Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 19:25:48 +0000
From: Rob H <robz8000@hotmail.com>
Subject: Sarah's Story 5

Chapter 7 -- Sarah and Deedi

Sarah slowly got over her ordeal and for the rest of the Summer she
concentrated on work putting any unpleasant memories out of her  mind. Kent
never came into town much anyway and she never met him again. She enjoyed
her job and spent most evenings at home  with Clair and Richard except at
the weekends where they would go across to the Norfolk Broads and spend
long, lazy days on the  new boat Richard had recently bought. There was a
small hiccough when they sailed into Barton Broad one Sunday morning and she
  suddenly realised where she was. Apart from that life was beginning return
to normal for her and she was enjoying being Sarah more  than ever. Early on
she had found it exciting to wear girls clothes but that had subsided
somewhat as the character of Sarah gradually  took over. She still enjoyed
shopping of course, especially long hours with Clair trying on everything
they could find but there was  another change that was also starting to
occur, she was just as comfortable in Jeans and a T shirt or shorts with
bear legs. It was if she  had crossed a line into real woman-hood where what
was inside now felt more important than the image created on the outside.

It was Friday and the weather finally settled into warm Autumn sunshine
ready for the week-end as everyone had been hoping. Sarah  had just returned
from lunch when Andy came in with someone she did not recognise. Andy showed
the girl around the office and then  came over to Sarah's desk.

"And this is Sarah, my fantastic Office Manager. Deedi is a bit of a
computer wiz and will be helping to set this lot up and run the  system for
us," said Andy waving at the blank computer terminals and unpacked boxes
taking up valuable space in the corner of the  office, "she needs to look
over all that stuff and work out what we need to do."

"Hello," said Sarah raising her eyes at the complement, "pleased to meet
you, where would you like to start?"

"Right I'll leave you to it then," said Andy interrupting, "do you want to
pop in when you're ready and let me know what you think, then I'll  drop you
home? Shall we get together now Sarah?"

Sarah showed Deedi where everything was and made sure she had all that she
needed. Deedi looked about the same age as Sarah  but very nervous, still
Andy could have that effect on you she thought. He was a real dish who would
turn your legs to jelly and she still  had a bit of a crash on him after the
conference. She was tall with striking blonde hair which had been well cut
and set off her high  cheek bones and pretty, soft features very nicely. He
dress was bright but not garish and quite short. Her trim figure and white
high  heels gave her an elegant look.

Deedi settled down and seemed to know what she was looking for so Sarah left
her alone and went off to her weekly meeting with  Andy. At about half past
four Deedi came over to Sarah's desk.

"Right, I think I've got everything," she said "I just need to tell Andy
what we need to do."

Sarah took her over to Andy's office and showed her in. About half an hour
later they both emerged and Andy said he was just taking  Deedi home.

"She will be starting with us on Monday week," he told Sarah, "can you set
up whatever paperwork we need for her please?"

"Yes, of course," said Sarah "I'll have it all ready for when you come in
although there won't be much to do if your coming in as  temporary staff,
have a good week-end and see you soon."

"Goodbye" said Deedi.

Sarah was pleased, Deedi seemed pleasant enough and she thought they might
become friends which would be nice.

The following week Deedi arrived at nine, just after Sarah. She looked very
smart in a light-grey two piece suit with a hint of check and  grey tights.
Her shoes were also simple black high heels. Well, thought Sarah, she
certainly knows how to power dress noticing her  professional appearance.

"Right, let me show you round first and introduce you to everybody here and
then I'll explain a bit about what we do. I don't expect  you'll want to get
too involved but you may need to answer the phones occasionally so it's as
well to know what your talking about."

Deedi never said much but Sarah guessed she might be shy, it looked like it
might be her first job. Once she had finished she showed  Deedi back to her
desk and left her to get on with setting up the new systems. Sarah was busy
in meetings with Andy and Robert most  of the morning and finally escaped at
one o'clock. She looked over and saw Deedi with her head buried in a manual
and decided it  was time they got to know each other better.

"You can save some for tomorrow," she called over to Deedi who looked up
with a start. Sarah walked over to her desk.

"Pardon?" Deedi smiled at Sarah.

"Sorry to interrupt but I am just going out to lunch, would you like
something?" she asked.

"Gosh," said Deedi, "I didn't realise the time disappearing, yes that would
be great, what were you thinking off?"

