“What do you think, babe?” Mary asked me as soon as I closed my door.

“I am not sure. The idea of going to a private boarding school frightens and excites me at the same time.” I said feeling unsure about my future.

“I know that you will make the right decision for you. Just follow your gut feeling and what’s in your heart.” Mary advised me.

“I will. Thanks sis. You always know what to do. I think I need to ponder this some more. First we have to wait and see what the principal says tomorrow. I hope they will show that they care. Even if I decide to go to a private school, that won’t happen right away, of course.”I told Mary feeling thoughtful.

“I agree. Take you time and talk it through with mom and dad. We could all have a big discussion when I come back home for Christmas. Does that sound good to you?” Mary asked.

I nodded and with that we ended our conversation. We made little kissy faces and noises and soon after I finished my night routine I went to bed and fell into a deep hole of sleep. When I woke up in the morning, my first thoughts were about our previous discussions we had with mom and dad and then just us sisters. I got up, went to the bathroom, got dressed with some snug black leggings I got from Mary and I put on a pink shirt. I went downstairs into the kitchen to see mom and dad having breakfast.

“Good morning, honey.” mom came over and gave me a hug and a kiss.

“Good morning, you two. How are you this morning?” I asked both of my parents.

“We are doing okay. It will be interesting to see how the principal is going to react. Your mom and I talked about this not too long ago and we had an idea.” dad said sounding a bit mysterious.

I looked at both of them curiously. I nodded.

“If you are okay with it, your dad and I won’t tell you about the meeting until this evening. We would like to have Mary on the TV again when we discuss the whole thing. What do you think?” mom asked me.

I was a little perplexed but I liked the idea.

“Okay.” I said quietly.

“I was also thinking that you and I could go to lunch and then to the book store if you want. It would be like a little daddy-daughter date.” my dad said sounding a bit shy and unsure.

“That would be great.” I said excitedly and gave my dad a big hug.

We all had breakfast together and then my parents left to stop by the police and then go to their meeting. I was not sure what to do. I decided to go to my room and read Harry Potter. Soon I left this world and entered a world full of witches, wizards and all kinds of magic. I read for a long time and eventually put my book down and soon feel asleep. The next thing I remember was my dad softly waking me up.

“Hi honey. Did you sleep well?” he asked me.

“Yes. Thanks.” I said yawning a bit.

“Good. It’s almost lunch time. Do you want to go on our date?” my dad asked me seeming excited.

“Yes.. I just need to pick a nice outfit.” I told him feeling excited and thrilled to go out with my dad dressed as his daughter.

“I will meet you downstairs in 20 minutes if that is okay?” my dad asked.

I nodded and almost jumped out of bed. I tried on a few different outfits and decided to wear a brownish skirt, black tights and a nice sweater. When I walked down the stairs, my dad was standing right there beaming with pride. He took my hand and helped me down the last bit of stairs which wasn’t necessary but a sweet gesture. We hugged and soon we were in the car on our way to our special date. We didn’t talk much but we smiled at each other the whole time. I then decided to talk after a while.

“Hey dad. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your support and understanding. I can imagine that this hasn’t always been easy for you.” I said to him mildly.

“Of course. I’m sorry it took me so long to understand. I know I haven’t always been good with expressing my feelings but I think I have gotten better with it. I can see the shine in your eyes since you have been Riley full time. You have been making so many new friends, you are outgoing, witty and fun to be around. And I won a new daughter.” my dad said proudly.

I was shocked to hear my dad expressing his feelings so openly. Tears of joy started running down my face.

“Thank you, daddy. I love you!” I told him with all my heart.

“I love you too, honey.” he told me while squeezing my hand.

Soon we arrived at a cute fifties style diner. I realized how hungry I was. We settled into a booth and after our waitress took our order we continued our conversation.

“Dad, I know we all agreed not to talk about the meeting until tonight but can you give me a little hint about how it went.?” I cautiously asked.

