Michelle's Story – Part 8

February arrives and for Michael, his life improves when Billy finally gets his just desserts. But just as one improvement arrives, one new downturn comes along. He and his siblings also learn the truth about their Aunt Sally.

Michelle's Story - Part 8

February arrived and Michael's time at school was improving, even if it was only down to Billy not trying anything. Even so, Michael was aware that Billy wasn't finished and would try anything if he could.

Billy's chances were becoming less though, as Michael was accompanied by his brother and sister both arriving and leaving school each day. Still, he kept his eyes peeled for any slim chance that may appear.

“Don't forget mate, my party is this weekend.” said Robert as they left school one day.

“I haven't forgotten.” said Michael. “See you tomorrow.”

“See ya.” said Robert.

“Still no trouble from Billy then?” asked James.

“No, but I'm still wary.” said Michael.

“Next year, he'll be without anyone to bully, as he'll be among kids who are older, myself included.” said James.

As they left, they met up with Maddy and her mom June. June had agreed to take them both to and from school, with Liz wanting to rest as much as possible. Though Maddy was addressing Michael as Michelle, June didn't. As she had already stated, she would tolerate it but not accept it.

Of course, as soon as Michael was home, he removed his school uniform and went to Emma's room to find some more comfortable clothes, and his wig.

“You'll have to wear some boy clothes on Saturday when you go to Robert's party.” said Liz as she helped him with his wig.

“I know.” he replied. “But it's not too bad when I've got Robert for company.”

“But what would he think if you turned up like you are now?” asked Liz.

Michael stood and thought. Though he never answered, his face showed worry.

“I know, you want to keep him as a friend.” said Liz. “If needbe, we'll help you come out to him if you have to.”

But that time would not be his birthday party. It was a simple decision not to let anything ruin his special day.

As soon as his wig had been sorted, he went back upstairs to play with Emma.

As the party neared, Robert was giving Michael information about it.

“You don't need any special clothes. Just come as you like.” he said. “I'm just wearing some casual clothes.”

John and James had indeed helped out with getting a present for Michael to take. They bought a number of small items, including a mug, and a pencil case.

When the day came, Michael wore one of his Ben 10 t-shirts. John took him in the car and dropped him off.

“Have a good day and don't be any trouble.” he told Michael.

“I won't.” said Michael.

Robert's dad came to the door and invited him in.

“You're Michael. Come in. Robert is expecting you.” he said.

Robert was glad to see Michael and gladly accepted his present.

“Happy Birthday.” said Michael.

Robert was wearing a Newcastle home shirt, his birthday present. He turned around to show the printing on the back 'Robert 9'

“You're not 9.” said Michael.

“I know, but 9 is a strikers number. That's why I had it.” he replied.

Michael went to watch the television with Robert for the next few hours, while his parents went about preparing the party food.

“You've hidden my magazines again, bro?!” came a girls voice.

No I haven't!” said Robert. “Why would I hide that rubbish?”

“Well, I can't find them.” said the girl, now in view, her red hair down to her waist.

She stormed out of the room.

“My sister Tina.” said Robert. “Second year juniors. We've never got on.”

“She's pretty though.” said Michael.

“Maybe, but she is annoying.” said Robert. “She loves these girls mags. She always loses them and always blames me.”

Robert then decided to show Michael his birthday cards and other presents, before taking him upstairs to show him his room. Just like James, Robert had made his room a shrine to Newcastle United. But Robert did have other interests: he was into Transformers.

Using his figures, he and Michael decided to have a few games, with Michael having to play the Decepticons, which meant he always lost. The game was interrupted when the sound of Robert's parents arguing could be heard.

“They've been doing it a lot of late.” said Robert. “It's not nice, it's like they hate each other.”

By the time the food was ready, they had stopped their argument, though their faces were still strained. It wasn't just Robert who looked at them worriedly, Tina did too.

“Why do you shout at each other?” asked Tina. “You're doing it too often and I don't like it.”

Her dad looked at her but said nothing. He noticed the look on Robert's face too.

If there was any differences between them, they put them aside for the party.

