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Tamara's Debut Part Eight   A Tommy &  Tamara Story   By Topsy

Elsie called Thomas who took the bouquet from Tammy. Once he left the room, the questioning began again.
 
"Aunt Elsie, how much do you know about Tammy?" Alison tried to prod her aunt for information.
 
"My dear, alot more than you think. I met Tommy before he started school, in fact he stayed here when he was five or six. I also went to most of the school plays, I'm on the Governing Body of the school."
 
"So, Tammy's real name is Tommy?"
 
"No Alison, my real name is now Tamara. It was changed five days ago."
 
"Wow! So you're serious! How long have you lived as Tammy?"
 
"Full time, since last Saturday."
 
Alison and Andrea just sat there, uncertain what to say next. Elsie pickd up the conversation.
 
"Tammy, I hope you don't mind but I've been keeping an eye on you, your father and I were somewhat concerned about you, starting from when you were first at the school. But, that's why you were up here, so we could make certain you were ok. Your mother didn't seem to care which school you went to, so long as it was a boarding school. As your father may have said, the Head is my brother, however, I also talk regularly with my sister-in-law, in fact they're invited for dinner tonight."
 
"You can't!" Tammy was getting upset.
 
"Tammy dear, don't worry. You were recognised last week by Anne McIntosh, you don't think she was fooled? She did tell me though that it wasn't until you were in the car with her that she finally worked it out. You're quite a good actress."
 
"So the Head knows?"
 
"She hasn't told him yet, as far as I know. They'll be here at six so you've got all day. We've invited Sarah as well, your father's arrival was unexpected but Richard is always welcome. Tammy, have a relaxing day, I'm sure that my nieces will help you."
 
"Of course we will, aunt. Come on Tammy, let's get out of these frocks. It's a dry day so we're going for a walk, the air's alot cleaner than in London."
 
The three went upstairs and changed into jeans and a pullover. Downstairs they found walking boots and Barbour coats. They pulled gloves on before heading outside. The gardens backed onto a hundred acres of land formerly fenced by he McPherson family and now open to the public under the Land Reform Act. The land extended to the cliff path, beyond the A9, and the three girls headed in that direction.
 
Thankfully, unusually, it was a calm day and the three could follow the path safely. After an hour they turned back, throughout the walk Andrea and Alison had been trying to get information to Tammy. At first she was rather reticent but eventually opened up, explaining how she seldom saw her mother and was sent to the Highlands without any reason being given. Only now did she understand. Andrea kicked off the interrogation.
 
"So did anyone suggest you were really a girl?"
 
"No, Sarah helped me get some clothes and showed me how to use make-up but I always felt that I should have been a girl, it suited me better than being a boy."
 
"Did you just go to Sarah and start buying clothes? It's not the cheapest store."
 
"No, I just hung around looking in the window. The shops in one of the lanes so few people came down there at nine thirty on a Saturday. I was imagining myself in the frocks when Sarah pulled me into the shop and worked out what I was doing."
 
"So you started working for her?"
 
"To pay for the clothes she gave me. I didn't want to let my dad know about the extra money I'd be spending."
 
Alison took over, "but you're not exactly broke, are you?"
 
"No, but most of it is in trust until I finish school. I get to keep what I earn during the summer when I work with my dad, but it was to help me for the rest of the year. Fortunately I didn't spend alot of it over the last seven years so I had a few thousand available if I needed it."
 
"So why not spend that?"
 
"Because dad gets to see my bank statements and would see me spending. He did exactly that last Monday when I had to transfer money because I didn't have enough clothes for the week if I was going to be Tammy."
 
"So why not tell him earlier how you felt?"
 
"Consider this, I'm in an all boys private school and both my parents are always either out of the country or five hundred miles south of here. Even if I had told him, what could have happened? Mum would disown me, the school would kick me out and dad could get ridiculed at the bank. I'd lose my job and sponsorship as well. That was my whole life, I had nothing more. I couldn't risk it."
 
Andrea picked up the thread, "so what's changed?"
 
"Circumstances, good luck I suppose. In the space of two days I was asked to play a female lead in a musical and the school was closed because of a problem in the kitchens. I could finally explore being the girl I am. That's what has changed, I'm not that shy schoolboy anymore."
 
"I've not seen any shyness in you Tammy, just a girl who's still finding her place in the world."
 
"Thanks."
 
"You're welcome. Now, what are we going to do about John?"
 
"My god, I'd forgotten about him."
 
"Do you like him?"
 
"He's a bit creepy."
 
"Yes, he tried to hit on us once!"
 