"There's an Italian café just around the corner which is good value. I
thought we could celebrate your first day."

"Wonderful idea, we can get to know each other a bit better as well," said
Deedi picking up her coat. The café wasn't too busy as they  sat down each
ordering a lasagne and a glass of white wine. It was there first chance to
chat mainly getting the basics out of the way,  where they lived, family and
school life. It felt very friendly and comfortable.

They were both busy the next few days and agreed to go out together on
Wednesday evening into town.

They went to one of the busy café-bars near the Market Square and ordered a
bottle of red wine. They sat down and chatted about the  day. Deedi asked
about Andy and Sarah told her that he was off limits.

"He has a fiancé, so you are out of luck there," said Sarah and told Deedi
about the conference. She also mentioned how she had too  much to drink on
the first night and how she was expecting Andy to kiss her on the way up to
their rooms. They both laughed.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" asked Sarah moving the conversation on.

"Well, I suppose so, just," said Deedi and Sarah smiled.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, a few weeks ago I went to the cinema in the Grafton Centre with Rosy
and afterwards she suggested we went to a wine bar  nearby, Chico's. Do you
know it?"

Sarah shook her head and also noticed something strange in Deedi voice
although she couldn't work out what it was.

"As soon as we arrived we bumped into someone she knew and he had a friend
with him. We chatted for a while but they had to go.  His name was Robin and
he called on Saturday for a date and we went out last night."

"No, so how did it go?" asked Sarah intrigued now.

"We went to a pub, you know the one on the river with all the decking
outside not far from the bridge. Anyway we chatted about all  sorts of
things, he's in his second year at the university and his family live in
London. The evening went ever so quick and before we  knew it the bell was
ringing so he took me home. He's really nice and six foot of real hunk
and..." Deedi was thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, what happened don't keep me hanging on now," Sarah had moved forward
in her seat with her arms resting on her chin. Deedi  laughed.

"Nothing happened, he was really nice and just kissed me on the cheek and
said goodnight."

"That must have been a disappointment," said Sarah and they both laughed,
"are you seeing him again?"

"Yes," Said Deedi, "he is taking me for a tour of his college on Thursday.
Sarah raised her eyebrows.

"and no, that won't include his rooms," Deedi smiled, "not just yet anyway."

They finished their wine and left the bar. They were fast becoming friends
and agreed to go shopping together on Saturday. After that  they were almost
inseparable apart from when Deedi was out with Robin.

It was a couple of weeks later that Deedi was working on one of the
computers in the corner of the office. Sarah noticed it was getting  late
and got up to put on her coat.

"I'm just off," she said, "you seem so engrossed I didn't want to disturb
you. See you on Monday."

She was going away for the weekend to the boat with her parents. It would
only take a couple of hours to drive over to Potter Heigham  where it was
moored and then they would find a pub for the evening.

"What's the time?" said Deedi looking up and seeing that the office was
empty.

"It's nearly five."

"Wait, before you go I need to ring the computer consultants, who are they?"

Sarah was almost out of the door.

"Terry Gillan Services," she said, "the numbers on my desk. Good night, "
she said leaving the office. She was looking forward to a  relaxing weekend
with a good book and plenty of wine. This seemed to be the pattern for her
life at the moment and she was more  than happy with it.

Deedi rang the number on the yellow post-it-note under the phone and got a
shock.

"So where are we going tonight?" asked Sarah on Wednesday afternoon. They
had planed another trip into town.

"HaHa," said Deedi.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, We're going to Ha! Ha!'s, it a new cocktail bar in town. Rosy and
I have been there, it's really good," laughed Deedi.

"Oh," said Sarah still not fully understudying the joke.

They went back to Sarah's house that evening since it was on the way into
town and Sarah ran upstairs to get changed. Deedi chatted  with Clair until
Sarah returned and they went off to get the bus.

"Shall I get a couple of glasses of wine," asked Sarah stepping to the bar
once they arrived.

"No lets get a cocktail first and a bottle. Shiraz?" asked Deedi.

"Wow, are we celebrating?" asked Sarah all smiles.

"I'm not sure but it's definitely something significant." Deedi looked
serious.

"What is?" asked Sarah confused.

"Tell you in a minute," she replied, "come on lets find a table." They sat
down and took a large sip of their cocktails and Deedi finally  spoke.

