This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

This is a work of fiction, any resemblance to real people or places is purely coincidence.

Content warnings for transphobic laws restricting transition of minors, accidental and at request misgendering and deadnaming, and separation of a trans girl from her parents simply because she is trans and they support her.

Sunday:

I slept quite late, the alarm clock when I got up said it was 10:30am. I was surprised no one had tried to wake me. I didn’t get out of bed for awhile. I laid there, staring at the wall, eventually at 11am, Grandma knocked, sweetie? Are you ok in there? you don’t have to get up, but I just want to know you are ok

I called back, I’m… I’m not ok, the tears starting up again

Maybe you could come out and talk with us?

Maybe in a bit I said

Ok sweetie, we are all out here if you want, Jessica came over to say hi, but I’ll ask her to leave if you want

no, thats fine, whatever, nothing matters I said

Ok, see you in a bit

I got out of bed slowly, as I got up, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, the worst bed head I’d ever had, but it didn’t matter, I didn’t recognize myself in the reflection at all, who was that?

I shambled towards the door, and slowly turned the knob, but then slumped against the door, no tears came, I was just so broken, I should never have told anyone, this shouldn’t have happened and I had ruined everything. I should’ve just stayed hidden for another five years. Thats not that long, right? But now there wouldnt be anything ever probably

I heard karen ask quietly through the door, I heard a thump, are you ok sis?

I called out furious, don’t call me that, Im your brother, it was all a mistake

Ok brother, are you ok?

Not really

Can you come talk with us?

Meh, I said, no promises Ill say anything

Thats fine, you can just listen if you want

I came out, the table where I had set everything was clear, where it had gone I didn’t know and while a tiny sliver of me cared, the rest of me couldn’t

So… I take it you read some of the texts last night in the middle of the night? Karen asked

I saw enough

I don’t know that you did, also theres some more from this morning, maybe sit down and read them first? From the start that is

Grandma said, I wont say what they said, but you should listen to Karen, its not what you seem to think, it was late, you were tired, and that last text last night was kind of ominous sounding

Fine, whatever, I said, grabbing my phone and going to sit down and read.

Hey kiddos, just saw there were updates on photopass! we weren’t surprised you went to the park, hope you are having a grand time, although maybe a touch surprised Josh wasn’t in them, especially since it was tagged with his wristband, we know he loves Space Mountain.

Oh, well, that explains a lot! We love both of you, and we are looking forward to talking with you about it

You both are adorable by the way, absolutely love your outfit and hair

We’ve already made up our minds to do everything we can to support you

So, in looking at things, its possible that this may require a somewhat drastic change in our lives, I can’t see how to support you adequately in our current state, we want to talk about this with both of you, please text or call us soon, we will answer any time of day or night.

Kids? Did you forget to turn your sounds back on after or something? Are you there? We love you, please text us.

There were a few more messages like that, and finally I got to the last message from last night, which caused my heart to start sinking again, even in spite of what I had just read, but I read the few messages from this morning

We realized too late that last text last night was probably… alarming, we are sorry for that, please don’t take that as anything less than our full support for you, please text us, we would love to meet you again

Karen responded this morning with

We aren’t all up yet, will text when we are all awake and thinking clearly, love you

And mom replied back with

Thank you dear, please call us soon

I was crying again, and karen sat down next to me and hugged me, it really is going to be ok sis, lets talk with them about it

I nodded, sniffling, should we call them?

I mean, they said any time?

Ok… I started to open the phone app but couldn’t, I started crying again

Want me to place the call? Karen asked

I nodded my head up and down

Karen pulled her phone out and hit the favorite for moms phone

As it rang I started to get up, saying, I can’t do this

Jessica came and sat on the other side of me and took my hand, I know you can and I sat back down, holding hands with Jessica

Mom answered, hello! Oh thank goodness you called

Hi mom Karen said, putting the phone on speaker

That’s fine, your dad’s here too, are you both there?

We are Karen said

I looked terrified and shook my head no

However, some of us are a bit scared of this call, and aren’t wanting to speak at the moment

That’s ok dad said, we both want to express just how much we love and support both of you, and will do so no matter who you are or who you become

That’s right mom said

I croaked, uh hi mom, hi dad

Hello! And what would you like to go by, for now? We realized this morning that last text might have come across as unsupportive because we used your old name

I gulped audibly, and looked nervously around at the others, who all nodded and smiled at me, and Jessica squeezed my hand

I’m… I’m going by Brooke, at least for now, in private, and at the park yesterday I was using Karen’s band

We admit we kind of suspected the latter. Did you have fun yesterday? As Brooke, pretending to be Karen and dressed like Belle?

I blushed, yes I did

Wonderful, you were certainly smiling bigger in the pictures than you have in any from the last couple years, I know, I looked back through the photos… Mom said

So… dad said, is our guess correct? That you would like to be Brooke more permanently?

I felt nervous again, mom, dad, I’ve known for roughly two years that I’m trans, I’m sorry for hiding it from you, but I was so scared

There’s nothing to be sorry for dear, and we are so happy to have you as our daughter

Absolutely! Dad chimed in, it’s us who should be sorry for not doing more to fight the terrible things Florida is doing, that’s not an ounce on you.

Thanks dad I said, and there’s someone else we want to introduce you to, I said looking at Jessica who nodded

Mom, dad Karen said, this is Jessica, she’s the grandkid of Grandmas next door neighbor

Oh hi Jessica mom said, grandma said you were staying for the summer and doing life guard duty at the community pool

Yup, that’s me

So what is your part in this? I’m guessing you are the third girl in the photos?

Yup, that’s me, I kind of figured Brooke’s secret out, and I’m super happy to help her… and… I guess I can tell you, I’m trans too

Oh gosh! Now I remember, mom said, Marge and Bills grandkid! Yes! Very happy for you, we met you long ago, before…

Yup! That was me

Well we appreciate you helping Brooke dad said

We want to talk a bit about the future, that’s part of why the texts got a bit panicked perhaps last night dad said,

Obviously staying in Florida would be a huge risk, however, moving is complicated, first we need to figure out where, and how, it’s not cheap to move and there aren’t any states near by that are safe… the three best are probably California, Oregon, and Washington… all far away, all expensive… fortunately everyone everywhere needs engineers of some type, your mom and I can probably both find work…. But it would put a crimp in our savings, it would eat up all our buffer even if we had jobs right after we moved…

Grandma interjected, I’ve already said I would cover moving costs to the kiddos, don’t you worry about that part, you just worry about finding a new job

Thanks mom, dad said, that’s extremely generous of you

Heck I’m considering packing up too, no sense hanging around here if I can’t be around my granddaughters

Wow, you would move with us? I asked

I sure would pumpkin, you and Karen mean the world to me, and the others are all grown up and moved away a long time ago, they just come here to visit and save the price of a hotel room when they go to the parks, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I’d rather be more than just a convenient room once in awhile

Wow mom, do you have any thoughts on where we might all move? Dad asked

Up to you all and what will work best for you, I mean I wouldn’t mind being close to Disneyland, but if we wind up in Seattle I know how to use an umbrella, and take airplanes and trains.

Kids? Initial thoughts? Dad asked, and both Karen and I kind of stared at each other

Uh, consider us another initial vote for close to Disneyland, we’ve never been there, and Im sure its fun

Ok, we will talk, and do some research on our own, and then we will talk about the options in more detail as a family, mom said, and we are going to start that now, we have internet on here, and we’ve already got jobs sites pulled up. We absolutely love all of you, Brooke, Karen mom and Jessica, and are looking forward to seeing all of you in a couple days!

Love you! we all said in chorus, tears forming in my eyes again, I didn’t know I had any left to cry, but at least these were happy tears

Karen hugged me, see sis, its ok

I sniffled, Im so happy right now

We broke the hug and I wiped my tears away, and my stomach rumbled, loudly, oh, I guess I haven’t eaten anything today

You want to get changed and we will go get some burgers? Grandma asked

Oh, uh, sure I said suddenly sad again

You can go as Brooke if you want Grandma said

But, where are my clothes?

Oh! Right, we moved them at breakfast but didn’t want to disturb you, sorry if that worried you! Karen said and ran off and came back with a couple of the bigger bags, we can move the rest later, but there should be enough in these to get you an outfit for today, I’ll go get the rest while you get changed!