* * *

The party went without further problems, and Robert was able to enjoy the rest of his day without further problems from his parents. They apologised to Michael for their outbursts too.

Michael was picked up by John later that afternoon. On the way home, he couldn't help but mention Robert's parents arguing.

“Doesn't sound good, but it's got nothing to do with us.” he told Michael.

“Why? Will something happen?” asked Michael.

“I hope not.” said John.

At school the following Monday, Robert was apologetic about his parents.

“I'm sorry my parents were arguing.” he sighed. “They've been doing it the past few weeks and they don't seem to want to stop.”

“But they said sorry to me.” said Michael.

“They've said sorry to me and Tina, but they still shout at each other.”

Michael didn't talk any further about the subject, which pleased Robert. Yet, he felt sorry for his friend.

The day went as usual, with break times spent monitoring Billy from afar. It was clear that the “last warning” was eating at him. He spent his time watching other pupils, hoping that someone fell over or did anything remotely clumsy that he could laugh at. But it was clear as crystal that he wanted to be doing what he enjoyed most: bullying.

Michael just happened to look over to where Billy was standing. Billy then caught his glance and shot a murderous look back.

“You ok?” asked Robert.

“Billy just caught me looking at him. He looked nasty.” said Michael.

“Well, don't look at him again.” said Robert.

How much Billy was hurting showed at the end of school that day. A glimmer of a chance had either shown, or Billy was being careless. Michael and Robert were heading to the entrance gates when Billy sideswiped them.

“You stupid little queer, I can't care less if I'm expelled. It's all your fault!” he said as he grounded Michael and started hitting him.

Robert didn't hesitate in trying to prise Billy away, but couldn't. But Billy's attack was haulted. James was coming down the path and saw Michael on the floor.

“LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE!” he said, grabbing Billy by the shoulders and punching him in the face.

Emma was with him and quickly turned back to the building to fetch a teacher.

“You fucking twat! You'll be in trouble too!” said Billy, feeling his nose for signs of blood.

“Not as much as you, you bastard.” said James, now helping Michael to his feet.

Billy was just getting to his feet when Robert stood in his way.

“Let me get up, you turd.” said Billy.

“And let you run away?” said Robert. “I don't think so.”

Emma was back with a teacher minutes later. Finding the boys wasn't hard as a crowd had gathered.

“Billy, you utter idiot!” said the teacher. “You had been warned. You'll be expelled for sure.”

“That prat there punched me!” said Billy in his defense.

“What about my brother? That doesn't matter to you?” asked James.

Either way, James, Robert and Michael joined Billy on a trip to the headmaster's office.

“Well, if it isn't Billy?” said Mr Connor. “You had been warned.”

“What about him? He punched me!” said Billy.

“If I hadn't, he would have done more damage to my brother!” said James.

“Ok, sit down, all of you.” said Mr Connor.

After hearing all accounts, Billy's fate was sealed.

“Well William Morten.” said Mr Connor, addressing Billy by his full name. “You leave me with no choice but to expel you. I'll be sending a letter to your parents tomorrow explaining this.”

Billy's face was mixed with rage and disappointment.

“As for you James Brook, I'll have to put this down on your disciplinary record.” continued Mr Connor.

“I get punished for protecting my brother?!” exclaimed James.

“You punched Mr Morten, that is enough.” said Mr Connor.

Robert and Michael both looked horrified at this. Both wanted to complain but Mr Connor's face was enough to deter them.

Both Billy and Michael were taken to see the nurse, as they both had bruises to their faces. As Michael went back to meet James, he met June, Maddy and Emma.

“Emma told me what happened.” said June. “Oh, your face!”

Michael had suffered bruising just beneath his left eye.

“Where's my brother?” asked Tina, now entering the school again.

“Here I am.” said Robert. “Just got rid of a bully.”

He said goodbye to Michael and left with his sister.

Michael then joined the others as they headed to June's car.

* * *

Back at home, they discovered that Liz had got the news over the phone.

“Mr Connor, the headmaster, has just phoned.” she told them as they arrived. “What have you done James, to get disciplined?”

“Billy attacked Michael on the way out of school. I pulled him away and punched him.” said James. “But he deserved it, and a few more.”

