WE59MtSx

1Sophie’s Premature Ageing (AP, DG, IQ-)
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3Episode 1 – 2006
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5Sophie stared at her laptop screen in Cardiff University’s Social Studies department for what had seemed like an age. It was 11 in the morning and she’d been there since before 9 and was about to go to the coffee machine for her third cup of the morning. She didn’t know why she couldn't concentrate at all although really deep down actually she did!
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7She’d always driven herself hard and having just completed her PhD on Geriatric Sociology didn’t really need to be there are at all. Her Professor: David Ritchie walked past her office and tapped politely on the door and entered.
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9“Sophie, what on earth are you doing here? You’ve just completed one of the best PhD theses this department’s ever seen, you’re 24 years old for God’s sake, switch off and go out and have some fun. Its 5th July go and take a break and then decide whether you want to return next year. You know there’s always a job here waiting for you should you want it!”
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11David really thought that Sophie had an offer of further research lined up elsewhere but that she didn’t have the nerve to tell him yet as they’d become quite close over the six years she’d studied at Cardiff.
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13“ I don’t know” she replied, “I really don’t think it was as good as it could have been, I don’t believe I really understood the way elderly people, women in particular interact in society and I do feel we’ve all let them down.”
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15“Well we may have but you certainly didn’t” David commented exasperatingly
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17“Switch off and go home” he exclaimed leaving the small room.
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19He was probably right she thought to herself as her mind went back to yesterday and the reason behind her inability to concentrate. She kept replaying the lunchtime conversation she’d had with Jenny Griffiths that day. She had taken Jenny out for lunch to thank her for all the support she’d had with her PhD and to tell her that she would be returning to her home in Chelsea later in the week and would start planning the rest of her life from there.
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21Sophie worshipped Jenny, a woman who had established a very successful residential care home in Penarth just outside Cardiff catering for 40 elderly residents with up to mid stage dementia as well as a smaller specialized Dementia Care Home in the North of the city for people who were often bed-ridden suffering the final advanced stages of that terrible debilitating disease. Sophie had volunteered at the residential care home regularly over the last three years and Jenny thought she might make an excellent manager when she retired. Her intellectual insight had been invaluable to Jenny and greatly helped to improve the standard of care provided.
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23But something Jenny said had struck a chord with Sophie and she couldn’t get it out of her mind. As part of her PhD research, Sophie had spent a few days walking around the streets and shops of Cardiff disguised as an old woman as part of her research to see how they were treated by the strangers they met and on their interactions with shop assistants and various members of the public. Sophie found it both frightening, and exhilarating and although she’d never admitted it to anyone, she found it strangely sexually stimulating as well. She also kept thinking of her Grandmother who’d died only two years previously and in her latter years had spent time in a residential care home and had become very confused suffering from advanced dementia. 
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25Sophie was devastated watching her grandmother deteriorate and Jenny was well aware that that was one of the main reasons behind her choice of research subject for her doctorate. Sophie had been virtually raised by her grandmother after her mother had left home when she was only a young child. Her mother left to return to her native Australia and her father Frank, a successful self made multi-millionaire property developer managed to portray her mother as an unfit parent in the divorce courts and with his own mother’s help won custody of Sophie. However she saw relatively little of her father as business was clearly more important to him than his daughter and he fought for custody more to satisfy his own ego than out of any special bond with his daughter. However she could not fault his generosity and she didn't really need to work at all if she didn’t want to. But her grandmother had a steely determination to raise her as well as she could and she produced an intelligent very attractive caring young woman.
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27To add additional pain she then had to cope with her father’s surprise death from a heart attack whilst playing golf eighteen months ago. However it did mean that she now found herself in an even stronger financial position than before and had used a part of her inheritance to buy a small terraced house in fashionable Chelsea as well as significant other investments. She was in the enviable position of being able to do her research because she both loved it and was genuinely fascinated by it, rather than by any type of financial motivation.
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29The deaths of her two closest relatives, being very much estranged from her mother, had drawn her even closer to Jenny and they spoke on the phone at least twice a week on both personal and social care related topics. Jenny had in fact almost become a surrogate mother to her since her Gran’s passing.
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31But what was distracting Sophie was Jenny’s slightly hurtful remark that Sophie had only actually played at being elderly for her research. She had quite animatedly defended herself as she confirmed that she wasn’t elderly and it was the best she could do at the time. For some reason Jenny became quite agitated about it saying spending a few days as an elderly woman was only skimming the surface, “ It was practically play acting, playing dress-up!” and a girl with her level of intellect and resources should be able to fully immerse herself in the role and that this would produce some meaningful results. She’d even said she should live for an extended period as an old lady. Sophie actually laughed maintaining that how could she actually maintain the pretense and also look convincing enough when she was a fresh faced attractive and very well toned slim 24 year old.
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33They had almost argued for the first time ever, but had resolved their differences by the end of lunch when Jenny admitted she had got rather carried away. However a seed had been sown in Sophie’s brilliant young mind. Sophie had quite forgotten a previous conversation she’d had with Jenny when she mentioned her daughter Sam working as a make-up artist in London. Sophie couldn’t forgive herself for picturing in her mind some dumb blond wearing far too much make-up spraying perfume over passers-by in Selfridges or some other department store. But she was wrong. Whilst she had done some of that on a Saturday to finance her studies, she was now a film and television make-up artist who had just joined a small workshop that specialised in theatrical prosthetic make-up. From what Jenny had said, if Sophie was actually to bring a fee-paying client to the business it would not only help her career but also enable Sophie to do some practically unique research. Sophie tried to hide her excitement of that prospect over lunch but simply had to investigate this further.
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35She rang Jenny to go through the motions of apologizing for their mini argument the day before and eventually took a deep breath and said:
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37“Do you think I could speak to Sam about your makeover idea?” 
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39Jenny was amazed by the question and secretly very pleased although she did say that Sam may not be able to do it and that she believed it would be frighteningly expensive, although they both knew that Sophie would easily have the funds if required. Sophie then reminded Jenny that next week she was off to Tuscany to stay at a friend’s summer villa and do some sight-seeing but if Jenny would contact her daughter before she returned, when she got back in early August she would call.
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41The next day as Sophie drove along the M4 from Cardiff back to London, her VW Golf crammed with all her college possessions, she found it increasingly hard to concentrate on the road ahead. She could actually feel herself getting wet with the excitement of Jenny’s suggestion and had no idea how she was going to be able to control herself for an entire month until she had the chance to meet Sam.
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43She kept trying to calm herself down by thinking it wouldn’t be possible, or that Sam wouldn’t agree, but if that was the case she knew that she would use all her powers to persuade her and if necessary pay considerably more that the estimated cost. And if neither of those ideas worked, then she’d find someone else to do it or teach herself greater make-up skills herself.
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45Arriving in Chelsea she was pleased to be home even if there was no-one there to greet her. Maria the cleaner who came in two mornings each week had at least remembered to stock her fridge and larder with enough essentials that she could concentrate on unpacking rather than having to travel to the supermarket as well. As soon as she’d unpacked and got her laptop back on-line she ordered a takeaway pizza, an unusual treat as she normally ate very healthily, predominantly low fat and often organic food. But today she munched away at her pizza, glass of Chardonnay in hand and surfed the Internet. But that evening, she didn’t spend her time looking at the usual Social Science research sites but the on-line shopping sites catering for the mature lady: Damart, The Big Bloomers Company, CosyFeet and WiderFitShoes. Everything they offered looked so wonderfully unflattering and she had to fight hard to resist the “Add to Cart” button, but she knew she would succumb to temptation very soon.