"Sarah," Deedi looked her in the eye, "I have an apology to make. While you
were getting changed tonight I needed to use the toilet  and as I was
walking past you bedroom door I noticed a flash of light. I couldn't help
it, honestly. It was the mirror of you wardrobe but I  just caught a glimpse
of you getting dressed and... I'm afraid I saw... well...everything."

She had no need to spell it out, the look on Sarah's face told her they both
knew what she was talking about.

"I wasn't spying honestly, it was just an accident, really," continued Deedi
seeing Sarah's face and thinking maybe she should not have  raised the
matter after all. Sarah's features seemed to go blank and then a look of
relaxed resignation slowly slid across her face.

"It's funny really," she said quietly after a moment, "you make sure you're
very careful wherever you are and then get caught out in your  own home. I'm
really sorry Deedi I didn't mean to deceive you, I simply enjoyed us being
really good friends and never wanted to lose  that. I know I would have told
you at some point... but I suppose its too late now. I expect you want to
leave? I won't mind."

"Don't be silly. If I wanted to go why would I have suggested we by a bottle
of wine and the cocktails?" said Deedi, "Sarah you are my  best friend too
and I don't want to lose that either. In fact there is probably a very good
reason why we get on so well together. It could  be because we have so very
much in common."

"What do you mean," said Sarah completely confused again.

"I know you might not believe it but I am the same as you," replied Deedi.
Sarah never spoke while the words sunk in.

"You," she finally said still not quite sure what Deedi was saying, "the
same? You mean that... that you're a... boy too?"

"Yes," said Deedi, "I used to be called Daniel. I guess you never realised?"

"No, not at all," Sarah said relaxing slightly, "you had me completely
fooled. You just look so... pretty, in fact I was quite jealous,  although,
thinking back though there was one thing that seemed odd but I dismissed it
at the time. It was when Andy came in one  morning and leaned over your desk
to ask you something about the new computer system. I saw you go red and
then squirm in you  seat like a boy would but I never made the connection at
the time."

"Yes I remember that," laughed Deedi, "he looked very appealing that day and
his after shave ... well, that was some thing else." They  both laughed.

Now the tension had been broken they both relaxed and told each other their
stories. Sarah told Deedi all about herself and then it was  Deedi's turn.

"Well, I used to live with my Mum in London and then there was an accident.
She was with her boyfriend one night and they had a car  crash. Dad had died
when I was very young and I never really knew him. Anyway after the funeral
I moved up here with my Aunt Liz  and cousin Rosy who I mentioned." Sarah
nodded. Deedi had said that she was staying with her Aunt when they had
first met.

"But all that was as Daniel. Well, one day we were out walking and I slipped
into the river and got filthy dirty. When we got back there  were no clean
clothes around and I had promised to go to the cinema that evening with
Rosy, remember? It was when I first met  Robin. I didn't want to disappoint
her as she had been so kind to me. So she suggested I dress in some of her
clothes. Everything  worked out fine really although I was very nervous and
there were a few heart-stopping moments. The next day we were due to go
shopping with Liz and somehow Rosy talked me into going as Deedi again and
since Liz seemed to be happy with the situation that's  what we did. The
rest just seemed to follow naturally."

Sarah smiled as the story unfolded.

"Tell me something though," asked Sarah, "I bet that wasn't the first time
was it?"

"What dressing?" Sarah nodded.

"No, I used to borrow Mum's clothes occasionally but not often," it was
uncanny how Sarah seemed to understand her so well. The  wine was almost
gone now and they were both feeling a bit drunk but very happy.

"But wait a minute," said Sarah after a moments thought, "you said that
Robin was your boyfriend now. Does he know about you?"  Deedi dropped her
eyes.

"No I haven't told him," she said, "I suppose I will have to sometime, it
just seems a bit too soon right now."

"mmm...just be careful," said Sarah, but didn't elaborate further. She wasn't
quite ready to tell Deedi about that episode in her life.

"Yes I will but it's fine at the moment, we're just having a good time and
he is really nice."

"Deedi," said Sarah as they got up to go, "I really am so glad this has
happened. I hadn't made any real friends since we moved up  here until I met
you and its been really great working together and I am really pleased we
have ...well... so much in common."

"Me too," said Deedi.

So the bond between Sarah and Deedi that had already been forged, now grew
stronger still as they hugged each other tightly and  then left. From that
point on they were together much of the time going out in the evenings after
work and at the week-ends, shopping  and spending time at each others homes
almost as sisters.

