Chapter 1 - Eight More Weeks

She walked on stage, the spotlights blinding her, and the crowd’s cheering drowning out the sound of the principal's directions.  She turned to face the crowd. The spotlights and flash photography blinded her view of the audience.  She stood there smiling, waiting for what came next.  

The principal came from behind her and placed the tiara on her head.  Her emotions were bubbling near the surface. She never thought this moment would happen to her, but here she was.

“Congratulations to the 1999 Prom Queen!” the principal said into the microphone.

The ballroom erupted with cheers as she tried unsuccessfully not to cry.

* * *

Six Weeks Earlier…

“Lance,” Dad called through the closed door. “Lance, get up. You have school today.”

Lance rolled over in his bed and groaned. He’d been dreading this day. Monday.  Not just any Monday. The first day at his new school.

Two months ago, Lance’s dad got news that would rock his family’s world. His job was relocating him across the country. He called a family meeting, and he and Lance’s mom had sat both Lance and his twin sister Simone down to break the news to them. The twin’s senior year would be disrupted by the move. Their final two months of high school would be spent on the other side of the country.

Simone was devastated. After all, she had built up a life in the place they were born and had tons of close friends. 

Lance, on the other hand, didn’t care. He was a social pariah and had only a few acquaintances. A new school should’ve brought the promise of starting a new life, but Lance figured nobody was going to be interested in making new friends this late in the game.

Dad quickly went house hunting, and closed on their new house a few weeks ago. It wasn’t his parents' intention to break the family up, but their Dad had to go. Lance and Simone were each given a choice. Naturally, Simone wanted to stay to finish up her senior year with her friends but Lance didn’t care. He was just eager to finally be done with high school all together.

Last week, during spring break, Lance and his Dad packed up all of their things and moved California to New Jersey.

“Come on Lance, I need to be at work in an hour. It’s my first day at the new office.”

“I’m up, I’m up,” Lance grumbled. His scrawny 5’7” frame stood up out of bed and stretched.

The only thing in his room was a bed and a stack of unopened storage bins. Dad told him last night he should unpack his clothes, but instead he spent the evening playing games on his Gameboy.

Lance quickly started searching the storage bins looking for clothes. The first bin contained his winter clothes. The second bin wasn’t his bin at all, but instead was filled with some of Simone’s clothes. She had seemingly tons of clothing. Their mom had insisted she send as much stuff as possible with her dad and brother to avoid having so much to pack when they finally moved out east. “Maybe I should’ve labeled these when I originally packed up.” he thought a little too late. Finally, he found his spring school clothes.

Being in a different bedroom really threw off Lance’s daily routine, and it doubled the time he normally took to get ready for school.

When Lance finally made his way into the kitchen, he saw his dad standing there nervously drinking a coffee. 

Normally, Mom would be there to greet him and his sister, and have their breakfast ready for them. It’s only been a couple days, but Lance already missed the female half of the family.

“Ready to go?” Dad asked, impatiently.

“Can I call mom first?”

“No. She’s three hours behind us. You’ll wake her. Oh, and remember, I’ll be at school at 2 o’clock to pick you up and bring you back home, but then I have to head back to work. Please don’t be late.”

Lance nodded, grabbed a breakfast bar and a banana, and the two of them left the house.

* * *

As Lance got out of his dad’s car and headed towards the school, he had to stop for a car just pulling into the school driveway. The driver was not paying attention to him as she veered into the parking lot.

Zoey parked in the senior lot, turned off the engine, and took a sip of her iced coffee. “Eight more weeks of this,” she sighed. She sat there for two minutes in silence contemplating her life. “How come I feel so alone when I’m surrounded by so many people?” she pondered.

She was also worried about her boyfriend Tyler. She hadn’t heard from him since they each went on vacation for spring break. She got back last night, and Tyler hadn’t responded to any of her messages. What if something bad happened to him?

When Zoey was ready to start her day, she took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. The moment she got out, she heard students calling her name. 

“Hi, Zoey!”

“Hey!” she said, waving at them. She had no idea of their names, but being Student Body President and a positive role model in school, she had to put on a good show for them.

Just then a girl came by that Zoey only vaguely recognized. “Hi, Zoey, I’m with the school paper. I wanted to catch you before school started.”

“Well you caught me,” Zoey responded with a fake smile.

“May I interview you for an article I’m writing?”

“Sure, I suppose.”

“Let’s start with your background - Where did you grow up?”

“A small town near-” she started to say just as the prom co-chair ran up.

“Zoey”, the co-chair interrupted the interview, “We need the hallway flyers approved. I was hoping to run these by you.”

“Let me see the options.”

The co-chair held up 4 flyers.

“I like one and three.” Zoey said. “Two is too loud, and four has the wrong feel for our theme.”

“What do you do for fun?” The reporter asked.

“Obviously, I’m Student Body President. I’m also in charge of the yearbook and the prom. I volunteer on the weekends-”

“I mean, what do you do for fun?”

“That is fun.” Zoey retorted. She sighed. “Fine, I dunno, hang out with my friends.” Zoey spied her best friends Deanna and Peggy heading her way. “Speaking of which…”

“Hey, girl!” Deanna shouted. “How was spring break?”

“It was nice and quiet,” Zoey replied. “We went to my family’s lake house. Did some tanning, some reading.”

“Sounds kinda lame,” Deanna snarked. She had been Zoey’s best friend since elementary school, but they had a very competitive relationship. They would constantly try to one-up each other with sports, clothing, boyfriends, and vacations. “Cancun was awesome - you should’ve come.”

“Yeah, we missed you.” Peggy said.

“Where is this lake house?” the reporter butted back in.

Zoey had almost forgotten about the student reporter. “Wait, is this on the record?” Without waiting for a reply, she then turned to Deanna, “Dee, Have you seen Tyler?” 

“Umm.. nope.” Deanna said, suddenly looking away.

“Wait, what’s wrong?”

“We shouldn’t be the ones to tell you.” Peggy reluctantly replied, also avoiding eye contact.

“With so many extracurriculars,” the reporter continued. “You’re obviously building an awesome college application. What are your current plans?”

Zoey was trying hard to balance two different conversations. The college question took her by surprise. “Umm, I haven't decided yet - it’ll figure itself out - next question.” she turned back to Peggy. “Tell me what?”

Another girl ran up to the growing crowd around Zoey. “Zoey! Zoey! Can you sign my petition?”

Zoey was growing frustrated. Her friends were trying to tell her something, but kept getting interrupted. “A petition for what?” 

“To bring back prom king and queen.”

“Prom king and queen? You mean that outdated tradition that the school stopped years ago?”

“Yeah - they stopped it when the prom court’s float burst into flames.”

Zoey looked the petition girl up and down. She wasn’t the most attractive or popular girl in the school. “What’s in this for you? Hoping to be prom queen?”

“Me? Oh, no. I’m the president of the Democratic Leaders of the Future. We just want teens to get in the habit of voting.”

“I see.”

“I heard it was sparklers.” Deanna chimed in.

“What?”

“The parade float. A prom queen years ago put sparklers in her crown. Sparklers and crêpe paper don’t mix.”

Peggy pantomimed a fiery explosion with her hands, complete with explosive sound effects.

Zoey didn’t care about the parade float. “No, I mean, what about Tyler?”

Deanna and Peggy looked at each other and were silent long enough for the reporter to cut back in. 

“What’s your opinion on the school board eliminating the girls’ soccer program after this year?” the reporter asked.

“Girl’s soccer is getting cut?” Zoey asked, surprised. “Damn!” She internally cursed herself for not knowing this. She re-composed herself and gave a political answer. “Umm.. It’s a terrible shame and I’ll work with the school board to bring it back.” Just then Zoey saw her boyfriend Tyler walking by. “There he is,” she exclaimed. “Excuse me,” Zoey said to her crowd and ran over to him.

The crowd naturally followed. “This is gonna be good,” someone was heard saying.

“Ty!” Zoey said, while tugging on his shirt sleeve. “I’ve been calling but you didn't answer. I thought you were getting back yesterday. I was so worried about you.” She pushed herself up to give him a kiss, but he quickly turned away.

Tyler paused and turned back to face Zoey. “Listen Zoey,” Tyler hesitated. “I think we should break up.”

Zoey was stunned. “He wants to break up with me?” she thought. “Break up?” Zoey said, raising her voice. “What happened?”

“Yeah, well, spring break happened.”

“What happened during spring break?”

“I-I shouldn't tell you.”

“Fine,” she said, angrily.

“So my parents dragged me to the country club,” he continued anyway. “And I was bored, so I invited my boys to hang at the beach. And there was this awesome DJ, you know the one from that TV show? And he was playing some boss tunes-”

“Get to the point, Ty!”

Tyler swallowed hard. “I-I met someone.” He said, looking down and shuffling his feet.

“You met… this DJ? A guy?”

His head snapped back up. “No! No, I met a girl. Olivia Jones. She’s crazy about me.”

“Olivia Jones… You mean the head cheerleader?” Zoey was seething now.

“Yeah, um, that Olivia. So here I was minding my own business at the beach, playing soccer with the gang and listening to the DJ mixing sweet tunes and Oliva Jones was swimming way out in the ocean. Then she starts yelling for help. Like she was caught in a rip tide or something.”

“A rip tide?” The skepticism was obvious in her voice.

“Yeah, so I did what anyone would do - I jumped in to save her life.” Tyler said, like he was some kind of Boy Scout.

“Where was the lifeguard?” Zoey was tapping her foot.

“The lifeguard? I don’t know. So, as I was saving her life, the DJ saw us and put on this romantic song, and we both realized me and her were meant to be together. She was eternally grateful, so that evening we strolled down the boardwalk holding hands, and before you know it we were making out on the sand listening to the waves come in.”

“Isn’t that the plot to Grease?” the reporter wedged her question in. “You know - ‘tell me more, tell me more…’”

Zoey just then realized she still had an audience. “WTF, people, this is a private conversation between me and my boyfriend.”

“Ex.” Tyler corrected, now looking Zoey right in the eyes. “Ex-boyfriend.”

“So that’s it?” Zoey fumed, “You’re dumping me for some bimbo cheerleader you met on spring break?”

“I mean - yeah. I’m the varsity quarterback. Me dating the head cheerleader just makes sense.”

“Asshole!” Zoey yelled, stomping away from Tyler.

* * *

Lance entered the school office and went straight to the receptionist. “Hi, um, yeah it’s my first day. My dad enrolled me over the phone.”

“Last name?” the receptionist asked, not even looking up.

“Biggs.”

“Simone or Lance?”

“What? I’m Lance,” he replied quizzically. “But I don’t think my sister will be joining us this year.”

“Your parent or guardian enrolled both of you. So, both of you need to fill these forms out. Once you return them, I will print out your schedules.” She handed him two stapled packets, and the look on her face said she was done with him.

Lance just took the forms and a pen and sat down on a chair near the door. There was no point in arguing.

Just then, two girls walked into the office wearing cheerleader uniforms. The receptionist glanced up at them. So did Lance, averting his eyes just before they caught him staring.

“Please hold one second, ladies,” she said with a warm smile, and a much sweeter voice than she had used on Lance.

The two girls stood there fidgeting with their backpacks and hair, while gossiping about the big social news of the day. 

“So, Olivia, how was your spring break?” the one girl asked the other. “I heard you hooked up with Tyler Valentine.”

“O. M. G!,” Olivia said, making a distressed look. “Where did you hear that?”

“He’s bragging about it to the whole school.”

You could almost hear Olivia’s eyes roll. “I can assure you, Tyler Valentine is exaggerating.” She rebutted, pointing her nose up just a bit.

“So, dish girl, what really happened then?”

“Well, I was with my family at our country club and here comes that egotistic neanderthal running up and down the beach. Asshole kicks sand all over our blanket. And all over me. So, I walk into the ocean to rinse off. As I go further in, a wave knocks me over. It wasn’t a big wave and not that deep. So, I just stood right back up. But Tyler-effing-Valentine wants to look like some big hero. He comes over and drags me out of the water. I’m fine, but he insists I need CPR, ugh. He managed to put his hands on my chest and kiss me before I pushed him away. What a creep.”

“But he is cute. And he’s the starting quarterback.”

“Yeah, well, he’s not my type.”

“Well, what happened next?” Asked Olivia’s friend, exasperated. “There’s more, right?”

“So then he proceeded to stalk me while my parents and I were strolling the boardwalk. I figured I needed to get him to leave me alone; so I agreed to walk with him and let him buy me a lemonade. He kept trying to hold my hand and I just kept swatting his hand away. And that’s it.”

“That’s it?” She asked.

Just then a faculty member dashed into the office. “Help! The cafeteria’s dishwasher is spewing soap suds everywhere!”

The receptionist and everyone else working the office got up and ran out into the hall.

“Sweet, I gotta see this!” Olivia’s friend said as both of them followed the crowd out of the office.

The door closed and Lance sat there in the office alone. He had just finished filling out his enrollment form. 

“Hello?” he said to the empty office. “I’m done. I need my class schedule.” 

He looked around then stepped out of the office as students were running to what Lance assumed was the cafeteria.

“Fuck it.” he said as he walked the opposite way and out the school doors.

Chapter 2 - The Bet

Lance sat down on a park bench outside the front of the school. Students and teachers passed by him all morning. Not a single one stopped to talk to him. Nobody said hi. Teachers didn’t ask if he should be in class. Invisibility was normal for Lance. This was how they treated him at his last school too.

The class bell rang and suddenly Lance was alone.

Like normal.

Different school. Same result.

An older guy who looked like a faculty member walked by. Lance was expecting him to say something. Instead, he ignored Lance and just headed into the school.

Lance sighed, pulled his Gameboy from his backpack, and started playing a game.

Fifty minutes later another class bell rang and students were rushing from one class to another. Lance had zero motivation to get up and return his forms to the office. Was he really going to skip school today?

He wished he could call Mom.  He wished he could call Simone.  They always knew what to say to help him ease his anxieties.  Mom would remind him that he’s loved.  Simone would attempt to get him to make new friends and to put himself out there.

With each class bell, the day got later and later.  Lance considered leaving.  But whatever Lance did to pass the time, he still had to be back here at the end of the day so his dad could give him a ride home.

So he stayed on the park bench through the entire school day.

* * *

Zoey, Deanna, and Peggy walked out of the school at the end of the last class. Like earlier, random students were saying hi to Zoey. Except this time they were also offering their condolences.

“Sorry to hear about you and Tyler,” one girl said.

Guys would smile and give her a nod.

“Zoey, call me.” said another girl with a wink.

Zoey stopped in front of the school and watched students stream by. She held her tongue as Olivia Jones and her cheerleading friends walked past her. 

The student reporter accidentally bumped Zoey’s shoulder while running over to Olivia. “Olivia, can I interview you for the school paper?”

“Oh hi, Trudy,” Olivia smiled, “Sure. I love your stories!”

Zoey rolled her eyes and felt a pang of jealousy. That was her this morning. But now seeing all the attention Olivia was getting, Zoey was starting to feel like she was yesterday’s news.

Another girl pushed by Zoey, talking to her friend as if Zoey wasn’t there. “Oh my God, I hear Tyler Valentine is single now,” she gushed.

Zoey grunted in frustration and looked to her best friends for support. “This will all blow over.” she said, trying to convince herself also.

“I don’t know, Zoey,” Deanna said. “I think you’re underestimating how much of a big deal this whole Tyler thing is. This kinda stuff will follow you to college.”

“Yeah, remember that girl from last year who was caught having sex with the art teacher.” Peggy added. “I heard she had to drop out of college.”

The three of them stood there and watched Tyler and a few of his football friends walk by. That was until Tyler noticed Olivia and her friends, then he strutted up to them and interrupted whatever it was they were talking about.

“Hey, sexy,” Tyler said to Oliva, like they had been a couple for months.

“Ugh,” Zoey said, turning away from that scene. “Tyler is just a jock. He’s nobody. He’s going to drop out of college.” Zoey complained. “He’s totally replaceable - if I even wanted another boyfriend.”

“Whoa, Tyler Valentine is not easily replaceable.” Deanna said. “He’s the most popular guy in school.”

“Dee’s got a point there Zo.” Peggy feigned a smile. She hated taking sides.

“You’re damn right,” Deanna said, “He’s the varsity quarterback. His rock-hard abs were featured in January and February in the football booster’s fundraising calendar.”

“It’s still February in my mom’s home office.” Peggy said as both she and Deanna giggled.

“No, you’re both wrong.” Zoey replied. “He’s only the most popular guy in school because he was dating me - the most popular girl in school. Hell, he wouldn’t even be on the football team without my tutoring. He would’ve flunked out before ever making the team.”

“Ego much?” Deanna taunted.

“No, it’s a fact. Being popular takes work, but anyone can do it. Look at me. I was shy in middle school. But I came out of my shell, and believe me, I worked for it. I won class president by a landslide every year. I got voted “Most Likely to Succeed” for the yearbook. I’m fucking royalty now.”

“But if Tyler, the varsity quarterback, is dating Olivia, the head cheerleader, there’s new royalty in town - and Olivia is the one fucking it.”

“Barf!” Zoey put her finger in her mouth. “Spare me. Popularity is overrated anyway.”

“But what about all that hard work you put into it?” Peggy asked. “Just to see it all go up in smoke because of Tyler’s spring fling?”

“Now that I think of it, things were getting kinda annoying and distracting. Maybe it’s better if I let someone else become the most popular girl for a change.”

“Like Oliva?” Deanna needled.

“Oh, hell, no! That bitch needs to go down!”

“I heard she’s already a shoo-in for prom queen if they bring that back.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“But I thought you didn’t care about prom court.”

“I don’t, but you don't need to be dating Tyler to be prom queen. It’s so superficial, anyone could do it. Take Petition-Girl over there.” Zoey pointed at the girl trying unsuccessfully to get signatures from a bunch of skater guys. “With a new look and attitude, maybe a padded bra, she could be prom queen.”

“You can't be serious, Zo.” Deanna said. “You yourself wouldn’t even give her the time of day this morning. You don’t even know her name.”

“No, I'm serious.” Zoey said. “Watch this.” She faced the girl and yelled: “Hey! You with the petition!”

She looked back at Zoey. Zoey motioned to her, and she came bounding over with a great big smile.

“What’s your name?” Zoey asked.

“Pricilla.”

Zoey took her clipboard and read the title. “Petition to establish Prom Court.” It had only three signatures - the first one being Pricilla’s. Zoey took the pen and signed her name. She then shouted out loud to the crowd: “Everyone, come sign Patti’s awesome petition to bring back prom king and queen!”

Suddenly a crowd of people converged on Pricilla as Zoey, Deanna, and Peggy stepped away.

“See.” Zoey gloated. “Now twenty more people know her name, and because I've signed it, it’s all but guaranteed to succeed.”

Deanna looked at the crowd and then Zoey dumbfounded. “But that doesn’t mean she’s going to be elected prom queen.”

“No, but if I wanted, I could help her - or anyone else - become prom queen.”

Zoey and Deanna stared at each other for a pregnant moment before Peggy spoke up. “OK you two, let’s just agree to disagree. Let’s not get catty.”

“No,” Deanna said firmly. “I want Zoey to put her money where her mouth is. She thinks it's so easy to be queen bitch at this school, let her prove it.”

“Nah, don't go there, Dee,” Peggy cautioned. “She’s just angry ‘cause she got dumped in front of the whole school. And this has nothing to do with Tyler or Olivia.”