Then Liz looked at Michael and grimaced at his face. “You ok?”

They went into the living room where Liz was told the full story.

“So, Billy the bully has been expelled!” said Emma. “We'll never have to worry about him again!”

“That is good news.” said Liz. “But if you struck out at Billy just to protect your brother, you shouldn't be punished.”

“Too late.” sighed James. “My school record is tarnished.”

Michael, despite being eager to wear something more comfortable – and feminine, was also keen to see the unwanted facial feature that he now sported below his left eye.

It had to wait till John came back from work before he could though, and that meant having to explain things again.

“James, you could have just held him firm.” said John.

“Held him?! The chances were he would have attacked me. He deserved that punch and more.”

“Any way, the fact is, the bully has been expelled.” said John. “The path is a little clearer for Michelle.”

Michael finally got to see the bruise on his face and wondered how long it would take to go away.

“I hope it's gone for the party with Jessica.” he said to Liz.

“I should imagine so.” she said.

Next day at school, it didn't take long for news of Billy's expulsion to filter through. The main reasons being that Billy wasn't seen in his usual place during break, plus his two cronies were now wandering around, lost without him.

Michael was also getting asked questions, as soon as it was known that he had a black eye. Some had seen the incident the previous afternoon and wanted more information on what had happened. Robert was getting tired of answering questions too. The worst came when Billy's pals came looking for answers too.

“Where's Billy? You shopped him again, didn't you?!” said the one.

“So what? The creep gave my friend a black eye and had to be fought off.” said Robert. “He's not coming back, so your weak arses have got no one to hide behind now.”

Their faces looked grim and angry at the same time. Without Billy, they were indeed nothing.

Even in class, the other kids stared at Michael, hoping to get a good look at his shiner. The teacher came to his rescue by telling them to leave him alone.

Only Amy seemed to sympathise with Michael. In her mind, Billy got what he deserved, for hitting a girl.

Michael continued to play with his sister each afternoon. Liz was applying some antiseptic cream to the bruise each day and by the end of the week, it was starting to fade.

It was during the week that John got his first phone call in a while from family.

“Hi Sally, long time no call.” he answered.

“Hi bro. Just got some news to give you.” said Sally.

“You've got the gaff for Michael?”

“No, though that should be available soon. I'm sure my store would be keen to sell them full time rather than on order.” said Sally. “No, what I called to tell you about is that I'm engaged.”

“Engaged?! Congratulations, but who to?” said John.

“Carol McAllister, the woman who helped me all those years back to be who I am today.” said Sally.

“You're a lesbian?” asked John. “Not that I'm against it.”

“Thanks, but she is the one for me. I've already told mom and she's happy.” said Sally. “Nothing doing about the wedding yet, but I'll let you know when. Send my regards to Liz.”

“I will do. Just to let you know, the bully who caused trouble for Michael has been expelled.” added John. “Unfortunately, he got caught beating up Michael, leaving him with a shiner. James got disciplined for giving the bully one to the face.”

“Too bad, for both your sons. Good about the bully being kicked out though.” said Sally. “Anyway, got to go. See you soon. Bye.”

“Bye.” said John.

When it came to telling Liz the news about Sally's engagement, he waited till the children were elsewhere.

“So, Sally is marrying another woman?” asked Liz.

“Yes, but the woman who saved her life back when she was younger.” said John. “In fact, I don't think they'd seen each other in years. They must have only just got back together.”

“If this makes her happy, I'm not complaining. I've always thought she needed someone in her life.” said Liz.

“Well, she has now.” said John.

* * *

With Michael's black eye still visible, it made taking him out shopping as Michelle impossible, for the chance of him being recognised was increased. The plus side was that Liz spent more time at home over the next few weeks as her tummy continued to swell. This meant Michael was ok to stay at home too, and did so, as Michelle.

There were still days when Emma visited her friends, and that meant Michael had no one but James to play with, but as he preferred to be Michelle outside school, James wasn't interested. The only company in such cases was Liz, who was happy to have her new daughter around.