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47The next day was again spent surfing the net and then walking along the Kings Road in the summer sun. She wore a pair of denim shorts and a cut –off vest with flip-flops and her Raybans holding back her long blond locks. That evening she was going out with a bunch of friends that she hadn’t seen for ages due to the work she’d put into completing her studies. There would probably be quite a group and she’d end up rather drunk but if Matt her on-off boyfriend of the last four years was there she as not going to sleep with him! He worked in property and was becoming a bit too flash for her liking and anyway, they were on one of their increasingly long Off periods at present. She rather wished he’d find someone else as she couldn't actually imagine it really going anywhere and that would make it far easier to finally break-off with him. 
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49Even so, she wanted to look her best tonight and a new dress and heels were called for. After going into numerous shops, she ended up buying a strappy just above the knee figure hugging red dress and a pair of “Fxxx-me” red platform stilettos at Kurt Geiger. Even if she didn’t end up with Matt, she was going to make very sure that he knew what he was missing.
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51Anyway Matt was there and in the six months since she’d actually seen him, having deliberately avoided him at Easter when she was finishing her thesis he’d managed to grow a rather bushy beard. The look was starting to become something of a cliche she knew, but he looked hot and of course he ended up back at her place. Making love to him was incredible. She’d never slept with a man with a full beard before and feeling it rub against her tits was amazing. She was also turned on by an almost out of body experience almost seeing herself as an elderly lady. It was crazily weird but it had the desired effect on her and on Matt. 
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53Thankfully, the next morning he had to leave extra early to get home to change for work and despite the great sex she was delighted to see him leave. She kissed him goodbye and they agreed to have dinner on Saturday night as she was flying on Sunday afternoon. But most importantly, she knew she had some research to do and also more pressingly needed to sort out what she wanted to take with her for three weeks in Italy.
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55Part 2
56
57Italy had been absolutely fantastic and she couldn't remember ever having had a better holiday. Strangely though, as much fun as she’d had, the time had still dragged, as if anything, the desire to start her transformation had grown stronger throughout her stay.
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59But there had certainly been times when it had completely slipped from her mind as she had forgotten how wealthy her long-time friend Amanda actually was. They had the most gorgeous villa a few miles from Sienna in the heart of Chianti-shire and when they weren’t by the pool they were taking day trips to Florence, Sienna or the many other historic Tuscan towns.
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61Amanda and her had also spent a few days in Rome together, staying in a small hotel and it reminded them both of their time staying there when they were not exactly poor, but at least as pre-University teenagers.
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63She was suddenly woken from her half dream by the stewardess reminding her to fasten her seat belt. They were about to land at Heathrow. She folded her table away and slipped her notebook into her Mulberry bag below her seat. The flight had been the first time that she’d been able to make notes on her plans since she’d left home, as her shopping lists and ideas would have looked rather strange if Amanda had spotted it.
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65It contained such particularly strange items as: Grannie perfume (she hadn't decided on a brand yet), grey curly wig, grannie glasses as well as support tights, sandals and sensible shoes. She’d underlined the word sensible, although flat shoes were in and were items she wore more and more, there was still something particularly old fashioned about the ones she had in mind from her Internet research!
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67When she got home she was also delighted to see that yesterday the email she’d been desperate to receive from Sam Griffiths about her request to meet had been received. Sophie had written and re-written the email about 10 times before she had finally pressed send and it had taken Sam three days to reply. She had started to believe that her email had been ignored or possibly not reached her and she wasn’t looking forward to having to call her, despite Jenny having given her both her mobile and email. Somehow she felt she could hide behind the email if the response had been negative.
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69But she needn’t have worried, the reply when it came couldn't have been friendlier or more positive in its tone. Sam was very apologetic for the delay in replying but she wanted to speak to her boss, Justin the business’s owner first, but he’d been away on holiday in Barcelona with his boyfriend and she didn’t want to send an email about what could have seemed like a strange request, but he was now back and was very willing to meet her as well, but did warn her that it wouldn't be cheap. However there was no indication of price. Sam had a dreadful moment of fear that Sam may have given him her name and portrayed her as some absolute weirdo, but realistically from the email it looked genuine.
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71Anyway she knew now that the dye was cast and barring any unforeseeable disasters she was beginning to realize that this crazy and now what seemed very frightening prospect was going to happen and that on Monday she would be phoning Sam to confirm their meeting for coffee. She didn’t know if Justin would be there as she rather hoped to be able to meet Sam alone first.
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73At 2.30pm on Tuesday, Sophie walked into the Costa Coffee in Camden and as soon as she walked in Sam got up to greet her. Sam had obviously researched her on-line. Sam gave her an overly enthusiastic affectionate hug and kissed her as if she was her oldest friend. She had a slight hint of a Welsh accent and was absolutely gorgeous. She probably stood a couple of inches taller than Sophie with a mop of shoulder length curly dirty blond hair. She was slim with gorgeous boobs and a very friendly smile. Somehow she managed to instantly put Sophie at ease in a meeting that she was eagerly awaiting but also petrified of, in equal measures. In fact, her easy charm reminded her forcefully of her mother Jenny, Sophie thought to herself how could I have ever thought I might not like this girl!
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75Sam insisted on buying and asked what she wanted and when Sophie asked for a flat white, Sam sarcastically replied – “Very 21st century, I thought you might be more of a wartime girl, possibly re-using a teabag for the 10th time”. We both laughed, but she was right and I instantly thought that yes, when in my new character there would be no more flat whites or espressos, it would be weak milky tea and I might also have to start taking sugar – urggh! 
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77We chatted and got on amazingly well and I was surprised to hear how often her mother had mentioned me and how much she liked me and that despite of my wealth I’d had a tough few years, but she knew I could really achieve whatever I wanted.
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79I explained my idea, trying not to sound like a complete nutcase and also trying to play up her mother’s part in it so I could half blame her if I panicked and decided to pull out. We talked for ages and some of what we said must have been heard by other customers and although I tried to be as discrete as I could, there was no doubting that the girl on the next table was only pretending to be texting like crazy and was desperate to catch every word we said. When she got up to leave I half expected her to say bye-bye Grandma, but thankfully she just picked up her backpack put her headphones in and left. 
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81With that, Sam said, “So, shall we get on with it and meet Justin. He’s desperate to meet you and the office is only about 10 minutes walk from here!”
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83“Yes I guess so, better now than never” I responded trying to hide my nerves.
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85We walked up past Camden Lock market passing all the Goths and Punks, and I couldn’t help thinking how out of place I looked and how even more unusual I would seem in this environment beneath my disguise.
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87We arrived at Sam’s office, a converted railway arch and I was warmly greeted by Zoe, the very on-trend and heavily tattooed receptionist who had heard all about me! At that moment I could have murdered Sam, but I suppose she could hardly be expected to make my disguise in total secrecy. Sam said she’d go and get Justin and left me with Zoe who was obviously a lot less scary than her image and told me how impressed she was that I was a Doctor and congratulated me. I could feel myself blushing and thanked her whilst I looked at some of the photos of the amazing creations they had developed around the room.
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89With that Justin and Sam arrived in reception. Justin was so perfect in every-way, I would have guessed instantly that he was gay without Sam having told me. He was tall, very muscular with a white t-shirt that was so tight you could see his abs, perfect jeans, a deep tan and the whitest teeth I’d ever seen, topped off with immaculate jet black hair.
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91“Sophie!” he greeted me.
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93“I’m delighted to meet you, what a brave woman you are!” and he kissed me both cheeks. He smelt amazing and said let’s go into the conference room.