“Don’t be a square, Peg, I want her to prove herself. What do you say Zo?”

“Are you talking about another bet?” Zoey asked.

“Yeah, prove you’re not just full of shit.” Deanna responded.

“What’re the terms?”

“I’ll pick the target and you have six weeks to get them elected prom queen.”

“Alright ladies, let’s not get carried away here.” Peggy cautioned. “Remember the last time you both made a bet?”

“Yeah,” Zoey grinned. “Dee had to flash the boy’s track team.”

“Yeah, apparently boys can’t run with a raging boner.” Deanna replied. “I feel bad for that one boy who tripped and fell flat on… nevermind.”

“You mean the pole vaulter?” Peggy giggled.

“Well, this is another bet I'll be winning.” Zoey said with complete confidence. “You’re on.”

“Don’t be too sure about that.” Deanna replied. “OK, let’s find our future prom queen.”

Zoey scanned around the students in the quad. She saw a girl who was wearing cat ears and had a fabric cat tail poking out of her skirt. “How about her?”

“Nah.” Deanna responded. “I don’t want to listen to a prom queen acceptance speech full of catgirl-speak. Hey, wow about this one?” she said pointing at a goth girl. “She’s got this whole Wicked Witch of the West theme going on.”

“Ew. Are you sure we can’t pick the furry?” 

“Nah. Let’s keep looking.”

“How about her?” Zoey pointed at a girl, who had glasses, braces and was dressed like a tomboy.

“Nah. She’s actually good looking underneath all of… that. I feel like that’s been done. We can do better.” Deanna stopped in her tracks and pointed straight ahead. She had an evil smirk on her face. “Ladies, we have a winner.”

Zoey looked at where Deanna was pointing. There, sleeping on a park bench in front of the school was some unknown guy. “Who? There’s no girl over that way.”

“Who said anything about a girl?” Deanna snickered.

“You mean the homeless boy?” Zoey questioned.

“You never specifically said it had to be a girl.” Deanna laughed at her own cleverness.

“Does he even go here?” Peggy wondered out loud.

“Look, I can handle hygiene issues, off-putting personalities, crazy obsessions, and maybe even a tail. But a guy? He’s not even eligible for prom queen. Peggy, please help me out here.”

“Zo, I warned you.” Peggy responded, shrugging her shoulders and snickering.

Deanna laughed. “You’re not backing out of the bet are you?”

Peggy giggled.

“Never,” Zoey confidently asserted.

“Then you better get a move on. You only have six weeks to get that guy to be prom queen.”

Zoey walked up to the sleeping boy. She cleared her throat. He didn’t respond. She did it again, louder. She then nudged him with the tip of her shoe. “I’m not sure if he’s even alive,” she called back to her friends.

Zoey’s yelling awoke the sleeping boy. He quickly sprang up and looked around. Seeing Zoey, he shouted at her accusingly. “What? Who are you?”

“Hi, stranger.” she said seductively. “My name is-”

“What did you do to me?” he cried out, all paranoid. “Is there gum in my hair? Did you draw on my face?”

“No, I just-”

“Leave me alone.” He got up and ran off, wiping his face, glancing back to see if she was following him.

Zoey turned around to face her friends who were standing there laughing. “Shit,” she thought to herself. “This is going to be harder than I thought.”

She looked down at her feet and noticed a few papers on the ground. She knelt down to pick them up and saw that they were school enrollment forms. At the top of the first form, in sloppy handwriting, was “Lance Biggs.” Below that was his address.

“Alright Lance Biggs.” Zoey whispered to herself. “It’s time to pay you a visit.”

Chapter 3 - Visibility

Lance was nervously waiting by the curb when his dad pulled up. He opened the door and climbed into the car.

“How was your day?” Dad asked, pulling out of the school lot.

Lance was quiet for a moment, unsure of how to break it to him. “I didn’t go.”

“You didn’t go?” the concerned elder Biggs repeated.

“There was some craziness in the office and I wasn’t able to hand in the enrollment forms.”

“You have to enroll in school, Lance. How else are you going to graduate?”

“Maybe my old school can just mail me my diploma. There’s only 8 weeks left of school anyway.”

Lance’s dad sighed and shook his head. “I don’t think that’s an option anymore. You need to go to school these last two months. If you didn’t want to move with me so early, you should’ve let us know.”

“But I did want to leave.”

“Then you need to go to your new school.”

“I’ll try again tomorrow.” Lance promised. He opened his backpack and looked for the forms he had filled out. They weren’t inside. “Great,” Lance thought, “I’ll have to ask for them again and start all over.”

“Don’t forget to register for buses too,” Lance’s dad added. “I can’t take off mid-day to pick you up every day for the next 2 months.”

“Well, you could just buy me a car.”

“Ha. You know we can’t afford cars for you and your sister right now. Maybe if you both had gotten those summer jobs we suggested.” 

“I know, I know,” Lance said, trying to end the conversation. “Have you heard from Mom and Simone?”

“Yeah, they called me before they both headed out in the morning. They miss us. They wanted to know how you were acclimating.”

“I hope you don’t mention today next time you talk.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

“Thanks, I’ll call them myself when mom comes home from work.”

“Don’t forget. 3-hour difference.”

“I know, Dad.”

* * *

Zoey walked into her house and threw her purse and backpack down. She walked into the kitchen to grab a snack and sitting at the island was her tomboyish younger sister, Mackenzie. “Hey,” Zoey said, sounding depressed.

“Hey,” Mackenzie echoed. She was in the middle of working on something and it didn't look like homework. She had comic books splayed across the countertop and a sketch pad open.

“Watcha working on?” Zoey asked, grabbing an apple and closing the fridge door.

“I’m designing a cosplay outfit for TurboCon.”

Zoey held back laughter as she bit into the apple. “Why can’t you be normal?”

Mackenzie looked up and sneered at her sister. “Why can’t you be normal? Seriously, Zo. Don’t be a bitch.”

“Sorry, Mack,” Zoey apologized. “It’s been a rough day.”

“I heard Tyler dumped you for some cheerleader.”

“Well, she’s the head Cheerleader, but yeeeah,” Zoey said, trailing off and taking another bite of the apple.

“So what’s your plan?”

“Plan?”

“Yeah. I know you. When shit goes down like this you always find a way to rebound. Let me guess, you’re going to start dating one of Tyler’s friends to make him jealous.”

“No,” Zoey replied timidly. “I mean, I am… trying to talk to… umm… some guy.”

“I knew it.”

“But he, like, blew me off as if he didn’t know who I was.”

Mackenzie laughed, “That’s awesome. I already like him.”

“No, it's not awesome. I have six weeks to turn him into prom queen.”

Mackenzie stopped what she was doing. She dropped her pencil and stared at Zoey. “Wait, say that again.”

“I have to turn that boy into our prom queen.”

“He has to get elected prom queen? Umm, how exactly are you going to do that?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet.”

“Is this boy a cis boy?”

“A what? He’s just a boy. I don’t know. I’m in over my head.”

Mackenzie rolled her eyes. “Obviously. Why are you doing this? Clearly not to protest gendered institutions.”

“I sorta made a bet with Deanna–”

“Deanna again? Holy shit, Zo! You never learn. Why would you–”

“I dunno, but I did. But now I’ve got to make good on it.”

“OK, fine. So your boy. We’ll assume he’s cis. Now explain the school’s rules. Does the Prom Queen have to be a girl? I didn’t think our school even had a prom king and queen.”

“Not yet. The prom court election hasn’t been reinstated yet, but I imagine that’s how it will work.”

Mackenzie pondered that for a moment before speaking. “OK, So you have three options here. A. You get the school to make prom queen gender neutral. B. You disguise him as a girl. C. Your friend is actually transgender, but then this goes right back to A. Will a trans girl be eligible? But none of those options take into account your friend’s popularity.”

“OK, I’ll focus on Option A.”

Mackenzie giggled, “Yeah, good luck with that Zo. That’s a worthy goal, but not one you’re qualified to do.”

“Says who?”

“Says you. You don’t know the difference between cis and trans, and you want to fight for a gender neutral prom court.”

Zoey crossed her arms in frustration but wasn’t able to find the right comeback for that. Mack was right that she had no idea what she was talking about. “OK, Fine. Option B. I’ll dress him up.”

Mackenzie shook her head in disappointment. “Listen, I need to finish this up because I’m meeting up with my D&D group later.”

“Fine,” Zoey said walking away. “Nerd.”

“Bimbo,” Mackenzie called back. She watched her sister walk away and felt uneasy about the situation Zoey got herself into. Surely Zoey was playing with fire, and potentially making a mockery of gender in front of the whole school. Not to mention the feelings and psyche of that poor boy. Mackenzie felt an obligation to prevent that from happening. “Zoey, wait.”

Zoey stopped and looked back at Mackenzie.

“If you can convince him of your scheme, and you can convince him to crossdress willingly, then you can invite him to my D&D game tonight. But he’s gotta do this willingly, or I’m out.”

“Why a nerd fest? I need him to get popular. Not to be labeled a nerd.”

“Do you want my help or not?” Mackenzie raised her voice.

“Sorry. How will D&D help?”

“Call it a trial run. My friends are more accepting than yours. We’re role players and cosplayers. Many of them know the thrill of role playing a different gender. If you want your friend to feel accepted and go along with your scheme, then they should do it in a safe space.”

Zoey nodded. The gears were turning in her head. As much as the sisters fought, they were very much alike. Except Mackenzie focused more on imagination and artistic talents whereas Zoey focused on influencing others. Zoey realized that Mackenzie’s plan had merit. “Thanks. That’s a pretty good idea. I guess I need to talk to him first.”

Mackenzie nodded.

Just then, the girls’ father came into the kitchen. “Hi girls, how was school?”

“It was fine, Daddy,” Zoey smiled. “Will you buy us some ice cream?”

Mr. Sellers knew that tone. He crossed his arms and looked sternly at Zoey. “Uh-oh, what happened, Zoey?”

“She got dumped,” Mackenzie answered before Zoey, glancing at her sister.

“Aw, I’m sorry to hear that, pumpkin,” he consoled. “You can do so much better than Tyler. I bet there are hundreds of guys lined up to take his place.”

Zoey smiled. “I’m in no rush.”

“How about you, sport?” he asked Mackenzie.

“School was great. The teacher liked my report on the conflict in Kosovo.”

“Excellent work, Mack,” he said. “Zoey, have you picked a college yet?”

“Crap,” she thought, “I was supposed to do that by now.” “No,” she mumbled, suddenly looking away, “I’ve been too busy–”

“Too busy?” he questioned. “Zoey, those things have deadlines. Acceptance, classes, dorms, loans.”

“I know, I know. I’m just having a hard time picking one. We applied to ten of them, remember?”

“Then narrow them down,” he said. “Remember, how do you eat an elephant?”

“I know, Dad, ‘one bite at a time’,” she replied, smiling and rolling her eyes. “I’ll get to it. I promise. Listen, I will be back in a bit. I want to meet up with a… friend.”

Dad nodded and Mackenzie giggled.

Zoey returned to her bags and pulled out the forms that had Lance’s home information on it. She then scanned the form, copied the information down on a piece of paper, grabbed her purse and left the house.

* * *

Olivia was in line at a local cafe waiting for her food order. Her friends had already gotten a table on the sidewalk, when someone appeared at her side.

“Hey babe,” Tyler said, looking like he was about to kiss her.

“Do you mind?” she said dismissively, stepping away from him.

“Fancy meeting you here,” he said with a smile.

“Yeah, well my friends and I come here often. But you probably knew that already since you’re stalking me.”

“I’m not stalking you. My friends are right over there.” he said, pointing to a table at the far end of the restaurant. But about last Friday night–”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Come on,” he said. “I really want to go out with you again.”

“I don’t date meatheads.”

“Then what about last Friday?”

“I was,” she lowered her voice to a whisper. “I was drunk, Tyler.”

“So was I. But we can try again sober,” he whispered back.

“Ugh, Tyler, I can’t.”

“That wasn’t a ‘No.’”

“Ugh, Ok, fine. No.” She clarified.

“That wasn’t a very convincing ‘No’.”

“That’s the thing about ‘No’, Tyler, it doesn’t have to be convincing.”

“403!” a worker called as he put a tray of food on the counter.

“That’s me,” Olivia said, quickly grabbing her food and walking away from Tyler.

Tyler stood there and called back to her, “I can wait!”

* * *

Lance dialed his mom’s work number. He knew it was around lunchtime back home.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi sweetie, how was your first day at your new school?”

“It was OK, Mom.”

“Did you make any new friends?”

“Not really.”

“Well, there’s always tomorrow. Today was your first day after all.”

Changing the subject, he asked, “When are you and Simone coming to visit?”

“Not for another few weeks. How are you and Dad doing?”

“Fine. He lets me do my own thing. But he doesn’t understand my social anxieties. I feel lost without the rest of our family.”

“Lance, honey, you know we love you and we care about you. Things will get better. Just take little steps to meet people and open up to them. I’ve got to get back to work now. Make sure you and your dad eat right. Look after each other. Love you both.”

“Love you too, Mom. Talk to you later. Bye.” Lance hung up the phone. 

Lance returned to his room and sat down amongst stacks of unopened bins of stuff, resuming the game on his Game Boy, when he heard the doorbell. 

His father wasn’t due home for another hour, so Lance paused the game and curiously went downstairs. He opened the door only to find the girl from earlier at school.

“Yeah?” he asked cautiously.

“Hi, Lance,” she announced in her friendliest voice, “I’m Zoey.”

“How do you know my name?”

Zoey held up the enrollment forms. “You left these on your park bench.”

Lance snatched the packets of papers from Zoey’s grasp. “I was wondering where I left those. K. Bye.” Lance went to shut the door, when Zoey blocked it from closing with her foot. They made awkward eye contact. “Um, this is the part where you leave,” Lance said.

“No, this is the part where you say thank you.”

Lance heard his mother’s suggestion in his head and sighed. Perhaps he was being overly harsh on this strange girl. “OK. You’re right. Sorry, I have a rough time talking to strangers.  Thank you for bringing me my forms.  Have a good evening.”

“Wait, Lance. Can I call you Lance?”

“That’s… that’s my name. What else would you call me?”

“Great. Lance. You’re new here right?”

He held up the papers. “Duh. School enrollment forms.”

“Well, I’m the most popular girl in school.” she stated, proudly.

“Is that an official title this school gives out?”

She frowned at his comeback. “No. The point is, I can help you.”

“I don’t need any Girl Scout Cookies.”

“I’m not here selling cookies.”

“Then what is this? Some kind of new-student mentoring program? I’m not even enrolled yet.”

Zoey was silent. “Damn,” she thought, “that would’ve been a cool idea as well. Too late now.” 

“No,” she said, “I saw you all alone on that bench and thought you could use a friend.”

“Oh, sure. The most popular girl in school wants to be my friend?”

“Yes, and I can make you more popular, too.”

“And why would I–”

“Because spending the rest of the school year living on a park bench isn’t going to win you any friends.”

“I wasn’t gonna… I mean, tomorrow I was…” Lance was getting flustered talking to the obviously attractive, yet enigmatic, girl.

“I have a unique opportunity for you.”

“Oh?” Lance replied, warily.

“You may have heard my boyfriend dumped me.”

Lance shrugged with disinterest. “No, I don’t do school gossip. I don’t even know who you are.”

“I’m Zoey, remember? So, Lance. I need your help. And by helping me, we will make everyone at school jealous of you.”

“Me?” he laughed. “Is this a joke? It has to be. Look at me. No one is jealous of me.”

“Not even at your old school?”

“Certainly not there. I was invisible there, and I’m invisible here. Nobody knows me, nobody cares.”

“Well I care, and trust me, if you stick with me, people will notice you.”

“That’s assuming I even want to be noticed.”

“Oh, but I got your attention.”

“How do you figure?”

“You haven’t shut the door on me yet.”

“I tried.  But, OK, Bye.”

“Before I go, please come to my house in an hour and we can discuss my plan.”

“Bye, whatever your name is.” He shut the door in her face.

“It’s Zoey,” he heard her say from behind the shut door. “My name is Zoey.”

He looked down at the school enrollment forms. Paper-clipped to them was a note that had Zoey’s name and address.

He stared at the note for a few seconds. He wasn’t really considering this, was he? How many nights had he dreamed about being noticed. Simone had tried to help him on occasion, but he felt guilty using his sister like that. Here was a complete stranger, and a very attractive one, offering him something very tantalizing.

He reopened the door and Zoey was still standing there. “I don't have a car.”

She smiled. “Then come with me.”

He stopped there for a moment trying to decide whether to leave with her. “OK, I just have to leave a note for my dad.”

“I’ll wait,” Zoey beamed with success. “Lance, your life is about to change.”

Chapter 4 - The Plan

As they rode in silence, Zoey turned on the radio. Aerosmith’s “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” was playing. This must be fate, she decided. She started brainstorming how to pull off her plan and win the bet.

If Lance was an actual girl, the plan would be to take her under her wing, give her a makeover, teach her how to dress and act, and have her hang with her for a bit. She’d take her to all of the popular hangouts and be seen by a good portion of the student body. That should be enough for a prom nomination. Then Zoey could use her charm to get her actually crowned queen while  avoiding any mention of the bet. Easy.

But Lance is a guy. Can the same plan work? Can he pretend to be a girl? Would he? 

While at a stoplight, she turned to look at him. He was shorter than most guys. Scrawny too. His face was youthful. He didn’t necessarily have a feminine body, but with the right shapewear he might just pass. Maybe this dude just might look like a lady.

“OK, here’s the plan,” she said. “I need you to dress up like a girl. Then I’m going to take you to parties and such and show you off.”

“Wait, what? Why? Are you trying to humiliate me?” he panicked. “Just take me home now.”

Zoey cringed. She forgot that he might be sensitive to other people’s perceptions of him. “Sorry. That came out all wrong. Let me explain.”

“Why in the world would you want to dress me up like a girl and show me off?”

“I said, let me explain.” Zoey thought again. She couldn’t tell him about the bet could she? Why else would he voluntarily dress up to be a girl?

Zoey instead said the first thing that came to mind. “I uh…. I want to make my ex jealous. Yeah. You know - we pass you off as a hot girl and we go on a few dates and-”

“I thought… your ex was a boy.”

“I uh… misspoke.” This was not going well for Zoey. She realized she should’ve put more thought into the execution of her plan.

“You want me to dress up like a girl to make your ex-girlfriend jealous? That’s stupid. It sounds like the plot to a really lame movie.”

“I could make it worth your while,” she blurted out. Zoey was always the picture of confidence, but desperation was creeping into her voice. “Wait, I didn’t mean that like it sounded.”

“You’re serious? What are you offering?”

“I’m offering to make you popular. To give you what you desire - visibility.”

“Me? Like I said earlier, what makes you think I even want those things?”

“Who doesn’t? Don’t tell anyone, but I was like you once,” she softly confessed. “In middle school. I was ugly and fat, and an outcast.”

“I’m not fat.”

“Whatever, I remember what it felt like. To want friends and a normal life. What would you say to that?”

“I’d say you’re either nuts or very desperate. And I’m not inclined to help anyone in either of those situations.” Lance really wished he had not opened his door to this psycho - and got in her car!

“Well, I can assure you that I am neither of those.” 

“Nobody just shows up unannounced and offers someone popularity. There has to be something sinister going on.”

