Erika sat on the bed in the nurse’s office, knees tucked to her chin. Her blouse had been torn nearly to shreds. A few drops of blood now decorated it. Victoria handed over the retrieved breast form which Erika tucked into her bra. Somehow it helped to make things feel a little more normal. She shuddered. How many people had seen her fake breast fly out of her bra and skip across the floor? How many students at the school were going to tease her about wearing fake breasts?

This was a nightmare. What was she thinking, fighting with Taylor? Taylor had guessed that she had been Eric ‘the plague’. Taylor was the one who could totally ruin everything; and she started a fight with her. That was only partially true. Taylor had instigated the fight. Erika had had enough and lost control.

Another shudder wracked her body. Taylor had been taken to the hospital to be tested for concussion. Erika looked at the blood on her blouse again, wondering whose it was. She had once looked up to Taylor even wanted to be her friend. Then just a bit ago. How long had it been since the altercation in the hall? she had to be dragged off of Taylor while she was trying to pound her head into the floor. What kind of sicko had she become? She just couldn’t wrap her head around the whole situation. She had always been the one who avoided fights, who ran from them, who put up with untold bullying. How could she suddenly be the one being pulled out of a fight?

Once delivered to the nurse, Samantha and Victoria were asked to leave and write down what they had witnessed.

Erika felt her chest again. Angry red scratches from Taylor’s fingers burned. Her scalp felt like it was on fire from Taylor nearly ripping her hair out. She didn’t have any recollection of getting hit in the face, but her jaw said otherwise.

“Are you alright?” her mother entered the room.

“I think so.” I don’t know whose blood this is.” Erika showed her mother the ripped, blood stained blouse.

Her mother hugged her. Her mother wasn’t normally a hugger so it was a bit awkward. But the gentle human contact was soothing. She then looked Erika over. “So, what happened?”

Erika told her as much as she could. Once the fight started, though, she couldn’t say a whole lot.

“I didn’t mean to hurt her.” She began crying anew.

“I know you didn’t.” her mother soothed, then lowered her voice. “Sounds to me like she deserved it.”

“Is she hurt bad?” Erika questioned.

“I don’t know. I doubt it though. Let’s get you out of here and get you taken care of.”

“You aren’t mad?” Erika wondered aloud.

Her mother shook her head. “It sounds like you were defending yourself, Erika. I have never seen or heard of you starting a fight or participating in one. Because of that, I have to believe that you were standing up and defending yourself.”

“It was horrible, Momma.” Erika was close to sobbing again. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“I think you’ll have to have a long conversation with Dr. Barts.” Her mother nodded. “But as for your father and I? You are not in trouble. I do think your Principal will think otherwise.”

Erika sucked air in through her teeth. The going punishment for fighting was at least three days and as many as five days suspension. She had even known kids who were expelled for such behavior.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” Her mother guided her off the bed and out of the school to the car. Her mother started out of the school parking lot. She looked up at the vandalized sign. “Was she the one who did that?”

“I’m not sure.” She shook her head and instantly regretted it. “She did accelerate and encourage rumors around school.”

Her mother shook her head. “I’ll have to call Mr. Winters tonight and let him know what is going on.

Erika groaned.

She checked her phone to see several texts from friends. Samantha and Victoria as well as Krystal and Jorge text asking if she was okay. She group text them telling them that she thought she was fine. That she was heading home for a shower.

Jake text as well. Apparently, he was one of the people who pulled her off Taylor and held her until she had regained control.
Jake: Wow Erika, are you alright? You were ferocious. Remind me to never piss you off. I hope I didn’t hurt you, you were fighting even as we pulled you free. Hope you are okay.

Nothing from Tricia. Her heart sank at the silence between them. Should she text Tricia? And say what?
“Go and take a quick shower and follow it up with a long soak in the tub.” Her mother instructed as they pulled up to their condo.

Erika winced and groaned as she got out of the car. All of her muscles were sore, some were just stiff, while others seemed strained. Slowly she walked into the house. Her phone alerted as she removed her coat.

Victoria: Just heard, Taylor is going to be fine. Just thought you’d want to know.

Erika: Thx. I’ll call you later.

Fingers pruned and muscles relaxed, Erika finally dried off and changed into her sweats She could hear her parents speaking out in the kitchen.

“How are you feeling?” her father asked as she emerged from her bedroom.

“Erika stretched her neck muscles and flexed her shoulders and back. “Better. My jaw still hurts as well as my scalp where she pulled my hair.”

“We were informed that the other girl was checked out and okay.” Her father gestured to a chair.

Erika nodded. “Victoria told me.”

“I don’t want to place any blame, Erika, but I’d like to know how this got to the point of you two fighting in the halls at school.” Her father gave her his full attention. “From the beginning.”

