Your Wish Come True (revised): Chapter 9 - Discoveries free porn video

Your Wish Come True by Pol Roger Chapter 9 Discoveries She makes discoveries about herself and the future becomes clearer STILL rather stunned and excited by her new apartment, Mandy decided she needed to get two things fairly urgently: her own new mobile phone and a new computer. She locked the apartment and, taking advantage of a lull in the rain, walked up to Chesham Place where she caught a cab to Oxford Circus. She intended to visit a computer shop she had known for several years, and where she--or at any rate Derek--had got her last laptop. But on her way down Regent Street she passed the Apple Computer Shop and decided to have a quick look there first. She ended up buying a new laptop (a maxed-out MacBook) and a whole lot of really cool but rather expensive software. She also bought some music players: a new iPod music and video player and an iPod Nano, (both with cute pink leather wallet covers) and an iPod Shuffle music player. She ordered an expensive multifunction colour laser printer to be delivered to the flat the next day. Mandy congratulated herself on her new computer. It hadn't been the top of the range professional model (which strangely didn't seem to draw her). In the end the one she decided on just looked so cute she couldn't resist it. It was all white and smooth-edged and so very touchable! It was good when style and practical common sense coincided, she smiled to herself happily. Now for a mobile phone. Apple were bringing out the much-hyped iPhone soon, but that was only in America for now (they thought at the Apple Store that it might be coming to the UK at the end of the year). She went into a large phone shop and was a bit bewildered by the variety and range. A lot of them had nice features, but some had just too many features. They'd be impractical, she mused. She decided against the 'sidekick' type chat phones. Far too 'chick geek', she pronounced. Derek had never liked Palm or Blackberry personal organiser type phones either. A nice phone with a camera that could send texts without any trouble was all she wanted at the moment. She loved the pink LG phone, known as the "Pink Chocolate." She also liked another pink phone, a Samsung, but it was a bit big. In the end she bought a pink Samsung A501, which seemed to have everything she wanted and looked really cool and retro. And pink. She rang Emma with her new phone and asked her to meet her at Derek's flat later and took a cab back to Chesham Street with her new purchases. Then she phoned the police officer Brian had asked her to contact and he said he would come around in half an hour. It was an anxious wait, and she wondered whether she should have arranged for Emma to be there with her. She seemed to have more confidence when Emma was around. It was now half past five when the faces of two police detectives appeared on the screens of all the little control panels that seemed to be in so many rooms of the apartment. She had been expecting an officer in uniform, but the man introduced himself as DC Simon Doring, and with him was DC Davina Smart. DC Doring was in his late twenties, brown hair, grey eyes and well built. DC Smart was tall and dark haired, in her mid-twenties. Mandy met them at the door and took them into the front sitting room. "Can you tell us anything about Mr Ross's whereabouts, Miss Vero?" asked Davina. "Mandy, please," she said. "I've been staying with Derek since I came to England. He is our lawyer in England, or my lawyer I should say. My parents were killed last week in a fire in Malta, and Derek has been very good to me. Then on Monday he wasn't in when I woke up. I thought he'd gone to work early, but they haven't seen him there either." "Yes, we're very sorry to hear of your loss," both officers said together. Simon went on, "So you're not staying with Mr Ross now?" "No, I'm just going to get my things from there later. My father owned this apartment it seems, which has just been refurbished, and so I'll be living here now." "It looks a pretty nice place," Simon remarked. "Thanks," Mandy said, smiling. "Mandy, how well did you know Derek Ross?" asked Davina. "I only knew him for a short time, and he was mostly at work while I stayed with him. Not well, really." Mandy's heart was pounding as she said this and she hoped she didn't look nervous. "Why were you staying with Mr Ross, and not here? Or at a hotel or with relatives?" asked Simon. "It looks as though your family could afford for you to stay at a hotel," he added. "I don't know. I suppose my father arranged for me to stay with Derek. I didn't make any of the arrangements myself so I don't really know why. I imagine he wanted someone to keep an eye on me or something, so far from home. I don't know really. But I'd much rather be staying with Derek than at a hotel. According to Mr Ball this place has only just finished being leased and fixed up. And I don't think I have any other relatives. Maybe that was why my father arranged it." "You seem very English," said Davina. "Quite 'London' actually. We understood you'd only just arrived from Malta." "Actually I am English," Mandy said. "I was born and grew up in Malta, but my mother is--was--English, and we lived on an island where we only spoke English. I'm a British subject, and now I live here, so that means I'm English." That's what the Law says, anyway, DC Smart, thought Mandy to herself. "Yes, of course," Davina said, shifting uncomfortably. "So you have no idea where Mr Ross could be or why he has disappeared?" "None at all," said Mandy. "I'm very concerned. And very worried for his family. Emma and I have become good friends, you know." "Yes, we've spoken to Miss Ross," Davina said. "Did Mr Ross have any habits or involvements that might account for his disappearance?" Simon asked. "Like what?" said Mandy. "Well, was he seeing anyone romantically, or did he gamble, for example?" "I'm not aware of anyone he was seeing. He just seemed to work and come home." This was true enough, thought Mandy. "He did go to the pub on Sunday night. The Queen's Arms I think. I'm not sure when he got back. I stayed home." "Was anyone else there with you?" asked Davina. "No," said Mandy, "just me, home all alone." "That seems strange, a girl your age staying in all by yourself," Davina commented. "Did Mr Ross--Derek--ask you to go with him? Or was he going to meet someone else, perhaps?" Mandy just shrugged. The officers said nothing, so she added, "I had a lot to do the next day, so I didn't feel like going out. I don't know if Derek was meeting anyone. He might have done." "Are you sure he came home?" asked Simon. "I--I think so," said Mandy. "I thought I heard him come in about midnight. I'm not sure. I was asleep." Davina wrote in her notebook. "That could be helpful," she said. "Did anyone else come home with him?" "I'm pretty sure he would have come home alone," Mandy answered. "He never brought anyone home to the flat." Again this was true enough. "Can you be sure?" asked Davina. Mandy said she couldn't be absolutely sure. Davina took note. Simon offered to take Mandy to Derek's flat to collect her things, which Mandy accepted, so they set off for South Kensington. Simon and Davina went with Mandy into the house as if this were perfectly natural. They went with her as she proceeded to the spare bedroom where she and Emma had put all her things. A suitcase was always kept here, so Mandy took it down and began to put her recent purchases into it. "Which is Mr Ross's room?" said Simon. "Just across there," Mandy answered, "and it has its own bathroom." "Did you ever go in there?" asked Simon. "Well, I did a couple of times," she said. Of course her fingerprints would be all over the whole house, but especially in the main bedroom. "I confess, I had a bit of a sticky-beak around the place sometimes when Derek was at work." Simon smiled, but pressed