---

 
Author's Note: I had planned on having this one done last week but I caught the flu and it was pretty nasty. I'm thankfully a lot better now and I finally got around to finishing the story. This idea has been in the back of my mind for a bit. I'm really proud with the way it turned out :).
 

---

 
 
Brady McAllister shuffled his way through the crowded school hallway, his backpack slung over one shoulder. At just five-two, he was often lost in the sea of older kids, his soft brown hair blending into the background. His eyes darted around nervously, searching for a familiar face amidst the bustle. Being short definitely had its advantages, he could easily blend into the large crowds and disappear. He was also low enough to the ground that not many people noticed him. The only downside of course was that everyone in his grade knew him.

It was hard not to know him.

Brady had a face that looked like it had been sculpted by the gentlest of hands. His features were delicate, almost too fine for a boy of his age. His cheeks still had a hint of baby fat and his eyes, wide and expressive, could have been mistaken for a girl's. His mother often said he had an "innocent" look about him, but to Brady, it was just another reason why the older kids loved to tease him. They called him "Brady-girl" and "Pancake," names that in Middle School were like blood in the water.

Kids were cruel but Brady knew if he just kept his head down and tried not to stand out too much, he was safe. Even with the occasional teasing, most people just left him alone.

He did his best to navigate his day as usual. He kept his head down but when he was noticed, he took the usual jabs. He'd built up some tough skin over the years. While the name calling and teasing still hurt, it no longer made him cry like it used too. It also helped that his stepdad Ryan spent all last summer teaching him ways to defend himself. Ryan wanted to make sure that if Brady needed it, he could punch his way out of a fight.

At lunch, Brady bee-lined to the back of the cafeteria, where his two best friends, Chris and TJ, had staked out their usual table. Chris was tall and lanky, with a shock of red hair that looked like it hadn't seen a comb since the start of the school year. TJ, on the other hand, was the polar opposite. Short hair, a bit of a scowl, and a reputation for being tough as nails. Her real name was Tara, but nobody called her that if they knew what was good for them. She'd been known to throw a punch or two when someone pushed her too far. They had been friends since kindergarten when TJ had stuck up for him against a bully.

They sat down, Brady setting his tray carefully between them. "Hey guys," he mumbled, trying not to decipher what slop passed for lunch today.

"Looks like Mystery Meat Surprise," Chris quipped, poking at his food with a plastic fork. His attempt at lightening the mood was met with a half-hearted chuckle from TJ.

She took a bite of her sandwich, eyeing Brady with a mix of concern and curiosity. "What's up with you?"

Brady shrugged. "Just the usual."

They all knew what the usual was of course.

"Who was it and where do you want me to make him hurt?" asked TJ, getting fired up, rearing for a fight.

Brady rolled his eyes. "No one. Just the usual."

Chris leaned in. "You know you can tell us if something's wrong, Brady."

Brady shrugged. What was wrong? He didn't know. Lately he had felt off. He couldn't quite place what it was though. He thought about talking with his Mom or Ryan but both of them had been real busy lately. Besides, he didn't want to bother them with his problems. His Mom and Ryan had just gotten married last year. Ryan was awesome. Brady's real Dad died shortly before he was born and he went nearly 10 years without any male figure in his life. When his Mom met Ryan almost three years ago, it was a bit awkward at first.

It was still awkward a bit actually. Brady didn't know how to really connect with Ryan. He was very close with his Mom. He had an older sister, Beth, but she was three years older than him and they weren't very close. Beth had her own things and spent most of her time doing after school activities, hanging with her friends or hiding in her room. He only ever saw her at meal times now. So the only person he really had was his Mom. When Ryan came along that changed a bit but both of them still tried to find time for one another.

He just wasn't ready to talk to her. Hell, he didn't even know what he wanted to say.

"Is Ms. Crane still on your butt?" asked TJ, mouth half full of sandwich.

Brady nodded, pushing his food around his tray. "Yeah, she thinks I need saving or something."

Mrs. Crane had always had a soft spot for Brady. She was a round, motherly type with a penchant for cardigans and a stern look that could melt the ice in any troublemaker's heart. Her office was a safe haven for many, a place where secrets were whispered and fears were soothed. But Brady had always felt a bit uncomfortable under her scrutiny. She looked at him like he was a puzzle that she hadn't quite figured out how to piece together.

"What’s her problem anyway?" asked Chris, still poking his creepy food with a fork.

Brady shrugged. "She's a guidance counselor, it's her job."

TJ snorted. "My guidance counselor is cool, he lets me nap in his office."

Chris laughed. "Yeah, Mr. Brookes is pretty chill. He's got a sweet collection of comic books."

They chatted for a while about their favorite video game, the latest update on the school's Wi-Fi situation, and the mystery of what exactly was in the meatloaf. It was a welcome distraction from Brady's troubles. The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch and the start of the final stretch of the school day.

He meandered his way through the rest of the day until he got to the end of it.

Brady's heart sank as he saw the note passed to him by the teacher as he left the classroom. It was the same message he'd received earlier that week. "Please see Mrs. Crane in her office after last period." It was like a knot in his stomach, a reminder that he couldn't outrun the conversations that he'd been avoiding.

"Dude, you okay?" Chris had noticed Brady's face drop.

The two of them had their last class together. As they filed out of the room together, Brady groaned.

"Mrs. Crane again," he said, showing his friend the note.

Chris nodded. "You can tell us about it tomorrow," he said, clapping Brady on the back.

Brady took a deep breath and headed to Mrs. Crane's office. As he approached, the familiar scent of cinnamon candles and potpourri greeted him. Mrs. Crane had a comfy, cozy office, with a big, squishy chair that was his favorite spot to sit when they talked. There were always cookies on her desk, and she had a way of making him feel a bit better with just a few words and a warm smile.

He stepped inside, and she looked up from her paperwork, her eyes lighting up with a gentle smile that always made him feel seen. "Ah, Brady," she said, gesturing to the chair, "just the young man I was expecting. How was your day?"

He shrugged, taking his usual seat. Mrs. Crane knew all too well about his "usual" days. She had been his guidance counselor since the start of fifth grade, when the teasing had turned from playful banter into something more sinister. She had seen him through his darkest moments, had watched him shrink into himself like a turtle retreating into its shell. She meant well, but her insistence on pushing him into activities often made him feel like a project rather than a person.

"So, I've been thinking," she began, her voice filled with the excitement of a new plan, "I know you enjoy the arts, Brady. Have you considered trying out for the school play this year?"

There it was. Her next attempt to get him involved in something.

"The school play?" Brady asked, trying to keep the skepticism out of his voice. He'd seen the posters around the school. Peter Pan. It was a classic, sure, but it wasn't exactly his cup of tea. Plus, the thought of being on stage, in front of everyone, made his palms sweat.

Mrs. Crane nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! It's a wonderful opportunity to make friends, build confidence, and maybe even discover a new passion."

Brady felt his shoulders tense up. "I'm not really into acting," he mumbled, playing with the strings of his hoodie.

Mrs. Crane leaned back in her chair, her expression understanding. "I know, Brady, but sometimes we find ourselves in situations that are out of our comfort zones. That's where real growth happens."

Brady swallowed hard, his heart racing at the thought. He didn't want to disappoint Mrs. Crane. She had always been so kind to him, so supportive. And maybe, just maybe, she was right. Maybe trying out for the play could be a chance to prove to everyone that he wasn't just the quiet kid who got picked on. Maybe he could show them a different side of him.

"Okay," he said finally, "but I'm not making any promises."

Mrs. Crane beamed. "That's all I ask, Brady. Just give it a shot. Try-outs are in two days after school. You don't even need a monologue, Miss Marsh is gonna have potentials read from the play ."

Brady nodded, his mind racing with the implications of what he'd just agreed to. Two days to prepare? Peter Pan?

As he left Mrs. Crane's office, the hallways had cleared significantly, leaving only a few stragglers to mope around. The cinnamon scent from the candle lingered in his nose, reminding him of the warmth and comfort she'd offered. But now, the reality of what he'd signed up for was setting in. He felt a mix of dread and a weird sort of excitement.

Chris and TJ were leaning against the lockers outside, Chris playing a game on his phone, TJ trying to tell him how to do it properly. They looked up when Brady emerged, noticing the change in his posture.

"You look like you just saw a ghost," TJ said, raising an eyebrow.

"Mrs. Crane wants me to try out for Peter Pan," Brady said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chris' eyes widened. "Seriously? She’s met you right?"

Brady cast him a look.

TJ slugged Chris, causing him to jerk his arm and lose the game. "Don’t listen to him,you’ve got this. Besides you've got that whole 'never growing up' vibe down."

“Yeah like a Lost Boy” added Chris, hoping to recover.

A Lost Boy huh? He could pull that off easily. Especially because lately, he felt a little bit lost.

The three of them walked home.

Brady walked into the house feeling a bit like he'd signed his death warrant. His Mom was in the kitchen, chopping vegetables for dinner with the TV playing in the background. She looked up from her work when she heard the door, her smile making him feel better already.

"How was school?" she asked, not looking up from her task.

Brady took a deep breath. "Okay," he said, dropping his backpack by the door. He paused for a moment, unsure of how to approach the topic. "I talked to Mrs. Crane today."

His mother looked up, her eyes bright with curiosity. "And?"

