We vacated the room and knocked on Cat & Terrie’s door. “Wow Tilly you look great!” they said as we stepped into their twin room.
“Thanks.” I timidly replied. Terrie’s wearing a T-shirt and a burgundy button through corduroy skirt. Cat’s sporting a long sleeved tee with short shorts and opaque tights, and my sister Izzy wears ripped skinny jeans and a gothy looking top. Of our four outfits, I’m wearing the girlie one. I felt increasingly bashful as they complimented my make-up, my hair, my sparkly magnetic ear studs, my dress and my legs. “I think these tights make them look better than they actually are.” I replied.
Once they’d packed their bags, I nervously stepped into the corridor, which thankfully was clear. We entered the elevator and I was presented with a group reflection on three sides. “How come I’m by far the girliest?” I said as I looked at the reflection of all four of us. My sister’s skinny jeans, Terrie’s corduroy skirt and Cat’s denim shorts all look very casual next my my pretty dress.
“Because you’re the only boy.” Izzy grinned.
It took seconds for the elevator to descend the two floors. The hotel’s lobby was also deserted, but the pavement outside wasn’t. “Tilly.” my sister said as we approached the door. “You should carry your handbag like this.” she suggested. “In case someone tries to snatch it.” she added.
I hung my bag across my body and kept my hand on it, just as Isabel does. “Thanks.” I said, looking down at myself. “I’m getting a bit scared now.” I grimaced as I pulled the glass door open.
“You’ll be fine.” they assured. “We’re just four girls from out of town going for breakfast.” my sister said. “Yeah.” Cat and Terrie agreed.
We put the cases in the boot of Terrie’s car and left it in the hotel’s car park, before heading toward the river bank and Cutty Sark. I couldn’t help but glance in almost every shop window. Not to observe the goods on display but to catch my reflection. Feeling confident that I convincingly pass as a girl, my main fear was being chatted up by some guy. I don’t know what I’d do in that situation. Probably just run.
We head towards the river because they’ve decided they want to eat somewhere with a view. We pass numerous greasy spoons that I’d have been more than happy to dine in, but under the circumstances, a taxi drivers’ café is somewhere a ‘girl’ like me wouldn’t be seen in. I began wondering what kind of girl I am. I’m a long way from the rock chick who watched the greatest rock band ever last night. Maybe I’m doing a hairdressing course at college, or maybe travel and tourism… girls do that. Or maybe I’m just doing my A levels (which I am). I figure that’s as good a cover story as any, should anyone ask. My name’s Matilda, I’m in sixth form… at an exclusive girls’ school with a horrific uniform… no! I’m getting carried away with myself. “You OK?” my sister asked.
“Yeah just… day dreaming a bit.” I confessed.
“What about?”
“I dunno.” I fibbed. “Just stuff… coming to terms with being an honorary girl.”
“It’s nice having a sister… even if it’s just for the weekend.” Izzy replied as she linked onto my arm.
“…and she’s not really a girl.” I smiled.
“That bit doesn’t bother me.” she replied.
“I know.” I smiled. “These shoes are really comfy.” I said, watching my legs and feet.
“They are.” Izzy agreed. “That’s why almost every girl has a pair.”
We approached the Cutty Sark and in light of Terrie’s ignorance of its significance, Cat gave us all a quick lecture… the fastest clipper, Indian Tea Company, almost destroyed by fire, blah blah blah. None of us wanted a Nando’s breakfast but a little further along was a riverside café with a decent looking menu and prices to match the view of the Thames. At fifteen pounds for a full English, we went for eggs Benedict at a mere £11.95. It was expensive but my oh my it was good. The waitress cleared our plates and we ordered another pot of tea.
Another group of eaters occupied the table beside ours as our tea was delivered. I didn’t pay much attention because I didn’t want to draw much attention to myself but… “Hey weren’t you guys at the EnormoDome last night?” one of them asked. We all turn. Cat and Izzy reply, confirming that we were and that it was an amazing gig… and I land my eyes on the cute girl with the braids! She smiles the broadest smile. I gulp before responding with an affable, yet pursed smile. “Hi.” I meekly peep, thrying to sound as feminine as possible and shyly thumbing the ends of my hair.
“Hiya.” she confidently responds. “I’m Jenna.”
“Tilly.” I gulp.
“Matilda.” my sister added, grinning at me before engaging Jenna in conversation.
I smiled at Terrie who was rolling herself a cigarette, which, once made she offered to me. I gulped and smiled and took it from her. She rolled another and we quickly escaped to the café’s veranda which overlooked the river. “Do you think they know I’m not a girl?” I asked after exhaling my first drag.
“Well you look like a girl and can sound like a girl…” Terrie shrugged. “…so I doubt it.” she said. “Plus Izzy jumped in before you could say too much.”
“Thank heavens!” I said as Terrie lit her cigarette.