on, "You never went in when Mr Ross was home?" "I might have," Mandy frowned, wondering what the right answer should be, "but I don't think I ever did. There was no reason to." That should shut Simon up, if he was inferring anything. Or is it implying? Mandy wondered vaguely. (Didn't she used to be fussy about these sorts of things things? She was starting to lose focus.) There was a noise at the front door. "Hello, it's me," came Emma's voice. "In the bedroom," called Mandy. Emma saw the detectives when she walked into the spare bedroom. "Any news of Dad?" she said at once. The police told Emma they had no news yet, but would be investigating new leads after talking to Mandy. They would be checking to see if anyone remembered seeing Derek at the Queen's Arms on Sunday night. Emma thanked them and Simon and Davina soon left. Mandy began to tell Emma excitedly about her meeting with Brian and her new apartment. She told her about the story she had discovered about Malta and her supposed parents and the fire. "The thing is, I don't know whether Mandy Vero is a real person and I've somehow assumed her identity or whether this is some kind of concocted cover story," Mandy said. Emma was looking unhappy again. She liked Mandy and was inclined to think her truthful, but she also loved her father, and this story was just too incredible. "There's more," Mandy said, "and it concerns you." "Me?" said Emma. "What is it?" "I'll tell you a little bit later. First I want to show you the new apartment." They took Mandy's things in a suitcase and a couple of shopping bags and took a cab to Belgravia. ONCE inside the apartment Mandy gave Emma a grand tour of the place, demonstrating the automatic lights and appliances. She discovered the roof blinds and openings were voice-operated as well, and that voice commands could be deactivated and a remote-control device used instead. Even the central heating and air-conditioning (climate control, did they call it?) was voice-activated. She showed her the huge bedrooms and dressing room in the master bedroom and the extravagant master bathroom, or rather series of bathrooms. Emma said she thought it was all a bit over the top, but in fact she was deeply impressed. However, she did admire the Steinway in the gallery and played a few pieces from memory. Mandy also tried to play, first a few bars of Mozart's Rondo alla turka and then, when that didn't quite work out the beginning of Beethoven's F?r Elise, a piece any competent piano student could play. She (or at least Derek) hadn't played the piano for over five years, as the piano had stayed with Dianne and the children, and the flat in South Kensington wasn't really big enough for a piano. But that wasn't the reason her fingers kept missing the notes. She remembered how to play the piano, and knew how the pieces went, but she couldn't co- ordinate her hands, which were now smaller than they used to be. Perhaps with practice she would improve. Mandy and Emma sat down in the living room and Mandy began to tell Emma about the strange provisions in the will her supposed father had left. Emma whistled when she heard of the extent of the fortune. Then Mandy told her about the conditions. "School? You have to go to school?" Emma was grinning widely in amusement. "It's not funny Em. I don't know anything about school these days. I went to school in the seventies. I have no idea what you're supposed to know or how to act or what's cool or anything." "You seem to be learning about what's cool pretty fast," said Emma, "about clothes and music, anyway. And if your story is true, it serves you right for not taking more interest in your children's schooling." Mandy looked downcast. "You're right, I suppose. But you and Peter don't live with me and I just haven't had day-to-day contact. And--," Mandy paused for a moment, "--and I haven't felt I was very close to you anymore. And your mother was doing a good job with you, wasn't she?" Emma was silent for a while, then she spoke. "No, we haven't been that close for a while. I don't blame you for not knowing about our school lives. And Mum has done her best, I suppose. I'm sorry I made that remark." "There's more," said Mandy. "Go on," Emma said warily. "Until I have successfully finished school, I have to have a guardian, who has control of the money. There's this, like, humungous allowance, but the guardian has to decide how it gets spent." "Yikes! So who's the guardian?" Emma asked. "The guardian hasn't been appointed yet. They have to be agreed to by me and the executors, who've delegated their role to Brian. Or at least the firm. Brian suggested me--I mean 'Derek' when he turns up--but of course that isn't going to happen. Or at least if he does then I won't be needing a guardian, will I? Because I'll be me again. Him, I mean." Mandy had a sudden terrifying thought. "God! What if my body's been taken over by some ditsy schoolgirl?" "That would make a change, wouldn't it?" Emma said impatiently. "Just finish what you were saying about the guardian." "What? Oh, well, failing 'Derek' being appointed, Brian suggested your mother." Emma's jaw dropped. "You're kidding!" "No, I'm not. Apparently he thinks she's a very competent lawyer. Which of course we all know she is. But that would be a seriously bad idea. How could I even let her see me like this?" Mandy looked at Emma, making sure she had her attention. "I suggested you," she said. "What!? Me? Your guardian? You're the one who's claiming to be my Dad! How can I be your guardian?" "No Emma, but don't you see? You're the only one I've told. And that's because I trust you. And I need someone to tell me what I should be doing, at school and with other kids and that. It's only for a term I think, and look at this place! We could have a seriously cool time. And I don't just want you as financial guardian. I want you to move in here with me. Emma, I really need your help." "What do you mean a term? We're talking about over two years, aren't we? You have to pass your A Levels, don't you?" Emma said, still flabbergasted by the idea of being Mandy's guardian. "No, Brian said I only had to go to school for a term, and then graduate," Mandy answered. "I did my A Levels three years ago," Emma said, "and I don't see how it would be possible to get your A Levels in one term. Your ASs usually take a year, and then the A2s another year." "No, Brian definitely said one term. He's sorted something out with some Catholic school (apparently it has to be a Catholic school). But I still need your help if I'm going to have to go back to school, even for a short time." Mandy was looking at Emma pleadingly. "At least talk to Brian. Find out what's involved," Mandy said at last, since Emma kept shaking her head. At last Emma spoke, "So would I get the big bedroom?" The question took Mandy by surprise. "Well, I guess so if you wanted it. You'd be in charge." "I'm only kidding!" Emma said. "You don't mean you'd really have to do what I said?" "No, I'm supposed to be seventeen, remember. I'm not legally an adult (shit! this could become complicated) but there are limits to what a legal guardian can compel or require. You couldn't lock me out of the house or anything. I don't think so, anyway. I'd have to check. Whatever the case, I can't have control of the inheritance until I finish school, even when I supposedly turn eighteen, and I can't touch the allowance except as the guardian says. But the point is, I trust you. I never let you down financially, did I?" Mandy added. "I guess not. But it's a lot of money. And a lot of power. What if I get corrupted by it all and go mad and treat you like a slave?" "I thought about that," said Mandy, "and it actually kind of interests me. It has this really weird attraction." "You are a very sick girl!" Emma laughed. "Okay, I'll talk to Mr Ball and find out what's involved. It might be good to move out of home, which I can't really afford to do at