At school, the euphoria of Billy's expulsion continued for a week or so after it had happened. It wasn't just Michael and Robert who had got reason to celebrate, but loads of others too, anyone who had found themselves on the receiving end of Billy's abusive behaviour.

Michael now knew that part of the way was clear for him to enter school as Michelle. Without Billy, there was surely no one who would dare expose him to the rest of the school? But despite this, his parents were still keen to make him wait till September. One reason was Robert.

Michael wasn't sure how to explain to his best friend that he wished to be a girl. He had been told that not everyone was understanding, though some would eventually. The only thing was that Robert had got other things on his mind: his parents.

He had explained to Michael that his parents were still shouting at one another. Both he and his sister Tina were becoming concerned for them and worried that something bad may happen.

When Michael explained this to John, he was told once more that it wasn't his business, but he was told that it simply meant that Robert's parents could be on the verge of separating.

“If that is the case, then it would affect Robert and his sister heavily.” said John.

“How?” asked Michael.

“If me and your mom decided to live apart, you would live with just one of us and rarely see the other.” said John. “How would you like that?”

“I wouldn't like that. I love both of you.” said Michael.

“Exactly.” said John. “I just hope Robert's parents consider that.”

The only thing going through John's mind at the moment was telling the children about their Aunt Sally getting married, to another woman. They still didn't know that Sally used to be a man.

The reason for needing to tell them was simple – there was a chance of them being invited to the wedding, and secondly, the children were all fond of Sally.

As if that wasn't enough, he soon got another phone call with similar news.

“Oh hi Anne. Everything ok in your house?” he said.

“Sure. Just making sure we have room for your daughters to sleep come a certain weekend next month.” said Anne.

“I suppose you know about Sally?” asked John.

“Oh yes, we know about her and Carol. My partner and I helped find her lost love for her.” said Anne.

“Partner? You're seeing someone now?” asked John.

“Yes. As a matter of fact, that is what I was calling to tell you.” said Anne. “I'm engaged too, but the thing is, I'm now gay.”

“You're gay too?!” said John, almost choking. “I thought boys becoming girls was catching in this family, it now appears lesbianism is too.”

“Strange I know, but the good thing is that my girlfriend understands Jessica. She has no problems at all. The only problem has been my children: they don't like us kissing.” said Anne.

“Not because you're kissing another woman?” asked John.

“No, they just don't like the sight of kissing, that's all.” said Anne. “Wait till they're older, they'll be anxious to try it themselves.”

“That's children for you.” said John. “I haven't told my children about Sally getting married yet. Not sure how they'll react.”

“But of course, they don't know her past yet?” asked Anne.

“Not yet, but that day will come.” said John. “Just letting it sink in about Michael first. He's got a wig now and he loves it. He's had good news just recently, with the bully who has been bothering him now expelled.”

“Oh finally, that is good news.” said Anne. “So I take it Michael loves being a girl?”

“When dressed, he is a girl. No question about it.” said John. “He's being patient though, as far as going full time is concerned.”

“Well, I hope to see him and his sister next month. You want to tell him that 3 other girls will be attending too?” said Anne.

“I may.” said John. “Got to go, Michael has something to say.”

“Ok, bye then.” said Anne.

“What do you want,....daughter?” said John, almost forgetting that Michael was in girl mode.

“I heard something about Aunt Sally getting married?” he replied.

“Oh, yes. She is getting married.” said John.

“We gonna have an uncle!” said Michael. He raced back into the living room to tell the others, leaving John to rue saying anything.

* * *

The news soon reached the ears of James and Emma, who were both keen to know who Sally was going to marry.

“Ok, calm down.” said John. “I suppose I need to tell you this. Your Aunt Sally is getting married to another woman.”

The excitement died down immediately.

“Aunt Sally is queer?!” said James at last, breaking the brief silence.

“I hope by those words, you are not going to treat her differently as a result?” asked John. “I for one, will not treat her differently because of this. She has known this woman for a few years and they've only just got back together.”

“Sorry dad.” said James.

“So, when is the wedding?” asked Emma.

“She hasn't decided a date yet.” said John.

He decided to hold back information about Anne's gay wedding for now. It was too much for the children to take in one go.