Brady took a deep breath. "She wants me to try out for Peter Pan."

His mother's eyes lit up with excitement. "The school play? That's wonderful, Brady! Beth loved doing those school plays. She said it was some of the best times she ever had."

Beth was too busy now with other activities but he remembered going to her plays when he was younger.

His mother's enthusiasm was infectious, and he felt a small spark of excitement ignite in his chest. "Maybe I could do it too," he murmured to himself.

When Brady shared the news with Ryan that evening, his stepdad's eyes widened with surprise. "Peter Pan, huh?" Ryan said, ruffling Brady's hair. "I always knew you had a bit of the adventurer in you."

Ryan had been trying to get Brady involved in more extracurriculars since he'd noticed the change in him. He knew the teasing had taken its toll, but he also knew that the boy had a spirit that was stronger than any of the bullies could ever realize. "What role are you trying out for?"

"Probably Peter," he admitted.

His mother and Ryan exchanged looks.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

His mother smiled weakly. "Brady, Peter Pan is generally played by a girl."

Brady was confused. That didn't make any sense. He'd seen the movies. That was not a girl voicing him in the cartoon or all the other movies. When he mentioned that, his mother explained that the character is "boyish" and "androgynous". Later that night, Brady googled it. The internet only confirmed what his mother had said. Knowing this, he was still determined to try.

The next two days were a blur of memorizing lines and practicing in the mirror. His mother had even bought him a book of Peter Pan to read, hoping it would give him a better understanding of the character. He studied it like it was a manual for surviving the school play.

The day of the audition came, and Brady's nerves were a tangled web of anxiety. He had convinced himself that Mrs. Crane had made a mistake suggesting he try out. That he wasn't cut out for this kind of thing. That he'd just make a fool of himself.

But as he walked into the school auditorium, he saw a familiar flash of red hair and a smug grin that could only belong to Chris. His heart skipped a beat. Next to Chris, TJ, arms crossed, leaning against the wall with an "I told you so" look.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, surprised.

"Auditioning duh," said TJ like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Chris held up a script with a flourish. "Where you go, we follow."

Miss Marsh entered the auditorium with the energy of a tornado. She had long velvety black hair and a smile that could outshine the sun. She was the kind of person that made everyone else seem dimmer just by being in the room. Her eyes scanned over the small crowd of hopefuls and landed on Brady. He felt a strange mix of excitement and dread. She smiled with her eyes before turning away.

"Welcome, future stars!" she announced, her voice echoing through the room. "As you all know, this year we're putting on Peter Pan. And to keep things interesting, I've decided to shake things up a bit. Instead of the usual gender roles, I want to explore the versatility of our young actors. That's right, everyone will be reading for every part!"

There were quite a few groans. A couple of the kids even got up from their seats and left.

The auditions began and it was clear that some had been waiting for this moment for quite a while. Jenny Harris, the school's resident theater star, strutted onto the stage, her voice soaring through the air like she'd been born to play Peter Pan. She had the poise, the grace, and the swagger of a seasoned actor. Brady watched, his heart in his throat, as she nailed every line with the ease of a natural performer.

Chris took the stage next, his cheeks flushing a bright red. He stumbled over his words at first, but he had a certain charm that made the audience chuckle. His reading of Smee was unexpectedly delightful, and Brady couldn't help but feel proud of his friend. When it was TJ’s turn, she got a lot of laughs too. She took a shot at Wendy and it was good but her typical anger came out, making people laugh more. She nailed being a Lost Boy though.

When it was Brady's turn, his knees felt like jelly as he approached the stage. The spotlight was hot on his face, making him sweat under the collar of his shirt. He tried to focus on the script in his trembling hands, but his mind kept racing. He stumbled over the words of Peter, his voice wobbly and unsure. The audience tittered, and he felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment. He glanced over at TJ, who gave him a thumbs up, her usual expression of encouragement.

As Miss Marsh instructed him to switch to the Wendy role, Brady took a deep breath and tried to shake off his nerves. He began to read the lines, and something strange happened. His voice grew steadier, his posture straightened, and he found himself slipping into the character without even trying. The room grew quiet, and the only sound was the rustle of pages turning. Brady immediately felt a kinship with the character of Wendy, the brave girl who didn't want to grow up, who was wise beyond her years. As he recited her lines, he saw the story unfold in his mind's eye—the adventures in Neverland, the battles with Captain Hook, the bittersweet longing to stay young forever.

Miss Marsh smiled, her eyes never leaving the boy once as he read.

When Brady finished, the room remained silent for a beat too long. Then a smattering of applause echoed through the auditorium. Surprised, he looked up to see his classmates smiling and nodding at him. Even the jocks, who had been snickering in the back row, were clapping. He took a shaky bow and retreated to his seat, his cheeks red with embarrassment and something else—pride?

Miss Marsh thanked everyone for coming and announced that the audition results would be posted outside the drama club room the following week. The room cleared out, the chatter of excitement and speculation about who would get which role filling the space. As Brady gathered his things, TJ slapped him on the back. "Way to go, Brady-boy!" she exclaimed. "You actually sounded like a girl!"

"Thanks," he said reluctantly, not sure how to react to that.

The words hung in the air between them as they made their way to the door. The thought of sounding like a girl gave him mixed feelings. On one hand, it meant he might have done a good job as Wendy. On the other, it was a stark reminder of his features that often got him teased. He felt a bit like a fraud. But he shrugged it off. It was just a play. Just pretend, right?

Over the next week, Brady's mind was a whirlwind of anticipation and dread. He found himself daydreaming about flying across the stage, the wind in his hair, as he played out scenes from the play in his mind. But the fear of failure kept his excitement in check. Every time he saw Jenny in the hallway, he felt a pang of jealousy. She had the height, the look, everything Peter Pan needed.

He tried to focus on his schoolwork, but the thought of the audition results was like a siren's call, drawing his attention away from algebra and science. Every time the bell rang, he'd feel his heart jump, thinking it might be the day the list would be up.

And then finally, it was.

The list was posted on Friday. When Brady and his friends found it, there was a group already gathered. Jenny was there with her groupies. The tall, blonde girl was all smiles. Her friends congratulated her.

Chris squeezed through and pumped a fist then shouted, "PIRATE NUMBER 3!!!"

The gathered group laughed. Chris had been hoping all week to get a small role because it was less work for him.

TJ was less enthusiastic. "Tinkerbell?" she sneered, her arms crossed. "How in the hell did I end up as the damn fairy?"

The way she looked now, annoyed, stomping her foot, it was easy to see how she got the role. Not that Brady would ever tell her that.

But now it was his turn. His heart was racing so fast he was surprised it didn't jump out of his chest. He took a deep breath and scanned the list.

There it was.

Brady McAllister, cast as Wendy.

The words on the audition list seemed to pulse with an energy all their own. His heart skipped a beat, and his cheeks grew warm with a blend of embarrassment and something...else. Was it excitement? The thought of playing a girl's role in Peter Pan made him feel...what? He wasn't entirely sure. It was a strange cocktail of emotions he hadn't quite figured out how to label yet. He looked at his friends, expecting a barrage of teasing, but instead, their expressions were a mix of shock and genuine admiration.

TJ leaned in close, her voice a low whisper. "Dude, you're playing a girl. That's like...the ultimate challenge, right?"

Brady felt a shiver run down his spine. "I guess," he murmured, still in disbelief. He didn't know how to process this. He felt like he was in a daze as the rest of the school day unfolded around him. The lessons blurred together, the words of his teachers becoming a distant hum as he replayed the moment of reading the audition list.

Wendy. I'm Wendy.

Had Miss Marsh lost her mind?

Those words echoed through Brady's head as he walked home from school that day, the paper with the audition results crumpled in his pocket. He had never felt so...seen, in a way that didn't make him want to crawl into a hole.

When he opened the door to his house, he was greeted by the unexpected sight of his sister, Beth. She was sitting at the kitchen counter, her school bag tossed aside, her nose buried in a book. Her hair, usually pulled back in a sleek ponytail, fell in soft waves around her face, and she wore an oversized sweatshirt that made her look smaller somehow. It was a side of her he rarely saw.

"Long time no see," he quipped. Even feeling miserable, he always had some energy to bust her chops.

"Haha," she deadpanned, not looking up from her book. "I live here you know."

"You sure?" he asked, dropping his backpack off near the door.

When he came home from school, he usually went in through the kitchen side door. It was the fastest way to an after school snack. He was all kinds of distracted today. He tried to focus though, if Mom and Ryan weren't here then that meant he was safe from anyone asking about the play casting. It gave him a reprieve from thinking about it or so he thought...

"Shit, Brady, you look awful," said his sister when she finally looked up from her book.

"Gee, thanks," he grumbled as he dropped into a seat at the table.

She left the island stool she was sitting on, dropping into a chair across from him. She reached forward, instinctively touching his forehead to check for a fever. "No fever" she said with a sigh. "You're really pale though?"

He pulled his hand out of her grasp. "It's nothing," he said, trying to play it cool.

Her eyes narrowed. He sighed, he never could lie to her. While they weren't all that close now, they were siblings after all. Throughout the years, he was never able to pull a fast one on her. She could always tell he was lying or hiding something from her. She used to take great pleasure in calling him out on it too.