Not long after their revelations to each other they decided to meet up and
go shopping in town.

"Just off Mum, I'll be back later with Deedi and then we're going out."

Clair was preparing lunch and came to the door say goodbye.

"Well, I know you are only going shopping but you look great," Clair said
and walked down the drive to hug her daughter.

"It does feel so right now and I know I couldn't have done it without you
Mum, thanks."

"Have fun," Clair called and shut the front door behind her. Mmm, she
thought, a couple of hours to spare, time for Richard to do his  duty. He
was working in the office but a well placed hand together with some gentle
massaging would soon stop that.

"Hi Deedi." Deedi was waiting by Cafe Rouge as they had arranged. "Come on,
I'm starving, lets go Garfunkels first, they do great  salads."

After lunch they hit the shops and Sarah went wild. She had decided that
therapy was required and shopping was the cure. Both girls  were confident
now and there were no problems trying different cloths on in the busy stores
of the Shopping Centre or in the many  smaller, more intimate shops around
the Market Square. It was obvious though that Deedi loved wearing stockings,
Sarah had never  met anyone who bought so many pairs. They did feel quite
sexy but Sarah was as happy wearing tights as she was Jeans. However,  that
would easily change given the right circumstances, especially since the
conference.

When they had finished they caught a bus back to Sarah's house where that
spent a blissful hour trying everything on.

"Now, I really must see what these look like," she said opening a bag and
pulled out a matching undies set which was very frilly and  very sexy.

She took off her tights and then her panties allowing her cock to hang free.
She glanced up and noticed that Deedi was blushing and  avoiding her gaze.

"Deedi, you're not shy are you," asked Sarah, "we've been friends long
enough now not to be embarrassed with each other haven't  we?"

"I suppose so," said Deedi still blushing furiously. Sarah decided to break
the ice a bit further.

"So, get that skirt off and let me see yours then. Remember, you still have
the advantage on me."

Deedi unclipped her skirt slowly and let it fall to the floor. She then slid
her tights and panties down with one movement and took them  off,
straightened up and looked at Sarah.

"Mmmm," said Sarah taking a long look at Deedi, "Not bad, a bit longer than
mine but not quite so pretty. I think you'll do though."  Deedi laughed.

"Mind you who I am to talk," she continued suddenly dropping her voice, "at
least your Robin seems to be happy with you which is  more than I can say."

Deedi had finally told Robin about her situation and although he was shocked
initially he came round and they had continued going out  together. Deedi
immediately went over and hugged her tight. Sarah remembered the incident
with Kent and felt the pain again. Not the  physical pain but the
realisation of being different and the rejection that came with it.

"Don't be silly," she said in a very soft, reassuring voice, "there are
thousands of boys out there who would love to have you as a  girl-friend,
it's just a matter of time. I had no idea how Robin would react when I told
him but the fact was he already knew me by then  and seemed to like what he
had. Just keep looking and it will happen."

"I suppose your right," said Sarah feeling a little better.

Sarah hugged Deedi close and the girls stood still for a long time grateful
for each others love. What neither of them had noticed was  that they were
both naked from the waist down and their cocks were nuzzling each other, not
out of any sexual desire but of real  friendship.

"Come on," said Deedi, "lets get changed and then hit the town, and tonight
we'll dress to knock'em dead. Cocktails at Ha!Ha!'s first?"

They both got ready and Deedi suggested they wear very short skirts and
tights with thin-strapped, high heeled sandals.

"If that doesn't do the trick then they must be blind," she said.

They arrived at the bar and Sarah looked around for a table while Deedi went
to get the drinks.

"Sarah, do you have any change, I only have twenty pound note," Deedi called
over.

Sarah stopped, opened her bag and turned back just as someone walked past
carrying two glasses of larger. They banged straight  into each other
knocking the bag out of Sarah's hand and spilling its contents all over
floor. Some of the beer also splashed onto her  coat. She bent down quickly
to pick up the money that had fallen from her purse.

"I'm terribly sorry," said the man, "here let me help you."

She looked up and saw a young guy, about twenty-two she guessed, smiling at
her. Wow, he looks dishy, she thought and then  realised the contents of her
bag were all over the floor.

"and don't lose this, they are a pain to replace," he said as they both
stood up, handing back her driving licence and mobile phone  which had
fallen at his feet.

"Yes," she said still flustered, "I have only just got that one back from
Swansea, I put the last one in the washing machine."

