Charles is happy in his own space until he is drawn out into the open

Charles was just about resisting the temptation to go on YouTube. He’d been pounding spreadsheets since early in the morning and needed a break. The upside was that he was working from home and avoiding the A38(M) and M6 traffic jam. He intended to take a break soon and get some housework done, as a single man he only had himself to look after but he liked an orderly house.

He nearly jumped out of his skin when there was a sudden splash of soapy water against the window of the room he used as an office. He’d forgotten it was the window cleaner’s fortnightly visit, equally suddenly the squeegee cleared the suds and a smiling face waved and moved on to the next pane. His house was a bungalow so they didn’t need ladders.

The cleaners could be seen across the road, as his property faced the turning head of the cul-de-sac he saw most things going on but it was quiet, most people had gone to work. ‘Let’s fire up the coffee machine’ he thought, and he went into the kitchen at the back of the house.
He looked into the back garden to see if his pet rabbits Malt & Hops were on the lawn. Sure enough the brown and grey Flemish Giant bunnies were chasing each other, pausing every now and then for a refuel of tasty grass. Back in the office he watched a couple of music videos then reluctantly opened another file of data that required analysis. Fortunately, this was a research initiative and he had some ideas to find some trends, the previous work was the obligatory part of his day, this was the rewarding part.

He had worked for about 10 minutes when something caught his eye, a sudden movement on the front lawn, something brown, then something grey, heading onto the road across the pavement. Damn, the cleaners must have left the gate open. This had happened before and they got into a neighbour’s vegetable patch. Being large rabbits they caused a fair bit of damage before he found them. He wasn’t too worried about traffic but dropped everything grabbed his keys and phone and was about to set off after them. Quick thought ‘get a carrot’ they’d come to him for that.

As he opened the front door he saw them heading into Jennifer’s back garden directly opposite. Good, she’s got gates, she normally left them open but he could shut them and confine them there. There was no car on her drive so he assumed the house was empty. He saw them go in the right hand side so he went and shut the left gate then followed them into the back garden shutting the other gate behind him.

Jennifer said later that she didn’t know who was more surprised. Herself having her garden invaded by 2 giant rabbits and a flustered owner or Charles who didn’t expect there to be anyone there.

“Wow, unexpected visitors, hello boys and err Charlie as well. I see the escapologists are at it again.” She smiled at Charles’ predicament and the look of shock on his face.

“What’s happening dear?” asked a lady wearing very dark glasses sat with Jennifer at a garden table.

“Nanny we have a visitor. One of my neighbours, it appears they are trying to catch their pets.”
“Charlie, this is my Grandmother Edith, we were just about have a pot of tea would you like to join us? Nanny has glaucoma so her sight isn’t great. Come inside Charlie and help me get an extra cup and plate.”

Charlie, still in a state of shock and surprise, followed dutifully.

“I’m loving the look Charlie, stay still a moment we just need enhance a couple of details.”

Jennifer returned in a moment and sprayed his neck and wrists with ‘Charlie’ perfume, applied a glossy red lipstick and finally clipped a pair of hoop ear-rings on him.

“There, I think that rounds you off nicely.”

“I can explain.” Said Charles.

“Don’t worry, you daft bat, I’ve seen you many times, also you hang your clothes on the washing line, do you think I wouldn’t wonder who they were for?”

“I don’t mean any harm, I didn’t intend to be seen, it was the boys they…”

“I think your surprise was obvious, didn’t expect there to be anyone home eh? No car on the drive. I’m loving the look, you must tell me the brand of tights you’re wearing and that suede skirt is a beauty. Not overdone the boobies and a nice unisex bob for the hairstyle. Well done.”

“Thanks, I think. I’m not a perv. I just like the feel of the clothes and the look. I don’t know anything about makeup and was always worried about leaving traces.”

“Most of my friends and myself would say they don’t wear much if any makeup when at home. I do like a spritz of perfume tho’. Edith is a darling, you’ve nothing to worry about, her hearing is shot and her eyesight is worse. Come and have a cuppa with us.”

“OK just for a while, I need to get back before anyone see’s me.”

“Help me with this tray of cake, I’ll get you a cup and saucer.”

“No mugs?” smiled Charles.

“When Edith is here things are done proper, dontcha know.”

“Of course what was I thinking of?” Charles smiled.

“Precisely, anymore lowering of standards and I’ll pop you into a maid’s uniform as punishment.”

