She's a Woman

Chapter Seventeen: I Want You to Know

(WARNING: strong language, sexual themes, and an extremely long chapter)

George and I lay in bed together for quite a while, dozing on and off. At around seven-thirty we decided to get up and set the bedroom to rights. It really was a mess; clothes scattered everywhere, the bed covers all rumpled, and there were several odd white stains all over the sheets. George saw me staring. He went bright red.

"You've ruined the bed sheets," I commented.

George went even redder and his eyes didn't quite meet mine.

"It's all right, though," I said. "I'm sure we can wash them before Stu gets back and notices. That way you can avoid any awkward questions."

"Stu," George muttered contemptuously. "I hate sharing a room with him. I hate sharing a bed with him even more! He always takes up most of the space and I'm left hanging off the edge, hanging on for dear life."

I tried hard not to giggle. I was imagining the scenario and it was all too funny.

"Don't laugh," George said. "It's not at all funny. I hate sharing a bed with Stu. I hate being the youngest in the group. I hate being bossed around all the time. I hate it here! I hate it!

George got more and more riled, practically spitting his words out. He squeezed his eyes shut. A few small, angry tears seeped out through his eyelids and trickled down his cheeks. I went to him, my arms outstretched, and pulled him into a hug. George wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. I let him sob into my shoulder while I patted his back comfortingly.

"Poor baby," I said softly.

"I want to go home," George wept. "Nothing turned out the way I wanted."

"I know, love, but it's going to be all right. We only have a few more weeks here, then we'll be able to go home and get on with things, okay?"

"Okay."

"Good." I gently eased George off of me and smiled reassuringly at him. "For the meantime, let's focus on getting dressed and cleaning this place up before the other lads get home."

The corners of George's mouth crinkled into a small smile. "All right. Let's do it."

"Brilliant," I said, then I reached for my clothes that were lying discarded in a heap on the floor. I picked up the long string of binding fabric and began wrapping it around myself. I could feel George sneaking one last wistful peek before my chest was completely covered.

"It's a shame you have to disguise yourself," George said as he pulled on his trousers. "You're a really beautiful girl. Can't you just come out and tell everyone you're a woman?"

I considered this for a moment, then shook my head. "I can't do that, Georgie. It's too much of a risk. The whole reason I disguised myself as a boy was to keep anyone from tracking me down and forcing me to go home. I had to reinvent myself, if you will."

George nodded. "I see, but it's still a shame. I'm sure the guys would like you if they knew who you really are."

"Oh, ha ha," I said sarcastically. "I bet they'd like me a bit too much."

George laughed, then he stared at me, a huge smile on his face.

"What?" I said, smiling back.

"Nothing, it's just I never realized until now... how much I have a crush on you."

It was my turn to turn bright red. "You? Have a crush on me?"

"In fact, I think I liked you from the very moment I met you."