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95The conference room was white with plenty of high tech facilities and more examples of their work on the walls, only whereas in reception they appeared to be mostly sci-fi and horror type images here they were much more realistic with a number of pictures of famous actresses transformed from high glam into elderly women exactly as I had in mind.
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97“Anything to drink?” Justin asked.
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99“Just water please” I replied and he turned to the small fridge and got glasses and bottles for all of us.
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101Then he announced,
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103“So I hear you want to be a glamorous Gran?” looking at me with a big grin.
104I took a deep breath before replying actually, “No”. I tried to sound as sane as I could, talking about my geriatric social studies specialism and how glamorous grans as he called them didn’t need help from people like me at all. They probably had generous pensions and houses in Kensington and holidayed in Florida or southern Spain.
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106The ones I had in mind were possibly in at least the first stages of dementia, struggling to get by on a State pension, probably had various health issues, were widowed, lonely and were far more likely to look like Dot Cotton from Eastenders than Jane Fonda. They were also probably still fiercely house-proud of what was possibly their local authority owned home and had lost all hope of preserving their looks.
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108The more I spoke the more impassioned I became but I also realized this wasn’t just about my research I definitely had some indescribable sexual urge to become this elderly downtrodden woman ignored by most passers-by and in London, probably by all her neighbours as well.
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110“Wow!” he simply said, followed by
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112“It will not be cheap but if you want to do it and can afford to pay for it, we’re on board”
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114I was speechless and could have hugged him, but somehow, managing to retain an element of my dignity asked him what it would involve and how long would it take and perhaps most importantly of all, cost?
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116We must have spoken for about an hour when he apologized and said he had to join a conference call as Hollywood was now on line, but he kissed me again and thought I was quite remarkable and very brave.
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118We’d discussed all the various options, body casts, masks, casts of my feet and hands and he explained that I would have to buy a wig and in fact that would be the main thing that would help them create the character. Also any photos of elderly women that fitted the image I had in mind.
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120He promised to email me all the options and a full range of prices the next day, but depending on level of detail I required and quality of materials, it would be £6,000 minimum and possibly double that for reusable items that would actually prove cheaper over time but also would be virtually indistinguishable from bare flesh. He also highlighted that my skin could react to the silicon glues meaning they would possibly have to cancel and that I’d need to be extremely careful removing the prosthetics to get multiple uses and would need to moisturize like never before. I’d also have to sign a waiver saying I understood all the potential health risks.
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122With that, he was gone and I tried to come down from Cloud 9 and make small talk with Sam. After a few minutes more I said I should leave and she told me that the moment she left work, she would phone her Mum who undoubtedly would be on the phone to me ASAP.
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124Part 3
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126The next day I got out of bed at 7 having tossed and turned all night unable to sleep a wink due to my nervous excitement. I needed to get to the gym; only hard physical activity was going to stop my mind from wandering. 
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128The gym was great, I couldn’t remember when I'd worked out so hard and then I had a sauna and showered before returning home for a light salad lunch.
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130Maria the part-time cleaner was there when I arrived back and I chatted to her, mind racing, not really listening to a word she said in her heavily accented English. I was going to have to be very careful hiding everything from her. I had a pretty good idea that she tried on some of my more expensive shoes when I was out and didn’t want her to suddenly come across a wardrobe of grannie wear, least of all a latex mask and bodysuit. Anyway those concerns could wait for now, I needed to get on-line, check my emails and surf the net.
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132Just as I logged on, Jenny rang. She congratulated me on my decision and told me I was such a brave young woman and doing great work and I only had to ask if I needed anything from Sam or her. She also remarked that Sam had really liked me and that she was totally reliable and being local would always make the effort to help her aging Grandmother!
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134With that I heard the familiar ping of a new email arriving, and there it was from Justin. I was so nervous I almost hit delete by accident. It was pretty lengthy with four attachments. One was the medical waiver, a proposed list of alternative product options with prices, their standard terms and conditions and a form for me to complete with my measurements, although it said they would also take these at the first fitting appointment.
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136I’d forgotten that of course businesses always quote prices exclusive of VAT so with that I couldn’t realistically see it coming to less than £14,000 but I knew that even at this stage I couldn't resist. I was being drawn to this like the proverbial moth to the flame. I read his email about three times and filled in all the required information, I then logged into my on-line accounts and transferred £20,000 into the current account. I knew that was far more than I’d need, but however cheap my wardrobe was going to be everything would add up and I thought I should get two wigs that would be roughly £250 each.
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138I then phoned and spoke to Justin who put Tim, his main cast-maker and Sam on the line. Tim obviously also knew all about me. I must have been the main talking point of the office for the last 24 hours! I was told Tim would be in charge of their “little project” as I was referred to and that Sam would be my main point of contact and his assistant. We agreed the following Monday afternoon for an appointment for moulds to be taken. I was told that it may well run into the evening to complete everything, but that with luck the first fitting would be around the middle of the following week. So I was only two weeks away from becoming a new person, things were happening so fast, but I still wasn’t sure if I could wait even that long. He told me other than the wig to not buy any clothes as they’d measure me after I was wearing the suit, but I would probably end up two sizes bigger than my actual size so would go from a slim UK size 8 -10 to a plump, possibly matronly but not fat size 14. That sounded good to me. I didn’t want to be so big that people would notice me but I wanted my new body to feel different enough.
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140I was also reminded to wear loose fitting clothing and that I would have to remove all my jewelry and make-up – it was so exciting. Whilst we were speaking I emailed them a link to the wig I’d chosen and the reaction was quite something. They were very impressed that I’d gone for a silver permed number called “Elegance” a style that was never likely to be seen on a woman under the age of 80 these days. Tim remarked that that was exactly what they needed to create the exact body and face of the woman for that hair! He also mentioned one or two surprising and slightly off-putting things. He suggested I buy a pair of unfashionable ladies spectacles, ideally with a fairly large lens area as that would help cover my face. He said I could buy them on-line and gave me the details of a supplier that specialized in speciality specs especially for the theatre and TV. He said that assuming I didn’t need glasses, which I didn’t then I should get plastic lenses as they would be a little thicker giving the impression I had poor eyesight and also to ask for the lenses to be split at the bottom third, so creating the impression of bifocals which most elderly people require. 
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142His second suggestion was a little more disturbing. He reminded me that as we get older our ears tend to stretch and so he intended to build latex ears into my face mask but they would need to be fairly thick to both cover my own ears and have the strength and feel required. Unfortunately the thickness required to support my new bigger lobe, especially if I were to wear clip-on earrings would mean that I would end up, if not exactly deaf, but with severely reduced hearing. He also stated the obvious, that hearing aids are not something that anyone choses as a fashion accessory so it would really help with the impression I was creating. Sam then chipped in with the fact that a friend of hers needed hearing aids and hers were so small you could barely see them. She followed this with the sobering remark that under no circumstances was I to buy a similar model, mine were to be an older and far more obvious. She tried to soften the blow by adding that the older ones will be really cheap on-line these days.
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144“Great, that’s a real bonus!” I sarcastically responded, beginning to wonder if I was already getting into this far more deeply than I’d originally intended. The thought of walking around London with a hearing aid whistling in my ear or failing and wandering around practically stone deaf was not overly appealing.
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146I thanked them and immediately hit “Add to Cart” for two of those wigs, paid and daydreamed the rest of the day away in a state of near blissful ecstasy.
