I could see a light at the end of a tunnel, “Come on, push, push.” A voice cheered, “You’re almost there, keep pushing!” When my eyes adjusted, I was looking at a nurse. Did I just get Isekai’d? “Mr. and Mrs. Kellerston, congratulations! It’s a girl!” Oh no, I wasn’t isekai’d. The nurse put me in mom’s arms. She looked much younger and happier with a smile on her face. Dad’s face popped into view; I’ve seen pictures of my dad young but seeing him now is so different. He’s attractive, very attractive, nothing like he was when I was well yeah.

“What should we name her, honey?” Dad spoke softly as though the loudest sound could disrupt the serenity in the room.

“Rome.” My mom replied caressing my head.

“Hello little Rome, I hope you become big and strong like your mother.” HAH strong like my mother that’s a joke. She’s the biggest push over I ever knew.

“We hope that no matter what, you know that we love you, Rome.” Mom spoke. Hey no, don’t do that you’re gonna make me… “Oh goodness someone’s hungry.” The last thing I remember was a boob.

Time passed as I grew as little Rome. It was odd being a girl. I played with dolls and had stuffies to sleep with. My parents were VERY protective of me and wouldn’t let me out of their sight for a moment. At least until…

It was a humid day at the creek. Every weekend in the summer my family would go down to Burgton’s famous creek to hang out and have fun. I was ten at the time and everything was grand. Naples was already his normal anxious, paranoid self and I well it was odd normally I’m adventurous but throughout my whole life so far, I didn’t have an adventurous bone in my body.

“Rome, come over here!” It was my thirteen-year-old sister, Florence. I never knew she had braces, I always thought she just had a perfect smile naturally.

“What is it, sis?” I asked, raising a brow.

“There’s this secret place that me and my friends hangout, you wanna see?”

“Yeah!”

“Follow me.” I followed her up, climbing rocks and stairs until we were on the top of the biggest rock. Several other teens were there… drinking alcohol. An uncomfortable feeling coiled and snaked around my body. I held Florence’s hand tighter. “No need to be nervous, all my friends are very nice. I know they’ll love you.”

“Hey Flora, wha cha got right there?” It was one of the guys, he was lanky and skinny with just a toned body.

Florence, “This is my little sister, Rome. Rome say hi.”

“Hi.” I spoke shyly.

“No need to be shy, little lady. We’re all friends here.” Not too long until we were surrounded by teens asking me all sorts of questions making me feel a part of a group. I somehow came out of my shell and they all accepted me.

At least a girl with a vicious tone announced, “Since we have a new member to our little party. I think it’s costumery to give her a trial! What do you all think?” The chants were slow but slowly picked up with everyone except Florence chanting trial.

“She’s just ten, she’s too young to do that drop. If she gets hurt, my parents will KILL me.” Florence protests but I gave a nod of assurance.

“So, what do I have to do?”

There I stand on the edge of the rock as the cold waters below remained still. “Rome seriously, you don’t have to do this is you don’t want to.” Florence pleaded nervously. I was scared, terrified but something in me loved it. I flashed her my wild grin and flipped down into the great water. I never felt anything like this up until now I was just doing gymnastics but this… this was powerful and every part of my being vibrated as I flew down, diving into the creek of time.

It was odd, I could’ve sworn I had just jumped into a creek and now I’m here primping my looks and makeup. It was prom night as a junior and I had a date with my childhood best friend, Frankfurt. He looked so handsome when I saw him in his suit. So strong from his role as a football player. Just thinking about his muscles makes me wanna oolala. I shook my head. Head in the game, Rome, head in the game.

I powdered my nose and went back out. My eyes darted around catching Frank drinking. I strutted to him. “Hey uh, wanna dance?”

He smiled handsomely, “You know I’m terrible at dancing.”

“It’s about having fun, silly boy. Come on.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him, “Just follow me.”

At first the boy was awkward but as we moved along, he became more comfortable with his movements and body. Eventually we got to a slow song and danced lovingly in each other’s arms. It was beautiful and made my heart whole. I love him, I love him so much that my eyes teared up and my heart ached for his lips. He’s always been a mind reader as he gives me my wish and kisses me lovingly on the lips, “I love you, Rome.”

“I love you too, Frank.”

