Dinner consisted of – on my plate at least – a veritable mountain of bangers and mash with rivers of gravy flowing down the slopes like lava. Of course there were veg in there as well, I mean we are omnivores after all.

Then the longest slog ever sewing my dress for the party. The girls worked like troopers and so did I, putting in that extra bit of effort to lead by example. The last half hour I acted as a dressmaker’s dummy, perched on three inch heels while they all stuck pins into me. Well, I may be exaggerating a little, but I had some insight into how a voodoo doll must feel by the time we were done. It was worth it though, the hem was the right length and the bodice fit like a glove.

Tomorrow would involve us all adding finishing touches to our own costumes and Jenny helping me with all the last little things that still needed doing to mine. When we were done, Jenny led us through to the common room outside our usual classroom with Peter, where he had a tray full of hot drinks waiting for us. He and Jenny withdrew a little and let us get on with our gabbling. This time I had no choice about having my finger nails tended to properly. I mean we could have waited one more evening, but I wasn’t pretending to be a boy anymore, so why wait?

Peter insisted that the girls reduce their offerings to fit in one bag, which meant we were all late going to bed as choosing which outfits I’d be taking wasn’t a task that could be undertaken in just a few minutes. Peter and Jenny lived near enough to the school to walk, which had me regretting the heels by the time we arrived at their home. I helped Jenny make up the spare room, neither of them having had the opportunity to do anything about it during the day, ran through my bedtime preparations – which now included make-up removal and moisturising – and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

I woke up in what dad liked to refer to as a blue funk, which is an old expression even for him. I mean we weren’t leaving for a couple of days yet and we had enough to look forward to with Peters surprise, the archery competition, and final fittings and dance practice to end the day, but it was still our last day of teaching which gave it a strong feeling of things coming to an end. Jenny greeted me with a cup of tea in bed which was a rare luxury, but didn’t last long as we had to be up and out for the quick walk to school where we’d have our breakfast.

I went for a short skirt and tee shirt with light cardigan and thigh highs against the morning chill. Flats of course, but I packed my heels for the fitting at the end of the day and a few specially selected items for the archery.

The other girls were a bit subdued over breakfast which only served to reinforce my mood. I didn’t eat half as much as usual prompting Lance to murmur something about my doing girl portions now.

The opportunity was too good to waste. I smiled sweetly at him and said, “Well, I wouldn’t want to lose my figure now, would I? Honestly, you boys don’t realise what sacrifices we make.”

It was enough to set the girls to giggling, which only upset him more. He stormed out, steam pouring from his ears, and our collective mood was mended.

We were still laughing when we made it to class.

“I’m glad to see you all smiling again,” Peter said with genuine pleasure. “What happened?”

Zoe told him with Amanda chipping in at the end, “Gwen’s Kung Fu is stronger than his.”

Peter looked at me and I shrugged and looked away. “He should know better than to keep poking the bear,” I said, “but I’m not sure I should have responded as I did.”

“It doesn’t sound like you did anything wrong, and I’m just glad you’re in better moods now, because I’ve been speaking to some people I know in the publishing industry, and they’ve all agreed to join us today on Zoom. I’ve set up thirteen computers around the room with headphones so each of you can have a little privacy. You’ll see that each computer has your name on it.

“Authors write all different kinds of material, so it’s important to find an agent who deals with your kind of writing, who can then approach the kinds of publisher who’re most likely to be interested in your work.

“I know we started off the week with at least one of you not wanting to share what you’d written.” He looked at me. “I’m hoping circumstances have changed enough that you no longer feel that way.”

I shrugged and shook my head.

“Good, because you’re unlikely to have another opportunity like this for a long while. What they have to say may be a little tough at times, but they know you’re all young writers, and they also read through your work and they’re eager to speak to you.

“I can pretty much guarantee that there will be some tough love in there, so I’m guessing there’ll be a few tears by the time you’re done with your meetings, which makes this a bit of a risk on my part, however, what you hear today is going to be some of the best advice any of you will get this week. You all have potential, otherwise you wouldn’t be here, otherwise these people wouldn’t be as keen as they are to speak with you, so listen to what they have to say and try to take it on board.

“They’ve each sent me back edited copies of your work. I’m not going to lie, there’s a fair bit of red ink, but proportion wise considerably less than was on my first manuscript. We create on our own, that’s where the magic comes from and it’s important not to criticise at the time, but I hope we all know that there are going to be bits that we write that could be better. That’s what editors do, they pick up on little mistakes in spelling – hopefully not many of those – grammar and punctuation, and they highlight bits that don’t quite work. These are not done to attack your egos, but rather to show areas where you, and only you since this is ultimately your work, can improve.

“Once you’ve had your interviews this morning, I’ll hand you back the reviewed pieces and you’ll have the morning to do what you can with them. I’ll send them back before lunchtime, and after lunch you’ll have a second opportunity to speak with the same person.

“I know I don’t have to ask you to be polite and respectful, and I dearly hope that each of you will come away from this with something special.

“This afternoon, as many of you as want to will be invited to read your piece, or an excerpt from those that are too long, to the rest of the class. If you want, you can ask for a little peer review after each reading.

“Then, when we’re done, I’ve asked Mr Cavendish and a friend of mine to come and make a few presentations on behalf of the school.

“Now, do what you can to get in the right head space. I know you’re going to feel nervous, and that’s okay, but take this with you. You have each and every one of you earned this as much as you earned your place in this course. The people who are waiting to speak to you are doing so because they see the same potential I do. Are we good?”

Nervous nods all round. A few exchanged glances. A lot of exchanged hugs, for me too. It took a moment to realise they were seeking support as much as offering it, so I started murmuring things like, “You have this,” and ,”You’ll be amazing.” They gave as good as they got, and by the time I sat in front of my designated computer with my headphones on, I was cautiously ready.

“Miss Llewelyn,” a smiling, middle aged woman greeted me. “I’ve been looking forward to this since Peter sent me your story last night. I have to say, I was a little daunted by the length of it, but it was so worth the effort. How long have you been writing?”

The interview went on from there, covering my aspirations, my being trans and inviting me to talk her through the events of my coming out. We eventually got to the business of my story. She was quite brutal in talking me through the bits she felt needed changing. I needed a little persuading in some cases, and even managed to change her mind on a couple of things once I’d explained my intentions. It didn’t mean they didn’t need changing, just that the changes took a different direction. I was sweating by the end of it and felt like I’d been run over by a truck. I was also the last to finish by quite a long time. When the call finally ended, I headed out to find a very subdued group of friends, supping at drinks and chatting quietly.

“Well, that was brutal,” I announced my presence.

Peter had already noticed me coming and handed me a hot chocolate which did wonders for my frayed nerves.

We chatted quietly for a while longer, but the general feeling was of introspection. The girls all had printouts of their stories with as much red as black ink on the pages. Peter also handed me my manuscript – so much bigger than anyone else’s. He let us reflect for a while longer, but the morning was wasting and we had revisions to attend to. He eventually chivvied us into action and we set about our revisions.

My agent had told me to concentrate on the first three chapters since she didn’t think I’d get much further in just one morning. Between her suggestions and my rereading the start of the story, I began to hear my muse singing to me and I dived into my inner space and set to work.

It took Peter’s arm on my shoulder to bring me back to the world, by which time I’d actually managed to work through six chapters. He gave me an appreciative nod, showed me how to send my revisions on to my agent for the day and ushered me out for lunch.

The day’s offering was fisherman’s pie. Not a favourite with most people, but it’s a regular in our household and something I’ve learned to enjoy, so not only did I put my own substantial portion away, but I also helped clear most of my friends’ plates.

We’d been given a long lunch break, which we spent wandering around the grounds as usual. Also as usual, we picked up our tale of stalkers.