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148By the next day my excitement was too much to ignore. I couldn’t wait for my bodysuit to be completed but needed to start getting into my new role immediately. I intended hitting the charity shops in town and buying a few items to at least have some fun starting my transformation and made an immediate list of essential purchases: An old floral style blouse, a cardigan in ideally beige or pink, a patterned skirt, granny shoes a coat or anorak hopefully totally devoid of any style and some handbag or shoulder bag that was clearly fake leather. I imagined that visits to two or three charity should cover all those items. To this I added Boot’s the chemists for a pale pink lipstick and blusher and pale face powder. I also intended to buy two pairs of light tan support tights, ideally, 60 denier and a cheap purse.
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150By three that afternoon I returned arms laden with the most tasteless and tired clothes I could ever imagine buying. None were scruffy and they would perfectly suit a rather down at heel old lady but even new none had been top of the range items. I was especially fond of the navy blue shoes I’d bought, they had rubber soled wedge heels going up to approximately an inch high and the front detail was covered in very small perforations and they were so soft to wear.
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152I had hoped to try them all on as soon as I got back but forced myself to wait until the wig and glasses arrived to give myself a massive hit of the new me. I spent the rest of the day trying to perfect my new older voice and tries to keep repeating the words I thought most appropriate such as “thank you dear”, “hello dearie” and “hello young man” to be used on every male up to the age of 65!
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154I also spent some time looking at old family photos of my grandmother and looking at old records when I had an absolute brainwave. My grandmother had had a younger sister who died as a very young child during the war. She obviously never married so her name would have been McManus, Mildred McManus, I didn't know if she had a second name but I had their old address at the time in West Ham in the east end, I knew her parents names so I would send off on-line for a copy birth certificate. My guess was that if still alive she’d be about 75 now, which would be perfect! 
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156Then by looking at Transport for London’s website I realized that the birth certificate would be all I needed along with a passport style photo to get a free travel pass. I suppose it was technically fraud, but what were they actually going to do with me if caught and I would always try to claim it was for research purposes which was technically quite true. I’d get he photos taken as soon as my disguise was completed. This was getting so exciting!
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158Part 4
159
160I’d spent much of the next few days either going to the gym or taking yoga classes and the rest of the time on-line, looking at any Age related videos trying to copy mannerisms and voices and also copying phrases that the elderly appeared to use. I also dug out my oldest Nokia phone which must have been about 6 years old that I had initially in University and got a new Pay-As-You Go Sim card. I thought my clam-shell Sony was a little too modern for a 75 year old. In reality, I knew that a large number of elderly people probably didn’t have mobiles at all, but I felt that when out and about I wanted some security and didn’t want to be cut off completely in an emergency. However I made a commitment to myself that it really was to be for emergencies only and I would use Pay-Phones whenever possible when out.
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162Monday finally arrived and I was to head off to Camden. Remembering Tim’s remark of wearing loose fitting clothes I wore a below the knee floral summer dress and white ballet flats that looked great against my Italian tanned legs. I added a pair of large Jackie-O style sunnies and a straw hat. The weather was glorious for early September and I thought I looked pretty cool but also wanted an element of disguise on my way to the Sam’s office.
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164Zoe and Sam greeted me warmly with big hugs from both of them on my arrival and reminded me how courageous I was being. Funny really, in that although I was not looking forward to this part of the process I didn’t feel courageous at all.
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166They took me through to their back room workshop that I hadn’t seen before. There were various casts and fake heads in various stages of completion and a couple of dentist style make-up chairs as well as flat bed style work surfaces.
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168Tim explained that they would break me in slowly and that I should go to the toilet and take my dress and shoes off as well as my bra. I could keep my knickers on as long as they were small. I told him I was wearing a thong and he said that was perfect but that it would get messy. I was the given a hospital operating theatre type gown to wear that tied up at the back. After going to the toilet the casting began, feet first then arms, my body from mid way up my thighs to neckline. I had to keep dead still for each part, which wasn’t particularly easy, but they all seemed very satisfied.
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170Then he prepared me for the worst. My hair was pulled back and put into a tight plastic hairnet. They started with a dental impression of my teeth. I hadn’t expected that, but he explained that they had decided to give me what looked like rather cheap very white false teeth. I tried to say that my teeth were white already but he said that cheap dentures looked different. I’d be able to wear them in front of my own teeth as they were quite thin and that nobody would know they weren’t standard issue basic dentures. They would also have the benefit of just covering my back molars and giving me a plate across the roof of my mouth. He said it would be a little uncomfortable but that’s what people with cheap false teeth have to put up with. They would also have the excellent benefit of giving me the very slight but unmistakable lisping sound that people with ill- fitting false teeth always have. Also, I would probably struggle with certain foods, which I knew quite well was an issue for elderly individuals. I thought to myself that Sam must have spent a lot time on the phone to her mother absorbing that level of detail.
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172Then came to the worst part, my face. They put a wide straw up each of my nostrils so I could breath and covered my face, head and ears entirely with the horrible moulding clay and took casts of my face. This was absolutely horrible, but eventually it was all over and I was told that I could take a shower and be on my way and just before I left he said that part of the process was £8,000 and I would need to pay it before they made the actual prosthetics which would take a week and then I would pay the balance of c£6,000 at the final fitting.
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174I felt slightly sick on my way out as suddenly this was all very real and by the sound of it only another week away and even with my comfortable financial position I never felt great spending £8,000. Was I doing the right thing? I needed to speak to Jenny that evening for some re-assurance.
175
176That evening for almost the first time in my life I sat at home and got a little tipsy all on my own. My mind was in turmoil, I knew I couldn’t resist this craziness that lay ahead of me but could I go through with it? I spoke drunkenly on the phone to Jenny for almost an hour. I’ve no idea what she actually thought of my over emotional performance, but as usual she was a well of support, reassurance and advice and I ended the call telling her how committed I was to this.
177
178I spent the next couple of days alternating between the gym, catching the last of the summer sun, as we were now into September and typing some notes of ideas for the life of my new character. On the Thursday the copy of Mildred’s birth certificate that I’d ordered on-line arrived confirming her Date of Birth as 21st June 1929, so she would have just had her 77th birthday had she lived. Other than having to use her maiden name of McManus I decided that to keep things as simple as possible, I would effectively transfer my grandmother’s life to Mildred. That way if I was caught up in a conversation I was less likely to get caught out. So I was to have been widowed in my late 60s, my husband Stan had been a Postman and he was a few years older than me when he died. Then I would say I had a daughter who could be Jenny who lived in Wales and the time I was in University I could say was when I lived with her. Now that my Granddaughter who could be based on Sam was in London I saw that as the opportunity to move back closer to home as I never really settled in Wales. I hoped that would work and I could fill in some more details if necessary. 
179
180I also decided that I didn’t want to be entirely dependent on the cash economy, so as Sophie applied for a 2nd credit card in Mildred’s name with the bills going to me for payment. I also downloaded the form to apply for an Old Age free travel card for Mildred and just needed a photo of her to complete that application. If all my plans worked I’d have more than enough paperwork to have recreated Mildred McManus as a living, breathing pensioner.
181
182On Thursday morning just as I was on my way back from Yoga, Sam rang. The pieces had all been made and first samples were ready for me to try on and they looked fantastic. She said they would be ready for me on Monday if I could go over there for a first fitting. I had to stop halfway down the Kings Road, practically having a seizure, this was it, Mildred was ready.
183
184Finally, just before ringing off, Sam said I was to bring all my clothing including underwear, so I needed to buy some real grannie pants, she reckoned size 14 for now and a new long-line bar. She wasn’t sure of the size exactly but thought 36DD should fit. I nearly screamed at her down the line, I was a 34B what had they done. She also told me that ideally my skirts should have elasticated waists as I may struggle with my arthritics fingers to pull up zips when going to the toilet. Then to add insult to injury she said that although she realized I’d purchased some charity shop shoes I should go on-line and get some extra wide soft ones. I rang off before she could go on more, dreading that she might suggest I turn up in a wheelchair or with a walking frame.