She wasn’t wrong, I found a denim jumper and a short sleeve top in pink with little frills on the arms and threw it on, and the other bag also had one of the bags of underwear we had gotten. When I came out Karen and Jessica both had some bags to haul in to my bedroom, and they rehung my dress bag back in the closet

Karen left while Jessica paused, hey, you, I just want you to know I get how hard this is, I literally threw my clothes in the trash once, on trash night, I had acquired some via less than legit means and hidden them away and then got terrified of getting caught and threw it all out

I didn’t want to throw them out, most of them were brand new, but I thought it wouldn’t last

I totally get that, but its going to, I have a really good feeling about it, ok?

Yeah, thanks

She came over and gestured to ask if she could hug me and I nodded and we hugged, and it was kind of nice

We all clamored out in to Grandma’s mini and went to the nearest burger joint’s drive through, and brought the food back to the house really quick, it wasn’t much, but it was nice to be out as myself for however brief in broad daylight with the top down to a regular place and not a giant crowded theme park

We got back home and ate, chatting and laughing about anything and everything and nothing, and after awhile Grandma asked so what do you girls want to do this afternoon?

Honestly? Nothing I said, this has been the most exhausting series of days, and just sitting and reading sounds really nice right now

I think I am going to go rest at my grandparents til they go out to run errands, Jessica said, I’m really happy for you Brooke

Thanks I said, and thank you for your help and being here

Karen said I think Im going to read too

Sounds good, I’ve got a book I’ve been meaning to finish as well grandma smiled

We all retreated to our preferred places of reading, me on my bed, Karen sprawled on one couch and grandma sitting in a recliner and leaned back.

After an hour or so I must have drifted off to sleep without realizing it, as I jolted awake to Karen knocking on my door, you awake sis?

I uh, I am now I called back and I got groggily to my feet,

So what do you kids want to do for supper?

Something in maybe? And simple? I said

Ooh, Mac and cheese? Karen said

Oh that does sound good I said

Grandma laughed ok, but only if we have something else with it, hot dogs? Or chicken nuggets?

Chicken nuggets I said feeling a bit childish but also I didn’t care

Karen? I’m probably going to boil a hotdog if you want one too

Oh, yeah, I think that would suit me better

Ok then, you know where things are for the Mac and cheese, I’ll let you get to it!

Karen and I set about getting things started, while grandma sat down at the kitchen table and chatted with us some

So your parents ship arrives back tomorrow, right? And they fly back here the day after that?

Yup, they said they didn’t want to try and connect to the airport straight off the ship, and I think they were planning on maybe meeting up with some friends in Seattle before heading out

Oh that’s nice

Yeah, I hope their search is going ok, I don’t know that we can afford to live out there

Well we will figure it out, together.

It wasn’t too long before we had finished making supper and sat to eat it.

My phone buzzed, it was the family group chat,

Your dad and I have already submitted our resumes to a few different positions! We are about to head to supper and then back to looking, Love you!

I quickly texted back

that’s great! Love you :)

Parents are apparently already applying to jobs I said aloud quietly

Oh thats wonderful dear

Did they say where yet?

I’m sure they don’t want to give us any extra hope beyond what they’ve said.

We sat there eating, So what do you kids want to get up to tomorrow? Swimming one last time for this time?

Ooh, yes, a nice calm afternoon at the pool Karen said, that sounds lovely

I hesitated, I… I think Ill stay home

Is this because you can’t be Brooke? Grandma asked

I don’t see how I could be, I would probably get spotted pretty far away…

I wonder how Jessica does it… there must be a secret, why don’t we ask? can’t hurt to at least learn?

I think I would be too embarrassed to ask, much less actually follow through

Would it be ok if I asked? Karen said, on your behalf of course

I guess, but I make no promises

Thats fine Karen said, but I want you to be able to enjoy yourself

Let’s be honest, I won’t get to live as Brooke out and about in general until we move. This state isn’t safe

Are you going to stay home all the time so you can be you?

I mean, the thought had crossed my mind

Thats no way to live! and what if we can’t move til after school starts?

Well then I’ll come straight home and just never interact with anyone, what else is new? My only ‘friends’ are your friends taking pity on me I said getting hotter

They aren’t taking pity on you! They like you! And I know they would support you

Boys aren’t friends with girls like that!

Sure they can be! and you aren’t a boy! Karen said

Well according to Florida I am a boy! I hate this so much I screamed and got up and went in to my room slamming the door

I flopped on the bed, crying and screaming in to my pillow, I was so angry, it was easy for Karen to suggest it, and Im sure Jessica knew some way, but the reality was I had had a taste of what I truly desired and I knew it was going to more or less end Tuesday, possibly for months, or even a year, I knew job hunts weren’t short things, and moving without a job would be too risky and limiting.

After what seemed like hours, but was probably only a few minutes, I heard a knock at the door, Hey kiddo, mind if I come in? Ill shut the door this time so Karen will stay out

I called out, fine, whatever

So what was that about? I mean, I know what it was about in broad strokes, but like, whats the core of it? What set you off?

Going swimming.

You want to, don’t you?

Yes I said quietly, more than anything, but its a dream that is even farther out of reach than being a princess at Disney World I laughed a bit bitterly

Well, ok, maybe you go swimming tomorrow maybe not, and maybe you don’t get out much the next few months, or maybe you do. Being yourself is going to largely be about confidence, and that takes time to build up. Did you ever once feel at risk at Disney World?

Only when Karen buzzed her arm band

But from cast, guests, etc?

No…

And you just completely forgot you were anyone but Brooke for a day?

Yeah, I said, I guess I kind of did

Thats not to say confidence is all you need, but Im sure Jessica will have tips, and if it doesn’t work out, well, put on your trunks and an ambiguous tank top and pretend, and remember, we are here for you 100%, and we know this period will be hard for you, Karen was so worried she had upset you, and she wanted me to pass along that she also loves and supports you and understands that this is hard, even if she can’t grasp just how hard.

Thanks, I said, I guess, I wiped my tears away

There, thats better grandma said, you want to come watch a movie with us? Karen thinks you would like Turning Red a lot

I don’t think I’ve seen that one yet…

The trailer certainly looked cute!

Ok I said, be out in a minute, do we have any popcorn?

I think that could be arranged, see you in a little bit then Grandma said getting up and leaving, shutting the door behind her

I sat up, wincing a bit at how I had been, emotions were a pain, and I had locked most of them away in the same place I had being trans

I got up and stretched and went back out in to the main room, the sound of the air-popper already whirring away, and the microwave heating up some butter

Grandma brought it out to us, and sat along side us on the couches watching.

Karen was right, I did like it a lot, it was very cute and had a lot of stuff about family and growing up that felt really familiar in its own way

I yawned as the movie ended, I enjoyed that Karen, thank you

You’re welcome Brooke, and, uh, I already texted Jessica, she wants to come over tomorrow to teach you how she does whatever it is she does

I blushed, uh, thanks, I guess thats ok

Sounds good!

Ok, goodnight all, I love you, I’m sorry about earlier

Absolutely nothing to apologize for, Grandma said, you are under a lot of stress worrying about the future, we understand, I love you, sleep well dear

Sleep well sis! Karen called as I walked in to my room and closed the door and collapsed in bed, asleep before I even bothered to get properly situated.

---

Monday:

I woke up earlier than usual, certainly earlier than yesterday, and found grandma sitting up and reading as I came in to the living room

You’re up early kiddo she said without looking up

And yourself?

Sweetie when you get to be my age you either sleep tons or very little, I’m often up til midnight and up before 6

Oh, I hadn’t realized

I keep it quiet while you kiddos are here, you need your sleep more than I need to have music going. So how are you doing? Better?

Somewhat, for now, I’m sure it’s still going to be rough for awhile

Well like I said yesterday, we are all going to be here for you

I smiled at her, thanks grandma, it really means a lot

So, want breakfast?

Maybe just some cereal and sausage

Well you know where they are she smirked at me

I laughed, yes I do, and I got up to go make myself some breakfast, I decided on some OJ and toast as well, and sat down at the table, as I was eating the last of it Karen came out of her room rubbing her eyes and yawning

Morning sleepy head I called

Hey, I’m usually up before you! Karen said

Want some breakfast? I just did basics, toast and microwave sausage and cereal

That honestly sounds good right now

She got the stuff out to make hers, substituting water for the OJ

So how do you think she does it? I asked

I looked up some stuff on it last night, sounds like theres a lot of different ways to be honest, not sure what methods she uses

I think Ill just read til then I said, grabbing my book and sitting on the couch with Grandma to read next to her

An short time later, I heard the doorbell ring, and I started to get up to get it, Wait, let me grandma said

She went and came back bearing a simple plastic bag mailer.

