Chapter 1

I want to tell, NO! I need to tell the story of the most incredible events of my life, or maybe anyone's life.

I need to get the story written down before it fades completely. Already some parts of my life feel almost like a dream, or maybe like watching someone else's life on a screen. It's a most unusual feeling. As soon as I began to suspect my past was fading I started testing myself daily, writing down small facts, minor details of my life in the evening, by morning some of them seemed distant, almost gone while other memories are still sharp, but will they be by tomorrow?

Let me introduce myself, I was known as Graham Pearce. The manager of a small branch of a well known bank until I retired eight years ago. I was a widower, my wife of forty years died three days after her fifty ninth birthday, that was twelve years ago now.

I met Maddie when I was a junior clerk in the bank her father managed. We had fallen in love almost immediately, we spent every moment we could together trying to find secluded places we could sit and kiss. Nothing more than kiss you understand, Maddie was a very correct young lady and I was quite an innocent lad.

We were going steady for about a year before I got up the courage to ask her father for her hand in marriage, that's how it was put in those days. Our engagement lasted for about a year during which time I was promoted to chief clerk in a nearby branch.

The wedding was quite a splendid affair, every body in business in Wadebridge, where I now worked and we were to live, knew us and attended the service plus there were dozens of people from our home town present.

The wedding night was a disaster, I knew nothing about how to please a woman and Maddie was taught by her mother to "Lie back and do your duty by your husband". Not a good start to married life, the act was somewhat brutal and to my shame she cried herself to sleep on my chest afterward. That's one memory I would be glad to let fade but it remains as sharp as if it were yesterday.

Our sex life never improved after that. Maddie had been put off that first night, I am sure she didn't even know that she was supposed to be able to enjoy the experience and I didn't know enough to help her to learn to enjoy the act. Back then there was no one you could go to for help and advice, or at least not in the circles we moved in.

Our love life dwindled rapidly, at first she would submit to my desires once a week. But soon I grew bored of the act without a responsive partner. Before our first year of married life was out we coupled less than once a fortnight. Then once a month, by our fifth anniversary we had given up entirely. Obviously the lack of a sex life meant that there were no children and that was something we both missed.

Over the years this lack of intimacy took its toll on our relationship. We were no longer lovers but we were more than friends. So Maddie was my wife but mostly my best friend. I missed her so much when she died, I was alone then, no family, few friends. I wasn't one for socialising or playing golf with business associates. If I had been I would probably have had a more successful career, I was very good at my job but was stuck running a small out of the way branch of the bank because I hadn't made the right connections.

So I lost the best friend I had ever had. It would have been easier to bear if we had been a family, I would have had my children around me, maybe even some grandchildren to help ease my grief.

My loneliness and the restlessness that comes from no longer having a purpose in life had left me depressed. I was no longer a husband and provider, I was no longer a bank manager, I was just another pensioner. The worst thing was the nights, I would lie awake for hours with the listless apathy that comes from having done nothing worthwhile for that day. My doctor had prescribed me sleeping pills but I found they left me feeling groggy and unrefreshed in the mornings. He suggested a short walk of an evening to burn off some of my restless energy.

I took his advice and set out one evening to walk a mile before retiring. That night for the first time since Maddie's death I slept like a log. Gradually I found my walks lengthening, at night the world was mine, there were very few people about in the small town after the local pubs had shut. I could roam the lanes, fields and moorland around me for hours without meeting a soul. After six months or so I got into a good routine, out at ten in the evening and walk until two in the morning. Some days I covered more ground than others but I usually made it back home by two. A quick cocoa then off to bed. I would sleep soundly until about ten the next morning.

The improved sleep helped my state of mind a little but I was still depressed much of the time and if anything even lonelier. If you walk across a moor on your own in the middle of a winters night you will truly understand what I meant by being alone.

One Friday night around one o'clock I was in a particularly embittered mood for some reason. I remember seeing what looked like a shooting star.

"You should make a wish." I thought to myself. Then without really thinking about what I was doing I yelled out.

"I wish things could change," My scream disappeared into the frosty night air. "I wish" My scream became a chocked sob "I wasn't so lonely" I whispered into the night, my voice hoarse. It wasn't a focused specific wish but it seemed laden with all my grief, despair and loneliness. I remember I fell to my knees in exhaustion, I suddenly felt old and very tired.

After a few moments to pull myself together I turned and trudged off home feeling all of my seventy five years weighing heavily on my shoulders.

That angry, grief stricken cry echoed through my head all the way home. What was the use. I was old and lonely, my life would only change when I succumbed to the creeping years. At least then I would be reunited with my Maddie.

I went home to bed and for the first time in months I had a restless night and got little decent sleep.

Chapter 2. Graham wakes to find some surprising changes.

I woke up feeling surprisingly good, I stretched in the bed and didn't have any of my usual aches and pains that had plagued my waking moments for years. My head felt ticklish and my crotch as well. Idly reaching down to give myself a scratch to relieve the ticking my hands encountered a smooth area of soft silky hair where my penis usually rests.

I sat bolt upright in the bed in sudden panic. A swinging sensation on my chest suddenly registered as uncomfortable. Directly across from my bed I could see a dressing table mirror, looking back at me out of it was a young brunette with a startled expression on her face. I remember hearing her scream as a darkness overcame me.

I came too, I guess it was only a few minutes later, and I carefully avoided looking at the mirror. Turning to the side I heaved myself out of bed.

Sitting at the side of the bed I looked down at myself. Thick cotton pyjamas, not unusual, it was winter after-all. But I've never worn pyjamas with pink rabbits on them before, or with a pair of distinct mounds pushing out the fabric on my chest.

"Ok" I told myself "Think calmly ... how the hell can I think calmly about this! Jesus Christ I've got tits!"

My mind flicked back to last night on the moor, the shooting star, my wish. It couldn't be, could it? I mean that sort of thing just happens in a child's fairy tales. On top of that I am pretty sure I didn't wish to be a woman!

I felt sure if I stripped off and looked at myself in the mirror I would see my old self, I must have been imagining what I saw in the mirror. I closed my eyes tightly and quickly stripped off the pyjamas. Standing in front of the full length mirror on the wardrobe door I opened my eyes.

I am afraid I screamed again, this was beginning to make my throat raw, I needed a drink and I was hungry. I also desperately needed the loo.

I ran to the bathroom absently noting the way my full breasts bounced as I ran, I have to confess it felt good, odd but good. My body hadn't been able to move like that for many many years, if ever.

Standing in front of the toilet I sort of stared down at it for a moment. It was a second or two before it occurred to me I would have to sit for this. Quickly sitting I sighed with relief as a hot jet of urine spurted out of me. As I squeezed out the last drops I reached down to shake of the last few drips and found myself with nothing to shake. I took a moment to wipe off with a piece of tissue and padded back to the bedroom.

Okay, I was a little calmer now and I was no longer in danger of peeing myself. Time to sort out what I looked like. And work out what the hell I was going to do next.

I stood in front of the mirror and forced myself to look calmly at myself. Right, now I had to admit I was impressed.

Long brown hair cascading down over my bare shoulders. I had a nice pair of breasts, I later checked my bra size and found them to be 34C, they hung on my chest well with little trace of sag. Smallish nipples compared to my Maddie's but they looked good on my smaller breasts.

I had a narrow waist with slightly broader hips, between my legs there was a trimmed patch of brown hair but at the moment I didn't feel brave enough to explore any further there. A pair of legs that were maybe just a little thick at the thighs for my size ended at a pair of dainty feet.

Ok lets go back and look at our face, after all that's the bit I have to erm, face the world and look it straight in the eye with. Just as I was about to examine my face there was a knock at the door.

"Hold on a sec." I called. "Be right there."

Shit!

I quickly grabbed my pyjamas and pulled them back on.

Opening the door I found an embarrassed looking guy in a lousy hotel uniform.

"Um, I'm sorry to disturb you miss, but one of the guests reported hearing some one sounding like they were in distress in this room."

"Oh, ahh, sorry, I guess I sort of woke from a bad dream and it took me a while to realise where I was. I guess I'm not used to hotel rooms. Sorry about that."

The guy grinned at me, his gaze travelled slowly up and down my body making me feel uncomfortable.

"That's ok miss, just let us know if there's a problem." With one final leer he left.

Closing the door quickly I lent back on it and breathed deeply. Fancy looking at me like that, what did he think I was, gay or something?

That gave me a pause for thought. I mean, to me I was a guy and the thought of being stared at by another guy sort of upset me. But to the world I was a girl, so if I looked at a girl in the way I used to when I was a man I would be considered a lesbian. So which was being gay?

All I knew for certain was the thought of getting intimate with a man sort of turned my stomach. Don't get me wrong I've never had a problem with gays, I had several gay colleagues working with me at the bank over the years. And as the years went by they became more and more open about it. I honestly couldn't care less, it just wasn't for me that's all.

Now I had to face the thought that I was probably a lesbian.

This may sound stupid but I didn't even have a clue what lesbians did, I couldn't figure out how they made love. I know I sound naive and I was, my only partner knew even less about sex than I did. I wasn't a social person who joined in with ribald chats in the pub or anything like that. I was aware that there was a lot of porn magazines and films about but had never seen one, I wouldn't even have known how to go about getting hold of one even if Maddie or I had been interested.

Shrugging my shoulders I went back to the mirror, after all, that could wait for another day.

Keeping the pyjamas on so that I wouldn't get distracted I looked just at my face, I was quite pretty I guess. I had a nice clear complexion, large brown eyes a small thin nose and a mouth that seemed to be shaped into a permanent smile. I wouldn't win a beauty contest but I surely was pretty.

Turning from the mirror the next problem was who I was going to say I was, I could hardly go up to the post office to draw Graham Pearce's pension.

Searching around the small room I found a handbag under a small pile of clothes on a chair.

Taking it to the bed I tipped the contents on the bed. I couldn't believe how much junk there was in here. I quickly stuffed all the make-up back into the bag, and a couple of foil backed strips of tablets. I thought I knew what they were probably for and couldn't see me needing that sort of protection any time soon.

Small change went back into the bag and a pile of receipts went into the bin. I had three envelopes and a purse left. Looking through the purse I found a driver's license for Linda Pearce. The photo on the driving license was definitely my new face and my registered address was somewhere in Birmingham.

Well onto the letters, the first one was a new credit card in my name and the next from the same bank contained the pin number for the card. Useful. The last took a bit longer to read through. It was a letter from a solicitor inviting me to a meeting at their offices regarding the estate of one Graham Pearce.

I went cold for a second reading about my death, but it suddenly occurred to me that I was probably part of a very select group of people who had managed to live to read of their own death. Graham Pearce may be dead but somehow I was still here, younger fitter and decidedly female but mainly still here.

The letter referred to me as being related to Graham Pearce as I was supposed to be the daughter of his brother Mark Pearce. I had to laugh then, poor Mark was not likely to have sired a daughter, he left his balls along with his legs behind in France in 1944. He came home as a basket case and never recovered, Mark died two years before the new me would have been born.

When I first started reading the letter I had been gripped by a cold certainty that my being here had in some way robbed someone else of their life, that I had sort of taken over another person's body. Now I knew with a sense of relief that this person just didn't exist, somehow she did now and was obviously registered with some authorities as she had a driving licence, but I knew she hadn't existed before my "Death".

So I had to visit a solicitor on, let me see, the 14th April 2006. I had another cold shudder, when I went to bed last night it was mid November 1995 yet this letter was dated 3rd April 2006. I needed to know what today's date was.

I pulled out all the receipts I had just thrown in the bin. One of them was a pre-charge slip for the hotel room dated 13th April, that must have been last night as it was only a reservation for a single night.

Okay so that meant I had to go to the solicitors this morning at um, Eleven. Oh shit I had better get something on and get myself sorted.

Opening the wardrobe I found a backpack sitting there, whoever I was now I didn't unpack last night.

I pulled out the backpack and looked through it. A couple of changes of underwear a pair of jeans and a blouse was all that it held. God this woman travelled light, Maddie would have taken two suitcases for a one night stay in a Holiday Inn.

At the bottom of the backpack was a folded sheet of paper, it looked to be water stained. Opening it up I read another letter.

"Linda

Look hun, I know it hasn't been good for the last couple of months for either of us.

I know we both tried to work it out but it's just isn’t working out. I've met someone else and I want her to move in with me.

I will stay at Jacks until Saturday to give you time to move your stuff out.

I'm sorry it has to end this way. I did try to love you, but you deserve better.

Peter."

The letter was covered in damp patches that I guessed were tear drops. It felt weird that the person I was had cried over this letter but I didn't even know who it was from. The message was enough though, someone was trying to let me know that I had no ties to anyone or anywhere. I had a lovely new body but I was still totally alone.

I must admit I collapsed on the bed and cried tears of self pity, something I would never have done in my former life.

After a while I pulled myself together. I had an appointment to keep. I quickly pulled on one of the clean pairs of panties and struggled like hell to put a bra on. "How the hell do women do this" I found myself thinking as I struggled to do up the catches on the back. I finally got my breasts contained and it felt weird to have my chest squashed into this thing, but at least it stopped them jiggling about every time I moved.

I struggled even more trying to pull on the pair of jeans, god they were tight but I must admit they made my legs look good. Pulling on the blue blouse I found the only pair of shoes to be a small pair of trainers under the chair and quickly put them on.

I looked at myself in the mirror, not bad at all, this could be fun living in this body.

Now make-up, I knew Maddie always had to put her face on before she went out of the house. I pulled all of the make-up back out of the handbag and looked at it without any comprehension. I mean, I knew what all the things were for, vaguely, but didn't have a clue how to put them on.

I decided it would be better to leave it off than to risk putting on a clowns face. I could practice some other time and maybe buy a magazine or two that might give me some tips, Maddie always used to be reading those things.

I threw everything back into the two bags and headed out. I stopped just as I was about to close the door. Shit how was I going to pay for the room, I didn't even know my own signature.

The purse contained two cards one a bank card and one credit card plus there was a new credit card in an envelope. The signatures to my surprise looked to be in my old handwriting just in a different name.

I signed the new card and compared it to the old one, yes it was my handwriting alright so at least I can pay for anything I need for the moment.

Going down to the lobby of the hotel I paid my bill. I tried not to shudder visibly as the guy eyed me up again. I don't think I will ever get used to that. I was so relieved when the credit card went through without a hitch I almost fainted.

Chapter 3. Graham leaves the hotel as Linda to see his solicitor.

Making it out of the hotel I looked around me, I was still in my small town, I knew my old house was just a half a mile from here.

I walked down the high street and went into new coffee shop, it was a Costa I think. I hadn't been in a decent coffee shop for years since my doctor told me I had to give the stuff up.

Five minutes later I was sitting in a comfortable chair and sipping my first cup of real black coffee in years. It was heaven, things tasted and smelled better than they had for years. It wasn't until I went to put my cup down that I realised my hands were shaking.

It suddenly hit me I had walked down the street dressed as a woman and no one had taken any notice. It felt weird, part of me wanted to hide in a corner and not be noticed but another part of me was screaming "Look at me I'm beautiful!"

I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye and looked up. I felt my heart pound as I looked at the most gorgeous creature I have ever seen.

The woman that had entered the café was a little taller than me and very slender, I would guess just under six foot tall. She had the most amazing copper coloured hair I have ever seen, a sweet almost triangular face with a sharp chin but her face was dominated by large striking green eyes.

I flushed and looked down at the table. God I wish my heart would stop pounding.

I gulped down the rest of my coffee and quickly gathered my stuff. I really had to get out of there before I made a fool of myself. As I made my way to the exit I could see her sitting with some friends at a table near the door.

I tried hard to keep my eyes down on the floor, I couldn't cope with looking into those eyes. I was trying so hard not to look at her that I bumped into a guy walking into the café.

I went flying and landed on my rump with my handbag falling onto the floor.

The next thing I knew a cool hand was offered to me to help me up off of the floor. I took the hand sputtering my apologies to the man's back as he made his way to the counter.

I felt a touch on my shoulder, turning I was face to face with the breathtaking beauty I had seen earlier. I could feel my face burning as she looked at me.

"Here's your bag, are you ok." Her musical voice asked.

"Um yes, yes thank you."

"Good, you want to be a bit more careful you know." she laughed and I could almost feel my heart stop for a second.

"Thank you. I'm so sorry to bother you." I gasped, I must of looked such a fool but I couldn't keep my eyes from her face.

"Well I'm glad you're ok. Bye." she said cheerfully as she turned and rejoined her friends.

Face burning I stumbled out onto the street. Once I had moved away from the café I took a quick look at my watch, twenty to eleven, I had better get moving.

Walking to the solicitors I could see her face floating before my eyes, very distracting. I knew the way to the solicitor easily enough, after all they had been my solicitor for years and years.

I entered the offices and had to wait for about ten minutes to see the senior partner Eric Bain. To my shock as I was shown into his office he came around the desk and took my hand. Eric had dealt with my affairs for years and had never done this before.

"My condolences on your loss my dear lady." he said and kissed the back of my hand. I almost snatched my hand back, my stomach churned as I tried to respond.

"Thank you." I muttered trying to keep the ice from my voice.

"Please take a seat and we can get the formalities out of the way." Eric said moving back behind his desk.

"Before we proceed I will need to confirm your identity." He smiled at me, I think he was trying to be charming but he needn't have bothered he had all the charm of a wet frog as far as I could see.

"I have my driving license here." I said pulling it out of its compartment in my purse. Behind it I found a folded birth certificate, I handed both over the desk.

Eric spent a few moments examining both items and referring to a folder on his desk.

"That seems to be in order. Now as to your inheritance. Unfortunately we have had to deduct taxes from the cash balance as the value of the house and investments took the estate well over the threshold for inheritance tax."

"Um you receive the title to the house, um several investment funds which were valued for tax purposes at just under a million pounds. Um and there is quite a bit of cash as well, um the current balance is around three hundred thousand."

I was startled, I never kept that much cash in the bank. After all I spent a lifetime working with money, I knew where to put it to work for me.

"As much cash as that?" I asked

"Well you have to understand there have been dividend payouts and the monthly income payments for the last few years since your Uncle died and very few withdrawals except for the usual rates and things. The trust managers have been sweeping most of the cash balance back into the trust fund once a year to re-invest it, in the meantime it does grow slowly."

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realise, I never had much contact with my Uncle. When did he pass away."

"Um. Mr Pearce passed away on, let me just check, yes 16th November 1995."

I went cold again, that was the night of my last walk. I know I now had a nice young heart but I was really thinking that all these shocks were putting it through a bit of a workout today.

"Can, can you tell me what happened?" I asked in a quavering voice.

"Mmm, I gather Mr Pearce had been in the habit of taking long walks on the moor at night to help him sleep. Apparently he was found on the moor in the morning. The coroner decided he had suffered a heart attack. It would have been very quick, he probably wouldn't have felt a thing."

That was certainly true, I hadn't felt anything. I had thought I had trudged back home that night and went to bed. There was something that occurred to me.

"Could you tell me why I was only informed on the 14th of April this year when my Uncle died what, nearly eleven years ago!" I didn't have to act to appear confused on this point at least.

Eric looked surprised for a moment then referred to the file on his desk.

"Uh, now let me see, You were in the care of the local authority as an orphan at the time of Mr Pearce's death. Ah, your social worker, ah, a Mrs Pritchard was informed on the 21st of May 1996, it took some time for us to locate you."

"Why you were not informed at the time I can't say, as to why we ourselves have not been in touch until now, it comes down to the terms of your Uncle's will." that was a surprise to me as I didn't even leave a will, there was no one to leave it too.

"Your Uncle gave instructions for the creation of a trust fund to manage the estate until you reached the age of twenty five, which I believe was some three weeks ago. So I have to start the process of wrapping up the trust fund and handing the estate over to you."

We talked for maybe half an hour more as the details of the trust and the estate were discussed. Eric also told me he had some people into the house about a week after my "Uncle" had died to clean out the kitchen and put the house into storage so to speak as they knew I wouldn't be able to make a decision as to its disposition for some years.

He also said that when it had been arranged for me to come up to see him he had the house opened up, services reconnected that sort of thing so that I would be able to move straight or put it on the market depending on how I would like to proceed.

I felt it was very thoughtful, until I got home and had chance to read through the details of his charges for maintenance over the last eleven years. But then, I had a young body and a whole new life ahead of me and most of my finances were still intact, I felt it would have been churlish of me to complain about it.

I left the solicitors with a thick folder containing all the documents I would need to transfer my "Uncle's" funds into my name and a set of house keys.

Chapter 4. Graham, now Linda has another meeting with the girl from the coffee shop and her friends.

Finding my way home was easy, I had lived there for more than fifty years after all. But when I got there I was a bit surprised by the state of the place.

I guess I must have been looking at the house with younger eyes somehow. God I had no taste, and boy did it need a lot decorating after standing empty for so long.

The rest of that day was spent busily sorting my finances and dumping all of my old clothes into a pile for giving to a charity shop, I wasn't worried which one as long as someone would come and collect it. By early evening I was beginning to feel peckish and as there was no food in the house I decided I would go into town to eat.

