“Lisa, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Nothing Mom, just going out to play.”

“In that?”

Looking down at her pink t-shirt with a cartoon rainbow on the chest, her rainbow tutu, florescent orange leggings, and light up Disney Princess sneakers, “Yeah, what’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

“Sweetie,” Maria closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath. “Are you sure that is what you want to wear? Your friends might feel a little strange playing with you because they won’t be wearing their tutus.”

“Oh,” Lisa thought for a minute before running back to her room. Returning a minute later she was carrying two more tutus. “No problem, Mom. I’ll bring some for them to wear.”

Maria chuckled, “No sweetie, leave those here. I don’t think Lucy and Jan will want to wear a tutu at the park.”

“Don’t know why, Tutus make every outfit better.”

Maria went over and hugged her daughter, “I know you definitely think so, but your friends don’t think the same way. Remember, we’ve talked about this Lisa. It is okay for you to like Disney Princesses, Tutus, and frilly things, but not all twelve-year-olds are as . . . as joyous about such things as you are. They grew out of those things a few years ago.”

“That was stupid of them,” Lisa very bluntly stated. “Why stop liking such wonderful things?”

Maria kissed Lisa’s forehead, “The kids in your Special Education class still like those things, but Lucy and Jan aren’t in Special Education. Maybe you should go change into something more big girl to play with them.”

“Don’t be silly Mom. I am me and they are them. If they don’t want to wear pretty clothes, that’s sad but okay. I can still be me. Now come on, we’re going to be late,” Lisa grabbed her mom’s hand and started dragging her out the front door.

“I lost.”

“Yeah, so.”

“But I lost.”

“Did you have fun?”

“Yeah, that was a blast.”

“So,” Julie smiled at her friend. “It doesn’t matter if you won or lost, just as long as you had fun.”

“Yes Mom,” Mary rolled her eyes.

The two girls broke out into giggles.

“I guess I do sound like your mom. Mrs. Johnson says it more though.”

“Yeah, but she’s a teacher. They have to say stuff like that. I wonder what she really thinks.”

Julie got a huge smile on her face, “Well, Mrs. Johnson would want her best and most favorite student to win all the events. But, since I wasn’t competing, she would be happy if any of the other kids in the class won.”

Mary struggled to stop laughing, “Best and most favorite? Really? You knocked over her display yesterday, spilled her coffee on Monday, and erased the class schedule off the board by accident last week. You’re the best alright. The best at messing things up for her.”

“See, I’m the best and her most favorite messer upper. Want something to go wrong, I am there. Need a mess, I can accomplish that without thinking. Need your coffee to survive the morning, don’t worry I will make sure you don’t get it. Call on me and nothing will go the way you plan. Who wants routine, order, and consistency?”

“Leslie.”

“Oh, he doesn’t count,” Julie flapped her hand downward. “He has his own personal schedule and routines that his SpEd teacher creates for him. I bring spontaneity to any situation. Life would be so boring without people like me.”

Mary slowly shook her head while smiling at her friend, “Those aren’t the traits I would have focused on as your strengths, but you certainly do bring smiles to my face. Come on. Their about to start the egg carry event. Mike and Tanya have been practicing for weeks. We will definitely beat the 4th graders on that event.”

The world economy was turned upside down 15 years ago when positive impact on others was valued more than climbing a social/economic ladder. When this shift happened, many business leaders and politicians found themselves poor as they were fined when they had a negative impact on others. On the flip side, garbage collectors, custodians, secretaries, and even door greeters found huge pay increases.

I was a teacher at the time the Artificial Intelligence Quality Monitor (AIQM) system was activated. Our camera rich world was linked, and companies started to connect pay to employers AIQM number. The first employees that got this shift were people who worked for the government and some large customer oriented businesses. When profits started to rise and satisfaction with government agencies increased, other businesses joined in. The shift took about five years, but the change to society has been huge. Amazing how helping others and leaving people happy has such a big difference on profits and returning business.

As a Special Education Teacher money was never much of a focus in my life. I often spent 20 to 40% of my annual salary on my classroom and students, so I was poor. I had little life outside of my job because I would help other teachers or parents better meet the needs of my students or any child who was struggling. This was never viewed as anything significant by my administrators. If they even noticed, they just thought it was nice of me to do.

The AIQM system took a different perspective. Each time I helped others, advanced my students beyond expected levels, or went out of my way to educate someone on something they didn’t understand, I was rewarded. The more I put other’s needs before my own and the more I advanced my student’s life, the more money I made. Helping parents understand their kids and set up positive home environments gave huge financial bonuses. I still spend a ton of money on my students and classroom, but now I am no longer limited by financial restraints. I have the money now to help people in ways I never imagined possible. If a kid needs something, I just get it.