Huh, its addressed to you Brooke… Not Josh

What?? I said starting to get worried

It’s labeled for overnight shipping, you didn’t order anything?

Nope, and I certainly wouldn’t address something to Brooke…

And neither did I called Karen

You don’t think… I started

Maybe? Karen said, she didn’t mention anything last night… and would she use your name?

I set it on the counter and tore the tear strip near where it was sealed, and opening it slowly as if it might explode

Inside was another plastic bag, and what appeared to be some kind of garment, I pulled it out and immediately shoved it back in. Im pretty sure this was Jessica’s doing… and just then the bell rang

Ill get it Karen said and ran off to the door

Come on in Jessica I heard her call

Uh hi! I wanted to be here before it arrived, but they got here super early apparently

Jessica… you used my name on it I said as calmly as I could

Oh, sorry, I don’t think anyone will give it a second thought, I just thought it might be nice to receive something addressed to yourself, I know my first package got me super excited

Maybe not the right timing dear, grandma said, but I appreciate the thought behind it

Yeah, I guess theres no harm in it? I said

Oh you already opened it! Do you know what it is?

I know enough to know Im not pulling it out out here in front of my grandma!

I’m sure its nothing I haven’t seen before, grandma said, but feel free to retreat to the privacy of your room

Thanks grandma

I saw Karen standing in the kitchen cleaning her dishes up real quickly looking intently at us as we walked back to my room

Oh fine Karen, you can come too, so my embarrassment can be slightly more complete

Karen giggled, Im sure it will be fine

I took the package in to the room and sat down on the bed, and Jessica joined me and Karen sat on the floor after closing the door.

Jessica opened the package and pulled out the inner package and held it open, it was clearly underwear shaped, albeit odd

So this is a gaff, its not the most… pleasant… thing to wear some times, but, this one in particular is the kind I use when swimming or lifeguarding, I don’t often use one otherwise, just too uncomfy, but, they work

So, I just wear that under my suit? Like underwear?

Well… kind of, you have to, uh, tuck ‘it’ out of the way as you pull it up, but once up, it should hold things fairly solidly for the type of things we will do, and worst case, you might not have noticed this, but theres one other thing in the bag, she reached in and pulled out another baggy, with a bit of brightly pink and white material, this will also help disguise things a bit too, just tie it around your waist. You want to try it?

I mean… yeah but also scared

Well try it on in the bathroom with the swimsuit, and if you don’t like it, you don’t even have to show us.

Ok… I said, grabbing the swimsuit from the bags in my closet, and the gaff, and the wrap and bundling them all up tiny and ran in to the bathroom

I took my clothing off, and attempted it, it took a couple tries but I did succeed in what I think was right, then I stepped in to the swimsuit and pulled it up, and I took a step back to see myself in the mirror, it certainly didn’t show, and when I wrapped the wrap around my waist and tied it off, it gave some semblance of hips and I was grinning

I opened the door and peaked out, grandma called don’t worry honey, Im not looking, Im sitting down and can’t see you

Thank you grandma

I nervously opened the door to my room and said close your eyes or something

I walked in and stood in the middle of the room and said ok, uh, I guess, you can look

I stood there feeling awkward, with one hand on my other arm, and my head down

That looks great! Jessica said

It really does sis, no one would be the wiser

You think so?

Yup! Let’s go swimming! Karen said

Whoa, wait, just a second I said, I’m not entirely sure I want to go out like this still

Tell you what Jessica said, you put on something over it, a dress, a top and shorts, whatever, and we can walk over, if you feel uncomfortable, or something goes sideways, we don’t have to swim

Also its lunchtime almost I said

Oh, good point, let’s eat some lunch here, then swimming? Karen said

I brought my bag over, we can go straight to the pool afterwards

We came out of the room, although I put on a pair of shorts and a top first

Grandma, we are going to do lunch before swimming, want to join us?

Not going to let me see, Grandma said?

Maybe later? You could join us at the pool

I suppose I could, I have been known to swim a bit in my day she said laughing

As we were making lunch, my phone rang, it was mom and dad

Hiya kids! We just docked! We are going to have to wait around to collect our bags and then our friends are going to pick us up and we are going to have a nice dinner with them, then collapse and get on our flight early tomorrrow!

Hi mom, hi dad Karen and I said, sounds good, how has the hunt been going?

Well, I think more on that when we get back to Florida, don’t want to get anyones hopes up too soon.

Ok, love you, we are going to go swimming after lunch

Ooh! Send pictures!

Grandma laughed, at least my phone’s waterproof these days

We finished making sandwiches and ate them with some chips, before all getting ready for the pool, well, Karen Jessica and Grandma changed, I was as ready as I could be

Oh, one last touch before we head out Jessica said, reaching in to your bag, unlike your gaff, the big concern here is whether I have lice, which I don’t, so Im ok sharing if you are

I looked at her hand and saw it was a swimming cap and raised an eyebrow, ok I guess

I promise with your hair up under it, you will look perfectly girly

Ok I said, she quickly got it on me and my hair tucked up under it, then turned me to a mirror near the entrance, there, see!

I didn’t really, but Karen and Grandma were both impressed, its really amazing how much alike you two are grandma said, for fraternal twins that is

I laughed, ok, I don’t see it, but if you three all do, I guess Ill trust you, you haven’t steered me wrong so far

Thats the spirit Karen said!

We walked out the front door, carrying our respective bags and took a leisurely walk to the pool.

I actually changed right away, there weren’t many others and I was feeling good, Karen whispered at me to take the wrap off right before getting in the pool, and I quickly got changed, we played some relatively low splash games and had fun and Grandma got some pictures of us having fun after she got out to sit in the shade for a bit. And then Jessica had to rush off to add a few bits to her outfit for lifeguarding, we all got out and dried off and sat around for a bit

Karen and I did get back in and have a bit more fun, before ultimately deciding we had had enough, and Grandma and we packed our things back up, I threw my shorts on leaving my top just the swim suit and we said bye to Jessica who waved and we walked home.

Did you girls have fun Grandma asked us as we walked back and I was already nearly skipping when I cheered out a yes a bit louder than is perhaps wise in a retirement community, and clapped my hands over my mouth

Thank you for coming with us today grandma, marco polo is funner with 4 than it is with 3

You are welcome dears! I don’t go swimming much anymore, but I was a competitive swimmer back in the day

You?

Yup! I didn’t ever make it to the olympics, but I was the champion mid distance free styler of the athletic conference, but there were better swimmers in other conferences who beat me out at nationals, I came in like 5th or something at nationals, not bad

So is that the end?

I mean, kind of, sports for the vast majority of kids and young adults is a bit of fun for a few years, and then you move on to other things in life, was I competitive? Sure, did I want to win? sure, did I? No, and Im ok with that.

Guess thats another thing Ill give up I said quietly

Whats that?

I wont be allowed to compete in just about anything

Sheer poppycock on the part of people who have such a nasty agenda, I would’ve welcomed competing against you or any other swimmer, heck most of the time at my school I paced with the boys because that was about all I had usually, my school didn’t have many women swimmers, and you know what? I beat them at times.

Karen asked quietly, is that why you gave up swimming? You had been doing pretty well on that under 11’s public swim meet team

I nodded, yeah… its just not been worth it to pursue

Well when we get all moved out to California, or Washington or wherever, we are going to find you a swim team Grandma said, one way or another, if I have to come out of retirement and coach it myself

I laughed, thanks grandma, I would like that

As we walked inside we got a text from our parents

at hotel, super early flight, will see you tomorrow evening!

Do you kids know what your parents plans are when they arrive?

They drove themselves to the airport, so we were guessing they would come here after… I said

Their flight gets in when?

Karen pulled her phones calendar up, uh, 6pm? Wow that’s late, they start at like 6 am, oh wait that’s the west coast time so they start at like, 9am local and get in around 6

That’s not too bad, so they will hopefully be here by 7?

Yeah

Hrm, what do you think? Late evening BBQ for them? We could invite Jessica and her grandparents

Why don’t you text them that she said to us, and Karen looked at me knowing I hated doing things like this, ok I’ll do it I said

I took my phone and texted,

grandma wants to do a BBQ when you come pick us up, say, 7pm? And she wants to invite Jessica and her grandparents over

mom texted back,

That would be lovely Brooke honestly we were thinking of just staying over, we’ve got one more day off after the trip to decompress and we can go home on Wednesday

Ok, sounds good I sent, love you

Love you kiddos! See you tomorrow night!

