Double Trouble

My mum split from my dad when I was sixteen and after a succession of boyfriends she recently started dating a guy called Vern. Big Vern as I called him worked in the British Army, stationed in the North of England. They met through the internet. The first time they saw each other mum and I travelled up by train and stayed at his house in the barrack grounds. They liked each other a lot, unfortunately he clearly didn't like me.

Not unsurprisingly, he was very much an action man and he didn't appreciate my slightly effeminate ways. In his eyes at the age of eighteen boys where mini men and should behave accordingly. I think he thought I was too dependant on my mum and not tough enough. Consequently I felt like emotional baggage and was relieved when next time mum was to visit he suggested I stay with a of his friend Carmilla. I was obviously apprehensive but mum insisted I'd have a great time. Carmilla, was a retired army officer with two teenage daughters. Since it was only for three nights I could hardly object. Mum arranged to drop me off with Carmilla at a train station on route.

I packed a change of clothes, my toothbrush and a book. and as planned, Carmilla picked me up from the train station. She was a tall, forty year old. Dressed in a crisp white blouse, a tailored navy blue suit which set off her wonderful bone structure - and with immaculately coifed blonde hair. Now a successful fund manager, years of army training and competitive business had taken its mark. She looked up from her newspaper as I got off the train and arched an eyebrow. 'You're late,' she said. I mumbled an apology She stood and watched as I kissed and waved mum off on the rest of her journey struggling to conceal a tear. She drove a huge black Range Rover. Despite her fierce outward appearance she seemed touched with my show of emotion. Her children where still at school. She was quick to lay some ground rules.

'I run a strict house and if you behave we will get along just fine. I have two daughters a few years older than you so I don't want any funny business.'