“Not these guys again,” Judith said in a loud enough voice for them to hear. I put my hand on her arm though and paused, looking at the group of boys who apparently weren’t used to their prey inviting them to join them.

“I’m sorry about this morning,” I said to Lance, “but you did kind of leave yourself open.”

He surprised me with a smile. “I suppose I did, didn’t I?”

“Do you want to join us? This is Judith, and Amanda, Zoe...” I made introductions which Lance matched with a list of names of his own group and, with a wariness more associated with rival gangs invited to an impromptu cease fire, the groups started to circulate.”

“You know we’re going to wipe the floor with you this afternoon,” Lance said by way of firing across my bows.

“Quite an unusual opening line if you’re hoping to impress me,” I said with a smile.

“Who said I was hoping to impress you?”

“Alright, why don’t we raise the stakes? If we beat you overall this afternoon, you come to the evening meal wearing pink tutus. I’m pretty sure we can find enough to fit you all.”

“And if we win, you sit at our table this evening.”

Lance’s friends didn’t much care for the risk, but he grinned at them. “It’s not as if we’re going to lose, right?”

“Yeah, but shouldn’t they do something embarrassing if they lose?” I think Lance had said his name was Barry.

Lance looked at me, so I shrugged. “If we lose, we come to dinner in our nightclothes, and we sit with you.” I checked with the girls who all shrugged and nodded.

It was enough to satisfy Barry, but he stuck a finger in Lance’s face. “We’d better not lose,” he said.

The conversation became a little more friendly after that and we actually spent a pleasant hour together. Lance admitted to being pretty awful at both English and Maths, which was why he’d had to come in for the summer study session. My own maths was fairly middling, but I offered to help him with what I could when I started at Marlborough in September. That came as news to him and put a thoughtful expression on his face.

It was also enough of a hint to the girls who, reminded that I’d be coming back here, decided to be more pleasant towards a bunch of guys who were going to be my future co-students.

We reached the time when we were due back at the classroom and almost reluctantly parted company with our guides.

“Do you fancy him?” Zoe asked me quietly as we headed back towards Peter’s domain.

“Who, Lance? Give me a break. I’m only just getting my head around becoming one of you lot. I’m not sure I’m ready for that sort of complication in my life just yet.” The blush on my face betrayed something of the lie, which was weird because I hadn’t meant it as a lie.

Zoe gave me a knowing grin, but let the sleeping dog alone.

The afternoon session with our agents went so much better. We’d all worked on the suggested changes, even when we’d been a little unsure of them, and were all told that with attitudes like ours we had great futures in the industry. All the others were offered the chance to publish their stories in various magazines and periodicals, which they jumped at with delight. There wouldn’t be much money involved, but to have your name out there at this stage in the game was a definite rung on the ladder to success. My agent had a different idea for me.

“Fifty thousand words is a little short for a book,” she said, “but I’ve been wondering if there was scope to extend the story arc a little. I can offer a few suggestions, but I’d be interested in seeing what you might come up with on your own. I don’t want you to pad it – that never works – but if there’s somewhere else you can take the story, some extra bit or bits you can add in that would take it up to eighty thou, I think I could get you a book deal. Interested?”

It took me a few seconds to get my breath back. “Er, hell yeah,” I said, the grin splitting my face like early morning sunshine peeping through a gap in the curtains.

“Great. Take a week to see what you can come up with, then email me the outline. If you need a suggestion or two, just ask. I’ll expect to hear from you by next Friday.”

She disconnected, leaving me staring blankly at an equally blank screen.

Stacey gently removed my headphones and peered into my eyes. “You alright?”

“I...” I closed my eyes and gulped down a deep breath. “I may have a book deal,” I said, “If I can find a way of adding thirty thousand words to the story.”

The last bit was lost in the woops and cheers as everyone rushed in for a hug. Of course that upended the whole afternoon plan because everyone wanted to hear my story, so I read. First the revised six chapters, then the rest of the story which I hadn’t yet touched.

The last line was met with a stunned silence, then everyone started talking at once. Ideas came flooding in almost too fast for me to jot them down. Some were things I’d been thinking about anyway, but you don’t upend the creative process when it’s in full flow. By the time they petered out, I had enough ideas to push the story to an easy hundred thousand words.

“You know what this means?” I said. “It means I’m going to have to credit you lot as contributors.”

Peter, who’d snuck out in the middle of the bedlam, came back in with a bottle of bubbles and a tray full of glasses.

“Fizzy fruit juice only I’m afraid. Mr Cavendish would definitely have a word or two to say if he found me feeding you alcohol on school grounds. This was going to be for later, but we can’t let a moment like this pass by without due celebration.”

We really couldn’t, and we didn’t. When Mr Cavendish arrived an hour later, he found us still chatting excitedly about the day.

“Is there any of that left for me and our guest?” he asked, pointing at the dead bottle lying upside down in a bucket of ice.

Peter had evidently come fully prepared because he disappeared for a minute and returned with a fresh bottle and two glasses.

One of the girls – one of the Sarahs I think – recognised the guest as a local author and mentioned a few of her books. They weren’t my usual genre, but most of the other’s recognised her.

The presentation that followed was short and informal, consisting of the guest congratulating us all, presenting us with a certificate of completion for the course and a signed copy of her most recent novel, which would give me something to read on the train if nothing else. The head then toasted us all and left us to mingling. The girls were full of questions for the guest author. I felt I’d had my excitement for the day so stood back and talked to Peter.

“Looking forward to going home?” he asked.

“I’m not sure. This has been an amazing week, for which thank you so much.”

“If it was amazing it was because I had some amazing students. I take it you don’t have much waiting for you at home?”

“Mum wants to take her new daughter shopping and I have a few appointments lined up with psychologists and assorted doctors. I’m not sure how fun it will be.”

“Friends?”

“Not like this lot. I’m going to miss them most of all.”

“So stay in touch. I noticed you already set up a WhatsApp group. Keep posting to it. You’ll either stick together or you won’t, and if the latter, it wasn’t as amazing as you first thought.

“Given any thought to the headmaster’s offer?”

“I think I’m inclined to accept it.”

“Good. I was hoping I’d be able to keep teaching you. Your, er, special circumstances might make boarding a bit of a challenge, so I have another offer to make. I’ve talked it through with Jenny and we’d like you to consider staying with us.”

“Really?”

“Oh, it won’t be all sunshine and roses. You won’t be able to get away with half-hearted attempts at homework. One of the downsides of living with a member of the faculty.”

“I think I can live with that. Thank you so much.”

“I’ll have to clear it with Mr Cavendish first, but it’ll likely save the school a few bob, so I don’t think he’ll mind.

“Right, I think maybe we should wind this up, don’t you? I understand you have an archery contest to win.”

“It’s not winning so much as playing,” I said, which comment earned me a nod and a wink.

Lance and his friends were good. They accepted the handicap suggested by our instructor with remarkably good grace. Very sporting of them considering the stakes.

They couldn’t match the girls’ accuracy at close quarters and fell behind at thirty and forty yards, but they started to claw back a bit of the difference at the longer ranges with their stronger arms and heavier bows. When I also switched to a heavier one, there were a few cries of foul play, but Lance held up his hand and agreed with the instructor that there was no ruling against it. We were pretty much neck and neck by the final end. Lance put his last two in the red which meant all I needed was a red to win. The boys all looked resigned to an evening in pink taffeta and were giving their leader filthy looks. I glanced at the girls who were all eagerly anticipating the win. A few of them caught me looking and calmed themselves, giving me a resigned look and a shrug.

Girls were amazing, I thought as I took a breath, drew, aimed carefully and very deliberately put my last arrow into the blue at precisely three o’clock, splitting the narrow line in the middle of the colour.

