I didn’t have this issue with my Brownie uniform. I hitched my ankle length dress up to my waist and pulled my knickers down to my knees and sat. “Now I really do feel like a girl.” I thought. I washed my hands and rejoined the others, asking Barbara to help with my gloves. She asked if I was enjoying wearing such a nice dress. “Kind of.” I replied. “I know I’m going to get teased for the rest of my life but… it feels kinda nice being a girl for the day.”
“You’re more than just a girl Vincent… you’re the May Queen.” she said with a broad smile. “…but I must admit, I’m still jealous that it’s you and not me.”
“Soz.” I coyly shrugged.
A small garland of daisies was pinned to each of the seven sister’s heads. Brown Owl made sure they all looked perfect whilst my mother re-applied my lipstick before we all took our positions on the float. A small crowd had gathered. We waved and they cheered. The engine chugged into life and we began to move… slowly.
Small crowds of people were few and far between on the residential streets, but as the float turned onto the main street, there was a steady line of spectators on each side of the road. I did my job of smiling waving, first to the left, then to the right. The float went no faster than walking pace so it took about twenty minutes to travel a single mile. My arms were beginning to ache from all the waving. My jaw was beginning to ache due to holding a constant smile. Even when I spotted kids from my class and Cub Scout group laughing and sneering at me, I managed to smile and wave. What else could I do?
We eventually arrived at the village green where a small stage had been erected. A brass band played The Lord of the Dance as we alighted the float and made our way to the stage. A mantra was going through my head; smile, wave, don’t trip, smile, wave, don’t trip. The music stopped and the Mayer took centre stage. He tapped the microphone before welcoming the modest crowd to the annual crowning of the May Queen. “…and I’m proud to introduce Vincent Jackson.” A hoard of butterflies erupted in my tummy as I stepped forwards. He took my hand and I curtseyed before waving and smiling at the crowd. “Doesn’t she look lovely!” he said, causing half the crowd to laugh. I could feel myself blushing as the throne was moved in to position. I gathered my dress and sat myself down, making sure I kept my knees and ankles together, and making sure that I continued smiling and acknowledging the crowd. The mayor introduced last year’s May Queen who stepped forwards and curtseyed, before turning to me, smiling and lifting my crown from a velvet cushion. I gulped as the floral crown of white blooms was lowered on to my head… I’ve never felt so special before. Everybody clapped and cheered. I stood and a satin sash with May Queen written on it was placed around me, hanging from shoulder to hip, then a large bunch of flowers was placed in my hands. I curtseyed, smiled and waved. The mayor said a few more words before stepping aside.
I stepped up to the mic and fearfully looked at all the faces, forcing myself to at least look happy in spite of the fact I’m as nervous as hell. Benjimin stepped forwards and took my bouquet. I unfolded my speech, perused the first few lines before speaking into the microphone. It was strange hearing my voice booming out over the Tannoy system. Everyone fell silent as I tried to deliver my speech as best as I could. “…and finally, I’d like to thank the ladies of the sewing circle for making my beautiful dress…” I paused, held out my frock and performed my little curtsey. “…as well as all the dresses my seven sisters are wearing…” I gestured towards them and smiled. I finished my speech and performed my trio of curtseys as the crowd clapped and cheered. Benjimin handed my bouquet back to me. I waved once more and finally stepped away from the mic and returned to my throne.
The Mayor stepped forwards once more to address the crowds. The main celebration is hosted on the show ground on the outskirts of our small town. There’s a traditional fair, stalls, equestrian displays, a mongrel dog show, live music, poetry, all sorts of things going on. He gestures to me once more, states my name and says. “…I hope you’ll all give her a big cheer as she leads the procession to the show ground.”
The clip-clop sound of horses hooves drew my attention from the small crowd of spectators. “Oh god!” I thought as my carriage approached. “I’m never going to live this down.”
