“I never felt so much pain in my life!! When she waxed my eyebrows, I nearly leapt out my seat! And how I’ll ever be able to pick something up with these talons? It's beyond me!”

 

Healing Cousin George
Part 10 - The Date
by Karin Roberts

 
Later that night, with Melissa safely tucked up in bed, George and I sat with a Coke each in the conservatory. My plan to curb his midweek drinking had been a great success since there were no more night’s out during the week - only a civilized glass of wine after dinner. I picked up my cigarettes and slipped one out of the packet, the slim gold lighter was inside the packet as well. I pressed the button and a slim narrow flame appeared. I lit up, blowing a cloud of smoke towards the ceiling.

“We had a visitor today,” I announced

“Yeah I know. Pete was here again. I’ll have a word with him,” he responded before I had a chance to go on,

“No, Pete was here. But that’s not who I meant.”

“Who then?” he asked draining the last of his Coke.

“My Mum.”

A look of shock appeared on his face.

“I was washing up after Debbie left, then I turned and there she was, standing in the doorway.”

There was a short silence,

“Oh fuck! That’s all we need.” he said.

“No, it’s ok! I told her all about Amanda and my stupid mistake. She’s not happy about it, but at least she understands why I’m doing it.”

“Do you think she will say anything?”

“Well not to my dad anyway, he’s homophobic! I think we can trust her to keep it a secret.”

“Well let’s hope so. The less people that know about this, the better! And there’s already too many.”

“Why? Are you embarrassed by me?” I teased,

“No. It’s not that, but we can’t afford to let certain people know about it. I would be taking too much of a risk.”

I leaned over and poured the last small amount of Coke into my glass

“I’m going off to bed. It was a tough day,” George announced.

“Yeah for me too. I’ll be right behind you,” I said, taking a final draw from my cigarette and crushing it out.

“See you tomorrow,” I said, as he left the room. One down, one to go, I thought. The day’s other event would need to wait, and at least Pete had not let the cat out of the bag by telling George about my date. I picked up both glasses and walked over to the sink, rinsing them out. I switched out the lights, and headed upstairs. I checked in on Melissa, watching her sleep for a few minutes, before deciding that it was time for me to join her in the land of sweet dreams.

On Saturday, me and Debbie hit the shops once more, with Melissa in tow. We wandered around, mostly window shopping. As usual, I spent most of the time checking out outfits for Melissa, buying two or three items before we stopped for lunch. Over lunch, Debbie came up with an idea for an outfit for Friday,

“So what is it then?” I asked,

“Just wait. I know just the place to go. It will be perfect for Friday.” Our lunch finished, we headed straight to the Italian Centre of Glasgow. I knew it well, as I had often shopped there as Alex. Well, you know what I mean.

“I think I might have an idea where you’re going with this,” I said as we approached a quality leather goods shop,

“Well, Pete has a motorbike. So you might as well do the biker chick look,” Debbie flashed a wicked smile as we entered the shop.

Half an hour later, complete with my purchase, we were heading back to the car.

“Hey! I’ve an idea. How about we stop at a Salon get our nails done, etc?”

“You can do all that yourself. Why bother?”

“Indulge me,” she said, as her eye’s scanned the street, “Look, over there, a Sytle-Setter’s. Let’s go.”

Debbie was off, crossing the paved precinct, me pushing Melissa behind her, as we headed for the Salon. By the time I got inside, Debbie was already talking to one of the assistants.

“Great to see you! What a coincidence! I never knew you worked here. This is Alex, a friend.” she said, gesturing to me, before going on.

“Alex, this is Gillian. We trained together at college. I’ve not seen her in years,” she said before hugging her

“Pleased to meet you,” I said, extending my hand to her, once she had freed herself from Debbie.

“What can I do for you ladies today” she asked, Debbie butted in

“Just a facial scrub for me and nail extensions, eyebrow wax and nail extensions for Alex,”

“What type of extensions do you want? French tips, sculptured…?”

“Eh square tipped long for both of us” Debbie said,

“Ok. Then let’s get you two ladies seated.” An hour later, we were both exiting the Salon.

