Chapter 4
But that was only the start. The learning went on. So many things that little girls absorb as they grow up and that have become second-nature by the time they are teenagers, and things that are purely instinctive, I had to learn. Intensive lessons in make-up. Walking with smaller steps and using my hips more – but not to the point of exaggeration. What to do with my arms and my hands when walking. What to do with my feet when I was just standing. And what not to do with my legs when I was sitting. How to carry a small purse or a bigger shoulder bag. Getting little mannerisms just right, whether smoothing my skirt when I sat down, frequently checking my hair or subtle hand-gestures when I talked. Body language, body language, body language. And voice, voice, voice. Always something else.
All this plus the tricky business of grooming eyebrows and fingernails so they would be okay for Diane, yet wouldn’t attract attention to Jeff at his workplace, at least not until the glorious day when he would disappear for ever.
I had known two of Rachel’s close girlfriends for several years, and a few weeks after that incredible November day, Rachel went to lunch with them and let them into our secret. They were fascinated and became frequent evening visitors, eager to help their new sister find herself.
Leading up to one momentous evening in March. Amy and Erin were over early, soon after I’d got home and had changed into the clothes that were now me. I thought we’d have just another relaxed evening but no sooner than the dinner dishes were cleared I found three girls looking me over and smiling wickedly. “Come on Diane” said Rachel, “Go get that nice new winter coat of yours –the one that’s never been worn outside — and get your black boots and purse. We’re all going out for a drink.” I gave them eighteen good excuses as to why I wasn’t ready for this, but in vain. Three against one. Yikes!! Diane’s first night out.