“Mika! Hows my favorite niece?” A slightly older version of her mom asked, “You’re room is ready upstairs for you sweetie.”

“I-wha?” Mike stammered. Not even his Mom knew about Mika - just his two friends from school that he had known since childhood, and Lisa, a local girl that he had befriended last summer when he came to stay here. “How did Aunt Sarah know?” he mumbled to himself.

Sarah looked around the corner, “It’s an aunts job to know everything Princess.. now go on and put your stuff away, I got lunch almost ready. First door on your left!” she called as he hit the stairs.

He was more than a bit nervous as he pushed the door open, after that jarring introduction. The room was wall to wall pink. Pink wallpaper, a different shade of pink carpeting, and a pink bedspread on a King sized white four post bed awaited. He nearly fainted then and there when he saw the matching vanity, with a wig stand resting at the center with a pretty, very natural-looking set of long blonde hair.

“I’m dreaming,” he said under his breath. He threw open the closet to find it packed quite literally full of girls’ clothes - from skirts and dresses to tops and jeans, and a row of shoes and accessories along the top. They weren’t any of them designer label, definitely off the rack, but he didn’t care. He pinched himself hard. “Ow! I’m not dreaming.”

His Aunt Sarah came upstairs, “Whatever doesn't fit you, we can take back sweetie, oh and I also told Anna next door that my niece was coming, she was hoping that you might be able to babysit for her sometimes while you are here.”

Mike slowly turned to face his aunt. He had tears rolling down his cheeks as he raced to hug her. “I don’t know how you did all this, but thank you. This is amazing. I wish I could stay here forever.”

“Well I had some help from Lisa that girl you meet last year here, and I figured some things out last summer when you came to visit, moping around all the time.” Sarah smiled and hugged Mike tightly.

“My cousin Janie,” Lisa spoke up from around the hallway corner, “Makes professional wigs, and she owed me a big favor from last Christmas - don’t ask - sooo,” she giggled. “Welcome back Mika.”

“Lisa! Wow, this is going to be an amazing summer.” Mika smiled.

“I hope you’re not too mad at me,” Lisa said, hugging Mika. “Your aunt Sarah can be VERY persuasive. She cornered me after you left, and I told her everything.”

Mika shook her head, “Oh no, this is perfect, I get to be myself all summer!”

“After you change clothes I’ll help you with your hair. I mean yours is cute and all, but I think you’ll feel more confident with longer hair - helps sell the ‘girl’ image.”

“Between you, Crystal and Linds, I still remember how to do my makeup.” Mika smiled, “Last year the biggest highlight was when Crys and Lins came out for that camping trip with your parents at the lake.”

“God that was so much fun,” Lisa giggled. “My parents are excited to meet Mika by the way, so don’t be shy around them. They loved you last year.”

Mika giggled, “Didn’t your dad say that he thought I was a girl anyway?”

“Exactly,” Lisa answered. “He thought I was messing with him.”

“That’s how I got my name was your uncle Roy kept calling me Mika.” Mika giggled.

“I wish we lived closer,” Lisa sighed. “Lin and I have so much in common. We still email and stuff, but it’s just not the same.”

“That would soo be cool, Crys, Lins, me all living here near you and Becca and your friends.” Mika smiled, “They treated me just like Crys and Lins do, like one of the girls.”

“Because you are silly!” Lisa said with a giggle, turning around as Mika stripped, so that her back was not only to Mika, but also both mirrors in the room. “I think you should wear that pleated pink skirt at the front of your closet, I got that for you.” Lisa giggled, “There’s a top to go with it too.”

“Awwww,” Mika squeaked excitedly. “Remind me to hug you when I’m not naked,” she teased, pulling on a pair of panties and a padded bra from her white dresser.

“I got a matching set at home, so sometime this summer we both have to wear it together.” Lisa giggled more.

“Twinsies!” Mika teased as she pulled her skirt up and straightened it. “Hmm. Cami or baby doll tee? Thank God I don’t have extra hair anywhere,” she laughed.

“Baby doll, it’s the one I got.” Lisa was smiling as she turned around knowing it was safe now. As Mika took down the top, a very large long-haired calico cat that had apparently been sleeping at the back of her closet sauntered out. She looked up at Mika, giving an approving ‘Meow’, before hopping up onto the bed and settling down again.

“Hey Tulip.” Mika giggled at the cat, as she put the top on.

“Aunt Sarah, I’m going to go over to the Jenkins house next door and introduce myself like you asked.” Mika called to her aunt from the living room, as she was tying her shoes.

“Oh, could you bring this loaf of bread over while you’re at it?” Sarah called back. “I promised Anna I’d send some over.”

“Can I ride my bike to town afterwards and hang with Lisa?” Mika asked as she walked into the kitchen.

“Of course sweetheart,” Sarah replied cheerfully. “You have your phone?”

“In my purse,” Mika giggled. It felt so weird to her, saying ‘in my purse’. Then again, it felt strange wearing a skirt in front of a family member too. Mika smiled at her aunt, “Like it?” she showed off the new skirt.

“You look just like your Mom when we were 15, you know that?” Sarah chuckled, handing Mika a covered hand woven basket that smelled of fresh homemade bread and yeast rolls.

“Thank you again Auntie.” Mika smiled as she started to leave she walked next door and knocked on the door. A young girl about five or six, with pretty long blonde hair down to her waist opened the door and looked up at Mika, smiling.

“Hi there, is your mom home?” Mika smiled at the little girl.

The girl nodded her head, calling over her shoulder, “Mommy, Ms. Sarah’s niece is here!”

Mika smiled, “My names Mika, what's yours?”

“Hi I’m Luci,” the girl bubbled.

“That’s a cute name.” Mika smiled as an Older woman appeared behind the girl.

“Hello you must be Mika, your aunt just raves about you.”

Mika blushed a little and giggled. “It’s nice to meet you. Oh, she sent these over,” she said as she held out the basket, smiling brightly even as her cheeks still burned.

“Would you like a glass of water or anything?” The woman her aunt called Anna, asked.

“Oh, no thank you ma’am. I really just wanted to come and say hi, introduce myself, and let you know that I’d be very interested in that babysitting job if it’s still open,” she said, trying not to giggle again.

“We’ll have to discuss later how much you're going to charge me to watch Luci sometime soon.” Anna smiled.

“Sounds great. I used to help my friend Crystal babysit often so I’m really looking forward to it.” She smiled as she knelt in front of Luci. “I’ll see you again soon sweetie,” she said warmly. Luci giggled and hugged her, kissing her cheek.

“Can’t wait,” she whispered in Mika’s ear, in a voice that, for a moment, seemed altogether too grown up to be coming out of such a young girl’s mouth. But then she giggled and skipped away, singing ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’, and all was normal again.

“Tell Sarah thank you for the bread, and if you ever need anything and she’s not home, just come on over.”

“Thank you Ms. Jenkins.” Mika waved as she went to get her bike. Just inside the shed, where she left her old bike, she found a brand new carbon fiber body road bike. It definitely wasn’t hers, and yet it was sitting exactly as she remembered it. It even had her bike chain on it. Curious, she fished out the key she kept hidden under an old flower pot near the back of the shed.

Sure enough, the key fit the lock. She should have found it odd, but it was her favorite shade of purple with a cushiony seat, and the dust around the flower pot suggested it hadn’t been moved since last summer. She shrugged, rolling it out of the shed. The feeling of oddness quickly passed, and it was as if it had always been.

As she hopped on the bike, she saw Luci in Anna’s yard, riding a Barbie pink bike with training wheels, and a matching set of elbow and kneepads with a pink and white helmet. She stopped and looked up, grinning as she waved at Mika.

“Cool bike!” she called. Mika giggled.

“Thanks! I like yours too!” she called back as she pulled on the helmet. Fortunately her wig had been pinned in place, so even under the weight of the deep purple and black biking helmet, it didn’t budge or shift unnaturally.

Mika sighed, “How many shops do we have to go to?” this had only been the third the girls had dragged Mika into since she meet up with them.

“Well there’s Payless and Victoria’s Secret and Claire’s and...” Becca, an outgoing, down-to-earth girl with long auburn hair, rattled off and then giggled.
“Ugh I had to open my big fat mouth.” Mika giggled softly.

Becca laughed, playfully shoulder-bumping Mika. “You sound like my older sister. She sees shopping as a means to an end. I’m more about the journey.”

“And the shoes,” Lisa teased. “I could use a break though. Let’s get a drink at the food court.”

Mika grinned, “Sure.” finally she could sit down a moment, “I’m getting kinda thirsty.”

“Fiiine,” Becca groaned. “Lightweights.”

It had been about a month since Mika arrived at her aunts house, and Independence Day was approaching quickly. She had been babysitting Luci next door off and on during that time, getting to know the little girl, there wasn’t anyone her age in the neighborhood so she mostly played by herself.

There was a knock on Mika’s aunts door, she was sitting in the chair waiting for her aunt to finish breakfast, not even really dressed yet for the day, she was wearing a pink Snoopy night shirt.

“That’s probably Anna,” Sarah said with a knowing smile. “Would you be a dear and see what she wants?”

“Sure auntie.” Mika smiled and stood up to get the door, instead of Anna standing outside, it was Crystal and Lindsay. Both Crystal and Lindsay were blonde like Mika, but that was where the similarities ended in appearance. Lindsay was every bit the skater girl, and proud of it They both grabbed her in a hug the second she opened the door.

“Mika!” Crystal bubbled excitedly. “God you look great!”

“Eeep!” Mika blushed, “I’m not even dressed...” she was getting hugs from both her friends, then she called out to her Aunt, “Auntie Sarah, it wasn’t Anna it was Crys and Lins.”

“Not like we’ve never seen you in your panties,” Lindsay teased matter-of-factly as Sarah laughed.

“Oh, was it? Good thing I made extra strawberry pancakes.”

Mika gave her aunt the look, “You knew didn’t you?”

“I might have gotten a phone call...” she trailed off, smiling innocently. Crystal giggled.

“Cheer camp was postponed because of a massive rat infestation at the college where we were going to go, so I got two weeks with nothing to do.”

“Figured you would come spend time with your pretend girlfriend?” Mika teased.

“What?” Lindsay said, mock shocked. “Who told you that? I never- Oh, her.” She flashed a grin and giggled.

Mika giggled and smacked Lins on the shoulder softly, “I already knew about you and Lisa, she was just bubbling about you yesterday.”

Lindsay stuck out her tongue. “She’s hot. If she didn’t live like ten billion miles away I would so ask her out.” She paused a moment at that. “Did I say that out loud?”

“Yes,” Crystal and Mika answered in unison. Lindsay blushed.

“Oh whatever,” Crystal added with a laugh. “You know Mika and me like girls too. You should tell her how you feel while you’re here.”

“So you guys are staying for a couple of weeks?” Mika asked, giving Lindsay an out to change the subject.

“Most, I have to be home before Crystal.” Lins sighed, “My Aunt’s birthday.”

“Aww,”Mika said as they walked into the dining room, where Sarah had already set five plates piled with pancakes and strawberries, with bottles of different flavored syrups available. It was only after the four of them sat down, that the fifth plate seemed conspicuous.

“Um,” Lindsay said. “Aunt Sarah? I think you forgot to take your senility meds,” she teased.

“Oh, did I set one too many plates?” Sarah asked with a grin.

“Oh I guess I’ll have to join you then,” Lisa said, coming in from the front hallway with a giggle. “Hi guys!” she said cheerfully. Lindsay squeaked a little as Lisa hugged her, before sitting down at the empty seat beside her.

The evening of the 4th, Aunt Sarah had a huge, neighborhood-wide barbecue. The neighborhood coop even planned a massive fireworks show that Crystal, Mika, Sarah, and Luci gathered on a small hill behind Sarah’s house to watch.

“They’re so pretty,” Luci sighed happily as she snuggled into Mika’s side.

“Hey, look,” Crystal giggled. “You can see Lisa and Lindsay from up here.”

Mika laughed, covering Luci’s eyes.

“Hey!” Luci giggled. “They’re just kissin’.”