"It's not nothing," she said, using that special skill of her's. "Does it have something to do with your play?"

"You know about that?" he asked, surprised.

She rolled her eyes. "I might be busy but I'm not out of the loop. Mom told me all about it."

He sighed. "The results of the audition came out today..."

"You get a lousy part?" she asked, knowing that that would have bummed her out.

"I got Wendy..." he said softly, barely above a whisper.

"Gotta speak up little bro," she said teasingly.

"I got Wendy," he repeated, too loudly this time.

Beth's eyes grew wide, and she leaned back in her chair. "Wait, what?"

Brady nodded, his cheeks flushing. "Yeah, Miss Marsh decided to go with a boy for the role of Wendy."

"And by a boy, I assume that means you?" she asked.

Brady nodded again. "Yeah. It's...different."

She could see it though. No offense to her brother, but he wasn't the most manliest of men around. She'd had this conversation with her mother more than once; how Brady clearly needed to see a doctor to figure out why he was so "feminine." Her mother didn't want to breach the subject unless Brady himself brought it up to her. She knew better though. She knew things like this were going to happen. She was actually shocked nothing like this hadn't happened already.

Hell he was prettier than most of the girls in his grade.

Brady looked at his sister, his eyes searching hers for a hint of teasing or sarcasm, but she only offered a gentle smile.

"It's just a part, Brady," she said, placing her hand on his. "You're an actor now. That's what we do, we become someone else for a while."

He nodded, trying to take her words to heart. But he couldn't shake the feeling that this was different somehow.

Brady had always felt like a square peg in a round hole, and now he was being asked to play a round peg in a square one. The thought of playing Wendy, of being a boy playing the part of a girl, filled him with a strange sensation of fear. What would the other kids at school think? Would they laugh at him? Would they tease him even more?

He had always been so self-conscious of his delicate features, the way his voice didn't quite match the expectations of his peers. Now he was being thrown into the spotlight, asked to embody the very traits that made him a target. It was like being told to run a marathon when he'd never even jogged around the block.

"Let me show you something," said his sister, getting up from the table.

Without waiting for his response, she grabbed his hand and practically dragged him upstairs to her bedroom. He had barely stepped in her room in the last year. It was like a sacred sanctuary. Her bed was made, and there wasn't a single piece of laundry on the floor. It smelled faintly of her favorite perfume.

"Beth, what are we doing?" he asked, his voice shaky.

"Trust me," she said, her voice firm.

Brady sat down in front of her vanity, feeling a bit like he was about to undergo a transformation he wasn't ready for.

Beth pulled out a few tubes of makeup and some brushes, laying them out neatly before him. "Okay, so we're just going to keep it simple," she said, her voice calm and soothing. "You don't need a full face to play Wendy. Just enough to make sure you look the part."

"I don't know about this," he said nervously.

"That's why I'm here," she said, giving his shoulder a gentle pat before beginning.

With a soft touch, she applied a bit of foundation, blending it into his skin. Brady stared at the reflection, watching as she painted him into someone else. It was odd, looking at himself with a smudge of pink on his cheeks, a stroke of mascara to darken his lashes. But it wasn't as terrifying as he thought it would be. In fact, there was something...freeing about it.

When she was done, he looked up into the mirror, his eyes wide. The person staring back at him had the same soft features, but now, with a touch of makeup, they looked softer, more feminine. He was shocked at the pretty girl staring back at him from the mirror. It was like looking at a stranger.

"Wow," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"We're not done yet" she said, leading him from the vanity.

Beth's eyes scanned her closet before landing on a blue sundress that had once been her favorite. It had been too small for her for a couple of summers now, but she hadn't had the heart to give it away. It was simple, with small white flowers scattered over the fabric. She pulled it out and held it up to Brady, a smirk playing on her lips. "Strip to your boxers," she ordered playfully.

Brady's cheeks turned crimson as he obeyed. The dress was surprisingly light in his hands, and he felt a strange mix of trepidation and excitement as he slid it over his head. It settled around his waist, the fabric brushing against his legs with an unfamiliar softness. He felt his heart pound in his chest as he looked at himself in the mirror, the dress transforming him in a way that was both terrifying and fascinating.

Beth was floored.

The dress fit Brady like it had been tailored for him. The way the fabric draped over his shoulders and hips...it was eerily perfect. She felt a strange sense of unease creep up her spine as she took in the sight of her brother dressed as a girl. She had to admit, though, he looked...good. Too good.

“My brother should not look this good,” she thought with concern.

The dress fell to his knees, showing off his legs, which were surprisingly slender and smooth. His shoulders were broader than hers, but the way the dress framed his body made him look...almost delicate.

"It's like I'm looking at a different person," he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of wonder and fear.

"A Wendy person," his sister added softly.

Brady felt his cheeks redden again. "I guess so."

They managed to get the dress off without too much trouble, and she wiped off the makeup with a gentle makeup remover. He took a deep breath as he stared at his reflection, looking for any signs of the girl he'd been moments ago. But all he saw was his own face, a bit more open and vulnerable than usual.

Their parents arrived home shortly after. They waited a few minutes before they left her room, their mother calling for them.

As they descended the stairs, the smell of dinner wafted up to meet them. His mother and stepdad were chatting in the kitchen, the clink of dishes and the hum of the TV in the living room creating a comforting backdrop to their usual evening routine.

"You okay?" Beth whispered as they reached the bottom step.

Brady took a deep breath and nodded but said, "I'm not sure."

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze before they walked into the kitchen.

Their mother looked up from the stove, a spatula in her hand. "How did the audition go?" she asked, her eyes filled with hope.

Brady took a deep breath, bracing himself. "I got cast as Wendy," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

His mother's eyes widened. "Oh, honey," she said, setting down the spatula, "That's...different"

Beth chuckled. "Inspiring though. Brady pulled it off!"

Ryan, who had been quietly watching from the living room, walked in with a proud smile. "Congrats, Brady!" He ruffled Brady's hair, trying to keep it light.

Brady's mother pulled him into a hug, her eyes glistening. "You're going to be amazing," she whispered.

The following Monday, Brady walked into school with a mix of excitement and dread. He'd hoped that the weekend would have been enough to let the news of the cast list spread, so he could gauge the reaction of his classmates. But to his surprise, and slight relief, it seemed that the school was preoccupied with other drama—a cheating scandal on the football team had taken center stage. The halls were abuzz with whispers of suspension and a potential forfeit of their next game. The play was the last thing on anyone's mind.

He slipped into his seat in math class, expecting the usual barrage of snickers and whispers from the guys in the back. But today, they were too busy passing around a crumpled note, their heads bent together in a conspiratorial huddle. The silence was unnerving, and for a moment, Brady allowed himself to believe that he might just get through the day without anyone mentioning his new role as Wendy.

The bell rang, and the teacher, Mr. Thompson, called for everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone," he said, "I know you're all eager to get into the thick of it, but let's not forget we have a math test coming up!"

Brady couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that no one was talking about the play, but he quickly realized it was for the best. Maybe he could fly under the radar for a little longer, enjoy the anonymity before the storm of reactions came. The rest of the class grumbled and opened their textbooks, burying their heads in algebra. The whispers of the cheating scandal had reached even this class, and everyone was eager to dissect the juicy details. It was as if the play didn't even exist.

But Friday afternoon, reality crashed down on him. As the final bell rang, Miss Marsh's voice echoed through the loudspeakers, "Could all cast members of Peter Pan please report to the auditorium immediately after school?" The hallways grew silent for a moment, the only sound the rustle of papers and the shuffling of feet as everyone else made their way home.

He met Chris and TJ on the way.

"You ready for this?" Chris asked, nudging him with his elbow.

Brady nodded, trying to ignore the knot in his stomach. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied, his voice a little shakier than he would have liked.

When they arrived at the auditorium, it was clear that the turnout was less than expected. Miss Marsh, dressed in a floral blouse and a skirt that swished as she moved, looked around the room with a mix of disappointment and determination. "Alright, everyone," she announced, her voice echoing off the empty seats. "Since we're a bit light today, let's just get to know each other."

The cast went around the room, introducing themselves. She also asked them to list their part.

"Hi, I'm Jenny Harris," said the tall, blonde girl who'd gotten the role of Peter Pan. "And obviously, I'm Peter."

There was a smattering of applause, and Brady felt his heart sink a bit further. She'd gotten the role he'd wanted, and she looked perfect for it. He took a deep breath and tried to push the feeling away. This was about the play, not about his insecurities.

When it was his turn, he stood up and cleared his throat. "Hi, I'm Brady McAllister, and I'm playing Wendy."

There was more clapping, Brady blushed in embarrassment.

TJ leaned over and whispered, "You're gonna rock this, Wendy."

Her words didn't help much. Brady's hands were sweaty, his stomach churning. He had to get out of there before someone asked him a question, before he had to face the reality of what he'd signed up for.

"Brady," Miss Marsh called out as the room began to empty. "Could I see you for a moment?"

Brady's heart skipped a beat. What now? He turned around, watching as the last of his new castmates filed out of the auditorium. Jenny shot him a warm smile as she passed, her blonde hair bouncing with each step. He took a deep breath and walked over to Miss Marsh, his palms sticky with sweat.

Miss Marsh's office was in the back of the auditorium, just behind the stage.