The next thing I heard was wailing as the baby in my arms would just not stop. I tried feeding him, rocking him around, checking his diaper, but he just wouldn’t stop crying. Then I remembered something my mom taught me. I turned on the overhead fan and rocked the baby gently as the baby memorized himself with a spinning object.

The baby grew as did his interests. He wasn’t like the normal boys and constantly wanted all kinds of girly things. Anytime Frank or I denied him, he’d scream. We didn’t know what to do but just give him his dolls and barbies.

One day he came to me and said, “Mommy… can I be a girl?” It hit me right then who he was… who she was.

I smiled at my beautiful daughter, “Of course, pumpkin.” And she fell into my arms happy with tears.

Her life was a beautiful one to watch and grow. She got married to a beautiful wife and was happy. That’s all a mother wants for her child, happiness.

And now I lay on my death bed surrounded by friends and family. Frankfurt died decades ago and I remained a widow, helping out my grandchildren, and being the grandmother they needed in their life. I lived a beautiful life but it was time to go. My body ached with pain and age. My mind wasn’t as sharp or witty. And all I wanted to do was sleep. So, I did what I’ll always be remembered for, I gave them all a wild grin as the world turned to darkness.

Only I woke up, finding myself in the hospital with tears streaming down my face with the desperate want to go back to being Rome… to being my true self.

~o~O~o~

Hi everyone! I hope you really like this installment of Adrenal Jackey!! Please have a happy happy day!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried so desperately to go back to sleep, to be my true self again, but as always, I’m up, awake, and full of energy. The clock on the wall says it’s four in the morning. Jeez, how long did I sleep in. My headached a little but nothing painful. I pressed the service button and a moment later the nurse walked in.

“Good morning, I’m Ashley, how can I help you, sir?”

I winced at the word sir, “I just woke up I think and I’m wondering if you can get me a notebook or paper or something. I had a dream and trying to not forget it. Oh, and can you call my parents that I’m awake?”

The nurse nodded, “Yes, sir.” And walked away making me feel unattractive and disgusting. Do I really look a boy? I felt the need to pee and walked into the bathroom.

Staring at my reflection was like staring at a stranger and it became only stranger when that stranger was me. I had longish hair by boy standards with freckles dotting across my face like stars. My eyes and hair looked so bland. Not to mention my skin looked sickly. I really need to fix all this ugly boyness.

A bit later the nurse came in with my pen, paper, and a plate a food. “Anything else, Mr. Kellerston.”

I twirled the back of my hair in nervous tension, “Yeah um can you call me Rome? And I’m a miss not a mister haha.” I tried to laugh to break the tension and the bundle of anxious snakes that seem to be sliming their way throughout my body.

Ashley just raised her brow, “What are your pronouns.”

“She; her.”

She smiled at me, “Of course, Miss Rome. Anything else?”

The biggest, dumbest grin rose upon my freckled face, “Nothing, thank you.” And she exited. This was the first time anyone (outside of my dream) referred me as a girl. What a magical, wonderous sensation of butterflies and unicorns.

Which leaves me to my next task. I scribbled and remembered, often pacing around my room trying to remember the dream. I wrote most of it down. It seems like a lot of it was in the background while only clips of it actually visible.

I gave up on trying to remembering the dream itself and instead taking what I do remember and turning it into a fantasy. I closed my eyes and found myself twirling and dancing with Frankfurt. I played with my little girl in her obsession with tea parties. The little tyke always having a tea party of some kind. I felt the rush of air and cold waters of the creek. The love of my friends and family around me as I fell into the comforting arms of death. I wrote it all down, even if it wasn’t really part of the dream. I want to never forget who I actually am or was. Some may call it just a dream but I call it my second life, and I’ll be damned if I can’t at least recreate a similar version of it in this world.

~o~O~o~

Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed the third installment of Adrenaline Jackey! I know I posted twice today but I thought I would since I had the inspiration. Remember to have a happy happy day!!!

It was almost three when my parents came in with dad’s signature, “Hey buddy, how you feeling?” He always comes in with that when I put myself in the hospital accidently.

“I’m fine I guess.” Mom came up to me and put a hand on my shoulder

“You gave us quite a scare with that stunt you pulled.” Dad’s voice nice yet with a tone of ‘you’re so fucking dead when we get home’. Why can’t he just be an asshole all the time and not put up this stupid act?