"Both of you at the same time?"
 
"He thought we came as a package. Obviously he forgot we were his cousins, Elsie gave him one hell of a dressing down when she found out."
 
"How did she find out?"
 
"We told her!"
 
The three of them laughed at that one.
 
"John doesn't live at the house, does he?"
 
"No, Elsie wouldn't let him bring his so-called girlfriends back to the house so he moved into a flat in town. She wouldn't pay for the flat as he moved out of his own accord, that's why he got a job at the school. Elsie put a good word in for him."
 
They were now virtually back at the house so cut the conversation. A few minutes later they were warming themselves in front of the fire in the sitting room. The bouquet was now in a vase. Coffee was brought and they were told that lunch would be served in an hour. Elsie joined them shortly after.
 
"Tammy, were the girls easy on you?"
 
"I've had worse sessions at school, but only just."
 
That earned a laugh. The three heard Michael walk into the room so that line of conversation was killed even before it began. Instead, Andrea and Alison told stories about their experiences at The London Hospital. Elsie was called away to the phone and returned a few minutes later.
 
"Tammy, your father managed to get an earlier flight and is flying into Aberdeen now, he'll be here in less than an hour. I've called the airport and sent the helicopter to get him."
 
"Do you own the helicopter?"
 
"No, but we get a good rate on charters, we own shares in the company. I've told Thomas to delay lunch until one so that your father could join us. I doubt he'll get any food on either flight, at least nothing worth eating!"
 
The conversation turned to small-talk about the town, then to fashion. Michael became uncomfortable when visits to the beauticians was mentioned and made his apologies. The all giggled at his sudden departure, Tammy got the feeling it was engineered but didn't dare ask.
 
"Girls, John is joining us for lunch. I suggest you go and make yourselves pretty."
 
Andrea and Alison got up and dragged Tammy out of the room, then up the staircase.
 
"Tammy, that wasn't a suggestion, it was an order. Get in there and freshen up."
 
Tammy walked back into her room, the bed had been made and some of her personal items from Sarah's were on the dressing table. Opening the large walk-in closet she found all of her female clothing. Her few male clothes couldn't be seen, of course most were still at the school. Her laptop and phone were on a desk, both were charging.
 
Tammy checked her mobile, she had eight missed calls. They could wait. She shed her outer clothes and stepped into the bathroom for a wash, then returned to the bedroom to re-apply her makeup. A second look through her clothes caused ten minutes of indecision before she selected a simple long skirt and blouse, choosing a cardigan to keep her warm. Although it wasn't cold in the house, Tammy felt she was a little cold. Finally, in a pair of flat sandals she made her way downstairs. As she reached the bottom of the stairs she saw her father.
 
Tammy ran to him and flung her arms around him, then she started crying. He led her to the sitting room, everyone else silently left the room and the door was closed behind them. Richard Smart sat on the couch, his former son next to him. He allowed Tammy to continue crying for a few more seconds before speaking gently.
 
"Tammy, it's alright. I'm here for you, you're my child regardless who you are."
 
"Dad, I'm sorry." Tammy's voice was strained.
 
"Tammy, you have nothing to be sorry about. I'm the one who should be sorry."
 
Richard felt tears welling in his own eyes. He reached for a box of tissues that was sitting on the table and gave one to Tammy, her make-up now ruined, and took one for himself. It took him another minute to regain his composure.
 
"Tammy, sit up. I want to see my daughter."
 
Tammy dried her eyes again, now red from her tears and black from her mascara, not that it mattered right now. She sat upright, stood and sat down again after smoothing her skirt.
 
"Tammy, if you want to be my daughter then you shall be my daughter. I'd say you make a beautiful young lady, I wondered if the wedding photos Elsie emailed had been photoshopped but now I can see they didn't do you justice."
 
"Thank you."
 
"Now, give me a kiss and go upstairs, you've messed up your face!"
 
Suitably chastised, Tammy left the room. Alison was waiting outside and walked Tammy to her room and back into the bathroom. Once again her make-up was cleaned off, then re-applied. It was a different Tamara Smart who returned to the sitting room. Elsie gave her a kiss as she walked in, her dad likewise. A jug of water had appeared and Tammy was handed a glass. A gong sounded, everyone made their way to the dining room.
 
Lunch was a cold platter, very much self-service. Despite the long walk Tammy wasn't feeling hungry and only took one slice of ham and a small wedge of heese. The bread was still warm, probably baked on site. A few minutes into the lunch John walked in and took a  place at the table. His eyes focused on Tammy who was sat between her father and Alison. Richard saw the look straight away. Elsie, who was to his right, whispered into his ear.
 