Money isn’t my reward, the kid is. Smiles and thanks have more meaning than money, just as they always have for me. It is just nice to see the rest of the world join in this way of viewing things. I may have a billion dollars, but my true value is the trillions of smiles and thanks I have accumulated over the years.

“Are you really going to do it?”

“Sure, why not?”

Fred looked to each side before replying, “Your mom.”

“You don’t get it Fred. If I can’t stand up to her, then I might as well forget all of this. She at least has a chance of still loving me after I do this, but others will be much harsher. My cousins will instantly disown me, and I will be an instant target at school. My Mom . . . well, I honestly have no idea what my mom will say.”

“You can crash at my house,” Fred said with a chuckle. “At least until my mom finds out I am hiding a girl in my room.”

“Thanks, that means a lot to me.”

“Why’d you pick me to do this with,” Fred asked as they entered the store. “Wouldn’t Ellie have been a better choice.”

“Yeah, but she had a thing with her grandma this weekend and next week she has that math competition. I am tired of waiting. I can’t put this off anymore.”

Finding the rack with the dress she wanted, the proper size was quickly found.

“Come on,” Fred said as he saw a sales lady looking at them. “This place creeps me out.”

The two of them headed to the register and stood in line.

“How are you so calm?” Fred asked as he kept looking around.

“I’m not calm. I am nervous as hell, but I want this so bad that I will fight through it.”

Nothing was said by the cashier, other than the minimum needed to complete the purchase. The two headed out of the store and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Now what,” Fred asked as he looked up and down the street.

“The rest of what I need is in my backpack, so we could do this anywhere. I think however, it would probably be best if we go back to my house. My Mom should get the first opportunity to yell at me.”

Putting the new purchase in the backpack, the two got on their bikes and headed out. Soon the bikes were sitting on the front lawn as the two entered the house.

“Mom. Fred and I will be up in my room.”

“Okay,” Mom called back from the kitchen.

“You sure you want to do this,” Fred asked?

“Definitely, you stay out in the hall, and I’ll get changed.”

A few minutes later the bedroom door opened, “Dam, you’re hot. Here I thought you were going to look like a dude in a dress. Where did you get that wig?”

“Ellie got it from her mom’s closet. She never uses it after recovering from the cancer treatments.”

“Now what?” Fred asked looking his friend up and down.

“Time to face Mom.”

The two of them headed downstairs and into the kitchen, “Mom, I think we need to talk.”

Stirring the food cooking on the stove, she never turned around, “What about?”

“I want to change my name. I was thinking about Brenda.”

Mom turned around and stood still as she took in the scene. After what seemed like hours, but only a minute, Mom turned around, turned the heat off and moved the pot off the burner. Going over to the kitchen table, she sat down, “I guess we do . . . Brenda.”

“She had one job. Just one job!”

“Well Dad, technically she did what you told her to do.”

“Are you kidding me? Did you see the state of that playroom?”

Mike chuckled, “Yeah, it is probably the biggest disaster I have ever seen, but you didn’t ask her to clean the playroom. You told her she had to get her bedroom spotless, or you would take away all her toys.”

Dad rolled his eyes, “I wanted her to actually put away her toys, not just move them from her bedroom to the playroom. She didn’t even make her bed. Her bedspread and pillow are now on the pile of toys in the middle of the playroom.”

“Well, you really should praise her for getting her room spotless,” Mike looked in his little sister’s room. “It has never looked this good.”

“Mike!”

“Dad, think about it. Has she ever managed to clean her room before without getting distracted and just playing with her toys? Today she finished the task. It may not have been how you wanted her to do it, but she did exactly what you asked her to do.”

“Fine, fine. She did get her room spotless, but . . .”

“I’ll help her put her bedroom back together after her cartoon is over,” Mike patted his dad on his back. “Next time though, remember she is autistic and takes everything literal.”

Mike went into the playroom and looked around. Toys, clothes, bedding, and even Stacey’s nighttime pull-ups were scattered everywhere. She had grabbed everything that wasn’t furniture and just threw it into the playroom. Mike thought about how he could get Stacey to clean both rooms. It would have to be something personal to her. Spotting Stacey’s favorite doll, Mike picked it up and brought it over to Stacey’s room.

Sitting the doll down in the middle of Stacey’s bed, Mike smiled, “This might actually work.”

Mike headed out of the room and went to sit on the living room couch with his sister. She cuddled up next to him without looking or saying a word.

When the show was over, Mike turned the TV off and squeezed Stacey in a big bear hug, “Well kiddo, I noticed your doll was in your room all sad.”

“Why is Melanie sad,” Stacey asked?