“She’ll totally deny it later,” Crystal laughed as she leaned into Mika. “But they really are cute together.”

“Is it weird?” Mika asked as she hugged Crystal. “the three of us I mean. That we’d all end up liking girls?”

Surprisingly, it was Luci who answered. “You shouldn’t dwell on what others tell you is right or wrong. Follow your heart Mika.”

Mika blushed a little, looking down at Luci, who was fast asleep. She reached over and squeezed Crystal’s hand. Crystal looked back at her as the fireworks exploded overhead, blushing now too.

The last week of summer, Mika was babysitting Luci one last time while her mom was at work, they were both sitting on the porch swing watching the fireflies, when Luci suddenly looked up at Mika.

“You’re sad,” she said, matter-of-factly.

Mika sighed and nodded, “I really enjoyed my time here, and I wish my life would change so I could be just as happy as I was this summer.”

Luci smiled and hugged Mika tightly. “You really made me happy this summer. You deserve to be happy too,” she said. Her choice of words almost made her sound grown-up, just like that night under the fireworks.

“Look!” she said excitedly before Mika could comment on it. “A shooting star! Maybe your wish will come true!”

Mika smiled and hugged Luci gently, “You sure are a smart sweet young girl Luci, I really enjoyed babysitting you this summer.” Luci giggled and kissed Mika on the cheek. “You ready for bed?” Mika asked.

Luci bobbed her head, even yawning a little. I’m tiiiired,” she answered.
Mika picked Luci up and carried her inside upstairs to her bedroom and put her in bed, tucking her in, “Sleep tight sweet lil one.” she smiled and made sure the nightlight was one as she left the room to wait downstairs for Anna.

Anna came home a few hours later, “Thanks for watching her, we both are so going to miss you.” she smiled as she pulled out her wallet from her purse producing three one hundred dollar bills and handed them to Mika.

“I can’t accept this,” Mika gasped, trying to give it back to Anna.

“Nonsense.” Anna smiled, “Take it sweetie, you earned it.”

“I talked to my friend Lisa about taking over for me when I go back home. She said she’d love to, and on nights when she can’t make it her friend Rebecca’s willing to help too,” Mika said as she folded the money and tucked it into the pocket of her jeans.

“Thank you again Mika, I hope you really enjoyed your summer.” Anna smiled.

“It was perfect. I don’t want to go home,” Mika answered with a small sigh. “I hope you and your husband are still here next summer. Maybe I can come babysit again,” she giggled.

“Oh we don’t plan on going anywhere sweetie.” Anna smiled and gave Mika a hug, “We just hope some more kids move in the neighborhood for Luci.”

“I hope so too,” she answered, giving Anna one more hug before finally heading back to her aunt Sarah’s. Tomorrow she’d have to go home, back to her life as Mike, but at least she’d have the summer memories fresh in her mind for another year.

Crystal sat next to Mike on the bus going to school, “How was the rest of your summer vacation?”

Mike smiled, “It was pretty uneventful after you and Lins left.”

Lindsay blushed a little. “Things did get pretty spicy.”

Mike laughed and shook his head. “Not exactly what I meant. Apart from babysitting It just wasn’t as much fun without you guys. Hey, think we’ll have any classes together this year?” he asked, changing the subject.

Lindsay shrugged. “I promised Crys I’d take Home-Ec if you do too.”

Mike smiled, “I planned on it. Mom and Dad are always too busy to cook, so I figure the more I know the better off I am feeding myself.” he laughed. “Plus I learned to bake bread from Aunt Sarah this summer. It was fun.”

“That’s the spirit,” Crystal giggled. “And you’ve seen what Lindsay eats. It’s a miracle she hasn’t had a heart attack from the amount of sodium in her diet. I think you’d both benefit.”

“I had to take Auto mechanics last year, and they said I couldn’t take it again, so Home-Ec is a good alternative.” Mike said.

“Ugh. That’s so lame that they won’t let you take a shop class twice. Then again they won’t let me take it once - something about not trusting me with an arc welder,” Lindsay giggled. She was as much the typical, almost stereotypical, skater punk as ever, from head to toe, except for her long blonde hair that, despite the bandana, she kept clean and well cared-for.

“You guys are coming over tonight right?” Crystal asked as the bus rolled to a stop. As they got off the bus she leaned closer to Mike, holding his hand as two older boys passed by. She let go immediately after and sighed to herself. “Sorry.”

“What’re friends for?” Mike answered with a smile. Inside he was kicking himself for not kissing her that night under the fireworks, but it was too late now. “Anyway I’d love to come over. I already miss being myself,” he sighed.

Lindsay smiled, “You should so tell your parents Mike.”

“I don’t think so,” Mike said with a bit of a laugh. “Maybe when I’m 18, and they can’t disown me anymore. I can barely talk to my parents let alone about something like that. At least Crystal’s and your Moms are okay with it, not to mention Aunt Sarah.”

“She thinks you look good,” Crystal said. “All the more reason to tell yours.”

“You know how Dad is,” Mike sighed. “He already thinks I’m gay because I don’t play football.”

“Well um... You kind of are,” Lindsay chimed in with a giggle, causing Mike to blush, hoping no one heard that.

“Let’s go get our class schedules already,” Crystal said, changing the subject before she started blushing too.

As they approached the main office, a raven-haired girl with light blue eyes ran up to them and practically knocked Crystal over hugging her. It was Rachel, one of Crystal’s “cheerleader friends”, although she had always been nice to Mike and Lindsay too, they just traveled in slightly different social circles.

“Crys! Hey!” she bubbled excitedly.

“You’d think they hadn’t seen each other for a year,” Lindsay whispered just loud enough for Mike to hear, and both laughed quietly.

“She is a bit of a ditz.” Mike laughed as he whispered it out loud. Both Crystal and Rachel stopped mid-conversation, turning to stare at Mike.

“I resemble that remark,” Rachel said with a giggle as she lightly swatted Mike’s arm and then hugged him. “I’ll see you guys around. Crys, practice tomorrow night!” she added as she raced off.

“Amazing,” Lindsay mused. “Any other guy would’ve been decked. You? You get a freaking hug. How do you do that?” she teased.

“It’s a talent,” Mike and Crystal said in unison, and all three laughed.

~oOo~

“Hey mom, I’m going to get off the bus at Crystals if that’s ok?” Mike asked his mom over his crappy Android cellphone.

“Oh that’s fine sweetie. We have a business dinner tonight so we won’t be home until late anyway. Give Angela a hug from me.”

“Sure thing mom.” Mike smiled and hung up, “Looks like im at your house anyway, mom and dad are out tonight.”

“Yay!” Crystal said excitedly as their stop came up. She waited until after the three of them were off the bus to add, “I picked up a new outfit for you that I’ve been dying to see you in.”

“I’m surrounded by girly girls,” Lindsay groaned playfully. “Are you sure you want me along? I mean if you two want to be alone tonight that’s really not a problem.”

Crystal laughed, “Come on, you know you miss Mika too!”

“Yeaaah,” Lindsay giggled. “I even got her an early birthday present. It’s down in my bag,” she added with a grin, tugging on the shoulder strap of her heavy backpack.

“Oh yeah? What did you get me?” Mike gushed almost into full girl mode as they approached the door.

Lindsay, giggling, held out her backpack for Mika to hold it while she fished out a shoe-box sized present wrapped in bright pink wrapping paper. She exchanged the box for her backpack again. “You’ll have to open it and see.”

Mika practically squealed, tearing the wrapping paper aside. She lifted the lid, pushing the tissue packaging aside to find a pair of open toe 3” white wedge sandals with three little pink flowers along the top leather piece.

“I saw them, and I thought, ‘Mika would love these!’.”

“I do!” Mika said excitedly as she hugged Lyndsey. Crystal giggled.

“Looks like my Mom’s not home yet Mika, go ahead and change so she can see the new outfit when she gets here.”

“Truth,” Mika answered as she munched on a pizza bagel. She was stretched out on Crystal’s Princess style bed wearing a white cardigan sweater with the sleeves pushed up and a knee length pink skirt with her new wedge heels. Lindsay pouted.

“I wasn’t going to make you run around the house topless, honest.”

Crystal laughed. “This time.”

Lindsay stuck out her tongue. “Fine. That night on the hill, when I kissed Lisa for the first time... Were you totally jealous?” she asked, rather than asking what both Crystal and Mika were expecting.

“Oh God you’re evil!” Mika giggled out as Crystal’s Mom knocked on the bedroom door. “No, I wasn’t jealous. I thought it was sweet!”

“It’s open,” Crystal called over her shoulder from the comfort of her pink and purple tie dyed bean bag chair. Her mom peeked inside and smiled, holding up a fresh tray of pizza bagels.

“I come bearing goodies,” she teased. “Mika I love those shoes,” she added both genuinely and warmly.

“Thanks!” Mika bubbled excitedly. “Lindsay gave them to me for my sixteenth birthday. It’s probably the only sweet sixteen gift I’ll get though,” she sighed. “God what I’d give for a real sweet sixteen like you guys.”

“Well, you can have a sweet sixteen sleepover here if you’d like?” Angela replied with a sly grin. “You’re practically family. I’m sure your Mom won’t mind.”

“Yeah but I can’t tell her what it’s about, she just wouldn’t understand that.” Mika sighed.

Angela set the tray down and walked over to Mika as she sat up, and pulled her into a hug. “I wish I could adopt you. Lawrence thinks the world of you - even if we are separated - and so do I,” she said with a chuckle. “Just a couple more years though then you won’t have to hide this pretty face anymore.”

Mika blushed, but nodded. She could swear she didn’t remember them being separated, but it sounded right, for some reason, so she ignored it. “Thanks ‘Mom’,” she teased, causing Angela to laugh softly.

“I’ll bring up some more soda if you girls want, and then I’ll leave you be. I hope to get another chapter on my novel finished tonight.”

Crystal giggled, “She's writing a Lesbian Romance novel without any experience.”

Angela stopped at the door and glanced back at Crystal with a grin. “You know the author of ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ was a middle aged white guy.” She paused and winked. “Sometimes not having experience leaves your mind free to imagine.” She trailed off, leaving Mika and Crystal slack-jawed, and Lindsay laughing hysterically, as she closed the door behind her.

“And you two say MY Mom is the coolest! I would kill to have your Mom Crys,” she finally managed to giggle out.

“I’d take either of your Moms,” Mika finally managed, laughing a little. “Oh... um... Any chance of getting an advance copy of that novel?” she added playfully.

“Maybe.” Crystal giggled, “Your actual birthday is what in two more months?”

“Yeah. Feels like two years,” Mika whined. “I wish I was born in August or September like you and Lyn. My parents haven’t even hinted at whether or not I can get a car yet.”

“You should soo bug them about it.” Lyn smiled.

“Maybe I’ll ask for a pink convertible,” Mika laughed, polishing off another pizza bagel. “Thanks for tonight by the way. It’s not even about the clothes for me. It’s just ... I don’t know, getting to be me. This summer was the most amazing time of my life.”

Mika finished changing back to Mike and walked downstairs, “See you Mom.” he teased in a semi depressed tone.

“Don’t forget your purse,” Angela called back casually.

“I left it in my locker,” Mike said with a laugh. Angela’s comment lifted his spirits just enough to make him smile as he left out the door. It was a quiet walk home on a peaceful late-summer evening. His parents had just gotten home when he walked into his bedroom.

“Hey,” his mother, Mary, said warmly as she peeked around the bedroom door. “I think this is yours?” she added, holding up the box that Mika’s new wedges had come in, as if it was perfectly normal. “You left them on the sofa,” she added casually.

“Um.. “ Mike blushed deeply. He left them at Crystal’s house for safekeeping. He never kept any of Mika’s things here. More importantly though, she knew now. “Did dad see them?” was all he could ask.

“He rolled his eyes,” Mary laughed. “But you know this whole ‘Mika’ thing is just going to take some getting used to for him. It’s not that he doesn’t love you,” she said as she stepped inside, placing the box on the bed so she could hug him.

“How long have you known Mom?” Mike hugged her tight crying softly.