The walls were lined with posters of past plays, a testament to the long history of the school's drama program. There was something about the way she held herself that made Brady feel both intimidated and comforted. She had a way of looking at you that made you feel like you could tell her anything, but at the same time, you didn't want to disappoint her.

Miss Marsh closed the door behind them, her eyes meeting Brady's in the mirror. "Alright, Brady," she began, her tone firm but gentle, "Let's get you measured up for your costume."

With a nod, he allowed her to guide him to the center of the room, where a tailor's mannequin stood, surrounded by bolts of fabric and a sewing machine. The room smelled faintly of thread and the sweet scent of fresh coffee. She took out a tape measure and began to circle him, her eyes darting from his reflection to her notepad. He could feel his heart racing as the cold metal touched his skin, marking the spots where he would soon be transformed into someone else.

"Okay," Miss Marsh said, her voice businesslike. "Now, let's talk about your makeup. Mrs. Poole will be handling all the transformations, but I want to make sure we get it just right." She paused, looking at him intently. "This isn't just any role, Brady. This is Wendy Darling we're talking about. She's the heart of the story, the voice of reason in a world of fantasy. She's got to be believable."

Brady nodded, trying to keep his nerves in check.

Miss Marsh's eyes searched his. "You understand what this means, don't you?"

He had no idea actually.

A moment later, the office door opened and in walked a portly middle aged woman wearing a bright colorful dress. Mrs. Poole, he assumed. She eyed him intently, her stare like little lasers scanning his whole body.

"He's cute, he's got the right build" she said, nodding. "We'll need to do something about his hair though. And I'm thinking perhaps a modest bust too. We're talking about a young woman, after all."

"When can you have it ready?" asked Miss Marsh with a smile.

Mrs. Poole didn't skip a beat. "Tomorrow, if he's willing to come in."

"Well, what do you say, Brady?" asked Miss Marsh, a eyebrow raised. "Can you come in tomorrow to do what Mrs. Poole asked?"

He wasn't sure what was going on but he nodded anyway.

Miss Marsh smiled then wrote a note for him to give his mother.

On Saturday, Brady found himself in the passenger seat of his mother's car, his stomach in knots. She had a way of making everything seem okay, her voice soothing him as she drove them to the school. The parking lot was almost empty, a stark contrast to the usual bustle of weekdays. His mother parked in her usual spot, the one closest to the drama room, and he took a deep breath. "You're going to be great," she said, giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

Walking into the auditorium, he was surprised to see Miss Marsh and Mrs. Poole sitting on the stage, waiting. They weren't expecting him to try on the costumes yet, which was a relief. The dress from the audition was still fresh in his mind—he wasn't ready to face that again so soon.

"Ah, Brady," Miss Marsh said, standing up and walking over to him with a warm smile. "Mrs. Poole has something to go over with you".

Mrs. Poole, the costume designer, had a tray of makeup and a wig in her hands. She looked him up and down before speaking. "Now, I know we talked about the makeup, but I had a little brainwave last night. I think extensions would be better than a wig." She held up a set of long, wavy locks. "These will blend in with your hair, making you look much more natural."

Miss Marsh nodded in agreement. "It's a great idea, Brady. Much less bulky, and you'll be able to move around more comfortably on stage."

Brady felt his cheeks heat up at the mention of a padded bra, but he knew they had a point. The more realistic he looked as Wendy, the better the performance would be. He took a deep breath, trying to focus on the positive. This was his chance to prove himself, to show everyone that he could do this—that he was more than just a kid with a pretty face and a penchant for getting picked on.

Mrs. Poole led him to a chair at the corner of the stage, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Don't worry, my dear," she said, patting his shoulder with a hand that was surprisingly gentle for someone so stern. "You're in good hands."

With surprising deftness, she began to weave the hair extensions into his own short, brown hair. Each stroke was meticulous, as if she were crafting a fine piece of art. The process was soothing, almost meditative, and Brady found himself relaxing despite the looming fear of what was coming. The smell of the hairspray and the warmth of the stage lights above created a bubble of comfort around him.

As the extensions grew longer, Brady felt his own reflection morph in the mirror. The delicate strands of hair blended seamlessly with his own, creating a cascade of soft waves that reached just below his shoulders. Mrs. Poole stepped back, her face a picture of satisfaction. "Perfect," she murmured, tucking a few stray strands behind his ear. "You're going to be a stunning Wendy."

As Mrs. Poole held up a mirror for him to admire her creation, Brady was floored once again. Now he had long flowing brown hair.

Mrs. Poole picked up the padded bra. "This," she said with a knowing smile, "will help create the right silhouette."

Brady's cheeks burned, but he nodded. He knew this was a crucial part of the transformation. He took the bra from her trembling hands and walked over to the changing room, the fabric feeling strange and foreign against his skin.

In the small, stuffy space, he took a deep breath and slipped it on. It was surprisingly comfortable, the padding molding to his chest in a way that didn't feel as ridiculous as he'd feared. He stared at his reflection, his eyes wide. The sight was jarring, yet somehow not entirely unpleasant. He turned to the side, watching as the curves took shape, feeling a weird sense of satisfaction. He didn't look like a boy anymore—he looked like...Wendy.

When he emerged from the changing room, Miss Marsh was waiting for him, her eyes lighting up like Christmas lights. "Oh, Brady," she exclaimed, her hands coming together in a silent clap. "You're going to be marvelous!"

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Brady felt his nerves give way to a tentative smile. "Thanks," he mumbled, tucking a strand of new hair behind his ear. It felt strange, the way the long locks brushed against his neck.

"I think that's it for the day" she admitted. "The dress won't be ready until next weekend. Then we can really see how all of this comes together"

"Ok" he said with a sigh. He grabbed the long locks. "How do these come out?"

"Those ones don't" said Miss Marsh sheepishly. "Not for at least eight weeks anyway"

The color drained from Brady's face. "What?"

She sighed. "We usually have the clip in ones on hand but Mrs. Poole forgot them at home. These ones are sewn in. It works out better this way. Now we don't have to keep clipping them in every time"

So now that meant Brady was going to have long hair for at least eight weeks.

Brady couldn't believe what he'd just heard. He'd signed up for a play, not a makeover. The thought of walking around school with long hair, especially when the bullies had already found so many reasons to torment him, was more than he could handle. He felt a sudden wave of panic wash over him, his palms growing damp. "Miss Marsh, I don't think I can do this," he whispered, his voice shaking.

"You're a great actor Brady," she said, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Think of it as just a role you're playing"

Brady nodded, trying to take her words to heart. He knew it was just a play, but it was hard not to let the weight of his new appearance affect him. As they walked out of the school, he couldn't help but feel like he was wearing a costume, one that was a little too real.

When he saw his mother's car, his heart skipped a beat. What was he going to tell her? Would she laugh? Would she be disappointed? He took a deep breath and climbed into the passenger seat, keeping his head down to hide his new hair.

His mother looked at him. "I'm sorry sweetheart, I think you have the wrong....Brady?"

"Hi Mom," he said sheepishly, buckling his seat belt.

She was floored. This beautiful girl was her son.

"Where did you get all that hair?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

Brady took a deep breath. "It's for the play," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Mrs. Poole had to weave in some extensions."

His mother's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, wow," she said, reaching out to touch the soft strands. "They look so real. You're really committing to this role, huh?"

Brady took a deep breath. "I think I want to try as hard as I can"

The words hung in the air like a delicate spiderweb, shimmering with hope and fear. His mother looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. "Brady," she said softly, "are you sure about this?"

He nodded, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror. "I think so," he murmured.

****

Later that evening, as the house settled into the quiet rhythm of night, Beth found her mother in the kitchen, the low hum of the refrigerator the only company. She took a deep breath, her thoughts racing as she approached her mother, who was busy preparing a cup of tea. "Mom?" she began tentatively. "Can I talk to you about something?"

Her mother looked up, the steam from the kettle swirling around her, and nodded. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"

Beth took a deep breath, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "I think you know"

"You mean your brother?" she asked after sipping her tea.

Beth looked serious and sighed heavily. "Are we both certain that he's my brother?"

There she put it out there. She had been trying for a subtle yet open way of breaching the subject of her brother's seemingly ambiguous gender for awhile now. She was just never really sure how to approach it. She knew her mother would never outright reject her thoughts on the subject but it was a delicate thing regardless.

As soon as the words left her mouth, she watched her mother, gauging her expression.

Her mother sighed finally. "A year ago, I would have told you that it was nonsense. But" She paused to rub her temples. "Chris started to get taller. His voice dropped and his shoulders widened..."

She had to admit, Chris had shot up like a weed very quickly. As often is the case with puberty in boys.

"And Brady...he's changing in other ways..." she added.

"You've noticed too?" her mother said, not surprised.

She lowered her voice slightly. "The day he found out he was playing Wendy, I took him to my room. I did his makeup and put him in one of my dresses. I had to see, Mom."

Her mother looked annoyed for a split second but that was quickly replaced by curiosity. "And what did you see?"

Beth bit her lip. "My little sister."

Her mother said nothing for a few minutes. When she spoke again, she expressed her own concerns. "Ryan and I aren't exactly blind. We've seen it. We've been waiting for Brady to say something. Its clear there's something there but if your brother doesn't notice it or doesn't want to do anything then we thought it would go away on its own."