Erika sighed heavily and was quiet for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. “It began when she accidently saw me changing in the locker room.” Erika explained. She went on to detail everything that happened after. Taylor quitting Rally, Erika approaching Melinda about letting her back on the squad, and the taunting and rumor spreading at school. Then finally how she pushed Erika and taunted her about Tricia.

Erika took a deep breath after and fell silent.

Her father nodded, “That’s quite an ordeal. I wish you’d have come to your mother and I about this before it escalated.”

“It happened so fast and I thought I could just deal with it.” Erika apologized.

Her father leaned forward and embraced her. “I… we love you very much.” He said into her ear. “We are so proud of you, of what you have done and what you are becoming. It has been a difficult and very busy few months and you have handled it better than most adults I know.”

Erika began to cry. “I love you too. Thank you for not being mad.”

“You were defending yourself.” Her father pulled back and looked her in the eye. “I will never be mad at you for defending yourself. Your school however, has decided to suspend you for five days. Your mother will be going down to get your homework tomorrow afternoon.

Erika nodded and wiped tears from her cheeks with the sleeve of her sweatshirt.

“Now.” Her father’s tone changed to one of business. “I spoke at length with Mr. Winters. He and I agree that this isn’t the best timing, but perhaps you should acknowledge publicly that you are a Trans-girl.”

Erika’s heart felt like a lead weight. It wasn’t something that she wanted to do, but with everything that had been happening she couldn’t argue the point. “Victoria has already written an article for the school newspaper on me and my transitioning. She is waiting for my approval before she publishes it.”

“That is a start.” Her father nodded. “I’m sure Mr. Winters will want to proof and possibly edit it first.”

“I’ve got a copy in my email. I haven’t read it yet.” Erika admitted. She looked to her mother. “I’d like to talk with Annie Wilson before this goes public.”

“Who is Annie Wilson?” She asked.

“She is a Trans-girl from church. She goes to Adams High. It might help to hear what issues she has had at being outed.”

“Isn’t she the girl that was shot?”

Erika nodded. “Some crazy Trans-phobic person.” Hopefully that will explain it.

Her mother shrugged. “Whatever you feel you need.”

Erika could hardly believe how her parents were handling this situation. Well, mostly her mother. Her mother up until Christmas had been embarrassed, unsupportive and totally against Erik transitioning. Now she was standing next to her father saying that she would support her in going public with transitioning? What world did she wake up too?

“You should probably speak with Hunter.” Her father told her. “He should know before this goes public.”

“He’s in Brazil on a film shoot and hard to get ahold of.” Erika explained.

“I’m sure Mr. Winters has a way to get in contact with him. I’ll be calling him back tonight.”

“What if Hunter hates me?” Erika whispered.

“He might be angry, but I don’t think he’ll hate you.” Her mother told her.

Her heart was getting heavier and heavier. Was it really anyone’s business what she had beneath her skirts? Why do people care so much? I’m a girl. I’ve been accepted as a girl, yet people kept insisting she was other than what she felt. Now she had to tell the school, which meant that everyone in town will know. Her being in the tabloids with Hunter meant that soon enough the world would know. She wanted to scream with frustration. Maybe she should have taken up Father Daniel’s offer to scream at God.

--o0o—

Erika wore a dress with a long skirt and a short sweater over the top. Thick tights encased by her boots kept her legs warm. She pulled at the braid and flipped it over her shoulder. Her mother had been kind enough to braid it this morning.

She was a bit nervous as she and her mother joined the throng of people entering the church.

“Good Morning, Erika.” Father Daniels greeted.

“Morning, Father.”

“Erika! How are you feeling?” Julian greeted. He stepped forward with Samantha close at hand.

“Fine.” She bit her lip. She wasn’t proud of the fight with Taylor and hated everyone reminding her by asking how she was feeling.

Samantha wrapped her in an embrace. “You’re looking better. We have missed you at school. You won’t believe the rumors going around now.”

“I’d rather not know.” She lowered her voice. “I gave Victoria the approval to print the article. In a few days, everyone will know that I am a Trans-girl and that I used to be Eric Martin.” She couldn’t say the nickname.

Samantha looked shocked, relieved and happy all at once. “I will be with you the whole way, Erika.” She gave her a squeeze.

“How is Tricia?” Erika asked.

“I think she’s almost done being upset. I think she is just feeling hurt right now.”

Erika nodded. “I miss her.” She turned to Julian. “What are you doing after service today?”

“Helping to clean up the church.” He shrugged.

“Would you join me in a meeting after service?”

“Sure.” He was hesitant. “What kind of meeting?”

“I’d rather not say just yet. But I’d like you to be there.”

Samantha gave her a quizzical look. Erika shot her friend a smile.