She took the Driving Licence from him and put it in her bag. Richard had
bought her a car as soon as she was eighteen and she  quickly passed her
test. Richard and Clair felt she would be safer if she had her own car
bearing in mind what she was underneath that  thin out layer of clothes.

"Oh well," he said, "at least you have a clean licence, you should be safe
to be with," and they both laughed. "but your coat, I've spilt  beer all
over it, is your dress OK?"

She opened her coat revealing her long nylon clad legs. He realised there
actually wasn't much of a dress for any of his beer to fall on.  However he
did like what he saw, very much. She noticed him looking at her legs and
blushed. She had never felt she was a really  beauty like Deedi but she was
very pretty and had a great figure.

"Its OK, just the coat that's a bit wet, it'll soon dry, thanks," she said
and he walked away.

"Well," said Deedi returning with the drinks, "I know I said things would be
OK but I never expected you to move so fast."

"Don't be silly," said Sarah, "it was just an accident. Mind you he was nice
wasn't he," she added glancing round at his table and seeing  him smile at
her. She smiled back and blushed again.

An hour or so later they were getting ready to leave and Deedi got up to use
the toilet.

"Hi, I just wanted to make sure you were OK," it was the guy who had bumped
into her. He sat down in Deedi's seat.

"I'm fine," said Sarah.

"Mike Burrell by the way," he said and held out his hand.

"Sarah Lindly," she said following his lead and shaking his hand.

"Can I buy you drink to make up for your coat?" he asked.

"That would be nice but we are just going out to eat," she replied feeling
more comfortable with him now, he was very nice looking  after all.

"I wasn't thinking of tonight," he said in a low voice looking straight into
here eyes, "how about tomorrow, can I call you and fix up a  time?"

Sarah stopped for a second unsure what to do. She had not been out on a date
since the incident with Kent although she had been  asked many times. She
also thought about what Deedi had been saying earlier in the evening
although somehow she felt that he might  be OK this time.

"Yes, alright," she heard a voice saying but it didn't sound like hers.

"Great," said Mike getting out his mobile, "what's your number?"

She read out her mobile number as he tapped it into his phone.

"I'll call you tomorrow, will that be OK?" he asked ringing the number to
make sure it connected.

Sarah nodded just as Deedi came back. Mike got up, smiled at Deedi and
returned to his table. They both got up and walked to the  door but Deedi
was silent.

"What?" asked Sarah at last not bearing the silence any longer.

"Nothing." Deedi just smiled, "tomorrow or Monday?"

"Tomorrow" said Sarah and linked her arm in Deedi's and marched off to the
restaurant.

She had a good feeling about Mike but knew there was a very long way to go.

He rang as promised on Sunday afternoon and they chatted for nearly an hour.
Sarah was in her room laying on the bed wearing the  casual clothes she
normally had on when she was at home; a short sleeve blouse, short skirt and
tan tights. She loved the feel of her  legs in smooth nylon and
unconsciously rubbed them together while she was talking. At one point she
wondered what Mike would say  if he could see her but luckily it wasn't a
video phone.

She was surprised how easy he was to talk to given that they were complete
strangers less than twenty four hours ago. Agreeing to  meet up was never in
doubt by the time they came to the end of the call, it was like two friends
simply setting the date for when they  would get back together again.
Finally Mike said he would meet Sarah at her house at eight o'clock and then
drive to a pub on the river.

Sarah put the phone down and lay back on the pillow thinking of Mike. She
could hardly remember his face but his voice was etched in  her mind even
though it was distorted by the poor telephone  quality. She closed her eyes
but before any fantasies could take hold she  had fallen asleep. She woke
with a start when Clair knocked on the door with a mug of coffee.

"It's six o'clock, are you going out with Deedi tonight?" she asked putting
the coffee on the bedside table. Sarah sat up a rubbed her  eyes.

"No, I'm meeting someone else."

"Boy?" asked Claire trying not to be too curious.

"Yes, we literally bumped into each other last night at the cocktail bar and
he asked me out so I said I would go."

Clair had known Sarah had dated Kent for while but had assumed it had just
fizzled out.

"Mmmm, be careful."

"MUM, it's only our first date, he may not even like me by the end of
evening," replied Sarah but somehow she knew that wouldn't be  the case.

"OK, but I have a feeling the you sometimes forget that you're not quite the
same as other girls," said Clair making for the door. Sarah  blushed. It was
unnerving how parents seemed to know your innermost thoughts better than you
did.