the moment. But what's going to happen about the old flat?" "Actually, the lease is up for renewal in six weeks. I suppose it will expire unless someone renews it," Mandy answered. "I don't know what to do with most of the stuff there. I won't need it any more, I suppose. Obviously I won't need any clothes!" She gave a humourless smile. "The furniture's not anything special. But there are some photos of you and Peter and my parents, and some books and letters I'd like to keep. A lot of stuff was on the laptop," she added ruefully. "'Better let me look after those things for now," said Emma, "otherwise it will look suspicious. We'll wait a bit longer I think, while the police are still investigating your, I mean Dad's, disappearance." The two girls looked at each other and despite what Emma had said each understood that--incredibly--Emma now seemed to have accepted Mandy's story. Mandy gave Emma's hand a squeeze, and then quickly changed the subject. "By the way, I got myself a new phone," she said showing her the pink flip-top Samsung. And I also got a few different iPods and a new laptop. I haven't set it up yet." "I may have to restrict this tendency to spend money," Emma said jokingly. "You're the boss," Mandy replied. She looked at Emma admiringly. She seemed so competent and in control. Mandy really did feel she'd do anything Emma asked. "But before you do that," Mandy said, "can I get a Ferrari?" Emma gaped at Mandy. Then they both burst out laughing. MANDY decided to cook dinner for the two of them. They popped out together and spent some time shopping for food supplies for the next few days. Mandy planned the menu as they went. Freshly shucked oysters with black bread and lemon wedges and an herb vinaigrette dressing at the side; Fettuccini Alfredo and a green salad; chocolate souffl?s for pudding. Some Stilton cheese with buns (nicer with Stilton than crackers) and dried figs afterwards. Followed by more chocolates and coffee. Mandy felt ravenous just thinking about it. They prepared the meal together, having opened a bottle of Chablis. Mandy noticed the wine starting to go to her head very quickly (really after only the first glass), without feeling very concerned about it. Must be the smaller body, she realised. She and Emma had great fun laughing and joking as they made dinner. Then they talked non-stop throughout the meal, and also after it was finished. It was about eleven o'clock when Emma decided she had better get going. She had meant to finish an assignment that night, but it could wait till morning. She needed to see Brian Ball some time tomorrow as well to find out more about this guardian business. Mandy gave her a hug and a kiss good-bye as she got into the taxi, and felt a little lonely when she had gone. Then she remembered she had to work on dilating her hymen. She went to the bedroom where she had left her things and found the little case with the dilators. The third one had been the highest she had got to that afternoon, so she tried that one again. Once more it wasn't hard to put it inside after applying plenty of lubricant, but when she moved it around it still felt a little tight. Better than earlier though, she thought. She kept moving it in and out, getting used to the feeling. After a while it began to feel very nice, and she kept a rhythmic in-and-out motion. She decided to leave it fully in while she touched her clitoris with one hand and her anus with the other. This felt amazing, and she began to feel a warm arousal. Soon all sense of the tightness around the hymen was forgotten, and she had the dilator by the handle exploring her vagina at different angles, moving it in and out and around, touching herself inside and along the wall of the vagina and trying out the sensations on different areas. She suddenly decided to try the dilator in her anus. Leaving it in her vagina for the moment, she began by massaging her anus a bit more with her finger and some lubricant. The sensation was surprisingly pleasant. She massaged her clitoris at the same time, creating a kind of sympathy between the two areas, a bittersweet suspended chord that generated its own strange tension. She put her finger in a few times, very tentatively, and after a while it seemed that her anus was no longer resisting. It seemed to be dilated itself. She took the dilator out of her vagina and very slowly and gently pushed it up her rectum, massaging her clitoris at the same time. It felt tight going in, and her muscles resisted, but once in it felt less tight than in her vagina. It felt strange, but not unpleasant, and her constant attention to her clitoris ensured that as well as being quite relaxed, she was still very much aroused. It was the first time she had ever had anything up her anus except once as Derek when the doctor put in a finger to feel his haemorrhoids and prostate gland, and that had been decidedly unpleasant. But what she was experiencing now, while it wasn't strictly sending her into ecstasy, was far from unpleasant, and something she thought she could easily put up with if someone else found it enjoyable. You'd probably even learn to enjoy it yourself, she told herself. That's true, she agreed, I'm sure I would. In fact, you're really quite enjoying it already, aren't you? She realised she was. She had been thinking a lot about sex today, she reflected. Ever since her appointment with Cynthia Ball that morning, Cynthia's comment had never been far below the surface of her thoughts: "I gather you are thinking of becoming sexually active," she had said. She had said she wanted contraception just as a precaution, but now with a dilator up her arse and her fingers in her vagina and on her clitoris, she knew that wasn't really true. She was definitely thinking of becoming sexually active. In fact she was having trouble with the thought of not being sexually active. She vaguely remembered specifying something about a strong sexual appetite the night she made the wish, and it worried her a bit that she might not be in control of herself. But now she was being distracted from her concern as she remembered the warm melting feeling she had when she had been with Brian. Even the thought of George the porter and his strong physique made her feel hungry to see him again. She bet he had tattoos under his uniform. She wondered what they would be. She decided to leave the dilator in her anus and try the bigger size in her vagina. She thought of putting on more lubricant, but it was obviously not necessary. She got the bigger shape and gingerly pushed it into her vagina. It didn't have a handle, since the handle was on the dilator in her anus. It was about an inch and a half in diameter and almost seven inches long. She was lying on her side on the huge bed. This larger dilator was definitely quite a bit bigger than the size below. It felt really tight as it went in, and although she didn't think it was exactly painful, she could tell it was only just fitting. Nevertheless, she pushed it right in. Suddenly the idea of having a real penis inside her moving and thrusting made her feel very aroused, and she began to imagine two men fucking her at the same time, in the vagina and the arse. Her pelvis began to move back and forth. She let out gasps as she realised she was very close to climax. The sound of her voice was also turning her on, and after several glasses of wine and a glass or two of port with the Stilton she felt uninhibited. She exaggerated the gasps and moans, making herself laugh sometimes at how comical it sounded, but she put on a real performance for herself. At last it came. A wave of shuddering heat swept over her from her head to her toes, and her whole body seemed to be suspended in the air and throbbing inside. Now her groans were real and unaffected. "Ooh yes! Ooh wow! Oh fuck yes! Ooh! Ooh! Ooh ..." until her voice trailed off. She might have been asleep or unconscious, but eventually