“I just want to point out that, I don't want you talking about this at school.” said John. “I know kids are up to speed with what gay means, even at your age. Please give your aunt some privacy.”

The children didn't mention it at school. Besides, there was half term the following week.

That week saw Michael in girl mode almost full time. He switched to boy mode only to go out,and then it was just to get his hair trimmed. He still longed for the day when these trims could be stopped, just so he could let his hair reach the length he had always wanted.

Still, he had his wig. Like his own hair, it had to be washed too, though Liz washed it when it was not on his head. She had managed to get a foam head to put it on when not in use.

She was starting to get used to seeing Michael dressed as a girl. She was glad in a way that Emma now had the sister she had for so long wanted. But at the same time, she felt sorry for James, who had lost a brother at the same time. She just hoped that for James' sake, her unborn child was a boy. For now, she had refused to have the baby's sex revealed whenever she went to have an echo cardiogram at the hospital, even if the desire was there.

During half term, the children had to make do with plenty of time at home. Shopping for groceries was left till the evening when John came back from work. It did mean that Michael had to get dressed as a boy too.

But as for his girls clothes, he was starting to get a good number of items to choose from. John and Liz had even bought him some new pyjamas, pink with a teddy bear on the jacket pocket, for him to wear in bed.

As February entered it's second half, school was much more pleasant. Billy's former comrades were lost without a leader and though they attempted to continue on without him, they couldn't.

That meant that the infant playground was now a bully free zone. But while everyone was still feeling happy about this, one person had found a reason to be unhappy.

“Why have they got to do this?” sighed Robert, his voice containing a bit of anger too.

“What's up mate?” asked Michael.

“My mom and dad don't want to see each other again.” he sighed. “I wish they would change their minds!”

“Have you asked them to change their minds?” asked Michael.

“My sister has, but they don't want to listen.” he sobbed.

Later that week, Robert came with the news that said it all.

“My mom and dad are having something called a divorce.” he sighed. “Mom wants to move away.”

Even their teacher was becoming aware of Robert's despair. She even had a word with his mother to at least pay more attention to him and his sister.

“We're trying our best to help our children, but the fact is, our marriage has collapsed and this is the only way out.” said his mother.

Nonetheless, it didn't seem to help Robert's mood. It was plain and simple that he didn't want his parents to divorce. His sister was with him on this and she now accompanied him both in and out of school. Their sibling rivalry had been put to one side in this hard time for both of them.

Michael felt sorry for his friend and did his best to cheer him up when possible. He even asked James for help, and seeing that Robert was a Newcastle fan, he gave him a list of jokes that put down rivals Sunderland. Michael took it upon himself to take Robert's mind off the crisis in his family.

* * *

The subject of divorce once again came up in the Brook house.

“Why do moms and dads divorce?” asked Michael to his parents.

“It's when they stop loving one another.” said John. “But don't worry. We still love each other.”

He gave Liz a cuddle just to prove it.

“Or when one falls in love with someone else.” put in James. “Like our Uncle Adam.”

“Yes, that too.” said John. “Though there was another reason for that too.”

James looked at Michael for the reason. As always, Michael was wearing girls clothes and his wig at home.

“Because Uncle Adam doesn't like boys who want to be girls.” he said at last.

“Yes, that is the reason.” said John. “But it is safe to say that your cousin Jessica and your brother Michael are very happy dressing as girls.”

But John felt that his face said more than his mouth did when James asked a question.

“Is there someone else like Jessica and Michael?” he asked.

“What makes you ask that?” asked John.

“Just the look on your face.” said James. “There is someone else, isn't there?”

“I wanted to leave this till you were older, but if you must know, there is.” said John.

“Who?” asked Michael and Emma.

John took a deep breath before answering.

“Your Aunt Sally.”

“Never! She's a woman through and through.” said James.

“She would be pleased to hear you say that.” said John. “She stopped being my brother long before any of you were born.”

“She doesn't look like a man and she certainly doesn't sound like one.” said Emma.

“Because she made the change when she was young.” said John. “The person you see now is the real Sally. She is a woman now, in body and spirit.”