"No offense Mom, but that's kind of stupid." said Beth, not caring if she pissed her mother off or not. "He's starting to get hips. There's definitely something there. I don't think he's fully noticed but others have I'm sure of it. I've seen the way some of the boys look at him. While there are a few dickheads, a lot of them are very confused."

"You think we should do something?" asked her mother.

"I think we should wait until after the play," Beth admitted. "I do want to try a few things though if I can. We could be wrong and this might not be what he wants but let me test the waters first."

"Ok," her mother agreed. "But if he wants to stop, you stop"

"I'll be careful, Mom"

****

Back in his room, Brady settled into his gaming chair, the soft hum of the computer the only sound that pierced the silence. His new hair cascaded down his back, and the padded bra felt like a second skin. He had hoped that the familiar routine of gaming with Chris and TJ would help him feel normal again, but the weight of the day's events was too much to shake off. He powered on his headset, eager for the digital world to swallow him whole.

"Hey, guys," Brady said, his voice crackling over the mic. "Ready for some Danger Zone?"

"Already in the lobby," Chris's voice boomed back, the sound of virtual gunfire and zombies being splattered already echoing through the speakers.

Brady took a deep breath, trying to push the anxiety aside as he loaded into the game. The familiar digital landscape of Danger Zone filled his screen, a stark contrast to the real world where he was now a boy with long hair and a secret identity as Wendy Darling.

As the three of them started their zombie slaying rampage, TJ was the one who decided to bring up his meeting today at school.

"Why did she call you in on Saturday?" she asked, smashing a zombie head with a sledgehammer.

Brady bit his lip. He was dreading this but he knew he couldn't hide it. "They gave me hair extensions"

"What?!" exclaimed Chris, his avatar getting swarmed after he stopped moving, shocked by Brady's admittance.

"Yeah," Brady sighed, taking out his frustration on a horde of zombies with a well-placed grenade. "They put in hair extensions and had me try on a bra for the play."

Chris chuckled. "I'm sure that's a sight..."

TJ was quiet for a few seconds then, "I want to see"

Brady sighed. He was expecting this too. He hid his Avatar in a secure building then in the real world, he took out his smartphone. He hated the whole concept of selfies but he knew TJ wouldn't leave him alone until he obliged her curiosity. So he took a quick one and sent it to her.

A few seconds later in game, she gasped. "Holy shit!"

"Let me see too!"  Chris piped in then a few seconds later, "Whoa, hot babe!"

Brady cringed a bit at that.

"Thanks Chris," he mumbled, trying to keep his voice even as he navigated his avatar through the game's post-apocalyptic streets. "But it's just for the play, remember?"

TJ's voice was softer, "But you look kind of...cute?"

Brady couldn't help the little flutter of joy that took flight in his chest, despite the situation. "Thanks," he murmured, focusing on the game.

Monday at school, Brady felt like he was walking into a different world. The hallways that had once echoed with jeers and shoves were now filled with whispers and sneaky glances. His classmates looked at him with curiosity rather than malice, their eyes lingering on the long hair that swished down his back and the way the soft fabric of his shirt clung to the new curves of his chest. He had to admit, Mrs. Poole had done an excellent job with the padding. It was like a costume within a costume—his secret shield against the world's cruel judgments.

For the first time in his life, he was the center of attention, and not just because of his usual missteps. The whispers grew louder as he approached his locker, the same locker that had been the site of so many pranks and taunts. But now, the faces that turned toward him were filled with a mix of awe and confusion. Some of the popular kids even offered him shy smiles, a stark contrast to the sneers of the past.

When Brady sat down in English class, the boy next to him extended a hand. "Hey," he said with a friendly grin. "I'm Brian."

Brady took the hand, feeling the firm grip and the calluses from the football. "Yeah, I know," he said with a small smile, trying not to let his nerves show. "You've been sitting next to me all year"

"I have?" asked Brian confused, then he squinted. "Shit, Brady. I had no idea...I thought..." He then laughed. "You look different"

Brian White. He was tall with dark hair and one of those smiles that a lot of girls seemed to swoon over. He was a football player but one of the good ones. He never once tormented Brady and wasn't one of the ones involved in that cheating business.

"I'm in the play," said Brady, hoping it was enough of an explanation.

"Wendy, yeah, I know," he said with a laugh. "I just thought you were a new girl with that hair."

Brady was surprised. "How do you know that?"

Brian gave him a weird look. "I'm Captain Hook", he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Brady felt foolish. He'd only known a few of the cast and was focused on his own thing that he never noticed Brian was in the play as well. Plus, he was pretty certain Brian wasn't at the first meeting.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize..." he said, trying not to sound self absorbed.

Brian waved it off. "Its all good. I only auditioned because so that I could get extra credit. I never thought I'd get a part. Then the cheating thing happened. On Saturday, Coach wanted all hands on deck so I had to miss the meeting..."

Brady knew the outcome of that. The football season was done, more than half the team had been expelled.

After English, as Brady gathered his books, he couldn't help but feel the weight of eyes on him. When he looked up, he saw Brian hovering by the door, his gaze lingering on Brady's new look. Brady's heart skipped a beat—was this going to be another round of teasing? But instead, as he walked to his next class, he noticed that Brian was following him. Not in a stalkerish way, but more like he was just going the same way.

The realization that he had several classes together with Brian just hit Brady like a ton of bricks! How had he not noticed before? He'd always been so wrapped up in his own world, trying to avoid attention that he never paid attention to who was actually around him. Now, with the hair and the bra, it was like he was seeing everything with a new set of eyes.

Lunchtime arrived with the same cacophony of trays and laughter that Brady was used to, but as he made his way through the cafeteria with his usual tray of food, something felt different. He looked up to see that Brian was watching him, a small smile playing on his lips. It was a smile that didn't hold any malice or teasing, just genuine curiosity. For a moment, Brady felt like he was in an alternate reality—a universe where he was accepted, or at least not outright ridiculed.

"Dude, did Brian White just smile and nod at you?" asked Chris as Brady sat down.

Brady shrugged. "Its been a weird day."

"Like the Twilight Zone," giggled TJ, staring at his hair. "Did you brush it?"

Brady flushed red with embarrassment, "Beth did this morning."

TJ gave him a look.

It had actually been really weird. When he woke up this morning, Beth had been waiting for him at his bedroom door. After he was done with his morning routine and getting dressed, she was there. She dragged him to her room again, sat him down in front of her vanity like the other day and slowly brushed his new hair. She told him it would have to be a morning thing now too, that it was important to maintain it and keep it healthy. He had no idea what was going on but he let her do it.

"You sure you're ok?" TJ asked, poking his padded chest with a french fry.

"I'm fine," he said annoyed, swatting her fry away.

She frowned at him. "Fine says the boy with fake boobies, long hair, with the jock drooling all over him."

"He's not drooling," Brady snapped defensively.

"You sure?" she asked, stealthly pointing her fry behind him.

He turned his head, trying not to make it look like he was looking. Sure enough though, Brian was staring in their direction.

"What new twist is this?" he asked, more to himself than his friends.

"I can spell it out for you if you want" said TJ, finally munching her fry. "Pretty boy gets picked on, jocks laugh. Pretty boy gets long hair and boobs, now jocks now drool."

Chris laughed, Brady frowned.

TJ sighed. "Seriously though, Brady. This is the weirdest shit I've ever seen."

"How do you think I feel?" he admitted.

The rest of the week indeed got more bizarre. It started with the teachers. They would call him 'Miss McAllister' without a second thought, even though they knew he was a boy. It was like the school had collective amnesia about his gender. The other students took cues from the teachers, treating him with a mix of curiosity and deference usually reserved for a new student. It didn't matter how many times he corrected them either.

The hallways were a whole different battlefield. The boys stared at him but not in the malicious, "I'm gonna kick his ass," kind of way like before. The girls were complimenting him now too---telling how they liked his hair or asked him where he bought his shirt. It was all really weird and confusing.

But the weirdest moment came when Mr. Smith, the portly Biology teacher, stopped him from going into the boys' restroom. "Excuse me," he said, his arms crossing in front of the doorway. "Miss, that's the boy's room"

Brady's heart sank. "I'm Brady, Mr. Smith. From your class?"

The teacher nodded. "Be that as it may, young lady, you're still not going into that restroom"

"I'm a boy," he said, annoyed.

Mr. Smith gave him a once over. "And I'm a lobster"

In the end, Brady didn't go to the bathroom. He ended up going later that day without issue, except a couple of boys inside giving him strange looks. It didn't matter that he used the urinal too.

When Friday came around, the cast assembled again in the auditorium after school. Most of them were there this time, those who were absent last time no doubt given hell by the overenthusiastic director. Miss Marsh was like a butterfly, flitting about the stage in a flowing dress. Mrs Poole was there along with the play's dressmaker, Mrs. Cruz. The two ladies were passing out outfits to their respective "owners", making people form a line.

Brady watched with baited amusement as TJ was handed the tiny green dress that belonged to Tinkerbelle. The look of sheer terror on her face at the sight of it was enough to make him and several around them burst into laughter.

The amusement soon shifted his way though.

Miss Marsh called him up to the stage. "Ah, Brady," she said with a smile. "Our Wendy! We have your dress ready as well!"