185
186I got home and surfed the net settling on Cosy Feet which was practically footwear heaven to me now. I purchased a loafer styled shoe with an adjustable strap across the instep for the wider foot, it was in a truly boring beige and was exotically named “Carmen” in my usual Size 6 and paid for next day delivery to make sure I had them by next Monday. I could feel myself becoming wet just thinking about my impending transformation. I really surprised myself as I hadn’t imagined I’d somehow find this sexually stimulating. At this rate, I had no idea how I would make it though the weekend!
187
188Part 5
189
190Somehow I got to Monday and found myself sitting on a delayed Northern Line train to Camden. It was the first day when it had started to feel Autumnal and I wore a black biker jacket over a T-shirt with Jeans and ankle boots. I had a small leather back-pack style bag, containing my purse, some make-up, keys and phone but the most precious item was on the floor in front of me. It was my nylon Nike sports bag containing my grey wig, new extra large bra, large white grannie pants, tan support tights, a dark purple below the knee flared skirt with some hideous flower pattern all over it, fuscia pick nylon blouse and white cardigan and then a zip up beige short waterproof type jacket. I would not dream of normally wearing a single one of these items but crazily couldn’t wait to put them on. I’d spent quite a bit of time trying them on at the weekend, but they made me look like a little school-girl trying on grannie’s clothes so took them off after a few minutes each time. I also had my grannie handbag in there and inside it was my new cheap purse, glasses which I thought were wonderful and imitation pearl necklace, clip-on earrings and the hearing aids that had arrived on Saturday. They seemed enormous and very uncomfortable to wear. I was also deafened whenever I tried turning them up beyond the lowest setting. At least that proved that normally my hearing must be fine. They were apparently made in the 1980s and were called a Beltone Full Shell. I had no idea what I was buying and unfortunately discovered they filled almost my entire ear and were therefore very obvious. At least they didn’t have those clips that went around behind the ear as well as I didn’t quite see how I could wear those with glasses. The whole outfit was some incredible escapist masochistic turn-on.
191
192I looked down at my watch it was 10.10 I had meant to be there by 10 but the tube was being so slow. It then dawned on me that I was wearing my Rolex, a 21st birthday present from my father. I cursed, as it was not very age appropriate, I had meant to wear the old Rotary quartz watch that I’d worn in school. I’d even bought a new battery for it a few days before just for this. I’d simply forgotten it and laughed to myself that perhaps it was a “senior moment!”
193
194I finally emerged from the tube station and made my way along Chalk Farm Road to their studio. Zoe was on the reception desk and greeted me with a warm smile, saying “We were beginning to think you might be having second thoughts, anyway I’m delighted to see you. I’ll let Sam know you’re here and then you can go straight through.
195
196I entered the main workshop where Sam hugged and kissed me saying that today would be hard work but nowhere near as bad as having the moulds taken and that we would all have a lot of fun and that I should just relax and enjoy the experience. 
197
198I’m sure everything she said was true but I was racked with fear!
199
200Tim and Justin then both appeared from a corner office, hugged me and made some small talk before Justin announced that he would leave me in Tim and Sam’s capable hands and again to “Relax and enjoy it!.
201
202They showed me into a changing cubicle and Sam asked if I’d mind her coming in as well as it would make it easier. I cautiously agreed.
203
204With that she told me to take all my grannie clothes out of my bag and told me to hang them up along with everything I was wearing.
205
206About 5 minutes later she stuck her head around the curtain asking could she come in? She discretely pulled the curtain aside to see my slim naked body. She was carrying what looked like a rather pale floppy overweight torso. I took a deep gasp and was assured everyone did exactly the same when they saw the cast for the first time. 
207
208She then helped me put my legs through the appropriate openings and I could see that it ended at about the middle of my thighs. I could also tell there was an opening between my legs, because of course I would still need to be able to go to the toilet wearing it. She then helped pull it up over each shoulder and I slipped my arms through. It was effectively a very tight fitting teddy that covered my shoulders leaving my arms bear, finishing just below my collar bone at the front.
209Sam then instructed me to breath in as she pulled up the very subtle plastic zip up my back. I was instantly squeezed but also, my back was pushed slightly forward into a subtle stoop. She told me to then put my granny panties on and led me back out into the main make-up room. I was astonished when I saw my reflection in the full length mirror in front of me.
210
211Staring back at me was a stooped figure with a barely noticeable hump between her shoulder blades. My upper thighs, hips and bum were noticeably larger and very floppy with what looked like cellulite ripples all over them. But the most shocking transformation of all was my stomach and boobs. My stomach right around to the sides of my waste had a real fold to it that I could hold up and release feeling it flop down over the tops of my large granny pants with an enormous wave. I’d obviously seem similar pictures of plump women like this who gave the impression of having had numerous children and had lost all control of their abdominal muscles, but hadn’t expected to ever become one of them. I wasn’t exactly fat, but was clearly overweight and possibly elderly. But my boobs left me speechless. When I was told to get a size 36DD bra I’d expected two really heavy rounded boobs. What I had was two extremely wrinkled stretched breasts that looked like empty udders that almost hung down to my naval. I felt a shiver of shame just looking at them. When I let them hang they did push me forward very so slightly and I could just make out the shape of the top of my own pert breasts through the silicon. But when I held them up this wasn’t noticeable at all. There was no doubting this was the body of a Grandmother.
212
213Almost without realizing I let out an audible gasp. Whilst being very proud of his work, Tim looked a little sheepish, then said, “I imagine you’d like to put a bra on?”
214
215“Yes please, right now!” I replied.
216
217Sam rushed off to pick this up for me and I clipped the five hook and eye fastenings of the long-line bra together at the back and as I pulled the straps up over my shoulders the udders were held in place, just sagging slightly over the sides of each of the cups.
218
219“How does that feel?” they asked in virtual unison.
220“Beyond weird” I said “I’m practically having an Out of Body experience. Also I can’t seem to stand up straight and my breathing is definitely restricted, I hadn’t expected that”
221
222Tim went to on explain that he was rather pleased with himself there. They all agreed that at 5ft 6” I was a little taller than most elderly ladies and they didn’t want me to stand out, so either side of the back zip they managed to build in two slightly curved supports and the small humpback helped disguise it.
223
224I’d hopefully be a good two inches shorter. “Wow” I said “You guys are real sadists”.
225
226“Artists, please” Sam jokingly replied.
227
228“Right, I’m really pleased with that, let’s get a move on” commented Tim.
229They sat me down in the make-up chair and handed me two silicon stockings. They explained that they wouldn’t cover my toes but had a tiny loop that ran between them to keep them on and went up to just above my knees. I pulled tem up with relative ease.
230
231They were incredible, they were pale flesh coloured but were covered in a network of blue and purple lumpy varicose veins that looked absolutely realistic. But they were actually not the main part of the transformation. My ankles had virtually disappeared into a floppy swollen form that I could squeeze. Tim said they hoped they would bulge slightly over the top of my shoes emphasisng the look of water retention that many elderly women suffered from. Also there was again obviously some slight stiffening moulded into the ankle and the saggy knee area. As soon as I tried to walk, I realised that I was reduced to a slightly shuffling flat-footed gait and that I couldn’t stand up on my toes and also I couldn’t quite fully extend my knees, again making me a little shorter than normal. 