Exactly where I’d been aiming.

“Tournament over. Boys win,” the instructor called as the boys went wild.

Amanda leaned her head on my shoulder and murmured. “You are going to pay for that.”

With individual scores totted up, the top half of the group were split relatively evenly between boys and girls. As outright winner, Lance got to choose first.

“I’d like you to accompany me to the dance tomorrow,” he said to me, earning him more than a few surprised looks from boys and girls alike.

“Are you sure?” I asked cautiously. I’m not gay, you know?”

“All well and good then. I’d hate to see you on the arm of another girl.”

“Well, if you’re absolutely sure. I wouldn’t want you to feel like I’m leading you somewhere you’ll regret.”

“It’s just a dance, and with no offense intended to any of your friends, there’s no-one I’d rather go with.”

“Alright then.”

With me spoken for, the next went to the third place and so on until everyone was paired up. Nobody seemed particularly unhappy with their match, especially the boys who were pleased that none of them had been saddles with the boy in a dress, as I’m sure they saw me.

The lads headed off and the girls rounded on me.

“Really?” Zoe asked.

“I kind of felt sorry for them,” I said a little lamely.

“Really!” Zoe’s retort was all disbelief.

“Come on girls,” Amanda said, taking me by the hand. “Nightclothes isn’t so bad, and nobody’s going to be looking at us once I get Gwen kitted out.”

I’d kind of earned whatever Amanda had in mind and meekly followed her into her room, changing into the baby doll nightie without complaining. It didn’t leave much to the imagination, but since I had nothing much to put on display it wasn’t really worth making a noise about. Just a little chilly, even with the sheer chiffon gown that went with it.

We turned quite a few heads coming into the cafeteria. Most of the girls were well covered in flannelette, so it was just me showing off all that skin.

It was no less shocking than my first appearance wearing Zoe’s jeans and the strappy top. It was also the end of the week, so not much they could do about it. I gave the teacher’s table and apologetic shrug and sat next to Lance.

“Like what you see?” I asked him.

“Erk!” he replied with remarkable eloquence given the circumstances.

One of the teachers came over looking concerned.

“We lost a bet,” Gretch explained. “An inch to the left with that last arrow and the boys here would have been paying the forfeit.” I gave her a grateful look that she hadn’t given specifics of what that forfeit would have been, but she was getting on remarkably well with Barry, who’d come fourth in the rankings and asked her to the dance.

The food was good and plentiful. Lance took pity on me and collected plates for both of us, with mine looking maybe a little bigger than his.

I gave him a questioning look and he grinned. “I don’t really like it when girls want to take a bite from my food, so I figured I’d give you enough to keep you going.”

I grinned back and forked a chip from his plate. When he glowered back at me I invited him to do the same from mine, which he did. After that I left his food alone, even though I finished ahead of him.

“Would you like to take a walk around the grounds?” he asked gathering our emptied crockery.

“Ordinarily I’d say yes, but we have our costumes to finish for tomorrow night. If yesterday was anything to go by, we won’t be done much before midnight.”

“Then I look forward to seeing you at the dance tomorrow. Thank you. For this afternoon. You could have won.”

“I rather think I did.”

He smiled and shook his head.

We didn’t have time to change, but went to dress making in our night things. We didn’t stay in them for long as most of the evening involved trying our costumes on and pinning in some last minute changes, then changing into the bags of clothing Zoe and Judith collected from their dorm – the closest to the needlework classroom. They’d even put together a few things for me. Like I say, girls are the best.

We finished the last of the dresses – mine as it happened – by eleven, which gave us time for a quick nightcap before heading to our beds. In parting, Amanda pushed the baby doll into my arms.

“You might as well sleep in it,” she said. “You can have too much of Hello Kitty.

“We’re planning on going into town tomorrow morning, hit all the charity shops and see what we can buy with thirty-nine pence.”

“Is that all you have left after chipping in to my dress?”

“We all paid for the opportunity to work with material like that. You just lucked out having to wear something put together with our lousy stitching. And no, we have a bit more than a few pennies left, just not enough to buy any haute couture at local prices. We’re assuming you’re in?”

“Hell yeah! I’ll see you at breakfast, or after if Peter and Jenny offer me something different. I’ll message the group if there’s any change.”

“Sounds good. You know, I didn’t really get a chance to get to know you as a boy, so I can’t really make a comparison, but you do make an awesome girl. We all think so.”

“That’s probably the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“I’m guessing you’ve got better to come. Lance seems okay, but if you need bailing out at all tomorrow night, just let us know.”

“I will. You guys are amazing. I never had friends like you lot, and after only a week.”

The baby doll was satin which made sleeping in it something special. I could get used to silks, except I probably wouldn’t be able to afford them.

Morning was as expected. Tea in bed with pancakes on the table. Peter and Jenny let me get away with wearing the baby doll to the table since the food would have gone cold if I’d washed and dressed first, but they told me not to make a habit of it.

After we’d eaten, I messaged the girls to say I’d breakfasted and to collect me from Peter’s as they came past. The weather was gloriously sunny and just screamed summer dress and sandals. Between sorting my hair and adding a little make-up I was just about ready when the doorbell rang. Jenny leant me a handbag which was just the right size for wallet, phone, lippy, compact, tissues. Since when did I need all this crap?

Marlborough was an easy walk away and had enough charity shops to keep our attention for the whole morning. We lunched on fish and chips rather than head back to the school, sharing a couple of large cod and chips between us to conserve the dwindling funds. In the afternoon we window shopped the proper stores and salivated over all the things we couldn’t afford. My eye was especially taken by a silver chain and pendant in the style of a Celtic trinity knot, inset with aquamarines. It was absolutely gorgeous and well out of my budget.

The girls were about to drag me away when the door opened and the elderly man with silver grey hair, beard and robes stood in the doorway. He ushered us in but I shook my head.

“I really can’t afford anything, sir,” I said.

“You can afford a little time, I think.”

I looked at the others who shrugged and followed me into the shop. Safety in numbers meant we should be okay as long as we stayed together.

“It’s a slow morning,” he explained as we followed him into his shop, “and you can’t blame an old man for seeking to brighten it a little with a bit of charming company.” He reached into the window and retrieved the pendant. “Now, I believe you were looking at this.”

“Yes sir, but I really can’t afford it.”

“Quite so, but we have to ask ourselves if you can afford not to have it. Try it on.”

I did with Judith holding my hair out of the way.

“It comes with matching earrings,” he said, “all included in the price.” He held out a separate cushion with matching Celtic knot earrings, complete with aquamarines in the centre. Between them they looked amazing.

The man peered at my reflection over my shoulder, still somehow far enough away that I didn’t feel intimidated.

“Fit for a queen, wouldn’t you say?”

“They’re beautiful, but I only have ten pounds left. These are worth so much more.”

He tutted. “Royalty doesn’t deal in money, my dear. They are a gift. If you choose to offer me patronage then all the better.”

“I couldn’t possibly, sir.”

“And if I were to tell you that to refuse a gift would be to give offense in return?”

“I wouldn’t want to do that, sir, really, but it’s a lot of money and a don’t feel comfortable just taking them.”

“Then an exchange? Before the end of today I will ask you a question. You probably won’t understand it, but my price for these baubles is that you answer my question in the affirmative. Would you do that for me?”

“If it’s nothing illegal or immoral then I suppose. Maybe.”

“Have I given you cause to question my morals?”

“No, sorry sir, that was unworthy of me.”

“You do well to be cautious. Now please, they look so much better on you than I can have imagined. Take them with my blessing and remember your agreement.”

We tumbled out onto the street.

“Can you believe that guy?” Aly said. “What an oddball.”

“How is it you get all the luck,” Judith planted her wrists on her hips. “Book deal, hunkiest guy at school and now free jewellery. If you weren’t so easy to like, it would be so easy to hate you.”

