Linda was a very quite girl with no confidence. She was put down and out by her over bearing mother and father. She was the girl no one ask to dance, no friends to speak of. Her mother drove those away and would never allow her to stay out. Today she was 17 and 364 days old. Tomorrow was her 18^th birthday as like every other birthday no party organised. Her parents always celebrated their birthday with big parties and she was expected to stay in her room.

Looking at herself in the mirror, her body a lovely 34c, 20, 30 Did not give her any confidence. Other people would dream for her body shape. Now 5’9” Slightly taller than her mother. She put on the clothes her mother buys for her making her look like the simple wallflower girl with no body shape. A dress that hides her figure and boobs. With flat shoes, so she did not look taller than her mother. With no enthusiasm, she walked to the kitchen for her corn flakes cereal, the same food she had eaten forever. Her mother would not let her eat any other breakfast.

At 9.00 a knock on the door. Mum yelled out “Linda answer that and send them away.” Outside was a gentleman in a smart suit. He asked “Are you Linda Hall miss?”

Her mother yelled out “Send them away girl.”

Linda replied “Yes.” as she closed the door loudly after stepping outside.

He stated “I have a personal letter for you, only to be read by you, not your mother. Tomorrow at this time I will come and pick you up and attend the legal office mentioned in the letter. It is to do with your Uncle George. The letter will explain, please put this in your pocket.” Which she did. “Now here is the official letter from the solicitors office to attend by yourself. This one you can show your mother. I have been told she will want to come with you, but I am saying this I will not take her just you. Enjoy your reading, I’ll see you on your 18^th birthday when you legally become an adult. Good bye.” He left in his smart jaguar car. Linda watched him go perplex with the talk.

Walking back inside she opened the letter which simply stated ‘We request you to attend our office for the reading of your uncle George will. He has requested only you to attend. We will arrange transport and pick up time is 9.00am from your home.” Just as she finished reading it her mother came in and pulled the letter from her. She read it.

She stated “We will attend, you are not going anywhere on your own girl.” and threw the letter on the ground.

Linda picked up the letter and walked to her room closing the door.

Her mother yells out “Linda your father and I will return after 3pm, don’t mess up the house.” The door slammed and she heard the car drive away. Linda laid on her bed and rolled over to her side. Feeling the other letter, she sat up and read it.

‘Sweet Linda,

If you are reading this and if your mum did not tell you, I am no longer in this world. I have been very angry with your mother, my sister, because she would not allow me to see you since your 12^th birthday. At least she let you see my cards to you and your replies which I treasure. I doubt if your parents would allow you to celebrate your milestone of becoming an adult, so I am going to make your day one to remember. The person delivering this letter is one of my legal people, On your 18^th I have asked them to pass on my estate to you and only you. If you had received it before then, my sister would have taken the lot. Now you, being 18, she cannot touch it and I ask don’t give her any. Be strong today your last day as a child, for tomorrow it all changes in your favour my favourite niece.

Love Uncle George.’

Linda broke out in tears not knowing he had passed away. She was angry with her parents and decided to follow her uncle George request. Today was her last wallflower day. She got her sandwich for lunch now smiling at this being her last child lunch of spam and tomato sauce.

At 4pm her parents returned very drunk. They walked to their bedroom and without undressing fell asleep on their bed. Linda looked at them then slammed their bedroom doom in anger. She went out for a walk to clear her anger. Getting into a car was Bruce and Paul. Bruce calls out “Here comes the wallpaper girl.”

Paul replied “Why are you so mean to her?”

Bruce replies “Cos I can.”

Paul says “Hello Linda.”

Linda looking at them smiles “Hello Paul and boy.” and walks pass smiling.

Paul laughs, Bruce looks at her astonish. They drive away.

Linda went to the shop and ordered some fish and chips. She eat these at the shop. Returning home at 6.30 she entered her bedroom and finished read her book. She went to bed at 9pm.

The next morning knowing today she is legally an adult she dressed in a knee length skirt, and tight fitting blouse. Her underwear was white and old fashioned. Going out to breakfast her parents were moaning over yesterday and their hangover. Linda had her breakfast. Not even a happy birthday was mentioned. Which was typical.