232
233When I looked down at them my legs looked absolutely disgusting but also totally realistic and under my support tights would clearly be the legs of an 80 year old with some difficulties in walking. I was already mesmerized by the transformation but hadn’t really expected to instantly start to feel slightly disabled, walking any distance was going to be something of a challenge and high heels even if I’d considered wearing them were going to be impossible. I could see instantly why I needed the wider fit shoes.
234
235Tim obviously sensed my discomfort and said, “Don’t worry you’re doing great, we’ve had a number of famous actresses in here who’ve handled this a lot worse than you.
236“Thanks,” I replied unconvincingly.
237“Could I put my dress and tights on please, I really don’t want to look at these legs a moment longer than necessary?”
238
239Sam checked with Tim if that was ok and retrieved them from the hanger along with my new shoes. She gave me the tights that I pulled up with relative ease considering my increased girth and they did hide the veins slightly but did help hold my new floppy bum and hips in a little better. Although, the tight waistband emphasized my new stomach.
240
241I stepped into my old fashioned elasticated skirt and then Sam handed me my new shoes.
242“Mmm these look so sexy!” she joked.
243The tops opened up almost entirely so I could put my feet flat into them and then wrap the discrete Velcro band over the top. Sam bent down and tightened them slightly and yes my feet instantly bulged over the top , just as Tim had predicted, but they didn’t feel tight in anyway. It was an amazing transformation. I shuffled around the room to applause from everyone around.
244
245“Okey!” said Tim now the fun starts. I was led back to the makeup chair and turned it away from the mirror as Tim thought seeing the final result in one go might be fun for me.
246
247Sam combed my hair pulled it back into a tight ponytail and then hid it under a wig cap. She removed all my make-up and moisturized my face heavily, which felt great. She then said the next part wouldn’t be nice. She told me to open my mouth wide and within a few seconds I was wearing what felt like a set of false teeth. I was asked if they felt reasonably comfortable and secure and to my horror and surprise, I lisped back “Yeth they’re fine fanks” I was horrified but was told it would improve with practice, but I would produce lots more saliva meaning I would hopefully always have that typical denture wearer speech pattern.
248
249She then covered my face in the latex adhesive and I was told to keep my eyes closed as the face mask was gradually squeezed into place, covering my ears and down to just below the top of the body suit and even wrapped inside my lips.
250
251She then told me to open my eyes, but all I heard was a mumble and I replied much too loudly in my news lispy voice “I can’t hear, pardon!”
252
253“Have you remembered your hearing aids” she seemed to mumble.
254
255“My handbag” I replied.
256
257She soon returned with them along with my wig and after a few minutes of awkward pushing and pulling and fluffing out the permed wig she seemed satisfied. She dusted my face heavily with powder and some blusher and then applied some pink lipstick to my lips. Finally, she clipped on my fake pearl earrings and handed me my glasses.
258
259I wasn’t allowed to look in the mirror yet, but she seemed delighted reassuring me constantly that I looked perfect and I could hear although the voices I heard were slightly crackly at times and the volume seemed to vary alarmingly.
260
261She then started to pull two elbow length tight fitting latex gloves over each arm. They fitted tightly but amazingly looked like haggard loose skin covered in wrinkles and even liver spots. The only part uncovered was my nails and actual finger tips. Also somehow they had managed to create the effect of arthritic swollen joints and I soon realised that whilst I could move all my fingers. I couldn’t actually make a fist or fully stretch my arms. Again my disability had been further increased.
262
263Sophie then gave me my blouse that I struggled to button up with my new clumsy fingers and put the pearls around my neck. I then somehow managed to pull the cardigan on, although with my stiff arms that wasn’t straightforward either. I looked up at the clock and realized that it was 12.30 we’d been at this for over two hours but Justin joined in and inspected me and everyone pronounced themselves extremely happy and I was ready for the big reveal. 
264
265I slowly shuffled to the full length mirror, handbag across my shoulder. I simply could not believe it, I almost fainted. What looked back at me was an elderly slightly plump stooped lady, not a single trace of Sophie remained. I had become the Mildred I’d imagined. I kept touching my face and it felt incredibly realistic and my jowls on my neck and chin shook and bobbed as I moved my head. It was truly unbelievable and incredibly stimulating and I hoped no-one could tell I was incredibly turned-on by the new me.
266
267They asked if I was pleased and I said it was way beyond anything I could have possibly expected. They told me to take a seat on one of their sofas whilst Sam went to get the camera for some shots. When she returned she asked me to make a few suitably grannyish poses and then I realised I couldn't get up and she had to help me. My knees and arms were too stiff and I needed support. This was simply amazing and more than a little alarming. 
268
269Seeing the camera reminded me that I need some photos for my bus pass. Zoe came in and announced that she was taking me out. I got extremely nervous but was reassured it would be fine. I told myself I could do this and I had to do this.
270
271Zoe gave me my jacket and she simply grabbed her denim one and we headed out. She actually took my arm to support me and I struggled to keep pace even though she was so obviously walking slowly.
272
273As we left the building with the others trying to watch as inconspicuously as possible, she threw me by saying, “Have you ever been to Camden before Gran?”
274Yes, I had become a very convincing Grandmother. She insisted we went to the photo-booth at the local chemist for my ID photos and then led me to the Underground station. We passed hordes of young students and alternative fashionistas, none of whom looked twice at me as I shuffled along, supported by my young Granddaughter. Even in this hub of alternative London during a busy lunchtime, I was invisible. I was starting to slowly gain confidence but was delighted to have Zoe by my side. At the station, Zoe asked for the relevant form for her Grandmother and managed to find a spot to complete all the necessary details for me. All I had to do was make a suitably scrawly Mildred McManus signature and handover the form, some money and two photos. Less than 5 minutes later the very helpful lady in the ticket office handed me my Elderly Person’s Pass in a nice plastic wallet along with a folded up tube and bus map and she told me to take care.
275
276I managed my best “Thank you so much dear” in reply. I was so proud of myself. Now Mildred McManus had actually come back to life and in my handbag was positive proof of her existence.
277
278With that, we made our way slowly back to the office. 
279
280When we returned, I got a round of applause from everyone and various hugs.
281Sam jokingly told Zoe I was her grandmother and that Zoe couldn’t steal me. Sandwiches and drinks had been laid on in the meeting room for Justin, Tim, Sam, Zoe and myself. Zoe said how delighted she was, as usually she was sent out to collect these and didn’t often get the chance to eat them either.
282
283Tim brought me down to earth by saying that this was still actually part of the transformation as I had to be able to eat in my new character.
284
285It didn’t prove easy, I struggled with even the softest sandwiches and nibbled at them using my front teeth something like a chipmunk. They gave me some tea, they all had juice or coffee and Sam had to help as I had dribbled some of it but couldn’t quite feel it through my latex chin. They thought that was fine as long as I remembered to wipe my face every so often with a handkerchief as some old ladies also struggled to eat.
286
287It was now 2.30pm and they took one last look at me measured my height which Tim took great pleasure in telling me was now a very believable 5ft 21/2 “ which everyone agreed was perfect for a woman of my age. I’d lost over 3” and Sam who must have been wearing 4” heels that day simply towered above me.
288
289I then came down with something of a bump as Tim said it was time for me to carefully take everything off. Sam would help and he said he’d make a couple of very minor adjustments the next day and then on Wednesday I could turn up first thing in the morning. Ideally at 9am and if I was happy then, I’d be able to make my way home as Mildred. That sounded pretty daunting!
290
291Part 6
292
293I spent two hours in the gym the next day, working out as hard as I could and then having a deep sports massage afterwards. I felt great but obviously couldn’t stop my mind from buzzing, thinking of what lay ahead the next day. I kept going over and over again what I had to remember, how I should behave and what I could do as Mildred.