“She wanted to take a nap, but there is no bedspread or pillow in your room.”

“I fix,” Stacey said, bouncing up and running off to the playroom.

Mike went to Stacey’s room and waited. Shortly Stacey showed up with her bedspread and pillow. Together, they got them on the bed and tucked Melanie in for a nap.

“Do you think she might want your unicorn light on the nightstand if she wakes up and it is dark outside?”

“I get,” Stacey smiled and charged out of the room.

When the light, clock, and beanbag chair were all back in their proper spots, it was time to change tactics, “Is Melanie going to be sad that you have to get ready for bed and get dressed in the morning way off in your playroom?”

“I get dressed in here,” Stacey looked at Mike in confusion.

“Well, how are you going to get ready for bed in here if your Pull-ups and unicorn footed PJs are in the playroom?”

Stacey thought about that for a minute and then went off to remedy the problem. The same approach was used with the clothes. Each time Mike would help Stacey put everything back in their proper places. It took over an hour, but almost everything was back in the bedroom. All put away into their proper places.

“I think Melanie will be happy with this bedroom now,” Mike said heading towards Stacey with wiggly fingers.

“No tickle monster,” Stacey screeched, as she ran out of the room in a fit of giggles.

Once upon a time a girl named Tina ruled all that she could see. The universe bowed to her wishes. If she was hungry, people would bring her food. The sun would set when she was tired and needed to go to sleep. When she wanted something, someone would bring it to her. She didn’t even have to talk to get her needs met. When she spread her arms, people would hug her. Other people needed to say lots of words to get their needs met, but with just one word she could get what she wanted. She even had these special chairs everywhere she went, in vehicles, at meals, at home, and out among her people. The one that she used out in the world was her favorite. She just had to point, and she would be rolled over to whatever she was interested in. Tina knew she was in charge, and she loved it.

Then one day, everything changed. This evil ruler entered Tina’s life and she had to do what this ruler wanted. Tina could no longer do whatever interested her. She couldn’t even get what she wanted when she demanded it. Tina was so furious. How dare this evil ruler take her power away. This ruler even controlled what she could color and draw pictures of. Tina wanted to draw pictures of princesses and rainbows, but the evil ruler insisted that she color the apple picture that was put in front of Tina. There wasn’t even a color selection, the only crayons on the table were red.

Tina’s world was crumbling around her. She couldn’t understand how she lost power. Her parents were all excited about Tina meeting this new evil ruler, telling Tina how much fun she was going to have. Tina was not having fun. She couldn’t even go to the bathroom when she wanted. She had to ask the permission of this evil ruler.

Tina looked around at her subjects that were also brought to be tortured by this ruler. They seemed happy and excited to be there. How could they give in to this? They didn’t follow her anymore, just this evil ruler. Whatever this person said or did, they would do as commanded. And worst of all they did it with smiles and giggles.

Tina scribbled on her outline of an apple with the red crayon she was given. There was no way she was going to do her best work for this tyrant. Then she was told she had to turn the paper over and copy some weird lines that were placed above her workspace. Tina was told this was very important. She did as instructed, in fear of torture if she didn’t.

What was it with this evil ruler, they couldn’t even decide on a name? One minute it was Mrs. Star and the next it was Teacher.

He ran ahead, stopping for joy upon finding something fascinating. Little things were all it took: a spider web, a cool little rock, or just the excitement of being out in the woods. I couldn’t keep up with him, but that overwhelming enthusiasm could warm my heart from a distance. He wouldn’t get far before stopping and letting the rest of us catch up. I am certain his excitement and joy could have kept him going non-stop to the top without getting tuckered out. Unfortunately, one mile of switchback trails up the side of a cliff was too much for the rest of us. When we decided to turn around after about ¼ of a mile, you could see the disappointment on his face. He didn’t complain or express his feelings, but I could tell. Next time, I would have to make sure we made it to the top of the waterfall.

That bubbly enthusiasm was back as soon as the first spray from the waterfall hit him on the way back down. Oh, to be young again and get so much energy and enjoyment from the discovery of the world. Time has taken its toll on me. I can’t even remember having that much energy. Yes, mother nature invigorates me, but I can only dream of having that much. I’ve learned to take some of the excess energy and joy from the young. It has gotten me through some tough times. There are moments when I wish I still could experience life that way, but I can’t really say my current approach is bad. It is just different.

A slower pace and better understanding of things allow me a deeper appreciation of the beauty around me. Stopping to take in the view can sometimes be motivated more by my body than the view. However, once resting, the beauty is all-encompassing. Sometimes I even get to see an animal as I take in the scene around me. Age and youth. Impairment and Healthy. These things separate us, but we both find pleasure in a simple walk through the woods.