"John, I don't believe we've been introduced, I'm Richard Smart, Tammy's father."
 
John coughed and nearly splattered everyone with the water he was drinking. The suspicion was that Richard had timed his comments to perception. John didn't look up for the rest of the lunch, at least not towards Tammy.
 
Tammy passed on the fruit tart that was offered and asked to leave the table. Alison took a look at her and ushered Tammy back to her room. Once there Alison dived into her own room and found her digital thermometer. She took Tammy's temperature and found it over a degree above normal. Her pulse was slightly higher than it should have been. She insisted Tammy go to the toilet then laid her on the bed. 
 
Alison went back downstairs just as John slammed the front door. She ignored that and went to Richard and Elsie, who were now talking in a corner.
 
"Aunt, who's your doctor? We need him."
 
"Tammy?"
 
"A temperature and slightly increased pulse, probably a virus but I'd want a second opinion."
 
"I'll get Thomas to call, there should be one on duty at the hospital, otherwise we'll get Dr Hoskins out of the Golf Club."
 
"Alison, is she alright? I mean what's been going on?"
 
"Richard, let's go into the sitting room."
 
Elsie and the girls sat in a small circle near the open fire, Michael was excluded. Over the next hour Richard was given a summary of what had happened over the past week. It was clear that Elsie had spoken at length with Sarah before lunch, before sending Michael to collect Tammy's possessions. Alison said she'd spoken to Jill but, apart from confirming Tammy was her patient, hadn't managed to get anything out of her. Of course the girls, between them, now had Tammy's inner thoughts. They were careful what they gave to the group, Tammy would have to say some things to her father personally.
 
Richard thought for a few moments, "so, how good is Tammy as a girl?"
 
"Richard, Mr Smart, your daughter is a typical eighteen year old girl who's just a little unsure of herself. she's had a sheltered upbringing, hasn't she?"
 
"Andrea, yes and I'm responsible for that. Are you telling me however that my Tommy has become this lovely young lady in the space of a week?"
 
Elsie answered, "Richard, I've seen your daughter in Sarah's shop for months. That's not an act, it's natural. She has been your daughter for a very long time, years, but you didn't recognise it and I'm very sure that Tammy was too scared to tell you. I can only imagine what Tara would have said."
 
"Quite, perhaps it's for the best that she won't be involved in Tammy's future."
 
Thomas knocked and entered the room, "excuse me, Doctor Hoskins has arrived."
 
"Thank you Thomas. Alison, would you like to take the Doctor up to Tammy. Richard, I suggest you wait here." Elsie was in her element when organising everyone. Alison led the doctor to the Rose Room, very quietly whilst on the stairs, Alison told Dr Hoskins that Tammy was likely to be transgendered and was under the care of Jill Davison. Whilst the Doctor was nearly sixty he was well aware what he might see.
 
As he walked in the room however, he saw a teenage girl. Tammy was still dressed but was on her side, hugging a pillow. The water next to her didn't look to have been touched. Tammy was glistening, she'd been perspiring, he took her temperature and then her pulse. Gently, he woke Tammy. Alison felt she should intervene given that Tammy had never met the Doctor.
 
"Tammy, it's Alison, wake up, wake up. The doctor is here to see you."
 
Slowly Tammy opened her eyes. "I don't feel well."
 
"Tammy, my name is Dr Hoskins. Can you sit up? I need to check your neck and take your blood pressure."
 
Alison helped Tammy sit on the edge of the bed, supporting her as the doctor carried out his tests. He pulled out a stethoscope Alison explained to Tammy what the Doctor was about to do, lifting her top to give him access. Tammy jumped as  the cold metal touched her. The Doctor listened to her chest before putting everything away, he then put a pair of disposable gloves on.
 
"Tammy, I believe you have a mild case of the flu and exhaustion. I suggest you get plenty of rest and please drink plenty. I want you to take Paracetamol four times a day and come to see me on Tuesday. As a precaution I want to take some blood."
 
He retrieved a cannula and three cannisters from his case, then proceeded to take three vials of blood which he labelled. Alison put cotton wool on Tammy's arm, held down by sticking plaster. 
 
The Doctor left the room so Alison escorted Tammy to the bathroom then stripped her to dress her in the nightwear, finally returning her to bed, propped up with pillows. She went to her own room and retrieved some paracetamol which Tammy took, reluctantly, washed down with a glass of water. Alison dropped Tammy down the bed and covered her up. She made sure the curtains were closed then left the room. Either she or Andrea would check Tammy every hour, not necessary but Elsie would insist regardless.
 