Brady took the hanger with the delicate fabric with trembling hands. The nightgown was a soft blue, almost matching the color of the sky. It had white lace around the collar and sleeves. It was so feminine that he couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed holding it. He also groaned when he remembered the story, how Wendy and her brothers were getting ready for bed, dressed in their pajamas when Peter whisked them away.

He stared at the dress, made to resemble a nightgown.

"Now where's our Captain Hook?" shouted Miss Marsh, looking around.

"Here," shouted Brian, coming forward.

Brady felt his heart skip a beat. He wasn't sure why.

Since their unexpected encounter in English at the beginning of the week Brady had noticed that Brian had started to sit closer to him during their shared classes. He'd lean in during discussions, his elbow occasionally brushing against Brady's, sending electric jolts through his body. It was weird, thrilling and utterly confusing the heck out of him.

They talked a lot now. It was strange how much the two of them had in common too.

Miss Marsh took her place at the podium, her eyes scanning the room with a sharp gaze. "Alright everyone," she called out. "As you know, rehearsals for Peter Pan will begin next week. We're going to be meeting every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school. That gives us two months to get this production up and running. We're going to need everyone's full commitment, especially from our two leads, Brady and Jenny!"

There were cheers.

The auditorium was ablaze with excitement, the cast of Peter Pan was buzzing like a hive of bees around Brady and Jenny. Everyone had received their costumes, and the anticipation of finally bringing the play to life was palpable. As the chatter grew louder, Brady felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Brian standing there, his eyes filled with an invitation.

"Hey," Brian said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate through Brady's entire being. "What are you up to tomorrow?"

Brady's eyes flickered up at Brian. "My sister wants to take me to the mall," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Why?"

Brian shrugged, his biceps flexing slightly. He was fidgeting, like what he was about to say was something awe-inspiring. "My friends and I are going bowling and catching a movie tomorrow night. I was wondering if you might want to join us?"

Brady felt his stomach flip-flop. The idea of hanging out with actual people who liked him was alien, but exhilarating. "Yeah," he said, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. "That sounds cool, but I gotta ask my Mom first"

"Cool," said Brian then he quickly added. "Let me see your phone."

Brady handed over his phone, Brian took it and put his number in it.

"There, call me with her response," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "Heck call me regardless."

Brian smiled at Brady as he left.

Brady was floored. He was finally making some cool friends now. Maybe Mrs. Crane was right? Maybe this play really was helping him socialize and come out of his shell?

"Did he just ask you out?" asked an amused Chris, who had been standing nearby.

"What?" said Brady, confused. "No, of course. We're both guys...that's...well, I don't think Brian swings that way."

Chris raised an eyebrow but said nothing. If Brady didn't notice what he had just implied, he wasn't going to say anything.

"You're guys sure," said TJ as she wandered over. "But does Brian know that?"

"Of course he does!" said Brady, too enthusiastic about the idea to question his friends.

Chris and TJ exchanged looks behind Brady's back.

At home, Brady couldn't shake the excitement of the invitation from his mind. He approached his mother, the softness of his new hair brushing against his cheek, his heart racing with the same enthusiasm that had filled him when he was a little boy asking to go on a playdate. "Mom," he began, his voice quivering with hope. "Brian White asked me to hang out with him and his friends tomorrow night. Can I go?"

Brady's mother was taken aback. She couldn't remember the last time her gloomy, introverted son wanted to do anything outside of his room. She loved Chris and Tara too death but sometimes, she always hoped he'd get more friends beyond them. The three of them are too much alike, all loners who never left their houses. The idea of Brady finally getting out, actually doing something, seemed like an old prayer of hers had finally been answered..

"What will you and this Brian be doing exactly?" she asked, cautiously.

Brady shrugged. "He said bowling then the movies."

A week ago, she would have had no problem saying yes. But after her talk with Beth the other night, every time she looked at Brady, she could no longer see her son. She saw a new daughter, a naive clueless girl who was like a baby chick. It was hard not to see a girl when she looked at him now. There was something about this new person already, an energy that Brady never possessed. In only a few short days, the egg had been cracked and the chick was already trying to fly.

"Who else is going on this bowling and movie outing?" she asked, suddenly very overprotective of her "new chick".

Brady shrugged. "Brian said a group of his friends."

He was thirteen now, which was right about the age of group dates. She supposed he'd be safe enough to go out with these boys.

She finally agreed.

Later that night, Brady sat on his bed, his heart racing as he dialed the number that now existed in his phone. The ringtone seemed to echo in his ears, each second feeling like an eternity. When the call was answered, his voice came out shakier than he'd ever heard it before.

"H-hello?"

The deep timbre of Brian's voice washed over Brady, making him feel like he'd just jumped into a cold shower. "Hi," he said, trying to play it cool. "It's Brady."

"Oh, hey," said Brian, sounding equally as nervous. "What's up?"

Their conversation went on for over an hour.

Brady's Mom came upstairs to check on her son at one point. When she looked into his room, she couldn't see her son at all. There was a teenage girl on her bed, laughing and talking nonstop to a boy on the phone. She was even twirling her hair. The way she was laying, her feet up in the air, the way she moved, even a different infliction in her voice. Beth had been right and once again, she hadn't seen it.

Had Brady truly disappeared or had he ever really been there?

She knocked gently on the door. "Brady, its getting late. Wrap it up now"

"Ok Mom," said the strange girl, then into the phone. "Goodnight Brian, see ya tomorrow."

Brady's mother walked away from the door, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. She knew she had to tread carefully, but she also knew she had to be there for her child, even if she didn't fully understand what was happening.

Saturday morning dawned with a soft light that filtered through the curtains of Brady's room. The digital clock on his nightstand read 7:00 AM—still early by most teenage standards, but Beth had set her alarm specifically to catch him before he could start his day. She knew how much he liked to be left alone, especially after the tumultuous week he'd had. She tiptoed in, carrying a basket of toiletries.

"Hey," she whispered, nudging him gently. "Time to get up, bro."

Brady groaned, his eyes fluttering open to see Beth hovering over him with a basket. "What's all this?" he asked sleepily.

"You're not going to the mall with me looking like a slub" she said, glaring. "Now butt out of bed and use these."

She pushed the little basket into his arms as he sat up.

"What is it?" he asked, not recognizing half the things there.

"Shampoo, bodywash, moisturizer," she said, ticking her fingers as she said so.

Brady took the basket, looking at the unfamiliar items with suspicion. "Fine," he grumbled, carrying them to the bathroom with him.

"Use as the instructions tell you," she called from his room then turned to look through his closet.

As soon as the water from the shower could be heard, she went to the back of his closet and retrieved the pair of old skinny jeans she stored there yesterday before he got home from school. She knew this was risky but she also knew it was necessary to help him in the long run. She had a shirt back there too. As she was putting them on the bed, she noticed the padded bra laying on the floor. Had he been wearing this all week?

She smirked. No wonder that poor boy Brian asked him on a date. With Brady's looks, that hair and bra of his, this poor boy was probably really confused. Hell, she was having a hard enough time wondering if Brady was really her little sister too.

When Brady came out of a shower and walked into his room, his towel was around his waist, his new hair dripping wet. It wasn't the hair that caught Beth's attention though, it was the very tiny breast buds forming on her brother's chest. She was stunned.

“Oh My God!” she wondered,”How is that no one at the school hasn’t noticed those by now?” How had he not noticed those? She knew her brother could be a little dense at times but they gave detailed anatomy and puberty from both sides in Health Class in 7th grade. She knew her brother knew what breasts were and how they grew. Yet, they were clearly forming on his chest! Was he keeping quiet about them on purpose?

"Do you use everything properly?' she asked, finally recovering.

He shrugged. "I think so, the bodywash was interesting, but I think it made my nipples all puffy?"

“Nopers! I'm very certain they've probably been that way for awhile,” she thought, but didn't say.

"You think you should tell Mom about that?" she asked, hoping he'd taken the initiative?

"I think," he said, using another towel to dry off with. "I want to focus on the play first and discuss these other things with Mom afterwards"

"Other things?" So did that mean he had noticed something was wrong?

Beth pushed her curiosity aside for now, deciding to focus on the task at hand. She picked up the shirt and jeans from the bed, holding them out to Brady. "Here, put these on," she said, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Brady took the clothes with a furrowed brow. "But these are..."

"I know," she said with a smirk, cutting him off. "They're for the play. But if you're going to play a girl, you should at least know how to dress like one, right?"

He frowned. "I don't want to walk around in a girl's top and jeans."

So he did notice.

She changed tactics. "Think of it as part of the performance. I know you're pretty natural as a girl even without trying, but this will help you get more into character. It's why I wanted to take you to the mall today, full immersion into your character."

Brady sighed, but ultimately took the clothes. He didn't argue, just walked back into the bathroom to get dressed.

He put on the clothes without complaint. There was no winning against Beth when she set her mind to something. He didn't like how well they fit but it felt like rest of the week he was already having. It was like the universe was conspiring to turn him into a girl until the play was over. He wasn't going to argue or fight it any longer.

When he walked back into his bedroom, the stunned look on his sister's face was enough to satisfy him.

"You look way too good in those," Beth finally confessed.

"This is your doing, Dr. Frankenstein." he grunted.

She frowned. "Sweetie, you are far from a monster"

Brady almost teared up. He fought it back but was surprised. He wasn't sure why that made him so emotional all of a sudden.