“What do you think his deal was?” Zoe looked back at the shop. “I mean weird or what?”

“I suppose you’re going to develop a few eccentricities if you go around looking like Gandalf.”

“Gandalf?” Zoe responded, the rest of the girls looking at me oddly. “More like Gollum you mean.”

I looked back at the shop where a short bald man of vaguely oriental background looked at me, smiling and waving.

The girls pulled me on before I could investigate further. Time was rolling on and we needed to get ready for the party, which they said would probably take us a couple of hours, minimum.

They deposited me back at the Ambrose residence, still in a daze.

“Oh, that’s lovely dear,” Jennifer said lifting up the pendant to examine it more closely. “Where did you get it?”

“The jewellers in the high street.”

“Oh, Mr Hong. Such a sweet old man.”

“Yes, but he gave it to me, pretty much insisted.”

“Yes, he does that on occasions. We wish he wouldn’t because it has upset some of the girls. He just insists it’s one of the few pleasures he has left in life, bringing joy to beautiful young girls.”

“But the ticket price was seventy pounds!”

“Wiltshire prices, sweetie. You’d probably pick the exact same thing up online for half that. Mr Hong does well enough out of his sales that he can afford an occasional extravagance like that. Just be grateful and move on.”

“What does Mr Hong look like?”

“That’s an odd question. I mean you did just meet him.”

“Humour me?”

She shrugged. “In his sixties or seventies. Five foot five maybe. Bald, short sighted but wears his glasses on the top of his head most of the time. Unfortunate teeth.”

That was the man I’d seen in the shop doorway as the girls had dragged me away. So who had...?

“You’d better go and get started. You don’t have much time. The shower’s all yours and I’ve left the hair dryer in your room. Use some of my shampoo and conditioner if you like.”

Long hair takes longer to dry, that’s always been the trade off and, before now, I’ve been happy to let the air dry it. I’m pretty sure that won’t be acceptable to my present circle of friends, besides Jennifer’s lotions and potions had changed it beyond recognition. Not only did it smell fantastic, but it was fuller, bouncier, more inclined to do its own thing unless I took a firm hand. Unfortunately I hadn’t the first idea what I was doing. Fortunately, I had a Jennifer on hand just looking for an excuse to get involved.

“Would you like some help?” she asked.

“Yes please, and thank you.” I relinquished control of both hair dryer and brush to someone better qualified to operate them and took mental notes as she curled it under and did all sorts of other unusual things. The final result was spectacular.

“I’m guessing this evening demands a little more than lip gloss and eye liner too,” I said as she performed some finishing touches.

So I had a free make-up tutorial as well, and spent a whole ton of time getting it right. That’s an issue with teachers. They’ll never do something for you when they have an opportunity to show you how to do it for your self. Give a man a fish sort of thing I suppose.

Anyway, we were more or less on schedule when we left the house, but arrived at the needlework room to find a dozen girls going quietly frantic. Apparently on time meant we were hopelessly late.

Time is an illusion (and lunchtime doubly so, according to the late Douglas Adams (apparently proving you can be late and on time at the same time)). Time is also relative, as demonstrated by my casually slipping into my gorgeous green silk gown, stepping in front of the mirror and deciding there was no sense in messing with perfection, while my friends all ran around like mad things, all desperate to add in this extra detail or that.

I watched it all for a few minutes before feeling the need to intervene.

I intercepted Aly as she came past me all flustered and panicking, held her hands and turned her to look into my eyes, taking long slow breaths until she copied me and I could see sanity returning. Then I turned her towards the mirror I’d used and showed her herself.

“Whatever it is you’re running around trying to achieve,” I said quietly into her ear. “Do you think he’ll notice?” I could feel the stress draining from her. “You look beautiful. Right here and now, with nothing more needed.”

She nodded, then looked up in alarm as Amanda came charging at us. I grabbed her and pulled her to a stop, repeating my actions and my words. Then again and again until all my friends had stopped.

I looked them all over. Jenny also calmed a little and came to my side.

“Do you have a broach? Something in amber or topaz maybe?” I asked waving at Gretchen.

“I have just the thing,” she said and dug something out of a nearby case. It was costume jewellery, but good quality paste still looks pretty stunning.

“I think we’re ready,” I said and walked out of the room.

They followed, fortunately. It would have been a whole lot less impressive if they hadn’t.

Finding the venue involved simply following the music. A lilting melody led us down corridors all but begging us to dance. I smiled back at the girls, spread out in a loose wedge behind me and fell into a simple enough skipping motion with an occasional slow spin to it. After the second repetition most of them were matching my moves and by the time we reached our destination, we were perfectly synchronised, entering the room with a swirl of skirts that had everyone’s heads turning.

From the lines on the floor, the place had to be a basketball court or something similar, but someone had gone to a lot of effort to transform it into a small banqueting hall with trestle tables around the edge and gaily coloured banners hanging from the ceiling.

We arrested our motion but kept our improvised dance going for a few more bars until something in the music signalled an end and we all stopped moving on the final note of the piece.

The place broke into applause with even the musicians joining in before starting up a quieter strain of background melody.

“Quite some entrance,” a familiar voice sounded. “How long did you have to practice that?”

I turned to find Lance approaching me, resplendent in period costume including quilted shirt, burgundy tabbard, trous and knee length boots.

“About two minutes,” I answered with a very satisfied grin.

“You look... breathtaking,” he said. “I’m...”

“Speechless? My lord’s flattery goes beyond the bounds of propriety methinks.” I bobbed him a demure curtsey.

“Hardly,” he said. “You look positively regal, and I shall be the envy of all who look upon us.”

Yeah, maybe not push the period speach. We were neither of us that good at it.

“You look quite stunning yourself. Authentic, imposing, dare I say handsome.”

The smile said I could dare. “We have quite a selection of costumes in the drama stores. You’d be surprised how often we put on period events like this.”

“Perhaps less surprised than you’d think. I was expecting a more general fancy dress party though.”

“That’s what was planned, but we overheard Mr and Mrs Ambrose talking about how much effort you were putting in to making your costumes, so we suggested to Mr Cavendish that we should make this a medieval celebration. It’s easy enough to arrange on short notice. Like I say, we have all the costumes and props to hand, and our music teacher is into the music of this period.” He nodded over at the piper whose haunting strains had led us here. The rest of his troupe of musicians seemed to be made up of sixth formers at a guess.

“By we you mean...”

“Me and the lads. We offered to get the place ready. It’s what we’ve been doing all day in case you were wondering where we were.”

He wouldn’t want to hear that I hadn’t wondered at all. I sidestepped the landmine by shifting the subject slightly. “You did an incredible job,” I said. “A little short notice for people to change their costumes though?”

“Not really. Like I said, we’ve a lot of stuff in the drama stores and we were given permission to check out whatever we wanted. Some of the lads are going the whole hog. Chain mail, swords, the works.”

“That’s going to make dancing difficult, I would have thought. Plus, not exactly conducive to romance.”

“More or less what I said, only no-one’s listening to me after nearly losing the archery to you girls.”

I suspected it might have something to do with his choice of date too, but that was better left unsaid.

“You know, a good friend would arrange to have something more comfortable for his friends to change into once they realise they’ve made a mistake.”

“Like a good friend would do whatever she could to make sure her friends’ evening wasn’t ruined by their dickhead dates turning up inappropriately dressed?”

“Something like that.”

“The drama stores are close by, would you mind giving me a hand?”

“Do you promise it won’t be grubby?”

“I promise, and if it is, I’ll take the worst of it.”

“You’re so gallant. No cobwebs either. I’m not so keen on spiders.”

“You are such a girl.”

