I have previously posted a number of chapters of my autobiography "Mum's Encouragement" and due to illness and now a demanding new job and relationship I have had difficulty getting back to the story. I will one day however I wondered in the mean time whether anyone wanted to continue my story as a fictional account. It would be interesting to see where others would take it and see how it relates to my real story.

I am happy to assist anyone who wants to take on the challenge with recollections and when I have more time I promise I will write more accounts of my growing up.

Hugs Lucy x

Mum’s Encouragement Part 17

We were delayed leaving Aunt Julia’s as I wouldn’t leave the house without first removing the nail varnish from my fingernails. Julia found some remover and cotton pads and left me to remove the varnish as she got Emily ready and locked up.

Mum’s Encouragement Part 15

Martin stood on the doorstep looking sheepish and at the same time scrummy (what was happening to me?) as I nervously invited him in “ hiya. Come in” I croaked
I could feel him looking me up and down as I shyly looked back at him whilst pulling back up a stray bra strap that had fallen down my arm.
“ Thanks Joe” he grinned back
Where was this all leading too I thought as we walked through to the kitchen. What is wrong with me I thought? I was acting like a schoolgirl with a crush on an older man

We walked into the packed noisy pub and I immediately felt male eyes turning towards me and evaluating the “girl” who had just walked in with her boyfriend. Martin grabbed my hand securely and pulled me through the packed pub, which meant us passing through groups of guys young and old. I realised at this point that I was the only ‘girl” in the pub
 

Mum’s Encouragement Part 11

I was woken from a deep sleep by my mum calling my name “Joe time to get up honey” she whispered whilst gently shaking my shoulder

Mum's Encouragement Part Nine

As mum rubbed my shoulders I started to relax and was enjoying the massage when the doorbell rang

Mum’s Encouragement Part Eight
I don’t know what had come over me. Why had I cried? Mrs Benson had shouted at me before and I hadn’t burst into tears. So why now?

As we drove to the hotel, Mum made small talk and kept telling me how pretty I looked and that my features were wasted on a boy.

“You know, Joe, you ought to grow your hair. You can try so many more styles when it’s long.”

Mum's Encouragement Part Five

I awoke the next morning to the feel of the satin hem of the nightdress I wore against my waxed legs. Not a bad feeling I thought. What was I thinking?

Hi everyone

I was told I had to wear the issued jacket which was a womens jacket and she advised me that know one would notice that they weren't mens clothes - no such luck!

She told me to wear my hair in a back bun and to make sure my nails were manicured but she didnt mention polishing them.

The next day after a teary eyed night with my mum talking about what I had to wear, I walked to work in my new uniform. I could feel the soft thin blouse against my skin and the tight trousers on my legs. I felt ridiculous wearing my hair in a bun with hair clips holding it in place and when I looked at my nails I saw neat cuticles that my mum had manicured the night before. Mum convinced me to wear the uniform otherwise I would be in breach of contract and may have been sacked.

That morning the three of us on my morning shift were inspected by Mrs Benson and although she was pleased with the girls attempts she felt I was the odd one out as I stood out from the girls in appearance, which she hated.

That day I was addressed as miss, maam, young lady etc, anything but what I was - a young man.