Downstairs the Doctor asked some questions about Tammy. her father looked around the room then spoke to the doctor.
 
"Doctor Hoskins, my name is Richard Smart and Tammy is my daughter. I'll be happy to answer any questions, although the girls will know more about what she's been doing this weekend."
 
"Can I have her details, including her birth name."
 
Richard gave the details then handed over a copy of the Statutory Declaration that legalised the name change. 
 
"Mr Smart, your daughter has a mild case of the flu. I have prescribed bed rest, paracetamol and fluids, however I have taken some blood as a precaution.
 
He bid his farewells before heading to the hospital's path lab. He muttered about wanting to get back to the Golf Club before they finished serving lunch.
 
Alison then asked what had happened with John, as she was the only one who'd missed John's departure. Elsie decided she should answer.
 
"John introduced himself to Richard, who in turn introduced himself. John recognised the surname Smart then remembered that Richard had visited over a decade earlier, with his son. Richard had no daughter. John had looked at the group before shouting at us."
 
She recounted his words, "you knew, you bloody knew. I've been chatting up a schoolboy, a boy from St Andrews no less. He's a faggot and you knew. I will make certain everyone knows."
 
"John, you'll do no such thing if you want to keep that job."
 
"I couldn't care less about that job, do you think I'm a fool? You were all in on it, when were you going to tell me, when?"
 
"John, it wasn't like that. Now calm down."
 
"Not likely, I'm out of this nut house."
 
She said how he had turned and stormed out of the door, slamming it. The hallway remained quiet until Alison had come down from Tammy's room.
 
Alison wondered what would happen next, then she saw Michael stood in the doorway, having heard Elsie recall the incident.
 
"Mum, everyone, are you telling me that Tammy is a boy?"
 
"Michael, no Tammy is a girl but we believe she is transgendered."
 
"Oh, she looks very nice." He looked at Richard then apologised for his comment.
 
"Michael, that's okay. I think my daughter looks good as well?"
 
"If you don't mind, what's her real name?"
 
"It's Tamara Smart and yes, she is a pupil at St Andrews. The Headmaster is due here in a few hours for dinner when Tammy's future will be discussed. I'd be grateful if you didn't say anything, but since you now know what the situation is, you are welcome to listen."
 
"Right."
 
Michael wandered out of the room and headed for his own room.
 
Elsie saw him leave then suggested that Michael wouldn't cause any problems, "he has a few gay friends and is quite receptive to alternative lifestyles. Michael will be supportive, I know he will."
 
Elsie phoned Sarah and asked her to join them a but earlier than planned. Elsie returned to the sitting room, where conversation had turned to arrangements for Christmas. Elsie suggested that Richard and Tammy stay over Christmas, if Tammy wasn't still living there anyway. 
 
Sarah arrived half an hour later. Elsie introduced her to Richard, her first opinion was that she found him to be a true gentleman, certainly not a hard-nosed businessman. She recounted to Richard what had happened during the week, as well as the preceding months.
 
"Where is Tammy?"
 
"She's in bed with a dose of the flu, the doctor has seen her."
 
"How is she now?"
 
"Resting, it sounds like she's had quite a weekend. Can I speak to you alone for a minute?"
 
Sarah and Richard walked into the study, Richard gestured that they should sit in the large leather chairs.
 
"Sarah, I understand you have spoken to my wife."
 
"I spoke once but she's written to me twice, I've had two cheques from her. I haven't banked the second yet."
 
"I suggest you don't, I've closed the account she used for the first cheque, it's nothing that you've done. If you have any expenses then let me know and I'll sort that out. I hope you don't mind but I spoke to Elsie and we thought it best if Tammy stays here for the time being. I know you've looked after her but Elsie is a very old friend and has close connections with the school."
 
"If you think it's best, then I don't have a problem. Can she still help me on a Saturday?"
 
"I don't see why not, if Tammy still wants to."
 
"She's been a great help, my trade is up on days she's at the shop."
 
"I wanted to mention that, but can we talk later or I can come to the shop tomorrow?"
 
"Tomorrow might be best."
 
They returned to the sitting room, afternoon tea had arrived and Richard helped himself to a slice of apple tart. She made a gesture to suggest he was watching his weight. That earned a mild giggle. Andrea excused herself and went to check on Tammy, returning a few minutes later.
 
The rest of the afternoon was spent chatting. Richard recounted stories from the bank, and incidents at the many hotels he used in Europe and the States. The girls told of the more humourous stories from their hospital, Sarah told of Tammy's and her stories from the shop. At various times the girls took it in turn to check on Tammy.
 