Linda put on her shoes and collected her handbag. At 9.00 a knock on the door. Her mum yells “Tell them to wait whilst I get ready, you are not going on your own girl.”

Linda opened, walked through and closed the door. It was the same man as yesterday. He stated “Ready my Lady, Happy birthday and the day that changes your life.”

Lind smiled “Thank you, the first mention of my birthday today.”

He smiled “I have our car, a two seater Mercedes, are you ready miss?”

Linda smiled “Yes, let go.” they entered the car and drove away, Her mother still in her dress from yesterday was yelling as she drove away. Linda just smiled not hearing a word but guessing them.

He asked “Do you have both letter or one?”
Linda still smiling said “One, she took the other this morning.”

He smiled and answered “We have two offices one locally here in Palm Beach, the other in Brisbane. The letter to you only states our Brisbane office on that letterhead, so if she follows, she will end up in Brisbane. They are aware and will delay her for us.”

Linda replied “Good. Many thanks.”

On entering the legal office she was taken straight into the board room. Inside were three people with introduction made. They started. Here is a letter from your uncle, to be read before you leave this office. We must say your uncle was very specific with his instructions. I will now read the will.

Linda listen to the reading not really understanding. Even though she was dux of the school. The wording got to her.

Then one of them seeing her confusion said. Now the legal reading is finished I’ll put it in plain english. Your Uncle George was proud of you. You were the only family member who maintained contact with him therefore he left his estate to you. He has clauses not allowing any claims on the estate and the reasons why. They cannot hold up this part now. It is read to you. You own some 20 expensive houses here on the coast and have rental income of quite a few thousand dollars monthly. Heaps of shares and investments. He has two places of residence, one a penthouse unit here in Palm Beach and another home in Maimi. Here are the keys. The car you came in today is yours, here are the keys. The estate is valued around $100 million. Yes young lady it is all yours.

Linda looked in shock “What I inherit $100 million dollars, you are joking?”

He replied “No joke. With shares and property your Uncle did not have any children, the personal letter will explain apparently, we have not seen or read the contents. We will offer our services to you on the same conditions as your Uncle if you wish. He, I believe, was happy with us.”

Linda replied “Thank you, yes continue please. Wow. I need a drink?”

He asked “Champagne, tea or coffee or something stronger?”

“Black coffee please” Linda asked.

They delivered the coffee and left her alone to read the letter.

Linda cried after reading the letter. There were tissues in the room for her. After reading the letter again She folded it up and returned it to the envelope and placed it in her handbag.

Going to the door, the driver was waiting. “Are you ready to go to a bank other than your parents?”

Linda smiled “Yes, lets go. Do you work here.”

He replied “Yes Miss Linda, a junior partner, here is my card, I am Neil. The partners asked me to represent them as they felt having someone closer to your age would be better than, as they say “us old ones”. I am on call for you anytime to answer or obtain answers for you.”

Linda smiled realising they wanted to keep the business “Yes Neil lets go.” They left and went to the local STG bank and opened an account. Linda did have the required ID. Returning to the solicitors office they obtained the details and gave her a copy of the Trust account transfer it was over $4 million dollars. Linda looked very surprised.

Neil explained “We have been holding all funds since his death. Some investments matured and we collected these as well if we could not renew. We can help to invest in need but our instructions is pay over and after 3 months we can discuss when you have settled down with the knowledge and facilities. I will now take you to your home and Penthouse. Do you wish to drive or shall I continue today?”

Linda replied “Please continue driving I’m too overwhelmed today.”

Neil asked “Do you mind if I ring my wife and let her know?”

Linda replied Yes please do.” Neil rang and took Linda to her house and penthouse and handed over the keys. Neil drove her back to her parents house, they were not home. She collected some of her personal items but left the rest including dresses and underwear that her mother forced her to wear. She left a note on the kitchen bench.

‘Moved into my penthouse, see you sometime later, Linda.’

Smiling at Neil. “That note was so rewarding to write. I’m moving into the penthouse for the time being, lets go.”

Neil returned her to the penthouse. He showed her the car park and her other car there. The others are at the other home he explained. He left her inside the penthouse.