Beth took his hand. "Come on, you can do this," she said gently. "Let's go to my room and get you all dolled up for our grand day out"

Brady sighed but followed her. The door to her room was open, and she had laid out her makeup on the vanity. He sat down, his heart racing as he saw the mascara and lipstick.

"Hold still," she said, her voice firm but gentle as she began to work on his hair. She styled it into soft waves that cascaded down his back. The sensation of her brushing his hair was oddly calming, and he found himself leaning into it like a cat being petted.

Next came the makeup. The smell of her room was a mix of perfumes and hairspray that was both foreign and familiar. Brady watched in the mirror as Beth's deft hands painted his face, her strokes precise and gentle. She applied a light foundation that matched his skin tone perfectly, then a dusting of blush that brought color to his cheeks. She worked on his eyes, using mascara to enhance his lashes and a smoky shadow that made them pop. His eyebrows were filled in and shaped to perfection. He didn't even know he had eyebrows like that.

"You're going to look fantastic," she said, her voice soothing and encouraging.

Brady swallowed hard, his heart racing as he sat in front of the vanity. He watched his sister's reflection in the mirror, her eyes focused and determined. She picked up a tube of lipstick, a shade that matched the color of a fresh strawberry. "I've seen you look at this one before," she said, her voice soft. "You know you want to try it."

With trembling fingers, she lined his lips before filling them in with the bold color. He felt his cheeks burn with a mix of embarrassment and something else, something he didn't dare to name. The lipstick felt strange on his lips, but he didn't hate it. He couldn't help but wonder what he looked like, what kind of girl he was turning into under his sister’s careful tutelage.

Finally, she stepped back, surveying her work with a critical eye. "Alright, you're ready," she said, her voice filled with a strange mix of pride and concern. "We'll go out of town for today. No point exposing you to people that you might see."

He thanked her for that.

The mall was a different experience with his sister. It was like they were on a mission, a quest to find something they both needed but didn't know what it was. They wandered the gleaming corridors, passing by shops filled with clothes and accessories that Brady had only ever seen on girls in magazines. The smells of various stores wafted around them, the sounds of laughter and music echoing off the walls.

Beth led the way, her eyes scanning the racks and displays like a hawk searching for prey. She pulled him into a clothing store that Brady had never dared to enter before. The mannequins were dressed in clothes that were unmistakably feminine, and he felt his heart race as he stepped through the door.

"Briana, this would look so cute on you!" she gushed as she held a short pink skirt up to his waist.

Briana?

"Who's Briana?" he asked in a hushed tone when they were out of earshot of other customers and the sales clerk.

"You," she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I can't very well call you Brady when you're dressed like that. So today, you're my little sister, Briana."

Brady just felt his stomach flip. Sisters? Did she really mean that?

But before he could ask, Beth was dragging him to the next store. "Come on, Bree," she said, her eyes lighting up. "Let's go see what they have in here."

The next few hours were a whirlwind of trying on clothes, giggling in fitting rooms, and receiving approving nods from the sales staff. The name 'Briana' was on the tip of his tongue now, feeling almost natural as his sister called him that with a warm smile. They wandered from store to store, each one offering a new treasure trove of clothes and accessories that made him feel a little less like a boy in a costume and more like a girl on a shopping spree.

They stopped for lunch in the bustling food court, where Brady picked at a salad, feeling the eyes of strangers on him. Beth seemed unfazed, chatting away about her latest crush and the drama at school, using her makeup-laden fingers to punctuate her sentences. He was surprised to find himself opening up, sharing his own thoughts and feelings about the play and his new role as Wendy. It was as if the barrier between them had crumbled away, leaving only a bond that was somehow stronger than before.

That day, they somehow had become sisters.

When they finally got home, Brady felt the weight of his new identity pressing down on him. He'd never felt more like a girl than he did in those hours at the mall, but now that they were back in the sanctuary of their house, he desperately wanted to shed the costume and retreat to the safety of his room. But Beth had other ideas.

"You can't just hide away all afternoon, Bree," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You've got a big date tonight, remember?"

Brady felt a cold shiver run down his spine. "It's not a date," he protested weakly.

"Whatever you say, Bree," Beth smirked, her eyes glinting mischievously. "But you do need to keep up the look for tonight. It's part of the deal."

What deal? He never made any deal?

"I don't remember saying anything like that?" he protested but Beth ignored.

Instead, she grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the family room in the basement. The basement had once been a place where they stored a bunch of their old and unwanted crap but since Ryan was in their life now, he converted into into another living room of sorts. It was all devoted to entertainment now with a large flatscreen, a comfortable sectional sofa, a little bar so he could entertain some guests and of course a wall of dvds and blurays.

There was even an old school popcorn machine that Ryan had gotten wholesale.

"Let the chick flicking begin!" announced Beth, pushing him onto the couch while she went to gather a collection of her sappy, rom-coms.

Brady watched as his sister picked out movies with titles like "Love, Rosie" and "The Fault in Our Stars". Movies that made girls his age weep like someone had just killed their puppy. He couldn't believe he was going to sit through this, but he didn't have the energy to argue anymore.

They watched movies and ate popcorn until their mother finally appeared hours later. Brady was lost in one of the movies, so caught up in the romance that he didn't even hear her footsteps. Beth met her at the stairs, her eyes shimmering with a strange light. "Mom," she said, her voice low and urgent. "You need to come down here and see something."

Their mother looked at her, a mix of curiosity and weariness etched on her features. She'd been busy with work all day, trying to keep the school play drama from consuming her thoughts. She took a deep breath and followed Beth downstairs, her heels echoing through the quiet house.

As she reached the basement, the sight that greeted her was unlike any she'd seen before. Brady—no, Briana—was curled up on the couch, his legs tucked under him in a way that was unmistakably feminine. He was engrossed in a film, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he watched a couple share a heartfelt embrace on the screen. The smell of buttery popcorn filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension that had been present in their home only a week ago.

Beth turned to their mother, her voice filled with hope. "Do you see her now?" she whispered, her eyes pleading for understanding.

Their mother gasped. Just like last night. "Yes, I see her."

Beth bit her lip. "Its more than that Mom," She leaned in close. "She's developing up there."

Their mother's eyes grew wide. "But that's..." She took a deep, calculated breath. "Has he noticed or said anything?"

Beth shook her head. "It would be hard not too. I'm guessing he doesn't understand what it means. You should talk to Ryan."

Their mother nodded. "I'll talk to him tonight.”

That night, Brady went on his bowling and movie "date" with Brian and his friends. The excitement bubbled up inside him like a shaken soda, threatening to overflow. He wore the outfit Beth had picked out, the tight jeans hugging his hips and the soft sweater that accentuated his newfound curves. The padded bra felt like a secret between him and his sister.

As they pulled into the bowling alley's parking lot, the headlights illuminated a group of boys from school, all of whom were part of the football team. They were dressed in their usual weekend garb—jeans and oversized shirts, looking like they hadn't seen a hairbrush in days. Brady felt a pang of nervousness, unsure of how they would react to seeing him dressed like this. But then he remembered the way his mother and sister had looked at him, their faces filled with something he hadn't seen in a long time—pride.

The moment he stepped out of the car, the air was filled with a mix of shock and awe. The boys stared at him, their jaws hanging open like they'd just seen a ghost. The change was so stark that even Brady had to admit he looked nothing like the kid they bullied every day. The confidence that came with being with someone else was exhilarating, and he found himself strutting a little as he made his way towards them, feeling every inch of the new person he had become.

Brian's eyes lit up when he saw Brady, and he couldn't help but smile. "You look different," he said, not sure how to connect Brady the boy he knew with this new person before him.

"My sister was a pain," Brady admitted feeling nervous that Beth made him wear this getup tonight.

"Its not bad," Brian quickly recovered. "Its good, real good."

Brady let out the breath he was holding. "Cool, thanks."

Brian nodded. "So, are we going to bowl or what?"

The sound of pins clattering and the murmur of teenage chatter filled the alley as Brady stepped up to the line. He'd never felt so out of place, yet so alive. The weight of the ball in his hand felt like a symbol of his newfound power—his ability to knock down the barriers that had held him back for so long. He took a deep breath, and with a smooth motion, released the ball. It rolled down the lane, straight and true, and hit the pins with a satisfying crash.

They bowled for about an hour before they all headed off toward the movie theater. The movie was some action flick all of them---Brady included---wanted to see. He sat next to Brian, feel a strange comfort with the taller boy being close by. They ended up sharing a popcorn which Brady felt strange about but that strangeness faded as the night went on.

The theater was packed and the lights dimmed. Brady felt a bit nervous as the movie began, but soon he found himself lost in the explosive world of guns, car chases, and explosions. But it wasn't just the movie that was captivating him. It was the way the fabric of his sweater brushed against his new sensitive skin, the way his hair fell down his back and the way the cool air of the theater felt on his bare neck. It was all so...different. So...girly.

Beside him, Brian was equally absorbed in the film, munching on popcorn and occasionally leaning over to whisper something about the plot or an epic stunt. Their shoulders touched and Brady felt a thrill run through him that had nothing to do with the on-screen action. He'd never felt this way before, not even when he'd sat with girls from school at the movies. It was as if every nerve ending in his body was heightened, tuned to a frequency that only existed in the space between him and Brian.