I caught a bus into the town centre. The bus was jammed full, standing room only. Some guy, well I think it was a guy, touched my rear and for a moment the hand tried to slip between my legs. My skin crawled at the thought of being groped by some faceless man and I tried to move through the crowned bus away from the questing hand but in such a confined space I had nowhere to go. Eventually the bus arrived at the centre of town and I got off with relief. Tomorrow I would have to look into getting a car.

I had been told by my doctor to keep off of fried foods for some years, but now I had this lovely healthy body and I wanted to sit down to a decent plate of fish and chips. I know that if I want to keep this body looking as fit and healthy as it was now I would have to be careful about what I ate, but just for now I wanted to indulge myself. There used to be a lovely fish and chip shop in the town that Maddie and I used to visit occasionally, that was where I was headed. When I got near my heart dropped, my fish and chip shop had been replaced by an estate agents. The only other place I had seen that was open was a McDonald or one of the pubs.

I have never been into one of these McDonald places so I decided to give it a try. The brightly lit interior was plastered in posters for different burgers, I found it all quite confusing.

I looked at all the pictures and decided to have a Big Mac whatever that was. Eventually I got to the front of the queue and was served. Asking for a Big Mac the girl confused me further by asking if I wanted it as a meal.

What a stupid question, I didn't want to wear it as a hat did I? I must have looked confused and the girl tried to explain the way the food was priced. I was trying to understand what she was telling me when I heard whispered in my ear.

"Did you want some potato fries and a fizzy drink with your burger?"

I turned to see my copper haired beauty from this morning standing at my shoulder.

"Uh, no, no I just wanted one of those Big Mac things."

"Just a burger please not a meal." she told the girl.

I paid for my food and waited for her to put it on a tray, why I needed a tray for just the little box she gave me I don't know.

"Do you want to join us?" She asked me and pointed to a table where another girl was sitting beside of a guy.

I was thrilled at the prospect of spending some time with this beautiful person, but what would I say, what would her friends think. I got into such a panic about being confronted with several young people, I didn't know what young people liked, didn't know what they talked about. I couldn't see them enjoying me talking about exchange rates and interest and even that would be a decade out of date.

"Um, no, I wouldn't want to intrude into your..." I gasped.

"Don't be silly," she said flashing me that incredible smile. "we were only killing time before going to the Movieshack."

"Movieshack?" I must have looked like an idiot, it had been so long since I had been to the picture house with Maddie that they had changed the name, it had been "The Capitol" in my day.

"You must be new around here if you don't know the Movieshack." This vision said to me as she steered me over to her friends.

"Um, yes, sort of, my Uncle died some years ago and I received a letter asking me to come down here to sort some stuff out." I answered blushing as I sat down.

The other people had been appraising me as I was steered to the table. I was shaking with nerves, so close to the object of my desire, unable to even think of what I would say to her.

"Well let me introduce you, this is my friend Carrie, this is my guy Mark and I'm afraid my name is Wishes." Her beautifully pale face flushed as she said the last name.

I paused just a second before answering her.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you all. I'm Linda, Linda Pearce. I'm sort of new to Wadebridge."

I had been dying to comment on her name but figured she probably got that every day of her life and could do without it. I did get a raised eyebrow and a small smile from her for my trouble. How the hell could a parent saddle a child with a name like that. Could someone really not think of the problems that it would cause the child in the school yard.

I then had to shake hands all around.

"So how come you don't know how to order a Mac?" Mark asked me grinning. "I didn't think it was legally allowed for anyone to grow up without visiting one of these dumps."

"I've always been a bit of a health food freak." I lied. "So I never been in one of these places before."

"But I was busy all day cleaning out my Uncles old stuff and forgot to go shopping. I was starving."

I took a bite out of my burger before continuing.

"But I have to say, it does taste, um taste, taste bad actually."

That sort of broke the ice, everybody laughed and we chatted amiably for half an hour before Mark said they had to make a move. As we were picking up coats and dumping trays Carrie caught hold of my arm and whispered to me.

"Don't bother dear, she's straight as a die. I know I've tried several times. But any time you want some fun here's my number." I felt something being pushed into my hand.

"Sorry, I don't understand." I whispered back.

"Wishes, she's not into girls. I could see you staring and so could Mark."

"Oh god." I groaned.

With a last wave they were gone and I dejectedly walked home alone.

Later that night I was lying in my bed, restless and lonely. I had swapped old and lonely for young and lonely. It did occur to me that I could ring Carrie and take her up on her offer. I tried to remember what she looked like, but the only image that came to mind was of the glorious copper haired Wishes. I felt a soft tingling sensation down below and crept my hand under the elastic waistband of my pyjamas. As my fingers slid through my soft brown curls they encountered a damp slit. It was unlike Maddie's as it seemed to flare out slightly and was more open, Maddie's slit had folded inwards tightly.

I ran my fingers down this slit and was hit by a sudden painfully wonderful sensation as I grazed over a point just below the top of my slit. I didn't know what it was but it felt incredible. I ran my fingers over it again and again, now that I was expecting it there was just an incredible feeling that seemed to spread outwards to every part of my body. I felt the dampness lower down and ran my finger down into the sticky warm juice that seemed to be pouring out of me before returning to that fantastic spot.

I kept stroking myself faster and faster thinking of Wishes all the time. The sensations were getting more and more intense as I kept going faster.

Suddenly I was finding it hard to catch my breath. I was gasping out Wishes name as my whole being was flooded with the most intense pleasure radiating out from that tiny spot and coursing through me. I was vaguely aware that my hand had got soaked by something. I knew I hadn't peed myself and I couldn't understand how it got so wet. After all I didn't have my male organ to dispense its thick seed, and anyway this was thinner, and I could smell it's intoxicating musk.

Eventually my breathing returned to normal and I stopped stroking myself. I was overcome with curiosity as to what had come out of my body and raised my hand to my face. I couldn't see anything in the darkness but I could smell the rich scent of my sex near my nose. It was a sweet musky smell that somehow excited my senses all over again. I couldn't resist it and had to touch my fingers to my tongue. God I tasted good, I hungrily cleaned off my hand and reached down for more. As I licked off my hand again I was struck by a smaller series of tremors. Nothing as intense as last time but still feeling lovely.

I think I must have been asleep within five minutes.

Chapter 5. Linda is woken by a surprise visitor.

I woke up to a banging on my door. Stumbling downstairs as I pulled a dressing gown over my pyjamas I opened the door a crack and saw Wishes standing there looking stunning in a long white skirt and green blouse.

She grinned at me and held up a bag.

"I got some breakfast, you hungry?" she asked.

As the smell of bacon reached my nose my stomach growled loudly.

"I guess that answers that." She laughed as I opened the door for her.

"Um, thank you, come in, uh how did you know where?"

"Where you lived?" she laughed again, I loved that laugh, a silvery sound with a throaty undertone that just rang with pure joy.

"I asked Miss Price at the shop. She knows everything and everyone. So I asked her if she knew of a guy called Pearce who had died A few years back and she told me who and where."

Again that laugh, I could have stood there all day listening to it as we stood in my hall.

"Shall we." she indicated the open door to the kitchen with the bag. "Before they get cold."

Apologising I led her quickly into the kitchen and got her seated at the old table. She dug out of the bag a couple of takeaway cups of coffee and some wrapped bacon sandwiches.

"Why, uh sorry, thank you for taking the trouble, how did you know I hadn't got any food in yet?"

I felt I was beginning to make her think I was the new village idiot. I had almost never said "um" or "uh" before and since I had met her I don't think I had managed a sentence without one or the other.

"You told us last night remember. You said you had to come out to get some food because you only got here last night and hadn't had chance to shop yet."

"Oh yes. I remember. Thank you it's very thoughtful of you."

We must have chatted for about an hour. I learned that she was about to start working on her doctorate in genetic research at the local university after the summer break. I heard all about her mother and her twin brother Agrian. She grinned at me as she told me her brothers name.

"You're just about the only person I've told my name who hasn't made some smart comment or think that I was joking." She said laughing softly. "Thank you."

"I think that probably had more to do with not being able to think of anything clever or witty to say." I said chuckling.

"I know, I noticed. Um, did Carrie say anything to you?" Wishes looked a little bit embarrassed.

"That you're not interested in girls. Yeah she warned me off." I blushed and looked down at the table.

"Sorry about that, she comes on a bit strong with it. She's convinced she can turn any woman gay if she gets the chance and is frustrated that I've never been with her." Wishes laughed and I wished I could be as free about things like that as her, well now my, generation was.

"So, if you don't mind hanging about with the straight girl I could help you with your shopping." again that laugh that I was falling in love with.

"Thanks I'd love that, let me go and get dressed a minute." I said still flushed and rushed upstairs.

I quickly washed and brushed my teeth then brushed my hair before putting on some clean knickers and getting dressed in yesterdays clothes. While I was dressing I heard a knock at the door and called down to ask Wishes to see who it was.

By the time I came downstairs three men were just leaving one of them shoved a clipboard in my face.

"Sign here please miss." he said. I saw that I was signing for three boxes and gave him back the clipboard.

"This your stuff from your old house?" Wishes said looking at the three large packing cases in the front room.

"Um, should be." I said cautiously not really sure what was in them.

The guys had levered off the lids from the chests before they left so it was easy to open the cases.

Most of them seemed to be clothes and Wishes offered to help me unpack before we went shopping. It took about two hours to unpack the three boxes. At the bottom of the last box Wishes found an envelope of photo's and started leafing through them.

"Hey who's this guy with you?" she asked and held up a photo of me kissing a man.

"Uh, that's Peter." I said not too sure how I knew that he was from my fake past but certain that it was him.

"Well that sure don't look like a brotherly kiss." Wishes was looking at the photo and seemed a bit confused.

"So who's Peter?" she asked.

"Yeah, sort of my ex." I went red again.

"Oh shit I'm sorry, you know I was certain you were gay from the way you were looking at me, I'm so sorry you should have said something, you know put me in my place sort of thing just now when I was spouting off." she looked so embarrassed, I guess she felt like she had insulted me. "I'm talking too much now aren't I?" she finished.

"That's ok, I know why you got that impression." I sighed deeply and sat on the bed. "I don't know what I am, I am pretty certain I couldn't go with a guy and can't help looking at women. I just don't know I am so confused." as I said the last I burst into tears and Wishes sat beside of me and held me to try and comfort me. I found myself crying into her neck as she rocked me and murmured comforting words. The confusion and anxiety of the last two days came streaming out in my tears and I just couldn't stop. All the time I was so aware of the scent of her soft skin and the tender way she held me as I cried, that just added to my confusion and stress.

When I had calmed down a little she grabbed a tissue from a box on the dresser and dabbed at my wet face.

"So what happened with Peter." she asked softly.

I couldn't bring myself to speak and couldn't think of anything to say anyway so I just dug out the letter from my bag and handed it over to her. She read it quickly and hugged me again.

"You poor dear, did you get that just before you came here."

I had worked out a rough answer for that as she read the letter so I was able to answer her.

"Just before yeah. I was going to come down here and sort everything out then go home. When Peter dropped that one on me I had nowhere to go so I decided to come down here to live, make a new start."

"So what are you going to do now that you're here?" she probed.

"I don't know, I don't have to find a job straight away so I may take a few months to find my feet first." I tried a shaky grin. "If I get too lonely I can always give Carrie a ring, she passed me her number last night."

Wishes looked seriously at me.

"Linda, I wouldn't recommend that. I've known Carrie for years and I love her like a sister, but she's can be a bit of a slut. She is off with a girl one night and then be getting off with some guy the next. You seem to be in a bit of a sensitive state to be messed around by her."

"Well I'll think about it for a bit before I decide whether to give her a ring."

"Do that, do you want to go and freshen up before we hit the shops."

"Okay" I said and slipped into the bathroom.

Chapter 6. Linda spends the day shopping with Wishes and the evening.........

Ten minutes later we were walking to the supermarket chatting away like old friends.

It took a long time to get everything, the kitchen had been totally cleaned out so I was starting from scratch, we ended up filling two trolleys with food.

I called for a taxi back home and we took all our shopping back to my place. We put away this monstrous load of shopping still chatting away like we had known each other all our lives. I made us some sandwiches for lunch and we sat down at the kitchen table to eat.

As we were eating I mentioned that the place needed decorating throughout and Wishes insisted on showing me the Diy store in town so that we could pick out the colours. I had been in this shop many times over the years but had to pretend it was all new to me.

We looked at paints and papers all afternoon. Diy shopping had never been such an adventure before, Wishes enthusiasm was infectious and we made up a huge list to take over to the tills. The shop had a home delivery service and they promised delivery the next day.

Around five o'clock Wishes had to go, she said she was due to meet Mark at seven and had to change.

"Thanks for all your help today. I would never have got as much done without you." I said bashfully as I walked with her to the door.

"You're welcome, I've had fun. I don't think I'm busy tomorrow, would you like some help with the decorating." Wishes asked me as she stood in the doorway.

"I'd love it if you could. But don't worry if you can't make it, I wouldn't want to put you out."

"Well I haven't got anything on, Mark will be at work so unless mum wants me for anything I'll be here. Okay."

"Okay thanks Wishes." I said happy with the thought that I would see her again.

"I like the way you say that." she said with an impish grin.

"Say what?" I was confused and felt my face redden.

"My name, nobody can ever say it and keep a straight face. Most people just call me Chez."

"Chez?" I was getting more confused now.

"Yeah as in Wi-Chez. I got into a lot of fights at school before I learnt to just go with the flow." a grimace flashed over her face as she remembered past taunting.

"Well I promise I will always call you Wishes, no abbreviations. Thanks for everything."

"You're welcome, your turn tomorrow for the bacon sandwiches okay. Bye."

"Okay. Bye, thanks."

I closed the door with a sigh, I had never believed in love at first sight before but I had been besotted by Wishes since I first saw her and as I had begun to get to know her I loved her more and more. Oh god what was I going to do, I had fallen in love with a girl who would never have any interest in me!

I wandered back into the kitchen and fixed myself some food only half aware of what I was doing. My mind was replaying every instant of the day, every laugh, every gesture but mostly the way she held me when I broke down in tears.

After I had tidied up the kitchen I went upstairs for a bath. While the water was running I opened a small bag of toiletries that Wishes had found in one of the chests this morning. There were several bottles of bath crystals, smelling each one I picked a camomile scented one, the label said it would be relaxing so I poured some into the running water before stripping off my clothes. Checking the water wasn't too hot I turned off the taps and climbed in. I released a deep sigh as the hot scented water closed over my body.

I just lay there soaking in the calming bath for a time before I began to wash myself. I went slowly exploring every inch of my skin that I could reach with a large soft sponge. It was a whole new sensory experience for me, my skin was soft and smooth and oh, it was so sensitive. As I slowly caressed one arm with the soapy sponge I couldn't help but giggle, I had never had a good reason to use the word languorous before but it seemed to be the only way to describe the softly erotic way I was teasing my body into arousal.

I did wonder at some point if Maddie's skin used to be like this, if it did no wonder my rough attempts at caressing her had failed. That of course led to thoughts of Wishes' body, was she this sensitive, could a simple wash become an erotic experience for her. Somehow I just knew it would be.

Eventually I climbed out of the bath and wrapped myself in a pink fluffy bath robe that I had hung behind the door earlier. My body was singing to me, nerve endings everywhere had been excited by this simple but sensual event.

I didn't want to rush and spoil my mood so I went over to the mirror to dry my hair and brush it through. Eventually I returned to the bedroom and dropped my robe on the floor before climbing into the bed naked.

As I lay in bed my hands were running up and down my sides, teasing caresses that swiftly moved on to fresh skin. I thought about my masturbation last night without a trace of the guilt that used to accompany my male masturbation. The only part that I was dissatisfied with was that I hadn't been brave enough to watch myself loving this incredible new body I found myself in.

Jumping out of bed I pulled off all the covers and struggled to move the dressing table to the foot of the bed so that I could watch myself in its mirror.

Climbing back onto the bed I propped some pillows against the headboard and lay back opening my legs as wide as I could. I gazed at my sex, yes I realised it was my sex, I don't know how or why but I was female and happier than I could ever remember being, even with the sweet torture of missing Wishes and needing her so much.

My sex was pretty I have to say, short soft brown hairs adorned the skin above my crease, the rest of it was bare and opening to my stare. I had already noticed that my bits were not like Maddie's but I didn't realise how different it was. Maddie's tight folds of skin had hidden her sex almost completely like a tight bud waiting to be opened, whereas my sex was like the flower in full blossom. The petals had opened to reveal the moist pink heart of the flower, I couldn't see very well as the mirror was so far away but I imagined that the flower was loaded with the sweet nectar I had sampled last night.

I pulled my eyes away from the mirror eventually to look down at my breasts, my hands came up and softly massaged the base of my breasts gradually working their way up to my nipples. A soft moan escaped me as I saw my nipples crinkle and harden into two small rocks that just ached to be touched. At last my hands reached them and I gasped as my fingers lightly travelled over the delicate tips.

When I had been a man masturbation had been a quick affair, intense and satisfying yes but limited in effect, just my penis, well and a few other bits of plumbing attached to it I suppose, were affected. Apart from having to clean up the mess it was over in less than a minute usually.

But oh god this was so much better, my whole body was taking part. There was no frenzied rush, just a slow leisurely build up, sensations too exquisite to rush were slowly building as I rolled and pinched my nipples. I spent what felt like a lifetime experimenting with my nipples, learning what felt good. The most important thing I learnt was that it all felt good most of the time. The sensations grew, seeming to multiply faster and faster, I found myself pulling and twisting on my nipples harder. Fire seemed to be running through my veins as a kaleidoscope of scintillating pleasures coursed though my heaving body.

As I recovered my breath my hands drifted down to my flat belly running across the taught skin barely touching yet exciting the flesh even more because of its almost ghostly touch. Where in the past an orgasm had been satisfying and left me happy now I wanted more, needed more, I was hungry from years of self neglect and my body wanted to feast upon itself.

My hand stole carefully through my downy patch of hair to find my wet crease, still I was in no hurry for this to end, I needed the release, but I needed to learn how to please myself as well.

Again I explored myself, running a finger lightly up the outside of my open petals then again on the inside. Small moans and gasps escaped me as my teasing fingers found sweet spots to dally for a moment. One finger dipped briefly inside of me, it felt odd to have something in me in that way, odd but very very good. That finger repeated it's exploration several times going deeper and deeper with each plunge. Soon another joined it and thrust deep into my core before withdrawing only to be thrust inside of me again. The other hand drifted up to the top of my flower where I knew the sweet spot I had found yesterday was located.

One hand was pumping two fingers into my wet centre while the other was dancing a merry jig higher up. My moans became a keening wail rising in pitch as the incredible sensations roared though my being. Everything was black for a moment, I didn't loose consciousness or any thing like that it was just like my senses had overloaded for a moment as my body went rigid, the muscles seemingly locked in place for a brief eternity. I know that's a contradiction, but it was all to brief and yet took me on a journey that seemed to last for eternity.

I found my hands were still moving but slowly, each movement brought a shudder or a gasp from me as little tremors rocked my body. As I took my hands away I was driven by my hunger to taste myself once again and I devoured the juice from my fingers like a starving woman.

As I drifted off to sleep it occurred to me that that's how I thought of myself already. I was a woman, a beautiful woman. I am sure I slept with a smile on my face that night.

Chapter 7. Linda gets an embarrassing wake up call.

I was lying on my bed as Wishes knelt over my naked body, she was still dressed and oh she looked so incredibly beautiful as she looked down at me.

Her hand was at work in my sex, thrusting hard, driving me to the edge of my orgasm. She smiled down at me as she spoke.

"Linda, are you. Oh sorry."

I was jerked from my dream to see Wishes standing in my bedroom doorway. It was my own hand that was thrusting deep into my sex. I tried to stop but I was too close, even as I withdrew my wet hand my body was convulsed by my orgasm. Through the rush of sensations I saw her head disappear and heard the door click close.

Before I had even finished trembling through my orgasm I was reaching for my robe and pulling it on. Hot shame flushed my face. What had seemed so natural last night now seemed so dirty and disgusting in the light of morning.

"Oh god, what is she ever going to think of me" I thought as my tears started. I was sobbing on the bed when she must have heard me and rushed back into my room.

For the second day running I found myself held in her arms as Wishes tried to comfort me only this time I was almost naked and Wishes couldn't help but smell that the room reeked of my sex.

"I'm sorry," I sobbed "I...I didn't mean to. I just woke up like that."

"It's ok hun," her voice was calm and soothing "we all do it from time to time, I did last night as a matter of fact."

"You did?" I looked up at her as I spoke. Wishes looked slightly flushed, I suppose she was embarrassed. Then before I knew what was happening she leant in and kissed me. Her lips pressed against mine and oh they were so soft and delicate. We kissed for maybe a minute before Wishes pulled away looking slightly puzzled.

"Um, sorry" she mumbled as she quickly climbed off my bed and fled the room.

I sat there stunned, the woman I loved had kissed me! True it wasn't really a passionate kiss filled with promise, yet I could still feel her soft lips on mine. I had gone in a matter of seconds from distraught to blissfully happy.

I heard Wishes clattering around in my kitchen, I don't think it was necessary to make so much noise as she was but I think she was trying to let me know she was still in the house and hadn't run off after her abrupt departure from my room.

I shook myself and ran to the bathroom for a quick shower, I stank of my sex and needed to wash it off before I met Wishes again.