She looked in the kitchen and found some bulk items. Someone had cleared out the fridge on his death. Inside the bedroom was a king size bed with mirrors on every wardrobe wall. She opened them finding they were all of his male clothes and stage costumes. In bedroom two was a small box and letter to Linda.

Linda sat down and cried. This time without being told to stop being a baby. She opened the box inside was $100,000. Ten envelopes of $10,000. with a note “Spend it well and HOW YOU PLEASE.”

Finally opening the third draw she looked at the lovely underwear. It was beautiful, all colours except white. Pulling out a pink set she stripped off her clothes and just before she put them on she walked naked to the ensuite and had a shower. A long hard shower scrubbing her skin with the washer. Feeling totally clean and drying herself she walked back to the 2^nd bedroom and put on the pink underwear. Walking back into bedroom one she looked at herself and realised she was a lady not a girl. On the bedside table was a picture of her uncle. She kissed this picture saying thanks.

In bedroom two she tried on various dresses one a slinky pink clinging dress. She found matching pink shoes that fitted. She went out for dinner at a local restaurant. Some 4 boys tried to crack on to her. She rejected each one as, in school, everyone had been nasty to her. They did not recognise her either.

The next day she went to a travel agent looking for a 30 day cruise. One was leaving in 7 days from Sydney. This was restricted to 18 to 30 years old only and did allow nude sunbaking. She took the cruise getting a statesman suite. The female travel agent did help with obtaining a passport. Because of the short time she applied for her passport at the office and requested a 48 hour pickup. At the same time Linda got a mobile phone. She paid for each in cash. Two days later she picked up her passport and informed the travel agency the number.

Realising she had no idea what to pack, she called the dressmaker Miss Clancy. She arrived within 10 minutes. She lived on a lower floor. On entering she looked at Linda. “My young lady your uncle did not give justice to your beauty and figure. He never stopped talking about you. How can I help?” Linda went on to explain about the trip and need to travel to Sydney from the Gold Coast, and clothes needed.

Miss Clancy stated “If you pay my airfare I will come with you to the ship and make sure you get on board. Linda rang the travel agent they booked a flight for her but asked for a credit card. She did not have on. Miss Clancy took the call and gave her details and payment. Handing the phone back they said the return fare is $560. Linda handed over $600 as she only had $100 notes. Then Miss Clancy looked at her wardrobe, She had infact either made or altered every dress. As the journey was over 30 nights she selected out 10 dresses. 3 skirts, 7 tops and all of her underwear. Then they realised she had no swimmers. The time was 2pm, so they raced to Coolangatta for some swimwear. It was funny what Linda wanted Miss Clancy rejected as too old and conservative. Linda rejected Miss Clancy choice as too revealing. They finally settled on a bikini style that showed off her assets but not too revealing. Linda paid in cash for the seven swimsuits, two cover dresses and some skirts.

Returning to the penthouse Miss Clancy got Linda to model each dress, in three she pinned for form fitting. Each skirt, one needed altering. Then shoes. She selected five pairs that fitted her feet well. Two were high heals the other three low heals. In his room were some thongs that fitted her feet. By 5pm Miss Clancy had everything packet including panty liners, toiletries and makeup.

Linda admitted “I have never worn makeup in my life. How do you use it please?”

Miss Clancy rang a friend, her girlfriend, On arrival Miss Clancy left to alter her dresses. Miss Jones sat with Linda and instructed her for over two hours various makeup and removal techniques. At the end she did state “Your George mentioned to me you might not know how to use makeup. He was so kind to us, I am very happy to have helped you out. If you need any further help please call me. I would suggest you get your hair cut for the cruise. Would you like me to take you tomorrow. We can certainly do a better style that what your mother wanted with that straight cut. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Both Miss Clancy and Miss Jones arrived together, the dresses had been altered quickly. They got her to model. Shown her how to walk as a lady and as man killer, especially with the high heels. They are different styles. Miss Jones then showed her a book on hair styles. But first we are taking you out downstairs for dinner. Grab you bag and lets go.