“No, sorry. Let’s talk about something else. Have you been thinking about the possible private school option?” he asked me.

“Yes, I have. In some ways, I do really like the idea a lot. In other ways, not so much. However, I feel thrilled about the prospect of starting a whole new adventure.” I pointed out.

“That is true, Riley. It would be a whole new adventure for you and I know you would master it.” my dad stated convincingly.

“Thank you, dad. I’m sure I would master it.” I agreed bathing in my dad’s confidence he had for me.

We ordered milkshakes for dessert and were soon on our way to the bookstore. I roamed around in the young adult section while my dad looked for science books. We both took a seat in a cozy reading corner and read for a long time. I enjoyed stretching my legs out and seeing and feeling that I wore a pretty skirt and some nice tights. After a while of reading, my dad and I went home. I realized how important this bonding experience was for both of us when I sat in my room thinking about the day.
Soon it was dinner time and my parents and I had a nice time talking about today’s events. Dad and I talked rapidly about our fun date and my mom seemed excited and happy for both of us. I didn't dare to ask about their meeting with my school’s principal but I wondered what we will talk about when Mary was ready to join us. We cleaned up after supper and soon gathered in the living room. I turned on our smart TV and soon my big sister’s pretty face was on the screen.

“So, mom and dad, what happened today at the meeting?” I asked them feeling anxious.

“Well, the principal said that he understands your situation and he also was concerned about the threatening letter. However, he also said that he will not give you any special treatment because he doesn’t think it is fair towards the other students who are not treated in a special manner. He believes that you just might be confused about your gender issues and that it all just might blow over. He said you would not be allowed to use the girl’s restrooms but you could use a staff bathroom.” my dad said matter of factly.

I listened anxiously and was not sure what to think. Mary looked a little confused.

“He also reminded us that if you would decide to go to a private school that in the meantime you are required to attend school here until you would be admitted at a private school.” my mom pointed out.

“Okay.” I said cooly.

I looked at Mary and she also seemed not sure what to think.

“What do you think?” my dad asked me and Mary.

“I think I would like to look into the private school and maybe go visit and talk to them?”

“Good idea!” my mom, dad and Mary almost said at the same time.

I smiled.

“Honey, how do you feel about going back to your school as Riley?” mom asked me.

“Well, I will not go back to being Randy. So, that is the only option.” I said feeling determined.

“Okay. Like we said before, your mom and I went to the police before and they were supportive and understanding. They will investigate the letter and also said that if we want, they could send a police car to your school or our house sometimes. They also recommended that you should make sure you have someone with you when you go to school and home. Maybe your mom might wait with you at the bus stop or we can arrange something else. Sometimes you could also possibly stay at Sammy’s overnight and then go to school from there. How does that sound?” dad asked me.

“Okay. That could work.” I said feeling still unsure.

“When do you think are you going to take Riley to those private schools?” Mary intervened.

“As soon as possible. I will call both boarding schools tomorrow. I hope we can go for a visit before Christmas.” dad said.

“That sounds good. The thought of going to one of those schools excites me more and more. However, I got to talk to Sammy about this very soon.” I told my family.

“Are we going all together then? You know I will be home on December 19?” Mary asked with a bit of a devilish grin on her face.

We all looked at each other and smiled and I started talking in a super girly way.

“OMG! Sisters fun! Mary, that will be so awesome. We can go shopping in Boston and have some girly time. And we can see all the beautiful Christmas decorations and you will be home for longer and we can have a few fashion shows and….” I screeched rather rapidly.

“Slow down, girl!” my mom said smiling.

Everybody’s mood seemed to brighten. We talked for a while longer and then decided that I will go back to school as Riley tomorrow. Mom will come with me for the first period in order to meet with guidance. We also agreed that I will take the bus home with Sammy and spend some time with her in the afternoon if she and her parents were okay with it. I was worried about her reaction of me possibly going to a private boarding school. I talked some more with Mary in private. She believed that attending a boarding school would present tons of opportunities for me. I had to agree.