I shrugged, “I’m sure I did for the umpteenth time,” and gave him a winning smile, “Daddy.” It was always a joy to watch this man’s face go beat red with anger knowing that he can’t do much more than give me very vague threats.

A doctor came in, “Oh good, you’re all here! Hello I’m Dr. Bluff.” He chirped as he scrolled his eyes through his tablet, “You’re quite a lucky soul, Miss Rome.” A big ass dopey plastered on my face as I watch my parents give me and the doctor confused looks. “Had you not had a good helmet on, you would’ve suffered severe brain damage. But with the helmet on you were only knocked out with a concussion.” He rubbed his beard, “I have to ask where you got that helmet, it’s still perfectly intact with some marks and dents.”

“I got it online, saved up enough money to buy it. It was from a motorcycle store that makes kick ass helmet.” I replied.

“Can you give me the site address? I’d love to browse around since I’m a recently purchased motorcycle owner.”

“Sure!” I ripped a piece of paper out of the tiny notebook I got and scribbled down the address, giving it to the doctor.

My dad coughed, “Oh right, besides the concussion you did quite well to protect yourself, young lady. Most patients who rolldown hills end up breaking a limb or two in the process. Quite incredible, if I didn’t know that you tried to roll down Devil’s ride, I’d almost say you’re smart.” Dr. Bluff jabbed causing me to wince. “What were you thinking trying to make that ride?”

I gave him a wild smile, “Living life to the fullest. I have no regrets.” I felt a hurtful clinch on my arm.

The doc shrugged, “If you call almost dying living life, I guess I can’t blame you since I just bought a motorcycle.” He sighed, “Do any of you have questions or comments before I let you free?” I shook my head while dad verbally said no. “Good. I hope I don’t see you next time.” And walked off.

My dad glared at me, “What did you tell him, son?”

I smiled innocently, “Whatever do you accuse, daddy?”

“You know what I’m talking about.”

“I do?” I fluttered my eyes at him.

“Yes, you were being called ‘Miss’ and ‘Girl’ and ‘Rome’.”

My smile drained away a bit as I stood up and stretched, “Best we get out of here before you have one of your meltdowns. Don’t want the hospital staff knowing that my father is an abusive narcissist.” I walked to the door, “Oh and by the way, my name is Rome now, your son, Roman, is dead, and my pronouns are she/her.” As I skipped out of the room having the time of my life, I could taste the rage radiating off of dad even though I was out of the room. If my nerves weren’t jittery, I could almost say it felt good to rebel.

There was a lot of screaming on the car ride back. Usually, this would bring me to a bad mood, but I felt powerful and in control this time. I felt like whatever my dad keeps yelling and threatening me with didn’t matter. It can’t matter. My smile kept and even turned into my wild grin a few times throughout the ride. I realized that he’s not really yelling at me or even cares about actually punishing me. He only cares about how indignant I was to him. How disobedient. He would not ever punish me because that’d take energy and time. He doesn’t really wanna put in the effort.

This whole bullshit lecture he’s making has all been a scam the entire time. I didn’t know it before, but now it’s as clear as day. Watching him get so upset and angry with me was so much fun, like a sadistic kind of pleasure. Which is why I couldn’t help but, “Daddy, I’m so vewy sowwy ‘bout being a girl. I’ll be a good girl, daddy. I pwomise.” You wouldn’t believe how full of rage and fury he was. You could practically see the steam coming out of his ears; he was so furious.

So furious, he stopped and bellowed, “GET! OUT!!”

I shrugged and smiled, “Yes, daddy!” as I shuffled out of the car and slammed the door shut. I made sure to give him and mother the double eagle of fuck you before driving off, wheels squealing. Now I stood there on the side of the highway, starting a long-ass walk. I needed it, I needed time, and I gave myself time. Plus, I know where I am, so I’m gonna go see a good friend of mine. I hope he’s just as dreamy as he was in the dream.

~o~O~o~

I hope you all enjoyed!! This is a shorty but the next one will definitely be much longer so I hope you all stay excited for the next installment!!!

On that note, I would love for all of you to give your input on where the story should go as I don't have that many ideas so far and I'd adore to hear from all of you! I'm planning to have several side stories that are gonna kinda act like filler. Think beach episodes from anime. It doesn't matter how crazy these side stories are, just come at me with your ideas. REMEMBER: I will consider your ideas not do them explicitly. I may want to change a little or a lot of whatever idea you have. So please don't be angry with me when you see I changed your idea in some way, shape, or form.