“Just hear me out, and if you’re still not convinced we can help each other, I’ll turn around and take you straight home. Fair enough?”

“You don’t have a chloroform rag under the seat, do you?” A smile crept across Lance’s face. While he wanted to flee, he was enjoying this banter. He rarely got to speak to his peers like this.

“I was saving that for later,” Zoey joked to lighten the mood. She winked at him, but her flirtatious innuendo went unnoticed by Lance. 

“OK, I’m listening. So your plan. You want me to crossdress… and pretend to be your… girlfriend? To make your… ex-girlfriend jealous?”

Zoey realized how ludicrous her proposal sounded. “You’re right, that does sound stupid. Forget what I said earlier.” She pulled into a Wawa parking lot and parked. She turned and looked straight at Lance. “OK, here’s the truth. I made a stupid bet with my best friend that with my popularity and charm, I could make anyone beautiful and popular enough to become prom queen at this year’s dance.”

Lance looked confused as he thought about what she said. “That sounds like another lame movie. Sounds like equal parts arrogant and foolish. But what does that have to do with-” He paused as her words sank in. “Oh, shit! No! Not in a million years! Take me home. Now!” Lance was practically screaming inside Zoey’s car. As he reached for the door handle, Zoey hit the lock button.

“Please, Lance, let me finish,” Zoey begged. She felt she was on the verge of losing him. She had to regain his trust, and control of this conversation. “I had to let my friend pick the target. She found a loophole - I never said the target had to be a girl. She saw you sleeping on the bench, and picked you.” Zoey long ago figured out how to cry on command and she was triggering the water works. “I truly am sorry, Lance,” She said, her voice cracking. “I’ll take you home now. I never meant to hurt you. I was arrogant and stupid, just like you said.” The tears were flowing good now, and streaks of mascara lined her cheeks.

Lance was mortified at seeing the crying girl in the driver’s seat. “No, wait. I didn’t call you stupid. I said ‘foolish’.” Lance looked at Zoey and smiled. Her tears and sadness seemed genuine. “Crap. I think I may really regret this, but tell me more.” 

She grabbed a coffee shop napkin from the cupholder and wiped the mess from her face. She slowly regained control of her emotions, and sniffled on command to help sell it. “OK, my sister is into cosplay and games like D&D. She is an expert at making people look like monsters, and animals, and aliens. She has volunteered to help you look like a beautiful girl. And then show you off to her D&D friends tonight to get their opinion.”

“Yeah, well, no amount of makeup is going to turn me into a beautiful girl.”

“I have faith in my sister’s abilities. Besides, your face is kinda cute.”

“Really?” A skeptical Lance was stunned. A girl just called him cute? He found himself blushing. He had a lot to consider. The most popular girl in school just begged for his help. He had never been in a position like this. How could he say no? At the same time, his head was swirling with questions. “I uh… I’m not ready to say yes. I have a few questions that need to be worked through if you want my help.” 

“Ask away.”

“First, how many times would I need to dress up as a girl?”

Zoey looked at Lance. How many times? He wasn’t going to like the answer. “You would have to pretend to be a girl every day from now until prom night in order to convince everyone that you are a girl, and to win their vote for prom queen.”

“No way! My dad wouldn’t understand. He’d think I was gay or something and kick me out of the house. No bet, and no popularity, is worth destroying my life. Sorry.”

“OK, OK,” Zoey compromised. “How about a few parties, and we’ll show you around before and after school every day, so you can be seen and get to know people as the hot new girl. That would be the bare minimum. I’ll pick you up for school each day and take you to my house so you can change. We’ll do the reverse when you come home. Your dad wouldn’t need to know. But you do need to be very visible leading up to prom for this to work.”

Lance was hung up on the word “hot.” Clearly, this girl was toying with him. “Second question. You’re not going to make me join any groups, like cheerleading, right?”

“No, of course not. But…I won’t stop you if you decide you want to, either.”

Lance scoffed at the idea of him voluntarily joining cheerleading. 

“Are you going to make me date… guys?”

“Not unless it helps you get prom queen.”

Lance looked mortified again.

“OK, fine. No dating guys. Well, unless you want to.”

“I’m not gay!” he raised his voice.

“OK OK,” she acknowledged. 

Lance was quiet as he thought some more about Zoey’s plan.

“Is that all of your questions?”

“I think so. Having a daily ride does certainly help. My dad is having a hard time driving me back and forth to school every day. I’m sure he’d appreciate me getting a ride from a classmate. But he can’t find out about me wearing girl’s clothes.” 

“OK, I can work with that. Anything else to help you say ‘yes’?”

“Well, I missed dinner when you kidnapped me,” Lance deadpanned. “How about buying me a smoothie and some snacks?” Lance pointed at the Wawa.

“You want me to buy you dinner?” Zoey raised her eyebrows.

Lance’s eyes opened wide. “No, I didn’t mean it like that.”

Zoey chuckled. “I’m just messing with you. Let’s go.” As she reached for the unlock button she needed to confirm Lance’s intentions. “You’re not going to run away are you?”

“Not until after you feed me,” he chuckled.

She unlocked the doors and got out. “Huh, I guess the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” she thought to herself.

Lance opened the door and got out of the car. She still half-expected him to take off running, but instead he followed her inside the convenience store. 

Lance picked up a Tastykake, and was considering a second, when Zoey reached over and took it from him. She looked at the calories. “I’m not buying this.”

Lance scoffed as he watched Zoey put his favorite snack back.

Zoey started looking for some healthier options for her and Lance. He was going to have to watch his figure for what she was planning. “Hey, Lance, how about something a little healthier than cupcakes?” She held up a turkey sandwich and an apple.

Lance shrugged at her suggestion. “Fine. But, I still want the smoothie.”

“Deal.”

While they were waiting in line to pay, Zoey sighed. “I used to come here with Tyler all the time. I’d get an iced coffee and he would get at least two pork rolls.”

“Tyler?”

“My ex.”

“Tyler is a funny name for your ex-girlfriend,” Lance chided.

Zoey laughed too, then faced Lance. “Look, I’m sorry I lied to you. I was desperate to get you on board with this bet and I wasn’t sure how to convince you to help me.”

“Well, you could have just told me the truth.”

“Would you have done it?”

“I still haven’t said yes, yet.”

He looked at Zoey who seemed to be sad and lost in thought. “If I could ask my kidnapper a personal question. Do you still love him?” Lance had a strange new feeling going through him thinking of Tyler. Could it be jealousy? 

Zoey considered Lance’s question. “That’s pretty complicated. Yes, I still love him. We had some really good times together. But I also hate him for what he did. He dumped me, and he embarrassed me in front of the whole school. He’s a total jerk.”

“I’m sorry for asking,” he said, looking down at his feet. He didn’t know how to console a girl. Should he give her a hug? Nah. “I agree - he was a huge jerk for what he did.” Lance paused. He wasn’t used to talking to girls. Especially cute ones. And especially about relationship stuff. “You, uh… deserve better.” He shuddered at those words. These feelings were all new to him. He forced a smile.

“Thank you, Lance.” She looked at him. “I owe you complete honesty for what you are doing for me. I really appreciate it.”

“I still haven’t agreed, you know.” He reminded her then smiled. “But you are wearing me down,” He said, holding up his food.

She opened the passenger door for Lance upon returning to the car. 

He climbed into the car and sat down. He didn’t run away like she was fearing. 

“So, is that a yes?” she asked. “Will you help me?”

He sighed and looked out the window. “Honestly, I’m still not sure. You have to admit that’s a lot to ask of a guy you just met. I’m not even sure your sister can do what you said she can.”

Zoey nodded in agreement and resumed driving to her house. Both of them were deep in thought about Zoey’s proposal. They were feeling nervous. It had been a difficult introduction for both of them. Could they pull this off? Lance started eating his sandwich.

Zoey turned back to Lance. “You haven’t jumped out of the car yet.”

“It’s in motion,” he garbled, his mouth full. “And I want to finish eating. But I’m still thinking about it.” 

* * *

They pulled up to Zoey’s house. Zoey was the first one out of the car and started walking up the path to the front door. Lance hesitated and watched her from the car.

She looked back. “You coming inside?”

He looked at her waiting impatiently for him. “This is it,” he thought. “If I get out of this car, I’m agreeing to this crazy scheme. Can I even back out anymore?” He slowly got out of Zoey’s car and froze, staring at the house, or more appropriately, the mansion in front of him.

Lance wasn’t familiar with his new town yet, but he could tell this had to be the nicer part of it. The yard was very well kept with a fountain in the middle of it. The house itself looked huge, with two full floors, and decorative pillars. Lance slowly walked up the winding front walk to join Zoey at the front door, then he followed her into the house.

Lance’s eyes went wide upon entering Zoey’s house. There was a winding staircase with a big chandelier in the foyer. Through one set of doors was a library with bookshelves from floor to the high arched ceiling. Through another set of doors he could see the main sitting room with a giant marble fireplace and a grand piano off to the side. 

He contrasted this with his new house which was cold, empty and filled with unpacked boxes. Even his old house when his whole family lived in it wasn’t this elaborate.  The most decorative thing his family owned was a bookshelf of encyclopedias that only ever collected dust.

Lance followed her up the stairs to a hallway full of doors. Zoey knocked on the last door on the left that was decorated with an anime poster. “Mack, it’s me.”

The door opened wide, and standing there was a girl who was clearly Zoey’s sister, only without the bubbly personality and sporting shorter hair, wearing a t-shirt and cargo pants. 

“Mack, this is Lance. Lance, this is my sister, Mackenzie.”

Mackenzie looked Lance up and down, took a deep breath, and sighed. “I guess we really are doing this. Come in.”

They both walked into Mackenzie’s bedroom where she pulled out a sewing measuring tape and started measuring Lance. 

She mumbled numbers and jotted them down on a notepad. “What style are we going for?” Mackenzie asked Zoey.

“I don’t know. Just something modest to start with. A cute girl-next-door look?”

“Just nothing too girly,” Lance interjected.

Mackenzie ignored him. “Zo, that cute blue polka dot dress you used to have back in middle school. That should fit him.”

Zoey agreed and left the room leaving Lance standing awkwardly while Mackenzie stared at him.

“Lance,” she finally said. “Why are you doing this?”

“I’m not entirely sure. Your sister asked for my help.”

“Do you know what she’s using you for?”

“A bet to prove she can make me a prom queen.”

“Wow, impressive. I expected her to lie to you and tell you something different.”

“She did - at first.”

Mackenzie laughed. “I knew it. What has she offered you in return?”

“I guess visibility. Popularity. I’m new in town. I don't have any friends.” 

“I want to make sure you’re doing this voluntarily. I told Zoey that if you were being forced into this, I wouldn’t help.”

Lance nodded. He thought back again to his mom’s encouragement about getting out and meeting people. “I’m not being forced. I mean, If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be stuck at home playing video games, waiting for my Dad to come home with dinner. This is at least something different.” He forced a smile. “Thank you, Mackenzie.”

“You can call me Mack,” she said warmly, “and don’t worry, I won’t go overboard.” 

“Good,” smiled Lance, “I needed to hear that.”

Zoey returned holding up a navy blue dress with white polka dots.

“Alright Lance,” Mack said, taking the dress from Zoey and handing it to him. “Take off your clothes and put this dress on. We’ll wait outside.” She grabbed Zoey and stepped out of the room.

With the girls gone, Lance stood there alone, holding the dress at arm’s length, like it was radioactive.

He timidly took off his sneakers, T-shirt, and jeans and laid them on the bed. He studied the dress, wondering whether he should put it on over his head or step into it. He wished he’d gotten some instructions from the girls. 

He decided to step into it and had to wriggle the dress up over his hips. He then pulled it up and fed his arms through the sleeves. The dress came down past his knees. His calves felt cold. He knew the dress had a zipper. He tried to reach around with no success. “I need some help,” he called out.

The door opened, and both girls came back into the room. 

“Um, could one of you zip me up? Wow, I never thought I’d hear myself say that,” Lance nervously chuckled.

Mack zipped up the dress. Then she circled Lance, tugging on it in places. “Breast forms for sure,” she mumbled. “Aside from that it fits pretty well.” She stepped into her closet and came out with a brunette wig. She moved behind Lance and draped the wig over his head, shifting it, and combing any loose strands with her fingers.

Mack took Lance by his shoulders and guided him in front of a full length mirror. “How does this look?” she asked.

“Well I’m standing here in a dress and a wig. But I guess I do kinda look like a boyish version of my twin sister.”

“Wait - your twin sister?” Zoey blurted out. “You have a twin sister? Where is she?”

“Still with my mom. She didn’t move here with me and my dad. She’s still cross-country.”

Mack started quickly applying makeup to Lance’s face. “Hold still,” she instructed.

The gears were turning in Zoey’s head again. She could use this to her advantage. “Do you have a picture of her? Can you pretend to be her?”

“My sister?” he asked.

“Sure. You must know her mannerisms. How she talks. What she likes. This is great - you already have a built-in backstory.” 

“I guess.” Lance backed away from Mack and dug through the pile of his clothes and pulled out his wallet. He then found a family picture in his wallet and showed it to Zoey and Mack. 

“Oh, wow, there is quite a resemblance,” Zoey remarked.

Mack resumed applying the makeup and added, “I’ll bet you two were mistaken for each other a lot.” 

“There were quite a few times when we were kids, but then my voice got deeper and she, well, kinda filled out, and that cut down on the mistaken identities.” 

Another minute of silence went by while Mack added the finishing touches. “Done,” Mack said, putting the makeup away and walking back towards the closet.

Lance was amazed at the quick makeup job. His masculine face looked softer and his eyes bigger.

“Tell me about her.” Zoey held up the picture and compared Lance’s features with his twin.

“Well, she’s popular - but not as popular as you with your ‘official title’. She’s a cheerleader, and in the theater club. We’re really close. But she’s the popular one. She’s tried to help me come out of my shell, but I still have confidence and self-esteem issues.”

Zoey ignored that dig at her. “What’s her name?”

“Simone.”

“Lance, close your eyes.”

“OK,” he said, following her instructions.

Zoey placed her hands on his shoulders. “Simone, where are you from?”

“But my name–”

“No,” she interrupted. “Pretend to be Simone. Now, Simone, where are you from?”

“California,” he said.

“What do you miss about California, Simone?”

“My friends,” he replied timidly, “and my cheerleading squad.”

“Oh, you were a cheerleader, Simone? That’s so cool. What was your role?”

“She was a base.”

“Wrong. Simone, what was your role in cheerleading?”

“I was a base,” he said confidently. “I would lift the flyers up in the air and throw them.”

“Better. Simone, are you dating anyone?”

“No,” he said, a chill running up his spine. He thought back to the last guy his sister brought home. “She… I mean I… broke up with my boyfriend a few months ago because he was… cheating on me.”

“What’s your name again?”

“Simone.”

Zoey smiled. “Good girl.”

Lance suddenly opened his eyes at being called a “good girl.”

“Oh, my God, Lance, that’s perfect. See - you can do this. This is going to work.” Zoey was beaming with confidence. After all, Lance had two sets of paperwork. He would just turn in Simone’s forms and enroll in school as her. Mack could make him look just like Simone. Then nobody would suspect a thing. Maybe this was Zoey’s lucky day after all. 

Mack returned with a pair of flip-flops, a bra, and a small bag. “The flip-flops are gonna be small on you, but they’re fine for where we’re going. Same with the bra. We’ll get you fitted another time. Put the bra and breast forms on before we go.”

Lance’s eyes went wide at this revelation. “Um, how big–”

Mack cut him off, “Oh, don’t worry, just enough to fill out this dress.”

“Perfect,” Zoey said. “Alright - go with Mack. She’ll take good care of you. Have fun, you two.” 

“Oh, no!” Mack countered. “This is your idea. You’re coming with us.”

“Me?” Zoey asked incredulously. “Play D&D?” She laughed until she saw the look in Mackenzie’s eyes.

Mack wasn’t laughing and looked at her sternly. “If you want me to chaperone Simone, you are coming too.”

Lance stood there uneasily in the dress, listening to himself being referred to by his sister’s name. He looked at Zoey, curious what her answer was. Despite just meeting these two girls, and the circumstances, he felt comfortable with them. If nothing else, they pushed the cold loneliness out of his mind for a while.

“Fine,” Zoey said. “Let’s get this over with.”

“OK, Lance,” Mack said. “We’re going to need to work on your voice.”

Chapter 5 - The Cleric, Bard, and Dungeon Master

During the ride to the D&D party, Mack coached Lance on how to change his voice to sound more feminine. 

When they arrived, Mack paused on the porch of the home, and checked Lance one more time to make sure “Simone” looked just right. 

“So, we’re going to this D&D game because Mack’s friends are cool and chill about cosplaying boys as girls,” Zoey explained. “But please don’t bring up the bet.”

Mack smiled at the rare compliment. “Yeah,” Mack interrupted, “none of the people here tonight know about your all’s bet. All they know is you’re exploring your gender.” 

“So don’t mention it to anyone,” Zoey added. “Especially at school. The less said about it the better.” 

With that, Mack rang the doorbell.

Lance nodded his understanding as they waited in silence for someone to answer the door.

After a minute the door creaked open just far enough for a guy’s head to stick out. When he spotted the trio he said in a medieval tone, “Hale be thou! So a band of fetching female rogues has found thine way to mine own realm of wonders, mysteries, the gateway to foreign lands, and adventures yet to be told. Quick - come in and let us make haste in our journey.” He opened the door to let them in.

Zoey shook her head and scowled. “Sorry, Mack, I can’t do this. I’m outta here.”

As she turned to walk away, Mack grabbed her and held her in place.”You’ll have to excuse Howard, he can be a bit eccentric at times - but that's one of the qualities of a good DM,” Mack said as she led the way inside.

“Thine own words of praise are well received, milady,” Howard boasted. “But do not think that such flattery will persuade the dice, nor I, to work in thine favor.” 

Howard led everyone into a living room of sorts filled with various figures and posters of shows some might consider ‘nerdy’. 

Lance stood there embarrassed he was meeting strangers while dressed in… well, a dress.

Mack pulled Howard aside and whispered, “Did you get my message?”

“Aye,” he whispered back. “Operation Phoenix Rising. I’ve already created her character.”

Howard turned to Lance. “Thou must be Lady Mackenzie’s fair companion, Lady Simone.” He took Lance’s hand and gave it a quick kiss. “Word of thy arduous journey and legendary beauty hast preceded thine arrival. We humbly welcome such angelic beauty into our realm,” he said with a slight bow.

Lance blushed at the over-the-top greeting and gesture. A guy just kissed his hand. He’d never been treated this warmly by a peer. 

Howard noticed Lance’s hesitation. “Not to worry, fair maiden, you are safe here in my kingdom. All thou needst fear is the dice.” He reached behind Lance's ear and pulled out a 10-sided die and twirled it on his fingers in front of Lance.

Mack nudged Lance to acknowledge the DM.

“Pleased to meet you,” Lance timidly said in his new Simone voice.

The DM then turned to Zoey. “And thee, young lass, must be… the shrew.”

Zoey turned red in anger. Mack tried not to laugh, and Lance just watched the drama unfold.

Seated at a table were a boy and a girl already in spirited conversation with each other about the possibility of time travel. They failed to notice the three girls as they entered the room.

“Hey, Erik, Francine,” Mack announced, “these are my friends Zoey and Simone. Zoey, Simone, this is Erik and Francine.”