“So how was that for you?” she asked.

“I could kill you!” I hissed in a hushed tone.

“Why?”

“I never felt so much pain in my life!! When she waxed my eyebrows, I nearly leapt out my seat! And how I’ll ever be able to pick something up with these talons? Its beyond me!” I gestured to the inch and a half long nails that protruded from the tips of my fingers. Debbie began to laugh as we headed down the street.

“Let’s go home, it’s getting late.”

As we drove home Debbie spoke, “Alex… can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“How long do you see yourself staying as Alex?”

“Well, I think I’ll be Alex forever!” I laughed.

“Quit the sarcasm. You know what I mean.”

I stopped laughing and continued, “Well it’s early June, my job starts early August, so I suppose I’ve got about six, maybe seven weeks left.”

“What about George though? What if he’s not right?”

“He’s getting better every day, spending more time with Melissa. The booze, except for the weekends, is largely a thing of the past.”

“Yeah, but what if that’s all down to you? What if he goes back to his old ways when you leave? And what about Amanda? You know she’s no good for him and how she feels about Melissa? Could you have that on your conscience?” she asked.

I paused and thought about what she had said for a minute.

“I don’t know. He’s grown up. He has to make his own choices. I love Melissa to bits, but I’ve got my life too. Why are you bringing all this up now?”

“Oh I think I’d miss you” she said before adding “You could have a life here, you know.”

She looked over at me briefly. Silence descended for the remainder of the journey.

Dinner was ready as I heard George drive up and the engine stop. The door opened and he stepped inside.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he exclaimed upon seeing me.

Oops! The cat was out the bag, I thought.

“Do you not think we have enough problems without you going on dates with my farm hand?”

“Eh sit down I can explain,” I said.

“I don’t want to sit down! And how you’re going to explain this one is beyond me.”

I sat down. “It’s like this, I kinda got the idea that Amanda was jealous of me being here alone with you. I thought if you had a night at home alone with her, just you and Melissa, it would be good for you.” I knew deep inside that Amanda would probably hate the idea of playing mummy to Melissa but I was not about to admit it.

“So how does your date help?”

“Well, if I’m out with Pete, she will think that I’ve got myself a man and won’t be after you.”

George retorted, “She doesn’t think that. Anyway, what makes you an expert on women’s minds?”

“Well I suppose dressing like one for the last 3 or 4 weeks has helped some. It’s not as if anything is going to come of the date. I’ll let Pete down gently. Debbie was really the instigator of it. She set me up a bit. It took me a bit by surprise. I had said yes before I had really thought about it though. I promise one night, and that’s all.” There was silence,

“I still think this is a bad idea. But ok. One night and be careful!” George finished and went upstairs to see Melissa. I sighed. Minutes later, I rose to serve the dinner.

The rest of the week went quickly onto Friday. Debbie had arrived and loaned me the last piece of my outfit for the night. George and Amanda were due to have a carry-out meal delivered, so after I had made a snack for Melissa, I took her upstairs and began to get ready. After a hot bubble bath filled with scents, I set about dressing. By about ten to seven I was ready. I worried about myself. I had spent so much time on my makeup, it was like I was going on a real date and I was a fully fledged female.

I told myself that it was because I wanted to be ultra convincing, and not that I wanted to make myself sexy and attractive for a man. But that I was somehow doing it for Melissa and George, and not for Pete. Anyway, when I looked in the mirror, I realized I had failed miserably, because I looked as sexy as hell. The tight leather trousers with the white cotton top that gave away the hint of a nipple and the leather bomber jacket that Debbie had loaned me with a yellow chiffon scarf tied loosely round my neck accented the four inch heeled leather shiny ankle boots that peeked out from below my trousers. With earrings and a couple of bracelets, it completed the image of hot. Just maybe, I was about to give out the wrong signal.

I sprayed on some perfume and left my room. The heels of my boots clicked on the wooden stairs as I went down to the kitchen. I could hear George on the telephone ordering their meal. I went on through into the conservatory and lit a cigarette. My nerves were just beginning to play a part. I took off my jacket and sat down. As I leafed through the daily paper, my nerves were building up as each minute ticked by on the clock. A rap at the door, and I leapt up.