Five minutes later I walked slowly into the kitchen unsure about how Wishes would be feeling.

She was sat at the table with a large mug in front of her looking down at the wooden surface. Across the table I could see the steam rising from another mug. I sat down opposite her.

"I'm sorry Wishes." I said mournfully, I was so afraid she would hate me now and wouldn't want to spend time with me any more.

She looked up at me, a flash of annoyance crossed her beautiful face.

"Will you stop saying you're sorry. You don't have to be sorry, it was me that kissed you remember."

The annoyed look was replaced by her customary smile.

"I kind of liked it you know, soft, nicer than the way Mark kisses."

I was treated to hearing her wonderful laugh again. The tension disappeared with her laugh and we were back where we were yesterday. I could still feel the ghost of her kiss, but that was enough for now.

"Come on drink up your coffee and we will get started on the front room."

The day passed quickly for me. We worked hard, but I was working with someone I wanted to be with. By five o'clock we had stripped all the wallpaper off of all the downstairs walls and made good any holes in the walls ready to paint tomorrow.

Soon it was six o'clock and Wishes had to go and meet Mark from work.

After she had left I sat for a while in my stripped down living room, I just sat there grinning to myself. I was deliriously happy, okay I didn't have the girl I wanted more than anything in the world but she was willing to spend time with me and she had kissed me, that meant a lot to a lonely old man I can tell you.

After a while I got my coat on and walked into town, there were still a few shops open including the large book shop I needed.

I browsed the shelves until they were ready to close at seven and by then I had picked out several books on the female body and sexuality to take home and read. It was extremely embarrassing taking them up to the till to pay for them, and the grin on the girls face as she rang up my purchases didn't help any either. I had so much to learn about this body I was now in, I know you can't learn it all from a book but it was the only place I could start. I mean I couldn't find someone and say excuse me I have just gained this lovely female body but I don't know much about it, could you tell what this little nubbin at the top of my sex is and how it works. I think I would be considered ready for the sleeveless overcoat if I did that. The other item I had to buy was an alarm clock. As Graham I had thrown mine in the rubbish the day I retired, I didn't want to risk a repeat of this morning.

Returning home I read for a while learning how this body of mine worked before going to bed happy. I lay in bed trying not to think of Wishes, unfortunately my mind was determined to remind me that Wishes wasn't really mine. I dreamt of Wishes kissing and loving Mark while all I could do was look on and I have to admit I was incredibly jealous.

Chapter 8

Thanks to my new alarm clock I was up before Wishes arrived the next morning. I was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee when she got here.

"Morning love" Wishes bright smile warmed my day, god what it would be like to wake up to that every morning.

"Morning, did you have a good evening."

"Not really." Wishes wrinkled her nose. "We were supposed to be going to the pub for an hour or so last night but several of his mates turned up on his doorstep. They spent the evening playing Playstation games, I just read for a while before I went home."

"Oh I'm sorry," I think Wishes must have been able to hear how insincere that was as she gave me a sidelong glance. "does that sort of thing happen often?"

"Once or twice a week I guess, I have to admit their timing was crap. I was looking forward to some time alone with Mark."

"Have a cup of coffee then we can make a start.” I'm trying to change the subject before I say the wrong thing. “ We have to go out later if you've got time and we can grab some lunch while we are out."

"Okay where have we got to go?" Wishes asked.

"Well I want to go and buy a car. I've used the bus once since I got here and got groped, I don't fancy taking another bus if I can avoid it." I laughed at Wishes expression.

"Yeah that happens a lot on the buses especially if it's busy. I try not to use them too much. What sort of car are you after."

"I don't know something not too sensible I think. I've been careful and sensible for far too long."

"Sounds fun ok."

When we finished our coffee we set too on the painting, laughing and joking as we worked. I enjoyed my morning so much, I had never felt so comfortable In anyone's presence before. The only shadow hanging over the day for me was that kiss, I couldn't get the soft feel of her lips from my mind.

Around eleven we went out to look at cars. Again I had a great time, I found out Wishes knew next to nothing about cars. She had a provisional driving license but had never learnt to drive. But she seemed to be happy to trail along with me as I went from dealer to dealer looking for something special.

I settled on a sporty silver Toyota MR2, just over a year old the car was ready to drive away. It took about half an hour to do the paperwork and arrange the payment and to Wishes surprise I paid for the car in cash.

Climbing into my new treasure when we were done we drove to a small pub on the outskirts of town for some lunch.

While we were eating Wishes looked at me and said.

"That was the first time you know."

"Sorry?" I seemed to be back in village idiot mode again.

"That was the first time I've ever kissed another girl."

This was it I guessed, I guess I was expecting Wishes to say she didn't want to spend time with me any more. I put down my fork.

"Does it bother you Wishes?" I asked concerned.

"I think what bothers me is that it didn't bother me. Do you know what I mean?"

I laughed softly. "Not really, I have to admit I enjoyed it."

"That's just it, so did I. I don't know why but it just felt right at the time. But I don't want you to think I am leading you on. You know I'm not gay, I just like your company."

"I don't think a kiss between friends is going to mean you're turning gay and you're not leading me anywhere. I am just happy with your company, I don't need anything more really." I looked sheepishly at the table. "I've never had a friend before, it's nice, comfortable."

"What never, how can you have never had a friend." Wishes sounded doubtful.

I thought back over my life as Graham and it was true.

"No I've had sort of acquaintances but never a friend. And I find I like having a friend." I said quietly.

Wishes took my hand over the table.

"I can't believe you've never had a friend. I mean every one has friends. Well you have one as well now don't you."

"I hope so Wishes, I hope so. But I was so worried that after yesterday morning you wouldn't want to be my friend."

"Honey it's going to take more than that to scare me off. Come on we got work to do, the ceilings should be ready for a second coat by now."

The rest of the afternoon was spent painting ceilings and giggling. And before we knew it six o'clock had come around.

"It's too late for you to start cooking now. Do you want to come back to my house for supper. Mum almost always has enough for an extra body or three." Wishes asked me as we cleaned up from our days work.

"Yeah that would be nice, I'd like to meet the person responsible for your name." I grinned as I spoke.

"Okay then lets go."

Chapter 9. Linda finds out who is responsible for her second chance.

Wishes' home was about a quarter of a mile from mine and backed onto the moors that I used to walk over late at night in my old life.

I was introduced to Alhana, Wishes' mother was a warm friendly woman of about forty who happily invited me into their home for supper.

We ate a richly flavoured chicken casserole which as Wishes had predicted would have fed several more as well as the three of us. It was a very pleasant feeling sitting around a table with a family, enjoying the small talk and comfortable familiarity that I had missed all of my life.

After the meal Wishes began collecting the dishes and taking them out to the kitchen. I offered to help but Wishes wouldn't hear of it and I was shooed back into the dinning room.

I stood at the large bay window overlooking the moor, I guessed I wasn't more than half a mile from where I had made my wish.

"How are you coping Graham," Alhana's soft voice came from behind me.

"I'm mana..." I turned in shock to face Wishes' mother. "You know?" I gasped.

She chuckled softly and looked out over the moor as well.

"About a quarter of a mile that way." she pointed slightly to the left of the view. "Is a sacred spot to the Goddess. If someone makes a wish from the depths of their heart there at certain times of the year the Goddess may see fit to grant them. One winter she granted your wish."

"I guess someone did," I murmured not quite sure if I believed in a mythical Goddess, but then it was the only thing that so far could explain what had happened to me.

Alhana smiled at me warmly. "You love her don't you?"

"Who?" I asked not quite able to absorb this conversation.

"Wishes, my daughter."

"Yes I do, are you upset about it." I don't think many parents would be happy about the thought of a lesbian lusting after their daughter. Especially if that lesbian was until recently an old man.

"When the twins were born the Goddess gave them their names. My daughter was named Wishes because someday she would be the answer to somebody's wish. Give her time and she will come around to the idea. She knows in her heart already, she just needs to know in her head as well."

"Doesn't it bother you that your daughter would become a lesbian?" I had to ask, I just couldn't imagine that she would rather Wishes was with me than married to some guy and starting a family.

"Labels don't count for much. She loves you that's all that's important. She just needs to realise that and get used to the idea then you can move onwards." Wishes was coming in from the kitchen then and gave us a puzzled look as we were staring out of the window.

"It's a beautiful view but you would be able to see it better in daylight." She said as she came towards me. "C'mon I'll walk you home. See you later mum."

"Ok thanks. Thank you for a lovely supper Alhana, I hope we meet again soon." I was feeling excited at the prospect of being walked home by Wishes and still confused by the things her mother had said to me.

We walked back to my house slowly. Side by side but not touching we were both lost in our own thoughts and walked in companionable silence until we got to my front door.

"Linda would you mind..." She started to say, for the first time since I had met her she seemed hesitant, vulnerable even. "No it doesn't matter, never mind."

"What Wishes, you can tell me?" I had never seen her like this and my heart ached to see her normal confidence washed away.

"I just wondered if you would mind if I kissed you again." there was an endearing shy smile on her face that I wouldn't have been able to refuse even if I had wanted too, but oh boy did I ever want to kiss her again.

"I think that would be a lovely way to end a great day, that is if you want to?"

Instead of answering Wishes tilted her head towards me and kissed me again. I felt her soft lips open and the tip of her tongue probed gently at my mouth. My mouth opened to accept the warm sweet invader as she ran her tongue over my teeth and softly touched my tongue with hers a couple of times.

As I tried clumsily to return the kiss Wishes groaned softly and pressed her body into mine. I couldn't feel much of her body as it pressed firmly into me as we both had coats on to ward of the chill of an early spring night, but I was in heaven all the same.

Just when I thought my legs were going to give way Wishes pulled away slightly and looked straight into my eyes.

"I'm beginning to like doing that you know. Maybe I like it just a little bit too much. Goodnight Linda" Wishes gave me another soft peck and was off up the path and out of the gate.

"Goodnight Wishes." I said at last to her retreating form. I saw her look over her shoulder and smile at me before with a wave she was gone.

I closed the door behind me and leant against it with a deep sigh of happiness. My god that girl can kiss, if that's how she kisses when she's unsure about things would I survive a full on passionate kiss.

I was grinning from ear to ear as I went and made myself a mug of tea and took it up to bed with a book on female sexuality, after that kiss god did I know I was female and as sexual as hell.

Chapter 10. Wishes surprises Linda with a shopping trip.

Saturday morning I got up and made myself a coffee and waited for Wishes to get here. When ten o'clock arrived and she still wasn't here I began to get despondent, maybe she had decided things were getting a little too friendly between us. I remembered the shy nervous look on her face last night as she asked me if she could kiss me. Sighing I wondered if maybe I should have made an excuse and not kissed her.

About a quarter to eleven I heard the front door open, I rushed through to the hall and almost launched myself at Wishes.

"Wishes! I thought you weren't going to come. I thought you were angry at me for last night." I blurted out, my tears beginning to flow yet again.

Wishes wrapped me up in her arms and hugged me tightly.

"Sorry I'm late babe, I got tied up on the phone to Mark." she said and gave me a quick kiss. "This is getting to be a habit."

I pulled away from her my face flushing. I had almost forgotten, Wishes had a boyfriend and wasn't gay no matter how much she enjoyed kissing me.

"I'm sorry Wishes."

She looked angry for just a second before her smile returned.

"Honey how many times do I have to tell you not to keep saying you're sorry. Anyway we are not painting today cos it's Saturday and we're going shopping."

"Shopping? We only went shopping a couple of days ago. I shouldn't need to go again for a few days." I said, still trying for the village idiot crown I guess.

"Not that sort of shopping, we need to find something for us to wear to the party."

"Party, what party." I was kind of excited and afraid at the same time by the idea of going to a party.

"Mark's best friend Paul is holding his birthday bash tonight at his house. I'm invited and you're coming with me." Wishes stated.

"I couldn't. I won't know anyone there. And I haven't been invited." I was floundering for excuses not to go.

"Point one, its an open invitation sort of bring anyone you like the more the merrier. Point two, you will know some people there, Carrie will be there and me and Mark. Point three, I want you to come, and if you don't go then neither will I."

Wishes smiled smugly at me, she knew she had me on the last point. I would do anything she wanted me to do if it would make her happy, if it would bring out that musical laugh and her amazing smile.

"OK but why do we have to buy something new to wear, I have plenty of stuff to wear upstairs."

"I know I helped you unpack it, the trouble is it's all everyday wear, nice but not special. We are going out and getting you an outfit that screams "look at me! Now fuck me!"", the last part shouted dramatically.

I giggled at Wishes choice of words, she didn't swear often but when she did she used the words to bring about the desired effect.

We both collapsed against the wall laughing at her over the top declaration. Before I knew what was happening we were kissing again and I felt my knees go weak. As my legs buckled I slid down the wall and Wishes followed me down.

We knelt on the floor leaning against the wall, our tongues duelling with an almost feverish intensity. I felt wishes teeth graze my lower lip as her tongue retreated, then she was softly chewing my lower lip sucking the tender flesh into her loving mouth. The intensity of the kissing increased and as Wishes gripped my tongue between her lips and sucked hard on it as her teeth gently grazed it's surface I felt myself tense up, a trembling started running through my body as I whined into Wishes' mouth.

When Wishes pulled away from me I was gasping for breath. She rested her forehead against mine and I looked into those emerald eyes.

"Did you just?..." Wishes began.

"Uh, yeah, I think so. A small one but wow." I shuddered with the last tremors of what had been the most shattering experience of my life.

"Wow, I never knew I could get somebody off just by kissing them. Gods I must be good!" I could hear the grin in her voice even though I couldn't see it, I couldn't take my eyes from hers.

"I've never been kissed like that before, I don't think I've ever felt anything like that before." I managed to say now that my breathing was back to normal.

"Don't be silly, I know you had a fantastic orgasm the other morning when I disturbed you." she teased.

"I mean it Wishes, it was the most intense thing I've ever felt." I finally broke eye contact with her and looked down at my lap. "I ... I ... I think it was because it was you, because you were holding me, you were kissing me. I am so confused now, I know that I love you, I guess you must like me a little bit at least. But what happens now, where do we go from here. I mean I'm a woman and you're a straight girl with a boyfriend. I don't even have you and yet I'm scared of losing you, does that make any sense."

I felt Wishes soft fingers lifting my chin and turning my face back to her. She was smiling her beautiful smile that brought a lump to my throat every time I saw it.

"How can you call me a straight girl after a kiss like that?" she chuckled. "look baby I don't know what's happening, I've never felt like this about anyone before, let alone another woman. I don't know if I am ready to deal with these feelings yet. Can we just carry on as we are and see where it goes."

I smiled back at Wishes, my heart was soaring high above the clouds. I knew I loved her so much it hurt, to hear her say there might be a chance for us, might be a future for us if I could be patient. I think I must be the happiest girl in the world right at this moment.

"Anything you want Wishes, I'm just happy to be with you, and I can wait." I whispered.

We hugged for a few minutes before Wishes helped me to my feet. She looked at my clothes and frowned slightly.

"You want to go and change girl, what you're wearing is fine for decorating but not much of a look for shopping."

"Oh sure, I'll be right back."

"How about I come with you and see what you've already got." Wishes said with a suggestive wink.

"What sort of a girl do you take me for!" I gasped laughing and ran quickly up the stairs.

When I came back downstairs I was wearing a simple summer dress, belted at the waist and with a light jacket as it was a little cooler today. I had tidied my hair up as best as I could, but I still hadn't taken the time to learn how to put on any makeup. The trouble was I wanted to look pretty for Wishes. No that's not quite true, I wanted to look desirable to her, I wanted to look so irresistible she wouldn't want to ever leave my side. But I just didn't know how and if I tried slapping makeup on without knowing what I was doing I would look like an idiot.

"Wishes, I will go with you to this party on one condition." I said walking up to her.

Wishes closed her eyes and sighed, she rested her head against my forehead.

"Honey this is hard for me, I'm trying to work it out, but please don't pressure me with conditions."

"Wishes I've told you I'm content, it's nothing like that. The condition is that you've got to do my makeup for me, and teach me how."

Wishes laugh was one of relief and was good to hear.

"You got yourself a deal. Now lets get a move on."

"Where do you want to go shopping." I asked as we went out and climbed into my new car.

"I was thinking Plymouth would be good if you don't mind love."

"Ok sounds good, I haven't been to Plymouth in a long time."

Chapter 11. Linda and Wishes go shopping for a dress for the party.

It took us about an hour to get to Plymouth and then a bit longer to find somewhere to park. We spent a couple of hours looking through the rails of all the high street names and neither of us could find anything that really caught our attention. We tried on a few things here and there but nothing was just right.

We stopped for lunch in a small café and rested our aching feet.

"Shopping with you is fun, more fun than I could have believed. But we are not having much luck are we," I said.

"Well we can always try some of the expensive boutiques. They can be a bit unreal sometimes but it should be fun."

"Well I'm game, let's go." I said, I was eager to find something special to wear for her and I didn't care how much it cost. In my previous life I had been very careful with my money. Now I had begun to realise all the money I had in the bank hadn't stopped me getting old and lonely. I was determined I wasn't going to make the same mistakes all over again.

The first place we went was full of weird outlandish clothes that I couldn't imagine anyone actually wearing. After that we went into a very small boutique, you could tell it was going to be expensive as there didn't seem to be many items on display and nothing had a price on it. You know the saying, if you have to ask you can't afford it.

I saw a rich deep blue dress, silk I think it was, that took my breath away. I really wanted to try it on and it only took a little bit of persuasion from Wishes for me to take the garment to the changing room, under the supervision of a really nice girl who insisted on helping me fit the dress.

I went into the changing area with the assistant and stripped down to my bra and panties before reaching for the dress the girl held.

"I think miss, that you need to remove your bra first," She said with a smile. "It won't look right with it on."

I flushed as I took my bra off for the first time in front of another woman. She looked me over coolly her gaze lingering on my chest for a moment while I shuffled about in embarrassed silence. Her gaze dropped to my crotch and a frown crossed her pretty features.

"I hope madam isn't intending to wear underwear like that with this dress."

I looked down, I suppose they weren't very attractive knickers, just plain cotton briefs.

"Um, I suppose not, ah what would you suggest."

She smiled warmly for the first time.

"Hold on a sec love, I'll get you something," her upper class accent was gone in a flash, she looked younger when she smiled like that, cute dimples that had me smiling back.

Quickly leaving the cubicle she was back moments later with a blue silk thong that almost didn't exist.

"These would look nice with the dress, and even better when she unwraps you love."

"She?"

"Yes she, your girl out in the shop."

"Oh she's not my girl," My face flamed red. "We're just friends."

"If you want to call it that sweetheart that's fine. But I think I know what I'm talking about. If my girlfriend and I looked at each other like you two do we wouldn't have had to come out, everyone would have known."

"I guess I probably do look at Wishes like that, I love her so much. But she's straight and has got a boyfriend," I sighed, reality crept back into my wonderful day.

"Love, you don't have to worry, she may think she's straight and might fight it for a while, but I noticed the way she looks at you. You won't have to wait too long."

"Now lets get you into that dress and see what it looks like."

The girl helped me on with the dress and helped adjust it before deciding that I needed one slightly looser around the bust. I was left standing in just my knickers as she went off to the back-room to find another one.

When she returned with another dress over her arm she grinned at me before hanging the dress on a rail.

"I'm Sally by the way, now to get the best out of this dress we need to get you ready to wear it," she came close to me and kissed me deeply, it wasn't a patch on the way Wishes kissed me but it was still very nice, as she kissed me she ran a hand over each of my breasts before giving each nipple a tweak. They reacted instantly tightening into rock hard points that would be clearly visible through the thin silk dress.

Standing back she slipped the dress over my head and adjusted it on me before turning me to face the mirror.

Looking at myself in the mirror I was stunned, I couldn't believe how sexy I looked.

The dress had a single shoulder strap on my left shoulder and was cut diagonally down to the right so that the material only just covered the nipple of my right breast. My erect nipples were clearly visible through the thin material, you could even see the outline of my areola through it. The dress flowed over my frame enhancing my waist and hips. The right side of the dress was cut almost to the top of my hip and sloped down to the left almost to my ankle.

"Wow, that's fantastic. You're incredible Sally." I gasped and gave the girl a quick kiss.

"I think you will find that most of that is you not the dress love, you are both very beautiful." A wicked idea crossed my mind and I grinned at Sally.

"Can you find one in green that would fit Wishes, you would have to guess the size cos' I want it to be a surprise. Oh and we will both need shoes and purse to match."

Sally smiled warmly at me as she helped me remove the dress.

"No problem, I will be back in a minute. Why don't you get dressed while I'm gone."

Sally went out to the front of the shop for a moment and returned with a couple more thongs.

"Yeah we have got one that will fit her a treat. And I would suggest these shoes," Sally held out two pairs of shoes one in blue and one in green that matched the dresses beautifully.

I couldn't help myself and kissed Sally again.

"Thanks Sally, you're fantastic. Can you box them all up so that Wishes won't see them both."

"No problem, I'll do that back here so she won't see it. You go back to your love and I'll be out shortly."

I went back out to the front and was surprised when Wishes gave me a quick kiss, I was getting to like all this kissing, so different from my old life.