“That’s a punishment?” Charles smiled imagining the experience.

“Steady young lady, I will retain that thought for another time. When you go out introduce yourself to Edith and then hold her hand, it’s how she identifies with people. You’ll be fine, keep your voice soft.”

They went outside and re-joined Edith. After setting tray down Charles introduced himself to Edith.

“Hello Edith, I’m Charlie, I live opposite Jennifer, lovely to meet you.”

“Come here dear, take my hand.” Edith reached out and Charles went over to let her touch his hands.

“Oh so soft, yet strong, are you a typist dear?”

Charles smiled at the image a ‘typist’ conjured up. “Sort of, Edith. I work with computers so I use a keyboard.”

“I thought so.” she said. “Lovely feminine hands, long and slender. Shame about your nails though, work needed there girl.” She continued to stroke and feel Charles’s hands. “Hmm, no rings, or bracelets, not engaged or married then, but there was a ring once, I feel the imprint. I expect the boys will be fighting over you two, why is Jennifer not taken yet? I don’t understand it.”

“No one for me at present Edith, yes, there was someone a few years ago.” Charles went silent. “There was an accident and...”

“I’m so sorry dear, delving where I shouldn’t, ignore a batty old lady and her pseudo palmistry.”
“It’s fine, nothing to worry about. It was a happy time.” Charles stroked her hands in return, hands that had felt 80 or more years of life and all its experiences. “Let’s get some cake and tea and talk nonsense instead.”

“A capital idea, milk first, and one sugar if you please. What sort of cake has my granddaughter provided?”

“Battenberg or Lemon drizzle.” Replied Charles. He was becoming aware Jennifer had now left him with Edith for a few minutes.

“I haven’t had Battenberg for ages, cut me a decent slice I can break it up myself.”

Jennifer joined them at last. “Is my neighbour looking after you Nanny?”

“Oh she’s lovely, we’re getting on like a house on fire. She’s given me an idea though.”

“I see, what that’s then Nanny?”

“I felt your hands earlier, and now I’ve felt Charlie’s and something needs to be done.”

“Needs to be done?”

“Yes dear I think we all need to have a visit to a manicurist. You and Charlie have let your nails go and I’m going to treat you both.”

Jennifer looked at Charles’s face and saw the horror.

“I was thinking we could see if we can get an appointment when we go to collect your car this afternoon.”

Charles felt he had to reply. “You are very kind Edith but I have to get back to my work, your company has been lovely and I would love to take tea with you again.”

“Such a shame, another time perhaps? I’ll get my girl sorted out anyway.”

“Nanny!” said Jennifer.

“I need to take you in hand my dear, how will you ever bring me great grandchildren if I don’t make marriage material of you?” There was a wicked edge to Edith’s voice.

“I will need to make my excuses and leave. It was lovely to meet you Edith.”

“Come on Charlie, you get Malt and I’ll get Hops and I’ll walk over with you. I’ll be back in a moment Nanny”

“Bye Charlie, come again dear.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” Replied Charlie.

They collected the boys and set off back to Charles’s. Two contented bunny’s resumed eating their own grass after their adventure. Unknowingly they had set in train a course of events that would lead their owner to new experiences.

“I’ll come around later, we have much to talk about.” Said Jennifer. “I’ll drop Nanny back at her flat after I get my car.”

“OK, that’ll be nice.” Charles had thought about offering to drive them down but realised in time that would have meant going as he was, and he wasn’t ready for that.

“I’d like to see you looking nice, don’t disappoint. I’ll bring fizz.” With that she was gone.

Charles sat down in front of his computer. He couldn’t work. He couldn’t concentrate. What had he done, tears came.

Back at Jennifer’s….

“Ah, you’re back.”

“Yes Nanny.”

“I like your friend she’s very pleasant.”

“Yes she’s very nice I’m going to see her tonight.”

“How much of a friend is she? You’re not batting for the other side I hope?”

“Nanny!”

“Just checking on my family tree.”

“You are a wicked old lady and I love you.”

Edith laughed and laughed.

To be continued…..

Continuing the story of Charles/Charlie, we find out more about him as he prepares for Jennifer's visit.

After a while Charles got himself together. He thought ‘She wants to come over, what’s the worst that can happen? She didn’t laugh at me, she encouraged me.’