she was aware of the two dilators, still hard inside her. She withdrew the larger one from her vagina. She was sure there would be blood on it but it was only sticky and wet from her own fluids. Then she withdrew the dilator from her anus. Her sphincter reacted to push it out the last couple of inches. She stood up a little unsteadily, expecting to feel sore, but was surprised that apart from a slight feeling of strangeness there seemed to be no discomfort. She decided to have a nice long bath after washing the dilators and putting them back in their case. After relaxing for quite a while she turned the jets in the Jacuzzi on. The feeling on her breasts was lovely, and as they hardened with the pressure of the water and the massaging of her hands she began to feel aroused again. By moving herself around slightly she could feel a jet of water against her clitoris from below. Her hand went down and she knew now exactly how to caress her labia and then her clitoris in quick little flicks followed by soft little circles. She soon climaxed again, but this time she kept caressing her clitoris, even though it felt agonisingly sensitive straight after her orgasm. Within minutes she had another orgasm, this time with her fingers inside her vagina and her palm pushing against her pubic bone. She lay weightless in the water for some time, savouring the feeling of relaxation and sexual release. But after a while she began to feel a sense of melancholy. She realised she loved her new body and the sensations and pleasures it gave her, but the question really on her mind was whether other people would like her. She felt lonely and sad, with a feeling that something important was being wasted. She wanted someone else to touch her the way she had been touching herself. And she wanted to find out what she could do that would please another. Now that would be really great, she thought. This strong desire to give herself rather than take somebody was a wholly new feeling. As she savoured it a warmth spread through her body once again. BRIAN had arranged with Emma when she contacted him the next day to come in to the office with Mandy in the afternoon. Emma had classes in the morning, so Mandy took the opportunity to set up her new computer at the desk in the downstairs atrium. In fact she could have set it up anywhere, as the apartment had its own wireless broadband network. She began to personalise her new laptop with her user profile, following the prompts as they appeared, giving her name and setting up a password. A pop-up window appeared. Welcome, Miranda. Ongoing Adaptive Protocol is available to be be installed on this computer. Do you wish to proceed? That seemed familiar. She must have done this last time she set up a computer, she supposed. She clicked 'yes', and continued with the rest of the setup. The computer seemed to have already linked with the apartment's server on the same network. (She wondered vaguely how it knew to call her Miranda when in the user profile she had called herself Mandy.) Click okay if you wish all computers on this network to be compatible with OAP. She clicked 'Okay'. She didn't want any conflicts with other devices. Mandy discovered that the new laptop could be connected to the flat screen television in the bedroom or, she assumed, in any room, which had a TV monitor. She also discovered that there was already a lot of computing power in the apartment, in a little room off the guest cloak room, which seemed to house a lot of cables and other electronic devices such as amplifiers and DVD players, digital video recorders and other things she wasn't sure about. The programs on the server in this room controlled the various automatic functions of the apartment and its security systems, and was soon connected through the network to her laptop. When the multifunction printer arrived midmorning, that was connected to the network as well. There was another DVD recorder/CD player in the cabinet near the large upstairs television, together with the electronic game devices Nintendo Wii, XBox 360 and the just released Playstation 3. If I was a boy I'd be going crazy about those, she supposed. Hey! Girls can have just as much fun as boys with computer games, she told herself. I guess so, she agreed. Only they usually play more interesting games than boys. Yeah, that's right! Of course they do. How stupid of me! Also, boys love it when girls play video games with them. They do, don't they, she realised. They like to win, though. They hate it when girls beat them. Remember that. Mandy considered this. It struck her as rather endearing. AT about twelve-thirty Emma arrived and they went to lunch together in the city. A few glasses of champagne later they were in high spirits when they arrived at Brian's office. As soon as they arrived Penny conducted them to the panelled meeting room where they sat down together on a leather sofa. Brian arrived a moment later and was down to business straight away. "I assume Miss Vero--" "Mandy," interrupted Mandy. She and Emma exchanged a private look and both repressed a fit of giggles with great effort. "Mandy," continued Brian, "has explained about her request that you be appointed financial guardian. Have you had time to consider this, Emma? If you have any questions I can try to answer them as well as I can." "Well I'm a bit stunned by it all. And of course very worried about Dad." She softly nudged Mandy with her elbow as she said this, without letting Brian see. "But I am interested. Mandy has asked me to move in with her and the chance to move out of home is quite attractive." "Are you asking Emma to live with you?" said Brian sharply to Mandy. "Well," Mandy said, rather surprised, "I thought I could do with the company and help." "This complicates things I'm afraid. I do understand your reasons for wanting a flatmate, but you may therefore want to reconsider whether you want Emma as guardian." "Why wouldn't I?" Mandy was taken aback by the unexpected way the meeting was going. She had been sure Brian would be happy about Emma as guardian being close by if needed. Emma was also looking rather surprised. "The thing is," Brian continued, "your father's will is rather eccentric and complicated. I'm not sure I understand his motives for some of the provisions. As you know, if both he and your mother died before your eighteenth birthday, the estate is held in trust until you successfully finish school, and there are particular provisions about that, such as your allowances being managed by a financial guardian. These conditions now apply, since they died a week before your seventeenth birthday." Brian seemed to be pausing before continuing. "I understand all that," said Mandy. "Well," he continued, "the will provides that if you are residing with the guardian--and that is how the will puts it--the guardian is to be much more than a financial guardian." Brian paused again, then continued, "I can only suppose that your father assumed that you would only need a resident guardian if you were quite young when your parents died, and he seems to have wanted you to have a rather strict upbringing." "Go on," Mandy urged when Brian paused again. "Well, should you be residing with your guardian under these provisions in the will--and it does not unfortunately make any distinction about when you will have turned eighteen--the guardian (no longer the executors) becomes the sole trustee of the estate until you can finish school. Furthermore, once appointed the guardian cannot be removed or replaced. Unless he or she were to die or become incapacitated of course. Or resign. Or it was ordered by a court. And the guardian may exercise all the powers of a guardian over a minor, in loco parentis. Admittedly, in Britain that isn't actually much." Brian allowed himself a brief smile, then continued in a more serious vein, "However, sanctions related to allowances and use of the estate's resources