“As much as I would encourage thee to enjoy the pleasantries of some nice conversation to get to know each other; thy adventure awaits, so please take your seats.” The DM interrupted the introductions, so they took the remaining seats, leaving the one at the head of the table for him.

“Zoey and Simone,” the DM announced, “normally thy would be entrusted to design thine own characters; however, at the behest of Lady Mackenzie, I have already prepared thy characters for you. This way we can head into our game without delay, and work on getting thee hooked. Then next time you may design your own characters.” He passed both Zoey and Lance some papers that were pre-filled character sheets. 

Zoey whispered to Mack, “Does he always talk like this?”

“Yeah, just roll with it,” Mack whispered back.

Zoey looked back at her sister and groaned, “Was that a dice joke?”

Mack said nothing and smiled.

After a quick glance over the character sheet, Lance learned that he was to be Miriel, a female human cleric worshiping the god Pelor. That seemed safe enough, he thought.

“What? A Bard?” Zoey complained from the other side of the table. “Why do I have to play some pansy in tights, prancing around playing music?”

The DM replied with a stern voice, “Lady Zoey, I will have you know that Bards are quite powerful and versatile companions of a group. They can provide a bit of healing after a fight, and get bonuses on pretty much any ability. A jack-of-all-trades if you will. Also, mine own tolerance for such foul language within mine own realm is miniscule at best. This is a peaceful place of jolly cooperation in Monsterbuttwhooping.” Howard spread his arms wide to emphasize peace and harmony.

Zoey shrugged. “Fine, sorry I overreacted, it's just a game after all.”

“As much as I taketh offense with thy ‘just a game’ notion, 'tis pleasing to see yond ye art coming 'round. Let us beginneth then, shall we?” The DM said. “Our tale originates as so many do - inside a humble tavern where the somber mood of these dark times is lightened by a warm fire, music, and the finest ale. Standing out from most commoners in this tavern by both their demeanor and their clothing, we have:” He motioned to Zoey. “The Bard playing his lute to the amusement of the patrons.” He motions to Francine. “A shady figure standing in the shadows of the stairwell.” Then Erik. “A man in long robes that looks more studious than the common folk.” Then Lance. “Miriel, a woman of clerisy discernible by her mace and wardrobe marked with the signets of Pelor.” Finally Mack. “And a larger than average person, hulking with muscle, a huge greatsword strapped to their back. Now, how this story will unfold shall remain hidden, and known only to the gods themselves.” When the DM finished his introductions, he had a look of anticipation on his face.

To Lance’s surprise Mack spoke up, “I will join the cleric of Pelor at her table.”

The DM narrated, “Miriel finds her thoughts of worship interrupted, as a huge figure sits down opposite her.” 

Mack’s offer caused Lance to look at her in surprise. She was playing that huge character, yet in real life she is this petite girl. Her smirk exuded so much confidence.

“Hello there, fair maiden,” Mack said, facing Lance. “I have noticed the markings of Pelor on you, so I assume you to be a cleric in his name. I myself am Bryn, a Berserker, looking for adventure. And since the nature of adventure can come with the occasional cut and bruise I would love for someone of your profession to join me and tend to my needs.”

Lance wasn’t quite sure how to respond. 

“Introduce yourself,” Mack whispered. Her smile was warm and encouraging.

“Yes.” Lance said, looking down at his character sheet.  Partly to recite his character’s description, partly out of a lack of confidence.  “I am Miriel.  I’m a simple cleric.  Praise Pelor.” He looked back up at the party and saw them respond with smiles..  “Uh, I... I mean I am a stranger to adventure. I hope to not let you down.” He was slightly flustered and wondering if he had to talk like Howard and Mack. 

“No reason to be timid little flower, for now let us have a drink to commemorate our joining of forces. Surely adventure will find us soon enough and by the grace of the gods even strengthen our alliances,” Mack declared.

“Both Bryn and Miriel receive tankards of ale from the barmaid,” the DM narrated. “Bryn downs her tankard without pause, and requests another, whilst the timid Miriel takes only the occasional sipeth as they continue their conversation.” 

Zoey, apparently not one to remain outside of the spotlight, spoke up, “And what am I doing?”

“Thou sits alone, Bard, and plays thy lute for none but thineself. I’m sure there are others present in such a humble tavern who would gladly rejoice in thee songs. Should thy wish to join Bryn and Miriel, thou may do so.”

The players at the table looked at Zoey for her response.

“I pause my playing and take my lute over to Mack and Simone,” Zoey announced.

The DM gave Zoey an annoyed look. “Search about thyself, Bard. Patrons named Mack and Simone surely do not reside in this tavern. Please, repeateth thyself.”

Zoey sighed, close to losing it. “I pause my playing while I stroll over to where Bryn and Miriel are sitting. Then I begin to play my music again.” Zoey sticks her tongue out at the DM when he isn’t looking.

The DM resumed, “As they taketh a second round of drinks from the serving wench, Miriel and Bryn notice that the music has stopped, shortly followed by a flamboyant entertainer standing adjacent to their table.”

Mack giggled at Zoey’s frustration. “Oh, have you come to sing to just us Bard, or are you looking for more tales of adventure to work into your songs?”

Zoey swallowed her pride and reminded herself why she was here. She had to get Lance comfortable being a girl. She decided her Bard should flirt with Lance’s cleric.

“Um, no. I only wish to serenade this…” she looked directly at Lance, “uh, beautiful maiden with my music.”

Lance began to blush again and looked around to see if anyone was laughing at him. Nobody was and instead were smiling at him. Mack looked at him, encouraging him to interact.

“Oh, kind musician, you flatter me with your praise.” Lance said. It may have been only a game, but the blush in his cheeks was real. “Please continue thy heavenly notes.”

Zoey gave the DM an annoyed look, “Do we have to keep doing this whole tavern crap? When do we get to the fun stuff?”

“I will pretend that i did not hear such foul language from a bard’s mouth, but i will inform you that an adventure entails the thrill and glory of battle that you seem to seek, as well as other challenges to overcome with your wit and skill, in addition to a bit of social play to give it proper pacing.”

“Uhhh, fine.” Zoey said while studying her character sheet, before facing Mack with a smile. “Oh, I would love to hear your tales of glory, maybe over a little game of cards - if you aren't too scared that I will take all of your… coins.”

“Why, you are being quite boastful for such a small one, I will gladly take your challenge,” Mack replied, not backing down.

“OK, roll the dice to see who gets the better hand.” The DM replied.

Mack rolled a 15, seemingly happy with her result.

Then Zoey said, “I attempt to cheat to win.” 

Mack and the DM shared a surprised glance at each other that Zoey had actually read her character sheet.

Zoey rolled a 13.

“And because of the bard's proficiency with sleight of hand, he manages to deftly swap one card for another, giving him a winning hand. Bard you may add 5 silver pieces to your coin satchel, Bryn you will have to remove five pieces from yours.”

Mack was about to respond to the bard but the DM continued without hesitation. “While you are exchanging the coinage of your wager someone throws open the tavern door and the herald of the king enters, shouting, ‘Hear, hear! The king has received notice of a powerful necromancer that has made his home to the north of our beautiful country, and is rumored to have brought a collection of repugnant undead creatures with him. The king requests that everyone who thinks themselves worthy and powerful enough to take down this necromancer and his undead troops shall stand together and bring peace to his highness's lands.’"

Mack turned to Lance and said “Miriel, it would seem that adventure has found us.”

* * *

Over the next two hours, everyone was fully immersed in the game. Lance was gaining more confidence at being Miriel and by extension Simone. There was a moment in the game when Zoey’s and Francine’s characters were fighting over Miriel. Being fought over gave Lance weird feelings. Ultimately Francine won that exchange, and Lance found Francine smiling and winking at him throughout the night. Lance found himself enjoying the attention and smiled back. He also noticed occasionally that Zoey would have a look of jealousy on her face.

Meanwhile, Zoey was actually getting into her character. On one occasion, with the party backed into a corner by a pack of rabid wolves, Zoey’s Bard saved the day with a perfect roll. She got up from her chair and celebrated as if she just won a world championship. The rest of the table giggled and the DM simply rolled his eyes, just happy Zoey was finally cooperating.

Finally the group was nearing the end of the quest. The DM leaned over the table looking at each one of them in turn.

“You have all been brave and accomplished a great deal,” the DM stated, “but this current enemy might be too much for you. For none of you could have known that the necromancer has against all sanity and possibility managed to keep a Bodak entrapped for studies, which you now have freed. You have fought valiantly, but even though you all have managed to put considerable damage to it, most of your group has suffered dearly from its death gaze and aura of annihilation. Some may even be content to keep their eyes averted, so as to not fall prey to its death gaze, and become Bodaks themselves when they die to it.” He zeroed in on Lance. “So what does Miriel do? Will she try to flee by herself, try to lead her companions to the exit, or will she face certain insanity due to the psychic damage of the death gaze?”

It all came down to Miriel, Lance thought. She had tried to heal her friends through the entire fight, but this time the damage was just too great. Miriel had used up almost all of her spells, but she just had to keep trying. She didn't want to leave even one of the others behind.

Lance stood up at the table, “Miriel takes her left hand to the sign of Pelor she wears as a pendant on her necklace, and while raising her right hand chants a prayer to her patron god of the sun. Her right hand begins to shine bright with the sun’s glow. Trusting that the Bodak will avert it´s gaze from the bright sunlight she makes her charge to the Bodak and puts the palm of her right hand to its chest letting the divine power of Pelor flow into it and casts cure wounds.”

“But cure wounds don’t affect the undead-,” Erik started to complain.

“I'll allow it.” the DM stated. “For one, Pelor is the god of the sun and all undead are weakened by the sun. Also, I like that Lady Miriel is coming out of her shell at such a crucial moment. So, go on m’lady - roll for damage. Let us see if thy action was ingenious or foolish.”

Lance shook the dice in his hand. “This is it,” he thought. “The lives of our group are riding on this throw.” He had cast the dice dozens of times this evening already but this time the pressure was much more intense. He let go, the dice rolling in seemingly slow motion across the table, passing in between the figurines representing their characters, and finally coming to a stop at a 4. So, with the spell’s rules Miriel had dealt 8 points of damage. They all looked at the DM to see his verdict and saw him frown.

“Sadly, Lady Miriel, thy hast came up 2 points short. With the light fading the Bodak returns its gaze towards thee, so roll for your constitution save…”

“Wait,” Zoey interjected excitedly, sounding like a player with years of role playing experience, “Miriel still possesses the bardic inspiration die I gave her earlier. She is allowed to use it even after casting the initial dice, and with magical inspiration she can use it to boost the power of her spell.”

The DM raised his eyebrow and smirked in surprise.

“Way to save the day string plucker!“ Mack laughed at Zoey, to which Zoey just stuck her tongue out.

Since the DM seemed to not oppose Zoey’s argument, Lance picked up the additional die, cast it, and they all watched it come to a stop at 3. The margin of victory was close, but they had triumphed!

The DM stood up with a happy smile on his face. “Apparently the Bodak underestimated our bard-empowered cleric. The remaining color drains from its frame before it crumbles down to the floor dissolving into dust.” 

“With this room cleared you can take a well deserved rest and can next time search among the necromancer’s laboratory equipment to see if there is anything useful or desirable, I know those things aren't always the same.” The DM said. “I hope you all had a fun night, and hopefully the enchanting maidens Zoey and Simone will join us again next time when our adventurers will endeavor to chase down the necromancer.”

As they said their good-byes, Erik and Francine came over to Lance.  “Simone, it was very nice meeting you,” Erik said.

“You were shy at first, but I’m so glad you opened up,” Francine added.

“It was fun,” Lance agreed.  “Maybe I’ll do it again.”

“Hey - in a few weekends, the Renaissance Faire is opening.  You should totally come with us.”

Lance didn’t know what to say.  He’d never been invited to things like that before.  “Yeah, I guess.” He then looked at Zoey.  “I guess it depends on what I have going on.”

“Well, pencil it in, girl.” Francine said enthusiastically.

Lance watched as Erik and Francine left the party and smiled at being included for once.

* * *

After dropping Mack off, Zoey parked in front of Lance’s house.

“I hate to admit it, but I actually had fun,” Zoey beamed. “And don’t you dare tell anyone!” 

“Yeah,” Lance agreed, “when you lulled the sirens to sleep with your songs so we could escape - that was pretty cool.”

“It was a rush,” Zoey said with a much more relaxed tone. “I actually enjoyed not having any real life responsibilities for a few hours. I was just there helping you all do your thing.”

“Are you always the one taking charge?”

“If I don’t, nothing will get done.”

“Now as for me, it was nice to be included for once. For some reason I was the center of attention - though I think Mack and Howard planned it that way.”

“I could see you really enjoyed it. For a little while tonight, I forgot that you weren’t Simone - or Miriel.”

“Hmmm,” Lance chuckled, “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment- Wait, um, where are my clothes?" Lance began frantically looking around inside the car.

“Oops! I think they’re still at my house,” Zoey said. “I forgot to have Mack bring them out to you.”

“Zoey, I can’t go into my house like this!”

“Why not?” Zoey giggled. “You know, you actually look cute in that getup.”

“No, I don’t,” he said, blushing, “and I’m sure my father wouldn’t think so, either.” 

Zoey didn’t know what came over her, but she placed her hand on his exposed knee. 

Lance flinched. As this was the first time a pretty girl had ever touched him, it sent all sorts of feelings through his body - including down there. Lance started to panic. He didn’t want Zoey to see what was happening under the dress. He tried bunching up the front to cover his stiffening member. When he couldn’t wait another moment he released the dress, opened the car door, and bolted - much to Zoey’s surprise.

He ran from the car to his front door and entered his house, forgetting he was still wearing a dress and a wig.

“Lance, are you home?” Dad called from the kitchen. “Did you have a good time? Make any friends?”

“Shit!” he cursed under his breath. “Hi, Dad,” he said, forgetting to speak in his normal voice and then rushing to his bedroom before being seen. 

“Lance?”

Lance cleared his throat, and spoke normally. “It was great. Talk to you in the morning!”

Lance reached his room and shut the door. His heart was racing. But he had a rare smile on his face.

Just then the phone laying on one of the bins rang. The caller ID said it was from home. He answered it before his dad could.

He cleared his throat, making sure he was using his normal voice. “Hello?”

“Hey, Lance, how’s it goin’?” his sister Simone asked.

“Oh, hi, Simone. OK, I guess. I’m still getting settled in.”

“How’s Jersey? The smog, factories, and the mafia?”

“Well, we’re actually in the suburbs. Much more smog in L.A. I haven’t seen any signs of the mafia yet.”

“Oh, cool. So, how is the new school?”

Like with Mom, he wanted to avoid talking about not actually going to school. “Um, the cafeteria dishwasher exploded today.”

Simone giggled. “Wow, sounds exciting. Mom told me you were having some anxiety about making new friends.”

“Well, after I talked to her I met this one girl today.” He embellished his run-in with Zoey. “She seemed interested in me. She took me to a D&D game.” 

“Oh my God, Lance, that’s so awesome. I’m so glad you met someone and got out of the house. Just take it slow and get to know her. Remember, she was probably nervous meeting you too. Well, I gotta go. My friends and I are going to the mall to look at prom dresses. Hey - you never know - maybe you’ll go to prom too!”

Lance nervously chuckled at the irony of what she said. Then he was silent for a moment. He was accustomed to telling his twin sister everything. But he just couldn’t bring himself to divulge Zoey’s plan. It was too embarrassing. What would she think about her brother in a dress? Maybe he would tell her about it later. “OK, Simone, thanks for calling. I miss you and Mom. Bye.”

Later that night, as Lance lay in bed, he thought about his experience with Zoey and her friends. “That wasn’t so bad,” he admitted out loud. After a nervous start, he had settled into the dual roles of Simone and Miriel with increasing confidence as the evening went on. “It was just some fun in a costume - like a Halloween party. And I shouldn’t have run off like that. Maybe Zoey is actually interested in me.”

Lance wondered when he would have to play Simone again. Next time it would be in public. Next time the stakes would undoubtedly be much higher. Getting caught meant deep trouble. Could he really continue to do this? Should he?

Chapter 6 - Simone’s First Day

Lance heard a phone ringing. He rolled away from the sound and ignored it. Seconds later there was a knock at the door.

“Lance,” Dad called through the closed door. “Lance, get up. You have a phone call.”

Lance rolled over to face the door and groaned, “A phone call?” he repeated. “Who is it?”

“It’s a girl.” Dad replied with a hint of pride in his voice.

Lance got out of bed and trudged over to the cordless phone on his dresser. “I got it,” he told his dad.

“Hello?” a groggy Lance answered.

“Lance,” a chipper Zoey replied. “Good morning!”

“What do you want? To humiliate me some more?” he asked with light sarcasm.

“Not at all,” she gushed. “I had a fun time last night. I have a feeling you did too.”

“Yeah, maybe. How did you even get my number?”

“Same way I got your address, of course! Now let’s talk about our plan.”

“Can’t this wait ‘til I’m at school?”

“No,” she reminded him. “You need to come to school as Simone.”

“Already?” he panicked, adrenalin instantly driving him fully awake.

“Yeah, well Simone is going to enroll. Lance is not.”

“Whoa, whoa, that’s not what we agreed to yesterday.”

“That was before I learned you had a twin sister. Before you spent an hour as Simone. Before you spent two hours as Miriel, blushing every time someone called you a fair maiden. You can do this.”

“I did not blush- I mean. Ugh. I dunno. Spending that time with Mack’s friends playing D&D is one thing. That was just a game. Being in school, in class, in front of teachers and other students is another matter.”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t get a thrill from last night.”

Lance was silent for a moment. “I mean, I did. But I can’t-”

“I’ll make it worth it,” she said seductively. “I’ll tell you more when we’re at school.”

“I can’t come as Simone, my dad is giving me a ride until I get enrolled and I can take the bus.”

“Hah, the bus,” Zoey scoffed. “Tomorrow you’re riding with me. For today, just throw last night’s outfit in your backpack and you can get dressed at school. And don’t forget to shave your face!”

Lance sighed. “Bye, Zoey.” He hung up, shaking his head at the situation he had gotten himself into.

He opened his closet and stared at the dress and wig he had hidden from his father. Why was he contemplating doing this? Was it Zoey’s promise of making it worth it? Was it because he was enjoying the thrill of pretending to be someone else?

He found himself opening the storage bins looking for a duffel bag, eventually finding one. He neatly folded up the dress and wig and placed them inside. Adding the bra and breast forms on top of it, he nervously shook his head. “What am I doing?”

He also searched for a backup pair of shoes since his good pair were still at Zoey’s house. He found a pair of old ratty sneakers he used for yard work.

Finally, he tossed in his trusty Game Boy. Just in case he was left alone for long periods of time again. Playing games was his substitute for interacting with real people. They usually left him alone when they saw him playing. Which was just how Lance liked it.

After showering, shaving, and getting dressed in his normal school clothes he walked out to the kitchen to meet his dad.

“How was last night?” he asked. “You made friends. I’m proud of you. And a girl called this morning.”

“It’s nothing, Dad,” he said.

“OK,” his dad smiled. “Don’t forget, I’m picking you up at 2 o’clock again.”

Lance then mumbled, “Oh, I don’t need a ride home today.”

“Oh, really? Who’s giving you a ride?”

“The girl who called.”

Lance’s dad said nothing and smiled. Inside he was shouting, “Finally! That’s my boy!!”