*-*-*-*- Teek's Mini-Story Collection -*-*-*-*
 

First Snow By Teek © January 14, 2022

Although the snow was piling up, Marcy was determined to get her snowman done. It was the first snow of the year, and everyone knew it made the best snowmen and snowwomen. The base was already established, and she was crawling around the yard, making the middle section.

“Marcy,” Mom called out the front door. “Come in, sweetie, it’s coming down really hard. You can finish your snowperson once it stops snowing.”

“But Mooooooooommmmmm, I have to get her made with this first snow.”

“Get that one on, and then come in. You can finish the rest later.”

“Ooooo-Kay,” Marcy said, turning back to the large snowball she was rolling towards the base of her snowgirl.

Looking up, Marcy stuck her tongue out and collected a few snowflakes. The magical flakes melted into her and invigorated her efforts. The second ball was quickly at the other, and Marcy gathered all her strength to get it on top of the first snowball.

“There!” Marcy took some deep breaths, recovering from the effort.

After admiring her work, she headed for the front door but stopped. Looking back at the snowgirl, “What? Mommy said I had to go in.”

Looking at the closed front door and then back at the snowgirl, “Okay, real quick. I’ll get you a head, and then I have to go in.”

As quick as she could, she started rolling out the head. With the snowball head done, she picked it up with all her strength and walked it over to the bottom two pieces.

“Marcy,” Mom said just as Marcy was putting on the head. “I said come in after the 2nd piece.”

“But Mom,” Marcy complained. “She was all sad because she didn’t have a head.”

Mom stood in the doorway glaring at her daughter. Rolling her eyes, “Come in now, Marcy. I have some nice warm hot chocolate to warm you all up.”

As Marcy started to walk away, she suddenly went back to the snowgirl, “I’ll make you a face and some pigtails later, but you can have my hat for now.”

Marcy took her hat off and put it on her snowgirl. As she walked to the front door, she was certain she heard her snowgirl say, “Thank You.”

I sit here tonight mourning someone I have never known, myself!

I have spent 47 years hiding, suppressing, and ignoring my true self. She is still a child, never given a chance to grow up. I am approaching 50 with the body of someone much older. She shall never have a chance to frolic and play as all children should. I mourn the child I never was. I mourn my past, my present, and my future. Cindy is not comfortable in the body of an old man, and the man has no idea what to do with the spirit of a little girl.

I may be Transgender, but I can never present myself as the little girl I am. I mourn, for all that could have been, and all that will never be. Cindy mourns for the little boy who grew up to be a man, yet never was. If I transition, I will still need to hide myself. Society may be able to see the feminine elements in me, but I am not a woman. I am just a little six year old girl, scared and frightened. The more Cindy is let out, or I see her influences, the harder things are.

I go back to work in a little over a week. Who will be going? It will be the body of a man, the clothes of a man, and the . . .

It will not be Cindy. She may have broken out of her shackles, but she can not go to work. No matter how much I apologize to her, it will never be enough. She does not understand why she must continue to be hidden. Out of sight, but never out of my mind. I mourn for her. I mourn for the little girl who never was, and the little girl I still am. I mourn.

In Trouble By Teek © February 11, 2022

“Susan Elizabeth Stone,” I yelled out as soon as I hung up the phone. “Get in here immediately.”

Hearing Susy tripping on a few things as she left her room, I took a deep breath trying to calm my anger. It was never good to punish either of the kids while I was too angry.

When Susy arrived, she had one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen on her face. She stood in front of me just radiating happiness. Didn’t she understand I was mad at her? Usually using all three names was enough to get that message across.

“Would you care to explain to me why I got a call from your teacher?”

The joy didn’t fade as Suzy said, “I got in trouble at school today for calling Bobby names and tripping him as he walked by my desk.”

“Yes, that is no way for a young lady to act,” I was seething with anger, but Suzy did not appear to be taking this seriously. She is just standing there smiling at me. “You could have hurt that boy and calling another person names is never acceptable.”

I looked at Suzy for recognition that she understood my anger over her actions, but nothing. It is almost like she gets happier with everything I say. She did something wrong and even admitted it. She is usually in tears apologizing by this point, but she just has the biggest smile on her face.

“Suzy, I am very disappointed in you. I did not raise you to treat others like that, and here you are not even upset over any of this.”

“Sorry Mommy,” Susy said with a big smile. “Next time he calls me names, I will work harder not to do it back to him.”

“How am I supposed to believe you. You look absolutely giddy. No screen time for a week and you have to do both your sisters and your chores during that time. I will not have one of my daughters harassing and teasing other kids. Trying to trip the poor lad, what were you thinking?”