“Since you told us,” Mary answered, a little confused. “Don’t tell me you forgot the agreement while you were visiting your Aunt Sarah? You wanted to keep going to school as Mike, but at home and on weekends you’d be Mikaela? She called to say she’d send along the things you left, and your new furniture too by the way.”

Mike felt overwhelmingly confused now. He never told them anything about his secret life as Mika, and certainly never made any such agreements, but he wanted to believe this was all true. “Oh.. Yeah I forgot about that, sorry mom.”

“Did you have a bad day at school sweetie?” she asked. “You seem all out of sorts tonight. Don’t tell me you had a fight with Crys or Lin?”

“Oh no everything fine with them.” Mike smiled, his spirits lifting a little. “It’s just weird.” he shrugged.

“Well, I’ve got something that’ll cheer you up.” She paused and grinned just a little bit. “I was going to wait until closer to your birthday, but I can’t resist. I want you to start thinking about the kind of car you want when you get your license.”

Mike let a small giggle slip. “You’ve been talking to Angela haven’t you?”

Mary smiled sheepishly and nodded. “She called and told me she overheard you girls talking tonight, and it made me realize I shouldn’t be keeping something that important a secret. Honestly she’s been such a big help through all this.”

“Thanks Mom,” Mike sighed - a little relieved and a little bit happier, as he hugged her again. “I’m going to take a bath and then change into Mika for the night if that’s okay.”

“Sure thing sweetie. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything,” she answered and walked to the door. She paused to grin back at him. “If my big boats for feet were as dainty as yours I’d borrow those new heels some time,” she teased, causing Mike to laugh as she pulled the door closed behind her.

Later that night Mika was laying in bed in a pink night shirt that was in her drawer when she heard her father, “Is he still pretending to be a girl?” in a shout.

“How can you be such an asshole?” Mary shouted back. “She’s our child. But all you care about is your damn job anyway so what do you care?”

“Well it’s my damn job that buys that sissy all his fucking clothes,” his father yelled back.

“And my career doesn’t mean shit to you does it? I sacrificed everything so you could rub elbows with those balding fatasses-” was all Mika could stand to listen to. She grabbed the earplugs she kept on her nightstand and crammed them into place. It wasn’t as though her parents fought all the time, but whatever it was they were fighting about, it was always extremely loud.

This time though it cut deep. This was the reaction she was afraid of. She started to cry as she covered her face with her pillow.

“I wish I was born a girl,” she sighed deeply. “I wish he’d just fucking leave,” she sobbed.

A few moments later her door opened slightly, “Mika? You awake Princess?” her mother asked.

Mika peeked out from under her pillow. She could barely hear her mother because of the earplugs, but she quickly pulled them out when she saw her there.

Mary sat on the edge of Mika’s bed, “He left..” She was almost in tears herself.

“Good,” Mika growled. “He’s never loved me even when he thought I was a boy.”

“Don’t say that Princess, your dad.. he always loved you.” Mary was playing with Mika’s hair, which seemed longer than she remembered.

“All he cares about is money, or his job, or his colleagues. I bet that business dinner tonight was to honor some jerk who probably fired a bunch of minimum wage workers to save a half percent on the bottom-line,” Mika sighed. “I hope he stays gone this time,” she hissed.

Mary kissed Mika’s forehead, “Want some hot cocoa sweetie?”

Mika just nodded a little. She was too angry to say anything else. She didn’t want to make her mother more upset than she already was. Besides, cocoa made everything better. She sat up and slid off her bed, her feet dropping right into a pair of pink fuzzy bunny slippers

Mary smiled as she went down into the kitchen to make them some cocoa, “Sorry you had to hear all that Princess.”

“If that’s how he really feels about me, then I really hope he stays gone because I’m not changing for him,” she sighed. “If anything it makes me want to reconsider going to school as Mika.”

She paused, verbally at least, as she followed her mother. She had absolutely no idea why she just blurted that out. The thought of going to school as Mika terrified her. Just today the thought of someone seeing her squeal over a new pair of shoes terrified her even.

“You know your therapist said whenever you were ready, she was ready to sign off on you going to school as Mika.”

“I should’ve done it already, instead of putting it off,” Mika said, again, not sure why she said it. “I guess fear of how you’d react, how Dad would react, is what kept me from being honest sooner. Without Crystal and Lindsey’s support I wouldn’t have lasted as long as I did.”

“And Angela,” Mary teased as she poured water into the hot beverage maker’s reservoir.

“And Angela,” Mika giggled a little as she echoed. “I called her Mom today. Not like, replacing you Mom, but like, my other Mom.”

Mary laughed, “You and Crystal are awfully close. I don’t mind at all.”

That moment Mary’s cell phone rang it was Angela.

“I’ll finish this,” Mika said as Mary glanced down at her phone and nodded. She didn’t bother to check the Caller ID, expecting it to be her husband trying to apologize.

“You’re spending the night in a hotel after that display mister,” she said sternly.

“Mary? It’s me Angela.. Not Christopher.” she teased.

“Oh,” Mary laughed a bit. “Sorry. I should’ve checked it first. Hi Angel,” she said, leaving off the ‘a’. “We were just talking about you.”

“It’s ok, but Chris ran over our mailbox, I wanted to see if you were ok.” Angela asked, “I just called the cops too.”

“Jesus, are you serious? I knew he was pissed off, but...” she sighed.

“Yeah he slammed the mailbox with the car, and peeled out in the yard, taking off.” Angela sighed.

“You did the right thing. Maybe a night in jail will make him rethink his priorities. I know it’s late Angel, but do you think you could come over for a little bit?”

“Sure, my husband did the same thing when he found out Crystal liked girls.. never came home though.” Angela sighed, “I’ll bring Crystal with me if that’s ok?”

“Oh I’m sure that would make Mika’s night,” Mary teased. “I know she heard the fight; I’d be surprised if the whole damn neighborhood didn’t-” she paused as someone knocked hard on the front door.

“Police department,” a woman’s voice called loudly.

“Sorry Angel, I have to go. The police are here,” she trailed off, realizing Mika was already halfway to the door.

Mika pulled the door open to find two cops, both female, standing at the door with their cruiser lights flashing just behind them in the driveway.

“We’re responding to a 9-1-1 call of a domestic disturbance,” the taller, brunette officer said. “May we come in?”

“Yes, yes of course,” Mika said, motioning for the officers to come inside. “Mom, the police are-” she said, turning around and cutting herself off as she realized Mary was right behind her. “... Oh.”

“Ma’am, is everything alright?” the officer asked. “Your neighbors said they could hear screaming and some verbal threats being made regarding you and your daughter.”

“Yes, we’re both okay. My husband Christopher,” she trailed off, sighing deeply. She tried to keep it together, but she just couldn’t. Mika frowned angrily.

“He’s a homophobic ass who flipped out about me coming out,” she said matter-of-factly. Mary nodded.

“He ended up in my friend Angela’s front yard after driving over her mailbox. She also called 9-1-1 about it.”

The two officers glanced at each other and the shorter blonde woman answered, “That explains the other call. We were on our way to investigate when we got the disturbance call so we diverted here first.”

Over the cop radio a dispatcher stated, “We have an 11-83 code 3 I repeat an 11-83 on Madison and Walton ave, Code 3, any unit respond.”

“That’s a few blocks from here,” the brunette officer said to her partner, grabbing her radio as the shorter blonde turned to Mary.

“We’ll come back to take your statements shortly if you decide you want to press charges.” She quickly turned to race after her partner, who was now already halfway to the cruiser.

Angela and Crystal walked over after the cop car sped off, “What the heck?” Crystal asked looking at Mika, “Cute shirt, you should wear it to the next sleep over.”

Mika shrugged a little. “Thanks. No idea what that was about though - 11-83-something-another not far from here. One of the neighbors called the cops after they heard Dad screaming,” she sighed deeply, wrapping her arms around Crystal and sinking into her shoulder. “He flipped.”

“Aww,” Crystal said as she held Mika tight. “Believe me I understand. When Dad found out I like girls he did the same thing. Last we heard he was dodging alimony in South America or something.”

“Want some hot cocoa?” Mika asked timidly. “Or coffee... Tea... Soda-” Crystal put a finger to her friend’s lips and giggled.

“Cocoa’s fine.”

As she turned, Mika realized there was a young girl watching them. She was across the road so she didn’t get a good look at her, but the child seemed to be about six years old. She was sitting on a Barbie pink bike with no helmet. She waved as the girls walked inside.

“Did you see that?” Mika gasped.

“See what?” Crystal asked.

“That little girl..” Mika sighed. “She looked just like Luci.”

Crystal blinked, looked at her friend, and then went back to look out the window. There wasn’t anyone there now, so she shrugged. “I don’t see anyone. Why?”

“Nevermind.” Mika shrugged and walked inside with Crystal.

~oOo~

It was late, somewhere around 10:30, when another knock came at the door. Mika and Crystal were in the living room with their mothers. They had been talking for a good two hours, since the incident.

“I’ll get it,” Mika said. “It’s probably the cops come back to get our statement or something,” she sighed, walking to the door. The brunette officer that had visited earlier was standing in the doorway, looking rather dour.

“Yes?” Mary said as she came up behind Mika and put her hands on her shoulders.

“Ma’am, does your husband drive a black SUV, Tennessee license plate MDA-757?”

“Oh God, you found him? He didn’t do anything stupid did he?”

“Ma’am,” the officer said softly. “Is there somewhere your daughter can stay for a short time? I’m afraid I need to ask you to come down to the county morgue...” she trailed off, not wanting to say more in front of Mika.

“Oh God,” Mika whispered, turning to bury her face in her mother’s chest.

Mary nodded, “She and her friend can stay here with Angela..”

Both Crystal and Angela approached now, managing to pry Mika away from her mother just long enough for her to latch onto them. The officer frowned softly. “I’m so sorry,” she said quietly. “We don’t actually know if it’s your husband or not because he didn’t have any ID on him, but the registration matches, so we need you to ID the body,” she explained, as Mika was quickly escorted away from the conversation.

“It’s my fault,” Mika whispered, choking back tears as Angela and Crystal brought her back to the living room.

Angela looked right at Mika, “It’s not your fault sweetie, never think that ok?”

“Mom’s right,” Crystal added. “He freaked out. He left, and he acted like a jackass. You can’t blame yourself for his mistakes.”

“I wished he’d never come back though,” she managed through tears. “And everything else came true too... Now this,” she sobbed. Crystal looked at her mother, not sure what to say to the ‘everything else came true’ part. Crystal than just hugged Mika tightly.

Angela nodded, “I’ll talk it over with Mary when she comes back, but I don't think you girls should go to school tomorrow.”

Crystal looked over at Mika, “Want me to go with you and see Doctor Sweets tomorrow then? After we can go to the mall?”

“I need to talk to my therapist too.” She paused a moment and laughed a little, cracking a small smile. “You know I still don’t get how you girls can spend hours and hours shopping.” Mika sighed.

“It’s about the journey,” Crystal said as she hugged Mika again. “But we can go back to my house and watch movies instead - whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“I heard that first part before. Becca said it somewhat the same way.” Mika giggled, “But no its ok I need a new pair of running shoes.”

“Yay! I do too actually,” Crystal said as she poured Mika a fresh cup of cocoa. “I’m glad you’re starting to feel a little better sweetie,” she added as she sat down at the dining room table. “Please, please don’t take this the wrong way, but... your dad was an asshole.”

“It’s impolite to speak ill of those that can’t defend themselves,” Angela said from the kitchen door, but sighed. “But she’s right that you shouldn’t blame yourself for what happened.”

Mika nodded, “He hated me, so I agree Mom.” she called back to the kitchen.

“I think he hated everyone - including himself,” Angela answered softly. “Something like this was honestly inevitable.”

“I can’t bring myself to cry for the loss of my dad..” Mika sighed. Crystal started to giggle a little and Mika looked up at her. “What?” she asked. Crystal giggled again.

“I just realized. You get to have the last laugh.”

“Huh?” Mika asked.

“You don’t own a black dress, so we need to go and get you one when we go get our running shoes, so you can wear it to the funeral as a final ‘fuck you’.”