* * *

When he arrived at school, Lance got out of his dad’s car and looked around for Zoey. He didn’t see her.

“Have a good day, son,” his dad wished.

“Thanks, you too,” Lance replied, shutting the door and watching his dad drive away.

Lance started walking toward the school when he heard a rustle from within some bushes. He paused to listen closer.

“Psst. Lance!” the bushes called. Out popped Zoey’s head, wearing a scarf and sunglasses.

“What are you doing?” he asked. “Why are you in disguise? And hiding in the bushes?”

“We need privacy,” she said, squeezing out of the bushes as Lance assisted her. “If I hadn't done this, half the student body would be circling us right now. Asking me about prom, the latest fashion trends, or what I thought about...” She looked at Lance as she brushed leaves off herself. He had a duffel bag draped over his shoulder. “You brought it. Great.”

“I don’t know why.”

“We both know why,” she reminded him. “Last night you got a taste of thrill and adventure. You want more of it.”

“Remember, I still haven’t agreed to your plan,” he corrected her. “You want me to walk in there, pretending to be my sister. Enroll as her, not me. And spend the next six weeks committing identity fraud. I’m risking humiliation, graduation, jail, and a sex offender list. For what?”

“I will make it worth your while.” Zoey was always the picture of confidence, but desperation was creeping into her voice.

“Yeah, you keep saying that.”

“Well, remember what you told me back at your house yesterday - how you didn’t have a car?”

“Yeah, I don’t exactly have the money to buy one right now. A lot of people our age don't.”

“Well, I do.” Her confidence started to rebound. “What if we work out a deal where you help me and I buy you a car?”

“Buy me a car? Is that what rich people do? Bribe you with transportation?”

“You need a car. I have a bet to win. And this school needs their prom queen.”

“How do I know-”

“Listen. Just hear me out, and if you’re still not convinced we can help each other, then you can walk into that school as Lance - the invisible boy - and you won’t hear from me again. Fair enough?”

Lance stood there silently considering her offer. The word “invisible” cut like a knife. He sighed. He was so conflicted, but it wouldn’t hurt to hear her out. “So, tell me about my new Ferrari. I want a red one.”

Zoey laughed, then got serious. “Look, I have some money my grandmother left me. Not enough to buy you a Ferrari - or any other new car - for that matter. But if you help me pull this off, I swear on her grave I will buy you the best used car I can afford.”

“Pull this off?” Lance mimicked her. “Like a bank robbery?

“Oh, we’ll be stealing something alright - the hearts and minds of our classmates.”

Lance scoffed at her over-the-top boasting.

“Remember how you felt last night?” she said, getting closer to him. She started whispering in his ear. “Imagine it, Simone. Imagine that feeling every day for the next six weeks. Imagine being pretty, and beautiful, and idolized by everyone. Imagine being on that stage with a tiara.”

Lance could feel goosebumps rise across his skin. “But my sister - the real Simone - wouldn’t care one way or another about being prom queen.”

“But she’s not here. You are. I’m offering you visibility. Popularity. Beauty.” She paused for a moment. “And a car.” Zoey picked up Lance’s duffel bag and pushed it to his chest. “I know a place where you can get changed.”

Lance didn't resist when Zoey took his hand. She escorted him to a landscaper’s shed behind the school that she used occasionally when she needed privacy. 

Hanging on the back wall in the shed were clippers, shears, hedgers, and chainsaws.

“Oh… my… God,” Lance said with his eyes bulging. “I’m in a horror movie.”

“Don’t worry about that stuff, I know the landscapers. They work for my parents. I’d come here after school with Ty… nevermind. Anyway, get undressed.”

“If there is a stabbing on school property I won’t be able to keep silent about your little get away spot.”

Zoey grinned and just let him rant, figuring a little humor might relieve Lance’s anxiety.

“Do you have a cool serial killer name? I know, I know, Freddy, Jason, and Mike Myers all go by their actual names. But Zoey doesn’t sound like a killer. Maybe with all of these tools you can be… The Gardener. I can see it now: ‘Just when you thought it was safe to go to school in the Garden State. Watch out for… The Jersey Gardener!’”

“Lance, we don't have time for this,” she said, arms crossed and tapping her foot.

A deflated Lance scowled, “Fine.” He took off his sneakers, T-shirt, and shorts, just like last night.

“Socks and boxers too,” she instructed, holding up a pair of panties in one hand and pantyhose in the other.

“Wait - more stuff? Why?” he moaned.

“Because you haven’t shaved your legs. It was OK yesterday for Mack’s nerdy friends. Not today. I brought you pantyhose. You can’t wear them with boy’s underwear.”

“Fiiiiiine,” he complained. “Can I get some privacy?”

“Sure,” she said, turning around.

Lance emptied his duffel bag on a workbench. Then dropped his boxers. While reaching for the panties he knocked something off the pile of clothing. It fell against Zoey’s calf and landed between her feet. 

“What’s this?” she asked, picking up a small white box.

“That’s a Game Boy,” he said. “Please give it back!”

“I know what it is, Lance.” Zoey said, rolling her eyes. “I mean, why are you bringing it to school?”

“I take it everywhere,” Lance stated. “It helps me when I’m bored.”

“Does your sister bring a Game Boy to school?” Zoey asked sarcastically, examining the game cartridge inside the hand-held device. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX.

Lance timidly responded, “Umm, no, but-” He tried to reach around her to grab it from her.

“Then you don’t either, Simone,” Zoey corrected, holding it out of his reach. “The future prom queen doesn’t play video games at school. She socializes with other people.”

“Whatever,” Lance conceded. “I already know I’m going to regret this. He continued dressing and swapped his boxers for the panties, struggling to contain his package. He didn’t want to mention his problem to Zoey, so he just left it, hoping the pantyhose and dress would hide the evidence. 

“Um - whose underwear are these?”

“Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to,” she sharply replied.

“Eww,” he moaned.

“Yes, they’re mine,” she admitted, “and they’re clean.”

“Then what are you wear-”

“Seriously, Lance? I brought an extra pair for you.”

He held up the pantyhose. “How do I put these on?” he asked.

“You never watched your sister do it?”

“Ew. Do you watch your sister get dressed?”

“That’s different. Now stop stalling,” Zoey said, sighing. “One leg at a time,” she explained. “First, wad up one leg until all you see is the toe. Then slide that leg onto your foot.”

“Wait, you’re going too fast.” Then a second later, “Go ahead.”

“Slowly pull the leg up while releasing the material. When you get up to the knee, do the same thing with the other leg,” She paused again. “Are you ready for the next step?”

“Yeah.”

“Next, slowly pull both legs up to your butt. Then finish by sliding the seat over your cheeks and smooth it all out. Just don’t pull too hard or you'll get a run. Please don’t get a run. These are the only pair I brought with me.”

He struggled rolling and pulling up the pantyhose, but when he was done he was impressed at how good his legs looked and felt. He didn’t tell Zoey that, though.

“Bra help?” he asked, holding it against his chest.

Zoey turned to see Lance standing with his back to her and clipped the band for him.

Lance continued with the breast forms, and then he picked up the dress and stepped into it. “Zip me up?”

“Sure, go ahead and put the wig on. Then I can check you out.” She zipped him up and started tugging on things. Then brushing out his ‘hair’ with her fingers.

“Did you bring me shoes too?” He immediately panicked at his own question as he thought, “What if she brought me high heels?”

“No. You wouldn’t fit in any of mine or Mack’s. We’ll have to buy you a pair either after school or over the weekend. Wear your own sneakers for now.”

Relieved, he slid his sneakers on over the pantyhose. His shoes felt loose due to the thinner material of the hose. He would have to re-tie them later. “Done.”

Zoey looked at the ratty sneakers he put on over her nice pantyhouse. She sighed and vowed to get him some more appropriate shoes as soon as possible. She looked at his overall appearance. “Not quite. OK, hold still,” advised Zoey, as she grabbed his ‘boobs’. “You’re a little lopsided.”

Lance wasn’t sure how to feel as Zoey fixed the problem. This plan was getting weirder by the moment.

Adjustments complete, Zoey turned back around and pulled a makeup compact out of her purse. “Close your eyes.”

He closed his eyes and wondered what he would see the next time he opened them.

“Eventually we’ll teach you to do this yourself. We just don't have time this morning. I'm only applying what Mack did - concealer and eyeliner - and adding some eyeshadow and some brow definer. Now, hold still.” When she was done she held out the compact mirror and smiled. “Open your eyes, Simone.”

“Wow, that’s me?” he said, not recognizing himself. “I do look almost like Simone.”

“Good. We’ll improve upon it later. And remember not to touch your face.” She took his hand. “OK, Simone, one last thing. If you’re going to be a girl, you have to walk like one. Men and women walk differently. We don’t have the time or space to practice right now, so I just need you to concentrate on the important parts for now. First, you have to pretend you’re walking on a tightrope. One foot in front of the other. Second, take smaller steps. And third, swing your hips as you walk. So, I want you to remember those three things as we walk up to the school, and then whenever you are walking. Can you remember those things?”

“Straight line, small steps, hips. I got it,” Lance repeated. “Let me know how I look.”

“You’ll do fine. Alright, Simone, let's get you enrolled.”

“Enrolled - oh, shit!” Lance abruptly froze. “I never filled out the forms for Simone. I’ve still got the packet, though. I can fill them out pretty quickly.”

“Go ahead, just try to hurry,” Zoey said, eyeing the sharp implements hanging nearby, “or else I’ll make a real girl out of you with these pruning shears.”

Lance gulped, scribbling Simone’s information onto the forms. Then he packed his boy clothes into his duffel bag, and took a deep breath to give his heart a chance to slow down. 

“Um, Lance, you don’t have a locker yet,” Zoey explained. “Why don’t you just let me put your duffel bag in my car and you can have it back after school?”

“Yeah, you did such a fine job of managing my clothes last night,” Lance replied with light sarcasm. “I’m not sure if I should let these out of my sight.”

“Suit yourself,” Zoey shrugged, calling his bluff. “Carry it all day if you want.”

Lance pictured himself carrying a duffel bag while wearing a dress and wig. He grunted and handed her the bag. “I want these back after school.”

As the pair left the shed, Zoey removed her scarf and sunglasses and placed them into her purse, and placed Lance’s confiscated Game Boy in this duffel bag, looping it over her shoulder.

Lance looked around to see if anyone was reacting to him, but everyone was just going about their business.

“OK,” Zoey coached. “You’re doing pretty good, but remember to stand up straight. Too much sway. No slouching. And stick your chest out a bit. You’ll look more confident in your femininity.”

“Wow, I never imagined walking like a girl would have so many rules. Does all this come in an instruction manual?”

“No, but watch other girls, and try to imitate them. You should also get into your Simone voice,” Zoey encouraged. “You sounded really good last night playing D&D. Rehearse what you’re going to say when you hand in your forms.”

“Hi, my name is Simone-”

“Higher. Hey - eyes up here.”

“I wasn’t looking at your-”

“You were looking down at my feet. Eye contact, Simone! Try it again.” 

He looked directly at Zoey’s face. “Hi, my name-”

“Higher, Simone. And smile. You’re happy to be talking to me.”

He forced a smile. “Hi, I’m Simone Biggs, I have my enrollment forms all filled out.”

“Perfect.”

As the pair walked towards the school entrance, Lance took note of how all this female clothing felt, and how different his walk was. The nylon on his legs felt confining, yet liberating and smooth. He also liked the swish of the different materials as they rubbed together. Even his ‘boobs’ bobbed up and down as he walked. He looked down at his new figure and began to feel excited ‘down there’. All these new sensations were so exhilarating. Combined with the big deception he was pulling off, he was feeling more alive than ever. For this single moment, at least, he never wanted this to end.

Zoey noticed Lance’s walk and posture. He seemed more confident than last night. “You’re doing amazing. You’re really getting into this, aren’t you?”

Lance turned to face Zoey. “I’m just doing what you told me.” His face was red, and she hadn’t applied any blush. “I guess it's getting easier. This isn’t so bad.” He tried to downplay the intensity of his feelings about being dressed up.

If Zoey saw deeper than what Lance was telling her, she didn’t let on. She let him ride his wave of euphoria all the way to the school steps. 

Before they could get to the school doors, however, Zoey saw Deanna and Peggy walking towards them. “Hey, my friends are coming over. Stay in character. Tell them ‘It’s nice to meet you’.”

Both Deanna and Peggy had shocked expressions on their faces. Zoey had completely transformed that guy on the bench into an almost passable girl, albeit with poor footwear. This gave Zoey a confident smile. She was going to pull this off.

“Zoey, who is your new friend?” Deanna slyly asked once she got over her initial shock.

“This is Simone,” Zoey said proudly. She nudged Lance. 

“Hi,” he introduced himself, his voice cracking a little, “I’m Simone. I’m new here.”

“I’m Deanna,” she returned his greeting, daintily shaking Lance’s hand.

“Peggy,” she greeted him as well.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Lance said with a nod and a bit of a smile.

“We need to get going,” Zoey said before Deanna or Peggy could interrogate either of them. She knew Lance was not ready for that kind of pressure yet. She grabbed Lance’s hand and led him into the school.

“Is that who you made the bet with?” Lance asked.

“Yes,” she replied. “You did good. The look on their faces was priceless.”

They both walked into the office and up to the receptionist Lance saw yesterday.

“Zoey Sellers,” the receptionist said as they walked through the door. “Just the girl we were looking for. The principal would like to see you.”

Zoey whispered into Lance’s ear, “I’ll be nearby if you need me.”

Lance nodded as she walked towards the principal’s office. He turned his attention to the receptionist. “Hi, I’m Simone Biggs,” he announced as he rehearsed, “I have my enrollment forms here.”

The receptionist looked at him, smiled, and took the forms. She started reviewing them, occasionally glancing up at Lance. He considered making a run for the exit.

This was the moment of truth. He was sure he’d be caught, but the receptionist never noticed that the girl standing in front of her was really a boy in disguise. He told himself to not be nervous. “I’m just a normal girl standing here,” he repeated to himself, feeling his heart pound within the confines of his stuffed bra. 

The receptionist walked away to leave Lance standing there fidgeting. 

Zoey walked into the principal’s office. As student body president she always had his ear, but this was the first time he summoned her. “Good morning, Mr. Silver. You wanted to see me?”

“Good Morning, Miss Sellers,” the principal said. “What’s this I hear about prom court?” 

“There’s a petition to bring it back,” she explained.

“And you signed it.”

“I thought it was a good way to foster school pride.”

“You know this school hasn’t had a prom court in… maybe a decade. Not since…”

“Yeah, I heard about that. It was explosive, sir.”

“And you still think we should bring it back?”

“As long as we keep everyone away from open flames.”

He nodded. “Fair enough. Consider it done.”

“I do have one request,” Zoey asked.

“What’s that?”

“I’d like us to be a more progressive and inclusive school by allowing anyone to run for any position.”

He stared at her blankly. “I don’t follow you.”

Zoey tried to think back to what Mack had suggested to her. “Gender neutral.”

“Oh,” he said, thinking for a moment what that entailed, “you mean like a girl running for king or a boy running for queen?”

“Yes.”

The look of disgust on his face gave away his true feelings. “Don’t you think that would open those students up for ridicule?”

“What if one of our students is… um… transgender?”

He stared blankly at her again as if the possibility never crossed his mind. “Are you aware of any transgender students at our school?”

“No,” she said, subconsciously glancing back at the open door. She turned back to the administrator. “But what if someone is, and this could be their chance… to um…”

“No,” he said firmly, “we can’t have boys running around in prom dresses. This is a high school, not a circus. What would the parents say?”

“He’s so beautiful,” she suggested with a positive smile.

He had a disgusted look on his face. “The answer is ‘no’, Miss Sellers.”

Zoey nodded. “Thank you Mr. Silver, I should be heading to class now.”

Back in the main office, the receptionist finally returned to Lance with a packet of papers. To him it felt like an eternity had passed. “Miss Biggs, here is your class schedule, locker combination, and student handbook.”

Lance blushed at being called “Miss.” He took the packet, thanked her, and was about to leave when she spoke up.

“We have a welcome committee for new students,” she said. “I just called one of the members to give you a tour of school.”

“Thanks,” he replied. Then he remembered, the real Simone would be more polite. “That’s so nice of you.”

Zoey returned from her meeting and glanced at Lance to see if the plan was working. He smiled back and nodded.

Just then, Olivia walked into the office. Lance recognized her from yesterday. But unlike yesterday, she noticed him, too. 

Zoey backed away and pretended to look at the bulletin board full of flyers, hoping to not be seen by the boyfriend-stealing head cheerleader.

Olivia looked Lance up and down and gave him a confused smile. “You must be the new girl,” she said. 

“If she only knew how true that statement was,” Lance thought. “Yeah, hi. I’m Simone,” he said with some trepidation in his Simone voice. Neither he or Zoey had expected any one-on-one time this soon after enrolling. 

“Hi, Simone, I’m Olivia,” she introduced herself. “I’m part of the welcome committee.”

They shook hands. The feminine handshake was becoming more natural to Lance after shaking hands with Deanna and Peggy earlier. Though, he still worried Olivia would feel how sweaty and shaky his hands were.

Then he remembered the fun and relaxing time he’d had last night with Mack and her friends. And the walk up from the shed. It also helped him if he channeled his sister’s confidence. “Thank you, um, Olivia, for taking the time to show me around. I’m really nervous. This school looks so big, and I don’t know anyone. I-I’m hoping I can make some new friends before graduation.”

“Oh, don’t you worry, Simone, everyone here is so friendly you’ll feel like family before you know it!” Olivia beamed a bright and disarming smile right at Lance.

“So welcome to High School North! Home of the Fighting Bullfrogs! Croak! Croak!” She gave an enthusiastic greeting. Let’s get started with the tour!

Lance couldn’t hold back a chuckle before falling in line behind Olivia. “What’s with this school?” he thought to himself.

Zoey watched them leave together, jealous it was Olivia giving Lance the tour. But regardless, the plan was working. Lance even seemed to be enjoying Olivia’s company. She would have to keep an eye on that.

As she left the office to take Lance’s duffel bag to her car, Zoey replayed her conversation with Principal Silver in her head. She had a growing dread that this plan was going to be more complicated than she had originally thought. There were going to be people, like the principal, that she needed to make sure Lance avoided.

Chapter 7 - School Dazed

The first period bell rang, leaving only Lance and Olivia walking through the halls as the morning announcements echoed off the walls.

Lance had his hands full remembering how to walk and talk like a girl, but he managed to interact a little with Olivia as she showed him around the school.

When Lance wasn't looking, Olivia was carefully studying the new girl. She wasn’t very well put together. She gave off a very tomboyish vibe and was in desperate need of a makeover. She wondered if Simone would be receptive to some friendly help with her appearance.

“So, Simone, tell me about yourself,” Olivia said.

“Well I just moved here from California with my Dad,” Lance replied.

“With only eight weeks left of school? Wow, that must’ve sucked.”

“It did. I was… devastated. I left behind all my friends.”

“Are your parents divorced?”

“No, my mom is finishing up a big project at work, then her company is transferring her to a location near here,” Lance explained.

Olivia paused at a hallway intersection. “Can I see your schedule and your locker information?”

“Sure.” Lance handed Olivia the printouts.

“So your homeroom is in A corridor which is that way,” she said pointing to the left. “Your locker should be near your homeroom.”

Lance nodded.