“Sorry Mom,” Susy expressed as she appeared to be so joyful that she could hardly contain it. “I wasn’t thinking. I was just upset and responded. I will do better next time.”

I looked down at Suzy. My little twelve-year-old was just bursting with happiness. I just took away her screen time for a week. That usually is more than enough to get her to think twice about things, but she appears delighted about it all.

“I will be talking about this with your father when he gets home, and we might give you more punishments. I warn you Susan Elizabeth, this flippant attitude over this issue is unacceptable. You better seriously think about things before Dad gets home. Go to your room.”

Suzy came up and gave me a big bear hug, “Oh, Thank You, Mommy.”

I grabbed her shoulders and moved her arm’s length out, “And what in the world are you so happy about?”

Suszy’s smile grew, “You’re mad at me. Really, really mad at me, and you called me Susan Elizabeth Stone instead of my dead name, Thomas Eric Stone.”

With that, Suzy turned and skipped out of the room.

“I like to live on the dangerous side of life,” Tina said, looking up at her mom.

“Really, is that why you didn’t clean your room after I told you too?”

“Yup, I’m a rebel.”

“Well, just remember that living dangerously has consequences.”

“I don’t care.”

“Okay rebel living dangerously. That is your choice. Just be aware that in thirty minutes I will start removing 1 hour of screen time for every item in your room that isn’t put away. If I recall correctly from last time I looked in there, you will not have any screen time for like a month.”

“I’m a rebel, not stupid,” Tina said as she sprung up from the couch and rushed off to her room. “Living dangerously is overrated anyways.”

Maria chuckled as she watched her nine-year-old run down the hall, “Sometimes I wonder about that girl.”

“Mom,” Tina asked fifteen minutes later, coming into the laundry room holding her doll. “Do I have to put Stacy away? She doesn’t want to take a nap in her crib.”

“Put her on the living room couch and you can play with her once your room is clean,” looking at her watch Maria smiled. “You have fifteen minutes left before I do a room inspection.”

Tina quickly put her doll on the living room couch and scurried back to her room.

Ten minutes later the little rebel screamed out, “I’m done!”

Maria peeked into the room, “Nice job, but I still see some things on the floor that shouldn’t be there. I recommend you finish cleaning your room before I start taking away screen time.”

“What,” Tina questioned turning around. “Oh, I see. Don’t come in yet. Not yet, not yet.”

“And I would look under your bed,” Maria said before heading down the hall. “I will be looking there.”

“Oh poop,” Maria heard Tina say. “Didn’t think you would be looking there. Fine, I’ll actually put stuff where they’re supposed to be.”

Quietly, so Tina wouldn’t hear, “I know you too well. You clean by stuffing stuff under the bed too often.”

Ten minutes later, Tina yelled out, “Done, Mommy.”

“Mommy?” Maria rolled her eyes as she headed toward her daughter’s bedroom. “Trying to tug at my heart strings. Sorry Tina, I see through that manipulation.”

Walking into Tina’s room Maria was impressed. Not perfect, but way better than usual. Taking a dress off Tina’s dresser she held it out, “Put this where it belongs, please.”

As the dress was put in the hamper, Maria looked under the bed, “Impressive job. See it actually can be cleaned up under there. You can go play with your doll now.”

As Tina scurried off, Maria looked around, “She is learning. I only have a few more things to put away.”

As the seasons progressed, I watched my baby slowly change. As a nine-year-old, she complains whenever I call her my baby, but she will always be that to me. The last big change I saw in her was this spring when she stopped her little kid love of Disney Princesses. She still likes the princesses and all their movies, but she doesn’t want them plastered all over her stuff anymore. As we are walking down this trail along the river, I smile at her light-up Disney Princess sneakers, but she’s bugging me more to get her a new pair without the princesses on them.

“Look, Mom,” Jenny exclaimed with glee. “A butterfly!”

“Yes, it’s very pretty. Isn’t it?”

She silently watches the butterfly flap around. Last summer, she would be noisy and running all around with excitement. She’d even pretend she was a butterfly. Now she’s studying it like a scientist. I’m so proud of her, and much more able to keep up with the less active version of her. I’m also sad for what I've lost. Innocent, hyperactive little kids have a certain magic, and they share energy with those around them. Now, she’s discovering stuff on her own, not relying on me as much to teach her. She wants books so she can read to learn new things. I miss her needing me to read her cute, funny picture books.

It seems she is changing as fast as the seasons. I don’t know what she is changing into, but I want each precious day of each season. As summer will turn into Fall, she will change again as fourth grade will expand her horizons. She absorbs new stuff taught at school, like lotion on her skin.

“Mom, look at the moon. We don’t see it out in the middle of day that often,” Jenny said as she staired up into the bright blue, cloudless sky. “I want to go there some day.”