And as always, please have a happy happy day!!!

It was not long before I arrived at Frankfurt’s house. It was decent size and sweetly placed in a nice neighborhood. I had met Frankfurt in kindergarten after both being into Pokémon. We used to hang out every day with our Gameboys and play the newest games. We somehow got every class together, and that cemented our friendship continuing even now.

I strolled up to the door and run the bell. A sweet girl of six swung open the door, “Hey Berlin!”

The girl’s brilliant light eyes lit up even brighter, “ROMAN!!!” She jumped into my arms.

“I love you too, Berlin. Is your brother home?”

She let go and replied, “Yeah, he’s upstairs. Wanna play with me instead? He’s a stinky face.”

I bent my knees a little, “Oh, I’d love to, I just have a quick thing I need to talk to Frank about, and then we can play whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want??”

“Yup! Anything at all!!” The little girl squealed and hugged me before running off to prepare whatever in her room.

“Roman, is that you?” It was Mrs. Hazel, Frankfurt’s mom.

I entered into the kitchen, “Yeah, it’s me, Mrs. H.”

“What brings you here?”

“Sorry, Mrs. H. I got into it with my dad again, haha.”

“What did you do this time?”

“Maybe had a dream which opened a life-changing door and happened to changed my name and pronouns with the med staff.”

“Oh… Oooh. That’s a big change, huh.”

“Yeah, it is. My name is Rome, and my pronouns are she/her.”

“Okay, Rome sweetie, would you like to stay for dinner?”

“I’d love to!” My grin was all goofy and happy again. I love being called my name. I love it, I love it, I love it EEEEEEEEE!

As I climbed the steps, I could hear shouting in the other room. “You mother fuckers! I’ll fill you with lead!” He’s playing one of his games again. He needs to spend less time on the game and more time with me… Oh, fuck am I really having those thoughts now? We’re not even dating… yet. What do you mean by yet? I don’t know!

I knocked on the door to hear some sort of greeting before walking in to see Frank sitting in his gaming chair, shooting whatever baddies coming at him. Looking at him now, I found him not as attractive as I fantasized. “Hi, Frank.”

“Roman? What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I was nearby and wanted to say hi.”

“Hold on a sec, guys, my friend came by.” I heard some voices coming from the headphones he was wearing. Many of them saying some very creative insults. Looking at the standing Frank closer, I couldn’t help but wonder why did my dream make him my husband? I have absolutely no attraction to this guy. If anything, I feel kinda sick from even the idea that my best friend, who is like a brother to me, could be my husband or uh do um that with me. “So, what is it?”

“What is what?”

“Don’t get smart with me, Roman. I know it when you need to tell me something. You always have that constipated look on your face.”

I could feel my body heat up from embarrassment, “I went down Devil’s ride.”

“I heard, and you got put into the hospital for it like the idiot you are.”

“Hey! It wasn’t so bad I kinda learned something about myself while knocked out.”
Frankfurt crossed his arms, “And what is that?”

“That um I uh,” I twiddled with a piece of my hair.

“That you’re gay.”

“No no no well kinda? Let me explain.”

“Then spit it out. I have a game to get back to.” More creative insults were coming from the tiny voices in the headset. Why is it so hard to tell him? He’s my very best friend, we grew up since childhood, we’re practically siblings. I literally see and interact with the Hazel Family, way more than my own family. Why is this so hard?

There was a knock on the door and entered, “Rome, Frankie, would you like some jello?” It was from Mrs. Hazel.

“I’d love some, Mrs. H!” while Frankfurt shrugged. We received the jello from Mrs. Hazel, and she left.

“Rome?” Frank queried.

“Hahaha, yeah, my name is Rome now, and” My voice turned down to a whisper, “I’m a girl now.”

“You’re a what?”

I spoke louder, “I’m a girl now, Frankfurt!”

“You don’t have boobs.” He felt my crotch, causing me to slap him. “And you definitely still have a dick.” Rubbing the slap I gave him.

I facepalmed, “I’m a girl maybe not on the outside but on the inside.” Tears of embarrassment were surfacing, “When I was knocked out, I had a dream where I lived another life as a girl, and when I woke up, I really wanted that dream to be a reality.” I sobbed as my knees gave out, “I really want to be a girl!” I felt a tight, nervous, warm embrace. My eyes met his worried, sympathetic eyes.