“Oh, wow, we have the same Chemistry class! You’ll like Mrs. Bell. She’s a great teacher. She makes such a boring subject seem like fun.”

“Well, Chemistry is kinda fun for me. I always got good grades in it.”

“Well, now I know who my next lab partner is going to be,” Olivia said, nudging Lance’s shoulder with her own.

“Cool,” Lance said, unsure how to continue the small talk.

“Chem lab will be down D corridor.” Olivia pointed to the right.

“Come this way,” she said, and he followed her down two more corridors.

Lance occasionally looked at Olivia - how she held herself and how she walked. Her hips swayed naturally and she walked as if she was on clouds. He attempted to mimic her mannerisms, but almost tripped over his own feet. She turned to look at Lance just as he managed to recover and smile.  She smiled back and they kept walking.

She held a door open for Lance, and as soon as he walked inside he realized it was a locker room. He suddenly tensed up.

“This is the girls’ locker room. The gym is through those doors over there.” Olivia pointed at another set of doors.

A girl was frantically adjusting her t-shirt as she ran by them, late for class. 

Lance averted his eyes in embarrassment. “I, uh, just realized I forgot to bring gym clothes.” 

“I’m sure it’ll be fine since it's your first day. The gym classes have been going outside since the weather warmed up.”

Lance followed her out of the locker room and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Did you do any sports or activities at your old school?”

“Well, I was a cheerleader.”

“No way!” Olivia said, excitedly. “I’m the head cheerleader here. Sure, the school year is almost over, but boy’s baseball playoffs are just starting, and we can always use more girls.”

“Oh, uh, I don’t know.”

“Well, I’ll let you settle in before I recruit you.” She gave Lance a genuine smile that almost convinced him to change his mind.

The tour continued with Olivia taking Lance to the cafeteria, and a few other places around the school, before finding Lance’s locker; and finally dropping him off at his homeroom.

“Well, here’s your homeroom,” she said. “I guess I’ll see you in Chemistry.”

“See you then,” Lance smiled and watched Olivia saunter away. He suddenly had an interest in watching how girls walk. He shook that thought out of his head, opened the door and walked into his homeroom.

The entire classroom turned as one to stare at the new girl.

The teacher was an old man, who looked like he should’ve retired years ago. He eyed Lance from head to toe, and said, “You must be…” then looked back at a clipboard and held it up to his face as he squinted in disbelief then looked back at Lance, “Simone?”

“Yes, sir, that’s me.” Lance forced a smile. “Simone Biggs.”

“There’s a seat back there,” the teacher said, as he gestured towards the back of the classroom.

As Lance walked by the teacher he could hear him mumble, “Kids these days.”

* * *

While Zoey was at her locker grabbing her things for the next few classes, Deanna came up to her.

“OMG, Zo,” she said. “I can’t believe you got that boy to dress up as a girl. That’s so hilarious.”

“Well, a bet is a bet.”

“What a freak! He must be wrapped around your little finger. Even if you don’t win this bet, this will be an epic prank.”

Zoey bristled at her friend calling Lance names.  This wasn’t a prank.  She didn’t mean Lance any harm. “He’s actually kinda cool, when you get to know him.”

Deanna laughed. “Really? I don't see how a boy in a dress is going to win prom queen.”

“I’m not even done with him yet,” Zoey retorted. “By the time prom comes around, he will make all of the girls envious, and all the boys…” she searched for the right word, “will wish they were gay.”

“You are so full of shit.”

“Maybe, but I don’t back out of bets. What about you, Dee? Ready to concede?”

“Not a chance. He… or she… is still a long way from prom queen material.”

“True, but this is only Day One. I’ve got more than enough time.”

“Fair enough,” Deanna agreed. “See you after school?”

“Not today. I’m going out with Simone.” Zoey shut her locker.

“That sounds like fun - not.”

Zoey smirked and the duo walked to their next classes.

* * *

The first few classes of the day helped calm Lance’s nerves. Apparently, after all of the initial “new girl” introductions, people started to ignore him, like usual, which brought a sense of familiarity and comfort. And a little sadness, as he hoped this strange situation he found himself in would bring him some positive interaction with the other students.

At first it was weird to sit at a desk wearing a dress. He learned pretty quickly to smooth out his dress when sitting down after it bunched up and nearly showed off his panties. A cold breeze blowing up inside the dress made him cross his legs to keep warm.

A few students did give him a lingering stare. Lance wondered if they saw through the disguise or just thought he was an ugly girl. Which made him wonder how Zoey ever thought he could ever be prom queen with this getup.

The anxiety and embarrassment eventually gave way to the same thrill as last night. It felt like he was undercover, and he actually started to look forward to any and all interactions where he could pretend to be his sister.

Next class was Chemistry and he felt some comfort in knowing that he already knew someone in class. When he and Olivia made eye contact she smiled and waved at him. Sadly, Olivia was already sitting next to someone. He scanned the class and was surprised to see Zoey seated at a table as well, but completely across the room from Olivia. 

Zoey was sitting with one of the girls he met earlier, Peggy. When Zoey saw Lance enter the classroom she quickly had Peggy move to another table, and then waved him over.

“Simone, how is your morning going?” Zoey asked.

“It’s been OK. No major problems. I’m still invisible.”

“Baby steps, girl. We’ll work on that.” She lowered her voice down to a whisper, “By the way, I’m sorry I had to leave you alone with that skank.”

“Skank?” Lance whispered back. “You mean Olivia? She seemed nice.”

“Well, she stole my jerk of a boyfriend. I mean ex-boyfriend.”

“Oh, that was her?”

The teacher closed the door with a thud and the class settled down.

As the teacher passed back previously graded assignments, she stopped in front of Lance. “You must be the new student, Simone Biggs.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Welcome to North High. I’m Mrs. Bell. I read through your transcript. I think you’ll fit in nicely with this class.”

Lance wondered what the transcript said. Was it Simone’s transcript? Chemistry was one of Simone’s stronger subjects. Lance preferred Physics. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Mrs. Bell announced, “We’re going to shuffle the classroom and get into pairs to do today and tomorrow’s labs. I’m going to hand out numbers. Find the person with the matching number.”

As Mrs. Bell passed out the numbered slips of paper, Lance checked his. Number 11. When everyone had a number, Mrs. Bell had them go find their partner. Lance and Zoey compared numbers. Zoey had number 3, so he got up to find his match. Zoey, on the other hand, decided to let her new partner come to her.

As Lance was looking around, he saw Olivia and walked over to her. “Hello again,” he greeted her. 

“Oh hi, Simone,” Olivia smiled. “Long time no see.”

Olivia and Lance compared numbers. Olivia had a 7. She quickly found the other student with an 11 and swapped with them, so she could be partners with Lance. 

“I guess we’re going to be partners,” Lance said, having seen Olivia’s number swap. He wondered what her angle was. He’d never experienced a girl wanting to be his partner before. Last time someone wanted to be his partner, it was some jock who forced Lance to do all the work.

“I hope you’re good with a Bunsen burner, because I suck with it.” she smiled.

“Oh, yeah. I think I can manage to not burn up our assignment again,” Lance replied.

“Again?”

“Well, I left my homework at home once and it was a better excuse than ‘my dog ate it’.”

Olivia laughed.

* * *

When class was dismissed, Zoey caught up to Lance. “So, are you friends with Olivia now?” she asked with a little jealousy in her voice. She had been keeping an eye on them the whole time.

“Oh, I dunno,” Lance replied. “She seems friendly. She wants to hang out.” 

Another girl heading in the opposite direction said, “Hi, Zoey.”

“Oh hi,” Zoey replied, waving at the girl as they passed. She turned her attention back to Lance. 

“Did she mention either me or Tyler?” Zoey questioned, her voice a little terse.

“No, but she’s funny - and this was the first time I actually enjoyed Chemistry class.”

“Well, then, let's use this to our advantage. I need you to break up her and Tyler. Then he’ll have no choice but to crawl back to me.”

“Huh? Why? What does this have to do with our deal? You said forget about making your ex jealous. You said he was a jerk. Do you really want him back?”

“Yes- I mean no.” Zoey paused a moment, trying to push away the idea that Tyler would come crawling back to her. “I want them both to suffer.”

Lance was getting worried that he had allied himself with a vindictive and deceptive person. And that he was going to get caught in the middle of a war between the two girls. This was not what he signed up for.

“What class do you have next?” Zoey asked.

“Lunch.”

“I have History. Do you need anything before we part?” Zoey asked.

“Yes,” Lance whispered with a twinge of embarrassment, “I kinda have to… umm.. use the restroom. And I feel weird just walking into the girls’ room.”

“I’ve got your back,” she said. “This way.”

Lance followed Zoey to the nearest restrooms. 

“Wait right here.” She entered the girls’ restroom and came back out seconds later. “All clear. I’ll stand guard.”

Lance walked past Zoey and into the restroom. He looked around. It wasn’t much different from a typical boys’ restroom except for the lack of urinals. He wasn’t sure exactly what he was expecting. Maybe a couch or luxurious sinks. Music softly playing. Disappointed that this was just a plain restroom, he went into the stall and did what he came to do. It took considerably longer due to the extra time required to hike up his dress and drop his pantyhose and panties. He did notice, as he sat, it smelled better than every men’s room he’d ever been in. And more importantly, there was no urine on the seat. He’d always hated trying to find a clean toilet seat in mens’ rooms. Boys were so disgusting.

He noticed the back of the stall door had graffiti.  “Debra (heart) Charlie,” “Brandon has a small dick,” “wlw” and a phone number.  He figured every restroom must have graffiti.

Zoey stood in front of the door with her arms crossed. A freshman girl was about to enter when Zoey stopped her. “Sorry, this restroom is closed. Someone flushed a tampon down the toilet and now it’s flooded. The janitors are on their way.”

The girl looked disgusted and walked away.

Lance came out of the bathroom. “Thanks, I was about to burst.”

“Girls don’t talk like that,” Zoey corrected him.

Lance rolled his eyes. “More girl rules,” he muttered.

“See you after school,” Zoey reminded him. As Lance walked away, she noticed the back of his dress was tucked into his pantyhose. She quickly ran up and pulled his dress free.

“Thanks,” an embarrassed Lance said as he turned around.

Lance continued walking to the cafeteria and got in line for lunch. He suddenly realized the money his dad gave him was in his boy clothes. And those were in the duffel bag he left with Zoey. Not that this dress had any pockets to keep money in. 

He left the lunch line, hungry and disappointed. 

As he was about to leave the cafeteria he heard someone shout, “Simone!”

He turned to find Mack waving at him and motioning for him to come over to her. Lance walked over to where Mack was sitting. Seated next to Mack was Francine, from last night.

“Hi, Mack, hi Francine, it’s so good to see you again.” Lance was getting better with his Simone voice and wanted to show Mack.

“Hey, how is your first day of school going?” Mack asked.

“Not too bad. I had a long tour of the school and a few classes. Some of the material I already knew from my old school.”

“I take it no one has figured out your little secret,” Mack whispered. 

Lance glanced at Francine. She was all smiles, like last night. Lance wondered what she thought of him. “Well, Zoey put makeup on me before school started. I’m trying not to touch my face and mess it up.” Lance bent down closer to Mack, whispering, “Does it still look OK?

“Not bad, we’ll work on makeup later and you will dazzle everyone.”

Lance blushed and sat down across from Mack.

“Where is your lunch, Simone?” Francine asked. 

“Don’t tell me Zoey already put you on some kind of starvation diet,” Mack added.

“Well, she did take away my Tastykakes last night. But in this case, I just left my lunch money in my… umm… because there’s no pockets in this dress.”

Mack giggled. “Welcome to the world of women’s fashion. Women’s clothing rarely has pockets that are functional. OK, first of all, I’m buying you lunch. We don’t want you going hungry all day. And second, I’m going to get you a purse after school. You need one to keep your stuff in.”

“Ooo,” Francine spoke up.  “I’ll talk to my cousin.  We can put together a trans femme starter pack!”

That statement confused Lance and he turned to Mack.“Do I really need to carry a purse? I’ve got my backpack in my locker.”

“Sure, but you don’t always have that with you, like right now,” Mack countered. “So here, take this and go get some food. You can buy me lunch next time.” Mack handed Lance a few bills from her own bag and he headed back to the food line.

Lance noticed the line was shorter now, since most of the students were already eating. “Well, this doesn’t look or smell any different from my old school,” Lance observed, as he sat down  with a tray of food. “In fact, I’m not even sure what some of this stuff is.”

“Um, don’t eat the green stuff unless you feel like sitting on a toilet for the next 24 hours,” Mack cautioned.

“Yeah, stick to pizza and sandwiches,” Francine added. “It’s hard to screw those up.”

Lance took a fork full of some yellow stuff. It tasted foul. It tasted like… soap.

“Oh, yeah,” Mack cautioned, “maybe you should stick with something prepackaged and avoid using the plates or silverware. This place doesn’t have a working dishwasher anymore.” 

“I wish you would’ve told me that,” Lance whined with the realization that nothing on his tray was edible.

“Here, you can have this.” Francine handed Lance a packaged cookie that she had been saving for later. 

Lance was just finishing his cookie when he noticed Mack and Francine’s eyes looking above and behind him. He turned around to see Zoey’s friends, Deanna and Peggy, approaching him.

“Simone, hi,” Deanna said with a bubbly smile.

“Hi - Deanna was it?” Lance returned her greeting.

“That’s me. I want to introduce you to some friends,” she said, coaxing him from the safety of Mack and Francine.

“Sure.” Lance got up from the table but didn’t catch the concerned look on Mack’s face.

Deanna led Lance to a group of girls. When he got there the group stopped talking and looked at Lance with disgusted expressions. He turned to get support from Deanna, but she wasn’t beside him anymore.

He decided to push through. That’s what Simone would do. “Hi,” he said, his voice cracking, “I’m Simone.”

The group of girls snickered and walked away, leaving Lance standing alone in the middle of the cafeteria.

He could hear their comments.

“Ew.”

“Did you see her shoes?”

“Was that a girl or a boy?”

He was about to break down right there until he felt a tugging on his dress. It was Mack. “Come back and sit down,” she whispered.

Mack led him back to the table. Deanna could be seen leaving the cafeteria, laughing. Lance sat down and buried his face in his hands, trying to hide his tears. He wanted to run out of the school and back to the safety of home.

“Do not trust Zoey’s friends,” Mack sternly warned. “They are betting against you. Especially Deanna.”

A moment later, Lance looked up to see Francine handing him a tissue. “Simone, you are a beautiful and brave woman,” Francine reassured him. “Don’t ever forget that.”

Lance’s humiliation - coupled with being called a woman - was too much for him and he returned his face back into his hands.

Mack glanced at her watch. “It’s ten minutes to next period. Let’s go to the girls’ room now to fix your makeup. Then you’ll have time to stop by your locker and get your stuff for your next class.”

“Good luck with the rest of your day, Simone,” Francine said with a sincere smile.

Mack and Lance picked up their trays and carried them to the return station. Then they headed to the nearest girls’ restroom.

Lance was in a daze and didn’t resist as Mack pulled him inside. She poked her head in each stall to verify they were alone before talking to him.

“Say something, Lance,” she said, pulling out a makeup bag and digging around in it.

“I don’t know if I can do this anymore,” he nearly cried.

Mack grimaced, “If this is too much, tell Zoey you’re done with this game. She doesn’t realize she’s playing with real people and real feelings.”

He nodded with a sniffle.

Mack reapplied eyeliner to Lance’s face. “There, better.”

Before leaving the restroom Mack gave Lance some parting advice. “You can do this, Lance. I saw you last night during the game. Just focus on being Simone, and not on what other people are thinking.” She gave Lance her warmest smile and then a hug. Then they left the restroom and headed in separate directions.

Chapter 8 - Shopping Spree

When the school day ended, Lance walked out of school and made a beeline to the bench where he spent the previous school day. He was exhausted from the anxiety of having to pretend to be someone else all day. All he wanted to do was go home and crash. But he couldn’t do that yet. He was still dressed as a girl and had to wait for Zoey so he could get his duffel bag of boy clothes. And his Game Boy!

Zoey came outside with Deanna and Peggy a minute later. 

“I’ll call you tonight,” Lance could hear Zoey say. Deanna winked at him and smiled, while Peggy mouthed, “Sorry.” 

Zoey continued walking towards Lance. “Get up,” she commanded.

“What? why?” he asked, following her orders.

“A creepy loner named Lance spent all day on this bench yesterday. Simone Biggs, future prom queen, doesn’t do that.”

Lance huffed as he stood up. He was too exhausted to argue.

“Let’s go,” Zoey said, walking towards the parking lot.

As they walked to Zoey’s car, a guy called out, “Hey Zoey, who’s your friend?”

“This is Simone,” she answered, “and she’s too good for you!”

Lance turned bright red and kept his head down. 

Zoey opened the door for her passenger then walked around to get into the car herself.

“I can’t wait to pass out on my couch,” Lance said, relaxing his shoulders.

“Maybe later,” Zoey gave him the bad news. “We’re going to the mall.”

“What? I’m tired. I just want to go home.”

“Umm, Simone, you need outfits.”

“It’s Lance, in private,” he snapped back, the stress of the day finally getting to him.

“Sorry,” Zoey apologized. Apparently she was pushing Lance too hard, too quickly. She would have to rein herself in.

“Besides,” he lamented, “I’m not sure I can do this anymore.”

“Why not?” she asked, beginning to panic. “You were doing great.”

“Your so-called friend, Deanna, humiliated me at lunch time.”

“That bitch! OK, just ignore her. I’ll deal with her later. Remember, she is desperate to see us fail. So, we’re going to need to double our efforts.”

“Zoey, please.”

“Lance, we can’t stop now. Simone is a student at school. You can’t show up as Lance anymore.”

Lance panicked. She was right. He had forged official school documents and was now stuck pretending to be his sister. He started hyperventilating.

Zoey noticed this and put a hand on his shoulder. “Lance. Lance, it’s OK.” She said softly.

“No, it’s not. What did I do? I can't even graduate anymore! I’m so screwed!” He was tearing up.

“Everything is reversible - right after prom. I swear.”

“So… what? I win prom queen, then pull my wig off, and tell the whole school - hey, by the way - I’m really a boy?”

“I haven’t thought about that yet.”

“And what if I don’t win prom queen? What if all this is for nothing?”

“Look, it’s only been one day. You will win, I promise. I always accomplish what I set out to do.”

“But-”

“No buts,” she cut him off, “you just leave everything to me.”

Lance closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’m in so much trouble.”

“Trouble or not, you’re going to look amazing. Let’s go shopping.”

Lance let out an exasperated grunt, kept his eyes closed, and leaned back in the car seat.

Zoey started the car and drove out of the school’s parking lot. They rode in silence. Lance nodded off due to the stress of his first day as Simone. Zoey just let him sleep. She was afraid of pushing him beyond his limits. But, while he slept, she was planning out which stores they were going to go to.

* * *

“Lance, wake up.” Zoey nudged him.

He opened his eyes and groggily looked around.

“We’re at the mall.”

He yawned and they both got out of her car. Zoey escorted Lance straight into the mall and to Victoria’s Secret. “Our first stop,” she announced.

Lance abruptly stopped at the entrance. “I can’t go in there.”

“Why not?”

“I’m a guy,” he quietly reminded Zoey.

“First of all, Simone, you’re a girl, so yes you can. Second, guys go in there all the time.”

“But… it’s an underwear store.”