"I missed you, what took you so long," I was so touched that she had missed me I kissed her back, this was the first time that I had initiated a kiss and I didn't intend for it to be a quick kiss.

As my tongue opened Wishes' willing lips to explore her sweet mouth she groaned into my mouth and pressed her body tightly against me. She almost jumped away from me as she heard Sally coming out of the back room. Wishes blushed prettily and turned away from Sally to hide her embarrassment.

Sally raised her eyebrow at me and I shrugged and smiled at her as she rang up my purchases on the till. I was very proud of the fact that I didn't even wince when I handed over my credit card to pay for the outfits.

I heard Wishes gasp as I leant in and kissed Sally goodbye, I didn't rush it and made sure Sally knew how grateful I was to her for her help.

"Bye Sally, thanks for your help."

"Oh you're welcome love, come back any time."

Chapter 12 Wishes is starting to come to terms with her feelings for Linda

As we went to leave the shop I smiled when Wishes took my arm possessively.

"I can't believe you did that!" she hissed at me as we returned to the street.

I smiled sweetly at her angry expression.

"Which one, me kissing you or me kissing Sally?" I asked with a grin.

"Well both really, I've never been so embarrassed," Wishes spluttered.

I steered Wishes to some benches in the street and sat her down.

"Look love I'm sorry if I embarrassed you by kissing you in public, but you looked so pleased to see me come back that I couldn't resist it," I sighed. "Look I have spent a long time not feeling like I could show affection. Not being able to just hug or kiss someone a thank you. Since I've met you I feel, I don't know, liberated, free. I just love being me and being in contact with other people."

"Sally didn't mind me kissing her, and I doubt her girlfriend will mind."

"Girlfriend, you mean she's gay, how did you know, do you know her?" Wishes sounded confused, and maybe a touch jealous.

"I've never seen her before, she told me she had a girlfriend just before she kissed me in the fitting room," I could see that was the wrong thing to say, the green eyed monster was rearing its head behind my beloved's own green eyes.

"Wishes, trust me please, it was just a friendly kiss, and it was just after she told me how lucky I was to have such a beautiful girlfriend," I grinned, that should take her mind off the jealousy thing.

"She said ... You told her I was ... How." Wishes spluttered.

I took Wishes hand and looked into her eyes.

"She told me, she had never seen two people who looked so much in love. She said it was beautiful."

"Oh Linda!" Wishes said with a sob in her voice. To my surprise she kissed me for a long time on that bench. The Saturday afternoon shoppers streaming past us as time seemed to stand still. We occupied a tiny timeless space amid the rush of city life, just the two of us, it was somehow perfect.

"It is getting harder and harder to do what I always thought I should do, be who I am supposed to be. Since I first saw you in the coffee shop I feel like I got onto a roller coaster. So far we've been climbing up to the peak. What happens when we get to the top of the ride Linda?" Wishes looked worried. I brushed a stray lock of copper hair from her cheek and softly touched her flushed face. Wishes turned towards the hand and gently kissed my palm.

"What happens then Linda?" she whispered.

"I don't know Wishes, I don't know. I love you and want you so hard it hurts most of the time. But it's a sweet hurt that I wouldn't be without. You know it won't be easy if we end up together, some of your friends will be angry or disgusted, even the some of the ones that spout liberal attitudes will probably find it's a different matter when it's one of their close friends."

"You and I would get hassles from some people, and acceptance from others. It will be easier for me I won't deny it, no one knows me around here so no one has any expectations for how I'm going to act. But there are two people I can guarantee will be able to give you unconditional love," I was almost whispering by the time I finished.

"Two people?"

"Two people, yes, Me, and Alhana."

"Mum, oh shit, I hadn't thought. She's going to go up the wall," The flush drained from Wishes face and she looked terrified.

"You should trust her good sense more than that. Anyway she knows."

"She knows ... How ... when did you..." Wishes was almost squeaking.

"I didn't, when we went to tea and you were washing up. She told me to be patient, she said she could see what you felt for me and that you just needed some time to accept it."

"My mum said that, I need to have a chat with her," Wishes was sounded angry but I could see the twinkle in her eye and could tell she wasn't really mad.

"So the whole world knows I'm a dyke except me is that it," Now Wishes did look angry.

"I don't think it's the whole world, I think it's just people who really know you and care about you that are bound to notice. Although kissing and holding hands in the middle of the city centre might give it away to some people as well."

That set Wishes laughing and after giving me another long kiss she stood up and held out her hand to me. I took her hand and held it tight as we walked down the main street. I couldn't even tell you if anyone had been staring at us as we held hands and kissed on the bench, or as we walked. I was so focused on Wishes that I was oblivious to everything else.

"I've had enough of shopping lets go home now," Wishes said. "I'm sure I've got something I can wear tonight at home."

"Ok. Um, can you help me out with my make-up before you go home to change for the party, please," I begged her.

"Of course love," Wishes gave me a quick peck on the cheek. "I don't know why you want to though, you've got lovely skin as it is."

"Are you sure," I asked nervously. "I want to look perfect tonight, for you." I added shyly.

Wishes stopped walking and pulled me around in front of her.

"You look perfect as you are," She said and kissed me tenderly, not a passionate kiss but filled with enough love to set my heart fluttering.

"I can't believe you," I said chuckling as we parted. "This morning you said you wanted to take things slowly, sort out your feelings. Now you seem to want to announce US to the world."

Wishes kissed me again, this time for longer and with just a hint of the passion that was just under the surface. Once again it felt like we were an island of tranquillity in the rush of daily life.

"I know," she said at last, "it just feels so right, so natural to love you and tell the world that I love you. I don't understand why but it does. I think we will both go without make-up tonight, it feels better to kiss you with nothing between us."

"If that makes you happy then I'm happy, I don't really like the stuff anyway," I told Wishes.

Before long we were back at the car and had to let go of each other. I didn't want to but you can't drive a manual and hold hands very easily, unless you want to drive in first gear all the way home.

When we got back to the village I dropped Wishes off at her house. I had to get out of the car, to get one of the boxes from the back of the car.

I shyly handed the large white box to Wishes.

"Don't open this until after your shower, just before you dress," I saw tears forming in the corner of her eyes as she kissed me quickly.

"Thank you love, you didn't have to get me anything," She said sniffing.

"I wanted to. What time is the party."

"Pick me up just before eight if you could."

"Ok. Bye for now, I'm going to miss you."

"Me too, bye darling." another quick kiss and she was gone.

Chapter 13. The Party, at last.

I drove home in a daze, this morning I had resigned myself to waiting patiently for Wishes to decide where she wanted this to go. This afternoon she had been all over me and so willing to express her love in public. I just didn't know what to expect from tonight. I somehow thought that amongst her own friends she would be a bit more reserved, but I could accept that.

At a quarter to eight I parked outside of Wishes' house. I walked up to the door feeling self conscious about my dress, I had never worn anything this revealing in public before and I was trembling with nerves.

Alhana answered the door almost before I knocked.

"Linda," she gave me her warm smile and pulled me into a hug. "You look beautiful, you make such a lovely couple."

"Thanks Alhana. Um, has Wishes said anything about this afternoon."

"Come on in darling, don't stand on the doorstep. She's still upstairs getting ready. Your dress is beautiful and so is the one you bought Wishes, clever move love."

"Wishes said you talked today and that I knew about you both," Alhana tried to look stern but the corners of her mouth kept twitching so I knew she wasn't really angry with me.

"I'm sorry Alhana, but Wishes was so worried that you would be angry with her, I couldn't let her worry about it all day."

"I know darling and I think it's sweet that you worry about her so much. You didn't tell her anything else about our chat did you?" I could see that she was serious about this.

"No, I didn't think it would be helpful if the woman I loved thought I had lost my marbles."

"I think that would be best kept between us. Ok."

"Ok Alhana, I won't say anything."

About a minute later a copper haired vision descended the stairs dressed in green. I noticed that Sally had found a dress that was almost identical to mine, but where mine had a strap on the left and sloped down to the right, Wishes dress had the strap on the right and sloped to the left.

"Wishes, you look beautiful!" I gasped as she came towards me.

"And so do you my love. Thank you for this," She said indicating the green dress.

"You both look wonderful," Alhana stated. "Now go and enjoy yourselves."

We both hugged Alhana and headed for my car.

Arriving at the party we made a hell of an entrance. We didn't hold hands or anything, we just walked in; but the crowd couldn't help noticing the way we were dressed so alike. After we had been there for a few minutes we split up to mingle with the crowd. I didn't really want to part from Wishes' side as I didn't know anyone there but I was trying to give Wishes some space to greet people she knew. Even apart our eyes kept meeting across the crowded room.

I had just returned from the kitchen where I had picked up a bottle of beer when I heard raised voices from the living room.

"Why the hell did you have to invite that fucking dyke Chez?" it wasn't hard to recognise Mark's voice.

"Because she's my friend, and I wanted her to come ok!" I could hear the restrained anger in Wishes voice and I hurt for her. I wanted to go to her, to offer her my support but I thought that would probably make things worse.

"Fucking hell Chez! You're spending so much time with that fucking bitch everyone is going to think you're turning into a fucking dyke as well!"

"Yeah well maybe I am!" Wishes had lost her temper now and her voice rose in pitch. "Maybe I am a fucking dyke Mark. All I know is I love her. And you can go fuck yourself."

I didn't even realise that Wishes knew I was in the doorway but she headed straight toward me, the crowd parted in a way that would have been comical at any other time.

Reaching me Wishes threw one arm behind my head and pulled me into her. She kissed me fiercely, all around us the room went quiet.

"Fucking Dyke bitches." Mark's voice rang out loudly against the silence.

"Give me a moment." I murmured to Wishes.

Disentangling myself from Wishes I walked across the room to Mark. I looked up at him, he was at least six foot three and looked like a powerful guy.

Back when I was known as Graham Pearce, the quiet bank manager I had a past that I never talked about. During the war I was in a protected profession and could have sat it out at home. At the time I didn't feel I could do that, Maddie didn't understand when I volunteered for officer training. I was singled out as a bit of a loner during my basic training and they sent me to the Special Operations Executive. Oh I learned a lot in the months I spent training before my first job. Then there were more training sessions between every job. They were skills I had never even told Maddie about after the war. I think that the Graham that went to war was a much different person from the Graham that returned to the bank. They had never met, they didn't move in the same circles, so it wasn't necessary to explain the things that Major Pearce had learnt how to do. They were old skills, not used for more than half a century, but they were so deeply learnt that they were always there, waiting.

I smiled up at Mark.

"Big words Mark. Big words from a big guy, to hurt a poor little girl."

"So fucking what. Fucking dyke bitches. What the fucking hell did you have to bring the fucking slag here tonight for. Fucking dyke sla..."

Before Mark could finish his sentence he was on his knees, one arm was twisted up behind his back. My other hand had grabbed his family jewels through his trousers and was applying enough pressure to let him know I would rip them off if he moved.

"If you ever speak to my girlfriend like that again you will spend the rest of your years as a fucking eunuch!" My voice was flat and emotionless like cold steel rasping across a whetstone. One of the instructors had spent weeks teaching me how to sound that way and I found it seemed to work even better as a contrast to my new feminine voice.

"Do you understand me Mark?" Steel slid across the whetstone again.

"Yes, yes, now get off me." he gasped in pain, fear showing in his voice.

As I released his arm I gave him a nudge forward, already off balance he sprawled to the floor.

I ignored him and walked slowly over to Wishes and gathered her into my arms kissing her lovingly.

"Watch out!" I heard a male voice call out. Without turning I slid Wishes slightly to one side of me, hearing the rushed step I swung my arm out palm flat at what I judged to be the right height. There was a jarring impact on my arm and the sound of a body hitting the floor. I didn't turn to look, I just carried on kissing Wishes as I heard whistles and cheers around us.

When we came up for air we were greeted by half a dozen excited young women who all seemed to want to talk to us at once.

Hearing movement behind me again I turned and saw Mark was being helped to his feet by four angry looking guys. I swallowed hard, I knew I could take on any one or even two of them but four, this could get very painful.

I sagged with relief when one of them, I remember being introduced to him as Mark's friend Paul, winked at me. I must have looked relieved because his face cracked into a grin, I had to grin back.

They carted Mark out of the room and returned a few minutes later. Paul headed my way, he was smiling so I wasn't too worried.

"Linda, I'm sorry about that. I would have said that we don't let a guy beat up on a girl at one of our parties, but you didn't give him a chance for that. That was impressive, where the hell did you learn to do that."

I smiled at him, he was obviously impressed, he was also the first man who looked at me as if he wasn't mentally undressing me.

"Oh just some training I had a few years ago. I don't like to talk about it, if you don't mind." I was expecting more questions that could have been awkward to answer, but Paul just shrugged his shoulders.

"How did you do that last bit, you didn't even see him coming."

"Simple enough." I said "Mark's about six three so leaning forward as he charged he would have stooped so his larynx had to about here." I indicated with my hand. "The rest is just using your ears and timing."

"It was incredible, you want to watch out for him though. Mark can hold a grudge for a long time."

"I think he probably would if I was guy, but I don't think he will risk being embarrassed by a girl again. I'm sorry about your party Paul, I don't usually pick fights when I'm invited out."

He gave me a hug, much to my surprise, I was even more surprised that my skin didn't crawl. I think I just knew it was only a friendly hug nothing more.

"Linda we all saw it. You didn't pick the fight. Mark started it, you finished it. And you're welcome to any party I have and I think I can speak for the others when I say welcome to town."

Suddenly everyone wanted to talk to me, it was just too weird for a lonely old man to take in.

When I finally got near my copper haired beauty she grabbed my arm and kissed me hard. Cheers broke out around the room as she claimed me as her hero, or should that be heroine.

Eventually the music started again and the party atmosphere returned to the room. As soon as the music slowed down a bit I lead Wishes to the centre of the room where some couples were dancing. Holding her close to me I started moving slowly to the music.

"So," I said into her thick hair "I overheard you saying you loved me. Is that true?"

Wishes pulled her head back and looked for a long time into my eyes.

"You know I do. Linda Pearce I love you with all my heart. But after this dance I want you to take me home."

We danced close sharing quick kisses and murmured endearments with each other as the crowd looked on. They accepted us! I think it was the idea that I would fight a man almost a foot taller than myself to defend my love that appealed to the romantic in even the toughest man there. And there was no way they were going to stand for any guy beating up on a girl even if I hadn't been able to whip him.

At the end of the song Wishes held me tight and kissed the tip of my nose.

"Take me home love." she whispered.

My heart sank, even with the fight I had still enjoyed myself. But I could understand that it had been quite a night for Wishes.

"Ok babe."

I took my love in my arms and called goodnight to everyone as we walked towards the door. It took us a long time to get to the door, I think everyone in the place wanted to pat us on the back and wish us luck.

Eventually we were at my car. I held Wishes close and buried my face in her copper coloured tresses inhaling the scent of her hair.

"I'm sorry love, I shouldn't have done that to Mark. It wasn't fair on you for me to announce to the room like..." Wishes put her finger to my lips then when she was sure I had stopped apologising yet again she replaced it with her sweet lips.

"I've told you so many times," she said as we parted. "You don't have to apologise for something that's not your fault." she smiled, I imagine she was thinking back to the event

"If I remember rightly, Mark asked why I had brought 'that fucking dyke' to the party. And I think I said something like 'Maybe I'm a dyke Mark. All I know is I love her.' which I think let the cat out of the bag long before you said I was your girlfriend. You were amazing. How did you learn to move like that?"

My mind flicked back to a moment from Graham's life. It was outside a small warehouse in Italy, a young Italian boy in an ill fitting uniform was slumped against a wall after I had broken his neck, the small pool of urine spreading around him showed where he lost control when he could see his fate in my eyes. It had been the first time that I had killed someone just because it was convenient. I had already killed three men and a woman that night, but those had been ordered from high up. For this poor boy it was just more convenient for me to kill him than to try to go around him. At the time it seemed no more important than someone picking up the milk on their way home because it would be more convenient than having to go out in the morning to get the milk before breakfast. I hadn't felt it at the time but after the war that boy's face haunted my sleep for years before he eventually faded into the past.

I shook my head to clear the image, my smile at Wishes was shaky at best.

"It's a part of my past I don't want to think about too much. Anyway I had to sign a piece of paper that stops me talking about it for a long time," It wasn't a total lie, after the war our government had been a little embarrassed at some of the things they had us do. Before we were demobbed we all had to sign the forms that tied us to the official secrets act. I know the fifty years were up by now, but to Graham, and now for Linda it might as well have been yesterday. Sometimes it was best to let the past alone, a strange thing to say in my position I know.

"You'd best get in the car if you want me to take you home," I tried to sound cheerful but it was breaking my heart to have her part from me again, but I had promised to give her time.

Wishes kissed me on the tip of my nose again before opening the car door. When she was seated I shut her door and ran around to my side.

We were both quiet on the drive back, lost in our own thoughts. Until I slowed to turn into the lane that lead to Wishes' house. She gently put her hand over mine as it rested on the steering wheel.

"No Linda, take me home please," she said quietly. My heart soared at her words, Wishes wanted to go home with me, I couldn't believe it.

"Are you sure love. We don't have to if you need more time," I was stopped on the road by then. I desperately wanted to drive past the lane and take her back to my house, but needed to be sure it was what she wanted.

Wishes leant into me and gave me a slow kiss filled with promise.

"I need you more than anything at the moment. Anyway," She grinned at me, "we've told a lot of people that I'm gay tonight, you wouldn't want to make me a liar would you."

Grinning back at her I put the car into gear and drove home, I wanted to rush and had to force myself to keep my speed down.

Chapter 14.     After the party.........

Parking in front of my house I got out and quickly ran around the car to help Wishes out. Opening her door I took her hand, I could feel her trembling as she stood beside of me. We walked hand in hand to the front door and after a moment of fumbling with the lock we went inside.

Standing in the hallway where we had kissed this morning I put my arms around Wishes and held her tightly, her slim body was quaking.

"Um, do you want a drink, a coffee or anything." I asked nervously.

Wishes looked terrified, her normally smiling face was transformed by this worried almost sad mask. Her bottom lip trembled and she looked to be about to burst into tears at any moment.

"Are you sure you want this love? you look so tense. I don't want you to feel you have to do anything." I was terrified myself, partly because I worried that she was going to change her mind, but mostly because I had never done anything like this before.

Wishes put her hands beside of my face and pulled my lips towards hers. As our lips touched Wishes tongue flicked out to run over my teeth before seeking out my tongue. The kiss was so self assured despite the tremble I could feel from the fingers that gently held my face to hers.

"You've never made me do anything I didn't want to, you've been so patient and undemanding. I've never known anyone so gentle and caring. I don't know how you have coped with everything I've put you through this week."

"I..." Wishes put a finger on my lips to silence me.

"Shh love I haven't finished yet and I need to say this. I'm scared, not scared that you would do anything to hurt me. What scares me is that I've never done anything like this before. I don't want you to be disappointed with me, I don't know what to do to make it perfect for you."

I carefully took her finger from my lips then gave it a tiny kiss.

"You're not alone in that love. I've never done this before either, and I'm just as frightened as you. But I want us to learn together, learn what each of us likes, how to please each other, together."

"You've never ... but I thought."

"No I haven't, I've never been with a woman, and despite the fact that you know I had a boyfriend, you have to believe that I've never been with a guy either. I'm a virgin." This wasn't a lie really, for this body with this new found understanding of how wonderful love could be, everything was new.

"I think we've talked too long, lets go upstairs and start our first lesson together before we end up standing here all night talking." Wishes said kissing me quickly and pulled away from my arms. She stood at the bottom of the stairs and held out her hand to me. What else could I do but take her hand and follow her up the stairs.

A moment later we both stood staring at each other at the foot of my bed.

"These dresses are beautiful, they must have cost you a fortune, it's kind of a shame that at the party other things kind of overshadowed them. By the end of the evening people had stopped noticing how beautiful you were and just saw you taking care of Mark."

"Me, beautiful, I don't think so my love, people were looking at how beautiful my girl was. The room didn't even notice me until I started fighting with Mark."

"Oh you are so wrong lover. Everyone I spoke to when we got there wanted to know who the beautiful girl in the blue dress was. I should have told them then that you were my girlfriend but I didn't have the nerve until Mark pissed me off, I'm sorry love, I promise I'll never deny what we've got again, to anyone."

I stepped towards her and pulled her close to me, as I hugged her I untied the single strap that kept her dress up. Wishes felt me untying her and went to do the same to my dress.

"Uh uh, patience girl." I murmured into her hair as I moved her hand away from the strap.

As I stepped away I sort of expected it to be like in the films, you know when one button is undone and the heroine's dress drifts erotically to the floor. Unfortunately it didn't quite work that way and we must have ended up spending almost five minutes struggling to get Wishes out of the dress, giggling hysterically as we worked. Eventually Wishes stood before me in just her green thong.

"My god you're so beautiful!" I gasped as my eyes roamed her slender frame.

"I don't know about that, these are so small, sorry," Wishes looked embarrassed as she indicated her breasts. They were very small but oh god they were so perfect, pale mounds sitting so invitingly on her chest, they were topped by the tinniest rose pink nipples.