We sat there just resting a bit before our stomachs all rumbled at us

Well I forgot just how much swimming can take out of you! Grandma declared, I’m so hungry I could eat a horse, So what do you kids want to do for supper? I don’t much feel like cooking, Crab buffet? Just a week ago seems like so long ago now

It has been… quite a week… I said, crab does sound really good right now, I should go get changed I said looking down at the swimsuit I had kind of forgotten to change out of

Hah, yes you should, naughty girl getting my couch all wet

My suits dry! I insisted

Sure it is, anyways, off you go, find something cute

Wait, but that waitress saw me last week?

It will be fine, trust me she said

Ok…

I retreated to my room, and started rummaging through the bags and came up with a sundress we had gotten at the mall. I quickly changed and took my swimsuit to the bathroom to hang up to finish drying, along with my shorts. I grabbed my purse from Saturday as this dress didn’t have pockets either annoyingly.

Ready? grandma asked seeing me come out of my bedroom again

I uh, guess I said, are you sure this is ok?

I’ve been going there a lot of years, Monday nights are slow, should be fine.

Ok… I said, not sounding one hundred percent convinced

Karen finally came out in some shorts and a t-shirt, I’m ready she said

We piled in Grandma’s mini again and headed to the crab buffet, I was in the back and feeling nervous. I wish Jessica was with us to be holding my hand I thought…

We parked and walked in and a different hostess from last time didn’t even blink at seeing me, Right this way ladies she said smiling at us.

We proceeded to follow her to a table, almost the same one as last time

Thanks Jane grandma said, is Sarah on tonight?

She is! I’ll be sure to send her right over

Thanks! Grandma said

I sat there in stunned silence, but Karen found her voice, are you sure that’s ok grandma? She saw Brooke last week

It will be fine, trust me she said smiling

Well hello ladies she said approaching us and I turned to look at her

And what’s your name dear she asked looking at me

B…Brooke I said

Well it’s lovely to meet you Brooke, and welcome back Mrs Gilchrist and Karen, so lovely to see you again.

She quickly took our orders and we went and perused the buffet, our choices not too different from last week.

As we were getting desert Sarah came and sat down at the table we had

So Brooke, Karen, I have a couple perhaps odd, intrusive seeming questions, are you two local?

Karen said sounding very suspicious, why do ask?

Well, if you are local, I’m wondering if you might go to a certain school and know a certain person, and I know you don’t know me, and I get Brooke your position is odd, I would never tell anyone about that without your permission

I hesitated… ok… I said, we graduated from Circle Middle last month and will be starting at Center High

Oh, you do go to the same schools! Did you by any chance know a girl named Caroline?

I hesitated, not really, only knew she was in the play last year I said quietly, and more coldly asked, why?

She’s my niece, Sarah said quietly, taking out her phone and unlocked it, or, well, for right now my ‘nephew’…

She showed us a picture of her and Caroline together

I stammered, do… do you know what happened? Is she ok

‘He’s’ fine, I have temporary custody. ‘He’ had a trip to a summer camp planned this year near ‘his’ grandparents in Oregon and the court agreed to let ‘him’ go, I saw her doing air quotes under the table.

Ah, and ‘his’ parents? I said doing the same

Awaiting the results of the investigation, charges will probably be brought soon…

That’s awful Grandma said

I want to tell you more but not her she said looking around, got to get back to my tables, would you mind meeting me in this parking lot in half an hour? My shift is almost up

Absolutely grandma said taking the slip of paper under the table

When she had gone I asked quietly, did you know grandma?

I was vaguely aware of it, although I didn’t know details, she had shown me pictures of her niblings in the past and then one day the count of boys and girls shifted… she never said anything about it

We quickly finished our deserts, and grandma paid the bill at the counter as we headed out to the car. We got in, with Karen and I deciding to both be in the back seat

Grandma unfolded the slip of paper and we headed indirectly towards the meeting location

When we got there, it was a grocery store parking lot, and neither terribly busy or terribly empty

Grandma parked out a ways in a place with some spaces on either side. In almost no time Sarah pulled up in a sedan and got out and quickly got in the mini’s passenger seat

So, Brooke, she started turning to look at me, are you like my niece?

I hesitated, and looked at grandma who looked as unsure as me

I’m sorry I can’t answer that… just too much risk

That’s, that’s all the answer I needed Sarah said. I’m afraid Mrs Gilchrist, you won’t be seeing me at the crab shack any more… this was actually my last shift and at the point of putting myself at risk, I’m not coming back from picking her up from camp. She’s at a wonderful camp where she’s getting to be herself again, and her grandparents are taking us all in temporarily. My sister and brother-in-law already quietly fled the state, and thankfully I managed to convince the small minded bigots I was going to keep her as my nephew, and better with family than an already overcrowded foster system… we hope to transfer legal custody back in Oregon.

Oh wow Grandma said, are you doing ok?

There’s no place for us here, we will have to be careful, and we can’t ever come back to Florida probably, but it should work out hopefully

Brooke, I wish you the best life, and may you escape here without this issue

Thanks, my parents are already looking for jobs on the west coast

That’s wonderful! Best of luck to them, thankfully waitressing is doable anywhere, Here’s some contact info Sarah said, we should keep in touch, and I’m sure Caroline would love to hear from a fellow Circle Middle trans girl at some point. She doesn’t have any socials at this point and neither do the rest of us, but once the legal stuff filters out probably

I would definitely like that I said, and quickly grabbed a piece of paper from a cup holder and wrote on it my contact info, for Caroline I said handing it over

I’ll be sure it gets safely to her, take care! And she got out and headed in to the grocery store

Well, uh, that was surprising grandma said

Karen said, I didn’t know know what to say… I’m glad she’s gotten out, can’t help but think of how many aren’t that lucky…

Yeah I said quietly, let’s go home grandma

Yeah, I think that’s a good idea

We headed out of the parking lot and back to grandmas place, the drive was quiet, none of us really felt like talking, or even music.

We turned the corner to see an ambulance in front of Jessica’s Grandparents and grandma just stopped there mid turn

Oh, oh no she said, not now… she quickly pulled forward and in to her driveway and didn’t even bother with the garage, we all hopped out, Karen and I even went over the sides and rushed over.

Marge and Jessica were standing on the porch as the paramedics wheeled their empty stretcher out

Hey what happened I asked Jessica

Oh! Brooke! Nothing much, Bill took a small tumble, they cleaned him up and did a preliminary exam, no signs of concussion and he didn’t hit his head, just scraped himself up a bit.

Oh thank heavens grandma said

Marge finally found words, don’t worry, I’m insisting he go get a thorough workup, head, cardiac, balance, the works in the morning, already booked him an appointment

I’m fine! I heard Bill call from inside, why don’t you all come on back in before you catch your death of cold

You nut, it’s 70 degrees out here, cold nothing Marge called back, but headed inside, you are welcome to come say hi if you want

I looked at grandma who said sure we can stop in for a moment.

We went inside as the paramedics followed to grab a couple last things before leaving

I’m fine, honestly, and yes I’ll go get checked out tomorrow.

I was at the back of the pack and as Bill came in to view he exclaimed oh! Brooke! So nice to see you! and he started to get up out of his chair,

But Marge was there by his side already and put her hand on his shoulder, whoa there, I know you want to get up and hug her, but not now

Oh fine you old worry wart bill said pouting but immediately shifting to a smile, well at least let me see you closer?

I came over, noticing the bandages on his arm

Are you ok? I asked quietly

I am, just stumbled and banged my arm up, I’ll be fine

That’s good

And what about you? You doing ok? I know this period was hard for Jessica,

I’m doing better, with the help of everyone I said smiling, including you, thank you for helping arrange things with Patricia,

Your welcome sweetie! Just glad our daughter was in a position to help too. Your parents arrive home tomorrow?

Yes

That’s good, do they know yet?

Yeah, there was a slip up with the photopass.

It happens, how did they take it?

Really well actually!

That’s great Marge said

Ok kiddos Grandma said, we should probably head home and leave them alone for the night

Wait Jessica called, would you mind if we did a sleep over? I’ve got the late shift at the pool and I’ve never done one

Hrm… I don’t know… Grandma said, these two are probably pretty tired she said grinning… and more seriously, what if you are needed here?

Bill once again interjected with I’m fine, and stood up and Marge couldn’t stop him this time. He hugged Jessica and said you kids have a nice night, and then came over and hugged me, and you are adorable and I’m very happy for you

Can she grandma? I asked, doing my best to do puppy dog eyes

You need to work on that grandma laughed, but ok, ok

I’ll be right back Jessica called and ran off to her room, quickly returned, carrying a bundle of clothes and a stuffed animal, all set!