“And you say the nicest things.” When you’re not trying to be mean. Boys! Who can understand them?

He took me by the hand and led me down a couple of nearby corridors. The costume store had been severely depleted, but it was, as promised, clean enough. We were able to put together three acceptable outfits from what we could find, bundled them up and carried them back to the banquet hall between us.

The entrance of the knights had occurred in our absence. The three of them – I recognised Barry, but couldn’t name the other two – were being loud and raising pewter tankards of what I hoped was only coca cola or something similar. The girls, especially the three who’d agreed to go with them, were keeping their distance.

Lance and I deposited our packages out of sight near the hall entrance and made our way over to them.

They quieted as we approached. Apparently they shared Lance’s assessment of my appearance and we’re struggling to see past the finery to the boy they felt sure was underneath.

“Good knights,” I greeted them. “Your presence is welcome, but I feel your arms and armour unnecessary. This is an evening of celebration, of feasting and dancing. Will you not put aside the battle for one night?”

“You don’t get to tell us what to do,” Barry sneered. “This is our school. You’re just a visitor.”

Not that many points to be won by telling him I was enrolling. I took a hold of his arm and steered him to look at the rest of the girls.

“You see Gretchen?” I said quietly. “I know you like her because you asked her to come with you. Tell me, does she look happy?” I wasn’t sure if I could smell alcohol on his breath. That wouldn’t be good. I took the tankard out of his hands and sniffed it. Definitely something different about it. I handed it to Lance who did the same.

“Dick move, Barry.”

“Talking about dicks, how come your girlfriend has one?”

I hadn’t seen the storm clouds in Lance’s eyes for some days, but abruptly they were back.

“Not worth it,” I whispered into his ear.

“No, you’re right, he’s not.” He handed the tankard back. “I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that whatever you put in there is what’s doing the talking. I’m also going to say this just the once. You get caught with that and you’re expelled. Permanently. You drink much more of it and you will get caught.

“If you’ll take my advice, and I know you’re not that keen on it right now, you’ll go and flush what’s left in those tankards down the bog, and maybe suck on a breath mint or two. Then, whenever you get fed up of clanking around in all that metalwork, there are three changes of clothing by the door. You can thank my girlfriend for that kindness.”

“Anything wrong?” Peter said from behind me. He had changed into a costume of his own and looked resplendent as lord of the feast.

I forced a smile, took his arms and turned him away from the confrontation. “Nothing, Sir Peter. My but you look magnificent. Is Lady Ambrose nearby?”

“Somewhere close,” he said. “I think she feels outshone by our royal visitor.”

I looked around in confusion.

“You, you ditz,” he laughed.

“Are teachers allowed to call their students by such names?” I really had to do something about the medieval pseudo-speak.

“Absolutely not, and you could get me in a lot of trouble if you wanted to. I suspect that’s not your way though.” His eyes followed the trio of knights making their way out of the hall, Barry bringing up the rear. They paused long enough to pick up the parcels of clothes we’d left them.

“The woodwork teacher at my school says we should be allowed to make mistakes, otherwise how will we learn. As long as we leave with the same number of fingers as when we arrived, and preferably all still attached.”

He laughed. “Apparently comprehensive education isn’t that bad after all.”

“Oh no, it’s bloody awful – pardon my vulgarity. Mainly crap but with the occasional tiny gem worth digging for.”

“Well, at least you don’t have to endure it anymore.”

“Is this what you were talking about earlier, about the tutoring and stuff?” Lance appeared at my elbow.

“Gwen’s been awarded a scholarship, and yes, she’ll be joining us in September. Sorry, that might not have been my news to give.”

“It’s alright,” Lance said. “She mentioned something about it in passing a while back, but I wasn’t sure if she was yanking my chain. A scholarship. Wow!”

“We haven’t had much chance to talk in private before now. I wanted to ask if it changed how you felt about tonight. I mean one evening with the mystery girl who might not be is one thing, but...”

“Nothing will change how I feel about tonight. I mean, I wasn’t looking forward to saying goodbye, but you’re saying I won’t have to?”

“Well, for a few weeks maybe. I am still going home tomorrow.”

“Not forever though.” His smile was a picture.

“Let’s not make it weird, eh? I agreed to tonight because you beat me at archery.”

“I’m still not sure I did though, did I?”

“Well, you scored more than me in the end, and I think that’s a fairly good definition of beating someone. Besides, I’d have probably agreed if you’d asked politely. But this is just one night, Lance. Neither of us should be making plans for the future on a first date.”

“Just as long as we’re agreed that this is a date.”

“Do I need to remind you again?”

“Yeah, you’re not gay. Neither am I. It’s weird, but regardless of what Barry said back there, I only see a very pretty and quite amazing young woman, and right now she’s on a date. With me.”

God, I wanted to kiss him.

Saved by the bell, or... whatever. The musicians played a short flourish drawing our attention. Peter had his hands up drawing attention to himself. Jennifer stood beside him looking amazing, despite the stupid conical hat.

“Welcome all to our medieval ball. A last minute change to the program but superbly executed with the assistance of Lance Girling and his friends.” An appreciative round of applause, which Barry and co returned just in time to enjoy. They looked pretty good in their makeshift costumes, given what we’d had to work with. “The promised feast will be brought to us shortly,” Peter continued, “I’m assured within the hour. Until then, may I invite you all to find a partner and join us for the first dance. If you don’t know the steps, please feel free to watch until you’re ready to join in.”

Barry and the Barryettes approached their dates. From the body language, there were apologies and at least some conditional forgiveness exchanged. Lance pulled me onto the dance floor.

“I don’t know any of the dances,” I protested.

“You came up with something pretty spectacular in just two minutes on the way here. You’ll be alright, just follow my lead.”

They were all fairly tame and easy to follow. High heels hadn’t featured in medieval times, and I found myself wishing we’d stuck with authenticity, if only for the comfort. On the plus side, I liked being a little closer to Lance’s height at this short range, but on the minus, I had a growing sense of how much my feet would be complaining by the end of the evening. Even three inch heels were a challenge to someone who’d never worn them before. Despite my fears, I survived until the food arrived.

Our places were labelled and, since Lance and his friends had decorated the place, he knew exactly where we were sitting, on the Lord’s table beside Lord Peter himself.

The feast came in a succession of three courses, each comprising a mix of roasted meat, fish, vegetables and pastries with goblets of grape juice to accompany it all. Fortunately there were such things as eating utensils, otherwise I doubt my dress, especially with its droopy sleeves, would have survived the experience. There was enough food to satisfy even my prodigious appetite, and entertainment in the form of music, singers, jugglers, acrobats and other more unusual offerings throughout.

Eventually the aftermath was cleared away and we were invited back onto the dance floor. Not so much the stately, formal dances from earlier, but modern music, slow and romantic. I guess no-one wanted to jump and jiggle about after such a meal, and time was getting on. Also a lot less uncomfortable in heels

Lance pulled me close and I lent my head on his broad chest. He smelled musky, but in a good way, and I could hear the slow, steady beat of his heart.

“Anyone would think you aren’t excited to be with me,” I murmured dreamily into his chest.

“You should have been listening the first half hour after you arrived. I’m not sure I’d still be standing if it had kept beating at that speed all this time.”

“Mmm. I’m glad you are still standing. Gives me something to lean on.”

“Is that all I’m good for? Something to lean on?”

“You are a prop forward, aren’t you?”

“How did you know?”

“I think Peter must have mentioned it or I guessed or something.”

“Do you want to go somewhere quiet? The evening’s almost over and I’d like to have some of you to myself.”

I opened my eyes and looked deeply into his. This had so much potential to go horribly wrong. I caught a movement in the corner of my eye and turned to see Merlin, or whoever it was, standing by the entrance. He turned and left as soon as he saw me looking at him.

