The English Student

An Interlude and a new face

Just a brief coda to a story I wrote a while back. I am unsure about continuing this tale as I have an impatient Dragon and rider to deal with and they are both getting rather short tempered!

Coming Solanth...

Summer was approaching and the weather was becoming much warmer than she remembered her previous life back in England. Strange, she thought¸ I remember the weather but it is almost as if somebody else was there too. A boy? She gave a shy smile to herself as she remembered Jack “No Hassle” Castle holding her in his arms last night and the warmth of their shared embrace at the Easter Dance. Their love had blossomed like the flowers in their gardens and she knew Jack would always love and care for her as much as she did for him.
Life in the School had settled down, well in so much as life in any High School might be considered “settled”. But there was something about Hill Street High that felt so different to life in her previous schools. One high spot was that somehow, just after Easter, the School Board announced that funds were available for a small indoor climbing wall to be built within the gym. Andrea had barely concealed her joy at the announcement as rock climbing was something she missed since leaving England. The local area was well served with amenities but nowhere reasonable for climbing, certainly nowhere that she considered safe. My cup runneth over, she smiled as she dug into her old outdoor bag and found her climbing harness, helmet and rock boots. Odd though, she thought, I thought they were a little more worn. Still, I don’t have to update anything and it is all a nice fit.

***

A reward, the School thought, Andrea has accepted her change and her giving nature and love for Jack may be helpful in the future. Remembering the relationship between Danny and Bree and how constructive it had proved, the School considered its relationships with staff and students. Better to move slowly and gently and really consider if change like Andrea’s is actually necessary. But LOVE was such an ephemeral thing but clearly important for its students. Best wait and let things develop in their own time and manner.

***

“Hey cutie, what’s on your mind?” Jack looked into the eyes of the girl he had come to love. He knew that certain things would have to wait for their proper time and the anticipation would add to the pleasure. Besides, his feelings for Andrea were too strong, he would never, could never, hurt her any more than he could remove an arm.
“Me?” Andrea smiled, curling a lock of hair about her finger and giving him a coy glance. Inside, she knew that once she was rather a tomboy but was becoming much more the “girly girl” as her growing circle of friends had taken to joking with her. Indeed, her dress sense was growing daily and she even enjoyed Connie taking her to raid the stores in the Mall. A feminine experience that she had willingly thrown herself into and was, surprisingly, turning out to be a great deal of fun. “Just remembering last night in the Mall with Connie, but you know for a girl, what happens in the Mall, stays in the Mall” she smiled innocently at him.
“Whoa Andrea, TMI!” Jack sniggered back. “Some things need to remain a mystery to us guys you know.” While privately thinking that Andrea might let him catch a glimpse if he stayed a good boy…

***

Dreams… sometimes Andrea thought she was a boy but that was silly wasn’t it? She occasionally woke in a cold sweat as though something was wrong but her heart told her that couldn’t be right, could it? If she were really a boy, why did Jack give her so many wonderful feelings? It felt so very right but something in her past felt odd rather than wrong. Why so often the dream of being a boy?
The School felt her thoughts, even when Andrea was away. It was as though she had developed a connection with the School but was not fully understanding herself yet. It was as though she had begun to touch the mind of the School but was not fully understanding herself yet. Andrea was adapting well but had the School overreached itself? What about her past? Records showed that there was no family but it had learned that on occasion, the records were flawed to say the least. Best to let things continue but be wary of any surprises.

***

A few weeks later and Andrea was surprised to see an unhappy boy sitting forlornly in the changing room.
“Hi there, whats’s up? You look like you’ve found thruppence and lost a shilling.”
“Wha… what?” the boy looked at her. Sadness and embarrassment mixed in his eyes.
“Sorry, figure of speech back home. My Dad used to use it…”
“It’s just that, well this is as girl’s room and I’m not a girl.” He looked down at his feet.
“It’s the overflow room, that’s all. I bet you’ll be first in line for a new locker when one becomes free. Frankly I like having a room almost all to myself and be honest, how many boys can claim to be allowed into a “girls” changing room with the Principal’s permission!” Andrea gave him a friendly smile. “Oh, introductions, I’m Andrea, you’ll probably meet Patty and Theresa soon. That lunk outside is my boyfriend Jack. You’ll like him, he’s really friendly and a great guy.”
“I’m F... Francis” the unhappy boy looked back down to the floor.
“Great to meet you Francis,” Andrea beamed at him. “This place is really great once you settle in. I bet you’re going to have a great time here.”
“Don’t know, I’m probably going to be the butt of everybody’s jokes now I’m in here.” Francis mumbled.
“Nope, I can guarantee that. I hope we can be friends too? Hopefully I’m just the first of many here. It’s odd but in all the time I’ve been here I’ve seen a few practical jokes but there’s never been bullying or anything like that.”
“Yes…but…”
“Nothing bad will happen! What do you think, that there is a girlitizer ray concealed in the room turning every boy who comes in into a girl?” Andrea giggled at the thought. “Really, look at your schedule, I bet it is just totally normal, yes?”
Francis looked at the sheet gloomily, frowned a little more, then the hint of a smile appeared as he looked back at Andrea.
“Well I have got dance and Home Ec but I do love dancing and I really want to work in catering after College. Not flipping burgers, not that there’s anything wrong with starting that way but I want to be a Chef.”
“See, what did I tell you! And it sounds like a great career plan.”
At that, Francis appeared to relax a little, “Yes, I suppose I’d best get the day started.”
“Sure thing, see you later. Tata!” Andrea smiled as she picked up her books and left for the waiting arms of her boyfriend.
“It could be that I’m going to like it here” Francis thought as he put his books away.
Andrea’s laughter rang like a bell as she thought to herself, “A Girlitzer ray! Changing boys into girls! Outrageous, it is just a changing Room and it sure changed me from total tomboy to a girly-girl with a fantastic boyfriend and our whole lives in front of us”
“Hi Hun, what’s with the giggle fest?” Jack looked a little worried. Last time Andrea had giggleitis she and her friends had been planning a series of practical jokes including an awesome “April Fool” spoof.
“Oh just a train of thought that snapped in a funny place. Now where’s my hug?”

***

The School watched as the two lovers made their way to class. It would take no action over Francis. Once it had been driven by a need to maintain balance but in its lessons over the years it had gained the understanding that change was only truly necessary when the person needed to change.