"Oh no, Wishes they are perfect, may I?" I reached out slightly with my hand. Seeing Wishes nervous nod I moved my hand to her breast. I traced the outline of her wonderful breasts with a fingertip before running my fingers across the whole breast gently caressing her. Wishes gasped as my fingers finally made contact with her nipples. I felt the small tips harden under my fingers and softly pinched each peak. I was dying to try to taste her nipples and leant in to take one between my lips.

As my tongue began toying with Wishes' nipple she groaned softly and her hand came up to hold my face to her chest.

"Oh baby, that's so good! Use your teeth a little honey." Wishes murmured. "Oh yeah, that's good, keep doing that, oh yeah."

I gently grazed her nipples with my teeth, small nips dotted around her areola and nipples as Wishes murmured appreciative comments. After a few minutes I moved to the other breast and repeated the treatment to a chorus of sighs and moans. After I had finished feasting on her breasts I was hungry for more, I remembered how good my juices had tasted and was desperate to sample Wishes' love juice. I trailed a line of soft kisses and licks tracing my way across the flat expanse of her tummy.

I paused to let my tongue investigate her cute navel causing Wishes to giggle. I was just about to drop to my knees to investigate Wishes' pussy (yes I've learnt some new words, I told you I'd bought some books.) when I felt her hands pulling me upwards. Disappointment filled my thoughts, "She must have changed her mind," was the only thing I could think of. She brought me up to her level and kissed me, her tongue invaded my mouth in a quick hard thrust, her kiss was full of her urgent need.

"God it was so hard to stop you. You have to get rid of your dress love, it cost far to much for you to be kneeling on the floor in it."

"Don't worry about it my love, there's time for me to undress later," I reached down to her tight ass and eased her thong down, holding her hand as she stepped out of it and kicked off her shoes.

"Lay down here for me love." I said patting the bed.

Wishes looked scared as she stretched out on the bed, her legs tightly pressed together. Looking at the junction of her legs I couldn't see a trace of the copper hair I expected to see. I gently eased her legs apart and knelt before them. I was looking at a pussy up close for the first time ever. Wishes' pussy was shaved clean and glistening with her arousal, she had thick fleshy lips that protruded slightly from her bald crotch. I carefully parted her lips to gaze at her hidden treasures. Inside of her pale pink lips Wishes was a rich coral pink, her clit was a tiny bump just protruding slightly from its sheath. I had read that it wasn't good to touch it too hard at first so I slowly ran a finger from my other hand around the skin surrounding her hood. I must have done something right as Wishes groaned low in her throat, her hands went to her nipples, pinching them tightly and pulling the little buds out from her chest elongating them before releasing them to return to their normal shape.

After a moment a mumble of disappointment from Wishes reminded me that I had gotten distracted watching her tease her nipples and had stopped what I was doing. Returning my gaze to her crotch I could see her entrance was opening slightly, there was a lot of juice gathering around that portal and I was determined to taste her. Leaning in I inhaled deeply of Wishes' fragrance; which seemed lighter, and maybe slightly sweeter than my own. I dipped my tongue into the little pool of her secretions and tasted her, clean, salty, sweet, heavenly. I dove into the task of gathering as much of her sweet nectar as I could.

"Oh Christ, oh that's good!" Wishes cried out as my tongue ran around the entrance to her tunnel before plunging into her depths. I drank deep from her well for a while before I returned my attentions to her clit. Working at the sensitive skin around her clit with my tongue brought a groan of approval.

When I slipped two of my fingers into Wishes' pussy she grasped my head and forced my face deep into her fragrant mound.

"Oh god! Linda yes! let me cum, please, yes!" she gasped as her thighs clamped against my face.

I had read that to find the G spot I was supposed to slide my fingers in and then curl them slightly like this...

"Oh Fuck yeah!" I guess I found something as Wishes' body began to tremble under me. A moan started quickly rising in pitch to a scream. Her body jerked and twisted under my face so much it was hard to keep in contact with Wishes' pussy.

When her body began to settle back to the bed I lashed her clit several times with my tongue and thrust my fingers in and out of her tight hole. Wishes erupted into another orgasm and I was rewarded with another copious flow of her juice.

This time as she came down from her orgasm I slowly and gently cleaned up her sopping pussy with my tongue causing mild tremors to run through her beautiful body.

Giving her pussy one last kiss I crawled up the bed until I was level with my lover's face. We kissed gently for a few minutes then I rested my forehead against hers.

"You taste of me." she murmured sleepily. Moments later she was sleeping. I carefully climbed off the bed and stripped off my dress. I lay down beside my love and held her close as I drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 15.    The morning after.

I woke up to a weight pressing down on my chest. The dawn light filtering through the curtains revealed Wishes curled against me with her head on my chest just above my boobs. Her face was hidden beneath her copper hair and I longed to move it so that I could look at her sweet face as she slept.

Last night I had been nervous at the prospect of making love to this incredible woman, this morning I was terrified. I was afraid to wake Wishes, afraid that when she remembered what we had done last night she would be disgusted with me. I knew in my heart that she loved me, but in my head I couldn't get rid of the thought that she was a straight girl not a lesbian and in the cold light of day she would think this was some kind of huge mistake.

I don't know how long I lay there almost afraid to breath and wake her. It was a strange mixture of feelings, my lust was tempered by the fear inside me, keeping me just on the edge of excitement. But more than anything I felt a deep feeling of love for this woman, it is so hard to describe how she affected every moment of my day awake or asleep.

Wishes moved in her sleep and I froze for a moment hardly daring to breathe as her head settled further down onto my breast. I could feel her warm breath on one of my nipples, the alternating hot breath followed by the chill air as she breathed in caused my nipple to harden and ache. I could feel my need for her beginning to overwhelm my trepidation.

Suddenly Wishes giggled and moved her head forward enveloping my right nipple in her warm mouth. Her teeth gently grazed it's surface bringing a soft moan from my throat. Her tongue was teasing my tip slowly increasing my need for release.

Her hand slid down across my belly towards my trimmed bush. Wishes cupped her hand over my pussy and pressing down onto it gently massaged my hot puss. The heel of her palm was pressed firmly down trapping my clit under my labia and rubbing my moist lips over it's sensitive tissue. I groaned when Wishes slid a finger through my moist channel before slipping inside of me.

"Oh, yes baby, that feels so good," I breathed as another finger joined the first.

I moaned loudly as Wishes fingers fucked me, each time her fingers plunged into my body the heel of her hand ground into my clit sending lightning through my tense body.

"Faster love, please fuck meeeee!" I screeched as Wishes pounded into me.

"I'm cumming, oh shit yes, oh Wishes!" I cried as my body convulsed under her.

Wishes lifted her face to mine and kissed me with a hunger that surprised me. Her tongue thrust into my mouth to entwine with mine.

"Morning lover," Wishes murmured breathlessly when she pulled back.

"Wishes I love you," I found myself sobbing softly, the depth of my love for this wonderful woman overwhelming me.

"I love you too hun," she held me tightly as I recovered my breath before slowly moving her way back down my body, trailing kisses as she moved down my throat and slowly tracing her way between my breasts. Each kiss burned my skin as she tasted my hot flesh.

Eventually Wishes got to my pubis, she hesitated for a moment just looking at my wet sex before I felt her move closer to my pussy.

I felt a soft contact from the tip of Wishes tongue as she carefully sampled my taste, this was followed a moment later by her tongue travelling from just above my opening then up between my labia until her tongue reached my hard clit. I heard Wishes moan softly as her tongue slid deep into my vagina.

Oh God those sensations, her tongue was so soft, yet firm and sure in it's movements. Every touch from Wishes sent me higher and higher to that peak of ecstasy that my body craved.

"Oh Jesus Wishes, that's so fucking good," I cried as she slid two fingers inside of me and danced her nimble tongue around my engorged clit. "Oh, yessss. Fuck me Wishes. Fuck Meeeeeeee!" I yelled as I came for a second time, my body couldn't take any more and time stopped.

I must have lost a minute or two, when I opened my eyes Wishes was looking down at me with her eyes full of concern.

"Are you ok Linda?" she asked, my attention was drawn to her lower face which glistened with my juices.

"Oh Jesus girl, I've never felt so good." I closed the gap between us and kissed Wishes deeply, tasting myself in her mouth before slowly lapping up the musky treasure from her face.

I rolled us over so that I was on top of her and began kissing her neck, sucking the skin into my mouth and delivering tiny sharp bites to her beautiful skin.

"Linda, l-l-love." Wishes groaned into my hair as I loved her exquisite neck. "God, love, please stop, I need to pee, off quick," she begged me.

I reluctantly rolled away from her and stared after my love as her cute butt ran towards the bathroom. Shortly I heard the flush and then the shower starting, as soon as I heard the toilet flush the inevitable urge hit me and I dashed to the bathroom to relieve myself as soon as I heard Wishes step into the shower.

"Linda, c'mon wake up lazy bones," Wishes Voice seemed to come to me from afar, then someone was shaking my shoulder and I was forced to open my eyes.

The effort was well worth it, Wishes stood in front of me wearing my robe, her wet hair turned a dark red as it lay plastered to her head.

"C'mon you, out of bed and into the shower. I'll go and start some breakfast."

I pulled myself out of bed and followed Wishes out of the bedroom, I couldn't help pausing at the bathroom door to watch her cute rear as she walked down the stairs.

Ten minutes later I entered the kitchen wearing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Wishes was standing at the cooker and I just had to wrap my arms around her slender waist and bury my face in her damp hair.

Wishes moaned slightly and pressed back into me as I nuzzled her sweet neck again.

"If you don't stop that I am going to burn your breakfast. Why don't you pour us both a coffee and sit down, it'll be ready in a minute."

I reluctantly left her alone and did as I was asked. We ate our breakfast in a comfortable silence then sat with our coffee looking at each other over the table.

"What do you fancy doing today?" I asked eventually.

"Well I will have to pop home for a bit and change, I've only got that dress you bought me. After that we can do anything you like."

"Well it's a nice day, how would you feel about a walk on the moors this afternoon and then maybe dinner at a restaurant this evening. Does that sound good?"

"Mmm, yeah I'd like that," Wishes came around the table and sat on my lap. We kissed sensuously for quite some time before Wishes went to the bedroom to dress.

I followed her and found a summer dress of mine that would almost fit her if she wore it with a belt.

Chapter 16.    A walk on the moor; A time to give thanks

Later I drove Wishes to her house. Alhana wasn't home so we went up to Wishes' room and I helped her to pack a bag, one bag became two bags and so on. By the time we were finished we had four large bags packed and Wishes' wardrobe was almost empty. As we carried the bags downstairs Alhana came home. She looked at all of the bags and then looked first at Wishes then at me. I could feel Wishes trembling beside of me.

Alhana's face broke into a broad smile and she hugged us both.

"I hope you two are very happy together you were made for each other," Alhana said giving me a quick look as she said it.

"Thanks Mum." Wishes said hugging her mother tightly.

"Go on girl, you've got a life to lead, just don't totally forget your old mum."

"I won't. I'll speak to you soon ok," Wishes released her mum and turned to me. "Are you ready love?" she asked.

"Ready when you are. Thanks Alhana, thanks for everything." I said and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Returning to what was now OUR home we put all of Wishes clothes away and had a quick lunch. Before we set out to walk across the moor I remembered to book us table at the Priory, a lovely old restaurant just outside of the town.

I don't know why I felt I had to take this walk, but I was drawn to the spot that had changed my life. I was glad I had Wishes warm hand in mine as I set off towards the place where I had shouted my wish in my desperation and loneliness.

We chatted the whole time we were walking, gradually getting to know each other I suppose. We picked some spring flowers as we went and soon both of us had a handful of yellow blossoms.

Eventually we reached a point on the moors that I somehow just knew was the spot where Graham had made his wish and my life had changed direction so drastically.

Kneeling down I placed both of our bunches of flowers on the ground in front of me.

"Thank you." I said softly, I knelt there for a couple of minutes giving silent thanks for the new life I had, for Wishes, well for everything really.

Standing up I took Wishes hand and pulled her to me. We kissed for a small eternity before I took my lips from hers.

"C'mon, lets go home," I said and turned us back the way we had come.

"Why?" Wishes asked a few minutes after we began walking.

"Why, why what?" I asked, I knew what she was asking but needed a minute to sort out how I was going to explain things to her, I was mindful of my promise to Alhana.

"Why were you saying thank you?"

I looked at Wishes for a long time before answering.

"Somewhere around here is where my uncle died. If I hadn't been the only living relative the solicitor could find I would never have met you. I have been so lonely for so long, now I've got you and I guess my life just feels so right now, I feel like this is who I was destined to be. If that isn't something to give thanks for I don't know what is."

"So who were you thanking then, your uncle for dying."

"No, I don't know what you would call it, some people would call it God, some The Goddess, others would call it Gaia. It doesn't really matter what label you place on it does it?"

"OK I can buy that, but why here, why not in the church in town, that's where most people would go."

"Yeah I know, but I kind of felt that if there is a God, and it doesn't matter what label you want to use. Where would you be most likely to find him or her? In a church? A cold stone building built by men to show the world how pious they were. Or out here amongst all the glory of his or her creation."

"You're getting to sound like my mum," Wishes said chuckling.

"Well she's a wise woman. Lets hurry back now, we have to get ready to go out tonight."

We talked the rest of the way home about more mundane matters, in fact we spent almost an hour arguing quite happily over what was the best combination of Pizza toppings.

Chapter 17       Wishes and Linda go to a restaurant.

Arriving home we decided that our dresses from last night were still clean enough. After all we were not at the party for long anyway. They just needed a very careful press to remove some creases. Wishes took on this task with a worried frown on her face, especially when she was pressing my dress.

I showered and washed my hair then waited while Wishes showered so she could sort my hair out. I loved having someone brushing my hair for me. It seems odd that something that Graham had found to be a mundane chore, to run a brush through his hair before he left the house, could be for Linda an incredibly emotional experience. How do you describe it, it wasn't sexual or even really sensual, it was just a wonderful sense of closeness. I was sat at my mirror while Wishes stood close behind me running a brush through my hair again and again. I guess it felt like I was being loved, I came close to tears as she worked.

Then we swapped places and with Wishes instruction I brushed her hair, all the time she was looking at me in the mirror with a smile gracing her beautiful face.

After that Wishes showed me how to put on some make up. I tried to follow her instructions and carefully applied the eye-liner and eye shadow, lipstick Etc. I looked at myself after my first attempt and could see lots of places where I had messed it up, so I cleaned it off and started again. It took me four attempts to get a look that both Wishes and I were happy with. In the end I had to say I was pleased with it. Wishes had selected the colours for me and by the time it was finished you could hardly see where it had been applied, it somehow enhanced my features without drawing attention to itself.

By the time we were dressed in our blue and green dresses I was feeling so good I was almost about to burst.

It was in the car on the way to the restaurant that Wishes asked the question I had been sort of dreading.

"Linda," she said and paused.

"Yes love."

"There's something I don't understand."

My heart almost stopped, I had an idea that I knew what was this going to be about.

"Ok, what?" I asked nervously.

"Well I don't quite know how to put this. You're a normal woman in her twenties."

"Twenty five," I supplied.

"Yeah, well, how is it you have no idea how to put make up on? how to fix your hair? that sort of thing?"

"Umm. It's hard to explain," I said. I hated the idea of lying to her, I had to tell her as much of the truth as I could.

Wishes waited patiently as I gathered my thoughts.

"Uh, something happened to me last year. I can't explain what exactly because I don't know," Well that was the truth anyway.

"I think it was some kind of seizure," I said, still just about inside of the truth.

"When I woke up I couldn't remember anything about my past or how a girl should act, what she should do, it's like a kind of patchy memory loss," I think I may just be able to pull this off without actually lying.

"Is it likely to happen again or will the memories come back?" Wishes asked concerned. It hurt me to see the worry on her face but what could I do?

"Well I spoke to a specialist," the specialist in this case was Alhana, she seemed to know what had happened to me. "And she gave some advice on how to manage. It's very unlikely to happen again, I just have to learn how to be a woman again," Wow I think I aced it.

"Why didn't you tell me before? I could have helped you," Wishes sounded a little upset, I think she felt she had let me down.

I parked the car at the side of the road and gave her a hug.

"I wasn't going to tell anyone when I moved here. I didn't want people feeling sorry for me. I have some things I need to learn and some of them will take time. But it's not like I'm handicapped or anything like that. I'm just a normal girl just with a memory that has a big hole in it," I grinned at her trying to lighten the mood.

"After last night you call yourself normal!" Her tone worried me, I had thought she was ok with what happened last night.

"Last night you weren't normal, you were incredible!" Wishes finished with a grin.

We both burst out laughing and the happy mood for the evening was back with us again.

At the restaurant we were quickly seated and left with the menu by a pretty young girl, I think Wishes noticed me noticing how pretty she was, she grinned at me as she caught my eye.

"You know until I met you I had never thought of a girl in a sexy way. I guess you've corrupted me, for the last three days I've been checking out almost every woman I see," Wishes admitted blushing as she looked at me across the table.

"Oh I see, I get you started then you're going to run off with some pretty young thing. Ouch!" Wishes kicked me lightly under the table.

"Oh no, you don't get away with it that easily, you made me a dyke, you're stuck with me now," she grinned.

I took Wishes' hand and gently stroked her wrist.

"I wouldn't want to be stuck with anyone else," I said, yes I know it sounded corny and all I got for that was a tongue stuck out at me, but then remembering what that tongue had been doing this morning and that was no bad thing.

"Chez, it's good to see you, I haven't seen you for what two years," The voice that interrupted us came from a tall heavy set woman about the same age as Wishes.

Wishes stood and gave the woman a hug then turned to me.

"Linda this is Carol, she was one of my best friends at school. Carol I would like you to meet my partner Linda," My heart swelled to hear the pride in Wishes' voice as she introduced me.

"Hi Carol."

"Hi Linda, your partner. Jesus girl I didn't know you were gay," She said loudly attracting the attention of several other dinners. Wishes just grinned cheerfully at her friend.

"Neither did I until I fell in love," I felt myself grinning like an idiot.

"Well good on you girl, welcome to the club. Wait until I tell Miranda," Carol gave Wishes another hug. "God it's good to see you, tell you what, why don't you two join us. There's only four of us and we got placed at a large table so there's plenty of room."

Wishes tried to make excuses why we couldn't join them but Carol wouldn't hear of it and soon a petite blonde joined us, this I found out was another of Wishes school friends called Miranda, Carol's partner. Between the two of them Wishes didn't stand a chance and finally agreed that we would join her friends.

After a minor debate with the restaurant staff we joined Carol and Miranda at their table. Already seated there were an older couple. Carol introduced her mum Daphne and Daphne's partner Sally.

Once introductions were made Carol seemed determined to make sure everyone was talking to everyone. She would have been an incredible party hostess, no one would ever feel left out with this woman making sure everyone got involved.

The lesbian dinner party as Miranda had described us was fun, more fun than either Wishes or I had expected.

"So how did you two meet?" Miranda asked me at one point.

"Um, I fell over in the Costa and Wishes helped pick up my stuff," I said going red. "I think every time I saw Wishes I managed to embarrass myself, I was surprised she even wanted to talk to me let alone anything else," I added sheepishly.

Wishes heard me and took my hand, when she raised it to her lips and kissed the back of my hand I went even redder and a cheer broke out from our friends.

We received an invite from Daphne and Sally to visit their club. Several years ago the women had got fed up with none of the local towns having anything like a lesbian bar where they could relax and drink without men trying to pick them up. So the women had borrowed heavily to start up Silks nightclub just outside of Truro. The club had been a success and had become THE lesbian meeting place in Cornwall.

Eventually the meal was over and we left with promises to visit Silks next weekend.

"Sorry about that," Wishes said as I started the car.

"It was no problem, I was looking forward to spending a romantic evening on our own. But I enjoyed myself, they are a nice group of people."

"Mmm, it was good to see them again. When we left school we saw quite a bit of each other at first. But then as we got on with our lives we sort of lost touch. Partly because as I think you may have noticed Mark is not that fond of lesbians."

I laughed, "I'd put money on him being even less fond of them now."

Wishes laughed with me, "It was good to see them again anyway. Thank you for indulging me."

"It was my pleasure my love. So tell me have you always known that they were gay."

"Yeah, I mean we were close friends and Carol and Miranda have been together since they were fourteen."

"And you never got curious?" I couldn't help but ask.

"No, it's funny but I didn't. I just got used to them being a couple without really thinking about it."

"And now, does it feel different?"

Wishes looked thoughtful.

"Yeah I guess it does, now I look at them as sexual creatures as well as friends. It doesn't mean I fancy either of them or I want to jump into bed with them. I think like I said earlier I keep catching myself checking some girl out," Wishes laughed. "First I become a dyke then a slut, busy 'ain't I."

"All I know is it has been very hard for me to keep my hands off of you this evening," I leered at Wishes as I spoke.

"Mmm, me too hun, I can't wait to get back, I want to see if you taste as good as I remember you do."

"Well get your taste buds ready we're home," I said as we pulled into our drive. Before I had even turned the engine off Wishes was out of the car and rushing around to my door. I stepped out of the car and into her arms. Wishes pulled me towards her, our mouths opened as they joined, Wishes arm came up and one hand held my face tightly to her as we kissed. Wishes other hand slid down my back and began kneading my arse cheeks. I moaned softly into her mouth and retaliated in the only way I could. My left hand travelled down to her arse and slid down into the cleft of her buttocks, the thin material didn't prevent Wishes from feeling my fingers tracing over and around her rosebud. Almost growling Wishes tried to pull me tighter and press her ass back onto my fingers. I took advantage of the movement to slide my right hand around to cup her breast, my fingers lightly grazed her almost bare nipple making Wishes pull away from my face and gasp with pleasure.