Mika giggled a bit and nodded. “I tried you know, to be the best son and the best daughter he could have.” She shrugged and sipped her cocoa.

Crystal stood up, taking Mika’s hand and pulling her up into a hug. “You ARE the best daughter he could have had. It’s his fault that he couldn’t see that. That’s what I’ll mourn, for him and for you, but you do still have our Moms.”

Mika stared into Crystal’s eyes for several seconds until finally, she couldn’t resist the overwhelming urge to kiss her anymore. It was soft and sweet, delicate and loving, but brief. She lay her head on Crystal’s shoulder and cried. Crystal held her tightly without saying a word, but she had a big smile on her face. She couldn’t help herself.

“What took you so long?” Crystal finally whispered in Mika’s ear.

“I was scared?” Mika blushed, “I didn’t want to ruin our friendship you know.”

“Well, you didn’t,” Crystal giggled, cupping Mika’s cheek in her hand and kissing her back. “I’ve thought about that night under the big tree every single day since, when I had a chance to kiss you and didn’t take it. I thought I blew it.”

Mika laughed a little, shaking her head. “Every time you hold my hand to scare off some jock, my heart skips a beat. But what’re you going to do now? If I start going to school as Mika...” she trailed off as Crystal kissed her again.

“Then I’ll just have to stop being scared,” she said with a smile. “If you’re going to be you, then I need to have the courage to be me too.”

Mike smiled, “Thank you Crystal.”

When Mika woke up in the morning, her chest was slightly itchy and she had some hair in her mouth. It was most certainly longer than she remembered. Almost instinctively, her hand flopped onto her nightstand, where a half-used tube of anti-itch cream had been left laying. She didn’t realize until halfway through applying it that something was off.

“... What-” she stopped. Her voice seemed somewhat higher than before, not by a great deal, but definitely had lost its masculine edge, as if she had been practicing speaking in a female voice for quite a long time.

“It’s tooooo eeeearlyyyy...” Crystal whined from the trundle bed, hiding her head under the pillow as the morning light shone through Mika’s rosey pink curtains.

“Crystal?” Mika whispered. “When did you get here?”

Crystal slowly pushed off her pillow and stared at Mika like she had lost her mind. “I’m on the trundle because you kept pushing me out of bed last night..” she groaned.

“Oh... Sorry,” Mika giggled. “I was having a bad dream. More like a nightmare, about how things would be if I hadn’t started hormones yet, and waited until like, yesterday, when Daddy...” she trailed off. “Oh God, that’s why I’m so fucked up this morning... Daddy,” she sighed. She definitely remembered the accident.

Crystal nodded, “Sunday, and that asshole who ran him off the road goes to court on Monday.”

“Did... Did they have a huge fight, or was that the dream?” Mika asked, rubbing her temples.

“I think you should ask your doctor to change your hormone dosage Mika..” Crystal stared at her.

“I think so too,” Mika sighed, sliding down off the bed onto the trundle so she could cuddle with Crystal. “God my head. Feels like I’m waking up from a very long, very bad nightmare. I don’t want to even think about it anymore. Just tell me one more thing?”

“If it means I can go back to sleep for another hour?” Crystal asked with a half-grin. Mika laughed a little.

“Are we dating?”

Crystal groaned, “We’ve been dating for like three years now.”

Mika squealed happily and kissed Crystal as she snuggled closer. “Perfect.”

“Lets move back to the big bed ok?” Crystal groaned as she slinked over to the big four post king sized bed, with Mika right behind her.

Mary peaked her head into the bedroom, but didn’t say anything, she always checked on the girls once before bed and once in the morning, not really to make sure they weren't breaking any rules, because there really wasn’t much rules to the two dating. She went back to the kitchen with a smile on her face and started the coffee.

“We raised a good daughter Christopher,” she said with a sigh.

“Mom do you have my prescription card?” Mika called out from the bathroom, “The bottle’s almost empty, and Crystal and I are going to walmart.”

“Um...” Mary said, “Try my purse? If it’s not there it’s definitely in the bill holder. No wait, I used it to refill your allergy medication. It’s in my purse,” she said.

Mika giggled as she left the bathroom wrapped in a towel and Crystal entered, “Are you and Angela going to go for dinner tonight?” she asked her mom, as she quickly entered her bedroom to get dressed.

“We talked about cancelling actually, given what happened with your father. It just doesn’t feel right,” Mary sighed.

“He was just coming over to talk to you about my 16th birthday present mom, you and Angela shouldn’t cancel your plans because dad got into a wreck and died.” Mika sighed.

“I know, sweetheart,” Mary said as she walked up to the door. “We’ve been separated for going on seven years now, but he was still my friend.”

“Crystal and I don’t think it’s weird that you and her mom are dating mom, we think it’s cool.” Mika giggled as she put on a purple skirt and a matching top, then went to the door to open it.

“Your Uncle Sean is going to take care of all the funeral arrangements, so at least there’s that,” she said, handing Mika her prescription card.

Mika leaned up and kissed her mom on the cheek, “I did all my crying for daddy yesterday mom, I miss him, but he did leave us.”

Mary nodded as she hugged her daughter, and then kissed her forehead. “I’m proud of you for being so strong, sweetheart. I think I’ll call Angel and tell her we’re back on for tonight.”

“Tonight we are sleeping over at Lins’ place if thats ok?” Mika asked.

“Oh, that’s fine sweetheart.” She paused to grin, “That means we can stay out late without feeling guilty,” she teased.

Mika threw one of her socks at her mom, “I want that back.” she teased.

“Have fun sweetie,” Mary laughed.

Crystal came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her, and another neatly wrapped around her hair, “Hey mom.” she smiled, “Did Mika ask you about staying at Lins?”

“Yes, and the answer is no, you can’t have a wild drug fueled orgy at Lindsey’s,” Mary mock-glared.

Both girls pouted, “Oh mom, you’re no fun!” they both said at the same time.

Mary laughed out loud. “Of course you can both go.”

“Lins just got a PS4.” Mika pouted, “Can I get a PS4 for my birthday?” she changed the subject.

“Well...” Mary trailed off, but couldn’t fight the grin. “How can I say no to that face?” She didn’t see the harm in it. After all with Angela’s latest book sales figures going up, and her own career taking off, it wasn’t as if they were hurting for money.

Mika smiled and jumped up after both her socks were on and hugged her mom again, “Oh and Sunday after the funeral I’m going to be staying at Crystal’s because my school stuff is over there.”

A strawberry blonde girl - Tiffany, one of the girls from cheer, approached both the girls at Walmart, “Hey Crystal, hey Mikaela, you guys going to Lins’s sleep over?”

“Totes,” they answered in unison and giggled. “I wasn’t sure Mika’d be able to come,” Crystal added.

“My dad just passed away,” Mika explained, “But I’m okay. I could definitely use some sleepover though.”

“OMG Im soo sorry to hear that Mikaela..” Tiffany squeaked out and hugged Mika tightly. The cheer squad had always been very open and accepting of Mika, in part because of Crystal.

“Thanks,” Mika said as she hugged Tiffany. “It was sudden - car accident, but he hasn’t been a big part of my life in a long time, so I’ve mostly made peace with it. Like I told Mom, I got all my crying done last night.”

“Well you know you can talk to any of us if you need a shoulder to cry on. God knows you guys listened to me enough when Brad dumped me,” she giggled out.

Mika giggled, “Brad was a pig, like most guys, all he wanted was to add you as a notch to his belt.”

“Yeah. I keep hoping there’s a nice guy out there, but in the meantime I’m staying happily single ... At least until prom,” Tiffany joked.

Crystal giggled, “So what brings you to walmart?”

“Oh, you know, some nail polish, a hundred pound jar of mayo, some paper clips,” Tiffany giggled. “Actually I’m just helping Mom with some grocery shopping, but I wanted to see if you were coming. Like half the cheer squad’s confirmed so far.”

“Lins has some really fun sleepovers.” Crystal agreed, “Too bad we couldn’t talk her into joining the cheer squad, but she is definitely part of the spirit squad.”

“Oh, heck yeah!” Tiffany laughed. “I’m going to try and convince her again. I mean she’s athletic enough for it. Anyway, I’ll see you guys there. Sorry again about your Dad Mikaela,” she added, giving her another hug.

“Good luck; Lins has a phobia of skirts.” Mika giggled and hugged Tiffany back.

“You know,” Crystal giggled, “She calls you Mikaela instead of Mika because she thinks you’re too pretty to be a ‘Mika’.”

Mika blushed, “I think Mika is just easier. it’s a good nickname.” She trailed off and a comfortable silence fell over them as the perused the shampoo aisle, picking up a few essentials.

After Mika had picked up her refills though, she glanced up at Crystal again. “Hey Crystal, do you think I should start going to school as Mikaela? My therapist thinks I'm ready and it won't be long before my body says so too.”

“Oh, God yes. Everyone who matters already knows you’re a girl. And even the tools who would say something are too scared because they’d never get any tail again,” she giggled.

“I’ll talk to Mom next week about it then, after things settle down.” Mika smiled and grabbed Crystal’s hand as they walked to the shoe aisle If the pair were going to start running again, they needed better running shoes. “Remember no heavy shopping. I still don’t get it.” she winked.

Crystal laughed. “If I was taking you on a heavy shopping spree we definitely wouldn’t be starting here,” she teased.

As the girls rounded the corner, Mika spotted Luci out of the corner of her eye, wearing a pair of white sneakers with Barbie pink laces. She grinned and waved at them before disappearing around the corner.

“Okay, tell me you didn’t just see her?” Mika asked, but Crystal was distracted, staring at a pair of white running shoes with bright green-yellow accents.

“What?” she asked, glancing up again.

Mika rolled her eyes. “Nothing.”

Mika was sitting in the bleachers, staring at Crystal while she was doing her practice, watching Crystal move like fluid artwork. After all, just because they got out of school for the day, didn’t mean that Crystal could skip cheer practice. Mika always sat with the spirit squad, but she had never joined, unlike Lindsey.

“It’s not too late to join the spirit squad.” Lins smiled, “We are always looking for volunteers.”

Mika jumped a little, glancing up at Lindsay. “I’m seriously considering it honestly. Especially since I’ll be starting school as Mikaela soon anyway, so there’s no ‘only guy on the spirit squad’ crap to deal with.”

“Oh cool! You finally decided to stop wearing frumpy boy clothes?” Lins giggled.

One of the other girls heard Lins and smiled, “About time Mikaela,” Meygan, a black-haired girl, had been living full-time since before she moved here, though a handful of students, including Mika, knew.

Mika blushed a little and nodded. “Let’s just say I’ve gone through more anti itch cream this month than in my entire life before. My body’s ready whether or not I am,” she giggled. “Plus you guys make all this hard work look like fun,” she teased.

“Oh yeah.” Meygan said, trying not to laugh, “I’ve been meaning to give this to you and Crystal.” she pulled out a flyer and handed it to Mika.

“Oh!” Mika said after reading the flyer. “I’ve been talking to Crystal about joining the GLBTSA. She’s worried about not having enough time to devote, since she’s a senior scout too.”

“It’s a pretty big group,” Meygan answered. “We even have organized events that are funded by the school. We work around all the clubs and stuff, like some of our members are part of boy/girl scouts, cheer, science club, and we have a few in the auto club too.”

“We even have a couple of members on the yearbook staff,” Lindsay giggled out. “Yes, I’m a member. There, I said it.” She stuck out her tongue at Mika before she could ask.

Mika giggled, “I’ll talk to Crystal about it, I don’t know if I want to go if she doesn’t.”

“Cool!” Meygan said. “You don’t have to of course, and it’s not really like we do anything weird. It’s just a chance to hang out and be able to talk openly about what’s going on in your life.”

“Exactly,” Linds added. “I mean, Meygan here is happily single, and I’m unhappily single because my would-be girlfriend lives a billion miles away,” she teased.

“I’m working on it!” Meygan giggled. “But it does sometimes feel like Lindsay’s going to join the cheer squad before I find someone. That’s the kind of stuff we talk about at meetings though - building each other up, having fun, promoting awareness and stuff.”