“I’m sure you will be able to at some point in your lifetime,” I smiled at her, even though she never took her eyes off the moon. “I had the same dream when I was your age, but you will probably actually get to do it.”

My baby the astronaut. I wonder if they will still call people that once going to the moon is as common as traveling to another country?

I stare at the page, a blank white page. I know the characters, setting, and where the story is going. What I don’t know is what to write. Time is limited, and time to write is precious. Sitting down and having the brain go blank is devastating. Ideas aren’t gone. I have plenty: girls coming out of Gymnastics class, singing group all getting together for the first time, Parent’s reaction to School meeting about disability evaluation, etc. They are all great, and things that will be included in the finished story but turning those ideas into words on a page is elusive. Writing something that shows heart and emotions is not just writing the words out. They need to be weaved down onto the page in just the right way.

I claim the credit as the author and put my name on the stories and poems I write. I am just a front, however, for my muse. She is the creative genius. I’m just the person who types the words into the computer. When she is not inspired, not feeling up to it, or just taking a break, nothing I type will have emotion or a heart. Nothing will be worth reading. Usually, when my muse is not participating, I look at the blank screen and write nothing. I may try to write a sentence or two. Occasionally I get a paragraph or two. I have even written a few pages before, only to delete them because they were garbage. My muse is the artist. I am just a writer. My muse is loved by those that read her words, yet she lets me take the credit. She asks nothing of me, which means I can ask nothing of her. Wanting her to provide on-demand is just that, a want. If I am blessed that day, my muse will grace me with her presence. If she doesn’t want to, I can do nothing about it.

I am at the mercy of my muse, and I feel honored when she shows up. Today she didn’t have anything to share. So, I sit here looking at a blank page. I want to write, but I know anything I write will be deleted because my muse has not joined me today. I share my struggles with you, for the ones who can understand my problem the most are those like you who also have a muse that works through you to share a precious gift with the world. I will do as others do with me. I will praise you and think how wonderful you are when you publish a new story. Honestly, I mean no disrespect to your muse.

I looked around at the assembled members. Nosey Nancy might be a problem, but I think I can keep her under control. Lucy is wearing her cat ear head band. It looks so cute, but I can focus and not be distracted by such things. Mary was wearing a really adorable outfit, oh how she always has the best outfits. I need to focus. Taking a deep breath, I looked around at everyone.

“Okay everyone,” I waited for them all to stop talking and look up at me. “We have a problem. A new person has moved in and taken over our space. This can not be tolerated. They are noisy at all hours of the day. If not disrupting everything, they are sleeping and we are told to be quiet. This situation is not acceptable.”

There were nods of agreement from all of the assembled members.

“What are we going to do about it?”

Lucy promptly stated, “Send them back to where they came from.”

I let out a big sigh, “I recommended that, but it was rejected. Any other suggestions.”

“I couldn’t even get close to them yesterday,” Nancy complained. “I just don’t see why I can’t just continue as things were before. They are the new one here, not us. They need to do things our way.”

Lots of agreement around the room.

Ken spoke up, “We could try making more noise than them, so they see what it is like. Maybe they will get fed up with it and leave.”

“I tried that Ken, but that only got me in trouble.”

“They are really cute,” Mary stated. “When they aren’t disrupting everything. Is there any way to talk to them and convince them to cooperate?”

“I tried that too, but they totally ignored me.”

“How rude,” Allie said. “We definitely need to do something about this intruder.”

“What if we stage a protest. We all go into our space and bring stuff with us. There will be no room for the pest to go. We will have our area back and they will just have to go somewhere else,” Amanda suggested.

I looked around the room. This idea seemed to be acceptable by all.

I picked up Amanda and gave her a big hug, “I should have gone to you first Amanda. Owls are always wise.”

The other members all agreed.

“Okay,” I smiled at everyone. “Nosey Nancy, as an elephant, you are my biggest stuffed animal, so you are first.”

“Let’s make it a huge Tea Party,” Mary suggested. “I could wear my princess tiara.”

I grabbed the tiara off my dresser and put it on my Princess Mary Dolly.

“Okay, everyone. One huge tea party to push the baby out of the living room. We can’t let that pesky thing keep taking over our house.”

“What brought you here today?”

Paige looked around the room and then back at the person in front of her, “I don’t know. I felt like going for a drive and after driving around for an hour I pulled into your parking lot. I wasn’t sure if I should come in, but something was compelling me to.”

The lady on the other side of the desk smiled at Paige, “That’s okay dear. Understanding isn’t necessary. You are here now, and we can help you.”

“Do I need help?”

“No one walks into the New Life Center unless they need help. We just need to figure out what you need help with.”