“I would never have guessed.” said James. “She really used to be a man?”

“Yes.” said John. “Just don't mention it to anyone. She is very fond of you, as you are of her.”

Just to prove a point, John went into the hallway and fetched the phone (it was cordless) and brought it into the living room. Before long, he had phoned Sally and was chatting to her.

“Hi sis, just calling to tell you that three children are a little wiser now.” he said.

“You've told them about me? How have they took it?” she replied.

“Well, they seem ok with it. I'll let them talk to you if you wish.” said John.

“Ok, put me on to one of them.”

John decided to give James the phone first.

“Hello Aunt Sally.” said James.

“Sounds like James.” said Sally.

“Yes. I can't believe you used to be a boy.” replied James.

“It's true. I hope you're not cross?”

“No, but you don't look like a man who has become a woman.” he stammered.

“Thank you very much.” said Sally kindly. “So, you still want me to visit you?”

“Yes, I would.” said James. “You're the best aunt I've got.”

“Thank you.” said Sally. “Do your brother and sister want to say hello?”

“I think so.” said James.

James gave the phone to John first, but he then gave it to Michael.

“Hello aunty.” said Michael.

“This is Michael, isn't it?” said Sally. “Oh, sorry, you're called Michelle now.”

“Yes aunty. I'm a girl just like you.” he replied.

“So, you would still like me to visit then?” asked Sally.

“Yes I would.” replied Michael. “I like you very much.”

“Thank you. You'll be a pretty girl one day.” replied Sally.

Emma was then given her chance and she too gave Sally her support, as well as telling her how much she liked her new sister. Eventually John got back on the phone.

“So, you've brought up your children just fine.” said Sally. “You've been a wonderful brother to me. By the way, how come you brought up the subject now?”

“Michael's friend at school, his parents are divorcing and the subject was brought up here.” said John. “It then turned to Adam's divorce and Jessica being one of the reasons for it. I sort of gave the game away then.”

“Well, they know now and they've accepted me. That was the whole idea after all, but they've done it of their own choice.” said Sally. “Well, my next visit will be next month when picking up Emma and Michelle. I'll try and make a proper visit soon, but until then, bye.”

“Bye sis.” said John.

* * *

“I still can't believe that Aunt Sally used to be a man.” said James. “It doesn't seem possible.”

“But it is true.” said John. “But the man she used to be was different to the woman you now know.”

“How different?” asked James. Emma and Michael were also listening.

“Not as happy as she is now.” said John. “She was shy and insecure, never one for making friends. Your grandparents and I were concerned about her all the time. She used to get bullied at school and it was with deep regret that we found out that your Uncle Adam was one of the bullies.”

The children, having never met Adam, were suddenly losing interest in him.

“Well, Sally was ok at home, for your grandparents and I wouldn't let Adam get all his own way.” said John. “But at the time, we didn't know what was really wrong with her. We didn't understand.”

John knew he had to continue as the children were now eager to know more.

“When she was older, we noticed her starting to show signs of being less of a boy and more of a girl. She had started college and was able to dress as she wanted. It was her clothes that were the talking point. They were brightly coloured and tight fitting. It was clear that Adam didn't like her and was already showing a desire for her to live elsewhere.”

“Didn't she tell you that she wanted to be a woman?” asked James.

“No, she didn't. Not then.” replied John. “She was just as confused as we were. You see, for this is what she told me, she was not sure about herself. She eventually did decide that becoming a woman was the thing she wanted to do.”

“So, she eventually told you?” asked James, who was the only one prepared to ask questions.

“She did. But it came after Adam discovered her dressed in your gran's clothes.” said John. “They had an argument. Sally told us she wanted to be a girl, but found it impossible to live with a brother like Adam. Your grandparents and myself were equally to blame, for we didn't do anything to help her. She ran away from home days later.”

“But she came back, didn't she?” asked James.

“2 years later, to be precise.” said John. “We did look for her in that time, but your grandfather was ill at the time. She finally came back to say goodbye to your grandfather, but by then, she was becoming the woman you know now.”

The children had already been told about their grandfather dying before they were born, so that part was omitted.

