I bashfully blushed and pulled one of those faces. Cat told me that I really am girlie sometimes. I felt myself blush a little bit more and glanced down at myself. “It comes with the clothes.” I replied. Then I considered what Jenna had told me and relayed it to them. “Clearly I’m not that […]

We leant on the balustrade and looked down at the muddy bank. Even at low tide, numerous small boats make their way up and down the river. Terrie hands me her cigarette. “Can you hold that, I’m bursting for the loo.” she said. I took it and she darted indoors. I turned my eyes to […]

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 smiled. I think she’s smiled at me more today than she has in her entire life, although thinking back… she did smile a lot on the other occasions she’s dressed me up. “Can I retie your plaits?” she asked. “Just the ends. They’re looking frizzy and it might not curl properly.” “I’m not entirely […]

We walked down to the riverside and found a secluded spot where we sat, enjoyed a beer and smoked a couple of joints between us. We enthusiastically recalled pretty much every moment from the gig. The intro to Thunderstruck. Hells Bells. The encore. “I didn’t need to loo after all.” I said to my sister. […]

Cat handed one to me. “Thanks.” I smiled, cautiously sipping it. We chatted and nodded our heads to the rock DJ’s set, observing those around us but not really engaging. I found myself often glancing at the girl with the braids but couldn’t always spot her as the venue filled. My sister asked if I […]

Terrie and Izzy nodded in agreement. Coyly and quietly, I told them that they’re making me blush as I stuffed the lipstick back into my skirt’s tiny front pocket. “Only because you know it’s true.” Terrie said as she touched up her lipstick. “I’m just trying not to look too much like a…” I lowered […]

“Hi Mum.” my sister said. “Yeah it’s fine… tiny.” she added, presumably talking about the hotel room. “I’m sure he won’t.” she said, grinning at me. “Course I’ll look after him… he is sixteen!” she said. “I know … OK … See you tomorrow … we will … about tea time I guess … OK […]

A short while later, after finishing my coffee, I asked my sister if she had a mirror. I felt nervous as I prepared to re-apply my lipstick. I can’t see my whole face in the tiny vanity mirror, only bits and none of them look like me. My smoky eyes and shapely eyebrows belong to […]

When I returned to school after new year, everyone wanted to know what everyone else had got for Christmas. I couldn’t help but visualise my navy blue nautical dress, my numerous pairs of girl’s socks and knickers, my Fairy Town train set and my huge pack of nappies as I muttered my well rehearsed reply. […]