Paige scrunched up her eyes and nose in confusion, “That doesn’t make sense. You’re inventing things that people need help with?”

The lady chuckled, “No, we find things that are out of balance and align them.”

“I’m not a car needing their tires balanced.”

“Maybe not, but one element of your life being out of balance can cause damage to all the other parts of your life. We can bring you happiness if you let us.”

Paige was skeptical but smiled back.

Taking out an orb with beams of light inside dancing around like lightning, the lady put it directly in front of Paige, “Can you please put one of your hands on the top of the orb?”

Eyeing this weird contraption, Paige hesitated.

The lady calmly put her hand on top, “It doesn’t hurt, but the light inside will respond to your touch.”

Looking at the light beams, they were now a light purple and going to the palm or finger tips of the hand. When the lady took her hand off, the beams all went back to white and shooting all over the place.

“What does it do,” Paige asked as she put her hand just above the orb, unsure if she should lower her hand onto the orb.

“It is the Orb of Truth. It will guide us on your journey.”

Putting her hand on the orb, Paige smiled. It had a slight tingling feeling, but an overwhelming calm passed over her. The beams of light changed to a bright pink and went to her palm and fingertips.

“See, it doesn’t hurt. You can take your hand off the orb now.”

Paige removed her hand and sat back in her seat as the lady took the Orb and put it away.

“So,” the lady said as she settled into her desk chair. “Do you want help with your transition? That is definitely something we can help you with.”

“Transition?”

“Growing up as a male when you are really a Girly Girl must be very tough.”

“But . . .”

“The Orb of Truth does not lie. You are more girly than my niece who insists on everything being Princess Pink, and only wearing dresses.”

“I can’t be. I . . . I’m . . . I’m a girl.” Paige got more confused as what she had intended to say isn’t what came out.

“The Orb of Truth does not allow you to lie for the next hour. Also remember, I touched the Orb too, so I can’t lie either. I am here to help and today that appears to be helping you be the girl you are on the inside.”

Paige looked down at her cargo shorts and camo t-shirt, “How did it know? I’ve never told anyone.”

“Magic!” the lady smiled seeing the shock on Paige’s face. “Honestly, it is science, but more fun to believe it is magic.”

Paige chuckled.

“When you first came in you told me your name. Let me ask you again, what is your name?”

Paige tried to say George, but that is not what she said, “Paige. My name is Paige.”

“You lost it? What do you mean you lost it? This is the third time you have lost this.”

“Sorry.”

“What are we going to do now?”

“It’s not that important Mom.”

“It is important. That is supposed to be handed in first thing tomorrow morning. They were very adamant that you wouldn’t get on the team if the paperwork wasn’t in by 8 am tomorrow.”

“That’s okay Mom. I’ll just wait till next year to play.”

“No, I’ll figure this out. Let’s see. If I drop you off at school tomorrow, I could run in and sign the permission form. I’ll be late for work, but maybe Jim will let me be late. I’ll call him and ask. This is too important for you to miss out on.”

“Mom, it’s not that important. Don’t miss any work over this. It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay. If you don’t get on this team, the Middle School coach won’t let you on that team, and then there is no way you can get on the team in High School. You have to get on the team now, or your whole future will be ruined.”

“But Mom, that’s fine. I’ll find something else.”

“No, this is important. I will make it work. I just have to juggle a few things. Maybe if I stay a little later the rest of the week, Jim won’t complain about me being late tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll get you on the team. Why don’t you go work on your homework. I’ll figure this all out.”

“Mom . . .”

“Go, go. I have to figure this out.”

Walking into my room I turned and looked at mom. She was looking at her phone while pacing around the living room. Shaking my head, I shut the door and collapsed on the bed. I just stared up at the ceiling.

“I don’t see why I have to play just because Dad did. If I have to be on the football field, the last thing I want to be is in a football uniform. Cheerleading might be fun. I might even tolerate the marching band, but there is no way I want to play football. All this because I asked to take a ballet class with Josey. You would think she would get the message. I’m her only child who doesn’t lose things, yet I keep losing the permission form to join football.”

I got up off the bed and sat down at my desk. Opening up my math book I looked at the sheet of problems we had to do for homework.

“I wish life was as easy as Math. If expressing an interest in ballet caused this type of reaction, I don’t even want to know what she would do if I told her I was transgender. She’d probably enroll me in an all boy military school.”

Shaking my head, I tried to focus on subtraction of fractions. I just wish I could figure out how to subtract the boy from everyone’s perception of who I am.

“Hillary Marie Elkson, you have one minute to get down here. If I have to go up there to get you . .”

“I’m coming Mom,” Hillary said as she started down the stairs.