would be available to the guardian. This goes much further than a simple foster-parent guardianship." Brian paused to let this sink in. Then he went on, "There is to be a generous salary for the guardian in such a case, it's true, but it is a position of such responsibility that temptations, or even mistakes, could easily be made. I would strongly recommend that you not reside with the guardian. These aspects of the will are very onerous, and I consider even unwise. They could, of course, be challenged in court, but that is always potentially a very drawn-out and messy business." Mandy's head was spinning. This latest revelation seemed bizarre and incredible. Brian spoke again, "I can see, and I agree, with your wanting Emma to share the apartment, and she could be a great support for you. You could be a great support for each other." He coughed slightly. "But I think it would be very unwise to appoint her as guardian as well." "And I agree with you!" Emma interrupted. "At our last meeting I mentioned Emma's mother Dianne Ross-Henderson, a very fine lawyer." Mandy's head spun again at the mention of her ex-wife. Or Derek's ex- wife anyway. "Wait," said Mandy, "I really want Emma to do this. I want her to live in the house and also be the guardian. It's Emma I need and I trust her absolutely. I really don't mind if I have to give her control of things. It's only for a year after all. Hopefully." Her voice trailed off. Emma spoke up. "I'm afraid I agree with you Mr Ball. It's just too much responsibility." "Hold on," said Mandy, "Emma would become the trustee, but you would still be able to handle the management of the estate. If that's what Emma decided. Isn't that right?" Mandy butted in. "Yes, that is so," answered Brian. "If the guardian trustee directed us to continue to oversee the estate, we would be able to do so. But I would be bound to consult Emma alone on matters to do with our management. It would be up to her if she brought you in on decisions. And remember we're talking about the whole estate, not just the allowances we were talking about yesterday." "I still want her to do it," Mandy said defiantly. "How much is the salary for the guardian trustee?" "Three hundred thousand pounds per annum," answered Brian. Emma whistled. "Plus any expenses connected with the guardianship would come out of the estate. I imagine it was envisaged in the will that Mandy would be a child or young girl being supported by the guardian." "Can Emma and I have a few moments alone please, Brian?" Mandy asked. He said of course and left the room. "It seems funny you calling him Brian," said Emma when he had left. "I've always called him Brian," answered Mandy. "That was when you were the same age. But you're supposed to be younger than me now, and I've called him Mr Ball as long as I remember." "Well that's the reason, isn't it?" said Mandy. "He knew you as a child. As far as he knows I only met him yesterday." Mandy looked narrowly at Emma. "You're not saying that I need to call him Mr Ball if you're my guardian, are you?" "Gosh, no!" Emma answered hastily. "It just seemed odd." "But in a way you're right," Mandy continued. "I do feel a bit like a child in a new world. That's why I need you to be the guardian and come and live with me. Please, Emma! Brian doesn't know the reason why it is vital that you and only you can do this. He's advising according to normal principles. I'd advise the same in his position. But this is not a normal situation. You've got to accept, Emma. You're the only person who can help me! You're already, like, my Guardian Angel." Her voice was beginning to tremble. Mandy was looking imploringly at Emma, and had even taken hold of her hand. She gave a little hiccup. There was a pause while Mandy tried to maintain her serious expression, then both girls burst into laughter. "I could really use the money," Emma said. "I've got a few bills and debts, and I could even save a bit on the side. In fact I could save up quite a bit. It could really set me up." "But Emma, if I'm going to be as rich as I seem to be, you're never going to have to worry about money again. Or Peter, either. You're still my children." "I'd almost forgotten," said Emma. "You know I can't relate to you that way, don't you? We seem to be becoming really good friends, and I think that's how it's going to have to be. It's just too weird to think of you as my Dad. You said yourself you'd become someone else." Emma's head was beginning to ache. "So you'll do it?" asked Mandy. "I'll think about it. I'd be crazy not to think about it. But I think it's a big risk, giving someone that kind of power. One thing, though: it does convince me you've been telling the truth. Or you really believe what you've told me, anyway." Mandy hugged Emma and kissed her. She caught her familiar smell, still remembered from years of Emma sitting on Derek's lap, even as a teenager and sometimes now and then quite recently. But there was nothing familiar about Mandy for Emma, and this display of affection startled her. "I'll get Brian," said Mandy, and went to the door. Brian was at the end of the corridor talking to Penny. As soon as he saw Mandy he came back into the room with her. "I really want Emma to be the guardian trustee," Mandy began, "and Emma's agreed to think about it. I understand your advice, and how you mean it in my best interests and that. But remember, I'm all alone in this country. You said yourself that if I let people I could trust look after my interests it would give me time to adjust to my changed circumstances and the loss of my entire previous life." As she said the last part, Mandy turned and looked at Emma. Brian considered Mandy's words. "Yes," he said, "I understand. And perhaps it is a good plan, in the circumstances. But now I have to tell you that you need to see the Headmaster of St Gregory's School in Ealing tomorrow to discuss your enrolment. Perhaps Emma could go along with you if she's free. His name is Mr Clough. The appointment is at ten. I hope that suits you." Mandy looked at Emma. She made a gesture of acquiescence. "Thanks Em," said Mandy. Brian made another appointment for them the next day to discuss things further. THE two girls did a bit of shopping, keeping indoors as much as possible away from the freezing rain. It had even begun to snow lightly at one stage. They finished up in a bistro for a quick drink and an opportunity to talk things over. The bar was getting quite crowded but they found a table and took their glasses of lager over. "Did I tell you beer tastes different now?" said Mandy when they had taken their seats and had a few sips of their drinks. "I've really gone off it. I'm sure it's more bitter than it used to be. I might give cider a try." "I'd steer clear of cider if you know what's good for you," Emma said. "I once spent the whole night vomiting after drinking cider, and I was only the teensiest bit blotto, as I recall. No, I stick to lager. Mind you, I never used to like lager either," Emma continued. "My ex- boyfriend Gary always drank it at uni so I got used to it I suppose. I think all he did at uni was drink lager. Actually, everyone at uni seems to spend most of their time drinking lager." "Are you seeing anyone at the moment?" asked Mandy. She didn't really know much about Emma's love life. Emma shrugged her shoulders. "Not really. I went out once or twice with a guy from college who just got a job with The Sun a few weeks ago. That was okay. He was into dope though, and wanted us to go back to his place for a few spliffs, but I'm not really into that shit. To tell you the truth, I just really hate smoking. Maybe if he cooked it in biscuits or something I'd have had some. There is one guy I've liked for a while, but I think he's gone off me. How about you? Are you seeing anyone? Oh! I forgot for a moment!" They both burst into laughter at Emma's embarrassment. "So, what's it like?" said Emma