“Sounds fun.” Mika said. She turned to see Crystal waving at her with a smile.

“What are you three giggling about over here?” Crystal teased as she approached, mopping the sweat from her face with a plain white towel.

“How much effort it would take to get Linds into a skirt,” Mika teased, causing Lindsay to balk.

“More than you can handle,” she shot back with a laugh. “Nah, we were just recruiting your girlfriend for the GLBTSA.”

“I told them I won't go unless you do,” Mika said as she gave Crystal’s towel a playful tug.

“It sounds like fun,” Crystal said. “I’m thinking about quitting the Scouts anyway - or at least cutting way back. It’s just not as fun as it used to be, so I’ll have more room in my schedule soon.”

Meygan smiled, “No need, we work around all the groups schedules, as I was just telling Mika.”

“Yeah,” Crystal nodded, “But I have to make time for homework somewhere too.” She giggled. “I’m going to go shower, then I’ll be ready. But if Mika joins, you can def count me in too.”

Mika smiled as she watched Crystal leave, and then glanced back at Meygan and Lindsey. “She’s really good at cheer, and she has soo much fun at camp, I don't know if I want her to drop either of them.”

“Well,” Lindsay said thoughtfully, “Don’t tell her I told you this, but I think part of why she wants to quit is because of that crap a transgirl got from her local troop over in ... Wherever it was. Colorado? Somewhere out west anyway, when she asked to join. I mean she knows that one group of idiot soccer moms doesn’t represent the opinion of the whole, but...”

“Oh,” Meygan giggled, “is that all? No, it totally doesn’t. Officially the GSA council has tried to remain neutral, but the scouting handbook I was loaned does say ‘Any race, creed, or gender’. I’m thinking about joining, honestly.”

“I’ve wanted to.” Mika answered. “I hear they teach you how to ride horses and stuff.”

“You should sign up with me then,” Meygan said with a grin. “It’ll be harder for them to say no to two of us!”

Mika laughed. “Sure,” she answered simply.

“Yay!” Meygan said, and both looked at Lindsey.

She looked between the two as they both gave her a puppy pout, and then sighed. “FINE. But I am not wearing that ugly as sin khaki uniform... thing.”

Lindsay answered the door when Mika and Crystal knocked, “I see you two made it!”

Crystal giggled, “Yeah, well if slow poke here didn’t decide to get you a thank you gift, we would have been here sooner.”

Mika blushed, “I always get a gift for the person holding the slumber party, you know that!”

Crystal nodded, “I know I was teasing you silly.”

“So what’d ya get me?” LIndsay teased, peeking inside the metallic paper bag. “Oh wow, this stuff is expensive!” she gasped, taking out two bottles of makeup.

Mika nodded, “I had some discounts but it still wasn’t cheap.”

“You so did not have to do that,” Lindsey said as she hugged Mika. “I would’ve settled for some of your homemade cookies!”

“Hey now,” Crystal giggled. “Mika’s cookies are all mine,” she teased.

Lindsey giggled. “Oh, not those cookies you goose. Lisa would never forgive me,” she teased back.

Mika blushed deeply, “My cookies are mine,” she said, still blushing she stuck out her tongue.

“Oh no they’re not,” Crystal giggled, tickling Mika’s sides gently.

“Meep!” Mika giggled and squirmed and squirmed away.

Lindsey laughed. “There’s a gaming tournament going on in the living room, enough soda to send a mentos to the moon in the kitchen, and pizza in-between so you guys know the drill, make yourselves at home, and if you break anything, blame the dog.”

Mika giggled, “Like when we were five and you broke your mom’s vase?”

“Or when I was eight and broke it again,” she said innocently. “It’s amazing what you can do with a little superglue and an afternoon.”

Crystal laughed, “Did she ever figure it out?”

“To this day she still thinks that poor dog did it,” Lindsay giggled. “Maybe I should tell her the truth.”

“Did what?” Kelly , Lindsey's mom asked as she came out with a tray of pizza rolls for the living room party.

“Eep!” Lindsey squeaked. “I refuse to answer on the grounds that I will most definitely incriminate myself?”

Kelly smiled, “Just be careful of my vase this time, you already broke it twice.” she gave the girls a wink as she took the tray to the living room.

“How did she...” Lindsey trailed off, and Mika laughed.

“She’s a Mom. I swear they come equipped with eyes in the back of their heads and proximity radar built in standard.”

That night Mika woke up to use the bathroom, though she had to pull away from Crystal carefully not to wake her, and then stepped over several unconscious bodies in sleeping bags. On her way to the bathroom she could hear whispers in little girl voices. She stopped in her tracks, straining to hear what they were saying.

“You sure this is what she wanted?” one of the voices asked.

“Oh I’m positive. She was so sad about having to go back to her old life, it was practically radiating off her.”

“Well if you're sure... I mean messing with someone’s life like this and then find out it’s not what they wanted is not good Luci..” The other voice stated.

Mika crept towards the hall closet very slowly, without making a sound. She eased the door open, but no one was there.

“I know. I can’t explain to you why I intervened with her. I took your advice and took a break, and in doing so, she showed me the most wonderful summer I’ve had in a very long time, so I wanted to repay her.”

The other voice said, “I know how that is, just be careful ok? Take it slow, don’t do everything at once, or you’ll be doing more vacationing than you wanted.”

“Yes, I’ve been easing her into it, for both our sakes. I don’t want to shock her. I just want her to be as happy as she made me.”

“Luci?” Mika whispered, peeking in the bathroom. The voices disappeared after Mika called out. “I think I’m losing my mind,” she sighed, plodding into the bathroom.
Something seemed off to Mika, her male thing was way smaller than it normally was, and her chest was a tiny bit heavier. She shrugged it off as she sat down to pee. “Weird voices, weird feelings.” she sighed.

“Hey,” Crystal said, poking her head around the bathroom door. “Um... Can I ask you something and not have you freak out?” she said, half-asleep.

“Sure come in and shut the door.” Mika whispered.

Crystal nodded, looking a little uneasy as she closed the door. “Did ... Um... Did you hear something when you got up to pee?”

Mika nodded, “I thought I was going nuts.”

“So it wasn’t just me then,” Crystal sighed, sitting on the edge of the bathtub. “It sounded like two young girls talking, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. At first I thought I was dreaming, and then I noticed you were gone.”

“I think they were talking about me,” Mika answered, glancing up at Crystal. “Are you happy with my choices Crystal?”

“What?” Crystal asked, confused.

“Are you happy that I decided to tell my mom when I was 5 that I wanted to be a girl?” Mika smiled, she finished and cleaned up pulling up her sleeping shorts and flushed.

“Yes, God yes,” Crystal answered as she put her arms around her. “It was because you’ve been able to be true to yourself that I’ve had the courage to be true to myself too. You are the reason I can be openly lesbian with confidence, even if we weren’t dating. You’re an inspiration to the people around you,” she said, and kissed Mika softly.

After washing and drying her hands she turned and kissed Crystal on the lips, “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t,” Crystal giggled. “Your damn fairy godmothers did.”

“Hey they aren’t mine.” Mika giggled, “But I hope they can keep it down from now on.”

The funeral service was short, but sweet. A couple of Christopher’s co workers and friends spoke on his behalf, and though Mika was given the opportunity beforehand to prepare some words, she opted not to and instead, led a short prayer that Lindsey had written for her in the form of a poem.

After the service and burial, as Mika sat with her hands neatly folded in her lap in the back seat of her mother’s car, Crystal reached other to touch her shoulder, getting her attention.

“Look,” she said, a bit surprised herself. There were a number of cars parked around Mika’s house, and girls from both the cheer squad and spirit squad standing around, some bearing baked goods, others with grocery bags.

“Did you...” Mika asked, but Crystal shook her head.

“No, I didn’t say a word to anyone,” she said, and as they got out of the car, both Lindsey - still wearing her black dress from the funeral - and Tiffany approached and hugged Mika.

“Surprise?” Lindsey giggled a little.

“You guys...” Mika laughed a little. “You didn’t have to do all this!”

“Cheerleaders gotta stick together right?” Tiffany teased. “Besides, we didn’t feel right all showing up at your Dad’s funeral unannounced, but we wanted to show you we care.”

Mika hugged Tiffany, “Thank you.”

Tiffany giggled, “No problems girl. See you at practice Tuesday!”

“Want to go to a movie before bed?” Crystal asked Mika as she changed her clothes. “Since we can’t get out of school again tomorrow,” she teased.

“Sure we got plenty of time, what movie do you want to go see?” Mika smiled.

“Eh, you pick?” Crystal said with a shrug as she pulled on a pair of casual flats.

“Hey you asked, you pick.” Mika giggled.

“Yeah, but I picked last time,” Crystal giggled too, tucking her top into her skirt and throwing on just a dash of lip gloss after.

“We could always go see X-men of Futures Past.” Mika smiled.

“That sounds good,” Crystal said as she took Mika’s hand. “I just want to get you out of the house for a few hours, and it was a movie, or shopping,” she said with a grin.
“Thank you for not suggesting shopping.” Mika giggled.

“I know you said you were okay... That you made peace with your Dad’s death, and... I know you never saw eye to eye with him, even though he tried to be a good Dad these last couple of years, but if you need to talk, i’m here for you,” Crystal said, and leaned closer to kiss Mika’s neck. “I love you,” she whispered, and smiled as she headed for the door.

“I love you too,” Mika answered as she followed Crystal out, still holding her hand.

“Hey Crystal have you seen my pink socks?” Mika asked as they were getting ready for school.

Crystal giggled, “Yeah, try my sock drawer silly.”

Mika giggled, “Oh yeah, I forgot.” she walked over to the sock drawer and finished getting ready, “We got cheer after school right?”

“Nope, thats tomorrow, are you sure you're ok to go back today?” Crystal asked.

“Oh, that’s right. Today is that GLBTSA thing,” Mika sighed. “God I’m nervous, but kinda excited.”

“Maybe you should talk to Mom, and ask her if you can stay home one more day.” Crystal walked over to Mika and kissed her softly.

Mika shook her head. “No, I need to do this.”

“Did you know you're in a skirt, not your boys clothes?” Crystal also mentioned.

“I know,” Mika answered with a half-smile. “Like I said, I need to do this. I think on some level, even though Dad left us a long time ago, I’ve been afraid to take this last step because of him.” She paused, kissing Crystal back. “Besides, the Principal said I can start as Mika whenever I’m ready, as long as I don’t switch back and forth constantly, so... I’m ready to do this.”
“Well if you're sure you're ready for this.” Crystal smiled. “Just remember though, this also means no more boys’ cheer tracksuit thingie. You have to flash your panties like the rest of us!” she added teasingly, causing Mika to laugh out loud.

“A small price to pay,” she shot back playfully.

“Glad you're finally ready to be yourself, even at school.”.

Mika picked up her new purple and neon green backpack, looking back at Crystal. “There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom,” she replied.

“Anias Nin,” Crystal giggled. “You do remember!”

Mika laughed as they walked out the bedroom door. “I’ve read her journals at least a hundred times. I know she wasn’t talking specifically about girls and women like me, but it still strikes close to home. Morning Mom,” she said, poking her head around the kitchen door.

Mary nearly dropped her frying pan full of scrambled eggs. “Mika!” she said excitedly. “You’re wearing a skirt!”

“Yeah,” Mika giggled. “It’s time I stopped hiding.”

“Living never wore one out so much as the effort not to live,” Mary replied, causing both girls to giggle.

“Exactly. I was just telling Crystal how Nin’s journals struck a chord with me for the longest time. I’m tired of not living.”

Mary picked up her phone from the counter, snapping a picture of Mika and Crystal together which she texted to Angela with one hand, while serving up the girls’ breakfast of scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon bits, and hash browns all in one big pile.

“Yay! Hobo hash!” Crystal bubbled as they sat down to eat.

“Hey look Mike’s dressed like a whore.” One of the guys stated from down the hallway.

Mika sighed. She knew school security would handle it like they always did, but before she could say anything, the football team’s star quarterback grabbed the boy by the scruff of his neck and spun him around. “What did you say?” he said, sneering in the boy’s face.