Ok girls, come on Grandma said, laughing

We all walked out, and Marge saw us to the door and waved goodbye

Ok girls grandma said, I’ll leave you to whatever shenanigans you want to get up to in the guest rooms, but do keep it down, the neighbors aren’t that far away.

We looked at each other and retreated to my room

So, I gotta admit, why a sleepover?

I’ve only ever been to a couple, even in SoCal theres some who get weird about it and its just safer to not, and one of them went a bit sideways on me. No one was hurt, and in the end I patched it up with those friends, but it was hard

Oh, glad you patched things up though

Yeah

So what kind of sleep over things do we want to do? Karen asked

Hrm, Makeovers? Truth or dare? Never have I ever? Movies? Jessica rattled off

I think the two in the middle are the least good idea for tonight Karen said… but movies and makeovers sounds like a good place to start… Oh, we could put on a really terrible teen romcom from like 30 years ago! Or oh, I’ve got it! Princess Diaries! Its on’y 20 some years old, but still

Oh. My. God, yes! Jessica squealed

The Princess what? I said

Princess Diaries! Its adorable! You’ll love it

Ok… I said, let me dig out my iPad since there isn’t a tv in here. I went and found it in my bag, and the charger cable since I hadn’t used it since I got here. I unlocked it and went to the families movie library to see if maybe we already had it. And to my surprise, we did. Huh, I said, never seen that before, I hit play, but Karen quickly reached over and hit pause

wait! Need to go get some supplies!

She ran out of the bedroom and came back bearing an armload of bags and boxes of things I only kind of knew some of what were, and set them on the floor

Ok, that should get us started!

They sat there teaching me various things while the movie rolled, and I won’t deny it was very fun, although as usual I thought she was pretty before the makeover. By about half way through they had finished their makeovers and were helping me with mine, I wanted to watch what they were doing but they insisted on a big reveal. They took their time, chattering with each other and pointing at this thing or that thing, and the movie was almost over before they finished.

Ok sis, you want to see how you look? Karen asked

I uh, am nervous, but sure

I think you came out looking really good! Jessica said

Now close your eyes Karen said

Open em! Jessica said

I did slowly, and there was a three panel mirror in front of me, and I did look quite a bit different, it was Brooke, an older more mature Brooke perhaps, but Brooke none the less, oh, its beautiful, and fancy, why does my face look so different?

It’s called ‘contouring’ and it takes a lot of makeup to make it look natural, but by changing how dark and light certain areas of your face are, it tricks the eye in to seeing a totally different shape Jessica explained

Thank you I said, leaning over to hug both of them, and we watched the end of the movie together

Ok, I know we said no truth or dare… but how about… truth if you feel like it? You can refuse any question you want, just a chance to talk about things we might not otherwise… Sound good?

Sounds good Karen said

I guess… I can do that I said

Ok I’ll start us off, Jessica said, Brooke, what caused you to realize you were trans? Or as some online might say, caused your egg to crack?

Like actually admit it to myself?

Yeah

Well… I was at school, I was volunteering in the library because it was quiet and the other kids didn’t want to even come in to tease me lest they face the wrath of the librarian… And she had a stack of books she was processing for removal, taking various tags off of things, stamping them to indicate they were ex library, that kind of thing… and I noticed in the pile were several books with brightly colored spines that appeared brand new, and I decided to ask why they were being removed.

She pulled them out to the top and sighed, ‘for objectionable material’ she said quietly, and even quieter, there’s not a thing wrong in these books, there’s not even any swear words. Then she looked at me funny, I bet you would like these, wouldn’t you? She said and handed me the first volume. On the cover was girl, posed as if the cover was a selfie she took, in a school uniform, with a purple bedspread and a bunny rabbit. The title was ‘Rain’ and the letters were written in pink, blue and white stripes

Oh! I know that one!

Who’s telling this story? I said laughing

Jessica said sorry, go on

I read it cover to cover in the remaining period and went and asked if I could have the others, for completion sake. The librarian smiled at me and said I thought you might like it, and yes you can, but shhh, you didn’t get them from me. I

She had through volume 4 at the time, and I devoured them… it follows the life of Rain, who’s a trans girl living as herself, but secretly at a Catholic High School… and… there was a scene, uh spoilers I guess?

I’ve read all of it, and a warning for this scene Karen, it’s bad, Jessica said

Ok… Karen said, I don’t mind the spoilers I guess, although I already want to read this…

So… the thing that finally got me to admit it to myself was a scene in volume four… Rain’s sister cuts her hair off one night, and it just, it broke me so hard, I realized if anyone ever did that to me just how much it would hurt, I cried like the next couple days almost non stop

Wait, I remember this, you were out sick for like a week and no one could find anything wrong, you were just inconsolable

Yeah… that was when… I said

That’s rough sis, are you sure that’s ok?

It’s… it definitely left a dent in me, I said feeling tears form in my eyes

Jessica leaned over and hugged me

Have you read the rest of it yet? Jessica asked, it ended online recently

I sniffled a bit and nodded, yeah, it was so beautiful, I love the ending, can’t wait to get the final two volumes.

That’s, a really beautiful story sis, although I wish figuring it out hadn’t been so painful and she leaned in and joined Jessica hugging me

Ok that’s enough sadness I said, I lived, I figured it out

You did! Karen said, ok your turn to ask us something Brooke

I looked at Karen and asked, are you gay? I saw how you reacted when you fought with Holly last month, and remember, it’s ok to say you don’t want to answer

Karen looked at me, I guess we might have some of that psychic link after all sis, we’ve both just doing our best to repress it… I’m not sure if I’m gay or just like Holly, but I do really like her a lot and that fight really hurt… that plush I’ve been working on is a gift to her for our sort of anniversary in a couple weeks, she loves Stitch so I crocheted a Stitch plush

Awww I said, that’s adorable

Hush you Karen said laughing at me…

And I guess… maybe that will be the end of it? If we move to the other side of the country and it was Karen’s turn to look sad

There’s always FaceTime? Jessica offered

I went over and hugged my sister, I’m sorry sis

What are you sorry for? Karen asked, it’s not your fault it’s not safe here for you, for either of us really, I just, mine I don’t even know for sure whether I even am gay, and even if I am, I can hide that easier I think

I only started piecing it together this week I said, I had to start accepting myself to start seeing others more again

Karen hugged back

Ok… my turn… and Jessica, feel free to tell me this isn’t ok to ask… uh, what all are you wanting to do beyond hormones?

I honestly don’t have solid plans in that regard yet, I still have a few years before I can do anything more than the blockers, and a lot can change in a few years… however, I would advise against asking that question of any trans person, even ones you know wall

I yawned loudly and very involuntarily, oh wow I said looking at the clock, it’s almost midnight

Maybe we should get some sleep Jessica said

That sounds good to me too honestly Karen said

Karen and Jessica went off to change in to their PJ’s and I did as well really quick. When they got back they showed me how to clean my makeup off. Karen had brought her blanket and pillows and I offered to sleep on the floor and let them have the bed. Wait Karen said, didn’t grandma have an air bed?

Oh, yeah, that might be in this closet. I opened the closet doors and there was the bundle and it’s pump, and I got it out and filled it up, Jessica declared it would be better if we shared the bed and she took the air mattress, I relented and collapsed in bed.

Karen and I didn’t share beds much, usually on hotel trips when we wanted to only get one room.

I laid down hugging the edge of the bed and Jessica hit the lights and hopped on to the air bed.

Goodnight Karen I said, and good night Jessica, the others exchanged good nights as well and before long we were actually all sound asleep.

---

Tuesday:

I awoke with a start, realizing I was on the far side of the bed from where I had been this last week and I suddenly remembered, and sat bolt upright, then quickly and quietly made my way past my still snoozing sister and Jessica so I could use the bathroom

I waved at grandma as I headed in to the bathroom and relieved myself.

I came out slower, good morning grandma I said

They still asleep?

They seemed to be

That’s good, let them be unless you want more sleep yourself

I shook my head no, I can almost never get back to sleep at this time of morning

I know that feeling, Grandma said, Did you girls have fun last night?

I blushed, I certainly did

That’s good, what say we make up a nice breakfast together for them

Sure grandma

I got to making breakfast and my phone buzzed

Hey kiddos! We just wanted to let you know we are at the airport and waiting in the security line, love you, see you tonight!