“I don’t really know or understand, Rome, but if it’s causing you this much pain, it must be important.” He sat back and rubbed his neck, “I don’t remember when the last time you cry like that. So, it must be important. And I’m sorry for touching you, I’m such an idiot sometimes.” He gave an award-winning, handsome smile that made my heart skip.

“No, it’s okay. I just. I don’t know.” I could taste my blush.
Fortunately, the door slammed itself opened, “There you are!” It was Berlin, “Are you done talking with brother?”

I stood up, “Yup, what are we playing?” I grinned. I really wanted to play with dolls like dream-little-girl me did.

“Follow me, and I’ll show you.” She grabbed my hand, pulling me with her. I waved goodbye to Frank, who only gave me a prayer in return, the bastard.

“Hey Berlin, guess what.”

“What?”

“Is it okay if I’m a girl around you?”

Her little eyes sparkled with happiness, “A girl like me?”

“Yup, like you! My name is Rome.”

“Okay, but you have to call me Princess Berlin?”

“Okay, silly girl.” And we played until dinner time.

Dinner time at the Hazel’s was unlike dinner time in my family. Sure, mom cooked once in a while, but she always got lazy and would slouch onto her bed for hours. Florence cooked for a bit until she went off to college. It was up to me; Florence taught me the basics, but sometimes I didn’t have the time to cook meals, or dad would scream about me cooking cuz it’s a ‘girls’ job’. Often leaving us to buy take-out. Looking at it now, I think my mother is more depressed than an enabler. This is odd because when Naples started showing mental illness signs, she readily took him to a therapist. Both my parents did. Probably they didn’t want to seem terrible and neglectful by letting what happened to Naples untreated.

Dinner time at the Hazel’s was peaceful and full of joy with good food. We’d sit around the table, and Mr. Hazel would ask us about whatever. Sometimes he’d ask me about my snails, and I show him pictures. Sometimes asks Frankfurt about whatever game he was binging at the time. Sometimes he’d ask Berlin about how her stuffies were doing. When I was younger, I would fantasize about him being my real father. I imagine all the beautiful parent and kid things we’d do together—everything I had to teach myself. Mrs. Hazel is just as wonderful and kind as Mr. Hazel. Sometimes I wish I could call them mommy and daddy, but that’s a child’s wish, and my childhood has long since taken.

“So, um kid, I heard you went down Devil’s ride.” Mr. Hazel’s voice was light but worried. It was nice that an adult was concerned about me.
“Yeah, I got a little banged up, but I don’t regret it one bit.” I replied, taking a sip of my drink, “I learned something about myself while I was asleep.”

“What’s that?”

I gave him the biggest grin possible, “I’m a girl named Rome.”
His head twisted around as though he had just taken a punch, “What brought you to this conclusion?”

“Well it started…” I explain the whole dream to them. Changing some bits here and there but generally keeping with the central theme of the dream, “… and when I woke up, I so desperately wanted to go back that I spent a while…” I could feel myself choke up, “I just really wanna be my true self like in the treat. I wanna be Rome. Even if I can’t go back into the dream, I can at least try to be Rome in reality.” The silence was the dinner table was papable. I hit all of them with a lot, and I know it’ll take time for them to process. That’s when I heard the sniffing; I looked over to see little Berlin crying. I scooped her up into my lap, “What’s wrong, princess?” A gargle and bubble of snot and tears replied back, “What was that, sweetie?”

“I wan’ u b girl too!” Her wails were loud as I rocked her back and forth, caressing her back and kissing her forehead.

“Poor baby, I am a girl. I’ll always be your big sister, okay?”

“’tay.” As she sniffled and fell right to sleep in my arms, I felt the tears roll down my face. I never felt so loved before. I knew Berlin loved me but seeing it was a totally different deal. My eyes left the little one and found everyone’s jaws hanging.

“Hmm?”

Mr. Hazel was the first to recover, “Wow, Rome, I knew you changed, but I didn’t know how much.” Oh my GOSH! He said my name. All I could do was give him a dopy, goofy grin, “You were never this…”

Mrs. Hazel, “Maternal.”

"Yes that, before the accident.”

I raised a brow, “What was I before?”