“Um nothing at all.” The boy stammered out, “I was just saying how cute Mika looked?”

“Really? Because it sounded to me like you just called my friend a whore. Isn’t that what you guys heard?” he asked looking at the others.

The boy shook his head, “Oh no no, I really said she looks cute in that outfit.”

A moment later, a pair of security guards approached them. “That’s enough,” one of them said. “You,” the other said, pointing at the boy. “Come with us.”

“But I didn’t do anything!” he squealed. The security guard stopped, pointing at the camera directly overhead.

“The security camera’s audio feed says otherwise.”

As the boy was led away, the quarterback approached Mika. “Hey, you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, Im fine thanks Trevor.” Mika smiled, “Thanks for that.” for some reason Mika felt that Trevor used to be one of those other boys, that used to tease her. But that feeling went away just as fast as it came.

Trevor laughed a little. “Hey, no problem. He’s not a bad guy really. He’s just an idiot who thinks he’s God’s gift to comedy.”

“I’ve ran into a couple of those today.” Mika sighed, “But they usually end up changing their mind about me.” she smiled.

“I wish more schools were like this one honestly. The whole counseling for bullies thing really helped me out when I was younger. I guess I’ll see you two at the meeting this afternoon,” he added with a wink as he walked away.

“Man, I love private school,” Crystal giggled out. “Well, this one anyway. No stupid dress code, tight security, great classes-”

“And a nice athletic department,” Lindsey said as she came up behind them. “What’d I miss? The security guards were escorting somebody away. Dude was in tears and everything.”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Mika answered before Crystal could. “Just growing pains. That’s the third loser to give me crap about coming to school as a girl, but I don’t even care. Even if we didn’t have awesome security staff-” she cut herself off, seeing one of the school’s counseling staff, Miss Talbot approach. She was a young woman, only in her mid-20s.

“Hi Mika,” she said cheerfully. “Have a minute?”
“Sure Miss Talbot.” Mika smiled, “I was just on my way to the nurse’s office to take my medication.”

“I just wanted to check in with you and see how you’re adjusting. I noticed two reports of incidents so far, and even though they were handled, I still wanted to see how you’re doing.”

Mika smiled and nodded, “I’m great. I seem to have a lot of friends Miss Talbot.”

“That’s good to hear. You’re only the fifth transgendered student to openly transition while attending since we stepped up our anti-bullying policies, so if there’s anything that you can think of that you feel should be done differently please don’t hesitate to say so.”

Mika shook her head as they walked to the nurse’s office together. “No, actually I really like the current system. The whole ‘punishment with counseling’ thing, you know, getting to the root of why they’re acting like that, especially since I know a lot of parents would agree with their kids when it comes to people like me,” she sighed. “So it’s better for the school too.”

Miss Talbot chuckled. “It’s noble of you to say, but we have more than enough backers that support our acceptance of LGBT students that we can afford to lose troublemakers - both students and parents - if it came to that. So far though, it hasn’t,” she added with a wink.

“You know we’re getting a reputation as The Rainbow School,” Mika laughed. “But it’s not really a bad thing. I’ve talked to girls at cheer camp and at competitions who think it’s pretty cool. I wish I could’ve transitioned quietly, but that would’ve required going to another school, and that just isn’t happening. I love it here too much.”

“Well we’ll continue to do what we can sweetie,” Miss Talbot said warmly, and then turned to return to the counseling department.

Meygan stood up in front of the gathered students with Crystal and Mika beside her. “Everyone, you all know Mika and Crystal,” she began. “Mika’s just started living full-time like me, only of course, she transitioned at school.”

“I heard about what happened,” an older boy with neatly trimmed hair answered. “I wanted to punch that ass who called you that.”

Mika giggled a little. “I thought Trev was going to!”

Trevor laughed out loud at that. “Nah. I wouldn’t have hit him. I sure thought about it though.”

“You hit someone?” a blonde haired boy giggled softly.

“Only on the gridiron,” Trevor winked. “It was great though. I put my hand on his shoulder and asked him what he said, and he almost wet his pants then and there. He won’t be messing with Mika again anytime soon just from that.”

“I almost feel bad,” Mika sighed. “I mean, almost. If what he said wasn’t so insensitive. But Linds said she saw him in tears so I guess what goes around comes around. Anyway, I just want to forget about it.”

You know i'm really inspired by Meygan and Mika, I'm going to come out at school too.” the blonde haired boy smiled at Trevor. Everyone cheered, including Mika as she took a seat.

“That’s great! I was just bragging to Miss Talbot earlier how other schools at cheer competitions jokingly call us The Rainbow Academy - in a good way. Plus it’d be harder to laugh at two of us,” she added with a wink.

Trevor laughed, “Fiona looks cute in skirts, and I think if anyone said anything to her about it, I’d have to get a little physical.” He winked at Fiona at that.

“My therapist says I’m ready,” he said with a lilted giggle. “I’ve just been waiting because I was afraid of exactly what Mika went through today... But if she can do it, so can I. There’s like, what, 1800 students at our school, and she only got crap from three? That’s great odds.”

“That’s the spirit!” Crystal and Mika said in unison and then giggled.

Maven a red haired girl smiled, “I just hooked up with this girl from Alberton high school, finally.”

“Oh!” Meygan said, “The cute blonde with the French accent? Congrats girl!”

“That’s the one, I hear that Lins has a girlfriend too.” Maven added..

LIndsey blushed, but slowly nodded. “Kind of... We met not this last summer, but the summer before, at Mika’s aunt’s. We finally kissed for the first time this last summer, and I swear the 4th of July fireworks were nothing to what I was feeling. It wasn’t sparks - it was dynamite,” she giggled.

Jane, the club president stood up smiling, “We have a club activity this next week, the rainbow will be in town, and we were going to make jam and sell it with them.

“You don’t have to show up, but remember, every jar we make and sell helps us fund this program. I know the school helps us as well, but the outside things we do like our trip to disney world, that’s funded by these events.”

“Disney World?” Mika and Crystal asked in unison. Jane laughed out loud.

“Well at least we know Mey-Mey didn’t lure you two in with promises of goodies,” she teased. “Yeah, we’re trying for Spring Break.”

“Sounds cool,” Mika said. “We’ll do what we can, but we don’t know anything about making jam.”

“Well you can learn from the best.” Trevor flexed his muscles jokingly and then laughed, adding, “My mom taught me how to make jam when I was little.” He was just goofing around not really trying to impress anyone.

“Yeah,” Fiona chimed in, “She has this huge jam-making setup in her kitchen. If you can make it I really recommend coming.”

“Plus you’ll get to see the real Fiona,” Trevor joked, causing Fiona to blush as she nodded her agreement.

“Granted you might see that as soon as tomorrow. I’m going to call my therapist right after the meeting to talk to her about it.”

“Well, that’s everything official,” Jane said with a broad grin. “Unless anyone has anything else they want to talk about?”

Crystal grinned, “Next meeting Mika will be bringing some of her from scratch cookies.”

“With rainbow sprinkles,” Mika giggled out, causing everyone to laugh.

As Crystal, Mika, and Lindsey were leaving, Fiona ran up to them. “Hey, can I ask you guys a really, really big favor?”

“Sure, what’s up?” Mika asked. Fiona blushed a little.

“Um, would it be okay if I hung out with you guys tomorrow between classes? Trev can only walk me to my classes just so much. Some of them are on opposite ends of the school, and I’m really nervous, but this is something I’ve wanted to do for so long, and seeing how happy you looked today,” she babbled.

“Of course,” Crystal answered, hugging Fiona. “I know I have at least two classes with you.”

“And I have AP English with you,” Lindsey chimed in. “If you’ve got any classes with other cheerleaders, they’ll help out too.”

“And the football team,” Trevor laughed as he came up behind Fiona and put a hand on her shoulder. She smiled, snuggling into him.

“Thanks everyone. I’m not outgoing like you Mika, but like I said, I just can’t hide anymore.”

Mika blushed, “I wasn’t always outgoing, ask Crystal.”

Crystal nodded and giggled. “But I do understand where you’re coming from. It was Mika’s courage to transition that gave me the courage to be openly gay, even if I did come out at school before she did,” she teased.

Mika giggled, “See I wasn’t always outgoing, they had to drag me into being a cheerleader.”

“Oh God that reminds me, Mika,” Lindsey bubbled, “I bumped into Coach before the meeting. She wants to see you in her office to confirm your measurements. She said you could do it at practice tomorrow, but to be aware of it.”

“Maybe I should join the spirit squad,” Fiona laughed. “Meygan’s been bugging me about it... Plus I am kind of dating the QB,” she added, blushing.

“I heard that!” Meygan giggled as she and Jane approached. “I at least expect to see you at Lindsay's next sleepover!”

“What about my first one?” Mika giggled, “Normally they are Crystal’s, but I want to do one some time.”

“Yup,” Crystal chimed in. “I’m totally staying out of the planning. She won’t tell me anything.”

“Because I want it to be a surprise,” Mika giggled. “But don’t expect anything as epic as Lin’s. I’m not that creative.”

“Well um,” Fiona blushed, “I’ve never been to any, so I’m sure I’d have fun either way.”

“I’ve never hosted one, so we are even.” Mika teased, waving as the girls and Trevor parted ways.

Mika groaned as the alarm blared in her ear. She slapped it and yawned, looking around the room. She was tucked in comfortably in a king sized bed like her old one, except that it was in the center of an unfamiliar room. It was much larger than her old room, or Crystal’s for that matter.

“Mmm... Morning sexy butt,” Crystal whispered as she leaned up to kiss Mika. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Another bad dream?”

“Yeah,” Mika answered as she rubbed her head, half-lying. As sleep wore away to her waking reality the feeling of wrongness, of deja vu, quickly faded. It was as if this was always her bedroom that she shared with Crystal,in the house their mothers had bought years ago. “It’s gone now,” she said with a smile and kissed Crystal back.

“No Hanky panky.” Angela giggled as she walked by the half open door to the girls room.

Mika groaned. “Love you too Mom,” she giggled out as she slid out of bed and into a pair of blue bunny slippers. She only got a step away before she stopped again. “Oh. Sorry Crys. These are yours,” she said, tossing the floppy, fuzzy slippers at Crystal.

“Yours are over here,” Crystal said from the other side of the bed, tossing Mika her pink bunny slippers. “Today’s your therapist day innit?” she asked. Mika bobbed her head.

“I kind of dread it because she already knows about the incidents yesterday by now.”

Crystal nodded, “Want me to go with you again?” she smiled as she put her slippers on.

“That would be awesome,” Mika said as she hugged Crystal. “You want the bathroom first? I can steal Moms’ bathroom to pee.”

“No its fine, I just need to take a quick shower, you can go while i'm in the shower.” Crystal giggled.

“Ok girls, this time lets try tossing Mika in the air, shes lighter than Chelsea.”

Mika looked a little uneasy. She had been off her game all day and even nearly walked into her open locker door at lunch. Crystal frowned. “Hey, you up for this?” she asked. Mika nodded.

“Yeah I’m good,” she half-lied. She just couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something to those weird dreams lately.

She had done aerials dozens of times before, so it wasn’t as if this was challenging territory. As she was vaulted up though, she could swear she saw Luci up in an empty part of the bleachers watching her. “Eep!” she squealed, losing her balance.

“Ohcrap!” she yelped as she felt herself falling.

Coach Derrick raced to catch Mika, but a little too late. She managed to break Mika’s fall somewhat, but they both tumbled to the ground. “Are you okay?” Coach asked, disregarding her own minor aches as she set Mika down, the others - including the spirit squad, racing over to gather around and check on her.

“My right ankle,” Mika groaned. Coach carefully removed Mika’s shoe and then her sock. “Try not to move,” she said as she examined her ankle. It was slightly bruised, and just a little bit swollen, but otherwise appeared fine. Coach Sprigs, the volleyball coach and health teacher came racing over with Lindsey just behind her as Crystal knelt behind her.

“I’m so sorry Mika,” Crystal said, almost in tears.

“It’s not your fault Crys. I got distracted,” she said, giggling a little as she squeezed Crystal’s hand. “I should’ve listened to you.”

