There they were:
Long.
Black and white.
Pin-striped.
On long legs.
With Mrs. James at the top of them

Mrs. James of the Elvis tracks in mock exams.
Mrs. James of the hyenas in the school Christmas play.
Mrs. James of the shrine to Tim Henman in the cupboard.

And my friend, the tallest in the class.

“Well you can play me!”
“Me, Mrs. James?!”
“Yes, you can play me
In assembly!
I’m writing a play”

Mrs. James loves to write plays.

“You can play me!”

Jenny shoots me a desperate glance.
She’s eleven.

“In fact…”

Oh no.

“In fact, Jen,
You’re so tall…”

Oh no.

“I bet you could wear my trousers!”

On the playground,
Later.

“I have to wear her trousers.
They’re long!
They’re black and white
Pin-striped.”

It’s next week.
Assembly.
I’m sitting in class
(on set).

Jenny’s front and centre.
In Mrs. James’ trousers.
Long,
Black and white,
Pin-striped,
Absolutely unmissable.
Unforgettable.

 

A true story. (Changed names).