Nancy looked at her daughter. There was no way they could just walk out the door. She was dressed, but that hair. Quickly going into the other room to get a brush and some hair ties, Nancy was soon combing out the bedhead.

“Owwwww, that hurts.”

“Well next time young lady, come down the first time I call your name. We just don’t have time at the moment to be gentle.”

Getting the comb stuck in a bird’s nest, Nancy went to get some detangler, “Honestly, Nancy. I’ve told you that you need to put your hair in a ponytail before going to bed or wear a night cap.”

“Sorry, Mom. Owwww. I forgot. Ahhhh. I was . . .”

“You were reading and fell asleep. Yeah, I know. I was the one that came in and put your glasses and book on your nightstand after you fell asleep,” Nancy said as she finally got the last snarl out of the hair. “I am so glad that you are reading instead of on your tablet, but you really need to be more careful not to fall asleep with your glasses on.”

“I know.”

“There, done! Now get out of those bunny slippers and put some good shoes on. We are running late.”

“They never start on time,” Hillary said as she rushed to get her shoes on. Standing up she noticed herself in the entry way mirror, “Really Mom, high pigtails with pompom hair ties? I’m twelve, not . . .”

“You are my little girl and if you can’t get your act together enough to get your hair done in time, you get whatever I’m in the mood for,” Nancy said with a smile. “I think you look cute in high pigtails.”

Hillary rolled her eyes.

“Now scoot. Your Dad and brother are already in the car waiting for us. I really don’t want to be up on the balcony at Church again. It is so hard to see the pastor from up there.”

“There’s another one,” Olivia shouted as she went running off toward a butterfly.

“Look at its wings,” Lori said as she ran after Olivia. “It’s a Mo-arch butterfly.”

“Monarch,” Tammy corrected. “Isn’t it pretty with those orange and black wings?”

The three girls came to an abrupt stop in front of a kid holding their ears and looking all around.

“What’s wrong Brenda?” Lori asked?

“It hurts! Make it stop,” Brenda contorted her face while continuing to look around the playground.

Olivia, Lori, and Tammy also looked around trying to figure out what Brenda was talking about.

“It hurts!” Brenda shouted before letting out a giant scream of pain.

“Tammy, go get a teacher,” Lori directed. “Brenda, what hurts?”

“The bird, make it stop.”

As Tammy ran off, Lori and Olivia looked around. They could hear a bird singing off in the distance, but they couldn’t see or hear anything closer.

“What’s wrong with the bird,” Olivia asked? “It’s off in the trees. I can barely hear it.”

“It’s so loud. It hurts,” Brenda scrunched her eyes together, fell to the ground, and curled up into a ball, while holding her hands over her ears.

“What’s wrong,” Mrs. Thompson asked as she approached the group?

“I don’t know,” Olivia responded? “Brenda is saying the bird’s singing is hurting her, but it is way over there.”

Mrs. Thompson looked over to the edge of the playground. She could just barely hear the bird singing over the kids playing. Getting down beside Brenda, “It’s okay Brenda. Let’s go inside where it’s quiet.”

Lori looked at the locked door to the school and back at Mrs. Thompson, “She needs her special headphones.”

Smiling down at Lori, “Yeah, she does. When I unlock the door, do you want to take her down to the SpEd room to get them?”

“I can do that,” Lori said with pride.

“Office,” Mrs. Thompson said into her walkie-talkie. “Sending Brenda to SpEd room with Lori.”

“Office acknowledges,” came back through the walkie-talkie. “Notifying Mrs. Diamond.”

When they reached the door, Mrs. Thompson unlocked it and stepped inside with Brenda, Lori, Tammy, and Olivia. Once the door was closed behind them she stopped and got down on her knees in front of Brenda. Then everyone was silent as Mrs. Thompson just waited for Brenda to respond.

Slowly Brenda started to open her eyes and look at Mrs. Thompson.

“Can you still hear the bird?” Mrs. Thompson smiled at Brenda.

Hesitantly Brenda took her hands off her ears and shook her head back and forth.

“Lori will take you down to Mrs. Diamond. Can you go with Lori?”

Brenda shook her head up and down.

“Lori, take her to the SpEd room. Don’t talk with her unless Brenda starts the conversation. Let her recover.”

Lori nodded her head, and Brenda smiled at the directions. Then Lori took Brenda’s hand and headed down the hallway.

Tammy and Olivia looked at the two girls walking down the hall away from them.

Mrs. Thompson opened the door, “Okay, girls, let’s go back out and finish recess. Brenda will be okay.”

Olivia looked down the hall one more time before turning to Tammy, “I’ll race you to the twirly slide.”

Tammy smiled and darted out the door.