"Oh god, let's get inside quick. I need you baby!" Wishes moaned as my probing digit pushed her dress tight against her ass hole.

Holding hands we ran to the door, Wishes waited impatiently while I tried to unlock the door, I was hampered by her hands reaching around and cupping my breasts through my dress.

"Wishes, for god's sake stop or I'll never get the bloody door open," I gasped as her fingers tweaked my erect nipples. She just giggled in my ear.

Eventually I got the door open and we ran upstairs and stripped off our dresses as quickly as we could. Once we were naked I looked at Wishes slender frame and felt a twinge of pleasure shoot through me.

"Oh god, you are so beautiful," I whispered staring at her glorious body.

Closing the gap between us Wishes kissed me quickly before looking in my eyes, "You're beautiful too, I love you Linda."

I steered Wishes to the bed and pushed her gently down to lie with her legs spread on the quilt. Kneeling astride her I began loving her breasts, my fingers were never still for a moment as I traced the edge of her areola, massaged the swell of her breasts and pinched her nipples lightly.

Wishes wriggled and moaned under me, the wriggling kept my pussy moving around her stomach leaving a wet trail behind as she squirmed.

I leant down and kissed Wishes, my tongue diving into her mouth to duel with hers before I moved down to take one of those delightful nipples into my mouth. I sucked the engorged morsel into my mouth and softly bit the tip as Wishes voiced her pleasure. Slowly I worked my way down across her taut belly, tasting the fluids I had deposited on her a moment ago. Finally I reached her sweet mound and buried my nose in her soft folds inhaling her scent. I sank my tongue deep into Wishes and tasted her sweet juice before moving up to lap at Wishes clit as it emerged from its hiding place.

"Oh sweet god, don't stop Linda, I'm gonna Cuuuuuum!" She yelled as I softly grazed my teeth against her clit. Wishes tensed up for a second and shrieked my name as her juice squirted onto my chin and the sheet. As her body relaxed back onto the bed I slowly lapped up all of Wishes' cum that I could.

"Ohh please stop, you're getting me worked up again! Oh God!" Wishes gasped as my diligent cleaning took in her clit as well. I was tempted to do as I was told but the taste of Wishes was just too good to give up that easily, plus there was something I wanted to try.

Wishes moaned loudly as I slid two fingers into her and began to fuck her slowly with them. I left Wishes clit for a time and chewed lightly on her thick fleshy lips.

"Oh Linda, how do you do this to me. God fuck me now, harder babe!" she panted as I speeded up my fingers. When I slid one of those fingers down and pressed it against her ass Wishes groaned. I swear as it popped through her ring and slid smoothly into her ass she growled.

"Yesss, oh yeah love, fuck my ass, please fuck it nowwww!"

As her ass loosened it's grip on my finger I slid a second in beside it and slowly fucked Wishes bucking ass until she opened up nicely. When her body had accustomed itself to my invading digits I fucked Wishes' ass hard and returned my attention to her throbbing clit.

If it wasn't for the powerful muscles clamping Wishes thighs to the sides of my head I think I would have been deafened by the scream she let out as a second orgasm rolled though her exhausted body. My efforts were rewarded by more of her wonderful cum, which I greedily devoured.

It's funny, that night Wishes didn't get around to checking if I tasted as good as she remembered, as she lay in my arms recovering from her orgasm she drifted off to sleep with a sweet smile on her face.

Again I woke before Wishes that morning, only this time there was no fear in me. Just a deep sense of well-being and love as I lay their and gazed at my lover as she slept.

Chapter 18.        Another visit to the dress shop to get ready to go to a club.

For the next week we began to settle into a domestic routine. We would take turns cooking and spend all day working on the decorating we had started. Then after dinner we would settle down in the living room, sometimes we would just kiss and cuddle for the evening, other nights we would read or talk for hours. I had never owned a television set and for the time being we didn't feel that we needed one. Then we would go to bed early and make love until we fell asleep. We both knew that in five weeks Wishes would be back at university and would be working hard. It would obviously impact on the amount of time and energy we had for lovemaking so we were making the most of the time we had now.

"We better go shopping today." Wishes said at breakfast on Saturday morning. "We were invited to Silks tonight if you remember."

"Mmm, what's wrong with the clothes we've got, can't we wear them again?" I asked. I didn't really mind going shopping again but you have to try to keep up appearances.

"Those dresses are beautiful, but if you think I'm letting you loose in a club full of lesbians dressed like that you've got another thing coming my girl," Wishes said grinning at me. She got up and walked around behind me, her arms wrapped around my waist as she began kissing and nibbling at my neck.

"Oh that feels good babe," I murmured as one of her hands worked its way up to cup one of my breasts. Wishes stopped kissing to whisper in my ear.

"I've never been in a lesbian club before. Just think all those women will be looking at you and wanting to take you home to fuck you all night. But I'm going to be the one who gets to do that, I'm getting wet just thinking about it,"

I half turned in my seat and ran a hand up Wishes leg under the skirt she was wearing. She wasn't lying her pussy was drenched. I slowly slipped two fingers inside of her causing her to groan into my ear. Withdrawing my hand I turned the rest of the way around and locked eyes with Wishes as I slowly slipped one of my glistening fingers into my mouth and sucked her juices from my digit. Removing my fingers I smiled at Wishes and put the other sticky finger at her lips. Smiling at me Wishes opened her mouth and gradually enveloped my finger. Pursing her lips Wishes bobbed her head a few times on my finger like she was sucking a tiny cock before releasing it.

"I think you are going to be too distracted to shop today," I said.

"Well we could always go back to the shop we got our dresses and see if there's any other lips Sally wants to kiss," Wishes grinned.

"Mmm maybe we should go to Truro instead of Plymouth this week," I said trying hard to keep a straight face. Wishes stuck her tongue out at me, so I leant in and sucked on it. Eventually we surfaced for air.

"Spoilsport," Wishes chuckled. "You know all I want from Sally is a kiss, after all you're one up on me so far."

"Ok you win. Lets get going then."

Sally wasn't at the shop when we got there and I think we must have both looked disappointed.

"Excuse me is there a problem?" The salesgirl asked, she was a very pretty redhead.

"No, no problem," I replied, "we were just hoping Sally would be here today."

"Sorry, it's her turn looking after the baby today. I guess you must be Linda, and that would make you Wishes. It's nice to meet you Sally told me about your visit last week. I'm Ashley, Sally's partner."

"Hi Ashley, it's nice to meet you. We are looking for a couple of dresses for tonight, we have been invited to a club for the evening."

"No problem, now lets see, I know, Linda, you try this one; and this would suit you Wishes." She said handing us a dress each. "You know where the changing room is, if you want to go on in I will be with you in a sec. ok."

Accepting the dresses we walked into the back room. Wishes dress was a beautiful jade green creation, backless, the front was split to just below the navel. Wishes could get away with something like that because of her modest bust. My dress was black and stunning, the top of the dress was basically a corset and the skirt seemed to be made from strips of almost translucent black gauze that exposed my legs, and my panties, with every move I made.

"You both look stunning," Ashley said as her eyes swept our forms. I know the look in her eyes got me wet and I'm pretty sure it excited Wishes as well. Ashley made a few adjustments to the dresses before stepping back.

"Now do you need anything else to go with the outfits, um, yep," Ashley dashed back out into the shop and came back with handbags and shoes to match each dress. "That should do it, you will look great tonight," She helped us on with the shoes then stood back.

"Uh, I think there's something still missing though." I said as I glanced at myself in the full length mirror.

Ashley looked puzzled, "Oh! Well I suppose you could add a short jacket or something like that." she said looking doubtful.

"No I wasn't thinking about that, it was more like this."

I walked up to Ashley and lightly held her shoulders, I slowly leant in giving her plenty of time to turn away. Our lips met and with a soft sigh she moulded herself to me, we kissed sweetly for a few minutes before we parted. Ashley was flushed.

"Wow, Sally said you could kiss," She murmured.

"Do I get one of those as well?" Wishes asked moving towards us.

This time it was Ashley that held Wishes as they kissed, I could see that Wishes was tentative at first but soon got into the kiss and responded enthusiastically. When they parted Wishes rested her forehead against Ashley's.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure, all part of the service," Ashley said grinning.

We were soon back in our own clothes and moving back to the front of the shop I paid for our dresses. Thanking Ashley we told her we would be back soon and left.

We had decided that my 'uncle's' furniture wasn't good enough for our new home so we went furniture shopping for the rest of the morning. In the space of a few hours we had made a sizeable dent in my bank account, much to Wishes dismay.

"It feels odd to be spending all this money, I don't think we ever had a new piece of furniture at home. Mum said she preferred older stuff and we didn't have the money anyway." She told me.

"I haven't ever been shopping like this before. But uncle Graham left me quite a bit, and it feels right to use it to set up home with."

We went for lunch at a trendy wine bar in the city centre then went window shopping for an hour before we headed home.

Wishes tortured me the whole way home, at first she raised her skirt very slowly, a little every mile it seemed, until eventually her bald pussy was revealed. Even with only the quick glances I could give her beautiful pussy I could see the moisture glistening on her skin. Then leaving her skirt around her waist she slowly slid a finger inside of herself, a soft sigh left her lips as she teased her sex with her finger. Withdrawing the finger with a wicked grin Wishes carefully smeared the juices across my upper lip.

Every breath I took carried her fragrance deep inside me, I resisted the temptation as long as I could but eventually my tongue slipped out an ran across my lip, tasting the essence of my love. A mile later another finger was rubbed over my lip and again her aroma assaulted my senses. Before we were even halfway home I was losing control.

I pulled off of the road into the car park at a small rest stop just past Dobwalls. Parking the car I ran around and pulled the laughing Wishes into the small copse beside of the road. I lay my love down on a carpet of soft, pine needles. Raising her skirt I pressed my face almost desperately into her moist folds. I began teasing the skin of Wishes' hood until her clit popped into view before I subjected it to a very gentle assault. Wishes cried out her pleasure as a finger slid into her welcoming hole, her disappointment vocal when I withdrew it. Pressing my wet finger slowly but firmly against her ass hole it glided gently into her silken depths. Wishes shuddered as my thumb hooked itself into her wet pussy, she thrashed about as I rocked my hand back and forth driving first my finger into her bowels then my thumb into her sopping pussy, after a minute or so of fucking both her holes I sucked her little clit into my mouth and gripping it softly with my teeth I teased the tip with my tongue. Wishes suddenly went rigid, a cry started but was cut short by the tension in her throat, her breath rasped as her body jerked under me. With a deep ragged gasp her body went limp, I looked up to see a wonderful smile across her face as she tried to catch her breath.

Wishes hands reached for me blindly and drew me up along her body, we kissed, her tongue searching out her own taste from my mouth as she shuddered through several small aftershocks.

When she had recovered a little Wishes reached for me, trying to manoeuvre herself on top of me ready to return the pleasure. I pulled away laughing and offered a hand to pull her to her feet.

"There will be time for that later," I told her grinning.

Wished took my hand and pulled herself up, she flowed into my arms as if it was something we had been doing all of our lives. Holding her close to me I walked Wishes back to my little sports car and sat her in the passenger seat before climbing in myself.

Wishes was asleep in the car before we had gone two miles.

Chapter 19.       The girls visit “Silks” a lesbian club in Truro.

~o~O~o~
Authors note:- Silks nightclub and some of the characters mentioned in it are from a series of stories called “Tales from Silks” posted on another site.

~o~O~o~

Silks was not at first sight an impressive vista, in fact from the outside it was a quite run down looking industrial building. A short covered walkway led down the side of the building until you got to a pair of smoked glass doors. As soon as you walked through the doors and into the impressive foyer you would realise that this was no factory or warehouse. A tall blond girl was behind a reception desk, she smiled as we approached.

I knew that Wishes looked stunning in her new dress and she told me that I looked fantastic, yet it was still a shock to me to see the expression on her face, raw desire was the best way to describe it.

"Hi, I'm Cindy, can I help you at all?" As she spoke she was eyeing both Wishes and myself in a way that I was certainly not used too!

I guess Wishes must have thought that the look was directed at me because she moved closer to me and slipped her arm around my waist. As she flashed me an adoring look I could see Cindy's shoulders drop slightly, I felt kind of sorry for her, Wishes was drop dead gorgeous and would attract anyone, I felt so proud that she had chosen to be there with me.

"Hi we're guests of Sally and Daphne, are they around?" Wishes asked her. Cindy didn't answer at first, I suddenly realised that it wasn't Wishes that Cindy was focused on but me! I was stunned, I mean I knew this new body was pretty but I was nothing next to Wishes' beauty. I was so struck by this revelation that I didn't hear Cindy's reply. I was only aware that Wishes had taken my arm possessively and was leading me into the club.

The first impression of the club for me was that it was huge, the room was most of the floor area of the large warehouse with a long bar running to the right of the entrance and small U shaped seating areas running to the left and down the short walls of the club. The far wall held a reasonably large stage filling maybe a third of the long wall. The second thing that hit me was the band, they were very good or rather they seemed to be very good as individual musicians but didn't seem to be quite together as a band somehow.

Making our way over to the bar we ordered drinks, I was only drinking coke because I was driving and Wishes decided to stick with a soft drink as well. We found a table quite near the dance floor and set our drinks down before heading out onto the floor to dance. Fortunately for me the band were mainly playing soft blues numbers, I may have led quite a simple life before as Graham but the blues has long been one of my favourite musical styles. We danced closely but not touching much as the music didn't really lend itself to that kind of dancing.

We danced a couple of songs then sat for a while talking quietly and getting used to the atmosphere of the club. I have to say I was surprised by the way that Wishes was handling herself and our relationship in public. I know all this was very new to her, but she seemed to take everything in her stride without fear or embarrassment. I think when she resolved to never deny our relationship again she meant it wholeheartedly. For myself I was also surprised by how comfortable I was with our casual, and sometimes slightly more intimate contact in public. Graham was a quiet shy introverted man, one not overly given to casual contact and kisses in public, but Linda! Linda seemed like a totally different person, she held hands with her lover and kissed her in public and seemed to relish displaying her love for Wishes. I had a wonderful new life to lead and I'd be damned if I was going to wait and steal kisses in private. I was going to make the most of this second chance at happiness.

The band took a break for a while and like most of the patrons we recharged our glasses while they were away. When the band came back on stage the mystery of why the band didn't quite sound "together" was explained. The lead singer introduced the bass player as being a new friend of theirs who was helping out covering since their bass player had left recently. She went on to say that when the girl, Jenny, had first played with them she had blown them away with a song and they wanted her to play it for us now.

I must admit I perked up and listened, I could tell she was very good from the earlier set and was interested to hear what she was going to play.

It was an old Duanne Eddy tune, from some American TV show in the sixties I think. I listened with interest as this young lady played "Peter Gunn", the arrangement was different, a bit more modern I guess with a lot more keyboards than there was in the original number. They were very good and Wishes and I joined in with a standing ovation for them.

After the girl had acknowledged the applause the band moved on to slower music. I had to lead Wishes out onto the floor for this!

To hold Wishes close to me with her head on my shoulder as we moved around the dance floor was heaven. I would lean forward and kiss the top of her head from time to time and could feel her smile as she delivered a small kiss to my shoulder. From time to time her head would raise up and we would exchange a soft kiss, then it would be me nestling my head into Wishes shoulder as she held me lovingly.

After a couple of songs I could sense someone watching me and looked up to see the bass player was staring at us.

I could see this look of, I don't know, longing I guess. It wasn't the kind of look that we got from Cindy at the door who looked like she wanted to jump on us in the reception area. I think it was more wanting what we seemed to have, a closeness that I know I had never felt before.

After locking eyes with the girl for a moment or two I laid my head back down and we moved to the music.

When we got back to our table Daphne was there to say hello.

"Hi Linda, 'Chez, are you having a good time?" She asked.

"Hi Daphne," Wishes answered ignoring the shortening of her name. "It's a lovely place you've got here."

"Hello Daphne, I like the band as well," I added.

Daphne smiled, "They seem to be better tonight than they have been. I need to speak with them briefly after they finish, I can introduce you if you like."

"Mmm, yeah, I would like to speak to them if you don't mind."

When Daphne left Wishes teased me for a while about becoming a groupie, I didn't understand at first until she explained to me what a groupie was.

We went back onto the floor and danced to the last couple of slow songs. The singer thanked everybody for listening to them and said they were closing the show with Albatross, a track from Fleetwood Mac.

The song was bass driven and the bass player excelled herself. Wishes and I were spellbound along with the rest of the audience as we watched the woman. Eyes closed she had tears streaming down her face as she broke from the track into the most incredibly mournful solo. When she finished the audience erupted in applause as the girl looked around as if she was confused. A small girl jumped up onto the stage and pounced on the bass player while the rest of the band grinned. They kissed for a moment then pulled away as the bass guitar made a raucous noise.

We were all calling for an encore and after looking around for a moment the bass player went to speak to the rest of the band.

She moved the girl off to one side and stepped up to the microphone and said she wanted to sing something.

She sang another Mac song 'Man of the world', but obviously, considering the venue, changed the words to 'Woman of the world.'

Her voice was stunning as she poured so much longing and hope into that beautiful song. I could feel the sting of tears in the corner of my eyes and looking across at Wishes I could see she had tears streaming down her face as well, we shared a soft but oh so special kiss before turning our attention back to the band. The woman ended the song standing in front of the shorter girl and kissed her hand as she finished. The audience broke into another round of applause and after acknowledging it the band finally managed to make their way off stage.

A few minutes later Daphne came over to collect us and taking Wishes' hand I followed her over to where the band were sitting.

After Daphne had spoken with the band she introduced us and I spoke with the bass player for a moment thanking her for some interesting renditions of some classic songs. Wishing them well we made our way out to my car.

"Babe, I like it there," Wishes said as I started the car. Her hand slid into my lap and parted the strips that made up my skirt to expose my panties.

"Oh shit!" I gasped, her fingers had wormed their way under my thong as I pulled out of the car park. I glanced quickly at Wishes and saw the mischievous grin on her face.

I was surprised and pleased at her boldness. Up until now it had usually been me that lead the way in our lovemaking this was the first time that Wishes had taken the lead. To me it seemed like Wishes had moved from passively accepting our relationship to actively seeking it.

"God Linda!" Wishes gasped, "Watching all those women lusting after you got me so hot baby."

Her fingers were gently swirling inside me as I drove. She would rub around my clit until she could feel a slight tremble letting her know I was getting close then back off and let me cool down for a bit before pushing me close to orgasm again.

Our sighs and moans filled the car as I drove as carefully as I could while two fingers were buried in my pussy as another teased my clit.

Wishes was moaning as much as I was and a quick look at her lap showed her fingers were busy under her own skirt as well as mine.

She kept up the teasing until I pulled the car into the drive. As soon as the car was turned off her fingers went into overdrive and within seconds my pussy was clasping at her fingers as I gasped my way through my orgasm. As I was cumming I was aware of Wishes crying out her own pleasure beside of me.

As I was recovering my breath Wishes leant across and kissed me hard her tongue darting into my mouth to tangle with mine. When she pulled back there was predatory look on her face that made me shudder with excitement.

"That girl Cindy wanted to be with you but you're mine baby, You're mine!" She murmured urgently before claiming my lips again.

When we finally got in the house Wishes just about dragged me up the stairs to our bedroom. She pushed me down on the bed and stood over me panting slightly.

That night marked a definite shift in the dynamic of our relationship and I also learned something very important about myself.

As Wishes grew more comfortable with her sexuality and our relationship she became more assertive in her lovemaking, I don't mean she was ever mean or unpleasant, Wishes could never be that!

Since we first met she had been battered by a whole host of changes that had kept her off balance. Now as her confidence grew the strong intelligent woman that was studying for her Masters came to the fore and she blossomed.

For my part I learnt that I like to take a slightly more submissive role in the bedroom. I'm not talking about ropes and whips or a Mistress and slave thing here! But I found that for me there is something very special in being cherished and loved that filled me with warmth.

As Graham I was typical of a male of my era, "Master in his own house," that sort of thing. Now I found that with the financial security from my "Inheritance" I didn't need to find a job and could take the time to be a home-maker. In that I think I found the route to true happiness, for me anyway.

Chapter 20 Linda has some memory problems

---

Sunday night brought a change in my life that upset my equilibrium and directly led to this tale that you are reading.

We were sitting cuddled on the living room sofa listening to some music when I handed Wishes an envelope.

"What's this love?" She asked looking at the plain white envelope with just her name written on the front.

"Why don't you open it and see," I said grinning as Wishes opened the envelope.

"I don't understand, what's all this about?" Wishes said looking at some paperwork from the British School of Motoring, one of the largest driving instructor groups in the UK.

"It's simple enough love, this is the paperwork for a five day intensive driving course for you, ok."

"But, what, uh why?" She stammered.

