Terrie just laughed. “Did you notice those old rockers chanting ‘poodle perm’ when they played Living on a Prayer over the PA?” she asked, recalling the DJ set before AC/DC took to the stage.
We did and chuckled as we recalled the scene. They all waved their downward thumbs toward the sound booth for the entire track before returning to head banging when the next track was played.
Terrie pulled her phone out and frowned at it. “What’s up?” Izzy asked.
“Nothing… my battery’s died.” she said. “I was just gonna text Mum and tell her we’d be back in an hour.”
“Then you’ll just be plain old Matty again.” Cat frowned.
“I’m actually looking forward to it.” I said. “I’ll be able to sit down without having to keep my knees together all the time.” I jovially stated.
“I’m quite amazed at how ladylike you’ve been.” Terrie said.
“Well it comes with the clothes I guess.” I bashfully replied. “Wearing a bra’s been a constant reminder that I’m not dressed as a guy.” I said, glancing at my little padded tits.
We soon finished our smokes and got back in the car. A while later, Terrie commented that the engine didn’t sound very good, but it sounded fine to the rest of us. She eased off the speed and stuck to the first lane. “What’s wrong with it?” I asked.
“Dunno.” Terrie said. “Maybe it doesn’t like being driven to London and back.” she suggested. “I’ll just stick to fifty-five and hope it doesn’t conk out.”
“Are you in the RAC?” Cat asked.
“No.” Terrie replied.
“AA?” Cat asked. Terrie shook her head. “I don’t normally go any further than Darby.” she frowned.
“How far away from Melbourne are we?” I asked.
“Only about eight miles.” Terrie said.
“Really?” I exclaimed. “I thought we were still miles away.” Cat pointed out the distant planes coming in to land at the East Midlands Airport. I peered out of the window and saw them, before glancing at my knees and imagining if we did break down whilst I’m dressed like this.
Within ten minutes we’d left the motorway and trundled past the airport in a homeward direction. Terrie was relieved as breaking down on the motorway without cover would cost a small fortune. Within five miles of our home town we all began to relax. The engine didn’t sound good but we had faith it would get us back to Terries house. Our faith was misplaced as the engine got noisier and noisier and Terrie had no choice but to pull off the road and onto a farm track. “My phone’s dead.” Terrie grimaced. “I don’t suppose either of you have Mum’s mobile number?” she asked Cat and Izzy.
“I’ve got your home number.” Cat said, ringing that. After moment of no answer and no answering service, we were all at odds as what to do next. “I’m guessing you don’t know your Mum’s mobile number by heart?” Cat supposed.
“No.” Terrie frowned. “I always ring it from my contacts rather than actually dial it.”
“Erm.” Izzy pondered. “I could call Mum but…” she turned to me and looked at my frock and nylon clad legs.
“Can’t Cat call her parents?” I suggested.
“They don’t drive.” Cat replied.
“Surely there’s someone else we can call.” I supposed.
My sister went through her contacts but the only viable option was our own mother. “I’ll try Terrie’s house again but…” she frowned at me and dialled the number. There was still no answer. “I’m sorry Matty.” she said. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“Mum’s gonna go bananas if she sees me dressed like this.” I frowned.
“At least you’re not wearing fishnet tights and a leather miniskirt.” Cat said.
“Thank the lord for small mercies.” I grumbled.
My sister called Mum and my heart began to pound. “Mum… hi… it’s Isabel.” she said. “Yeah we’re fine… only Terrie’s car’s broken down.” she explained. “No not far at all… on Melbourne Road, just by the county sign… you know were I mean?” she asked. “Yeah, between there and the hotel.” she confirmed. “Oh you’re a star Mum… but…” she said, opening the car door. “There’s something I need to explain first.” she said, getting out of the car. I was keen to know what she was saying so I got out of the car too and stood by my sister. “You remember when you said you were worried Matty might get separated from us at the concert…” she began. “Well… I came up with a solution and you might not like it.” she said. I was a bag of nerves, stood by the car, listening to my sister telling my mother that I’m wearing a dress and make-up. Izzy soon hung up.
“What did she say?” I nervously asked.
“She’ll be ten minutes.” my sister replied.
“I mean about me.” I retorted.
“Erm… she didn’t really say anything apart from ‘oh, I see‘.” Izzy said. “I’m really sorry.” she said. “I think I need a cigarette.” she said, opening her handbag and offering me one.
I declined. “It’s gonna be bad enough without her knowing I smoke as well.” I said, tucking my hair behind my ear and wondering what Mum’s going to say when she sees me with a head full of feminine curls. Cat wound down the window and asked what was happening.
“Mum’s on her way.” Izzy told them.
They both got out and lit cigarettes. All four of us waited in anticipation, but none were as nervous as me. Then I chuckled. “What are you laughing about?” Cat asked.
“I just wondered if I should re-do my lippy or not.” I confessed, biting my lip.