“Honestly, you were kind of angry, and I dare say fatalistic. Sometimes Frankie would have this terrified face whenever you have an accident. For example, when you got knocked out yesterday, he stayed with you until closing times.” My eyes twitched to the mortified Frank, who had the biggest flush of embarrassment. My heart did a hop and skip. “Seeing you now… You’re definitely Rome and not Roman.” He pushed his hand through his greying hair, “Which is very unfortunate for you due to your… family.”

I gave a half-smile, “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

“Rome…” He bit his lip, “I think I can speak for all of us when I say we all love you.” Mrs. Hazel and Frank nodded in agreement. No, oh no, you’re gonna make me oh no. “If you ever need a place to stay, our home is always welcome to you.” No no no, don’t do this. I can’t keep it in. I just… All three of the Hazels held me so tight as I sobbed harder than I’ve ever cried before. I… I knew they cared about me. I knew they did. I knew they loved me. I didn’t know they actually love me.

***

It was weird waking up in the Hazel house. I’ve done it several times before but never like this. It was so serene. I could’ve stayed in bed for hours if I didn’t have a little munchkin nomming on my arm like a piece of steak. Ow ow ow, the little tyke really bites down hard. I guess this is god’s way of telling me to wake up, haha. I stretched myself as I exited to the outside. Feeling the fresh air of morning is lovely. Sometimes I’ll sit in a chair for hours just soaking in the beauty.
It wasn’t long before Mrs. Hazel came out fully dressed in her work attire. I forget what she did, but I think its banking or something. I don’t remember. “Good morning, Mrs. H!” I chirped.

“Good morning, Rome. You’re up awfully early.”

I showed her the bite marks, “Berlin started her new job as a cannibal.”

The tall blonde woman snorted, “Yeah, she’s having some kind of teething phase, been chewing up all her stuffies, then blames it on a pirate crocodile named Randle Razortooth.” We both giggled at the girl’s silliness. “I need to get to work, bye.”

“Uh um, before you go.”

“Hmm?”

“Can I uh hug you?” I sheepishly smiled.

Mrs. Hazel fair face lit up, “Of course.” We embraced for some time. It was nice, really lovely. I wish it could last forever. “You know, when I was your age, I used to be so against being touched.”

“Really?”

“Yea, it wasn’t that I didn’t hate being touched, it’s that I was so scared of getting germs on me that I refused to touch anyone.” Her eyes seemed to be looking at the past rather than at me, “It’s funny when I first started dating Aachen, I wouldn’t touch him even if he paid me.”

“What changed?”

Her smile was so bright that my eyes were burning, “Love.” We stood there for several moments, “I need to get going. Bye Rome, have a better day.” She waved off to me, and I waved back.

***

Here I was back at my home. My house was a pretty decent looking home from the outside. Dad is annoying about making the yard the best and most immaculate yard every to be seen. He takes extra care of outside the house too with power washes and repaintings. But as soon as I take a step inside, the first thing you smell is stench. Not coming from the living room mind you but coming from mom’s room and yes mom has her own separate room. I try my best to keep my room tidy and smelling nice. Sometimes I’d get locked in there for hours after I would have another accident. Which is why I needed to get away from him so I could garner support from the Hazels. I knew I could count on them. They are my favorite family after all.

I tiptoed my way through the house. All I needed was whatever clothes I had, my snails, and my bike. I couldn’t bring the tank with me today, so I brought a jar to put them in and some greens for them to eat. Even though I hated my clothes, I needed to wear something before I could rummage the money to buy good clothes.

Haha, I reached it without waking anyone up. I slowly put all my clothes in a trash bag. I didn’t have many clothes since dad is very indignant about buying anything for me, even the essentials but I had enough to last me a while. I put my snails the jar and I found my helmet and bike in the garage. My bike was a little dinged up and may need some repairing to the brake system but my helmet only had a little bump. Damn this thing is tough, glad I spent extra money on it.

“I knew it.” Fuck it was my dad. “I’d knew you’d slime your way back in here.” I dropped the bag and set down the jar. Of course, he wakes up just as everything was going to plan.

“Hey daddy, I’m sorry about making you mad, I didn’t mean to.” I spoke as innocently as possible. His face turns reddish with anger. I really shouldn’t be roweling him up. “Seriously, I’m sorry. It was a joke that I took too far.”

Dad calmed down just a bit, “Well good, you can start your forgiveness buy stopping whatever nonsense you’re doing right now-”

“I can’t do that.”