"Darling you are going to be back at the University soon. You would have to catch a bus to Truro everyday or stay down there all week and come home for weekends. I'm selfish, I want you to be at home in bed with me all night every night."

Throwing her arms about me Wishes kissed me hard.

"Thank you honey, that's so sweet of you, I want to be with you every night as well."

We kissed for a while before Wishes pulled back slightly.

"I love you so much honey," she whispered to me, then sat back and grinned at me.

"I didn't realise you were so sneaky, when did you organise this?"

I grinned back at her.

"On Thursday when I dropped you in town for you to change your address, remember I told you I wanted to get the tyres checked on the car?"

"Yes," she said looking closely at me.

"Well I didn't need to check the tyres, I went to their office in Fore Street and made the arrangements, you start Monday and should have your licence by Friday."

My mind drifted to when I took my driving test. I gasped and must have gone white as a sheet.

I clearly remembered taking my driving test. I remembered the car, my driving instructor, even my examiner. I could remember how terrified I was as I sat in the car waiting for the instruction to move off. I remembered the incredible feeling of relief and achievement when the examiner told me I had passed.

The trouble was that Graham had never taken a driving test, they weren't required when I started driving. I was remembering Linda's driving test, a test which I know had never taken!

"Linda, Linda, LINDA!" Wishes voice finally registered on me. I focused on her worried face and managed a very shaky smile.

"Linda are you okay?" She asked concerned.

"Yeah," I mumbled, "I just remembered taking my driving test," I answered in a distracted voice.

"Oh Linda that's great!" Wishes exclaimed, "Your memory's coming back, that's fantastic love."

Wishes gave me a hug and then settled back into the seat.

"So?" She asked.

"Sorry," I was beginning to function again although I still didn't understand how this could possible have happened.

"So tell me about it silly!"

So I spent almost an hour telling Wishes what I knew of my driving lessons around Birmingham. I remembered all the roads I drove around on as I was learning, even though as Graham the only time I visited the city was in 1944 when I had to wait an hour on the station platform for a connecting train.

I described the test day, how nervous I was. I told her how I was convinced that I had failed the test because at one point the examiner had told me to take the next right turn and I had turned left. When I stopped the car at the end of the test he congratulated me on a fine piece of driving and told me I had passed, I had almost argued with him about it.

"But, but I can't have passed," I told him, "I took a wrong turn on Symonds Road!"

He chuckled and smiled at me.

"Miss Pearce you signalled a left turn, made your observations correctly and executed the manoeuvre safely. You are not a danger on the road, although you may get lost from time to time. If I were you I would buy a good map, or a SatNav."

I was still feeling distracted when we went to bed and long after Wishes had fallen asleep I was lying there trying to sort through the mix of memories belonging to both Graham and Linda.

Eventually I got out of bed and made myself a cup of tea. Finding a notepad I started writing down as much as I could remember of Graham's life. Two hours later I went to bed and snuggled up to my lover, eventually I drifted off to an uneasy sleep.

Monday morning I drove Wishes to Truro and dropped her off at the motoring school. Kissing her goodbye I went to PC World and bought myself a basic laptop. Yes I know I was old but we had used computers at the bank so they were not totally alien to me!

Getting home I set up the laptop and started to type up my notes from last night. I learnt something else doing that, Linda could touch type while Graham had only ever pecked at the keyboard.

By early afternoon I had decided to lay it out as a story, Graham's life story. I kept at it until it was time to pick up Wishes.

That set the style for the week. I would drop Wishes off at the driving school then go home to write as much as I could remember of Graham's life.

Wednesday I was distracted for a time as a delivery van turned up with our new furniture. I spent most of the day directing the workmen where to put things and helped where I could with dismantling the old furniture they were taking away. The furniture shop had told me that the old furniture was going to a charity that refurbished the items and gave them to the needy.

And on Thursday I had to set out on an important mission. I knew that Wishes for some strange reason loved the new shape Mini Cooper, god knows why it doesn't even look like a Mini. But I guess I can allow her one lapse in taste as long as she's happy.

Anyway I made arrangements for a one year old Mini, in Fire Engine red with an off centre white stripe along the bonnet and roof, to be delivered on Friday morning. It was registered and insured in Wishes' name.

Wishes was bubbling with excitement when I picked her up, she had passed thank the Goddess!

All the way home she was chattering excitably about how the test went, along with a quite detailed description of how she was going to thank me that had me squirming in my seat.

I think my lover was getting quite worked up planning how to thank me but her face fell when she saw the car in the driveway.

"Oh, have we got visitors?" She asked, disappointment evident in her voice.

I grinned as I parked my car in the street instead of behind the Mini and got out of the car.

"Linda?" Wishes asked as she followed me over to the new car.

"Uh, I think that may be for you." I said holding up a set of car keys.

For a moment Wishes just stared at me, her lips moved silently mouthing, "For me?"

With a laugh I took her hand and dropped the keys onto her palm.

"Yes love for you."

I was glad we were out of the car as Wishes screamed her excitement or it would have hurt my eardrums. She looked at the car then at me then back to the car. Wishes took a step towards the car then her shoulders dropped slightly, she turned back to face me with a tear in her eye.

"Thank you Linda," She said sadly, "but I can't let you buy me a car, It's too much honey."

I gave her a quick kiss then holding her at arms length I looked into those beautiful green eyes.

"Wishes, please," I started, "the car is for you, WE can afford it. Sometime this weekend I need to go over our finances with you, that's OUR finances, not mine. But for now let's take your car out for a test drive shall we?"

One side of her mouth twitched up into a crooked smile.

"We are going to have a talk about all this later young lady!" Wishes said trying to sound stern. "But first, get in the car quick!" she finished with a laugh.

Laughing I got in the passenger seat and watched as Wishes carefully adjusted the seat and mirrors to suit her. Starting the car she pulled off very gingerly, too gingerly, the car hopped and stalled.

Wishes flushed with embarrassment as she started the car again. This time she pulled off smoothly and drove carefully up the road.

We drove around for about two hours before Wishes brought us back home again. She had stalled the car a couple of times at junctions and selected the wrong gear a couple of times but she did very well. By the time we arrived at the house she was driving with a lot more confidence.

When we got inside the house we went straight to Wishes thanking me, skipping the "talking too" I was expecting.

Wishes thanked me repeatedly until the early hours of the morning, I could hardly move the next morning I ached so much!

Chapter 21.    Linda and Wishes make the most of Wishes' last week before returning to University.

---

This was the last week before Wishes had to go back to University so we decided to play tourist for most of the week. With Wishes driving we toured the county getting her as much driving practice as possible before she would have to drive to the University every day from next week.

On Monday she drove us down to St. Ives where we had a lovely quiet day wandering around the quaint old fishing village. We walked past the harbour to see the Tate Modern and looked around the gift shop. But it was too nice a day to spend indoors, and to be honest I have never really 'got' modern art. We had a fun day walking around holding hands and eating ice cream cones. After a leisurely meal in a pub we set off on the long drive down to the Minack theatre.

You can't help being absolutely captivated by your first sight of the Minack. Built by hand using local stone the amphitheatre is perched on the edge of the cliff with the English Channel as the breath taking back drop for every scene. We watched an amateur company put on a performance of "My fair lady" but it had to be said that mother nature stole the show as a huge thunderstorm played itself out in the bay.

The drive home was very tiring for Wishes, it had been a long day for us both and night driving can especially tiring when it's all new to you. By the time we got back to the A30 Wishes was flagging so we swapped seats and I drove us the rest of the way home with Wishes sleeping beside of me.

Tuesday morning it was raining so we decided to drive over to St. Austell and visit the Eden Project. Wishes knew that her mum had never been there so we popped in to see if she would like to join us. Alhana wasn't working and was happy to spend a day out with us.

Looking down from the visitor centre is an incredible sight. The two massive biomes are dwarfed by the towering walls of the old China clay pit. They had terraformed the pit and everywhere you looked there was something interesting to see. Wishes wanted us to walk down to the biomes exploring some of the maze of pathways leading to the central entrance hall that joined the two huge greenhouses. It was drizzling and we would get soaked but I was happy to agree, Alhana had much more sense than we did and caught the land train to meet us down at the bottom.

Wishes had been here several times before as the site had been developed and taking my hand she led me on the long winding walk down to the bottom of the pit. I was strolling along holding my lover's hand as she showed me her favourite exhibits and I couldn't have been any happier in spite of the soaking we were getting.

We met up with the dry Alhana and went to have a look at the temperate biome first. Thankfully there was a cloakroom provided so we could get rid of our wet coats and not have to drag them around with us.

We walked slowly through the Mediterranean garden stopping occasionally to read something about the uses of some of the hundreds of plants that surrounded us before we stopped for a break in the orange grove. There was a small stall there dispensing a Mediterranean soup so we bought a bowl each along with a loaf of rustic bread and sat under a lime tree to eat it before we went to the tropical biome.

When the doors to the tropical biome open you suddenly go from the cool dry Cornish air to the stifling sultry heat of a tropical rainforest. Alhana and I had both made the mistake of wearing clothing too heavy for the heat we had just walked into, Wishes had been wearing a light sun dress under her coat and was chuckling at us as we tried to reorganise our clothing. Unfortunately for me all I had on under the sweater I wore was a thin vest top and no bra!

I was so embarrassed as we walked around, every movement caused my breasts to sway. The loose sides of my top gaped open revealing most of my tits to the world and if I tried to tuck it tightly into the waistband of my jeans then my nipples stood out like organ stops!

On the plus side Wishes couldn't keep her eyes off of my tits, this turned into a bit of a game where I would stretch to point something out to my lover while she tried not to get caught staring at my carefully displayed charms. Who would have thought a walk in a greenhouse could get me so horny? Of course that didn't help the nipple problem either.

The biome was fascinating with a rich display of colourful plants and wildlife, they had released several species of birds into the rainforest and god knows how many insects, hopefully none of them were poisonous.

The path started out as a gentle climb but soon became steeper as we made our way up the wall of the old clay pit. About halfway up there was a split in the path and a sign informed us that the path got a lot steeper or we could take the lower path for a more gentle short cut. Alhana decided that she would take the lower path while Wishes dragged me towards the steep climb.

It was a hard slog walking up the steep path in that heat but when we got to the top the view was certainly worth the effort. I was leaning against a railing looking out over the rainforest canopy. Below my feet there was a waterfall cascading down the rocks to the forest floor, the spray was catching the light and I found myself looking down on a rainbow.

Wishes stepped up behind me and her hands wrapped around my waist as she rested her chin on my shoulder and enjoyed the view as well. I felt her hands move up to cup my unrestrained breasts through my top. I moaned slightly as she softly massaged the underside of my breasts.

"You've been teasing me baby!" Wishes breathed in my ear. I could feel her move her head quickly and guessed she was looking around to see if anyone could see us. Her left hand moved up to tease my nipple as her right hand dove under the waistband of my jeans. I gasped as Wishes fingers stroked through my slit before one of them plunged into my wet pussy.

"Yessss!" I hissed softly as her thumb grazed my clit. I stood leaning on the railing for support as Wishes loving fingers took me higher and higher. I tried to stop myself from screaming as I came and all that emerged was a squeak as I gripped the railing so hard my knuckles turned white.

Wishes held me and nuzzled into my neck as I recovered my breath, as soon as I had control of my legs again I turned in her arms and kissed her.

"You, my love are wicked," I whispered to her.

My lover just grinned at me.

"I remember someone taking me in a hedge near a lay-by recently don't you?" she chuckled.

I blushed as I remembered our last shopping trip.

By the time we got back to Alhana my legs were like jelly, not all of it was down to the heat and the walking though, Wishes had found two other secluded places to play with my body.

The three of us made our way through the banana plantation to the exit marvelling at the huge clusters of bananas high up in the trees.

The cool dry air hitting you as you leave the biome was a wonderful relief, you get so used to the moist heat inside it comes as a bit of a shock. Of course the cool air had the expected effect on my nipples and I hurriedly pulled on my sweater.

We had plenty of time for a coffee and something to eat before we left so we went to the huge Eden cafe underneath the entrance hall.

The cafe is all open plan with several islands scattered around where the meals were prepared in front of you. Alhana told us not to have too much to eat now as we were going back to her house for dinner this evening.

As we sipped our coffee and munched on monster Danish pastries Alhana almost made me choke.

"You know I found the loveliest little spot to sit for a while," She said with a mischievous grin. "It's at the bottom of a waterfall, there is the most incredible view."

At the look on her face I started to blush.

"You can see right the way up to the top where the viewing platform is."

I looked at Wishes and she had gone as red as I felt I had.

"It's so nice to see young people enjoying the view," Alhana said but couldn't keep a straight face and began laughing halfway through.

"Mum!" Wishes gasped in embarrassment.

Alhana reached across the table and rested a hand on each of our arms.

"Sorry dears, I couldn't resist teasing you both," She said still grinning at our red faces. "I'm glad you are so happy together."

We both started chuckling at the thought of the view we must have given, it wasn't that any inappropriate body parts had been exposed but it must have been pretty obvious what had been going on. I couldn't help myself and had to look around the hall wondering if any of the people here had seen Wishes playing with me. I didn't see anyone looking at us strangely, and didn't really expect to but you can't help wondering.

Leaving the cafe we decided to take the land train back up rather than walk in the rain again. It had changed from a drizzle to a steady light rain while we had been in the domes so we collected our coats and made our way over to the pick up point.

The land train was actually a tractor pulling a passenger trailer. It circled around the wall of the pit on a gradual incline giving us another, different view of the Biomes nestled at the bottom of the old quarry.

Driving home we dropped Alhana off to start tea while we went back to our house to change out of our damp clothes.

In the bedroom I stripped down to my panties quickly and waited until Wishes had removed her dress before I jumped on her and pushed her back onto the bed. Kneeling astride her chest I grinned as I looked down at her.

Her playing with me in public had made me as hot as hell but having been submissive to her this afternoon I felt the need to assert myself now.

Leaning down I kissed Wishes aggressively, thrusting my tongue into her mouth, when I pulled back she was panting slightly.

"Baby you've been a bad girl!" I said in as menacing a voice as I could manage, "Now you need to be taught a lesson."

I felt Wishes shudder slightly under me as her eyes widened slightly.

"Now are you gonna be a good girl and stay there for a moment?" I watched her nod slightly, "Good girl, now don't move an inch."

I climbed off of her and quickly dashed to the bathroom to get the belts from our bathrobes. Returning to the bedroom I found a couple of fabric belts from dresses in the wardrobe. As I moved back to the bed Wishes had only moved her head slightly to follow my movements around the room, her chest was heaving and I could see a huge wet spot on her panties.

Straddling her again I took her right wrist in my hand and tied a belt around it. Wishes moaned as I pulled her hand towards the corner of the bed and tied it to the post. As I repeated the action with the left wrist I could smell her excitement. Turning around I quickly tied her ankles as well as I could, the belts weren't really suitable but they would have to do for now.

Wishes was trembling as I turned around to face her again.

"Now baby," I said sweetly, "Do you know how hot you got me today?"

She smirked at me and nodded silently.

"You ruined a perfectly good pair of panties baby," I said and moved up to press my wet panties against her face, "See how wet you made me honey!"

I felt Wishes tongue rasping across the wet fabric covering my pussy. Her nose was pressing lightly against my clit so I pressed forward grinding myself against her face.

I would never have believed how exiting it could be to have your lover helpless beneath you, although she could have easily got her hands free if she had wanted to. Wishes tongue managed to snake it's way past the edge of my panties and into my cunt as I frigged myself against her nose. I think I must have come close to suffocating her when I came.

When I caught my breath I moved back down to sit across Wishes' belly. My hand came up to toy with her breasts through her bra, I realised I had made a slight tactical error in not taking off her bra and panties before I tied her to the bed.

Shrugging slightly I reached under her and, with a little difficulty unsnapped her bra. With the bra undone I pushed it up around her neck and began running my fingers around the base of her tits. I started out barely touching her skin then spiralled my hand up her breast gradually increasing the pressure until I reached the nipple giving it a quick pinch before starting again. By the time I had repeated this half a dozen times Wishes was moaning constantly with a quick gasp at each nip tweak.

"Oh Linda, please!" Wishes gasped.

I sat back on my heels and looked down at her with a silly grin on my face.

"Please what baby?" I asked her.

"Please make me cum love!" she panted. "I've been horny all day playing with you, I need to cum so bad, please!"

So far in our lovemaking we had never used any toys but I had found Wishes' vibrator in a drawer when I was putting away some washing. I carefully took it out of the drawer keeping it out of sight, giving a little more attention to her left nipple distracted her long enough.

Sliding down my lover's belly I settled myself between her outstretched legs and looked at the pale blue panties she wore, well I little bit of them were still a pale blue but most of the crotch was darkened with her juices.

Pulling the crotch aside I lowered my head and pushed my tongue deep into Wishes' hot pussy.

"Ahhh!" She moaned her hips rising off of the bed to thrust her bald cunt into my face. Moving up slightly I closed my mouth around her erect little clit and sucked gently on it as I slid the slim phallus into her wet hole.

Wishes shuddered and cried out as I turned the vibrator on and began to fuck her with the little pink toy.

It didn't take long for her to climax under the assault and Wishes cried out my name as her body writhed around tugging on the belts.

When Wishes settled back onto the bed I quickly untied all the belts and crawled up the bed to hug my lover.

"Oh Jesus baby," Wishes gasped, "That was so hot honey."

"Mmm," I agreed, "It was fun, but next time we do this I want you to tie me up."

Wishes kissed me softly.

"You bet I will," She grinned at me. "I think we may need to buy some proper ropes though, those belts around my ankles were not very comfortable."

"Maybe we need to take a trip to buy some bits and pieces tomorrow. I liked fucking you with that vibrator but I read somewhere that you can get ones that strap on like a real cock."

Wishes nodded with a grin.

"Yeah that could be fun. There's a good sex shop in Plymouth we could go to."

I kissed her then getting out of bed held out my hand to Wishes.

"C'mon love, let's take a shower and go visit your mum."

Author's apology. I'm sorry for the very long delay in finishing this story, I thought that I had posted the complete story and didn't think to check, remaining chapters will be posted this week. Ahaz.

Chapter 22.

We walked in silence the short distance to Alhana's house, I was a bit preoccupied and Wishes didn't seem inclined to disturb me although I noticed her casting glances my way from time to time.

I don't know why but I was feeling on edge this evening. We had spent a lovely day at Eden, great sex afterwards. I should have been feeling on top of the world but instead I was feeling, well I'm not sure what I was feeling but I didn't feel quite right.

Dinner felt a little bit awkward as well, her brother Agrian was visiting and I'm not sure if it was me he had taken a dislike to me or our relationship. When we arrived everything seemed fine, I was introduced to Agrian and although he seemed a little distant he was pleasant enough.

We sat at the table and Alhana brought out a huge liver and onion casserole in a rich gravy. It was delicious but I kept finding the looks that Agrian gave Wishes and I annoying. He didn't say anything untoward but I could tell that he wasn't happy, and after a while I was catching glances from Wishes that made me wonder if she was having second thoughts in the light of her twin brother's disapproval. All through dinner I had the strangest urge to snap at them both, which was most unlike me!

Eventually I excused myself from the table and went to the loo to calm down before I gave the judgemental moron a piece of my mind or said something to hurt my lover. I sat on the toilet for a while just trying to relax and clear my mind.

Feeling a little better I left the loo to return to the dining room, I was in the hallway about to open the dining room door when I overheard Agrian talking.

"She's lovely 'Chez, really sweet. And you look like you've just won the lottery."

I heard Wishes laugh.

"Yeah she is, Oh Ag' I feel so happy it should be illegal."

I heard him chuckle before he said.

"Well you make sure you look after the girl."

I had to step further back into the hall and lean against the wall for a moment.

How in hell had I misjudged Wishes' brother so badly! I was convinced he had taken an instant dislike to me.

"Are you okay love?" I heard Wishes ask from nearby.

I opened my eyes and looked at Wishes' concerned face. Giving her a wane smile I shrugged my shoulders slightly.

"I'm just feeling a bit weird tonight." I said, I suddenly felt very tired, I know we had walked quite a distance around Eden today but for some reason my body felt heavy, leaden.

Wishes smiled and gave me a quick kiss.

"Do you usually get like this when you're due?" She asked me, "Carrie always gets a case of the grumps but I usually just feel a little bit bloated."

I looked at her blankly for a moment then things fell into place, I remembered days when Maddie would get irritated by the slightest thing I did. We had never actually discussed the reasons behind it, men didn't talk about "Women's problems" back then, but I was aware that those days always preceded her monthly visitor.

I hugged Wishes and gave my best effort at a smile.

"I don't remember honey, but I would guess that's a yes."

Reaching into her bag Wishes handed me a thick pastel pink envelope.

"Here better use one of these just in case you start soon."

Taking the package I gave Wishes a quick kiss.

"Thanks hun, I'll be right out, okay?"

"Okay babe, see you in a minute." Wishes said and squeezing my arm she walked back to the living room.

I looked down at the envelope in my hands and the evening kind of made a bit more sense to me now. My more assertive lovemaking, the strange edgy feeling, the irritation at apparently imagined slights and my current lassitude. I was building up to my first period for the new me. Retreating to the bathroom I opened the packet and removed a sanitary towel that looked like it was far smaller than the ones that Maddie used to keep in the bathroom cabinet. It only took a moment for me to fit it into my panties then after washing my hands again I walked back to the living room.