Was that your parents?

Yup, just letting us know they made it to the airport

Wow they are early

They are I said… I thought their plane didn’t leave til like, 7am pacific and it’s more like 4:30am there now…

Maybe they are trying to catch an earlier flight?

Maybe… wish they would say that though…

I’m sure they will keep us informed.

Yeah, ok, breakfast…

Hrm, let’s do eggs and bacon today, it scales well and I think we have enough for all of us.

Sure.

Grandma got everything out and taught me how she made her scrambled eggs that dad could never manage, perfect fluffy granules of egg, and a big plate of bacon.

And in not too long, Jessica came out bleary eyed, is that bacon I smell? Real bacon? In a frying pan and not a microwave?

Yup I said, cooked it myself

Oh wow, and these eggs look and smell amazing

Thank you dear, a family secret now safely in the hands of Brooke

Jessica looked at me conspiratorially… so… what do you want for the secret?

I laughed, I wasn’t sworn to any secrecy, and I’m not sure I’d be able to replicate it reliably yet

Grandma laughed too, you will eventually and then teach whoever you want, recipes aren’t secrets, they are love, and love wants to be shared

Karen came out shortly after

Morning all she mumbled and quickly put together a plate and popped some bread in the toaster

She ate in silence

Grandma and I made our own plates and joined them

So it’s possible the parents are trying to get back early, they got to the airport like an hour plus earlier than they needed to.

Huh Karen said, well that’s fine I guess?

Yeah… just odd for them

Your parents when they were young, before either of you came in to the world, they did it a fair bit, grandma said, flying standby to get better timing or routes or prices, guess maybe they didn’t do that with you because it’s harder with kids

Ah, maybe I said, I do remember a couple trips where plans changed rapidly last minute

Yeah Karen said, that Boston trip

And Seattle

Oh yeah, wanted to get ahead of the storms

Right

So what are you girls getting up to today?

I think I want to go swimming one last time I said

Wait, for once I won’t have to convince you? Karen said nearly incredulous

I laughed loudly, no, this time you won’t have to convince me, so long as I can go as Brooke

It went ok yesterday Grandma said, Im ok with it

Then thats settled, but what about this morning?

I feel like I should try to organize some things, maybe pack, if they get back early, they might decided to head across town tonight after the bbq rather than tomorrow

Thats not a terrible idea Karen said

See you at the pool then Jessica said?

Yup!

Jessica headed back over to her parents while Jessica and I retreated to our rooms for the morning. To say I got a lot of packing done would be a bit of a lie, to be honest I hadn’t really unpacked that much to begin with, and I didn’t have room in my bags for the new stuff, which was mostly all still in bags too, although I did take time to put away the air mattress and bedding.

I did haul some stuff to the laundry room though and arrived finding Karen there as well, guess we have a couple different loads here I said

Yeah, better to do them now, I hate hauling dirty clothes home

We started a load after checking if Grandma had anything, and she added a few of her own things.

Karen and I then went around and made sure to tidy up anything we had left out over the course of the trip, bits of chargers, cables, a lipgloss that had gotten left on the counter, etc. Eventually there simply wasn’t much else to do. And then our phones buzzed again

Hey kids! If you wondered, yes, we managed to catch an earlier, albeit indirect flight. We are currently in Denver boarding and should be to Orlando about 4 instead of 6.

I texted back:

Grandma wondered, does this mean you won’t be wanting to stay tonight here?

we can still, just wanted to give you all a heads up! We didn’t want to say til we knew we would.

Have a good afternoon kids! See you later

We are going swimming this afternoon, might not be back when you arrive

Ok!

I put my phone down

Lunch time kiddos Grandma called

We made our sandwiches and ate. Want to join us at the pool again today Grandma? Karen asked

I think one day this week is enough for me, you kids have fun

Ok, thanks grandma, for everything I said as I got up to take my plate in to the kitchen and leaned over and hugged her

You are absolutely welcome kiddo, you are happier now than I’ve seen you in a long time and that makes me happy, you have fun this afternoon

I will I said smiling, having put my dishes in the dish washer, and bounced off to my room to change. To say the method was entirely comfortable would be a lie, but it had worked reliably yesterday and I hoped it would be ok today. I threw on a long t-shirt and grabbed my goggles and the cap Jessica had left me and put it on

Oh thats a cute look Karen said, in just her shorts and swimsuit

Thanks I said, Im a bit nervous about it

It should be fine, perfectly normal way to look prior to getting in to the pool for a girl, ready to go?

Yup

We walked out of the house, so… I wanted to say this without any of the others around… thank you for pushing me… the house of cards I had built was not sustainable, it kept crumbling, I… I knew that but I kept just thinking I had no other options.

She looked over at me as we walked, I… Im sorry, I know you said thank you, but I pushed too hard, and I promise that stops now

We paused in our tracks and I hugged her, you are the best big sister a little sister could ever ask for, and don’t you ever doubt it, I love you sis

she returned the hug and said, I love you too, lil sis, we broke the hug quickly and finished our walk to the pool, in happy silence

We arrived at the pool, and Jessica was already getting up on the life guard stand, we waved and smiled, but left her to her job. We did do some laps today, and some games with picking things up off the bottom of the pool, etc, it was a fun afternoon and the pool was nice. We got out at the afternoon break and just sat down for awhile, when break was over we didn’t get back in right away.

So, the wording they used implied maybe they had news on the job front?

Already? Seems unlikely

A girl can dream I guess, Id rather go to school out west this fall than still be here

Clocks running awfully fast on that one, only what, a month and a half or 2?

Depending on when school starts out there, yeah

Still, would be nice

Want to get back in the pool for a bit? Karen asked

Yeah, for a bit, still got awhile before they are home

We did some more laps, and then I heard my phone ringing and I got out of the pool and so did Karen

I put it on speaker, but quietly

Hey kids! We just landed, going to baggage claim then get loaded up and head your way, probably be about an hour or so

Hey mom, we are on speaker as a heads up at the pool

Sure right, no worries, just wanted to let you know, will share closer ETA when we are at the car, love you

Love you mom, and see you in an hour or so I said, hanging up

I looked at Karen, so what do you think, more pool? or head home and wait for them

Oh I think more pool, Jessica said walking up, besides, I just got off shift!

Oh! Right, sure, join us Karen said

We all three got in the pool and splashed about and admittedly lost track of time a bit, I had to use the restroom all of a sudden and got out and saw my phone lit up with a notification.

I picked it up and the note said ‘arriving, 5 minutes’

Oh no! Karen, we have to go I called, throwing my cover up t-shirt on really quick

Oh! Right! coming too Jessica?

Sure she said, and both of them hopped out of the pool and grabbed their stuff before heading to the gate with me.

As we walked away from the pool Jessica said, it’s been quite a week, hasn’t it?

Yeah, I said quietly, and a bit quieter, can you believe anyone thought I was a boy at the start of it?

Jessica laughed, well, not really considering when I first saw you, you were wearing girls shorts and swimming in a t-shirt

Karen laughed too, uh, I had suspicions of course, but that is about as far as it went

We weren’t walking fast and I got a ping that they had arrived

Well, they beat us I said… and I felt myself get really nervous really quick

Hey, its gonna be fine Brooke, Jessica said, taking my hand that I had started to clench and holding it

It absolutely is Karen said, taking the other and holding it, and we walked down the path, just 3 girls holding hands, and it made me smile

We rounded the corner and there was their van, already parked, and the front door of Grandmas open with the screen door closed, Karen and Jessica still holding my hands as we walked up to the door, Karen opened the door and started to lead me in but I hesitated

It’s ok, she said quietly, I will go in first, Jessica you mind waiting?

Yup, thats fine by me Jessica said

I stood there trying not to cry

Hey, its ok Brooke, it will be fine, they sounded so supportive on the phone

I know, its just hard

I know, it is, but we are here for you, all of us

Karen came back to the door, ok, they are all sitting down, and closed their eyes, come on in

We came in, uh, hi mom and dad I said, I guess you can open your eyes, its me, your daughter Brooke

Mom and dad opened their eyes and smiled at me, indeed it is! There she is! Mom got up and came over and hugged me

I looked embarrassed, mom, I’m all wet from the swimming pool

You think I’d let a little thing like water stop me from hugging my daughter when I saw her again right after a week away?