“Adam was not pleased to see her, especially as she was now living as a woman. But your gran and I made up with her. I'm so glad I did.” said John. “She is so much happier now, for she knows who she really is now.”

* * *

As March drew nearer, Michael was looking forward to the day of the party where he would be able to meet up with Jessica once more. But until that day, his thoughts were also with his friend Robert.

“My mom wants me and my sister to live with her.” said Robert one day. “But I want my dad too.”

“Why?” asked Michael.

“My mom wants to live by my grandparents. They live miles away.” said Robert.

He was referring to his maternal grandparents, who lived in Gateshead, where his mom came from originally. His parents were still locked in a custody battle over their children and it wasn't doing Robert or his sister Tina any good. The problem on Robert's mind was that by living with his mom meant moving away, leaving school and friends behind. His sister didn't like the idea either and had made the point to her mom.

When Michael got the general idea of this, he was very much against it too. He didn't want Robert, his only friend to leave school. If Robert left, there would be no one else for him to speak to, with the exception of Emma and her friends. But he only spoke to them at home.

At home, he mentioned Robert's plight to Emma as they played in her room.

“So, if he leaves school, I'll have no friends to speak to.” he sighed.

“You could sit with Amy. She's in your class, as you know.” replied Emma.

“But I can't sit with girls. You know boys only sit with boys.” he sighed.

“I wish you could go to school as Michelle. Then you could be with me and our friends in the playground.” said Emma. “Life isn't fair.”

“I want to go to school as a girl.” said Michael.

Emma smiled sympathetically. She then went back to playing.

“I think we need some baby teddies.” she said. “Now that your teddy and my teddy are married.”

“We could play Goldilocks and the 3 bears.” said Michael.

“That's a good idea.” said Emma. “I wonder if we could get some clothes for our teddies?”

The next day at school, Emma mentioned the scenario concerning Michael to Amy.

“So, if Robert does leave, Michael will be without a friend to speak to.” said Emma.

“I would be there for him.” replied Amy. “If Becky doesn't mind.”

“What's up with her?” asked Emma.

“I've told you that I do occasionally look at Michael. I can't help but think of him as Michelle.” said Amy. “I bet he feels bad about being a boy now.”

“He never dresses as a boy at home now.” said Emma. “He certainly wants to be a girl all the time.”

“I'd let him sit with us but would others take the mickey out of him?” said Amy.

Emma thought about it. It was true that other children might start talking about Michael if he started sitting and hanging around with girls. If only he could come to school as a girl. No one would have a problem if they thought he was a girl too.

They decided to mention it to their parents later that day, but John was keen to point a few things out.

“But daddy, if I go to school as a girl, then I can sit by Amy in class.” said Michael.

“First of all, your friend hasn't left yet, and may not yet.” said John. “But there is another problem.”

“What?” asked Emma.

“We are trying to hide the fact that Michael and Michelle are the same person. If Michael left during the middle of term, and Michelle arrived the next day to take his place, it is likely that some children might realise that Michelle is Michael.” said John.

“But Michael could wear his wig. No one would recognise him with that on.” added Emma.

John thought about that, but again, came up with an answer against.

“It could come off though.” he replied. “I'm still sticking to the original plan: Michelle must wait till September.”

Both Emma and Michael sighed. It was clear that they both wanted Michelle to start earlier.

“Listen you two. I know it's hard, but if Michael is discovered to be attending school as a girl, it might result in others teasing him.” said John.

“Just like Billy said.” replied Michael. “Kids laugh at boys like me.”

“What Billy said was not entirely true.” said John. “But by waiting till September, it will be easier for you.”

“But why?” asked Michael.

“Children usually start school in September.” said John. “You'll be leaving in July. At least by the time September comes, your hair will be longer.”

“You mean I can let it grow?” he asked.

“By all means. When July comes, we hope to let you live as a girl full time. Get your hair styled like a girl's.” said Liz.

That thought made Michael smile, though July was still some time away. For now, his wig gave him the sensation that he so wanted. All he wanted now was for his friend Robert to remain at school with him. With that thought, he followed his sister upstairs and went to play in her room.