I made the effort to present a cheerful face to Wishes' family with probably limited results. Thankfully Wishes rescued me after a half an hour when she announced we had to make a move. Saying our goodbyes we left to walk home.

Again the walk was in silence, I was trying to get used to a whole new set of feelings that had suddenly been dumped on me. The strange part was that although this was all very new to me as Graham there was a faint echo in the back of my mind of Linda going through this month after month. Wishes seemed to be content to walk along holding my hand and giving me space to work out what was happening to me.

There was no lovemaking tonight when we went to bed, we cuddled for a time and for some reason I don't quite understand I found myself crying my eyes out. My love held me tightly to her chest until I fell asleep.

I awoke in the middle of the night needing a pee, going to the bathroom I found a spot of blood on the towel. On Wishes advice I had worn a pair of panties to bed for the first time since we had been together. In the bathroom cabinet I found Wishes' pads and changed the one that I had worn to bed, I made of a note of the packet so that I could get some more in the morning.

Washing my hands I left the bathroom and crept downstairs. Putting the kettle down I sat with the laptop on the kitchen table and using the internet I found an advice page for teenage girls about menstruation.

Reading the web page about the affects some women can experience during the menstrual cycle seemed to open a floodgate. I was overwhelmed for a moment as Linda's experiences with her periods from her first bleed at twelve through her teenage years and into adulthood burst upon me.

I think it took me about a half an hour to remember that I had put the kettle on to boil. Reheating the water and making my tea I sat back down at the keyboard. I could sense that as more of "Linda's" memories had come to me I had lost a little more of my identity as "Graham." I had very mixed feelings about this, I mean I had packed more love, more living into two weeks as Linda than I had in my last twenty years as Graham. But my sense of self was rooted in the personality that had developed over seventy odd years into the man known as Graham, I had changed so much in the last couple of weeks, and I don't mean just the physical changes, who would I be in six months time, or in twenty years time. There was not much I could do about it anyway, already when I read some of the things that I had written about Graham's life some of the details seem like a ghost of a memory.

I spent a couple of hours trying to write "Graham's" life story but I found it difficult to concentrate on the facts I wanted to get down on paper. Giving up in frustration I went back up to bed.

Even though my night had been disturbed I was still awake first in the morning. I felt in a surprisingly good mood this morning and I quickly freshened up in the bathroom before heading for the kitchen.

I made us both some coffee and toast for breakfast and put everything on a tray to take upstairs. At the last minute I decided I needed some flowers and nipped out the back door in my bare feet to cut a few flowers for Wishes. It would have been lovely and romantic to have red roses to take to her this morning but "Graham's" rose bushes had died off several years ago, instead they were some bright orange Californian Poppies that had self seeded from many years ago. Arranging the colourful flowers in a little bud vase I carried the tray up to the bedroom.

Wishes was still sleeping so placing the tray on the bedside cabinet I leant down and kissed her softly, Wishes stirred slightly then seemed to settle back down so I dotted tiny kisses all around her face until her eyes flickered open, her smile warmed my heart and moving back to her lips I kissed her with all the love I felt for this incredible woman.

"Mmm," Wishes murmured when I stood back up. "that's a lovely way to wake up."

Smiling I picked up the tray and looked down at her.

"Sit up love so that I can rest this on your lap."

When Wishes had pushed herself upright and put a pillow behind her back I placed the tray carefully on her lap then went around to my side of the bed.

As I settled in beside of her Wishes picked up the little vase and looked at the orange flowers.

"You brought me flowers, and breakfast in bed." Wishes leant over and gave me a quick kiss. "Thank you love, that's so sweet of you."
I could feel myself blushing.

"It's the least I could do after last night." I said with a nervous smile.

Wishes handed me my coffee and one of the plates of toast.

"It's OK love, I know that it was a bit confusing for you." She told me with a concerned look. "Did you get up last night, I think I woke up for a moment and you weren't there."

I nodded and grinned a little sheepishly.

"Yeah I went downstairs and looked up some information about periods on the internet, I don't know if it was going though the, ah, experience last night or what but I remembered a little more about things from before my memory went."

Wishes smile was warm as she reached an arm around me and hugged me as well as she could without spilling the tray.

"That's great love, so tell me about it."

"Well Its not really anything important I just remembered how I had been feeling at other times in my life when I had my period."

Wishes kissed the tip of my nose.

"It may not be important in itself babe but it's all progress isn't it love?"

I nodded happily and bit into my toast.

"So, are we still up for a trip to the sex shop or would you rather put it off for another day."

I'm afraid I blushed again.

"Yeah okay," I replied hesitantly, "I guess we could."

Wishes grinned at me.

"It isn't anything like you think you know?"

I looked puzzled for a moment before Wishes went on.

"You're thinking of some seedy shop with blacked out windows aren't you?"

More blushing as I nodded nervously.

"Don't worry babe, It's actually in a small lingerie store, not the sort of place you're going to find dirty old men." She grinned at me,
"You'll just have to settle for me perving on your body!"

We both laughed at that and my nerves dissipated, then I remembered something I had been meaning to ask Wishes.

"Um, love when do you start?" I asked her.

"Sorry?"

"When do you start your period."

Wishes looked thoughtful for just a moment then slumped back onto the bed, her smile vanished.

"Shit!" She groaned, "Mine's due in just under a week, You'll be finishing yours just as I start mine."

"Oh, I guess there's no rush to go shopping then."

"Yeah, nearly two weeks with no sex, that's a bummer."

I took the empty tray from Wishes and put it on my bedside cabinet then pulled her into a hug. Going for long periods without sex was something that I had been an expert at.

"Oh well baby, we can still kiss and cuddle as much as we want, but I think we should put off this little shopping trip, there's no sense in teasing ourselves is there."

Wishes giggled.

"I don't know a little teasing can be exciting."

Grinning at her expression I kissed her tenderly.

I finished my breakfast with a silly smile on my face before we got up for the day.

I spent the morning doing a little housework while Wishes checked over the bags she needed to take with her to the university on Monday.

Chapter 23.

About mid afternoon we had a visitor, Wishes' friend Carrie called around to see her. I spent a few minutes making small talk with her but it was very clear that she wanted to talk to Wishes alone so after a few minutes I made my excuses and went out to the kitchen where I had left my laptop.

I sat at the table for a while and tried to make some sense of the work I had done last night until I heard what sounded like a slap.

Hurrying into the living room I saw Wishes standing facing Carrie. I don't think I've seen Wishes look so angry as she glared at her friend. Carrie stood with a shocked look on her face, one hand held to her cheek where an angry red mark was forming.

"I think It's probably best if you left now Carrie." I said quietly and gently took her elbow to guide her towards the door.

Carrie shook off my hand and turned back to Wishes.

"You're gonna regret that you bitch!" She snarled. "You wait and see how many friends you've got left when I get through with you."

"Just go Carrie," Wishes said softly, "just go."

I tried to show her out but she shot out of the door so fast I was just left to close the door behind her.

When I got back to the living room Wishes was still standing there trembling. I gently took her in my arms, I suddenly found myself supporting her as she sagged against me. I held her as she started crying softly.

A little later she pulled back and gave me a soft kiss.

"Thanks love," she sighed and rested her forehead against mine. "I can't believe I slapped her, I've never hit anyone before."

"What not even in the playground at school?" I asked smiling at her.

Wishes chuckled softly.

"Well maybe when I was at primary school but I don't remember it."

Leaning back I brushed her hair back from her face then wiped at the tear tracks with a finger.

"So what caused that?"

Wishes sighed.

"Carrie said that now that I was into girls it was her turn, like I was some kind of toy! I tried to explain to her that it wasn't that I was suddenly into girls but that I had fallen in love with you."

Wishes grimaced,

"Then she said that she didn't give a shit why, that she had waited years to get between my legs and now she was going to show me what I had been passing up all these years."

"She kissed me Linda!" Wishes looked sadly at me. "It was nothing like when you kiss me, your kisses are so gentle and tender, loving."

Wishes kissed me and for a long time I tried my hardest to prove her right.

"When Carrie kissed me it was harsh, almost vicious, even Mark kissed me better than she did."

Wishes' cheeks coloured a delicate pink.

"So I pulled away and slapped her face, Oh Linda I can't believe I did that."

Smiling I led Wishes to the kitchen and made a pot of tea.

"I think she deserved it love, she should have just accepted that it wasn't what you wanted."

That evening as we cuddled in front of the fire listening to some soft jazz music I thought of something I would like to do with my time while Wishes was working.

"I think I am going to pop up to the community college tomorrow love." I told Wishes, she smiled and kissed the tip of my nose.

"What do you want to study?"

"I was thinking about really learning to cook. I can just about muddle by in the kitchen and I know you don't like to cook, and of course you aren't going to have the time anyway."

Wishes giggled.

"You mean I can't cook don't you?"

"Can't cook, don't like to cook, I think it probably amounts to the same thing. If you enjoyed cooking you would have picked up more than a takeaway menu." I said laughing, I got hit with a cushion for my troubles.

On Friday I signed up for a two day a week cookery class that would run for ten weeks. After I had passed the course there were several other ten week courses covering different cuisines available.

While I was busy Wishes took a trip up to the university, partially to work out how much time she had to allow for the trip but also to set up her gear in the little corner of her professor's office where her desk was.

With Wishes at the university on Monday I dove into the housework to ease the boredom, and I guess loneliness. I had gotten very used to having Wishes with me all day long and it was a bit of a shock to the system to be alone again.

By lunchtime I was finished and at a loss with what to do so I popped around to see Alhana for a couple of hours.

Over coffee I told her about my worries about loosing my personality as Linda's memories gradually took over.

"It's nature trying to heal itself," She told me, "At the moment you appeared in your new body the world deviated slightly from it's original path but with a slightly hiccup as you had no history. So the world has to create the rest of Linda's life to bring things back on course."

"I can't say for certain but I think although Linda's memories will probably become dominant it won't change your personality, I think instead the history is being created to fit who you are. In the end there will always be a spark of Graham left though, or else there would have been no point in giving you a new life."

I was a bit skeptical but all I could do was to trust her. Before I left Alhana and I had arranged for me to come over to her house a couple of afternoons a week for her to teach me some simple home cooking recipes that she knew Wishes liked.

We settled into a comfortable routine, Weekdays I would see Wishes off in the morning then do any housework that was needed. Late mornings I usually visited with a few of the neighbours that I gradually got to know. I actually got to know some of the people that had lived near me for several years, something I had never done as Graham. I was surprised to find that almost all of my neighbours knew that Wishes and I were a couple, I had no idea that people were so aware of things that went on around them.

I soon made a good friend in Julia three doors up the road from us. She didn't live here when I was Graham, she and her husband Simon had moved in last year after getting married. Julia was partially disabled having lost her lower left leg in a motorcycle accident as a teenager, she walked well with an artificial leg and most of the time you couldn't tell it wasn't a real leg.

After I had gotten to know Julia we found we had something in common in a way, she had believed herself to be a lesbian until she found herself attracted to a man, not Simon he came into her life later.

As Julia had been made redundant a few months before I returned to my house we got together most days at either of our houses.
Of course not all of the neighbours approved of Wishes and I, but they weren't offensive about it we just never became friendly.

After lunch I would either drive up to the college for one of my courses or spend some time writing except on a Monday when I usually went to see Alhana.

Then it would be home to prepare dinner and welcome Wishes home from work. To some people it would be an unfulfilling life but I was very happy with it.

I looked forwards to the weekends when Wishes would be at home.

Most weekends we went out on a Saturday night usually to a party or the local pub but about once a month we would go to Silks. It was at a party that we found out what Carrie thought her revenge would be, She turned up on Mark's arm telling everyone who would listen that now he had dumped Wishes they were an item. It was quite amusing because most of the people at the party had been at the other party when Wishes had "outed" herself so they knew that wasn't what had actually happened. Poor Mark looked embarrassed to be there, he took a moment while Carrie was in the loo to apologise to us both for his behaviour at the previous party, which was nice of him.

Mark was never seen with Carrie again after that party and a couple of months later met a nice girl from Tintagel. He moved up there to be with her so we didn't bump into him too often but whenever we did it was quite amicable.

For a couple of months we went out now and then with Miranda and Carol, but after a few evenings out we drifted apart. They were heavily in to gay rights while we were just two people in love who didn't really worry too much about rights as such.

But we did become close friends with Ashley and Sally from the dress shop in Plymouth. On the first Saturday of every month either they would come down to us and we would go to Silks or we would go up to Plymouth and stay with them in their flat and go to a gay bar in the city centre called *ust. We would dance together for most of the night, swapping partners frequently along with a lot of kissing and heavy petting. We never took it any further than that, by unspoken agreement we would just wind each other up all evening then when we got home take our own partners to bed.

I would never have guessed how exciting it could be to be lying in your lover's arms as you listened to the sound of your best friends making love in the next room. I know it turned me on a lot hearing their passionate loving but it lit a fire in Wishes that would burn all weekend.

Over the winter I joined a gym and worked out a couple of times a week, I was determined to keep this new body of mine as fit and healthy as I could. I only lost a couple of pounds but dropped a dress size as my body toned up.

My memory loss seemed to stabilise after a time, most of the defining memories that had made me who I am were still there but seemed somehow different, they were kind of distant, shrouded in mist but still there.

Our pleasant routine continued happily until early May when my world was turned upside down.

Chapter 24.

Wishes was sitting at the kitchen table when I came into the kitchen with several bags of groceries. Dropping the bags with a sigh of relief I leant over and gave Wishes a soft kiss.

"Hello love, I didn't expect you to be home yet." I pulled back as I noticed the worried expression on her beautiful face. "What's up love?"

"Linda, I, I want to talk about our future a bit." Wishes stammered.

I sat heavily in the chair opposite her, a sudden chill in my stomach.

"Our future, why baby, aren't you happy. I, I thought we were good together." I could feel a tear trickling down my cheek.

Wishes grabbed my hand off of the table and kissed it before she held it to her cheek.

"You know I'm happy sweetheart. I didn't mean to worry you, I love you Linda and that isn't going to change, but," Wishes looked down at the table.

"But?" I asked, I was a little calmer, although that "but" worried me. Such a small word, yet it can shatter your world.

"But, there's something missing love."

The cold feeling was creeping back in again.

"Is it a man, is that what you need?"

I was surprised when Wishes laughed, A wonderful sound that could always lift my mood.

"No honey, it's not a man. Believe me love you keep me more than satisfied in that way. Linda, how would you feel about having a baby?"

For a fleeting moment I had a vague memory of having the equipment to create a baby then it was gone.

"Oh goddess, Wishes I would love to have your baby, I, I've been feeling bit broody for months, but I remember checking last night and neither of us the wherewithal to make either of us pregnant."

Wishes chuckled at my admittedly lame joke.

"About a month ago I found out that Dr Roberts has a bit of a sideline going at a clinic in Spain. He is offering couples the opportunity to select the gender of their child. It's perfectly legal there so he's not breaking the law as long as he only consults with the couples here and any other work is done in Spain."

"But darling I wouldn't worry about whether we had a boy or a girl, but we would still need to get a man involved." I felt a tear again, "If that's what you want then okay, but I really wanted your baby."

Wishes came around the table and pulled me to my feet. We kissed for a long time, almost long enough to distract us from our discussion.

"That's the whole point love. I explained our situation to Alan, that's Dr Roberts and he is happy to try an experimental process that's only been tried on animals so far. He would take several eggs from you and several from me. He would use half of my eggs to extract the genetic material and use it to fertilize your eggs. Then do the same using some of your eggs to fertilize mine. We could both be pregnant and the babies would truly be ours."

"Goddess, I didn't know that they could do that!" I gasped and hugged Wishes tightly. "Oh baby to think we could have our own family." Now the tears were on in full force. We both hugged and cried and kissed until Wishes pulled back slightly.

"There is a small amount of risk babe. Not very much to us but there is a good chance that one or both of us may not catch, the egg may not develop properly. Or there is a chance we could end up with a child with problems. This area is kind of new, they've done the procedure with rats and monkeys and it worked out okay but there is a risk."

"Love you know that every parent takes that chance, it's a risk you have to accept, it may be that we are going to have more risk than most couples but I trust in the Goddess."

"The only other thing is that Alan wants to write it up for a medical journal. He has promised me it will be anonymous but there's a slight chance the press would find out."

I kissed Wishes gently. "I want us to try honey, you will make such a great mommy.

Epilogue

A tall woman with reddish gold hair walked into the living room of the small house. She was reading from a handful of printed sheets. As she entered she looked up and smiled at the sight of the dark haired woman sitting in the armchair.

She paused for a moment to watch her lover, Linda's head was lying back against the chair and her eyes were closed, a contented smile on her pretty face.

Wishes cast her eyes down lower, her partner was sitting there topless, their daughters clasped to her chest suckling from her ample breasts. She felt a sharp pang of jealousy for a second, she hadn't been able to breastfeed their daughters. When Wishes milk came in her small breasts only produced a tiny amount of milk, unlike Linda whose breasts had swelled to a DD cup and seemed to have a never ending supply of for the hungry twins. Then she grinned to herself, there was even some left over for Wishes most nights, the thought sent a tingle to her crotch as she thought of suckling from those beautiful heavy globes.

For a time Wishes just leant against the door frame, her reading forgotten, and took in the beautiful sight. A warm feeling had suffused her being as she gazed with love at the three most important people in her life.

Linda must of sensed her presence and opened her eyes to stare back at the tall slender woman with the copper hair.

"Hi love," she murmured, careful not to disturb the babies. "How's it going."

"Pretty good, are these two ready to go down for a nap now." Wishes asked as she crossed the room and gave Linda a quick kiss.

"Yeah I think so, do you want to take Alhana, and I'll bring Jenny"

The women carried the babies to the nursery and settled them down in their cots. They paused to look at their daughters for a moment and shared a soft kiss before returning to the living room.

"Are you almost done." Linda asked as still topless she hugged Wishes and gave her a long sensuous kiss.

"Yeah most of the files and photos are on the new computer now, look what I found while I was sorting out the word files." Wishes held out the sheets to Linda.

Linda took the sheets and quickly scanned them.

"Oh I think I remember writing that, it's was bit far fetched so I was going to delete it, guess I must have forgotten to get rid of it."

"It's not bad, I liked it, you based some of it on us didn't you?" Wishes sat on the sofa and patted the space beside of her."

"Yeah, I finished it back when you were working long hours with Alan trying to sort out the twins. You know we've both enjoyed some of the stories on the web, I think I was bored so I decided to write my own. I'm not sure when I started it though, but then you know what my memory is like."

Wishes cast a concerned look at the woman who had been her lover for the last two years. When she had first met Linda she had found that Linda had seemed to have large gaps in her memory. When she had tried to ask Linda about it Linda had not been able to give her a specific cause for the problem and had passed it off as not really much of an issue.

When they were undertaking the highly unethical procedures that Wishes had used to produce the twins she had managed to get hold of Linda's medical records from her old doctor, she had been able to persuade a colleague to request the records for her.

Pouring over Linda's early medical history she found that her lover had never even seen her own Gp until a few months before she came to Wadebridge, then she had visited the doctor complaining of memory loss. The doctor had referred her to the local hospital and some tests were done. It appeared Linda's brain had suffered some minor trauma, it was thought to have been a minor stroke. Apart from having almost total memory loss from a point about two months before her visit to the doctor Linda tested out fit in every way.

For a time Wishes was worried about her lovers health and insisted, much to Linda's annoyance, on having them both thoroughly checked out using the excuse of their unorthodox method for getting pregnant to persuade her partner to submit to the medical examination.

When the results came back to show Linda was as fit if not fitter than Wishes she was able to relax.

Yet any time Linda forgot something Wishes was gripped by a terrible fear that her lover could have another attack of whatever had affected her years ago. The thought that Linda could loose her memory and not be able to remember Wishes and their beautiful babies was something she didn't even want to contemplate.

"It a good story you know, you should post it." Wishes said with enthusiasm trying to put the dark thoughts away for another day.

"I don't think anyone would want to read it do you?" Linda asked, Wishes could tell that she wanted to be persuaded to put the story online.

"I think they would, you'll never know if you don't try it will you. Um I noticed last time we are at the club there was a poster up, did you read it?"

"No, I don't think so, why?" Linda asked confused at the change of subject.

"You know the young bar girl, uh redhead, she wrote that book last year?" Wishes floundered.

"You're terrible you know." Linda laughed. "You worry about my memory, and you can't remember a name for five minutes. She's called Meghan."

"Mmm," Wishes kissed her lover and grinned at the teasing. "Well she's doing another book and wants members of the club to put their 'True Stories' in it. You could let her see this."

"Yeah but it's not all true is it, I mean it's sort of a mixture of fact and fiction." Wishes was certain that she wanted to be convinced.

"Well let her look at it and she could decide whether to include the first bit or not." Wishes grinned at Linda. "And I need to have a word with mum!"

"Why?" Linda asked, unsure what that had to do with the story.

"Well according to this she's been keeping secrets from me." she laughed.

"Ok you win." Linda chuckled. "I'll let Meghan look at the story, as long as you don't say anything to Alhana, Deal?"

Wishes hugged her tightly.

"Deal."