The movie's climax approached, the tension in the theater thick enough to cut with a knife. Brady's heart raced, not just from the explosions and car chases, but from the unspoken energy that crackled between him and the boy beside him. When the hero kissed the heroine, a collective sigh rose from the audience, but it was drowned out by the sudden realization that hit Brady like a ton of bricks—he didn't just want to be the hero, he wanted to be the girl in the arms of the hero.

At the end of the "date", Brian's mother dropped him off at home. He thanked Brian for the fun evening.

That night, he was a mix of strange emotions in bed. It took him hours to fall asleep.

The next week at school was like a dream come true for Brady. The whispers in the hallways had changed from cruel taunts to curious murmurs. He could feel the shift in the air, the way his classmates looked at him now with a mix of respect and intrigue. It was like a switch had been flipped, and suddenly he was someone worth knowing, someone worth looking at. Every time he saw Brian in the hallway, his heart skipped a beat. The boy would give him a nod, a small smile that seemed to hold the world in it. It was a silent acknowledgment of their shared secret, of the night they had spent together that was more than just bowling and a movie.

As rehearsals for Peter Pan began, Brady found himself coming alive in a way he never had before. The costumes and makeup, which had once felt like a prison, now felt like a second skin. He embraced the role of Wendy with a fierce passion, throwing himself into the scenes with a newfound confidence that surprised even Miss Marsh. She watched him from the sidelines, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she realized the profound effect playing this character was having on him. He was no longer just a boy dressed as a girl; he was becoming Wendy, heart and soul.

Beth started to have an influence on the way he dressed and the way he carried himself. Now when teachers called him "Miss" or someone mistook him for a girl, he didn't go out of his way to correct them. He told himself it was all to perfect his role, to be a better actor but deep down he knew it was something more than that.

One evening, as the aroma of Ryan's famous meatloaf filled the house, Brady gathered his courage and approached his mother and step-father at the kitchen table. His voice was small, barely above a whisper. "I need to tell you something," he began.

Beth exchanged a look with him then one with her mother and stepfather.

His mother looked up from her laptop, her eyes immediately softening. "What's on your mind, Brady?" she asked, setting her work aside.

Brady took a deep breath. "I think...I think maybe I've been wrong about something." His voice wavered, and he felt his cheeks flush.

"Wrong about what, sweetie?" asked his mother with a warm, hopefully reassuring smile.

He took a deep breath. "I don't think I'm a boy".

There it was, the truth was finally out there. It was up to his family now.

The following month was a blur of school, rehearsals, and medical appointments. Brady's life had become a balancing act of navigating his newfound identity, the play, and the whirlwind of emotions that came with it. Each week, he found himself in the quiet, calming office of Dr. Stone, his psychologist. The room was filled with the faint scent of mint, the only thing that remained the same in the ever-shifting landscape of his world. The doctor was understanding, her eyes filled with empathy as she listened to Brady's journey from Brady to Briana.

At school, the play was the talk of the town, and everyone was eagerly awaiting the performance. The rehearsals were intense, but Brady felt alive when he was on stage as Wendy. The script had become his bible, and the cast his newfound family. They supported him, whispering kind words of encouragement, even the ones who had once made fun of him. The play was a sanctuary, a place where he could be himself without judgment.

Miss Marsh noticed the change in Brady. She saw how he'd bloomed into the role of Wendy, and it was clear that the character was not just a costume to him anymore. She called him aside after a particularly powerful rehearsal. "You're doing amazing," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "But I need you to remember that you're still you, no matter what anyone says."

Brady nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I know," he murmured, though the truth was he wasn't entirely sure who he was anymore. The line between Brady and Briana was becoming increasingly blurred.

The night of the play was electric. The air was charged with anticipation as Brady stepped into the wings, his heart pounding in his chest. The lights were hot, and the smell of greasepaint mingled with the scent of nerves and excitement. He could hear the murmur of the audience, a sea of faces waiting to be whisked away to Neverland. This was it.

Miss Marsh gave him a nod of encouragement as she bustled by, her directorial cape fluttering behind her. The curtain was about to rise, and with it, Brady's world was about to change forever. He took one final look at himself in the mirror, his reflection a blend of Brady and Briana, the boy and the girl. The makeup was perfect, his hair was perfect, and the dress made him feel like a true lady.

He took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. The lights were blinding, the audience a faceless mass of shadows before him. The music swelled, and with a grace that surprised even him, he began to recite Wendy's opening lines. The words flowed from his lips as if he'd been born to say them, and with each syllable, the crowd leaned in closer, drawn into the world of Peter Pan.

As the play progressed, Brady found himself forgetting the lines that had once felt so forced. Instead, he lived the role, feeling the love and longing that Wendy felt for the lost boys, the awe at the sight of flying, and the fear of growing up and leaving the safety of Neverland behind. And when he shared the stage with Jenny, their chemistry was palpable. The way she played Peter Pan with a cocky swagger that made the audience laugh and cheer, it was like watching a mirror image of himself, the boy he used to be, and the girl he was becoming.

TJ got quite a few laughs as Tinkerbelle and Brian was menacing as Captain Hook. Even Chris managed to stand out a bit as Pirate #3.

The final curtain call came, and the applause was deafening. The cast took their bows, their smiles wide and their eyes gleaming with the joy of a job well done. Brady felt himself floating, the sound of the clapping hands like a symphony in his ears. He looked over at Jenny, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and felt a strange kinship with her. They'd both played roles that had tested them, that had pushed them to their limits, and they'd come out the other side stronger, more sure of themselves.

The wrap party was held in the school gym, decorated with streamers and balloons in the colors of the play—green, blue, and gold. The air was thick with the sweet smell of sugary drinks and snacks. Brady had been nervous about attending, but as he stepped into the room dressed as Briana, his heart swelled with excitement. This was his moment to shine, to show his friends who he truly was. He'd chosen a dress that was simple but elegant, something that made him feel beautiful and confident.

As he made his way through the crowd, heads turned and whispers grew louder. His classmates' eyes widened in surprise, but the expressions quickly turned to smiles and nods of approval. For the first time in his life, Brady felt like he belonged. The dress swished around his legs as he walked, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation in every step. This was the moment she and Dr. Stone had been building too for weeks after all.

They had both agreed and already talked with the school, as soon as the play was over, Briana needed to present her true self.

"So this is my new BFF, Bree, huh?" said TJ as she sauntered over, giving Briana a once over.

Briana rolled her eyes. "You've seen me before you goof."

She had revealed her real gender to her friends weeks ago, shortly after the rare medical condition was discovered by the doctors. She was biologically female after all. What little bit down below she had was actually an enlarged clitoris that would be operated on in a few weeks time. She was in fact 100% female every place it counted. She was still trying to come to terms with it all though.

"You're looking hot tonight," said Chris, a plate of food in hand. "You should have seen their faces when you walked in Bree."

She laughed. "Probably as green as mine when I finally agreed to do this."

Briana mingled after that, getting a lot of compliments and support from everyone, Jenny even wanted to go to the mall with her next weekend. When she finally found Brian, he was alone by the punch bowl. She wandered over, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He jumped a bit but turned to smile down at her. "You look amazing, Bree," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Briana felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. "Thanks," she murmured, her eyes dropping to the floor.

Brian was one of the first one she shared her good news with. He was confused at first but after she explained everything, he told her that a small part of him had always known. It was why he was drawn to her in the first place. It was also the reason why she was still with him now, he saw her before she even saw herself. They weren't officially dating, both their parents thought they were too young but they were allowed to go on group outings and call one another "boyfriend" and "girlfriend."

Briana felt a strange mix of emotions that night. She was happy, of course, to be accepted by her peers and to have the support of her new friends. But there was also a sadness, a mourning for the boy Brady that was slipping away. She knew that she was still Brady inside, but the outside was changing, and it was hard not to get lost in the shuffle.

As the party wound down, she found herself in a quiet corner with Jenny. They talked about the play, their future plans, and the boys that had started to take notice of them. Jenny leaned in close, her breath minty from the punch. "You know, I've always had a bit of a crush on you," she whispered.

"What?" asked Briana, shocked.

Jenny giggled. "I think I still do, but I'll let Brian have you." She winked and wandered off.

Briana was floored.

She watched as Jenny wandered over to TJ. She leaned in, whispered something in her ear. Briana watched her friend's face turn a shade of red. Then Jenny grabbed her hand and pulled her away. Briana noticed with a smile that TJ didn't protest once.

"Did Jenny just confess to you?" asked Brian, coming up with some punch for her.

Briana took the cup. 'Maybe."

"So competition," he playfully huffed.

She laughed. "Not on your life."

She then took him by the arm and led him off, she wanted the whole room to know that she was a girl and that Brian was her boyfriend.

It was actually funny, she thought as the two of them danced together. Mrs. Crane had been right all along, the play truly did bring her out of her shell and help her get more friends. She made a mental note to thank her later as she laid her head on Brian's shoulder and let the music carry her away.

The End

Author’s note: As I’m sure all of you know, comments are life blood to an author. I’m not begging or demanding, but I certainly would appreciate anything you have to say (or ask). It doesn’t have to be long and involved, just give me your reaction to the story. Thanks in advance...EOF