“Exactly. And you need underwear. Simone, I like you but I don't want to share all of my panties with you. Today was a one-time thing.”

The look of repulsion mixed with embarrassment on Lance’s face was priceless. He quickly scanned the area to make sure nobody else heard Zoey’s remark before looking back at an impatient Zoey. “Fine.” He didn’t resist any further as Zoey held his hand and pulled him into the store. They stopped at a display of lacy bras. His face turned bright red.

“How does the bra you’re wearing fit?” Zoey asked.

“I don’t know. It feels tight and constricting”

“Yeah, that’s a 34C, and you’re stretching it out. Mack said your chest is really a 38, and the breast forms are a B cup. So we’re going to get some of these.” She picked a lacy black bra off the rack and handed it to Lance. “Try this on.”

“Huh, right here?” he gasped, looking around himself.

“Not here, silly, in a changing room.” Zoey pointed to the row of doors in the far corner.

Lance walked to the changing rooms and found a vacant stall. Zoey followed him inside in order to help him change.

“Wait, is it OK for two people to be in here at the same time?” He imagined the manager making a scene in front of all the other customers.

“Relax, Simone, it’s OK. It happens all the time.”

He turned around to allow Zoey to unzip the dress. He then slid off the top, and pulled out the breast forms. “I never thought the first bra I would get to take off would be my own.”

Zoey smiled. She was glad to see Lance was calming down and his sense of humor was returning. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, technically it’s my bra - you lucky guy,” she said cheerfully.

“So, I’m in elite company with Tyler.”

“You’re damn right. Though, I wouldn’t call Tyler elite.”

“So, it’s just me?”

Zoey was about to make a snarky comment when she made eye contact with him. In this small dressing room, only inches away from Lance, she suddenly forgot what she was about to say.

They silently gazed at each other for a long moment. For the first time, Lance noticed Zoey blush as she looked away.

Lance tried to break up the awkwardness by reaching around his back to unclasp the bra but found himself struggling. “A little help?” he whispered.

It took a moment for Zoey to clear her mind, then it was back to business. “Sim- Lance, you’re overthinking it. Let me show you.” She slid the shoulder straps down and rotated the bra so the clasp was in front of him. “There, you can do the rest.”

He grinned at the revelation and unclasped the bra.

“Now do the reverse to put them on.”

He nodded.

“Great, I’ll be right outside.” She quietly slipped out of the stall. “Why is my heart racing?” she wondered.

Lance tried on the bra Zoey had given him. It fit much better. The previous one was constricting his ribs. He put the breast forms into the new bra, pushed out his chest, and looked at the changing room mirror in order to see the bra from different angles. 

The black lace was sexy and he found himself smiling. He was wondering what larger breasts would look like when he realized he had gotten an erection from staring at his female form. Thankfully, his ‘condition’ was hidden by the loose fabric of his dress. He could just imagine how Zoey would ridicule him if she found out.

He called Zoey back into the changing room to see how the new bra looked on him.

Zoey came back inside and had him slowly turn around. “It looks good,” she declared. “How does it feel?”

“It fits better,” he replied, “not as tight.”

“Congrats, girl. You have a bra size now. You’re a 38B.”

Lance stuck out his tongue. “So, I’m bigger than you.”

“Well, yeah, your ribcage is,” she laughed. “I still have a larger cup size, though.” She paused for a moment, smirking. “Unless you want a bigger cup size too…”

Lance embarrassingly responded, “What, n-no!” 

“I can see if Mack has bigger forms-” she taunted, watching him squirm.

“No... no, I’m f-fine,” a flustered Lance sputtered out, nervously twisting a lock of wig hair around his finger.

“OK, then just leave the new bra on, it will help with the fit when you try on other clothing later,” she explained. “I’ll just pull the price tag off so they can scan it at the register.” She ripped the tag off and put it in the basket she had picked up at the store entrance. 

“Um, you’re sure they won’t accuse me of shoplifting?” Lance’s anxiety level was rising back up.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she reassured him. “Women do this all the time as their size changes. There’s no point in putting the old one back on if it doesn’t fit.”

After Zoey helped him get his dress back on, they left the dressing room. Lance followed Zoey back to the bra section, nervously glancing around to see if he was being watched.

“What’s your favorite color?” she inquired.

“Umm.. purple.”

Zoey quietly wondered if purple was Lance’s favorite color or Simone’s. The lines had started to blur and it was getting hard to differentiate between Lance’s two personalities. “Great,” she said, as she started looking through a rainbow of bras looking for Lance’s size. “You already have the black one. Let’s get a purple one. And a nude one. And a white one.” She dropped each one into the basket.

Lance simply nodded, already overwhelmed at all the clothing choices.

“And matching panties!” Zoey giggled and grabbed a package of panties that had the days of the week printed on them. 

Lance turned red. “Seriously?” he winced.

“Hey, would you rather have some thongs?” she joked, pointing at another display. She knew what Lance would say, but she also knew there would be thongs - eventually.

“Can’t we just get something… simple?”

“Only if you ask nicely,” she teased.

“Fine. Can you please pick me out some simple panties?” he asked, exasperation evident in his voice.

Zoey giggled. “Of course I’ll pick you out some panties, Lance.” 

Lance looked mortified at what he had just voluntarily said.

Zoey was afraid she was pushing him too hard again. “Are you OK?” She asked while exchanging the Days of the Week panties for a package of simple pastel cotton ones.

“No! I’m overwhelmed.”

Zoey chuckled. “Well, let’s move on.” She turned to walk, and stopped for a moment and looked over at Lance. “Hey, I’m sorry for teasing you about the panties. I like to tease my friends.”

“So…I’m your friend?” he barely choked out, his emotions starting to overwhelm him.

“Yeah.”

Lance followed Zoey to the cashier. He examined the price tag from the bra he was wearing. “I can’t afford this,” he whispered to her.

Zoey pulled a credit card from her purse and waved it at him. “It’s OK. Today’s shopping trip is on me.”

He stood there embarrassed as his new friend paid for bras and panties for him. 

After she paid, Zoey led Lance to another women’s clothing store. She was a woman on a mission and she weaved in and out through the aisles until she came to what she was looking for. She scanned a rack of dresses and pulled one out. “This is cute!” she announced, holding it up. She looked at a bored Lance.

“Simone, what do you think?”

Lance was pensive and simply shrugged his shoulders.

“Try again. Simone, what do you think of this dress?”

Lance sighed, forced a bubbly smile and answered, “Oh my God, Zoey, that dress is so cute. I must get it!” His forced smile turned back into an apathetic glare.

“That was perfect!” she said. “You’re actually pretty good at this. Kinda freaky in a way.” She held it up against Lance, grinned, put it back on the rack and pulled out another identical dress.

“Can’t I just get another one the same size I’m already wearing?”

“That’s not how women’s fashion works, Simone. Every brand has a different fit.”

“Wonderful. In addition to schoolwork I have to learn fashion too.”

Zoey handed the dress to him. “Let’s go to the changing room.”

Lance went into the changing room, pulled off the dress he wore to school and pulled on the new dress. He looked in the mirror at his reflection. Despite still wearing nylons, the chill across his legs confirmed what he thought - “This is really short,” he complained.

“Come out here so I can see it,” Zoey called.

He stepped out of the room to model it for Zoey.

“It looks great on you though,” she said, then frowned. “Actually - I’d like to try one size down.”

“A size down?” He turned to look at the mirror and had to admit she was right about how nice the dress looked. “I guess I’m just not used to a dress this short.”

Zoey giggled.

Lance glared at her. “Now what’s so funny?”

“Your ‘not used to a dress this short’ comment implies you are used to longer dresses.”

Lance just stood there speechless, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish, as Zoey went back to the dress rack and returned with another. 

“Try this.”

Lance exchanged the one he was wearing for the smaller size and came back out to model it for Zoey. “It’s kinda tight around my waist.”

“No, that’s the way it should feel.”

“Really?”

“It gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. Turn around.”

Lance did as he was told.

“Wow, you have a cute butt.”

“Hey!” Lance complained, blushing.

“This is perfect. Let’s get a few more of these dresses in various patterns.”

“Can’t I just get a pair of jeans?”

“Not yet. We need people to get used to seeing you as a girl before introducing pants.”

Zoey led a bewildered Lance around the store. She, with minimal acceptance by Lance, picked out more dresses, skirts, tops, and some athletic wear for gym class.

There was a moment when Lance was modeling a sundress for Zoey. Nothing was said between the two of them. Zoey saw a smile appear on Lance's face as they made eye contact. Something about Lance’s smile made Zoey smile back. His eyes, his smile, the way he was whimsically twirling the dress. Those strange thoughts from earlier started creeping into Zoey’s mind again. This time, however, she knew what they represented. Zoey tried in vain to force those weird thoughts back down. Those were weird, right? She couldn’t possibly be attracted to her… him.. a boy in a dress, right?

Their shared trance was broken when a passing salesgirl observed Lance twirling the new dress. “Oh, that looks perfect on you!” she gushed. “Those colors go so well with your hair.”

This time they both blushed as they broke eye contact and looked away.

As they were about to check out, Lance looked at the shopping cart and examined the price tag on one of the dresses. “This is getting expensive,” he remarked.

Zoey ignored him.

When they left the store an irritated Lance asked, “Where to next? I’m getting tired and hungry.”

“Shoe store.”

Lance sighed as the two of them walked to the next store.

After measuring his foot and figuring out what women's size he was, Zoey started pulling boxes of shoes from the shelves. The first box Lance opened was a pair of heels.

He took off his sneakers and socks. He slipped the heels on his feet and stood up. “I feel so tall. And off balance.”

“Now try to walk.”

Lance wobbled, and nearly tripped, but Zoey grabbed his hand before he could crash into the wall of shoe boxes.

“One foot in front of the other,” Zoey instructed. “Step with your toes, not your heel.”

“More rules,” Lance grumbled, “but this one might break my ankle.”

“Let’s try these on.”

“What else do you have there? That’s a lot of shoes.”

“Sneakers for gym class, dressy sneakers, sandals because the weather is getting warmer, flats for more casual looks. And socks.”

“I have socks.”

“Do you have cute ankle socks?”

“Um, no.”

Lance tried all of those on, Zoey paid, and they moved on to the next store. 

The penultimate store was Claire’s, where Zoey accessorized Lance with a selection of tasteful jewelry. He also needed clips to hold his hair in place. And of course a bracelet. She wanted to make sure everyone saw him in a feminine light. He drew the line at getting his ears pierced, however, stating his dad would notice and have an adverse reaction. 

When they left the store, Zoey encouraged Lance to put on the jewelry. “I also noticed you’ve been playing with your hair and keep pushing it behind your ears, we can clip it back.”

Finally, Zoey and a very well put together Lance walked into a pharmacy. 

“Are you sure all of this is OK?” Lance hefted all the shopping bags. “I can’t imagine this trip being cheap.”

“It’ll be worth it.” 

“What’s the bet for anyway? What do you win? What do you lose?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

As they were standing there, a store employee approached them with a smile. “Hi, ladies, can I help you find something?”

“Shaving supplies,” Zoey answered.

“Aisle eight,” he replied.

Zoey and Lance walked to aisle eight and stopped in the men’s shaving section. 

“Pick out a razor and shaving cream,” Zoey suggested.

“I already have one at home,” Lance reminded her.

“Mack told me to tell you that you have to use a different one on your legs than on your face.”

“Oh, but don’t you want me to get one from the women’s section?”

“Do you want a pink razor?”

“No.”

“Then pick a manly one. You said to keep this all from your dad. This way he’ll never know you’re shaving your body with it.”

Lance grabbed a razor from the shelf and a can of shaving cream and walked up to the cashier, as Zoey headed for the cosmetics aisle. While he waited for her to finish, he studied the covers of the fashion magazines. “Makeup Tips for the Perfect Prom” caught his eye. He picked up the magazine and casually skimmed the pages, thinking it might help with his appearance. 

When Zoey returned with a basket full of cosmetics, she found Lance reading the fashion magazine. “Whatcha got there?”

“Well, I saw the headline about having the perfect prom. I thought this would help us with the bet. I got um... sidetracked.”

“Oh? By what?”

“Well, there were some… outfits… I found appealing. Maybe ideas for the future.”

“That sounds like something Lance would say. What would Simone say?”

He nervously looked at her. “I found some cute outfits I may... I may want to try.” He looked away, closed the magazine and clammed up.

Zoey noticed how Lance’s demeanor changed just then. He wasn’t pretending. He actually was looking at girls' clothes and realized he liked it. Zoey took this as a sign to tread carefully. “Why don’t you add the magazine to the basket.”

Zoey carefully placed each item on the counter. She then saw something out of the corner of her eye. She smiled and looked at Lance. Grabbing a package of Tastykakes off the shelf, she announced to Lance, “And a little thank-you gift, for your first day. I know this has been rough on you.”

Lance smiled.

Zoey paid and they left the pharmacy.

As they walked through the mall, Zoey let their fingers brush against each other. Lance recoiled as if the touch was an accident and it was his fault. When he relaxed his arms again, Zoey held his hand. In her periphery could see him smiling.

When they were near the food court, a hopeful Lance asked, “Are we done shopping now?” He checked his new watch. It was around dinnertime.

“You said you were hungry. I’m going to get us some dinner,” Zoey responded. “What would you like?”

“I could really go for some Panda Express. Hey - I’m going to stop in that game store for a moment.”

“But I’m about to get us dinner.”

“Zoey, all afternoon we’ve been doing what you wanted to do. Now, I’m going to do what I want to do for a few minutes.”

Zoey nodded and headed towards the food court. She wondered if Lance had forgotten he looked like Simone, or if he had overcome some of his anxiety about being in public impersonating a girl. She walked on alone, but realized she already missed Simone’s company.

Lance casually walked into a game store. He was looking around at the new releases when he spotted a demo of the new Super Smash Bros. playing on a TV in the corner. 

As Lance picked up one of the controllers, a guy about his age came up to him and grabbed the second controller. “Mind if I play with you?”

“Sure,” Lance replied.

“I want this game for my birthday,” the guy said.

“Me too.”

Lance chose Link, and the guy chose Pikachu.

When the game started, both boys were laughing at watching Link and Pikachu fight each other.

A few minutes later, Lance noticed the guy looking at him and smiling.

“Hey - I haven’t seen you around. Which school do you go to?”

“Oh, me? Um, North.”

“Me too! Small world.”

Lance forced a smile, unsure of what else to say. His mother’s words echoed in his head. “Make friends.” He glanced at the boy. “Well, um, today was actually my first day.”

“That’s so awesome. I was wondering why I hadn’t seen you around.” 

Lance didn’t know what else to say, so he focused on the game. It was safer that way.

After another minute of game play, the boy spoke up again, “You’re pretty.”

Lance froze and turned red, shock preventing him from moving or speaking.

“I mean, you’re pretty good,” the guy quickly corrected himself, and like Lance, blushed with embarrassment.

“Umm, thanks,” Lance replied. For a moment he forgot he was in a dress and thought this was just two guys playing Nintendo. He figured he should say something. “This game is so much cooler than the other fighting games.”

“Yeah, the game play is so cool.”

“It is. I can’t wait to get it.”

There was an awkward silence for a moment before the guy spoke up again. “Hey, um, would you like to go out sometime? I know of a cool arcade we could go to.”

Lance glanced over at him in surprise. He thought, “This guy just asked me out, what should I say?”

Just then, an irate Zoey came into the store and grabbed Lance by the hand. The boy recognized Zoey. “Hi, Zoey, how are you-”

Zoey ignored the boy. “Simone, if you don’t want to get hit on by nerdy guys, don't go into the game store.”

“Wait, I didn’t get your number!” the guy called after Lance. “My name is Christopher!”

Zoey led Lance to a food court table that already had their trays on it.

“How much of that did you see?” Lance asked.

“Enough to know you needed to make a quick escape. You were like a deer in headlights.”

“He seemed like he knew you. Do you know him?”

“Well, not by name, but I’ve seen him around school. He works on computer stuff for the yearbook.”

Lance frowned. He was hoping to at least make a friend.

“That guy was flirting with me,” Lance explained. “He asked me out.”

“Yeah, I noticed. And how did that make you feel?”

“On one hand, flattered. I’m not used to any kind of attention like that. But on the other hand, he was a guy, and I was actually frightened. I would rather he’d been a girl, honestly.”

“Well, eventually we should practice what you should do in those situations. We’re turning you into prom queen, so this hopefully won't be the last time you attract attention. And when this is all over, maybe I can help you find that special girl.”

“I’d like that. Hey Zoey, what are you getting out of all of this? Is this really just about a stupid bet?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted, scrunching up her eyebrows. “At first that’s all it was. But these past two days have been just as thrilling for me too, you know?”

Lance picked at his food quietly before he spoke up, “What are you doing after you graduate?”

Zoey snapped back, “Please don't ask me that. Everyone asks that.”

“Sorry,” Lance apologized, “I didn’t realize that was a touchy subject.”

“I just don’t know, Lance. I had these big plans. I went all through high school preparing to go to college. I got into so many activities. I got good grades. I volunteered. My college applications are impeccable. But… what was the point of all that work?”

“A better school, I imagine.”

“But then what?”

“I.. if it’s any consolation, I don’t know what I want to do when I’m done with school either.”

* * *

When they were finally in the car and driving away from the mall, Lance asked, “So can I finally go home now?”

“Nope, we’re going to my house. Mack is going to teach you makeup.”

“Oh man,” Lance said, slinking down in his seat, “this day never ends!”

When they arrived at Zoey’s house she escorted him inside. She announced, “Mom, Dad, I’m home!” before leading Lance upstairs to Mack’s room.

“How’d you two make out clothes shopping?” Mack asked.

Zoey dropped all of the shopping bags on the bed and pulled each item of clothing out to show Mack. Lance stood there silently.

When Zoey was done showing off the results of their shopping spree she reminded Lance, “You can just keep the bra and panties you borrowed.”

“Oh…joy,” Lance remarked with sarcasm. “Is this some kind of a trophy for getting into your bra and panties?”

Zoey was too flustered to respond. She hadn’t considered the implications until she heard Lance’s take on it.

Mack was busy laughing at Lance finally returning a jab back at Zoey.

When Zoey recovered she shot right back at Lance, “That’s your gift for reaching Elite Status!”

Lance just grinned. He wasn’t sure if he would ever reach Elite Status with any girl.

Mack wasn’t sure what “Elite Status” meant, but she jumped in anyway. “You two should just get a room.”

They both stared at her and blushed. Neither could look at the other.

Mack coughed to get the conversation back on track. “This is nice stuff,” she said. “The only problem is - this is Zoey’s style. I’d like to see Simone get her own style.” She turned to Lance. “Are you ready to learn makeup?”

Lance yawned, as he slowly nodded. He and Zoey locked eyes again and both looked away.

Zoey suddenly needed some breathing room, and space away from Lance.

“I’m going downstairs to talk to Mom and Dad,” Zoey said before leaving the room. 

Once Zoey left, Mack got right in front of Lance and looked him square in the eyes. “How are you doing?” she asked tenderly. “You were barely holding it together after lunch.”

“Well, things got better. I just focused on classes. After school we went shopping. Oh, and a guy asked me out.”

“Seriously? What did you say to him?”

“I didn’t know what to say, and Zoey pulled me away before it went any further.”

“Were you interested?”

“No!” he quickly responded.

“It’s OK if you are. Erik is gay. Francine is bi.”