She had a shower letting the hot water run down her silky smooth white body
while deciding what she would wear. She knew Mike had  seen a lot of her
already the night before and she did not want to be too provocative for
their first date but she still wanted him to come  back for more.

She dried and talced herself rather too generously and slipped on a simple
white lace, bra and panty set. She decided on a knee  length black leather
skirt, black tights and a pink top. Her new ankle boots set the image off
nicely and she sat down to prepare her  make-up. Mike arrived at eight and
she ran downstairs saying goodbye as she ran out the door. Clair had got up
to see what Mike  looked like but she was too late, Sarah had jumped into
his white Peugeot and they sped off.

"Don't worry," said Richard looking around from the laptop PC he was working
on, "I'm sure she'll be OK."

She never had time to get a glimpse of him anyway. She let the heavy curtain
fall back into place and turned to Richard.

"Yes I know, she's a sensible girl," Richard never heard her add the words -
most of the time.

The evening was cool as Autumn had well and truly arrived, the pub was warm
and not crowded. They found a table in the corner  overlooking the river and
sat down.

"So you mentioned that you have not lived in Cambridge long?" asked Mike
breaking the ice.

"No, we moved over from Warwick earlier in the Summer."

"Oh well, their loss and our gain I suppose. Can never have enough lovely
ladies here Cambridge and we do have a lot."

Sarah smiled at the complement.

"So how long have you lived here then?" she continued.

"Nearly five years. I went to Gonville & Caius studying Maths and Computer
Science and then got picked up on the milk round by a  local instrument
company who were looking for software designers. Since I had grown to love
the place it seemed natural to stay. I'm  glad I did now." He stroked he
cheek with his fingers as he spoke.

Goodness, thought Sarah, I am never going to last the night if he carries on
at this rate. Still she wasn't complaining. They chatted on  about their
early lives and families until Mike looked at his watch and said it was ten
thirty. Sarah was surprised. They picked up their  coats and made for the
door.

Sunday evening traffic was light and they drive home was quick. They
continued their conversation for a while and Sarah looked up at  the windows
and noticed Clair and Richard must have gone to bed early. She smiled to
herself.

"What's so funny," asked Mike. Sarah turned towards him.

"Oh nothing, just thinking about Mum and Dad."

Mike leaned forward and touched her cheek again with his smooth fingers. She
looked at him and smiled. He moved forward and their  lips touched and he
pulled away slightly. She closed her eyes and leaned baked in the seat. Mike
moved with her and their lips met  once more, this time for longer. She put
her arm around his neck and her finger ran through his hair. He held her
gently around the  waist but firmly at the same time. A part of her just
kept the situation in check but she quickly realised there was nothing to
worry about.  Finally he pulled back and they smiled again.

"Well, lovely Sarah, I have had one fantastic evening and I must warn you
that when I ask you out again I will not be expecting a -- NO."  Sarah
laughed.

"Well in that case I had better find out when and where I suppose."

"Good, that was the correct response. How about Tuesday? There's a new
comedy club opened in town and it's supposed to be  good".

"Yes, I know. You remember Deedi, my friend you met on Saturday?" Mike
nodded, "She's been and they are very funny."

"Ok, shall we meet in town after work then we could go for something to eat
before if you like?" asked Mike.

"That sounds good, lets meet at six at the bar where we met on Saturday.
Will you be able to get into town by then?" said Sarah.

"No problem but I don't know how I will pass those long hours waiting to see
you again," she laughed once more and they kissed  again.

Tuesday was also a big success and they met every night after that. Very
quickly a strong relationship formed.

"So," Mike asked on Friday evening as they were strolling along the river
bank watching the last of the Eights put their boats away for  the night,
"have you been inside any of the colleges?"

"I didn't know you could if you weren't a student." said Sarah.

"No problem there's load of wonderful rooms inside. How about I give you a
tour of the area tomorrow, are you busy ?"

"I will be in the morning but we could meet in the afternoon if you like."

"Great, it's about time you had a history lesson."

"Oh no, it is my day off you know," laughed Sarah.

"Don't worry there will only be a few questions at the end and if you listen
carefully I'm sure you'll pass the test."

Sarah slipped her arm into Mike's smiling as they walked across the
footbridge and away from the river. She was looking forward to it  already
wondering what the reward might be if she passed the test. A girl always
lives in hope.