“WHAT?!”

“I said, I can’t do that!”

He clinched his teeth, “You’re my son, you’re supposed to listen to me. Now get your fucking ass back in this house.”

My brows furrowed as I got into a defensive stance, “No! I’m going to go live with the Hazels.”

“All I want is the best for you son, now come back inside.”

I snorted, “The best? Really? You want the best for me?”

“Yes, I am your father, and I want the best for all my children.”

“Did you want the best for me when you sent me to that death cult, Vatican? Did you want the best for Florence when you treated her like some pet you’d sell off to some old rich guy? Did you want the best for Naples when you let Uncle Marathon rape the poor boy multiple time?”

"He didn’t rape-”

“DON’T GIVE ME THAT SHIT!!! I FUCKING WATCHED THEM!!! I saw it happened; you remember that day just as well as I do. Don’t change the memory to fit with your delusion.” My heart pound hard like an artillery shell as we both stood there in awkward silence, “If you have nothing else to say then I’m leaving.” I picked up my stuff, started walking, but stopped, “Oh and by the way, I am Rome Jackey Kellerston. I am a girl, I have always been a girl, and not you or anyone will stop me from living my truth.” Dad just stood like a statue, you could see in his eyes that so many emotions flooded him, but it didn’t matter because I was already outside and away from the house.

“Rome!” A voice came from behind, it was Florence’s friend. The one she brought from college who was staying with us for the summer. She was a very pretty with black hair and chocolate eyes with dark caramel skin.

“Riyadh? Why are you here?”

“Oh, I was totally watching your badass speech.” She rubbed her arm, “I’m an early riser.”

“Thanks for thinking it was badass, I guess. To be honest I’m about to cry and/or piss myself.” I could feel my knees wobble.

“Still that was some badass courage you have. I’m very proud of you!”

I flushed, “Oh thank you. I need to leave before Vatican finally figures out what to do.”

“Okay see ya!”

I had taken one step before I realized something, “You’re gay, aren’t you?”

Riyadh’s grin was very mischievous, “Very.”

“My sister’s gay too?”

“She’s pan, but very gay when I’m around.”

“Tell my sister that she has the hottest girlfriend I’ve ever seen. Also, tell Naples and her that I love them.”

“Damn right I am, girl! I’ll definitely send your message.” She did a cute left-handed salute before skipping back towards the house. I knew those two were together. They were so handsy and loving with each other that while I was obvious, then I still thought they were incredibly adorable together.

With everything accomplished, today is looking to be a good day.

~o~O~o~

I decided to try making a much longer chapter this round. I hope you all enjoy, and as always, have a happy happy day!!!

It was early morning at the Hazel house when I had a broom and dustpan in my hand going everywhere with hardwood and sweeping any and everything I could. Next, I vacuumed everywhere with carpet and dust cleaned anywhere and everywhere: the walls, ceiling fans, shelves, etcetera. Then I wiped off the counters in both bathrooms and kitchen. Finally, I was washing plates and making breakfast when Mr. Hazel walked in.

“Hey, Rome, mighty early.” He sniffed, “Mmm, that smells good, wha cha making?”

I smiled, “I’m just making muffins, I found some in the cabinet.”

“Ooo, haven’t had muffins in a while.” Frankfurt came down, scratching and yawning, “Wasn’t expecting to see you up this early.”

Well, SOMEONE was vacuuming, and it woke me up.” He accused, glaring at me with a joking smile.

“If you didn’t stay up until two in the morning, you wouldn’t be so tired.” I retorted, “Plus, you should be thanking me. I made muffins.”

Frank rolled his eyes at me as he went back upstairs, “Tell me when they’re done.”

“Boys.” I snorted. “Would you like some coffee?”

“I would love some!”

It wasn’t long before Mrs. Hazel and Berlin were up. Berlin was raving about the muffins, praising me the best chefs ever after her mother. Good call, kid, good call. I had two muffins before I started cleaning up.

“I can do that, sweetie, how about you go play for a little bit.” Mrs. Hazel said.

“I’m fine, I like doing dishes.” I don’t like doing dishes, but I couldn’t let the Hazels down.

Mr. and Mrs. Hazel took a glance at each other before the missus replied, “Okay.” Then proceeded to them me where all the cabinets are.