294
295Finally after a very fitful night’s sleep I got out of bed just before 7, showered and had a light breakfast before heading out soon after 8. I was determined to get to Camden early as suggested. I was wearing a loose fitting tracksuit, trainers and was carrying a small bag with some essentials including my newly treasured Bus Pass, a Yardley Lilies of the Valley perfume that I’d bought the day before, as I remembered my Grandmother used to wear it and thankfully I’d remembered to wear my old Rotary watch. I ‘d deliberately left my own phone at home and just had my old Nokia with me.
296
297I arrived pretty much on time, paid Zoe the balance of money I owed and Sam took me through much the same routine as yesterday, only this time I watched my transformation in the mirror as I had to watch closely what she did, as soon I’d be doing this myself.
298
299The body and casts all looked the same other than I noticed when I had the face mask fully in place, a rather obvious wart had now been added to my chin and somehow they’d attached 5 or 6 short hairs to it and it also looked as though I had a few wispy hairs on my upper lip. I looked absolutely hideous!
300
301“Do you like the additional few touches?” asked Sam relating that they were her idea and she was really proud of herself. 
302
303By just after 11 and with a few squirts of the grannyish perfume I was ready to leave. Sam had agreed to bring my sports bag to my house by mid afternoon containing all my usual clothes and would bring some of the make-up remover and some other essentials that I’d need to my makeup myself in future.
304
305I nervously walked to their reception area where Zoe got up from behind her desk kissed me on the cheek and said that she’d be thinking of me and hoped I’d have a great day out.
306
307This was the big moment I’d been waiting for so eagerly, but also dreading in equal amounts. I had obviously gone out alone in disguise previously, but never with the restrictions that this elderly body now presented me with. I had been thinking over and over in my head how this would feel and what I’d do on my first day incognito.
308
309I wanted to go to Oxford Street, thinking I’d just merge into the crowds there and also because I realized that I would need some more underwear and tights if I was going to do this regularly, so the large department stores were the obvious choice. I didn't have the courage to face the underground so headed towards a bus stop on Chalk Farm Road. This would be my first real test. I walked slowly along the road, feeling slightly disorientated by the hearing aids in particular and the fact that my feet landed on the ground so differently to my usual light, skipping step. I had never taken this route by bus before and rarely used buses in London anyway, but when I arrived at a series of stops near Camden tube station I saw that something called a C2 went to Oxford Circus.
310
311After what seemed an eternity, it appeared. It was almost completely full, so my heart sank as I’d hoped to have room to sit on my own. I did however breathe a real sigh of relief when I showed my pass to the driver who simply smiled and waved me on board.
312
313I stood paralyzed with fear, not knowing where to sit, when a woman probably in her mid 50s kindly stood up and offered me her seat saying
314“Do sit here dear, you look a little confused and I’m getting off at the next stop anyway”. That had never ever happened to me before.
315“Fanks, you’re very kind” I lisped back.
316I could see the look of pity and possibly fear on her face, hoping she would never end up like me.
317I eased myself gingerly into my seat next to a teenage girl who thankfully looked out of the window trying to avoid having to make eye contact with me.
318
319A few stops later the girl stood up, obviously wanting to get off and I could sense her frustration as I ever too slowly for her liking swung my floppy body around to make room for her. The particularly surprising part was that I wasn’t acting those slow moves, I simply couldn’t move the way I could before.
320
321So in the face of just over 5 minutes, I’d received both kindness and abhorrence in equal measure. This was going to be very interesting I thought to myself, trying to remember that this was supposed to be in the name of scientific research.
322
323I finally got to Oxford Street and decided to go into Marks & Spencer’s, that old reliable store for underwear. I’d even purchased numerous items there myself as Sophie, but today I was looking for far more conservative styles. After browsing the rails for quite some time I chose two additional bras in my new size as well as three pairs of pants. I then joined the queue to pay, ignored by all. When it was my turn, I took my items to the assistant a young black girl, probably in her 20s and handed Sophie’s bankcard, thankfully the name said Ms. S. Edwards. She smiled sweetly and wished me a good day. I felt an incredible sense of achievement and began to feel I could actually pass in numerous situations.
324
325With my new found confidence I headed to the main ladies clothing department and picked up a few different skirts and cardigans in my size and headed to the changing room. It didn't take long before my new disabilities came back to haunt me as it took an age to take my cardigan and jacket off before I even thought of putting the new things on. 
326I ended up purchasing a turquoise coloured nylon blouse with some awful embroidery detailing. It looked dreadful but perfect for Mildred. I handed the other items back to the girl supervising the changing rooms and again headed to the check-out where an older woman again served me with politeness and I felt, a slight degree of pity, possibly spotting my rather poor taste!
327
328I then headed off to the John Lewis department store and purchased two additional pairs of support tights. I now felt that if Mildred was going to become a major part of my life then I was going to need some more of these essentials. 
329
330It then dawned on me that I was actually starting to feel very hungry and knew I’d need to eat soon, something I’d never done out as Mildred previously. I headed to the in-store restaurant that was largely self-service. I selected a sandwich and a cup of tea and headed off to a seat near the window. I sat there people watching and felt a real thrill being ignored by all. If anyone looked at me they just thought look at that ugly old woman – how tragic!
331
332It took me an age to eat my small lunch and my tea was quite cold by the time I’d finished. I’d made a real effort to add two spoonfuls of sugar as I rather thought that seemed to fit my character. It tasted awful and I was petrified of dribbling it down my chin.
333
334When I’d finally finished it dawned on me that I really need to visit the toilet. I headed off and as is usually the case in a department store there was a very long queue. After about 5 minutes I finally entered a cubicle, struggling to pull down by skirt and tights. I then had to wash my new hands for the first time and gingerly did so without damaging the latex. I stared down at them amazed at how realistic they looked. Tim and Sam were geniuses. Looking at myself in the mirror I shuddered at my reflection, I was so unattractive and haggard looking, but it gave me a moist feeling nevertheless. I fumbled with my lipstick, touching it up and removing a slight stream dribble with a tissue and headed off into the big wide world. 
335
336Heading to the bus stop I spotted a discount book-store and couldn’t resist buying three discounted romantic novels that I felt were perfect for Mildred. One was set during the 2nd World War, one in the 1900s and one in modern times. I bought all three for £10 and the waited for my bus home.
337
338Thankfully this time the bus arrived promptly and was no more than half full, I found a seat next to a lady of similar age to myself but rather more smartly dressed, and wearing a very smart raincoat and silk scarf. She started a conversation and thought I should wear something thicker now that the weather was starting to cool down and reminded me that ”We had to be careful at our age!”
339
340Amazingly I managed to engage her in enough relevant conversation that I didn’t get the impression that she spotted me as a fake. I chose to get off the bus one stop earlier than necessary because I really wanted to experience the feeling of walking along part of the Kings Road in Chelsea before I turned off to get to my small house.
341
342I nearly made a frightful error as almost immediately I passed a young Mum who I knew fairly well from yoga class. Although not exactly close friends I would undoubtedly have stopped to chat to het for a few minutes as Sophie. I looked up at her and smiled sweetly and just managed to stop myself from saying hello. She didn’t have a clue who I was and smiled back before waking past me as quickly as she could. I imagine she wondered who that ugly old woman was and probably thought my mind was going and I’d mistaken her for someone else.
343
344I turned into my street to see Sam sitting on the steps leading to my front door with her handbag beside her as well as my sports bag. She was talking agitatedly on the phone when she looked up and saw me approaching.