At Jennifer’s house: She had dropped Edith back at her flat after they’d shared a taxi to collect the car. She loved her Nanny’s company and treasured the moments with her. What to do about Charles (Charlie)? He was a very pleasant chap, they had had interaction before as she had looked after the rabbits when he was away. Obviously even though she was aware his dressing this was the first time she had seen his guard down in his Charlie persona.

She didn’t even know if he identified as ‘Charlie’ it was just a knee jerk reaction on her part to the unexpected situation.

Back at Charles’: He considered the situation. ‘She said wear something nice. Did she mean male nice or female nice? It was highly probable she meant female.’

The decision to go with the female would take Charles back to where his crossdressing had started.

He had never ever considered wearing any of his sister’s or mother’s clothes, never cross-dressed at a fancy dress party or charity do. What led him to his current situation was tragedy.

At Uni while he studied computer science he met and fell head over heels in love with Kate who was doing modern languages and tourism. Despite his, and others, jokes about a made up Mickey Mouse degree she took the ribbing in good part and they became a very happy couple.

They decided to park any thoughts of marriage until they had finished studying and found suitable careers. Kate graduated with a 2:1 overshadowing Charles’ Desmond, however he got a job first and with his very decent wages they set up home together, first in a rented flat and then at his current address.

The job she did end up getting was unexpected but used her skills perfectly. She gained a place on Europa United Airlines graduate scheme, initially she would train and become an air stewardess then move into a management position.

Between the two jobs there was a high degree of travel and separation but that did not affect them as they utilised Social Media to keep in touch regularly. Both employers encouraged social gatherings so each knew the other’s workmates, life was good, they decided to get engaged, rings were exchanged, parties held, families very happy.

Then.

The phonecall.

The phonecall that changed everything.

The phonecall that came in the afternoon from one of her colleagues.
There’d been a problem on a flight she was on. Engine fire on take-off. All passengers and most of the crew successfully evacuated.

Then the engine blew up. Took out the fuselage where she was about to jump down the slide. Kate. No more. Suddenly.

For Charles. Darkness. Silence. Loss. Despair. Pain. Sadness.

EUA were great, her colleagues came to see him for quite a while after the funeral. His own company offered counselling and flexible work patterns. He couldn’t complain about the care.

Eventually EUA staff stopped coming, he settled back into a conventional work pattern and life went on.

One day, working at home, he opened her wardrobe. For no good reason. Her clothes still retained the mix of fragrances he remembered, that reminded him of her, that brought her memory crashing back.

He woke on the bed, eyes crusted with the after effect of many tears to find himself wrapped in one of her dresses and jumpers. Not dressed in but wrapped in. He felt close to her. Closer than he had for months, it made life a little easier.

At Jennifer’s : She thought, ‘I like the Charles/Charlie I met this afternoon. He seemed to be comfortable with me. It was an unusual introduction but he didn’t reject my suggestion of meeting up tonight. How will he take that suggestion of wear something nice? Will he be in a suit or a dress?’

It was about 5pm, the inanities of daytime tele were driving her mad so she resolved to shower and get herself suitable glammed up, she had a case of decent Prosecco, maybe they could order in a ‘Just Eat’ or ‘Deliveroo’? This could be a fun night, however she’d need to be cautious and kind, there was something about this man she had yet to discover.

Her Nanny had liked Charlie. She had also discovered a hurt, something in her/his past that had left deep scars. What drove him cross-dress? She knew of other men who did it but had not ever wondered why or what her attitude to it was. One thought was that you got a boyfriend and girlfriend in one, probably not a macho sexist pig either. She’d had her fill of those.
Go carefully and see where it goes. Would she mind if people knew about her boyfriend? Probably couldn’t care less, ‘live as you want to live as long as you don’t hurt others’ was her mantra.

Her mind settled she went for her shower.

Charles looked at himself in the mirror. He’d wiped away the tear streaks from his eyes and cheeks. The lipstick Jennifer had applied was mainly intact as were the earrings she had added, he could still detect the fragrance, it wasn’t his favourite but he appreciated the joke. He removed the earrings

He decided to go for it and put on a nice dress. Jennifer had already seen him dressed and did not appear bothered. She had said don’t disappoint. OK it’s on.