after the pause. "What's what like?" asked Mandy. "Being a girl after being a man. Do you still like girls, or are you starting to like guys?" Mandy thought she should be shocked hearing Emma talk so frankly but she found the question too interesting to be shocked. She looked around the room at the men and women talking and drinking and some flirting. "I hadn't really thought about it," Mandy said, lying. "I really like the look of some of the girls," she said. "Take that girl over there." She nodded towards an Asian woman in her early twenties, with glossy black hair worn loose on her shoulders and talking to another older obviously Indian woman. "She looks really beautiful." Mandy smiled as she studied the girl's lovely face. "But do you know what I really like about her?" "What's that?" asked Emma. "I really like her nose stud and I want one just like it." They both burst out laughing again. "But would you want to have it on with her?" Emma insisted, returning to the subject. Mandy shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not turned off by the idea. Or that's how I feel in theory. I don't know. Maybe. If she made the first move, I don't think I'd reject her. How about you?" Mandy was surprised at herself for asking the question but it just seemed normal to ask it. Emma looked at the woman for a while. "Same for me I guess," she said eventually. "Do you like girls, Em?" Mandy's jaw dropped. "Not really. Maybe some. I'm not a dyke or anything. When I was younger and had friends over, or we were on a school camp, I'd cuddle up with my friends and it felt really nice. Anyway, we were talking about you. So I think you're saying you still go for girls, then." Mandy looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure. I've had these dreams lately. Even last week before I got changed I was having dreams." Emma waited. Finally she said, "So what were the dreams?" "They were really hot dreams. I was always a girl, and I was doing it with guys and chicks and anyone really. But they were only dreams. Really great dreams!" Mandy leaned closer to Emma. "There was this one guy in this particular dream. He was black. I think you were there, and Peter." "Me and Peter!" Emma exclaimed. Yes. We were all out clubbing. Don't look at me like that, it was a dream! I was a girl. And this guy, this really beautiful black guy just came over and we sort of danced. Then he seemed to want me to follow him and I did and we went outside and did it in the lane." "Did what, exactly?" Emma asked. "It. Sex, I suppose. I remember a kiss and a lot of touching. Maybe we didn't do it, "cos I can remember he was trying to screw me and he couldn't find where to put it." "This was before the change?" Emma asked. "Uh-huh," said Mandy, taking a sip of her drink. "And you never liked guys before?" Emma pressed. "God, no!" Mandy answered. "And now?" asked Emma. "That's what's really weird. Look at that guy, for example, at the bar talking to the old lady." She indicated a rather chubby young man talking to a woman in her forties. "Old lady! She's younger than Mum! Anyway, what were you going to say?" "Well," Mandy continued. "I don't think he's hot or anything, but he has a really nice smile." She smiled herself as she looked at the young man smiling. "It makes me feel all gooey and that, when I look at it. Not aroused, exactly, just?well?nice. And I don't even think he's that attractive. Well, maybe. And he looks cute the way he furrows his brow when he listens." Mandy was imagining him looking at her with that kind solicitous expression as he talked to her, concentrating and really taking her seriously. She felt a little giddy. "What about Brian Ball?" asked Emma. "Well, he's a bit old," said Mandy warily. "And married of course," Emma added, looking amused. "But he's so clever! I can't believe how clever he is." "You used to say he was pompous," Emma said. "Did I? I suppose I did. And he is a bit, isn't he? But he thinks of everything, and he's been so nice. I don't think I was ever so nice to a client, though I suppose I never had one who had lost both parents in a fire." "And who seems to be worth millions," added Emma. "Hmm. There is that," said Mandy, taking another sip. "He has nice hands," Mandy added. "Have you ever looked at his hands? They're quite soft, but they also look really strong." Emma was smiling at Mandy. "Hmm. Interesting. Anyone else you like?" "Let's see." Mandy took a long sip of her drink. "There, look at the guy in jeans with long blond hair. Suede jacket. Now that is really cute!" "Gay," said Emma. "Are you sure?" Mandy mused, "so I guess that means he wouldn't go for me, right? What if I told him I was really a guy?" They burst out laughing again; a half-suppressed, giggly sort of laugh. "Wait! He's looking this way!" Mandy gave a big smile. She unconsciously sat up a little straighter and, looking away from the man, moved her head a little so that it could be seen from another angle. She looked at her hands for a moment, and slowly turned her gaze back to the man. She looked away quickly, then looked back. Keeping her head slightly down, she gave him a shy smile. Emma smiled at the man as well. Mandy and Emma caught each other's eye and both burst into more fits of laughter. Why am I laughing? Mandy wondered to herself vaguely, nothing's really funny. Yet she couldn't help laughing some more when she caught Emma's eye. The blond man was talking to another man with dark wavy hair, also quite long. Both of them smiled back at Mandy and Emma. The two girls looked at each other and giggled. Then they both looked back at the two men, smiling. "They're coming over!," said Mandy. "What should we do?" Emma had no time to answer. The two men had reached their table. "Hello. Do you mind if we hoin you?" the blond one said with a distinct accent. "Can we get you some drinks?" "That would be so kind!" said Mandy. "Rum and coke, please." "Lager, thanks," said Emma. The blond one winked at Mandy then went to get the drinks while the dark one sat down at the table. "Hi, I'm Pedro." "I'm Mandy, and this is Emma." They both shook hands with Pedro. "And you must be Spanish," Mandy said. Pedro held up his hands. "Guilty," he said. "My cousin and I are here in London for study." "So you're cousins." Emma nudged Mandy under the table. "What are you studying?" asked Emma. She was smiling very broadly and had moved her chair closer to Pedro. No, she's certainly not a dyke, thought Mandy, smiling to herself. She was feeling a desire to move nearer to Pedro too, as though he was drawing her to himself somehow. She brushed her hair away from her face with her hand so she could get a better view of him. "We study English, of course, but we mainly study music. Philippe is pianist and I am singer. We are at Royal College of Music. Are you students?" "Yes, actually," said Emma, "I'm studying Journalism and Contemporary History at London University. Queen Mary College." "Ah! You will be a hot shot reporter I think," Pedro said. "Or a music critic," Emma added, smiling. "Music critic! I will have to be very nice to you I see. And your friend?" asked Pedro, turning and smiling at Mandy. "Actually, Mandy is?" "I'm studying fashion and beauty," Mandy interrupted quickly, giving Emma a nudge with her foot. "Hmm, interesting," said Pedro, leaning back and considering Mandy. "And does the 'Devil really wear Prada'?" asked Pedro playfully. Mandy leaned forward and looked intently into Pedro's face, arching one brow. "That's a carefully guarded fashion secret. If I told you, I would have to kill you." All three dissolved in laughter. Philippe had returned with the drinks. "Philippe, let me introduce Senorita Emma and Senorita Mandy." The two girls shook hands across the table with Philippe. "Emma is studying to be music critic," Pedro continued, "and Mandy is studying beauty. As are we," Pedro added, lifting his glass to Mandy and Emma. "To