“Good morning, Erika.” Allie greeted.

“Morning to you too.” Erika gave her friend a hug. “Hi, Annie.” Erika greeted the quieter of the twins.

“What did you want to talk about?” Annie asked in her quiet manner.

“Can we wait until after service?”

Annie nodded.

“Will you sit with us?” Allie asked.

“Yes, Thank you.”

Julian looked from the twins to Erika and back. He smiled and went on his way, greeting parishioners and helping the older people to find a seat.

--o0o—

After the service, Erika, the twins and Julian found a quiet room.

“Can I join?” Samantha looked from Erika to Julian and back.

Erika shrugged. It wasn’t as if Samantha didn’t know. She might even lend support if needed.

“What did you want to talk to Annie and me about?” Allie asked once they were alone.

Erika looked at Julian who was puzzled why he was there, then to Annie. “I am like you, Annie,” She let it hang there for a second. “I am transgendered as well.”

“Seriously?” Allie asked. “Are you coming out because of your bill boards being vandalized?”

Erika nodded. “That is one of the reasons. A few people at school have found out and are forcing the issue” She looked back and forth between the twins. “I wanted to know what you went through so I know what to expect? As well as how I should handle this.” She focused that last part at Annie.

“You are transgender?” Julian asked slowly as the idea sunk in. “That explains our date and what happened after so much better. Wow.”

“I hope you aren’t angry.”

Julian shrugged. “We are friends. Everyone has their own skeleton closet, right?”

Erika re-focused her attention on Annie. “What should I expect? How should I go about telling people?”

Annie and Allie took turns relating what had happened to them, their family and their friends. Some of it was horrible, but there seemed to be a lot of good in there as well.

“You might want to make sure you aren’t going around alone for a few weeks. There are some people in this town who seem to have it out for people like you two.” Allie added.

Annie gave Erika a hug. “It’s like I have a new sister.” She told her.

Erika gave her an extra squeeze before releasing.

“I’ll be praying for you while you are going through this.” Annie told her. “If you need advice or support, just call.”

“Thank you, Annie.” Erika said as the twins exited the room.

“Wow.” Julian stated, shaking his head. “Just wow.” He looked at Erika. “That was a bit of a shock.” He just stared at Erika. “You’ll have my and Stan’s support.”

“I’m so glad you aren’t mad.” Erika gave him a hug. “You have been such a good friend. I’d hate to have you angry at me.”

“It is all making sense now.” Julian admitted. He looked as Samantha. “And you knew this whole time?”

Samantha nodded.

“She’s the primary reason as to why I discovered this about myself and have gone this far without anyone… well, few people knowing.” Erika told him.

“When and how are you going to tell everyone else?” Julian asked.

“Victoria is going to post an article in the school newspaper.”

Julian shook his head. “The school is going to explode. Have you told Jake yet? He should probably know before the article comes out.”

It was Erika’s turn to shake her head. “I was going to call him tonight.”

“Like, I said.” Julian wrapped a swimmer’s arm around her. “you have my support… and Stan’s.”

“Thank you, Julian. That means a lot.”

The three friends made their way to the parking lot. “Now I need to talk with Tricia, Jake and Hunter.” She stated.

“Give Tricia another day or two.” Samantha advised. “Like I said, she is still pretty hurt over Hunter.”

--o0o—

“Hey, Victoria.” Erika answered her phone. “I just emailed the article back to you. Mr. Winters had a few things that he’d prefer to be omitted or changed.”

“I hope he didn’t ruin it.” Victoria was a bit defensive.

“I read through it. I think his changes are valid.” Erika stated. “It is a great article even if some of it was a bit hard for me, personally, to read.”

“Oh?”

“Seeing some of our experiences together through someone else’s eyes.” Erika elaborated. “Some of it is kind of personal and we are about to broadcast it across the school.”

“I double checked with Samantha, Krystal and Tricia on some of it.” She continued to defend.

“I know. I’m just very nervous. Some people at the school don’t like me. What if this stirs things up and causes us more problems?”

“A handful of people don’t like you, but there are so many more that do like you, Erika.”

“I hope so. Otherwise I may have to change schools.”

“You’re being a bit dramatic, aren’t you?”

“You didn’t have to go through life as ‘the plague’.”

“I very much doubt that you’ll be going back there.” Victoria stated. “You have Samantha, Krystal, Tricia and I as friends.”

“Is Tricia still a friend? She hasn’t answered my calls or texts.”

“I think she is.” Victoria replied. “I doubt she’d drop you as a friend. But she’s still pretty raw about the whole Hunter thing.”

“Has she read the article?”

“Yes. She helped with some of it.”

“This is a big possibly life changing event.” Erika acknowledged. “I am a bit nervous.”

“You have friends.” Victoria affirmed. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”