“Alright,” I said. Did a ghost count as a chaperone?

I took the lead and followed the old man, out to the mound and up the spiral path.

“Why here?” Lance asked.

“Where we first met, remember?” I was ad libbing, but it would do for now.

“I’d prefer to forget that. I was such a dick to you that day.”

“So now’s your chance to make it up to me.”

We’d reached the circular path at the top. The Moon was full in the sky, washing out most of the stars but giving us a good view of our surroundings. We were alone.

“Will this do?” He cupped my chin and tilted my face up towards his, then, gently stroking my cheek, he leaned forward and kissed me.

It was soft and sweet and filled me with such a feeling of warmth. I snaked my arms around his neck and kissed him back fervently, urgently.

Common sense took over and I pulled away.

“I wish...”

“I know. It’s messed up. I wish too, but it is what it is. You should know I’ve never felt this way about anyone before now. It confused me at the beginning, but now I’ll do anything...”

“You only met me a week ago.”

“The French call it the coup de foudre, the thunder strike. I wasn’t sure I believed it till it happened to me.”

“And there was me thinking you were all muscle and no brain.” I gave him an apologetic grin to show him I didn’t mean it.

“Mum’s French. I’ve grown up in a bilingual family. So the school have me learning German, which sucks big time.”

I laughed, because crying wasn’t an option yet.

“Tell me you feel something too,” he begged.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t, but that’s the problem. It’s always been the problem.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nobody gets what it’s like to be like this.” I indicated my body, elegantly dressed as it was. “If we were together, we’d both get so much flack for it.”

“How are they going to change if someone doesn’t show them? I’m ready to do whatever it takes. Are you?”

“Gwendolyn Llewellyn, are you prepared to take on the mantle of Queen of Albion?” It was the old man’s voice speaking in my ear. I didn’t really understand what he was asking, but I’d made a deal.

“Yes,” I whispered.

Lance’s lips were on mine again, and this time I heard the sound of thunder.

No, not really, just an expression. There was no magical transformation, unless you count the one in my mind. Two genetic males went up the hill. Two genetic males came down again, only now we were most definitely boyfriend and girlfriend. Possibly something more, but only time would tell.

We made it back to the banquet hall to find it in the process of being changed back into a gymnasium. Barry and co were busy dismantling the trestles and putting them away. He broke off from his work and approached us, head hanging, uncertain.

“I was out of line earlier,” he said. “I owe you both an apology, especially you,” he said to me. “I don’t really get it, what’s going on with you, but... I shouldn’t have been such an arsehole.”

I smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I don’t think any of us really get it, but it would help having friends around to not get it with (split infinitive and ending with a preposition, how very dare I!?). That’s kind of what this week has been for me with the girls. I don’t know if they really get it either, but it’s less threatening for them to recognise the girl inside me than maybe it is for guys like yourself. We’ll be grateful for whatever acceptance you’re ready to give.”

“Gwen’s coming to Marlborough in September, so you’re going to have a chance to figure it out. She’ll be attending as a girl, but I think she plans to be open about exactly who and what she is, so we could really use the support, bro.”

“You mean you’re...?”

“I love her, man. However messed up that sounds. The boy we picked on last weekend doesn’t really exist. Gwen is real, and... well, like I said.”

“You’re telling me you’re...”

“No-one’s gay, not that there’s anything wrong with that. Gwen’s a girl and into boys, me apparently which is way cool, and I’m into girls which, like I say, she is one.”

“Yeah, I still don’t get it, but you did us a solid tonight, me and Dean and Rick. We got your back whatever, okay?”

“Okay,” Lance answered for both of us then put his arm around my shoulder. Mine went around his waist and it felt so good.

“You kids having fun?” Peter asked as we approached. “I’m glad to see you made up. You had me worried at the beginning of the week. Mind you, I’m not sure if this worries me more.”

“We’re good, Mr Ambrose. Gwen’s offered to tutor me next year, so hopefully you’ll see my grades improve.”

“Not quite how hopefully should be used, but...”

“Actually, it’s considered acceptable in the modern vernacular, sir,” I told him.

“How often do I have to tell you, it’s Peter.”

“Yes, Sir Peter. Only for another day though. I’m practicing for September.”

“I’m never going to win with you, am I? Listen, the rest of the girls are with Jenny, changing back out of their things. You should join them. I’d like a quiet word with Lance, if you don’t mind.”

“Don’t break him then. I like him just the way he is.”

“Hey! I’m right here.”

“I know. I’ll see you tomorrow before I leave?”

“Count on it.”

Most of the girls had finished changing and were sipping drinks.

“Hot chocolate, Gwen?” Helen called over.

I nodded and headed into the needlework room to undress.

“How are we going to get this back home with you tomorrow?” Jennifer asked as she hung the dress up. I was settling my skirt into place to hide my little bulge before anyone notices it. Funny how self-conscious I felt about it right now.

“I have to change in London. My chances of getting it home unwrinkled are pretty much zero whatever happens. I was wondering if I might donate it to the school drama stores.”

“That’s really generous of you. I suppose I could have a word with Mr Gibson and see if he can come up with something in his budget to pay for it.”

“Not really necessary, but if he does, could you pay the girls back for their contributions first?”

“Sure. The alternative is we could put it in eBay and see what it goes for. I suspect a lot more than the cost of the materials.”

“I’d rather it went to the school, Miss. That way I might be able to wear it again.”

“Option three then. Let me take it home, then it’ll be there for you when you come back in September.”

“Maybe that would be best.”

“Do you want me to look after your jewellery too?”

“I was thinking of wearing it tomorrow, actually. If I can make myself look enough like a girl.”

“No problems there, I suspect. You should go have a chat with your friends.”

I did so and accepted my mug of hot chocolate from Helen. Gretchen held out a bulging shoulder bag. “We wanted you to have something from each of us. So you don’t forget us.”

“Aw, thanks guys. As if I’m going to forget any of you. You’re the best.”

“Open it,” Zoe said, so I did, then went through the contents. Skirt and top from Sarah B, summer dress from Gillian, jeans from Zoe. “I hate to admit it, but they look better on you than me.” Espadrilles from Judith, sandals from Amanda. “You can keep the baby doll too,” she added. There were other things as well, boy cut panties which seemed to work best for me and even a training bra or two. “Might help a bit with the whole flat chested thing you have going on there,” Myfanwy, who also wasn’t super well endowed said apologetically.

“This is amazing, guys, but I don’t have anything to give you.”

“Well,” Gretch said, handing me an envelope with a card in it. The picture on the card was of a transformer in mid change. I looked at her quizzically and she shrugged. “Best we could do at short notice. Open it, open it.”

I did and read out loud, “’To a real life transformer and an amazing girl. Don’t you ever go back to the dark side.’ Mixing genres a bit, aren’t you?”

“Euw! Too geeky,” Stacey said. “We all put our addresses in there, so you’d better send us Christmas cards, and a copy of your novel when it comes out.”

“That’s a promise. The thing is, what am I going to wear tomorrow.”

They helped me pick out Gillian’s summer dress. They suggested the sandals but I went for the espadrilles. “I need some help to counter Lance’s altitude advantage.

Which, of course, prompted a whole fury of questions, for which there was really only one answer.

“What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants, and what Lance’s heart wants is the little girl living in mine.”

“And how does she feel about him?” Judith asked.

“She feels pretty good about him. He’s quite a surprise when you dig deep.”

“Well, be careful, won’t you?”

“I will, and you’ll always be on the other end of WhatsApp if I need you.”

“For sure. We’re going to miss you, girl.”

“Me too. All of you. You’re going to have to come to visit.”

“That would be so cool. How big is your house? I mean can you fit us all in?” Gillian’s excitement was infectious.