They enjoyed a nice dinner together the ladies told Linda about her Uncle George and some of the antics he got up too. She was embarrassed with some of them but they brush it off by saying These are the clean ones. The helped her with the art of drinking wine and not drinking to get drunk. She was very surprised with their lessons. On returning to the room the girls spent an hour getting her to review the hair styles. Linda finally agreed on three. They stated the hairdresser who was so gay would have the final say and he will make you look like a million dollar girl. He also did George’s hair and wigs.

Linda went to bed not knowing who, how, what on everything, she had been told so much information she was in overload. However with the wine for dinner she slept soundly.

At 8am the ladies returned. Linda dressed in skirt and top was immediately told “No, No, No, girl for your hair cut you must be presentable in good going out clothing.” They went through the wardrobe and came out with a short cocktail dress. She put it on and said “No, too short.” The found another longer dress that came to just above her knee.

They left for the hairdresser Mr Tim. He worked from his home and one look at Linda he cried. “My god no. What did your mother do to you, that style is so wrong. Your George would always mention you Miss Linda. He was so proud of you being Dux and getting your licence. He showed me your letters with pride and did mention you would get everything he owned. Now sit here and let me look at you. No stand here by the mirror. What style did she choose ladies?”

They showed her selection, “No, No, yes, sort of. Miss Linda, I see you like this, This is suitable for the front of your head but not the back.” He flicked through the book stopping at a page “Don’t look at the front but this style at the back is better suited. Will you allow me to bend the styles for you?”

Linda looked at him “I only get my hair cut twice a year and my mother always said this was my style so I have no idea what so ever. YES. Uncle George said I was to change. Go for it sir.”

Well that last few words made them clap and smile at her. Miss Clancy stated “That’s the attitude girl. We will leave you now and call back in what an hour?”

“No at least ninety minutes. Girls. This does need a lot of work.” Mr Tim replied.

He started with a deep wash, rinse, cut, it felt like she would be bald with the amount of hair he cut. He washed again and blow dried it then fashioned it. Finally when the ladies just returned he revealed her slim ear length cut. Linda looked in the mirror and did not recognise the girl in the mirror. She cried. Then stopped. Stood up turned to Mr Tim and hugged him “Thank you, those were tears of realising the old Linda child is gone and this is the new Linda adult.” She hugged the two ladies as well thanking them for helping her out then she insisted in buying lunch for all. They had an enjoyable lunch with Linda practising the not get drunk drinking wine drink. She succeeded.

Returning back to her unit before the ladies left she asked “There is a lot of dresses in the wardrobe, a lot will never fit me. Will you do the honour for both George and myself of taking away the ones you realise would never fit me or be my style and either using them or giving them to worthy people, especially the ones George knew?”

They looked at her “Are you sure? There are some very expensive dresses there.”

Linda smiled “Well if you have time we can look now and decide on some. They went through the first section Linda kept four dresses the rest were either not her style or too big and could not be reasonable altered.

Miss Jones stated “Are you sure we can have these, they are so beautiful?”

Linda smiled “I personally prefer these to go to you or friends of my uncle who like the style. What would I do with them, just either dump or give them to charity. No I want my friends of George to deal with them please. If you will?”

They both hugged her “As George says you do have a heart of gold. Yes we will and if we sell any we will pass on the funds.”

“No” Linda stated “Put any funds to a charity that helps people like George, who are having hard times, but that is after you have chosen yours. You have been and I believe will always assist me in need.”

“You bet we will help you. Thank you.” They responded.

Linda asked “I have Uncle Georges clothes as well, do you know who would like them?”

Miss Clancy stated “Do you mind if we auction them as well, he did have a lot of stage clothes that could raise funds for charity. He was extremely popular in some circles.”

Linda smiled “Well there is no rush, How about I leave my unit key with you and you can go through the clothes then. No need to rush today. I will be away for 30 days?”

Miss Clancy asked “Have you been in bedroom 3 yet Linda?”

Linda replied “No. Why?” In bedroom 3 there was racks and racks of shoes. “How did he ever wear so many shoes. The male shoes are useless but some of these ladies one’s look nice.” She tried on four. Three were too big.

Miss Jones held the shoes that fit. We will keep any with this size and dispose of the others. Wow I never realised he had so many.”