When I woke up the next morning, I felt weird inside. I was happy to go to school as myself. I was excited about picking a girly outfit. I was worried about being harassed, bullied, intimidated or worse. I had to be brave and face this. I put on a cute skirt, some black tights and a pink sweater. I went downstairs and hugged mom who was waiting in the kitchen for me. We gave each other a knowing look and soon we were out the door. We didn’t talk much on the way to school. I felt excited and tense at the same time. We entered the guidance counselors office and met with Ms. Young, who was very sweet and warm. She let me know that all of my teachers were informed of my name change from Randy to Riley and I should let them know if I run into any trouble or if I am threatened. I told them that I will. I said goodbye to my mom and waited in guidance until the start of the second period. I went to my locker to put a few things in while I mingled with other students.I got a few stares and a whole lot of smiles from other students walking by. Soon it was time for math class. I ran into Sammy before I entered the classroom. We gave each other a big hug and a kiss.

“Hey girl! Welcome back. How are you feeling?” Sammy asked me while smiling.

“I am fine. A bit nervous but feeling calmer by the minute.” I said.

“That’s good. I talked to my crew and the girls want to sit together at lunch and celebrate your first school day as Riley.” Sammy told me excitedly.

Of course I agreed to this proposal and felt excited. It was hard to concentrate on the math class but I gave it my best try. It was especially hard because Sammy and I couldn’t stop looking at each other. When math class was over I chatted with my girlfriend a bit more and then we parted.. The next few periods were uneventful. I felt more and more comfortable in my own skin and in my pretty clothes. At lunch time, Sammy, the girls and I met up in the cafeteria. Everyone seemed excited and thrilled. It was great to see Hannah and Kaylee again. After a while of exciting girly talk, I decided to go up to my locker. Sammy offered to come with me but I felt confident enough to go there without an escort.

Everyone was at lunch so the hallways were deserted most of the time. It felt good to walk those hallways feeling the silky fabric of my tights on my legs. I arrived at my locker to get a few things out of it when I heard someone speaking who must have been standing behind me.

“Hey there. You are that girl with a little extra in her panties.” a smug and arrogant sounding voice said to me.

I turned around quickly and saw a boy standing there who I recognized being on the football team. I felt angry and also a bit panicky which I tried to hide.

“What’s in my panties is none of your business.If you excuse me, I have to go back to the cafeteria.” I told him trying to walk away but he blocked me.

“Oh no, sissy boy. You are going nowhere. I want to see what’s in your little panties first.” he confronted me and came so close I could smell his disgusting breath.

I checked the hallway for help but there wasn’t a single soul. A part of me wanted to give up and faint but a bigger part of me was ready for a fight.

“Alright, if you insist. If you would hold my books for me so I can pull down my skirt, tights and panties for you, I would be happy to show you. Will you let me leave after that?” I asked gently.

“Of course!” he said trying to sound cool with a smug little grin on his face.

I nodded and gave him the books I was holding. In that moment he let his guard down which presented a golden opportunity for me. I am not into sports but if you give me the perfect pass, I was going to sink that ball into the back of the net. I took a step back and acted like I was going to slide my skirt down. The rest happened in slow motion. With all my strength I kicked my foot into his privates. I saw how his smug grin changed into an expression of surprise and shock while he dropped my books. He fell down on his side and screamed in pain. I felt shocked but also strangely satisfied by my response. Then I started to feel worried that he might recover quickly and then who knows what he was going to do. I needed to be sure. I stepped up to him and kicked my foot right into his face. He screamed again in surprise while he coughed up blood and I saw a tooth flying out from one corner of his mouth. I started screaming insults at him that would make a sailor blush while I saw students and teachers rushing to the scene probably wondering where all the noise was coming from.