He went to left side of the wardrobe, he rarely ventured to this area so had to work his way through to find something that would be suitable. In Charles’ case having a boy’s body it couldn’t be too low cut. He found a green jersey with lace arms and top above the bodice, yes this would do nicely. Matched with suitable undergarments this would look very good.
Fortunately he had recently tidied up his body hair using Nair so he just needed a wash and brush. He normally just wore a tight knickers in the day to keep matters tidy but tonight he thought he would use a more substantial garment. The girdle was very firm and allowed him to tuck carefully leaving no telltale bulge. The dress would show a bra’s strap so he picked a pretty black one with a lace fringed strap that would complement the dress. It allowed him to use his best forms to create the feminine shape that would fill the dress perfectly.

The girdle had suspender straps and he used some light grey stockings that had a nice sheen to them. Next the dress, it was easy to slip on once he had his arms in the sleeves, he struggled with the zip but once up the material closed as high as his neck which covered his Adam’s apple. A couple of tugs to adjust and he decided he was satisfied.

He decided to pass on makeup, in the short time he did not feel he could do a good job. He was secretly hopeful that Jennifer would help him later. He did put her earrings back on.

Finally, he stepped into a pair of gold strappy shoes with a 4 inch heel. After combing his hair into it’s androgynous bob he looked in the full length mirror. He was pleased to see the image before him. Again the pleasure came with the pain of memory and he needed to dab away a tear. Then he smiled and the image smiled back, life must go on.

Charles thought about the name Jennifer had conveyed on him, he didn’t immediately like it as it was too close to his own. To be honest he hadn’t named the girl he created. Now Jennifer’s Nana knew the girl’s name so he decided to go with it.

Over at Jennifer’s she was in the bedroom at the rear of the property. She was ‘making an effort’ as well and was pleased with the look she had created. Unknown to her she had picked a very similar outfit, but in a pastel blue..

Charlie had now settled in her lounge to await Jennifer, she had poured herself a small glass of white to settle her nerves. She had decided to allow Jennifer to come in herself as she was afraid of being seen at the front door. Her plan was to call her in when the bell rang.

Charlie jumped when the bell did ring. Nervous energy coursed through her. “Come in, the door is unlocked!” she called. She had left the window ajar so she could be heard.

There was the sound of the front door being opened and the clatter of heels in the entrance hall. Charlie smiled in anticipation awaiting her neighbour’s arrival.

Except.

It wasn’t Jennifer.

To be continued

Two middle aged ladies clattered with confidence into the lounge carrying shopping bags and handbags. “Hello dear!” the first one said, without a care. “We’ve come to see Charles, is he in? I hope you don’t mind, we saw the lights were on and there was someone in the lounge.”

Charlie rapidly realised that while his Aunty Lilly had not immediately recognised him, the other lady, his mother surely would.

‘Sink or swim’ thought Charlie. “He’s here, please sit down both of you.”

His mother was still messing with her shopping, she wasn’t taking much notice. “Just a moment dear.” she said. “I’m pleased to see Charles has a lady friend at last. Where is my boy? Let me get settled and let’s have a look at you. This is his Aunty Edith and I’m his mother, you can call me Brenda.”

Charlie swallowed hard, there was no point in trying to deceive the two women who had known him all his life.

“Hello mother.”

“Hello dear. How’s my boy?” She still hadn’t looked at Charlie properly and must have thought he was nearby.

“Mother! I’m over here.”

Lilly was the first to notice. “Oh my! Charles is that you?”

“Yes Aunty, there’s nothing to worry about. I’m wearing a dress, in my own home, I hope you don’t mind.”

“Me? Mind? No you silly thing, your Uncle Bill used to do it all the time, he scrubbed up quite well I remember.”

“Who are you talking to Lilly?” Charlie’s mum had still not touched down on planet earth.

“Charles, you silly girl what are you doing now?” Replied Lilly.

“I’m just getting settled.” Replied Brenda. “Now who is this lovely young lady?”

“Charles.” replied Lilly.

“I prefer Charlie when I’m dressed like this.”

“Who’s Charlie?” replied Brenda.

“Me mother. I’m Charlie not Charles tonight.”

“You know she looks a lot like our Bill when he used to wear dresses.” (Bill was his mother’s brother).

“Mother I’m having a duckfit here and you two old biddies are treating me like there’s nothing wrong. I’m wearing a dress for heaven’s sake.” Tears formed in Charlie’s eyes.

“Oh my love I’m so sorry.” His mother came over and sat beside him and gave him a big hug. “You look beautiful, really lovely. I remember Kate wearing that dress, it suited her too.”

“But mum he blubbed, I’m a boy I shouldn’t be…”

“Now we’ll have none of that my girl. And I’ll call you a girl when you are dressed. We already knew. We knew you had found a way to keep Kate’s memory alive, it’s OK, it’s absolutely fine. We love you. I’m pleased to finally see you but I hadn’t intended to intrude.”