beauty!" Philippe joined the toast. "Actually, it's fashion and beauty," added Mandy, drinking in Philippe with her eyes. He had long blond hair to his shoulders, and blue eyes. "So you study fashion?" asked Philippe. Mandy nodded. "Do you like my outfit?" Philippe asked. "I love it," said Mandy, looking him steadily in the eye. "Jeans and suede. Very yummy. I mean, classic basics are always a good choice." She added hastily. She reached out for Philippe's arm. "You should pull up your sleeves a little, though." She undid the button on the cuff and folded it back, then drew it up his arm a few inches. Now he really did look gay, Mandy thought. She giggled and sat back. She was aware of a warm melting feeling when she had touched Philippe's arm. She wanted to touch him again. He smelt of leather and soap. They chatted and laughed through two more rounds of drinks. For a while now Philippe had been putting his hand on Mandy's knee for just a moment before removing it again. Mandy had let him do it, and had rather liked the feeling, but this last time it had stayed there. As they talked and joked she was wondering what he was going to do next. His touch seemed to be spreading up her leg, although he hadn't moved his hand at all. Could that be wetness between her legs? she wondered. "Now we have to be going," Emma said after the third round of drinks. "So soon? We are having such a great time!" Pedro said. Mandy was looking at Emma rather annoyed. She was indeed having a great time. She was thinking of asking everyone back to her apartment or to suggest they have a meal together. "Sorry," Emma said. "We have a busy day tomorrow, and stuff to do tonight. It was nice meeting you both." She smiled and waved at the rather confused looking Pedro and Philippe and grabbing Mandy's arm they left the now very crowded bistro. "We can grab some takeaway on the way home," said Emma as they walked up the street to the corner. "What was all that about?" Mandy asked. "I thought we were having a good time." Emma shrugged. "They seemed nice, but one more drink and I think I could have been anyone's, and I know you would have been. And it suddenly dawned on me that if I'm going to be your guardian I can't take you to bars to pick up guys. Or be picked up. Whichever it was." Emma rubbed her forehead. "Why ever not?" asked Mandy. She was feeling quite light-headed as well. "I've never been picked up in a bar. Actually, I don't think I've ever picked anyone up in one, either." "Really? Well that's my point, isn't it?" said Emma. "We don't know those guys. And I don't think you're ready to get picked up yet. And furthermore," she said, stopping her stride and looking straight at Mandy, "you're underage. You shouldn't even be in a bar. I could be charged with supplying alcohol to a minor!" "Supplying alcohol to a minor! But Em?Oh. Yes, well I see what you're getting at." They began walking again. "I'm just looking out for you," Emma added. "Em, you're my daughter!" said Mandy. "I'm supposed to look out for you!" "Well, I don't think you're up to that just now, do you?" Mandy didn't say anything. Emma sort of had a point. "Are you angry with me?" she said after a while. "Angry? Fuck, no!" said Emma. Mandy hadn't realised Emma swore so much. "In fact, I haven't had such a great time in ages as we've been having these last few days." Emma paused and Mandy waited for Emma to continue. "I really miss my Dad," she eventually went on, "and I still need him. But I've got used to him not being around that much in the last few years." Mandy was about to speak but Emma kept going, "And now it's like you've known and loved me all my life but now you're my new best friend. And you really need my help, and I love you, and I don't want to let you down." Emma was crying now, and Mandy began to cry too. She gave Emma a hug, reaching up to put her arms around her. Emma continued, "I don't think you realise how attractive you are. If you act like we've been acting just now too often, you could get into some very sticky situations. I know more about men than you do." "More than I do?" Mandy laughed through her abating tears. "I've actually been one, remember?" "Well you've been out of circulation for a while," said Emma. "And you were a very nice decent man. Weren't you? Anyway, I'm talking about young men. Boys. And how to relate to them when you're a girl. You're going to get a lot of attention, and you need to know how to handle it, and there are other people's expectations as well." Mandy admitted to feeling other people were looking at her all the time, but she had put this down to self-consciousness about her new appearance. "But it's how people look at you that you need to realise, and keep alert," Emma said. "And remember, when a man scores every night he's a lad, but when a girl does she's a slag." Emma let Mandy take this in for a few moments before continuing, "And don't forget the risk of getting pregnant." Mandy told her about Cynthia Ball not wanting her to go on the pill yet, and her own theories about when her period might be due. "Then you're going to have to be a very, very good girl, aren't you?" said Emma. "It sounds like you're going to agree to be my guardian," Mandy said. "You already sound like my Mum." "I'm beginning to feel like it!" said Emma. "Now, shall we get out of the cold and get some food and catch a cab back to your place? I have to eat something or I think I might throw up." "You're the boss," Mandy said. "I CAN'T tell you how sorry I am. It's unforgivable. It was totally unacceptable for me to give such inaccurate information." Brian was looking deeply distressed, and not without reason. Mandy and Emma had just returned from their meeting with Mr Clough, the Headmaster of St Gregory's School, where they had discovered that far from having to complete just one term at St Gregory's, Mandy would have to spend at least a year there, more like a year and a half. "Let me explain," Mr Clough had said. He was about fifty, with thick white hair and a round jolly face. "A completed A Level under the British system consists of a subject studied at AS level?that stands for 'Advanced Subsidiary'?and then at A2 level, which is the second part of the advanced syllabus. An A2 is not a subject in itself. Normally a student studies four subjects at AS and then chooses three of those to study at A2 level. You need six A Levels to have successfully completed Sixth Form. "Mind you," he continued, "while at least A, B or C grades are required for entrance to most universities and colleges, and you will need certain subjects for certain courses, an E grade, or 40%, still qualifies as an A Level. Only U, or 'Unclassified', means you have not obtained your A Levels. "It would normally take two years to complete your A Levels, and normally I wouldn't countenance it, but with your excellent GCSE results and work done so far, we propose to help you complete your A Levels in one year, plus what remains of this academic year. But it does mean you will have to work extremely hard." Mandy had been reeling at this news. She was sure Brian had somehow arranged things for her to complete school on one term, and it had not occurred to her that Brian could have made a mistake. Emma was not surprised at all. Having sat her own A Levels a few years ago, she had thought there was something fishy about what Mr Ball had said. Secretly she felt rather vindicated. "Perhaps he misunderstood the fast-tracking proposal," Mr Clough said. "Or he thought that completing AS level was a qualification in itself. That mistake is sometimes made. I hope you are not too disappointed, but it really would be impossible to complete your A Levels in a term. It's going to be hard enough in what amounts to just over a year. Perhaps it could be done in Malta, but it couldn't be done under the British system." Actually, Mandy was relieved. So much depended on successfully completing school, and