Linda stated “Don’t forget ladies, any fit you and you like, keep them please.” Again they hugged her.

They left for the night.

This morning she received a letter from the bank with both her debit and a platinum credit card. She signed these then driving her 2 seater Mercedes, called into the bank to activate them. They did explain If she used the credit card, then on due date they would pay it out from her account. Her limit was the balance of her bank account. She informed them of her new mobile number and penthouse address. Calling around to the motor registry she completed a change of address.

Miss Clancy took Linda to the airport, then the ship and returned to the Gold Coast.

Linda was escorted to her suite. Number 1. She was offered either a male or female room attendant, she chose female. The lady knocked on her door and help her to put her clothing away. As she had been on many cruises she offered her help after finding out it was her first cruise. Her name was Nina. They walked the whole ship Nina explaining the different parts. Nina explained when in port you must wear swimmers or bikini, outside or sea days dress is optional. Nina was available any time and to apply sunscreen in need. Linda thanked her and asked her to get some as she forgot. Nina advised when the shop is open we shall attend as you are missing a few items.

Linda went out to the pool deck and laid on a sun lounge. She was quite white Nina came over after 20 minutes and recommended she returns as her skin is getting pink. Linda did. After showering and changing into some evening wear with high heels. Nina took her to her dining area. Being a suite member she had her choice of locations. She chose the quiet back corner for her first night. She dined alone and had a glass of wine. Nina took her to the show then escorted her to the night club. This was too noisy for Linda and she retired for sleep.

Day one of the cruise and they were on the high seas. Walking to the pool area most of the females were either topless or naked. Some of the males naked but most put on brief swimmers. Linda, after Nina put sunscreen, kept her bikini on. She was still shocked at her brief bikini, but seeing what others were wearing, hers were very conservative just as Miss Clancy mentioned. At 11am Nina mentioned she has had enough sun and suggested some pampering like nails done. Linda agreed. Nina suggested to take her favourite lipstick to match. After an hour she returned feeling very happy. After lunch she attend a show then rest until dinner. This time she was on a table of eight singles. None of which she felt anything in common. Most were after sex not companionship including the girls.

Day two she sat in the sun when two guys passed her. One stopped and came back looking at her. “Linda is that you?”

She opened her eyes, “Hello Paul.” He looked at her.

“You are the most beautiful lady on this ship. How come you are here?” Paul stated.

Linda smiled “Just needed time away. How come you are here?”

Paul asked “May I sit here please?”

Linda smiled “Yes.”

Paul continued “I came with Bruce, his girlfriend and a blind date. She pulled out on the last day. I did not find out until we arrived. As I had paid I continue, but Bruce is with his girlfriend all of the time like rabbits. She is currently in the makeup area so we were going to have a drink. Are you with anyone?”

Linda smiled “Who me, the wallflower?”

Paul cringed “I hated people who called you that. It rude, unkind and I could even say bulling. I told Bruce never to call you that name in the future. Not that he would listen. I’m only with him because his parents asked me as they don’t um, trust him. If I had a car I would leave him.”

Linda smiled. “Don’t tell him but how about you take me to dinner tonight and see if he recognised me, Just don’t use my name or say Lucy. I would love to see his reaction.” Linda smile at using her uncle’s alto ego.

Paul smiled saying “That would be a pleasure, We dine at 8pm in restaurant 2, Can you get in there, It nearly full. Only special seats available.”

Linda smiled “No problem for me. I’ll meet you in there at 8pm what table number?”

Paul stated “96. We laugh about it being the reverse of 69.” Paul did not notice Linda looked puzzled.

Bruce called Paul “Come on beers getting warm. Stop chatting to that tart.”

Linda smiled at Paul “Let it go, tonight he will suffer for that remark.”

Paul smiled and went to have that drink with Bruce.

That night, she explained to Nina she needed to look special. Nina selected a plunging neckline dress that you could not wear a bra with. She assisted with makeup. She looked the million dollar baby. Nina got her to demonstrate her walking style and showed her another. Tonight she was out to please Paul and make Bruce eat his words. Nina selected some stunning jewellery for her ears and neckline. Looking in the mirror Linda hugged Nina. Thanking her for the assistance.