Dad came over and joined the hug, and then broke it, and stepped back

You do make a pretty cute girl, mom said

I blushed, thanks

So, why don’t you kiddos get changed in to dry clothes, and then we can all chat a bit before the bbq, I already let your grandparents know of the revised timetable Jessica, and they will be over in about an hour

Sure, sounds good

We went off to respective bathrooms and or bedrooms and quickly got changed, I threw on the sundress and futzed with my hair a bit, putting barrettes in as Karen had shown me how last night, and a coat of lip gloss.

I hesitated at the door knob to head out and took a deep breath and opened the door and stepped out, Mom and dad were sitting again, and I caught Karen’s eye as she came out changed as well and we walked over in front of the couch

So, Brooke, how long were you hiding this from us?

Uh, a bit over two years, when I got a graphic novel that helped me to admit I was trans

Oh the rainbow covered series? Is that what it was about?

Yeah…

I would like to read them sometime if you don’t mind, Im sure they mean a lot to you, and maybe it would help us understand, and to be clear, its not that we don’t support you, we just don’t have a lot of experience with this dad said

Yeah… I said, you can read it, I’ve got some other really great books too

Thank you

Jessica came in to the living room, and I know some amazing resources to direct you at, hi Mr and Mrs Gilchrist, its a pleasure to meet you again

Oh Jessica! its so good to see you, you really have grown in to quite a pretty young woman, and thank you, that would be very helpful

You’re welcome, Brooke here is at the start of something really quite amazing, and Im glad you are supporting her in it

We wouldn’t have it any other way, come, sit, you don’t need to be standing for this

We all sat down

So, kids, we do have news dad said. While I wasn’t as lucky, your mom has landed a structural engineer job at a major architecture firm based out of LA, and they are going to be paying relocation expenses too as they need her in house for this. Their previous lead engineer on a major project quit in a huff and left them needing a replacement ASAP and jumped on your mom’s resume. There’s final details to settle, and I’m still looking for something local to LA is quite a bit more expensive than here, but, I talked with my boss who ran it up the food chain and he’s willing to let me try being a remote only employee, with maybe occasional trips back here for big meetings.

Oh thats wonderful I said! leaning over and hugging dad, and then getting up to go hug mom

There is one caveat here mom cautioned, you need to not be Brooke til we arrive out there, there will be a lot of people coming and going, and meetings, and we need to be careful a bit longer. However, you should be starting school out there this fall.

So where abouts in LA are you looking at being? Jessica asked

We don’t really know for certain yet, I haven’t even begun house hunting, but the firm promised their relocation expert knew all the best places and realtors in town.

Thats good! We live near-ish Disneyland, but theres lots of other nice places too

Certainly Disneyland and environs are on the list dad laughed, I know our family, and they will want to be there frequently

Will we be out there by our birthdays?

Possibly… mom said, although not all our stuff may be yet. I know though we want to be there ASAP so one option we are considering is starting the packing and moving and selling process here, then packing up essentials and hotel living for a few weeks til the rest of our stuff arrives and we can close on a place

I’ll happily help coordinate that out here Grandma said, I moved a lot when I was younger, I know it all

Thanks mom, dad said, I really appreciate

Besides, got my own place to pack up and arrange, might manage to find some 2 for 1 deals or something she said laughing

You just might at that mom said laughing

So… living arrangements, with it being so much more expensive, I was wondering if you kids might not mind a lodger, in an grandma unit or whatever fancy term they use for it these days

Dad looked at mom, well, we had talked about that, and its certainly an option, we would welcome your input on places we find, and we will list as something we would prefer to have with the realtor

So long as its at least on the table, we can discuss the details later, I know that us ‘mericans don’t exactly like our elders living with or near us, but, I get it, you have your own lives and I know Im an old stick in the mud

Dad laughed, you are far more libertine than I ever was, and don’t you try and deny it, I saw dad’s photo album

Wait what photo album I asked? knowing full well that they wouldn’t let me see it but I had to rub it in a bit

Shh! that thing doesn’t exist grandma said waving her hands wildly and laughing

Ok kiddos grandma said getting up, I need to get going on supper or we won’t have things for the bbq, would you mind going and heating the grill up she said looking at dad

Sure mom, and he headed off outside, while grandma headed in to the kitchen, followed by Karen

So, how you holding up Brooke? Mom asked

Better I said, its… not been an easy week, but its also been a better week than any week I can think of any time lately

Thats good, Im glad to hear it, you looked so happy in those photos

Oh! We’ve got a lot more Karen said from the kitchen

We can look at them after supper, lets go help

We all pitched in and quickly had brats and some potato salad and other things getting made, and were just setting things out on the table when the doorbell rang and in came Bill and Marge

Hello hello! Marge called, hope we aren’t too early

Right on time! grandma called back

Marge, Bill, I would like you to meet my son Robert and his wife Lydia

We’ve met a few times, but good to see you again dad said, and your granddaughter has apparently been a big help to mine, and as I understand it, your daughter as well

Bill smiled, just doing what we can to make the world a slightly better place, however we can, I love Jessica, and she’s so much happier now than she was in the time leading up to her telling us about who she is

Food’s just about ready mom called from the patio, taking up the last of the brats and corn, and coming inside with it all on a couple of big plates

We sat and ate and talked and the meal felt like it could and would go on forever, however, in time, it wound down, and Grandma said, so I heard people talking about pictures, and I have some I will share with Brooke’s permission

I blushed, sure, share away

Grandma got her iPad out, and shared it to the tv, and started with our dress up day in Karen’s clothes, before Disneyworld, at Disneyworld, the pool, etc, and then pulled up the photophass photos, which were really quite good, and mom and dad were appreciative, and photos were shared via various means with the others, and conversation drifted to other things, and Jessica, Karen, and I retreated to my room

Omg, you are going to be in LA! Jessica said, I know its huge and unlikely we will be that close to each other, but still!

I. Am. So. Excited! I squealed, I can’t wait to be out there and getting to be me

We all chatted for awhile, until a knock at the door, hey kiddos, Jessica, I think its time we headed home Marge said, its past all our bed times

Awww, Jessica said immediately followed by a yawn, ok, fine she giggled

Ok, sleeping arrangements for tonight, Grandma asked?

Well, I think we would take the bigger back bedroom, and the girls could be in the front one, with the air mattress for whichever one wins it

That works!

The air mattress was pulled out and inflated this time in Karens room, and we all settled in fairly quickly to sleep.

After we turned out the lights in got in bed, Karen I whispered

Yeah sis?

Thank you

Its what sisters are for she said and I could hear her smile in the darkness, goodnight sis

goodnight sis I said back

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Wednesday:

I woke up to the sound of laughter from a fairly good sleep, even if it had been on an air mattress after I lost rock paper scissors to Karen. I sleepily looked around and realized Karen was already up. I got up and slowly opened the door and smelled and heard bacon frying

I heard them chatting but not well enough to know what was being said so I decided to just go out there

There she is! mom called,

Dad said Morning princess sleepyhead, did you sleep well?

I grinned, I did, thanks dad

So, we are going to do breakfast here, and then we are going to head back to our house mom said

We sat down to eat, and while we ate we talked about some things

So your mom and I have been talking, you can go home as Brooke today, we will be parking in the garage anyways, so no one in the neighborhood would see you, but I’m afraid we do need to maintain appearances for now… no more than a few weeks hopefully, I know that’s hard, just going to be a lot of comings and goings and don’t want to risk outing you til we are to safety

I… I’m not looking forward to it, but I know that it will be over soon and I can be myself in California fully, even at a hotel?

Yes, you absolutely can, and if our flight passes through a friendly state you can change on our way out…

Also, we’ve been talking about some other things, for one, we are happy to help you with medical things as soon as insurance settles out after onboarding, and… we were wondering how much you two will be willing to share clothing mom said

Budget wise, we are kind of on the edge here, and not having to buy a whole new wardrobe for you would be good… obviously we would get you your own underwear, sharing that would just a bit weird

I uh, that should be ok Karen said, so long as we have some things we understand are ours and not communal property

It would be fine with me, I said, I like a lot of what you have, just tried to never let it show

Also… given housing prices and sizes, even with the assistance, and what we will have from the sale here… you might have to share a room…

Karen hesitated, and I spoke up, I’m ok with that if Karen is in general, but I care about my privacy too… we would need to agree to some sort of ground rules on usage, and maybe some space set aside for when we both need privacy

Ooh, like a tree house? Karen said, I always wanted one to hide out in

Dad laughed, we will see what we can do

As we finished breakfast we lingered talking, Mom had to get on her laptop and sign some documents for the new job really quick, and then it was suddenly time to head home

We loaded the van with our regular bags, and then fit in the bags of things grandma had gotten me, including the princess dress and accessories, and right as we were finishing up and loading in, Jessica ran out holding something and said wait! take this before you go,

She handed it to me and it was her trans pride flag, I turned to hug her, thank you I said

Thank you! She said, you reminded me of how good it is to be me, somedays its rough even for me, and you are such a bundle of joy, and then she leaned and gave me a peck on the cheek

I blushed, thank you… I said quietly, hoping none of the family had seen

Your welcome! and I’ll be back out in California about the same time you are!