the idea of having to learn how to be a teenaged girl and go back to school and complete her education in a term was stressing her out. Even though Mr Clough had said a year would still be difficult, it sounded a lot more manageable than a term. And he had said the school would be helping, hadn't he? That had sounded very reassuring. According to Mr Clough's records Mandy already had good results at GCSE Level?'A-star's for Fashion Design, Art, Music and Dance; 'A's for English Literature, History, Science, Mathematics, French, Information and Communication Technology; and B for Religious Studies. Mandy thought she could bluff her way through English, Art (especially Art History), Music and History and maybe even ICT and perhaps Maths and some Science. But what did she know about Dance or Religious studies or Fashion Design? (Although she seemed to have picked up a good knowledge of trends recently.) And she did not speak French. Not since the nineteen-seventies, anyway, when she had been a schoolboy. So where had these results come from? And how could she build on what she had never mastered? She had to enrol in four subjects, three of which she would also take at A2 level. She chose Biology, English Language & Literature, General Studies, and Performance Studies (she wasn't quite sure why). She also wondered whether it would be better to choose History rather than General Studies, but in terms of marks Mr Clough thought General Studies would be better, and could have a history component if she wanted, though some universities would prefer History to General Studies, which some of them considered a "soft" option. He thought she might consider General Studies for AS level only, therefore. "Why don't you take Law?" Emma said to Mandy, with a certain emphasis. Mandy shrugged her shoulders. It didn't really appeal to her. Mr Clough pointed out that she could still study Law at university, if she wanted, without an A Level in Law, provided her grades were sufficiently high. So that put an end to the matter. He also said very pointedly that facial jewellery was not permitted when at school, and minimal jewellery and makeup. And fingernails had to be kept short. So, no nose ring on school days thought Mandy. (Good thing she had thought to get some acrylic retainers. She didn't want her nose piercing closing up.) No dangly earrings, and a visit to the nail shop. She didn't want to get into trouble and be thrown out of school. They visited the school uniform shop and bought Mandy her winter uniform and the summer uniform she would need next term. Emma seemed very amused as Mandy was fitted out. At St Paul's, where Emma had gone, there had been no uniform. Even schools that did have uniforms often dispensed with them for Sixth Form, but St Gregory's was quite strict about this. Even though there was only one week left of Lent Term Mandy was to begin the following Monday to meet her teachers and fellow students and have a special meeting with the Chaplain, as well as work out her study program during the school break. As they waited for a taxi Emma took Mandy aside quietly. "Why on earth didn't you take A Level Law?" she asked incredulously. "I really don't want to be a lawyer any more. It just doesn't interest me," Mandy answered. "Have you forgotten things that you knew then?" asked Emma, sounding anxious. "'No, I can still remember?I'm pretty sure. It's just that it's so boring. And I actually made the decision last week that I didn't want to continue practising law, so it had nothing to do with what's happened to me," she added. Emma looked at Mandy in exasperation. "But you have a Law degree from Cambridge and over twenty years" experience practising Law. If the point is to get through your A Levels shouldn't you be trying to build on what you already know?" Mandy considered this. "You may have a point," she admitted reluctantly. "Did you ask that web site to make you a dumb blond?" Emma snapped. "I didn't ask it to make me anything. I thought I explained, I thought it was just a bit of fantasy. And I was imagining who I wanted to have, not who I wanted to be." Mandy snapped back. "So you wanted to have it off with a dumb blond schoolgirl?" said Emma. "No! Well?sort of. I never asked for 'dumb'. I think it was 'scatty'. But I did ask for clever?I'm sure I did. I like girls who are clever. Liked them clever, that is," she corrected. "'Flaky' more like," said Emma, using the American idiom. "I think I understand now what this is all about. This is your punishment for being a sexist pig. It's some kind of divine justice." Mandy was not amused. And she felt a little hurt. In fact what Emma had said had also occurred to her. And it wasn't funny. Emma had found a vulnerable spot and she didn't want it examined too closely. Maybe this was some kind of poetic justice. Mandy frowned as she thought about this. Why did they call it 'poetic' justice? It didn't even rhyme. "If it's a punishment why am I so rich?" Mandy suddenly retorted. "And why are you helping me if I was such a pig?" she threw back defiantly. Emma sensed she had gone too far, and she really hadn't wanted to hurt Mandy's feelings. They had had an uncomfortable taxi ride back to the City to meet with Brian. Once at the office they had explained the situation to Brian, who had rung Mr Clough at once to confirm what they had said. Now he was full of apologies. Mandy had never seen Brian like this, and she realised he had made a very serious blunder in giving such wrong information and advice without checking. She had been very shaken when she first discovered it, but now that she was over the initial shock she was surprised that she had accepted the fact that she had to go back to school for more than a year, and was actually starting to feel rather excited at the prospect. New friends. New experiences. She had liked the school. It wasn't a top rung public school?the buildings were boringly functional and the setting was very suburban?but it seemed to have good facilities and a good feeling about it. It looked as though it might be a lot of fun. "It's okay," she said. "I just hope I can get through in a year. I'm actually squeezing two years into one, you see." She looked at Brian, who seemed to squirm even more. "Emma knew there was something wrong with doing A Levels in one term, though." Brian looked at Emma. "Is that right?" he asked. "Well I did my own A Levels three years ago, so unless the system has changed dramatically I thought it didn't seem right. But you seemed so sure I didn't argue. I did raise it with Mandy though." "I think we should trust Emma's judgement a bit more," said Mandy. "She has recent experience of the English school system which neither of us has. I think this really shows what a good choice she would be as my guardian, don't you think?" "I have no objection to that," Brian said, "I just thought that being trustee as well was a heavy responsibility. But your father's will is very unusual, and you are in unusual circumstances. Perhaps Emma's unique experiences and qualities make her a good choice after all. If that is what you really want. If you're really sure." Something about this reminded Mandy of the wish that set all these events in motion. "Proceed," she said. "I mean, yes, I'm very sure." "Then if Emma is happy to proceed I shall have the papers drawn up and we can finalise things next week," Brian said. "You tell me the school term finishes on Friday, so if you and Emma come in on Friday afternoon we can sign the necessary documents. And from then on I shall consult with Emma on whether she wishes us at Carlton and Carlton to have any further involvement in managing the estate." Brian laid a slight stress on the word 'Emma' to make the point that Mandy would no longer have the right to be consulted on the management of her property. He hoped Mandy knew what she was doing. And that Emma knew what she was letting herself in for.