“Is she okay?” Coach Sprigs called. “Lindsey told me what happened. Let me see,” she said, as the girls spread out to let her through.

“I don’t think it’s broken,” Coach Derrick answered, and Mika nodded.

“It feels like I sprained it,” she answered.

“Let’s get you to the nurse just in case. I think you’re done with practice for today though,” Coach Sprigs answered. “What happened anyway?”

“I just lost my balance,” Mika answered with a sigh. “It’s been one of those days. I’ll talk to my therapist about it this afternoon,” she added, and cracked a small smile, knowing Doctor Holmesmade house calls on occasion.

“It’s not the first time I’ve had to come out to a patient's house.”

“Hey, at least I’ve got witnesses who can say I’m not faking it.” She laughed a little, and then groaned. “Ooh, wish I was faking it.”

Doctor Holmes smiled, “I can see you’re not faking it hon.”

Mika giggled a little. “I’m joking. But since you’re here,” she said, motioning to the nearby chair, “Please, make yourself comfortable. I figured you’d want to talk about the incidents yesterday.”

“Sounds more like you want to talk about it?” the doctor asked with a knowing smile as she sat down.

“Actually, it went really smoothly, they got in trouble, without incident.” Mika smiled.

Doctor Holems nodded. “Yes, I’ve read the incident reports, and though because of doctor-patient confidentiality I can’t say much, I also received a first-hand account,” she added, trying not to grin.

“Well if they say I did something I didn’t.” Mika giggled, “I ignored them actually.”

“Oh, nothing like that,” she said with a laugh. “Just one of my other regulars who’s decided she’s ready to spread her wings, as well. I’m actually more concerned about why you fell.”

“Oh I had this weird dream last night, and it was sort of bugging me all day, it wasn’t a bad dream, it was just odd.” Mika stated.

“It’s not the first time,” Crystal added quietly. “Last week I ended up sleeping on the trundle because she kept kicking me,” she giggled a little.

“They aren’t nightmare, I promise, just weird dreams like if I made different choices in my life kinda dreams.” Mika sighed.

“Ah,” Doctor Holmes replied. “Dreams can be a window into your soul. With your father’s heart attack so fresh in your mind it might just be that you’re wishing you had started school as Mika sooner, or that his death just bothered you more than you thought?”

“See, that’s what I’m talking about,” Mika said. “In my last dream, it wasn’t a heart attack. I... I think it was a car accident. He was driving to see Mom, to talk about my birthday, and some jerk ran him off the road.” She trailed off. “I think you’re right. I think I’m feeling some displaced guilt , like I didn’t try hard enough to reach him, and now that he’s gone I never will.”

“But you have to remember, Mika,” she answered in a soothing tone, “You aren’t responsible for your father. It’s the other way around. As a parent, it should have been his responsibility to make you feel adequate and whole - loved, in a word.”

“I do feel loved though,” Mika answered. “I love my Moms. Without them I never would’ve had the courage to transition. My only regret is that I did wait so long to start school as Mika, especially since practically everybody who matters already knew I was a girl anyway.”

“The boobs helped with that,” Crystal teased softly, causing Mika and Doctor Holmes to laugh.

“I think these are Crystal’s favorite part of me.” Mika teased back as she cupped her medium A cup breasts.

Crystal stood and walked around behind the sofa where Mika had her ankle propped up, and leaned over to hug and kiss her cheek. “You know I love you regardless of what you look like,” she said, nuzzling her cheek.

“I’m glad your relationship is still strong,” Doctor Holmes said with a smile. “I know I expressed concern in the past, but I believe my concerns were unfounded.”

“Thank you doc, I know we grew up together like sisters, but well for some reason we are more than that.” Mika blushed.

Crystal nodded. “I know you were worried about codependency issues, but even though we do do a lot together, we have our own lives too. Like Mika still doesn’t get why I love shopping, so I usually go alone while she’s hanging out with Linds or whatever,” she giggled.

Crystal was actually thinking about going to college to become a therapist, herself. She found psychology fascinating, in part to these sessions. It wasn’t that Doctor Holmes had actually said she had codependency concerns, but Crystal figured it out for herself.

“Sometimes however, she does manage to drag me shopping.” Mika sighed, “I really can’t stand it.”

“Me either,” Doctor Holmes laughed. “I’m a utility shopper. It drives my daughter crazy,” she teased.

“I know why we girls do it, it’s a way to bond with friends, it’s just I can’t stand, standing around looking at things all day.”

Doctor Holmes smiled, “You would be surprised how many girls and even women actually don’t like to shop.”

“I guess,” Crystal mused after a moment, “When it comes down to it, I don’t really enjoy it either. I mean, I hate going alone. I just enjoy spending time with my friends, and once in awhile finding something cute is a nice bonus,” she giggled.

“That’s the only reason you guys can drag me out shopping sometimes, is because I do enjoy spending time with my friends.” Mika smiled at Crystal.

“Maybe we should start doing other stuff together - like all of us? We don’t all hang out together nearly as much as we did before you and I joined the cheer squad. What’d we do before shopping?” she teased.

Mika giggled, “All sorts of things, but.. “ she blushed, “Some of them are not appropriate to talk about around adults.” she teased.

Crystal laughed. “I meant we as in all of us, jeez,” she teased back. “Besides girl scouts I mean.”

“We used to do a lot of things together as a group, like that time we bugged mom to take us to the zoo and hung there all day?”

“I believe you’ve talked about going bowling as well,” Doctor Holmes added.

“And roller skating and ice skating. “ Mika giggled.

“Oh God yes!” Crystal squeaked. “That’s how we met Lindsey! Oh we so have to go skating again when your ankle’s better Mika!”

Mika giggled and nodded, “Lins is the queen of the Ice by the way.”

“I think the only reason she doesn’t skate professionally is because of the skimpy outfits,” Crystal laughed. “But I think we’ve had a huge breakthrough today,” she giggled out.

“I know how it can be,” Doctor Holmes replied. “Sometimes the social pressure to be or act a certain way - even among your friends, can make it hard to break out if you’re not having fun. I’d bet anything though that your friends all feel the same way. It’s easy to get into a routine. Normally this is the part where I’d suggest trying something different, but you’ve already beat me to it,” she teased as she stood.

Mika took Crystal’s hand, pulling herself up off the sofa. She limped over to Doctor Holmes and hugged her. “Thanks so much Doc. I always enjoy our talks, but this time especially.”

“Me too,” Crystal added. “And thanks for stopping by to check on Mika too.”

“My pleasure girls,” Doctor Holmes replied with a chuckle. “Now lay back down again before your mother sees you up on that ankle,” she teased. “I’ll see you next session.”

“We going over to Trevor’s house today to learn how to make jam?” Mika looked over at Crystal as they got their stuff out of their shared locker.

“Yeah, Fiona’s so excited,” Crystal laughed. “She’s been begging us to come over and meet his mom for like ages.”

“We should so invite that girl to go ice skating with us this weekend.” Mika smiled.

“Did you tell LInds yet? Or are you going to surprise her?” Crystal teased.

“Yeah, I told her this afternoon.” Mika bubbled excitedly. “She was so excited, she can’t wait to put her skates back on.”

“I’m honestly shocked she hasn’t gone pro with it,” Crystal said as she closed their locker. “She could at least do Junior Olympian with her talent.”

“Yeah, I’ve tried to talk to her about it, but I wont force Lins into anything.” Mika said. “She is our friend after all.”

“It’s just too much pressure,” Lindsey said from behind, grinning as both girls jumped. “I mean, cheer competitions are one thing. It’s a group effort so when I screw up you guys can cover for me, but the pressure you have to put up with from coaches, judges, and other competitors, I just couldn’t handle it. I tried, but that world’s just not for me.”

Mika giggled, “Yeah, I know, Cheering is a lot of pressure too. Oh speaking of cheer, I have to cut out early tomorrow, I have another driving lesson. I already told the coach.”

“Oh, cool. Aunt Sarah coming over or did you manage to con one of your Moms into doing it?” Lindsey teased. Mika paused for a second as that weird deja vu feeling washed over her again. “Uh oh,” Lindsey said. “Last time you got that look on your face you fell and almost took out the coach,” she teased.

Mika laughed and shook her head. “No, it’s okay. I’m okay. Yeah Aunt Sarah’s coming over. She’s the best driving coach I’ve ever had.”

Crystal giggled, “Mika’s turning out to be a really good driver. She’s lucky she gets her license before I do.” she sighed at that part, and that weird deja vu feeling hit Mika a second time, but it didn’t faze her as badly. She shrugged it off before the other two noticed.

“More time to practice,” Mika teased back as they left the school heading for the bus stop..

“I’m gonna get Aunt Sarah to teach me too. “ Crystal giggled out. “Your mom and my mom are horrible drivers.”.

You guys want to walk home today? It’s kinda warm out still,” Lindsey asked.

“Beats sitting on the bus,” Mika sighed. “I swear when I get my car, we’re never taking the school bus again.” She pulled out her sleek new iPhone 5s and texted both mom’s that she, Crystal and Linsey would be walking home and would need a ride later to Trevor’s.

“Oh!” Crystal grinned, “Aunt Sarah said she was bringing a present along with her for Linds.”

“Oooh, a present for me? I wonder if it’s more cupcakes,” she giggled. “I’m going to get fat if I keep eating her cooking.”

Mika giggled as they left the school behind. “I can’t get fat. The doctors say I have this uber high metabolism thing going on.”

“I noticed,” Lindsey whined. “I look at a dessert cart and gain five pounds.”

Crystal giggled, “Me too, I have to go cycling to keep my fat off.”

Lindsey stuck her tongue out, “Whatever. You and Mika share that same metabolism thing, don’t lie.”

Crystal giggled. “No, really. Me and Mika used to bike two miles every evening. We still go running or biking sometimes.”

“Well, there you go,” Lindsey laughed. “You have a high metabolism because you’re active. If I’m not skateboarding or doing cheer, I’m sitting on my ass.”

Mika giggled, “Why don’t you come with us then?” she poked Linds, “You only live four blocks away from us.”

“Well... I’d have to leave the house, get some decent shoes, learn to ride a bike...” she joked.

Crystal grinned, “We could always go shoe shopping, and get you a nice bike.”

Both Mika and Lindsey balked. “What happened to cutting back on the shopping?” Lindsey teased, and then laughed. “Just kidding. Actually I don’t mind shopping for shoes - mostly because I’m on a first name basis with the entire Foot Locker staff.”

Mika giggled, “You're a closet shopper, admit it, you love the thrill of shopping.” she teased.

“You know, it’s funny. I hate clothes shopping, but I do go into uber shopper mode when it comes to athletic shoes, pads, boards, whatever. God I was drooling so hard over the new line of snowboards the other day, and I’ve never been snowboarding in my life,” she giggled.

“I don’t mind going once in awhile, with Crystal and the girls from the cheer squad, but the problem is I can’t stand staring at stuff all day or even trying on things, I’m not a germaphobe or anything but you know how many people try on the same dress?” Mika smiled.

“That’s why I wash everything,” Crystal laughed. “I am kind of a germaphobe - just a tiny bit though. But that’s also why we wanted to go ice skating this weekend. We were talking to Mika’s therapist-” she trailed off as Mika giggled.

“Shes more of a germaphobe then she admits, she has to clean our shower every other day.” Mika teased.

“Hey, mildew is nasty if you let it build up!” Crystal shot back, and then laughed. “Okay, I’ll put it this way. Remember that old TV show, “Full House”, how big a neat freak the dad was? I’m a notch below that,” she said proudly.

“We should go bowling too,” Lindsey said, grinning after a moment as she added, “Because I love watching Crystal squirm as she stares at the rental shoes, wondering if she should break out the can of Lysol.”

“Actually I got myself a pair of my own bowling shoes.” Crystal grinned, “Because our moms are-“ she almost let one of Mika’s birthday surprises slip.

“Oh, well in that case can I borrow your Lysol if we do go?” Lindsey said, covering for Crystal’s almost-slip.

