“Hello, miss?”

“Whatcha mean, miss?”

“Sorry. I have a cold…”

“Hello miss?....miss?”

Looking up with a start from the Monty Python sketch playing on my smart-phone, I saw a sandy haired boy around my age standing next to the bench I was sitting on. I recognized him from high school and from my English class here at Archibald Leach University. Brad something.

“Yes?” I said, looking up at him while shielding my eyes from the fall morning sun.

He gave me a nervous smile as his face reddened. He said, “Honest, this isn’t a line. But this is driving me crazy. You look soooo familiar. I know I’ve seen you before, it’s like I know you and don’t know you.”

I smiled at him and said, “I don’t think you’re going to pick up many girls with that line, Brad.”

His face reddened even more. “See? You know my name!”

“We’re in the same class together, remember?”

“Oh. Yeah. But still. I recognize you from somewhere.”

I hesitated at first. I really didn’t want to risk getting beat up by some drooler if it became widely known. There were already some people on campus who knew, so I just said what the heck. “I think we had a couple of classes together in high school. I’m Alex Hughes.”

Brad sat down next to me with an odd expression on his face. “You can’t be Alex Hughes. He’s a boy. In fact, he was one of two boys stuck on that island for three months. So quit foolin’.”

Giggling, I said, “I am Alex. I’m transitioning to being female.”

“Bull shit!” barked Brad, probably louder than he intended. “Sorry. But I mean, you’re so pretty and all.”

I said, “It’s true. And thanks. I’ve gotten my named changed and the college, after pressure from my lawyer, let me register as a girl.”

Brad just shook his head as he looked me up and down. “That’s amazing. I really thought you were a girl.”

“I am a girl.”

“No, I mean…you know, like born that way.” Brad was obviously outside his comfort zone. “Have you got your junk cut off then?”

I shook my head. “I still have all my parts…for now. I’m trying to save up money for it.”

Brad looked at the ground for a few moments before looking at me again. “Do you have time to head over to Starbucks before your next class? We can talk there.”

Actually, I was shocked Brad hadn’t run away screaming yet. I glanced down at phone and pressed the command button. The time displayed momentarily. “Yes, I have some time.”

“So, did that Zach guy know you’re a tranny?” Brad asked after we sat down with our drinks.

I frowned at him and said, “I don’t like being called that.” I could spill the beans and ruin Zach’s life, but I did make a promise. “No, Zach had no idea.” I looked at the lipstick smudge on my cup. It still tickles me to see my lipstick on a cup or a straw because, well, it means I’m wearing lipstick and not hiding.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean anything. I’ve never met a …um…girl…like you before.” Brad studied his cup a moment.

There was a long, uncomfortable lull in the conversation. I was about to say that I needed to get to my next class when Brad finally spoke.

“Um, would you be interested in going to a movie or something Friday night?” Brad studied his cup again.

Sitting there in utter shock, I said in disbelief, “Did you just ask me out?”

“Yeah, I hope that’s okay.” Brad said. “Sorry, I just assumed you liked guys. I’m just stupid, you know.”

“Oh, no, it’s okay. I like guys.” Those last three words came out slowly. I had never uttered those three words in public before. It felt like a great weight had slid off my shoulders.

Brad’s eyes brightened a little. He said, “That’s great. So? Do you want to go out?”

I smiled at him and said, “Sure. I’d love to.”

Brad smiled back at me. “Great! Thanks. Can I have you phone number?”

I nodded and told him my number as he typed it into his own phone. He then gave me his phone number.

Brad then said, “Hey, I’m going to be late. Thanks! I’ll give you a call later.” He slugged down the rest of his drink and got up from his chair. He waved and went outside.

I just sat there for a few moments, slowly finishing my drink smiling to no one in particular. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy college.