“I was actually thinking maybe one or two at a time.”

“No sweat, maybe we should arrange a group meetup in London or something,” Judith suggested.

“Yeah!” Now Gillian really was excited. “I mean we live on the outskirts, kind of Romford way. I could show you all my favourite places.”

Sounds like a plan then,” Zoe said. “We ask our parents as soon as we get home, then make plans as soon as we know when we can all make it.”

It was as close to an update note as we were going to get. Jennifer had been watching from the doorway and figured it was time to step in.

“Okay,” she said, “earlyish start tomorrow and we’re already later to bed than usual.” She held out some red cards. “These are permission slips if your dorm matrons make any noise about you being late, though they usually don’t bother on the last night.”

It didn’t affect me. My hosts knew exactly where I was.

Peter met us on the way out, and a short walk later, I was upstairs and brushing my teeth. I managed to change and climb into bed before sleep caught up with me, but I don’t remember pulling the covers over me or turning the light out.

I certainly don’t remember plugging my phone in, but it was connected and fully charged when I woke up.

I woke early and ducked into the toilet. My teeth felt like they could do with a quick freshening up, so I took care of that before heading back to my bedroom.

“Cup of tea?” Jenny called from downstairs.

“Yes please,” I called down. “Only I’m, erm...”

“I have a spare dressing gown in the bathroom you’re welcome to use of you like.”

I took advantage and headed down the stairs swathed in white plush. The early morning was cool enough to be comfortable, but it wouldn’t be long before I was too hot.

“So, when’s your train?” Jennifer plonked a steaming mug of tea in front of me.

“Eleven-thirty. Just under an hour into London, then I have about an hour before my train home. I’ve enough money left to get some lunch, which’ll help pass the time, plus I have my book.”

“Don’t get so engrossed you miss your connection.”

“Been there done that. I have an alarm set ten minutes before it’s due to leave.”

“Smarty-pants. There’ll be a car to take you to the station about ten forty-five, but what would you like to do before then?”

“Pack first, then go say goodbye to my friends.”

“Breakfast here or at school?”

“I don’t mind. I’m not very hungry to be honest.”

“You should eat something. It’ll be a long time before lunch.”

“What would you suggest?”

“Scrambled eggs on toast?”

“Sounds good, but only one slice please.”

“Okay, now I’m worried. Who are you and what have you done with Gwen?”

I managed a half-hearted laugh. “It’s still me. Just feeling a bit low, I suppose.”

“That’s understandable, but don’t let it ruin your last few hours with your friends.” She dropped a slice of bread in the toaster. “You know Dr Seuss? Of course you do.”

“I always loved Green Eggs and Ham when I was a kid.”

“What do you mean when? You still are a kid.” Eggs into the pan and gently stir. “Anyway, there’s a quote of his I’ve always liked. ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’”

I couldn’t help but smile at that.

“There she is,” she smiled. The toast popped and she put the smallest breakfast I’d eaten in years in front of me. As it was, it almost defeated me and I was proper stuffed by the last forkful.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” She put a hand on my forehead, for all the good that was going to do.

“I’m fine, honest. Just not very hungry. And maybe a bit of an itchy chest.”

That made her look at me. “Would you mind if I gave you a look over before you shower?”

I shrugged. It wasn’t as if I didn’t trust her. “Sure.”

We went up to the bathroom where I stripped. The day was already warming up and just figured the dressing gown had been getting hot and sweaty. She poked and prodded at my chest a bit before declaring me fit and well. My little guy was, well little, but then he always had been.

She left me to my shower which felt amazing. I mean I couldn’t say why, but it felt so much better. So much more invigorating. I used Jenny’s shower gel and loved the scent of it. Somehow subtle and more intense at the same time.

Rubbing myself dry felt a bit raw, so I wrapped myself in my towel and kind of rubbed at the top of the towel. It worked for the most part and left me with a few out of the way places to deal with. Boy cuts and, on a whim, training bra, which meant the summer dress wasn’t going to work, being too open at the top. I found a more conservative tee shirt and a skirt to go with it, took the espadrilles out and packed the rest as neatly as I could. The phone charger and tablet with its wires I tucked deep in among my old clothes, but I didn’t have anywhere for my phone or wallet.

Jenny came in with that handbag she’d lent me earlier in the week. “A memento of your stay with us,” she said.

“I couldn’t.”

“You could, and I hope you will. Call it a loan for now if you want.”

“Okay, fair enough. I’ll bring it back in September.”

“At which time I’ll most likely deny I ever owned anything like it. Gwen, I really would like you to have it.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

“I presume you can find your way to the school on your own. Peter will be doing the station run this morning and I’d like to have him to myself for a while before he comes to fetch you. Leave your bags here if you like and I’ll make sure he brings them.

“I won’t see you again before you leave, but you have been an absolute delight both to teach and to host. I am so looking forward to seeing you in September.”

“Me too, and thanks for everything.”

The girls were all sitting around glumly poking at their breakfasts when I arrived. Lance and his friends hadn’t made it down yet, but then they had been dismantling the venue after everyone had gone home. I collected a glass of orange juice and settled into a space between Gretchen and Amanda.

“Hey, where’s the mountain of food?” Amanda asked.

“I already ate. Besides, you can talk. Have any of you eaten anything?”

“I’m not hungry,” Zoe said dropping her spoon into her bowl.

“Neither was I, but like Jenny said to me, it’s a long train ride home, for most of us at least.”

“What do you mean?” Gillian asked since I was looking at her.

“How long will it take you to get to Romford once we’re back in London?”

“Fifty minutes, maybe more. It’s no fun taking a suitcase like mine on the tube.”

“So you’ll be home about the time my train leaves Kings Cross.”

“Hey, wait a minute,” Judith said. “Are we all going to London?”

Nods all round.

“Eleven-thirty train?”

More nods.

“Then we don’t have to say goodbye till we reach Kings Cross.”

That brightened the mood, even if it didn’t improve anyone’s appetite.

“This is depressing,” Myfanwy said, “What say we blow this joint.”

Stacey snorted. “Okay Bugsy Malone,” she said.

“Who?” asked Helen.

“Who cares,” Judith said standing up and collecting her tray. “Let’s make like a tree and get out of here.”

“Hey, I thought I was supposed to be the geeky one,” I complained.

“Ya snooze, ya lose sweetheart,” Zoe made a fairly dreadful attempt at a Jimmy Cagney impression.

“What’s happening?” Gillian asked.

“I think we’re all going outside. Nobody really wants to finish breakfast and it is a lovely day out there.”

Inevitably we bumped into a couple of Lance’s friends on the way out, who wanted to know where we were going.

“Outside,” Judith said unhelpfully.

“We were hoping...” But most of the girls had swept out.

“When you’re done with breakfast you might want to try the top of the mound,” I said.

Out in the open air Gretchen turned on me.

“What did you say that for?”

“Tell me you had a good time last night,” I said.

“I didn’t... not have a good time,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Tell me he was an arsehole with absolutely no redeeming features.”

“He was an arsehole. Admittedly kind of a cute arsehole, but he should never have said what he did to you.”

“You know he apologised? To me and to Lance?”

“When?”

“After we came back. You and the others were getting changed. Barry was helping to dismantle the venue.”

“Oh.”

“Tell me you wouldn’t want a chance to say something to him before you leave this place forever. I mean, if you don’t, like if all of you really don’t, we could be somewhere else when they finish eating.”

“You can be so frustrating sometimes.”

“I take it that means you would like to talk to him?”

“Grrr!”

I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone growl before. Not really. She stormed off.

“I take it we’re heading for the top of the mound then,” Zoe said dryly.

We were.

I’d been quite out of breath the other times I’d climbed the mound. The slope was gentle but probably came to about five or six hundred metres of steady incline. Somehow this time I was breathing easily at the top, despite my three-inch block heels.