345She was clearly very annoyed. 
346“Gran where on earth have you been” she scolded me.
347“I’ve been worried sick when I got here and you weren’t home. I must have rung you about 6 times and left messages. I’ve also phoned work in case you’d gone back there and I was just on the phone to Mum as I really didn’t know what to do. Don’t ever do that again”
348I was shocked and felt like a naughty school-girl being told off. How dare she speak to me like that, I thought.
349
350I unlocked the door and we both went inside. I apologized for not answering my phone and then realized that Sam only had my other number not the number of the old Nokia I was now using.
351She continued to reprimand me saying anything could have happened and as it was my first time out alone she felt responsible.
352Anyway I apologized again and then she seemed to calm down. 
353She finally said I was forgiven but added that a woman of my age needed to be careful when out and about on their own, she then then bent down to my height and kissed me surprisingly passionately on the lips.
354I struggled to respond saying I thought she had a boyfriend and that I was rather shocked by what she’d just done.
355She explained that yes she did live with her boyfriend but that he knew she had occasionally experimented with other girls.
356
357She told me that she got incredibly turned on by strong brave women. I said I was hardly a strong woman. She reminded me that she’d seen what was under all that latex and that I was hot and very mentally strong to do what I was doing. 
358She also went on to explain how she found any disguise or the prospect of being someone else and incredible turn-on and at present she found all that me incredibly attractive in me. However, she would resign herself to being my granddaughter if that’s what I wanted and that she’d help as much as she could, but if I wanted a different relationship or simply to explore a few things she would be ready and waiting.
359
360I was shocked by this quite unexpected turn of events, this was not part of my plan at all but I needed her support for the time being and would need to manage this relationship very carefully from now on!
361
362Part 7
363
364After Sam had left I spent the whole evening replaying what had been one of the most remarkable days of my life over and over again.
365
366I’d never had a lesbian relationship in my life and thought I was pretty experimental but wasn’t sure if this was what I wanted at all. I had tried to explain that I was depending on Sam to support me and we’d just have to see how that went before I could consider anything else.
367
368She looked a little crestfallen but seemed finally willing to accept it.
369
370She had offered to help me remove my make-up, But I stopped her, saying I believed I could do that myself and I needed to be able to take it off and put it on myself and then go out in disguise the next day.
371
372She agreed that was possible and left, I’m sure feeling a little dejected.
373
374The next morning I woke early. I had a very light breakfast and then put the body suit on, followed by my latex feet, carefully reapplying the mask and false teeth, then my wig and finally hands before dressing in my grannies outfit. I had decided to visit a number of charity shops as I needed to increase my wardrobe and I wanted to investigate what I could do as a grandmother rather than purely going shopping. I wanted to find out what activities I could effectively pass in in my new persona, possibly day centres and bingo halls and maybe even go to church. I had been raised as a Catholic but had very much ticked the lapsed box now. 
375
376I knew that a far higher percentage of elderly people went to church than those of my own age, so to me it seemed logical to investigate that.
377
378The day passed relatively uneventfully, I had purchased an additional skirt and cardigan and spent some time sitting on a park bench just daydreaming and reading my World War 2 romance. It was awful, but I really felt I had to persevere with it to maintain my character.
379
380Whilst I sat on the bench two young female office workers sat at the other end ignoring me entirely. They were very smartly dressed in heels and business suits and I could tell were discussing one of their boyfriends always going out with his mates and the other moaned about her boss. Their lives didn’t seem much fun whereas I sat there feeling a peculiar mix of blissful calm and slight discomfort form my restrained body.
381
382By mid afternoon I headed home and collapsed in my sitting room for a few minutes with my bags of shopping on the floor beside me. I couldn't have been sitting there for more than 5 minutes when the doorbell rang. I obviously chose to ignore it and stayed dead still, assuming that in a minute or so they would go away.
383
384With that, the key turned and it opened and seconds later there was Maria my part-time cleaner standing looking down at me with a look of horror and total surprise on her face. I actually thought she might scream.
385
386“Maria it’s me, Sophie!
387“What, no it can’t be” she replied.
388I managed to convince her who I was and told her it was all in aid of my research. After a few minutes she calmed down and I asked her to make us both some coffee and told her I’d go and remove my makeup whilst she did so.
389
390I couldn’t believe that on only my 2nd day I had been caught. I desperately hoped I could trust Maria. She was from Latin America and worked part-time cleaning a number of different houses in Chelsea, but I didn’t think any of her other clients knew me so I should be safe.
391
392We ended up having our longest conversation ever and she apologised for startling me, she’d come a day early as she had to take her teenage daughter to a hospital appointment the next day.
393
394She obviously thought I was mad and I felt rather pathetic sitting next to her in my baggy grey sweatshirt and pants with my hair very disheveled from spending so long under the wig.
395
396I’d removed all the latex without damaging the mask but my face was clearly a little red and puffy looking.
397
398I wasn’t sure what the result of being discovered by Maria would be, but she at least seemed genuine in her comments that it was my life to live as I wanted. She may also have thought that if she caused a big scene I would sack her and I knew she needed the work. I would have to put that beside me for the time being and I told Maria as best I could that I was researching a book on the elderly in society and that most days I would be spending some time in disguise.
399
400From then on my life fell into something of a routine. Each day I would gat up and go to either the gym or a yoga class and return home to begin my transformation. I had quickly got much better at applying the latex mask and most days was now able to leave by mid morning. I travelled around various parts of London and visited shops, galleries, museum and even went to church. After the service, the priest spoke to me as I left saying I must come back again.
401
402I hadn’t yet built up the courage to visit either of the local elderly Day Care Centres that I’d identified, as I didn’t believe I was confident enough yet to spend an extended period mixing with other people of my new age and possibly being too closely observed by the younger volunteers there. 
403
404However, by the second week I felt quite confident out in public as Mildred and was able to engage in short conversations and I appeared to convince everyone of who I was. Each evening I typed up a few words of research but wasn’t really making much progress and I didn’t believe I was achieving much beyond the superficial aspects of life as an elderly London resident.
405
406I spoke regularly to Sam and her mother and then towards the end of the second week Jenny suggested something that was both very frightening and equally enticing. She wanted me to spend an entire week undercover in one of her Nursing Homes. She said that would give me a unique insight. Many people had posed as nurses and staff in such places in the past, usually to try and uncover some abuse or scandal, but she felt to do it from a patient’s perspective could really give me some unique research material.
407
408I told her I didn’t want to go that far and I didn’t believe I could do it, but I somehow I eventually crazily succumbed to her persuasiveness. She gave me some reassurance saying I could have a private room as one had just become available and it had a small en-suite bathroom so I could maintain my disguise. Her Manager Anne would be told, Jenny would be able to convince her that I was engaged in important research, but the rest of the staff and none of the residents would know, so I would have to maintain my persona 24/7. I really didn’t think I could do it but she was unwilling to take “No” for an answer. It seemed as though my fate was sealed and that suddenly this was escalating way out of my control. She said she would send me a list of the clothing that I should take and any personal mementoes. She suggested a photo of my Father and me as a child would be good as they could be my son and granddaughter. She also said that she’d ask Sam to bring me down to the home to settle me in! 
409
410I somehow felt trapped, I wanted to do this and felt I couldn’t let Jenny down but I couldn’t really imagine I could carry this off for an entire week. But just thinking of it made me feel wet with excitement and I felt overwhelmed by the insane prospect of being treated as this vulnerable old woman that I’d created. The thought of being entirely at the mercy of other people with no control of my own life seemed incredible and I knew that I couldn’t resist, but could I really pull it off?