“I’ll get it” I called.

I rushed to open the door. On the doorstep, I found a guy delivering George and Amanda’s meal.

“George! It’s your meal!”

I walked back to the conservatory, conscious of the young guy eyeing me up as I left the door.

Five minutes later, another knock at the door. This time, no blind panic. What was it with me? The excitement of tonight? Or maybe it was fear?

“Alex, its Pete for you!”

I picked up my jacket and walked back to the kitchen,

“You not going out like… that are you?” George eyed me incredulously.

“Why not?”

“Well… don’t you think it’s… a bit…”

“A bit what?”

I could see him clearly looking at the tightness of the leather trousers and the nipples, which were apparent through the tee-shirt. I slipped on the jacket.

“Well, we are going on a bike. Trousers are much more suitable than a skirt. Don’t you think?” I asked

“I suppose so. Remember! One night! It’s only one night… and be careful”

“Ok”

I stepped outside, the sound of my high heels echoing in the still farm air as I walked down the stone steps.

“You look great” Pete appreciatively smiled as I approached.

“Thanks. Where are we going?“

“Thought we might catch a film, and then grab a drink,” he replied.

“Fine by me.”

He handed me a crash helmet and I pulled it over my head. Climbing onto the seat behind him, he fired up the bike. I slipped my arms around his waist and off we went into the night.

The journey to the cinema felt a bit surreal. Here I was, on the back of a motorbike, my arms encircling the waist of a guy. I mean, come on, a few weeks ago who would have thought I would be doing this and strangely enough, somehow liking the experience? We rode through the heavily lit streets and pulled into the large Multiplex car park. After we both dismounted the bike, Pete took the helmets locked up the bike and then surprisingly (well maybe not) took my hand again. I was a willing participant.

“Did I tell you, you look great?” he smiled.

“You did. And you look smart as well.”

We approached the entrance to the cinema.

Pete stopped and, turning to me, offered, “Your choice of film then.”

I looked up at the board displaying what was on show.

“Eh, how about, The Woman’s Club?” I asked pointing at the board.

“Might have guessed, some chick flick.” he teased

“It is not!” I playfully punched his arm. “But if you don’t want to…”

“No. It’s ok.” he said, letting go of my hand as he fished some money out of his pocket and paid for two tickets. Armed with our tickets, we entered the darkened cinema.

The film was pretty mediocre, although surprisingly, I liked bits of it. A few weeks ago, I would probably have never given it the time of day, but the new Alex was learning to appreciate different things. About fifteen minutes in, Pete’s arm found its way round the back of my seat. And then on around my shoulders. I didn’t adopt the usual tactic of snuggling into his side but just sat there. Initially, I found it strange, but the longer it was there, the more comfortable I was with it. Eventually, the film finished and we got up. Pete, taking my hand, walked with me out into the night once more.

“There’s a bar up there.” he said, pointing beyond a large Supermarket. “We can grab a drink in there.”

“Ok.”

As we reached the door, I stopped. “Is it ok if I have a cigarette before we go in?”

“Sure,” he replied.

I reached into my pocket and took them out, lighting one up.

Pete inquired, “Did you enjoy the film?”

“Wasn’t bad. I like Julia Roberts, but it’s not one of her best.”

“You know, you’ve caused quite a bit of a stir.” he said.

I blew a cloud of smoke towards my feet and then looked up “Why is that?”

“Well, a couple days after your brother went home, Amanda turned up while we were working. She and George had a furious row.”

“About what?” I asked taking another drag from the cigarette

“About you, of course! I think she’s jealous of you living with George. Who wouldn’t be? I mean an attractive young woman like you, against a fading old hag like her.”

I started to cough and laugh at the same time. I couldn’t help it with the image Pete described.

“I take it you don’t like her then?” I asked.

I dropped the cigarette, crushing it out with my foot.

“No, not at all. She’s always banging on about her time at public school. She’s a real snob and looks down on me.”

