Mandy did indeed ring Mister Scott but not to say that he wasn't feeling sick. Paul listened to just one side of the conversation.
'Hello Mister Scott, It's Paul Minson here...…………..No I'm not sick, it's just Mum has been called into work and I've been left to babysit my cousin. ………. No she's too little to be left home alone. .............. I think she is about 7 or 8...............Her name is Madeline...............Well if you don't mind?...........That would be great..............Yes I think she would like that...........Great we'll see you soon'
While this conversation was taking place Paul was trying to reach the phone and end the conversation. But Mandy used his superior height to keep it out of Paul's reach.
'What are you doing Mum? What have you arranged?'
'Your coming to basketball as well. You are too little to be left here on your own'
'No I'm not. I'm 16'
Try telling that to the police or the department of child safety. Don't worry Mrs Scott is going to come as well and will keep in eye on you while I'm playing. By the way you are now Madeline my cousin and you need to call me Paul'
'Thanks a lot Mum' Paul tried to sound sarcastic but he didn't pull it off with his little girl voice.
'Well I suppose I had better put your uniform on. Why don't you help yourself to some of that chicken salad while I change'
Mandy actually got distracted while changing. She now had a new piece of anatomy she was not used to and was fascinated when it swelled up once he got naked. It took her a long time to change so she was still putting on Paul's basketball shoes when there was toot outside.
'Come on Madeline they are here' Paul was confronted with a view of his own body in his own clothes for the first time. Whilst Mandy had been wearing the leotard earlier it was easier to imagine she/he was someone else. Now it was confronting to see himself.
'Just let me stay here. I won't do anything silly. I'm certainly not going to leave the house looking like this'
'No we have been through this. You are coming. And if you are sensible you will behave like a little girl otherwise you secret will be out. Remember you are now Madeline'
Mr Scott was Paul's basketball coach as well as the father of his best mate Dave. Still wearing the blue floral dress Mandy dragged Paul outside and locked the front door.
'Hello Mr Scott and Mrs Scott this is Madeline. Hi Dave' Mandy was pretending she was Paul
Mrs Scott got out of the car and smiled at Paul. 'Hi Madeline, Call me Naomi and look I've bought my own daughter Kimberly along. Kimberly was Dave's pesky little sister. She had also got out of the car, a Ford Explorer. Paul realized Kimberly was actually bigger than her.
'Kimberly is going to take the rear seat. We put her old booster seat in not knowing how big you were' said Naomi 'Climb up and I'll strap you in'
Paul certainly didn't want these people to know his true identity. He decided that for the next couple of hours he would play the role of the little girl he now appeared to be. Without complaint he climbed up onto the booster seat. He let Naomi put on her seatbelt. 'That's a really pretty dress you are wearing and you have lovely hair'
How would a little girl respond to comments like that ''Thanks Mrs Scott' she replied.
'Oh your such a sweet little thing. But remember I want you to call me Naomi'
Paul sat in silence on the 10 minute drive to the stadium. Dave was sitting beside him but fortunately had barely acknowledged his existence. Dave was too busy talking to Mandy, who of course he thought was Paul. He had to admit Mandy sounded like a teenage boy.
Naomi asked Mandy 'So how long is Madeline staying with you?'
'For a week. My aunt has gone on a cruise with her new boyfriend and Mum volunteered to look after Madeline'
Paul looked across at Mandy and gave him a grimace. With body language she was trying to tell him to shut up. It was a relief that the arrive at the stadium and the conversation finished.
By the time Naomi had helped 'Madeline' get out of the car the teenage boys had already run inside. Paul went to follow but Naomi said. 'No stay with me dear. The boys will want to warm up and Des will want to talk tactics'