“So what are you guys planning sunday? I was thinking about a pizza party?” Mika smiled, “Just me, Crystal and you Linds, and maybe Fiona if she can come over, Monday is a school holiday anyway. Teachers day or something like that.”

“I kinda like the new Fiona,” Lindsey said at that, “She’s pretty fun to hang with now that she’s out, and you know it’s about time too. Everyone was starting to think Trevor was gay.” she giggled the last part.

“What about me?” Lisa said with a giggle as she came up alongside them.

“LISA!” Lindsey squealed, nearly lifting the girl right off her feet in a hug.

“Oh hey Lisa, sure you can come too.” Mika smiled, “I don’t think our Moms will allow to many people over especially with Uncle Roy and his wife over for the weekend.”

“What are you doing here anyway?” Lindsey giggled as she kissed Lisa.

“2 o’clock day at my school, so I hitched a ride with Sarah,” Lisa giggled.

Crystal grinned. “Mika almost let it slip earlier. That’s your present. We knew Aunt Sarah was going to bring Lisa with her either today or tomorrow.”

“Surprise,” Lisa said, giggling again as she put an arm around Lindsey’s waist.

Lindsey smiled brightly. “You coming with us to help make jam?”

“Absolutely. Mom said as long as I’m home by ten, or at least on my way home by ten.”

“Well thats perfect.” Mika answered, “Aunt Sarah’s driving lesson today is at 6:30 and then she’s driving home, and back again this weekend to visit with Uncle Roy. He and Aunt Georgia are in from New york for the weekend.”

“New York,” Lisa gasped.

“Get a rope!” Lindsey giggled out.

Crystal nodded, “Uncle Roy and Aunt Georgia are Mika’s mom’s brother and sister in-law, but they have always treated me like their niece too.”

“See,” LIndsey said, “Mika has the coolest relatives.”

“Actually Grandma and Grandpa from my dad’s side hate that Crystal and I are a couple.” Mika said, shaking her head. “They hate that mom’s a lesbian and think that she made Crystal and me lesbians.”

“Well, they are from Oklahoma,” Crystal shot back dryly. “Those two think 9/11 happened because ‘Gawd hates gays’ - their words, not mine,” she sighed.

“I think they tried to be part of my life more then my dad ever did, but I really don’t like them.” Mika added.

“Pardon my French,” Lisa grunted, “But fuck them. Your Moms are a famous author and an internationally respected chef. Sarah says they’re trailer trash from the middle of nowhere. I’m pretty sure they’ve got no ground to be judging anybody.”

Crystal nodded, “When Mika was eight, they tried to sue both moms for custody of Mika, and lost, and then tried again a few years ago too.”

“They tried to argue that they made me dress like a girl,” Mika sighed. “Our Moms had to hire three separate, independent shrinks to testify otherwise. The judge warned them to leave us alone the second time. Threw out the case as soon as it hit his desk.”

“Grandma Alice still sends you boy clothes for christmas.” Crystal grunted. “But at least they get a good home with Good will,” she added with a giggle.

Mika nodded, “You don’t have to call her Grandma though. I don’t even call her that. Grandma Elsie is Grandma though,” she giggled.

“Mom Mary’s Mom, that is,” Crystal said, winking at Lisa as they entered Mary and Angela’s large house together. “She’s awesome.”

“Papa Charles is too, Grandma’s second husband, I never met her first husband.” Mika added, “We have a weird family, but I wouldn’t trade it for a billion dollars.”

“I’d trade your dad’s parents,” Sarah said with a laugh, overhearing Mika’s comment, “But I love the rest of them, even his brothers and sisters.”

Mika nodded, “My aunts and uncles on Dad’s side are awesome, Uncle Travis is still helping you guys with my birthday present right?”

Sarah grinned innocently as she strolled over to hug Mika. “Yup. You’ll be sitting in your own 1985 Yugo before you know it,” she teased.

Mika groaned, “I thought you guys were buying me that Mustang I wanted.” she giggled at the same time.

Linds flopped down on the couch like she lived at the house, “Ahhh, finally get to sit down, and what’s this about a Mustang?” she looked over.

Mika giggled. “Yeah. They told me I could have any car I wanted as long as it wasn’t like, a Bentley or something.”

Sarah laughed, “Crystal gets the same thing when she turns sixteen.”

“Yeah, I hate having to wait, but at least they still put us in the same grade.”

Mika hugged Crystal and smiled, “You always keep on about wanting matching cars.” she giggled.

“Except mine’s going to be pearlescent Barbie pink,” Crystal joked.

“With a custom license plate,” Lisa teased. “BAR B GRL.”

“Soooo not fair,” Lindsey giggled. “I’ll probably get more music gear as a not so subtle attempt to get me to follow in my Mom’s footsteps. Maybe I’ll ask for my own tour bus,” she teased.

Mika giggled, “Don’t forget to ask her for a driver too.”

“Oh heck no,” Lindsey cackled with glee. “If I did get a tour bus, I’m driving that monster. Police escorts won’t be for my protection - it’ll be for the other drivers!” she giggled, and then shook her head. “Nah, I’ve got my eye on a super cute Chevy Camaro or maybe a Subaru.”

“I keep forgetting you guys are all really wealthy,” Lisa giggled. “It’s weird for me. My parents are doing okay now, but they grew up, literally, dirt poor.”

Mika nodded, “Your dad’s in advertising now right?” she looked at Lisa.

“Oh yeah. He commutes to Nashville every day, but he’s talking about moving us here, maybe next summer It’s not a bad drive though..”

“Its a long one though.” Linds sighed, “Otherwise i’d be up visiting you all the time.”

Lisa giggled. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, plus at least we don’t live in Little Rock where my Mom was born. That’d be just brutal.”

Sarah laughed, “I used to live in Little Rock. I went to college there. That’s how I met your mom and dad, and they talked me into moving to where we are now.”

Angela walked out of her office, “Oh, hi girls, when did you get home?”

“About thirty minutes ago,” Crystal giggled. “We were just hanging out with Lisa and Aunt Sarah until it’s time to get over to Trevor’s. How’s your book coming?”

Angela smiled, “Great, I’m just about finished with it. Do you guys want me to take you or Sarah?”

“Oh,” Sarah grinned. “I’m driving my minivan. I figure if Mika can learn to drive the beast, she’ll be a pro behind the wheel of a smaller car.”

Mika nodded. “Besides it’s good practice to drive around with people.”

Lindsey groaned. “I forgot my crash helmet at home too,” she teased.

Mika stuck her tongue out, “I’m a very good driver thank you very much.”

Angela laughed. “Just don’t run over any stop signs, and stay off the sidewalk,” she teased. Sarah giggled as Angela walked back into her office.

Mika groaned, “Mom says the same things.” she giggled.

“That’s because your Mom Mary was one of the worst drivers our driving instructor had ever seen,” she teased. “She really did run over a stop sign - twice.”

“It’s a miracle you were even born,” Crystal laughed as they walked to the door.

Angela laughed, “You as well Crystal, your dad was absolutely the second worst driver I’ve ever been in the car with. He’s got so many driving violations I’m surprised he’s still got a license.”

“What’s bad is,” Crystal said as she climbed into the back of the minivan, “Sometimes the cops still come around looking for him to collect on the things.”

Mika laughed as she fastened her seatbelt. “It’s like an inside joke that it only happens when some new rookie has something to prove,” she teased, as she adjusted her mirror and put the van into reverse.

For a split second, she thought she saw Luci on her bike, riding across the sidewalk behind her. She stopped, checking the mirror, and looking back again, but the girl was nowhere to be seen. She sighed to herself and began backing out of the driveway.

Trevor answered the door wearing an apron, “Hey guys, just in time.”

“Hey!” Fiona called from the kitchen. Her hair seemed much longer than Mika remembered, and her breasts were definitely not flat, but there wasn’t any sensation of deja vu this time.

“Wow!” Crystal exclaimed. “Fiona you look great!”

“Told you she looks cute in a skirt,” Trevor laughed. Fiona blushed brightly.

“Thanks guys. My Mom says that it’s no different than wearing makeup - it’s all just little clues to present a certain image.” She looked down at herself and then giggled. “I’ll feel a lot better when the hormones finally start kicking in, but my therapist says I can go to school like this tomorrow if I want, so I’m really thinking about it.”

“Meygan and Jane are on the way,” an older woman with black hair said as she came into the kitchen. “They’re picking up more supplies first. Hi girls,” she said cheerfully.

“Oh,” Trevor said, “Mom this is Mika, Crystal, Lindsey, and... uh...”

“Lisa,” Lisa giggled. “I’m Lindsey’s girlfriend.”

“Oh! Nice to meet’cha,” Trevor said with a grin. “This is my Mom Laura, the blue ribbon award winning jam and jelly connoisseur.”

Laura laughed, “I run the co-op, and we have a stand at the farmers market usually. Jam isn’t the only thing I make to sell.”

“But you still can’t beat my pumpkin spice bread,” Sarah teased as she stepped into the kitchen, giving Laura a hug.

“Sarah! Long time no see girl, you still thinking about helping with the Co-op?” Laura hugged Sarah back.

Sarah smiled, “Yeah actually, after everything that’s been happening lately, I was thinking about it.“ She looked over at Crystal and Mika, “Laura and I went to college together and studied Bio-chem and Botany.”

“Wait,” Lisa said, “You and my Mom, AND Trevor’s Mom all went to college together?”

Sarah nodded, “We all took the same classes, Laura and I went to middle and high school together actually.”

Mika laughed, singing, “It’s a small world after all, it’s a small world after all...”

Sarah giggled, play-swatting Mika’s arm. “It’s called networking,” she teased. “Anyway, I figured since I was in town for Mika’s next driving lessons anyway, that I’d see if I could help out.”

Lindsey leaned over and whispered, “Makes me wonder if you guys’ Moms knew my parents before her singing career took off, too.”

“Sorry we’re late,” Meygan chimed as she and Jane brought in two grocery bags each. “Oh, Doug sends his apologies that he couldn’t make it. Family emergency, but he promised to be there to help sell.”

“That’s okay,” Lindsey giggled. “My girlfriend Lisa’s here to help.”

“Oh!” Jane said warmly, “Nice to finally meet you!”

“So where do we start?” Meygan asked.

“Ok Mika I want you to make a turn here, sweetie.” Aunt Sarah asked, as they neared the highway on ramp.

“But-” Mika stammered. Sarah just nodded with a knowing smile. “Yep. You can’t drive around a parking lot forever.”

Mika sighed nervously and nodded as she started toward the onramp.

“Now just ease the accelerator. Watch the traffic carefully to your left and in front of you,” Sarah explained.

“Aunt Sarah... There’s a cop right there,” Mika said nervously as she merged into oncoming traffic directly behind the squad car.

“You’re perfectly fine Mika, just calm down.” Sarah answered reassuringly.

“Crap, what’s the highway speed limit?” Mika squeaked, gripping the wheel. The speedometer read 65 MPH and holding steady.

“You can go a little faster sweetie; it’s 75 on the highway.”

“O-okay,” Mika said, easing her foot down a little. Crystal giggled.

“On the bright side, I think anybody merging traffic with a cop would have their foot fall asleep too,” she teased, causing Mika to laugh.

“Stop making me laugh,” she giggled out, her grip on the steering wheel relaxing a little.

“See the cop didn’t even come after you Mika.” Sarah smiled at her niece, totally relaxed. She had done this enough times to know Mika would be fine. She was ready.

“Yet,” Lindsey teased.

“Oh shush,” Mika giggled. “Actually this isn’t so-EEP!” she squealed as a large semi blew past them in the fast lane. She at least managed to keep control of the car, though she failed to notice the driver looked a little young to be behind the wheel of a big rig... She blew her horn after getting past them and disappeared off into the distance.

“God that scared me,” Mika sighed.

“Take the next exit there sweetheart,” Sarah chuckled. “I think you’ve had enough for one night?”

“Ohhh yeah,” Mika answered. “Want me to pull off somewhere so we can switch places?”

“Only if you want to,” Sarah replied, smiling. “I’m proud of you. You kept your cool even though that semi blew out of nowhere. I didn’t even see it coming.”

“Nah,” Mika answered. “I’m good.”