After breakfast, I cleaned the stairs and the upstairs since I didn’t want to wake up the little one earlier. Afterward, I started working on my bike. It wasn’t in the best shape looking at it closer. The bike's whole braking part seemed to be broken, not to mention the chain was messed up. I’ve done bike maintenance before since I only really have the one and can’t afford another. I did what I could by hand and without help. Which was a lot surprisingly. I had to look up some YouTube videos on Mr. Hazel’s laptop but I got a lot of things fixed. It was almost done, I just needed a few more parts. Which would cost money I don’t have.

It’s been a couple days since my declaration of… war? Girlhood? Declaration of independence at least. I vowed myself since the Hazels were so kind and loving to me that I’d repay them anyway I can. But something has been on my mind since that day. I had said something unexpected, “I’ve always been a girl”. Have I? Have I always been a girl and I didn’t even know? I looked up the phrase ‘I want to be a girl’ it sent me to this website called Reddit and its… threads? Sub-threads? To a part of the website called r/egg_irl. There were so many relatable memes that it hurts. I also found the word: Transgender. I think I heard this word before when Vatican was watching the news. It was used in a very negative context, but either way it described how I was feeling, I guess. Anyway, I thought back before the day I went down Devil’s ride. The life I lived before was very blurry looking back at it.

I searched deeper before being forced into that death camp. Why did I got sent to that death camp? I know my dad wanted me to be closer to god but I don’t remember why. Well that doesn’t matter now. Now what does matter is feeding Shelly, Slimy, and Dr. Slugger. They were having a heck of a time sliming around their new home and eating the food I got them. It has been fun watching them go.

“Sissy, sissy.” It was Berlin. She’s been calling me sissy and I’ve been loving every second of it.

“Yes, princess?”

“Can we play together?”

“Of course, baby!”

Playing with Berlin is a dream come true. We had an exquisite tea party that was interrupted by a declaration of war from the Barbie Queendom. We conscripted and gathered out troops to fight the menace. It was a chaotic massacre of fluff, stuff, and plastic with a brutal and total war where many innocent and military casualties were lost. In the end, the only ones who won were those who survived to see their families. I never knew playing could be this dramatic and exciting. I felt like I was in some historical fantasy land with history being made from fluff and plastic. It was fantastic! Long live the Fluffy Empire!!

I was having so much fun that I didn’t even notice the time or smell when I heard, “Kids, dinner is ready!” I ran downstairs piggy backing Berlin who was a giggly little baby. We sat down to have dinner. Dinner was delicious as always. I savored each bite of food with happiness. I’d get to eat like this every day. I barely had one meal a day let alone two or even three. When I was finished, I started cleaning up my plate and the other plates.
“Oh no, sweetie, let me do that. You’ve done enough for one day.” Mrs. Hazel said, she took the plate out of my hand.

“Can I please help?”

“You’ve done enough of that for today. How about you go play?”

Mr. Hazel, “We’re about to start an excellent game of UNO, would you like to join us?”

Me, “I’d absolutely love to but I really need to help. I really really need to.”

Mrs. Hazel, “Why is that, sweetie?”

“Because because because.” Why is wet stuff coming out of my eyes?

“’cause I’m afraid of you hating me.”

Mrs. Hazel held me tight, “I’ll never hate you.”

“No no, I just…” I looked away as my voice whispered, “You’ve all been so kind to me and I really really really want to repay it anyway I can.”

“You can do that by being a kid and having fun.” Mrs. Hazel whispered.

“Okay.” I said solemnly as I slid my feat towards Mr. Hazel. I really need to help. Really really need to help. But but but I need to help they’re so kind to me. I have to repay. I have to, or else they’ll hate me. I have to. I have to. Oh, what’s this fuzzy, warm feeling? I was covered by Hazels. They all embraced me in the warmest, happiest blanket of love I’ve ever felt. I couldn't help but ugly cry.

Mr. Hazel, “I think this is a good part to tell you that your parents gave guardianship to us.”

My eyes went wide as saucers, “They did?” Is it weird to feel happy and sad at the same time?

Mrs. Hazel, “Welcome to the Hazel family, Rome.”

~o~O~o~

Hello there! I hope everyone enjoyed this installment of Adrenaline Jackey!! Tomorrow is going to be my birthday so I'm not posting or writing any new installments until Monday. I wish you all a happy happy day!!!