“Oh Mum, thank-you.” He held on tight to his loving mother.

“Is there a bottle opened then?” said Lilly spying the glass of wine.

“Don’t mind if I do. I’m sure there’s one about, always has a stash our Charles.” Said Brenda.

“In the fridge Aunty.” Said Charlie. “You know where the glasses are.”
Lilly scuttled off, eager for a glass.

“You say you knew mother. Why didn’t you say anything? How did you know?”

“We saw evidence around the house. Kate’s clothes had been laundered. Once you rushed to your room when we barged in and when you came out you were wearing tights not socks under your trousers. We could see it was your way of coping and we were happy for you. Kate. It was such a horrible thing. After that we usually rang in advance. Sorry about tonight it was Lilly deciding to surprise you, I should have stopped her.”

“it still hurts Mum.”

“I know love, I know. When your Dad died I was lost and I had had 40 great years with him. You missed out on that.”

“Yes.” Charlie wiped away the tears.

“Now I must say you are looking particularly well turned out tonight, have we interrupted something?”

“Possibly, I’m expecting a visitor.”

“Oh!”

“Not like that mother! No, it’s Jennifer my neighbour, she’s coming over and bringing Prosecco apparently.”

“I like this girl already. But how? Why?”

Charlie then told her mother the story of the Great Rabbit Escape.

“Do you want us to go? Don’t want to cramp your style.”

“Not a problem I was going to order in. More the merrier. For a while at least.” Charlie smiled at last and gave her mother a sly wink. Which was returned with a loving smile.

Lilly had returned with the wine for herself and Brenda, and another glass, and the bottle, and another bottle.

“I heard.” She said and smiled. “What a tale and what a day for you. I’m pleased and hope whatever happens you have a lovely time.”

“Thank-you Lilly. Thank-you both of you.”

Then the door bell rang.

“I’ll get it, I’m on my feet already.” Lilly was off like a shot.

To say Jennifer was surprised when an unexpected older lady answered Charlie’s door would be an understatement.

“Err Hello I’m Jennifer is Charlie in?”

“Oh yes dear she’s told us all about you, sounds like quite a day. I’m her Aunty Lilly please come in. Let me take your jacket.”

“I’ve brought some fizz.” She managed to reply, the clinking bottles giving the game away in the Sainsbury’s bag.

“Charlie told us you would be doing, pop it in the kitchen there’s a love.”
Jennifer didn’t have much time to take this in, Charles’ Aunty was here? Did the ‘us’ suggest someone else as well? She had referred to Charles as Charlie but that might have been an affectionate name? How much had he actually told them?

As she followed Lilly into the lounge she saw Charlie stood beside a lady sat on the settee who was holding her hand. There was no doubting the likeness between mother and daughter.

“So you must be Jennifer.” said the woman. “I’m Charlie’s Mum. Call me Brenda.”

“I guessed as much already. Lovely to meet you.” Her wide eyes turned to Charlie looking for an explanation.

“The dress suits her don’t you think?” said Brenda looking at Charlie.

“I certainly do, I may have to go home and change to outdo her.”

Charlie looked slightly anxious. “Kidding!” said Jennifer.

“You complement each other perfectly, no need for changes, it’s Lilly and myself that need to up our game. We did rather intrude and give her a bit of a surprise.”

“I would argue with the word ‘bit’” said Charlie.

The ladies then attacked the bottles of white. Charlie ordered in a Chinese takeaway and a good time was had by all. After a couple of hours Brenda asked Charlie to order them a taxi. “I was going to ask you to drive us home originally, but there’s two reasons why you shouldn’t”

Charlie smiled “True, I can’t drive in heels.”

“And the small matter of several glasses of wine.”

“That as well.”

As Charlie’s mother and aunt left they gave Jennifer and Charlie hugs and kisses. Brenda whispered in Jennifer’s ear “thank you for your understanding, look after my boy, he’s been through a lot, let him tell you in his own time.”

This shook Jennifer a little, noticing how Brenda had switched back to the masculine and referring to some issues in his past. She would have to tread carefully but she did feel the feelings she had for Charles and Charlie made it worth investing in this relationship.

As the ladies left she felt Charlie tightly holding her hand. Jennifer then felt a kiss on her forehead and the words “Thank You”.

To be continued….