At five, Elsie suggested they dress for dinner and sent them all upstairs. Richard's room was the far end of the corridor and had a striking view towards the cliffs and the sea beyond. He had brought a suit which wwas now hanging, pressed. He went for a shower, travelling can undo a morning's best efforts in the space of an hour.
 
Refreshed and clean-shaven he returned to the bedroom. several of his shirts were also hanging, newly ironed. He opted for a Golf Club tie, he kept his membership even though he was rarely in Thurso mmore than twice a year.
 
Back downstairs he read the Sunday Times as the others returned to the sitting room. The girls were back in dresses, this time the ones they'd worn for barely an hour that morning. Sarah had brought a dress with her and had now changed into it. Richard looked at her for a few seconds before reminding himself that he was still, technically, married. Sarah noticed him but pretended otherwise.
 
"I just checked on Tammy, she's sleeping. I'll give her another paracetamol when she wakes."
 
"Thanks Alison." Richard was thankful that he had two lovely nurses available, even if they were just supposed to have been there for the wedding. 
 
The doorbell sounded and Thomas brought the visitors to the sitting room, Elsie welcomed them.
 
"Anne, Steven, how good of you to come. You know most here of course, but this is Richard Smart."
 
"Ah, Mr Smart, you are Tom's father?"
 
"Please call me Richard. Yes to your question, although I'd like to talk to you after dinner about that."
 
"Certainly, is he joining us?"
 
"I'm afraid Tom is a little unwell."
 
"I do hope he'll make it back to school tomorrow."
 
"As I said, can we talk later?"
 
"Certainly, now shall we rejoin the ladies?"
 
Anne McIntosh was speaking quietly with Elsie and Sarah. They switched the conversation as Richard and Steven McIntosh approached.
 
They were called for dinner a few minutes later. The meal itself was some of the best food Richard had eaten of late, he had started thinking several weeks earlier about coming back to the UK permanently so he could experience home cooking again, as well as to be near his son. He was now seriously considering his and Tammy's future.
 
After the coffee and brandy arrived at the end of the meal, Richard took the Headmaster to the study.
 
"Now, Richard, what is the problem?"
 
"It concerns Tom as you can guess, except that's not his name any more."
 
"Now you're getting me confused."
 
"Tom is now Tamara, Tammy for short, and is living as a girl."
 
"I hope you are not winding me up."
 
"Not at all, I have the legal document with me. Tammy is upstairs with the flu right now otherwise I'd let her explain it to you herself. Your wife has met her, by the way."
 
"She hasn't said anything to me."
 
"No, but she has told Elsie."
 
"Sisters!"
 
"If we can get back to the matter at hand?"
 
"Certainly."
 
"I take it from your earlier comment that the school re-opens tomorrow."
 
"Yes, we tried to phone all the students or their parents on Friday. I presume you didn't get the message?"
 
"No, and Tammy hasn't mentioned it to anyone. Obviously she wouldn't be fit to return to school tomorrow and she's due to see Dr Hoskins on Tuesday."
 
"I can understand that, but you are wondering if she can return to school at all." The headmaster was getting the distinct idea that his job was about to get complicated.
 
"Yes, obviously she only has 5 months left before her A Level exams so switching schools is not an option. I'm not sure she'd want to continue to board and Elsie has, in any case, offered to let her stay here."
 
"So you're thinking she returns as a Day student?"
 
"Yes, but there is another problem, isn't there?"
 
"As you know, St Andrews is a boys school, there are no female students. We don't have the facilities."
 
"Apart from access to a female restroom, I can't see that Tammy would have any particular needs."
 
"I hear what you're saying but I fear the Governors will want to consider the particular circumstances. Can you put your proposal in writing and send it to the school? I suggest that a psychological report is needed for the Governors, to make certain that he, she, is sane."
 
"She's seeing Jill Davison at the Dunbar, I'll speak to her tomorrow and send the letter in the morning. Shall we rejoin the others?"
 
Richard Smart and a bemused Steven McIntosh walked out of the study and into the Sitting Room, where the women were cackling.
 
"Anne, I understand you've met Tamara?"
 
"Yes dear, several times at Sarah's shop. Last Saturday. I spoke to Tammy at the shop then gave Tommy a lift back to the school. I made the connection when I was talking to Tommy in the car. I must say, Tammy is more relaxed than Tommy. I do hope we'll have Tammy at the school, she'll be a breath of fresh air."
 
"We'll have to see."