Oh awesome! Hope to see you out there soon

We got in the car and the parents quietly started the drive home. Karen who had already been in the back seat when Jessica ran up texted me

Yes I saw that

I texted back:

Saw what?

Jessica kiss you, don’t worry, I am 95% certain the parents didn’t see

I uh, I don’t really know what just happened

I think Jessica might like you?

Thats ridiculous, I’m only 13, she’s 15

and in 10 years that would mean?

… nothing…

Just, like, if you like her, its ok to explore that a bit, just be careful sis

I have thinking to do, I’ve never even considered being with anyone, figured it was another thing that couldn’t happen

remote hugs

What are you two texting about back there mom asked from the driver’s seat

Nothing mom I said, just plotting the downfall of governments, nothing major

Ok she said, just be sure its the ones that deserve it

Yes mom I called back

If… if you don’t mind, could we talk about this sometime? I know you are seeing Holly, maybe you understand more than me about this

lol, literally thats what sisters are for, of course Ill talk with you, now, or face to face in one of our rooms later, whatever

Thanks sis =)

You are welcome

I set my phone to one side as Mom navigated through the various roads, we were about half way home and I just watched out the window as the familiar scenery I didn’t know how much longer I would see, or if I would ever see it again after that.

As we approached our neighborhood, I started feeling exposed, the van had tinted windows, but I was scared, and I started hunching over in the seat

You’ll just bring more attention to yourself that way Brooke mom said quietly, it will be ok, we are almost home

Another couple turns and we were in our driveway, having seen no one we knew, and pulling in to the garage.

We started unloading the van, the parents insisted Brooke’s clothes live in Karen’s room, so that when the movers came they wouldn’t get suspicious and report us.

I reluctantly hauled them there, with Karen following with another load, when I got in to her room and she came in behind me, and I set the bags down on the floor, slumping my shoulders and turned to go back for another load

Whoa, hey sis, not so fast, sit on the bed a moment

She sat next to me, I know this is hard, and from now on, my room has an open door policy to you, so long as Im not changing, and Ill try to do that in the bathroom from now on so theres no risk, you can come in whenever, even if its just to hang out and talk, or read in the same space as me and our girlier things

Mom came in hauling the dress bag, and carefully hung in the closet, this dress was really quite cute on you

Thanks mom I said, getting up to go help with rest of things, finding only my own bag and backpack to haul up, which I put in my room and sighed. I shut the door and started to change, but I heard a knock at the door

Heya kiddo, before you change, lets have one last afternoon and evening with Brooke out Dad said

Ok, I said, thank you

I headed back downstairs, and we had some sandwiches for lunch with some supplies that hadn’t spoiled thanks to the power of refrigeration.

Dad said ok girls, I need to run grab groceries, you three have a nice afternoon, and Ill be back in a bit

Do you want help? Karen asked

Believe it or not, I am quite capable of getting groceries myself dad laughed, Ill appreciate help though when unloading and putting away comes

Ok, see you later then! Karen said

Mom looked at us when dad was fone, oh my lands, my girls, you are both adorable… Now then… I know what I saw Jessica do, not sure how I feel about an older girl I barely know kissing my youngest, even on the cheek, but, if you decide you like her, thats enough for me

Did dad?

Hah, your dad even if it happened right in front of him would never admit he saw it. Love that man as much as I do, but he is so… odd sometimes… anyways, just be careful, and know that you can both talk to me about relationship stuff, whenever, and whoever your dating… and to put this out there, back in college, I dated a woman for a few years, we were quite serious, but it fell apart and your dad, well, he was the right person for me in the end

Karen said wait, WHAT? Why have you never told us this?

It was never really relevant to be honest, you don’t know all of my secrets, just as I don’t know all of yours… she said drawing the last bit out a bit

So… uh… as long as we are sharing secrets mom… I’ve been in a relationship with Holly for awhile

I kind of figured, but I’ve been waiting for you to tell me yourself. And as for you Brooke… yes I checked what those rainbow graphic novels on your shelf, and I’ve been reading along as the story finished too, it is quite lovely, and also quite heart breaking at times. I sincerely hope that your life is nowhere near as filled with drama and pain, and I will do my best to be here for you…

You’ve known?

I’ve suspected, especially when you started withdrawing so bad from everything, swimming, robotics, crafts, you didn’t want to do anything but read and hide in your room, to be honest I was getting a bit concerned, you were so sad and I couldn’t seem to help. Nothing we did seemed to crack it, not your favorite foods, not Disney, only ever getting the briefest glimpses of the you we once knew… your dad and I had been talking about taking you to a therapist, although he didn’t know what I did, and I was very nervous if the therapist turned out to be… unsupportive

And the job hunt?

It really did go this quick, I had had my resume updated the last year or so as it was as I was getting tired of doing highway overpasses and condos that will sit empty, Im just glad it went this quick

How about you girls go play in your room, and Ill finish up the last of the paperwork to make this official

Sure mom, see you later

We retreated to Karen’s room

The afternoon passed quietly and well, she showed me some of the things I had wanted to try so badly, but never dared, video games, toys, hair things, and then we heard dad arrive back home, and bolted downstairs to help unload and unpack…

We ate a nice supper, dad cooked goulash, which was really good, and we talked and laughed, and the parents said we would begin packing this weekend

When it finally came time for bed, I retreated to my room, I took off Brooke’s clothes, and put on Josh’s pajamas, and laid down in bed and started crying… it had been an extremely long week and a half, and I was exhausted, and upset, and happy and sad and mad all at the same time. I wound up crying myself to sleep

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Epilogue:

That weekend we did start packing, we didn’t get it all done but we did make a sizable dent. Mom got the process of selling the house started, and dad started the process of searching for our new place in California. Real estate out there was more than a touch ridiculous, but we did eventually find something, we wouldn’t be able to move in right away, but before the school year started. To say the next few weeks of my life were easy would be a lie, I cried a lot, and Karen entertained me in her room a lot, and yes, I was Brooke sometimes when the parents weren’t around to notice because I just couldn’t take it.

Three weeks later, we were landing in Denver, and Karen handed me a package from her carry on as I went in to a gender neutral family restroom and changed really quick. I felt like a whole new me as we ate at the food court, and boarded the plane, the gate attendant didn’t even bat an eye at me as she said have a nice flight miss and I burst in to happy tears as we boarded the plane

We did stay in a hotel for a couple weeks while final bits were sorted out about the houses, closing the sale, then the purchase, getting carpets replaced, a mad dash to paint rooms before the furniture arrived… Which didn’t arrive on time in the slightest, we were all sleeping on air mattresses that first couple nights.

Karen and I did wind up sharing a room, but it was a pretty large room, with room for both our beds and stuff, and there was an in-law unit that Grandma moved in to about a month after we moved in, and it is wonderful having her here and closer than before. She missed our birthday trip, but she sent a very nice ‘happy birthday granddaughter’ card to me as well as one to Karen, as well as some really cute clothes, and a gift card for us to use on whatever we wanted.

Our birthday trip was to Disney land, and me as Belle made one final appearance at the parks before I aged out of being allowed to wear costumes, joined this time by Karen as Elizabeth Swann, as my sister always preferred pirates to princesses, and we had an amazing time. Jessica had arrived back in California in time even to come with, and while we weren’t willing to call what we were doing dating yet, we did hold hands on the dark rides and that was nice.

The laws… the laws continue to get worse in too many places, but California remains safe. Our parents were true to their word on helping me, and I was on puberty blockers not too long after school started, which I started as Brooke, and went quite amazingly. We didn’t wind up at the same school as Jessica, but we are only about half an hour from where she and her parents lived, and we see them fairly regularly. I did eventually get in contact with Caroline, and she and her parents and her aunt were safe and doing well up in Portland, and Jessica, Karen, Grandma and I are going to visit her and her family next spring via train.

There’s still a lot of my life ahead of me, and I hope someday the laws get better. Im fighting for things even from here in California, even as a teen, because if I don’t fight for my right to be who I am, in the place I was raised, who will?