Tug of War 28

"Come in, my darlings!" Mrs. Bennett said, happily opening the front door of her house. "Make yourselves at home, please."

The old woman took her guests to a small but cozy living room. On a small coffee table in the center, there was a teapot, some cupcakes and platters with cookies and a cake. Timothy got impressed by the great care with which everything had been arranged. Despite her poor eyesight, it was clear that Mrs. Bennett was still capable of setting a table perfectly.

The boy sat next to his stepmother on a white couch with floral pattern, remembering to keep his legs together so as not to show off his panties. Even though he had a smile on his face, he couldn't be more distressed. It was crazy to think he had truly gone out wearing women's clothing. Less than fifty steps separated his house from Mrs. Bennett's one, but it still felt like the longest walk of his life. He would certainly have turned around and run towards the safety of his bedroom had it not been for Susan's firm arm on his back, forcing him to keep going. 

"Someone will see me, Susan!" he whispered to his stepmother, afflicted. 

"I doubt it, Tiffany. Almost everyone is out since this is Saturday afternoon. And even if there is still someone around, so what? If you act accordingly, they will only be able to see a pretty teenage girl."

Timothy wasn't so sure about that, and then he kept looking sideways all the time until they finally reached the house next door. 

Now the worst is over, he tried to console himself, as Mrs. Bennett poured him some tea. The old woman was already convinced he was a girl. If he didn't commit any absurdly stupid mistake, his real identity would be safe. 

"So tell me about you, Tiffany, dear" Mrs. Bennett asked, with a cheerful expression. "I'd like to know everything!"

"Umm... There's nothing much to tell, Ma'am" Timothy said, smoothing the skirt of his dress nervously. "I live in a small neighboring town with my parents, and I'm a senior high school student."

"Just it? What about your hobbies and interests? I hope I'm not being too intrusive, sweetheart. The thing is that I wasn't blessed with a girl in my life. I have two sons and a grandson – who I love with all my heart, of course – but I've always missed having a baby girl to spoil and treat like a princess" she sighed. "You said you're a senior high school student. Then I assume you're seventeen? Eighteen?"

"Eighteen, Ma'am."

"Oh, that's interesting… very, very interesting… You're the same age as my grandson!"

"Your grandson? He's not here, is he?" Timothy asked before he could stop himself, afraid he would be seen dressed like a girl by another boy. However, the anxious tone of his voice made it seem like he had other concerns in mind.

"Tiffany Rose Foster! You should behave better, young lady!" his stepmother scolded him. "You don’t want Mrs. Bennett thinking you're some boy-crazy girl, do you?"

"W-what?!" Timothy cried out, his face as red as a fire hydrant. He had definitely not asked about Mrs. Bennett's grandson for the reason his stepmother had assumed. And why had she called him Tiffany Rose Foster? Now he had a female middle name, too? 

"Aunt Susan, I didn't mean..."

"Oh, that's perfectly fine, my dear" Mrs. Bennett interrupted him, patting his hand. "I will not think badly of you because of it. This may seem difficult to believe, but I was your age once, and I know very well how hard it is to stop thinking about boys when you're a teenager" the old woman's smile grew larger as she seemed to be remembering the good old days. "Tell me, Tiffany, do you have a boyfriend?"

"Me? A boyfriend?" Timothy covered his mouth with his manicured hands, shocked. "No, Mrs. Bennett, I don't."

"But I'm sure that a beautiful girl like you won't stay single for too long, huh?" she winked. "Answering your question, no, my grandson isn't here today, which is a shame. He's a very charming boy, you know... I think the two of you would get along very well." 

"He and his parents visit me pretty often" she continued. "They keep urging me to go live with them, as if I couldn't take care of myself just because I’m not a young lady anymore, those fools…" Mrs. Bennett let out a petulant huff. "But I know they are good people, and just have my best interests at heart. Anyway, maybe I can introduce my grandson to you the next time you visit your aunt. Would you like that, sweetheart?"

"Umm... sure, Mrs. Bennett. T-that would be… totally fabulous!" Timothy claimed, knowing he had to stay in character. He felt relieved that the old woman would never see Tiffany ever again. 

As the time passed, the conversation remained focused on the so-called young lady. The sissified boy was once again asked his hobbies and interests, and, trying to sound as convincing as possible, he said he liked shopping, reading women's magazine, painting his nails and practicing makeup, hanging out with his besties, and so on... He hated saying all that crap, but at least he was sure it would be enough for Mrs. Bennett to keep believing he was a female.

It was just almost two hours later when Susan finally said they had to go. She explained that her husband would be home soon, and so she and Tiffany had to make dinner. 

"It’s sad you two have to go, but I understand, my darlings" Mrs. Bennett said. "Oh, but before you leave, I have something for Tiffany" She left the living room for a moment and returned carrying a small pink velvet case. "Open it, sweetheart" she told Timothy. 

When the boy did so, he gasped seeing what was inside: there was a gold necklace with a heart-shaped pendant, and a pair of matching stud earrings. 

"Do you like it?" Mrs. Bennett asked, with her face full of expectation.

"O-of course, Ma'am" Timothy stammered, uncertain about what was going on there.

"My mother gave me this set when I was a little younger than you. Now this is yours." 

"W-what? Thank you, Mrs. Bennett, b-but I can't possibly accept it. I mean…"

"Stop it right now, my dear. As I told you, I have neither a daughter nor granddaughter, so I really want to give it to you. I know we've just met, but for some reason I already feel a great connection to you."

Then, without saying another word, Mrs. Bennett took the necklace and put it around Timothy's neck, fastening it. "Oh, my! It looks so great on you, my dear… Just perfect!" the old woman exclaimed, while the confused boy was still unsure about what to do. "Why don't you try the earrings now?"

"Umm... I can't, Mrs. Bennett. My ears aren't pierced."

"Why not?" the old woman got surprised. "Don't you want to wear earrings?"

"Yes, of course I do. But... umm... I guess I'm just scared of the pain of having my ears pierced."

"Nonsense, my dear! You're just going to feel a little pinch and this is over. Don't let something so simple prevent you from looking even prettier. Do you promise me you'll be wearing those studs the next time I see you?"

"O-okay, Mrs. Bennett. I promise" Timothy said, feeling bad for lying to the old woman once again. He decided he would just find way to return her the jewelry set later. 

"Superb, my dear!" Mrs. Bennett clapped. "No, you don’t need to thank me for the gift again. Believe me, it was my pleasure..."