“So what are we doing here?” Myfanwy wheezed as we reached the summit.

“To be honest, I’m not sure,” I said. “Getting away from everyone for one thing.” We looked down at the sleepy school below us and knew that couldn’t be the reason. The top of the mound was set apart, but there really wasn’t that much going on that we couldn’t have found somewhere just as secluded.

“Are we even allowed to be here?” Aly asked.

“I haven’t seen any signs to say otherwise. I mean the mound’s on school property so closed to the general public, except by special invitation, but since we are students this week... I’ve been up here five or six times, and you all came up the once after the incident with Zoe’s jeans.”

“I remember,” Judith said. “You told me those shoes were a stupid choice for climbing up here.”

“I don’t remember calling them stupid,” I said. “I think I suggested wearing something sensible.”

“And the opposite of sensible is?”

“Alright, you’ve got me there? Except I wasn’t really planning on coming up here today. And besides, they’re really not that bad, so maybe I owe you an apology.”

“Wait till you try going down those bloody stairs.”

“Alright,” Zoe said, “so why are we really here? I mean you can’t see a lot with all these trees and there’s nothing up here but a ditch with an ugly concrete base in it.”

“There used to be a water tank up here at one stage, I think,” I said looking at the concrete.

“I don’t particularly care,” Zoe replied.

Why had I brought everyone up here? There was only one thought nagging in my mind.

“I suppose I wanted you to meet my Merlin. Most of the times he appeared I was up here.”

“They won’t be able to see me, Your Majesty.” I looked up to find him standing in the mound’s central depression. “I wouldn’t say anything, they’ll only worry about your sanity.”

“So? Where is he?” Judith asked.

“Apparently not here,” I said reluctantly.

He nodded approvingly. “These friends’ part in your story is drawing to an end,” he said. “There’s always some sadness in the parting of ways, but you should come to terms with it. You won’t see any of them again after today.”

I raised my eyebrows at him.

“Your plans to meet again are very laudable, but good intentions wilt in solitude. You’ll exchange a few messages to share what’s happening in your lives, but you’ll each make new friendships and soon forget the bond you all made this week. Perhaps you least of all, Gwen, but then this week has been so much more significant for you.”

“So why are you here?” I asked quietly.

“Oh, that’s very nice!” Gretchen said. “You brought us here, remember.”

Judith put a hand on her arm, quieting her. Even though she couldn’t see Merlin, I think she could see that I could.

The old man shrugged. “The same reason as you. Waiting for...”

“Hello ladies.”

Lance, of course, accompanied by his friends. We paired off as we had the previous evening. Lance stepped into the central hollow and reached up to help me down.

I looked up into his face. Three inches wasn’t much, but it helped. A few more would be better still, but I wasn’t sure how well my feet would cope with much more of a heel.

A quick glance around showed every one of my friends engrossed in every one of Lance’s. He followed my gaze and smiled. “Alone at last,” he said.

“Not quite.” I looked at the old man who shook his head.

“It’s rare indeed for anyone to see me as you do, but there are some who can sense me enough to be influenced by me.”

“Like Mr Hong?” I asked, prompting an odd look from Lance.

“Like Mr Hong.”

“I want him paid back for this.” I fingered the pendant.

“He will be.”

“Who are you talking to?” Lance asked.

“Can you show him?” I asked Merlin.

He sighed and changed into a crow that flew up into a nearby tree.

“Where the hell did that come from?”

The bird glided back down into our midst and shifted back into the old man.

“And now where did it go? Did you see that?”

“It explains how you were able to come and go without me seeing or hearing you,” I said to Merlin. I placed a hand on Lance’s forearm to let him know I wasn’t ignoring him.

“Here is your future, Your Majesty,” the old man said. “He will protect you from what is to come.”

“Did you make him fall for me?”

“What!?”

“No magic can change the course of love, though I may have helped him see your true self.”

“Who are you talking to?” Lance asked again, more emphatically.

“I’m not sure you’d believe me if I tried to explain it.”

“Try anyway.”

“An old man with long grey hair and beard who only I can see, except he can change into a crow.”

“Is this the subject of one of your stories?”

“Sure. Why don’t we leave it at that?”

Merlin smiled. “We Will speak again, my queen.”

He faded in front of my eyes, quite literally.

“Okay, so now we are alone.” I placed a hand on his chest and looked up at him invitingly.

He reached down to kiss me. “Are you taller?” he asked.

“Must be going through a growth spurt,” I said.

“What?”

I lifted a foot and looked down at it. He followed my gaze.

“Oh. You had me worried there for a moment. Were you wearing them last night too?”

“Different shoes, same three inch heels. Not into taller women?”

He shook his head. “You confuse me sometimes.”

“My prerogative as your girlfriend, I believe.”

“So we’re using that word?”

“If you like. I mean... you know what I mean.”

“I’m not sure how I’m going to explain you back home.”

“I can imagine. How do you want to handle it?”

“From a distance with a long pole.”

“Ten foot, generally found on barges?”

“What? Oh, yeah, something like that.”

“If it’s going to be an issue...”

“Then I’ll choose you over my parents if I have to.”

“You think it’ll come to that?”

“Dad’s a bit set in his ways. He doesn’t like things being different.”

“Reminds me of someone I met at the beginning of the week.”

“Yeah, Dad’s influence there I think. Took a bit of dealing with, but you’re worth the effort.”

I leaned on his chest.

“You smell nice.”

“Borrowed shampoo. I’d have thought you’d have noticed it last night, like the heels.”

“I did, just didn’t think to mention it. I think maybe we should go.”

I lifted my head and looked around. The others had gone.

“Just another couple of minutes. This is too nice.”

Two minutes turned into ten, then Lance pulled away and checked his watch.

“Your lift to the station leaves in ten minutes.”

He raised me out of the hollow and clambered out himself. We took the stairs, which were a bit precarious in my shoes, but Lance helped. We arrived out front with five minutes to spare.

“You had me worried for a minute,” Peter said from the front seat of the minibus. “Your bags are on board, so whenever you’re ready.”

I fished my phone out of my bag and turned to Lance. “Digits?” I said.

He held up a hand and wiggled his fingers.

“No, silly,” I laughed. “The sort I put in here.” I’d already opened a new contact and put his name in.

“Oh. He ran off a stream of numbers which I typed in, saved and then called.

His back pocket buzzed and he pulled out his phone, staring at it blankly.

“And now you have mine. Don’t be shy about using them.” I reached up and kissed him slowly, but oh so much too briefly, then climbed up into the one remaining seat.

We were all kind of subdued on the short trip to the station, but it was a good subdued. At the far end, Peter unloaded and said his goodbyes to everyone. I waited till last in case we ran out of time. I’d be seeing him again soon enough.

“The canteen made up snack boxes for everyone. I grabbed one for you in case you needed it. Jen tells me you didn’t eat much breakfast.”

“You know us girls. Gotta watch that figure.”

“That’s nonsense. If you’re hungry, you should eat.”

“And when I’m hungry, I will. Thank you for this week, Mr Ambrose. I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes you will, and I look forward to it. The school will be in touch a week before term begins to let you know what the arrangements are, but you may want to sort your uniform out soon. They can take a while to come through. I tucked a brochure in your bag.”

“You think of everything.” I reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “That’s not too weird is it?”

“Not entirely appropriate between a pretty young girl and her teacher, but I’ll overlook it this time. Just don’t tell Jenny. I don’t want her getting jealous.”

I gave him a gentle punch in the ribs

“The school also disapproves of students assaulting the staff. You’d better go, Gwen. Train’s about to leave.”

In five minutes according to the clock, but that was almost how long it took me to show my ticket at the barrier and find my friends.