“I’ll let you onto a secret: neither do I. Now, let’s go get that drink.”

I offered him my hand as we walked inside.

The bar was busy with young people for a night out. They were either here for just a quiet drink or the start of a night of clubbing. We found a booth, already occupied by a couple of girls, and with their permission, took the two vacant seats. The chatter began to flow between all four of us. They were off to a local nightclub, both high in excitement about the night ahead. Pete asked if I would like to go to the club, but I politely declined his offer. Two or three drinks later we made our excuses and got up to leave, hand in hand. We walked out of the bar and back to Pete’s bike. Helmets on us, we rode off into the night again, heading back home. As the light began to fade, Pete pulled off the dual carriageway and into a lay-by high above the countryside,

“Sorry Alex, I need to take a leak.” he hurriedly said as he rushed off. I got down and took off my helmet, lighting another cigarette while waiting on him coming back from the toilet. I looked across the expansive of fields and trees. The night light and red sky painted a lovely country canvas.

The gravel crunched as Pete approached, “Im ok now. Finish your cigarette.” he said as he stood beside me.

“It’s been a good night. I’ve enjoyed myself.” I said.

“But not enough to make it a regular thing.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Oh just instinct. I just get the feeling that were not destined to be together or take this any further,” he said looking at the ground.

I hesitated taking a final draw of my cigarette I tossed it on the ground and crushed it out with the sole of my boot.

“Pete it’s not that I don’t like you, I do. But…” I hesitated, “…It’s just there’s someone else.”

“At home?”

“Yeah… maybe.”

I continued, “You’re a nice guy Pete, and you need someone who can commit to you.”

“I’m not looking for marriage.”

“I know that, but I might not be here for that long. That’s what I mean” I said looking at him.

“I suppose. It’s ok, really. I had fun as well tonight” He hopefully looked into my eyes.

“Maybe we could go out as friends?” I suggested.

“Yeah maybe…”

He pulled on his helmet, I followed, and we set off again, on route back to the farm.

We pulled up outside the house.

“Thanks again for tonight Pete.”

“No. Thank you, Alex. You’re a lovely girl” he said, as he took my helmet and secured it to the back of the bike. He held his own helmet in his hand.

I saw that the light’s in the house were still on. I figure that Amanda was probably still spying out the window at us, I thought.

“Look, I meant it about maybe going out as friends again. I did have a good time.” I said

“So did I” said Pete. I moved forward slightly and leaned towards him, bending as I did. I kissed him on the lips.

“Thanks again. And I’m sorry about back, there at the lay-by”

“It’s ok… I understand.” he said pulling his helmet back on “I’d better be going.”

“Ok and Pete, drive safely,” I said, as he kicked the bike into life and began to move away. I waved to him as he sped down the driveway.

I walked up the couple of steps to the house and opened the door and walked in. George was by the sink, washing some glasses as I closed the door.

“Amanda still here?” I asked.

I could tell that he was a little drunk as he turned to face me “Oh… you’re back.”

“Yeah and don’t worry. I’ve put Pete right.”

“I should think so too” he said in a slurred tone.

“So where is she?”

“In there, asleep.”

“What do you think you’re doing George? You’ve got a three year old upstairs asleep and you two are pissed?” I said with an edge.

“Nufhink to do with you”

“Ok fine, enjoy the rest of you night. I’m going to bed” I said, taking off my jacket and making for the stairs.

“Mheby you should go home” he said after me

“Yeah maybe I should” I said as I started to mount the stairs and left him behind.

Upstairs, I crept into Melissa’s room. It was dark and quiet. The little nightlight illuminating her bed. I walked over and looked down at her sleeping “Sorry darling, did you miss me?” I said in a hushed voice “I promise, I won’t do it often.”

I bent down and lightly kissed her forehead, adjusting the covers a bit as I did. “Sleep well” I said, as I headed for the door.

Back in my own room, I sat on the bed and thought about tonight. I had enjoyed myself and had loved being out as Alex. Although my future with Pete was not to be, I had learned two things tonight which had stuck in my brain: One, Amanda was jealous of me. Two, I liked being in the company of men as Alex.