“No. I’m into girls.” A little softer this time.

“Is Simone into girls?”

“My sister? I don't think so. She’s only ever dated guys.”

“I mean your version of Simone. Have you considered what kind of vibe you want to give off?”

“I hadn’t.”

“Well, just remember to be true to yourself. You’re a really nice guy. You don’t have to pretend to be Simone, or anyone else, to try to impress people.”

Mack’s positive comment helped to lift Lance’s spirits. “Thanks, I’ll remember that.”

“You don’t have to pretend to be Lance either,” Mack mumbled under her breath.

“What was that?” Lance asked.

“Nothing,” Mack said, worrying she had said too much. “Now, sit.” Mack pulled over a bag of cosmetics. “I’m going to teach you everything you need to know to make your face glow.”

“You mean like, glow in the dark?” Lance asked, bewildered.

“No, you dork,” she giggled, “‘glow’ as in healthy, radiant skin.”

* * *

Over the next hour, Lance learned everything he never wanted to know about foundations, concealers, blushes, and more. Mack also explained color correcting his slight 5 o'clock shadow. She made him perform everything himself and watched as he did it. 

“Now remember,” Mack advised, “practice, practice, practice.”

“When do I have time to practice?” 

“If you’re practicing at home, take nightly showers. Practice your makeup before the shower. That way you can clean it off before bed.” She handed him a purse. “Here. Put your wallet in here and some stuff to touch up your makeup. We’ll get you your own that matches your style eventually.”

He took the purse and put it on top of the shopping bags.

She then held up a CD. “I spent all afternoon compiling a ‘Crossdressing for Dummies’ tutorial for you. There are saved web pages for shaving your legs, additional styles for makeup, and some other things I thought you might find interesting.”

“Thanks,” Lance said.

Zoey came back into the room and gave Lance his duffel bag. “Here’s today’s clothes, and yesterday’s clothes. You should get dressed back into your boy clothes now so I can drive you home.”

“Is everything OK, Lance?” Mack asked. “You’ve been quiet.”

“Oh, sorry, I was thinking about what happened at lunchtime again.”

“I have a plan for that,” she said with a smile and looked at Zoey. “Zoey, do you remember Rory, last year’s quarterback?”

“Yeah, he was the most popular guy in school last year. All the girls wanted to date him. All the guys - including Tyler - wanted to be him.”

“Well, did you know he occasionally plays D&D with us?”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Did you know he attends community college to study acting?”

“I didn’t know that, either.”

“Lance, are you any good at acting?”

“Um, I never tried, but I did some improv at summer camp once,” he recalled.

“Perfect. I’ll give you more details tomorrow at lunch.”

* * *

Lance changed outfits and Zoey drove him home. He walked up to his modest house that he’d barely spent any time in over the past two days. It was already dark out, and his dad must be wondering where he went.

He put the shopping bags in the hedges near one of the windows, then went inside to find his Dad sitting there reading a newspaper. “Lance! I was getting worried about you.”

“Sorry, I was out with that girl again.”

“Does this girl have a name?”

“Zoey.”

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Zoey.”

“It's nothing Dad, I’m just making a friend. And she’s helping me find my way around.”

“How was your first real day of school?”

“It was OK. Some of the stuff I already knew, some I didn’t.”

“Did you make more friends besides Zoey?”

“I think I did. Zoey’s sister goes there too. And some of Zoey’s other friends.”

“That’s excellent, Lance. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“How is your anxiety doing?”

“I’m feeling better. The school routine and getting to know people really helps.”

“That’s great. Your mom called earlier. She wanted to see how you were doing after you talked with her yesterday.”

“I’ll call her back tomorrow. I’m exhausted. I think I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.”

“OK. By the way, did you sign up for the bus?”

“No, because Zoey is picking me up.”

“Oh, OK,” he said. “In that case I’ll be gone before you wake up. Make sure you set your alarm clock. Get some sleep, and have a good day tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Lance smiled and walked to his room. He went over to his window, slowly and quietly opening it up. He climbed out the window, retrieved the shopping bags full of today’s haul, and climbed back inside.

He started his computer, put the CD Zoey gave him into the player, and waited for it to load. It had different tutorials and tips and tricks for crossdressing.  He focused on the tutorial on how to shave his legs. 

The shaving directions said to trim down his existing hair with an electric razor first. Lance poked his head out of the bathroom to find out where his dad was. He was nowhere to be seen, so Lance got out his electric razor, got undressed, stepped into the tub, and started removing his body hair. 

Lance watched as clumps of his leg hair fell onto the tub floor. When he was satisfied with the shortness of his leg hair he moved on to his arms. Then his chest. He even did a little manscaping, since he was already holding the razor.

When he was done, he cleaned his razor and the floor of the tub, then started warming up the shower. 

He stepped in and lathered up his left leg. The directions had said to go against the grain, so that’s what he did. He carefully went around his knee. After five minutes his left leg was done. 

“This is going to take forever,” he thought.

An hour later, a cleanly shaved lance collapsed into his bed. His smooth skin on the cotton sheets sent a weird tingle through his body. He rubbed his legs together. It felt great. He wondered why more guys didn’t shave their legs.

He heard the phone ring and he picked it up. “Hello?”

“Hey, Lance,” Simone gleefully answered, “how was your second day?”

“Nothing to write home about.”

“Did you see more of your friend from yesterday?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“And?”

“Well, I have a nagging feeling I’m being taken advantage of.”

“Oh, no, Lance. Don’t let that happen. You deserve better.”

“But, at least I’m having fun.”

“Still…stand up for yourself.”

Lance sighed. He didn't want to talk about himself anymore. “How are you doing, Simone?”

“Things are OK. I still don’t have a date to prom. I asked one guy, but he sucks. I swear, I’ve dated so many frogs. Just once I’d like to find someone worthy of this princess.”

Lance chuckled at Simone’s analogy. She was always so good with words. “Well, you deserve only the best,” Lance complimented her. “What happened to the guy you were hanging out with before I moved?”

“Oh? Well, he was a dirtbag. Apparently, he was actually trying to get with another girl on the cheer squad and he was just using me to get close to her. We both found out the truth. I told him that he betrayed our trust and that he can now have any girl he wants - except any girl on the cheer squad.”

“Good for you.”

“The way things are going, you might find someone to take to prom before I do.”

Lance nervously laughed. “Did you pick out a dress?”

“I did. I should email you a picture of it.”

“Well, I should get to bed now. Tell Mom I love her and miss her.”

“Will do. Have a good day tomorrow, Lance.”

Once his eyes closed the exhausting day caught up to him and he quickly fell asleep. He dreamed he was being chased around school by a girl wearing a hockey mask and wielding a running chainsaw. But was it Zoey or Deanna?

Chapter 9 - Cakewalk

Lance heard his Dad leave and his car pull away. He looked at the clock and realized he had an hour before Zoey arrived.

Since Lance showered last night, he didn’t feel the need to take another. But he remembered Mack’s instructions to shave, wash his face, and apply moisturizer.

When he was done with that, he returned to his bedroom and pulled out both boy and girl clothes from his closet. He slid on a pair of boxers and then put the empty duffel bag on the bed and laid out the clothes Zoey bought him. He had to pick an outfit for today.

He looked at the panty hose from yesterday. He didn’t feel like putting those back on. He then remembered he shaved his legs. He casually rubbed his hand over his cleanly shaven thigh and got a tingling sensation. Should he dare wear a skirt today?

He glossed over the dresses, skirts, and tops. This was overwhelming for him. He knew he at least needed underwear so he tossed a matching bra and panties into the bag along with the breast forms.

He looked at his computer. It was still on. Mack’s CD was still in the drive. He pulled up some of the fashion pictures. He looked at the pictures that appealed to him the most. Then he turned back to the clothes on his bed and picked out.

A plain black skirt.

A pink low cut T-shirt top.

The brand new sneakers and socks.

He carefully folded everything neatly into the duffel bag, including all of his accessories and a hand mirror, and hid the rest of his girl clothes in the back of his closet.

He then got dressed in his boy clothes. The denim fabric against his freshly shaven legs was unpleasant. When he was dressed, he left his room, grabbed some breakfast, and stood outside waiting for his ride.

* * *

Zoey pulled around to the back of the school near the landscaper’s shed. As Lance got out of the car with his bag she turned to him and said, “Good luck. I’ll see you at Chemistry.”

Lance nodded and disappeared into the shed to begin his transformation.

He took off his boxers and put on a pair of his new panties. His. Panties. He got a weird feeling referring to these clothes as “his.”

Stepping into the skirt, he slid it up and let it rest above his hips. He walked around the shed feeling the skirt’s material rub against his legs. It was thrilling. 

Next up, he put one of the new bras on just like he was shown. He pulled up his chest skin, and dropped in the breast forms. Looking in the mirror he adjusted his “breasts.”

He then put on the plain pink T-shirt. It was low cut, and between the breast forms and the bra, it looked like he had a bit of cleavage. His dick twinged just thinking about it.

Then he put on, and laced up his brand new sneakers. They were a pair of pink and black Sketchers. The felt much more comfortable than his worn out Converses.

He pulled out the hand mirror and attempted to prop it up on a workbench unsuccessfully. Eventually he found a vice and clamped the mirror to it. Then Lance got out the cosmetics and started applying his makeup like Mack had taught him.

When he was done he stood up and looked at his reflection in that little hand mirror. He was taken aback at his transformation. He was ugly yesterday and people confused him for possibly being a guy in a dress. Not anymore. Not today. His makeup successfully feminized his face. He looked much more like his twin sister than he had at any point this week.

He stashed the duffle bag under the workbench, left the shed, and walked back around towards the front of the school, humming to himself to get his voice ready to be Simone. As he walked by other students he saw more smiles and fewer awkward looks. This built his confidence up. He walked more upright and smiled back. He walked into the school and to his homeroom with increasing confidence with every step. Even his teacher didn’t give him a weird look today.

Until he sat down, of course.

“Simone,” the teacher called to him. “Principal Silver would like to see you.”

A wave of dread washed over Lance. “He wants to see me?”

“Preferably before first period,” he added, then continued doing something else.

Lance got up out of his seat, headed out of the classroom, and to the office.

* * *

Lance entered the office again for the third day in a row. The receptionist recognized him from yesterday. “Miss Biggs, Principal Silver is ready for you.” She motioned for him to follow her.

Lance followed her to the principal’s office and left his side when Principal Silver saw them.

“Miss Biggs,” he said with a smile. “Welcome to Bullfrog Country!”

Lance nervously smiled at his greeting. “Um, thank you sir.”

“Have a seat,” he said, motioning to a chair in front of him.

Lance walked over, smoothed out his skirt, and took a seat. He was so afraid of getting caught, he attempted to cross his legs, though it wasn’t comfortable at all.

“My apologies for not seeing you yesterday. I was busy with the school board trying to find funding for a new dishwasher. Did you hear about that?”

“Yes, sir, I did. Soap suds everywhere.”

“Well at least we don’t have to scrub the kitchen this semester, am I right?” he chuckled at his own joke. “So, I got your transcripts from your old school. It’s weird because they said you were still enrolled there. Don’t worry, we sorted out that mess.”

Lance’s dread increased. Surely they’re going to find out the truth now. And just how did they “sort out” that mess?

“You had excellent grades,” he complimented Lance. “Normally I keep an eye on transfer students to make sure they’ll adapt to a new school, but I think you’ll do fine.”

“Especially with less than eight weeks left,” Lance added, trying to force a smile.

“Have you made any friends yet?”

“Well, I met the welcome girl, Olivia, and the student body president, Zoey.”

“Olivia is the head cheerleader. She’s such a sweetheart. Zoey - now she’s a real bitch. Act more like Olivia and you’ll go far.”

Lance wanted to speak up for Zoey, but decided this wasn’t the time or place.

“Simone, you’re an attractive young lady,” he said. “May I call you Simone? I think you’ll fit in nicely. You certainly won't have any trouble making friends with the boys. Just don’t forget to keep your grades up. There’s a tendency for seniors to coast a bit towards the end of the school year.”

Lance had a harder time forcing the smile. His fear of getting caught turned into one of disgust. He was fooling the principal - but not the way that made him feel good.

“Thank you for the advice, sir. May I go now?” Lance timidly asked. “Class will be starting soon.”

“Yes, of course, go ahead,” he said, gesturing toward the office door.

As Lance backed out of the office, he noticed the principal eyeing him up and down and checking out his bare legs.

* * *

Zoey was eager to find out how Lance’s morning had gone, so she called him over as soon as he entered the chem lab.

“Good job picking today’s outfit. Your makeup looks really good, too. Nice and even.”

“Thanks,” Lance replied. “It was hard to do with a small mirror, in a filthy shed, with sharp objects dangling around me. But I practiced getting ready last night. Mack’s CD was a big help.”

“At least you'll be prepared for a zombie invasion. But yeah, we’ll have to find a better way for you to get ready in the morning. I’ve got a bigger mirror we can stash in the shed.”

“Oh - I saw the principal today.”

“Oh, no,” Zoey gulped. “Did he find out?”

“No. But he called you a bitch and I think he was checking me out.”

Zoey had a sigh of relief. “Yeah, well that guy is a total perv. He doesn’t like me because I called him out on it when I first got elected student body president, and had to meet with him.”

“What happened?”

“He was checking out my boobs and ass. I asked him rather loudly, ‘Are you checking me out?’ so that everyone in the office could hear. He turned red, denied it, and he hasn’t done that since.”

Zoey lowered her voice to a whisper. “Stay away from him, if he finds out the truth, it’s over for both of us.”

“I should go to my lab partner now.” 

“Remember the plan!” she reminded him as he walked away.

Lance sat down next to Olivia. By now smoothing out his clothing was second nature for him.

“Hey, partner,” Olivia said smiling.

“Hey,” Lance smiled back. 

Olivia returned her attention to a notebook she was doodling in. She looked preoccupied.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“It’s nothing. I’ve got a stalker.”

Lance was totally out of his league here. What would Simone do? She would offer support, of course. “Oh my God, Olivia, what’s going on?”

“Well, there’s this guy named Tyler,” she explained. “He’s the quarterback on the football team, and he thinks we are dating. And going to prom together. The whole quarterback-head cheerleader stereotype. But he is so not my type. He just won’t take no for an answer.”

“Wait, you mean you two are not a couple?” Lance inquired. “I heard you two were practically engaged.”

“That’s just Tyler spreading rumors,” Olivia fumed. “We had one so-called date, and he wouldn’t keep his hands off of me. You should stay away from him, Simone, he would go crazy over a girl as pretty as you. And whatever you do, don’t say a word about Tyler and me to anyone. If he found out, there’s no telling what he would do.”

Lance was floored. First, Olivia and Tyler were not a couple after all. Zoey was all wrong about them. Second, the head cheerleader just called him pretty.

“Don’t worry, my lips are sealed about Tyler. And thank you for the compliment. I’ve always been sort of a tomboy. I’m trying to shed that image and reinvent myself here at the new school. I’ve got so much to learn.”

“Well, you’re doing a great job. I love that outfit you have on, and your makeup looks so fresh and natural,” Olivia was appraising Lance carefully. “Hey, would you like to go shopping sometime? We could find some hot summer outfits and get mani-pedis together. Besides, shopping will take my mind off that creep, Tyler, for a while.”

“Uh, sure,” replied Lance. He wasn’t at all sure what to do. Olivia was gorgeous, and obviously knew how to dress and apply makeup with style. He could learn a lot from her. But, in return he risked her learning his big secret. Plus, Zoey probably wouldn’t approve.

“How about you, Simone, I bet you dated plenty of guys at your old school?”

“A few,” he said. He then recalled what Simone said to him last night. “I swear, I’ve dated so many frogs. Just once I’d like to find a princess.”

Olivia looked at him with surprise on her face and smiled. “A princess? I like that. You totally should.”

Lance was speechless. He butchered what he was supposed to say, but Olivia’s smile made him giddy.

“You know what, a bunch of us are going to the carnival on Saturday. You should totally come with us.”

“I uh…yeah, sure. That sounds like fun,” Lance said. A girl just asked him to go to a carnival. Sure, she thought Lance was a girl too, but a warm feeling spread throughout Lance’s body. Hopefully, Olivia didn’t notice he was blushing.

Before either of them could say anything else, the teacher closed the door and started class.

* * *

Zoey stood outside the chem lab and watched as Lance and Olivia walked out of class together, giggling. Apparently she’d created a monster. As Olivia and Lance parted ways and Lance headed towards the cafeteria, Zoey caught up to him and stopped him.

“So what happened?” she asked.

“Good news,” he said. He looked like he was in a great mood. “Olivia wants nothing to do with Tyler. He’s all yours.”

“What? Really?” she exclaimed with a smile. “Wait - no - I don’t want him back. What happened with him and Olivia?

“Apparently, it was all rumors started by Tyler.”

“That asshole. So, he broke up with me in hopes Olivia would return his affections?”

Lance shrugged and smiled. “We’re going to the carnival this weekend.”

“Wait - you and Olivia?”

Lance nodded with a great big smile.

A rush of jealousy washed over Zoey. “Careful Lance, I don’t trust her,” Zoey lied. “She may just be looking to recruit you to cheerleading. Remember you told me you did not want to do cheerleading.”

“Oh, right.”

“Friends don't let friends join cheerleading,” Zoey chuckled.

Lance’s smile seemed to deflate a little.

Zoey felt kind of bad for dashing Lance’s hopes. It was for the best, though. Having Olivia around would only interfere with her plans. Not only that, but in the event a Simone and Olivia pairing went sideways, that could also interfere with Simone’s popularity. A bad breakup - by either party - could hopelessly sink Simone’s prom queen bid. She noticed a very defeated Lance. She needed to perk him up. “Hey, look at me. You look great. You’re doing great.”

“Thank you.”

“And - well, you still have me. I can always take you to the carnival if things don’t work out with Olivia,” Zoey said tenderly.

“Sure, I suppose,” he replied listlessly. His mind was on Olivia.

“I’m serious. I’d love to take you to the carnival. We’d have a great time.”

“Thanks, Zoey.” His focus was back on her.

Zoey’s smile came back as she looked over Lance. Then changed to comical anger as she noticed something…familiar. “And where did you get that purse? It looks just like one of my—Mack gave you my purse, didn’t she? Grrrr, that bratty sister of mine.”

“I didn’t ask where it came from.”

Zoey looked at Lance standing there in that outfit with the purse slung over his shoulder and sighed. “Well, it looks cute with your outfit.”

Lance nodded at the compliment that he didn’t deserve credit for. “Hey, Zoey, can we do a bathroom run like yesterday?”

“Sure.” Then she thought about it. “On second thought, I’ll just go in with you. You aren’t always going to have me with you. It’s time you confidently walk in there as a girl.”

She led him into the restroom. As they walked through the door, he was worried there would be girls in there - doing whatever unspeakable things it was that girls did.

Indeed, there was a girl at the sink washing her hands. She paid no attention to Lance.

The girl did, however, notice Zoey walk in. “Hi, Zoey,” she cheerfully greeted the most popular girl in school.

“Oh, hi there,” Zoey replied as she walked by, entering an empty stall, and leaving Lance standing there wondering what he should do. 

Lance bit his lip and claimed the vacant stall next to Zoey.

When they were both done and standing at the sink, Zoey whispered, “See, that wasn’t so bad.”

“I suppose not,” Lance sheepishly agreed.

Another girl came out of a third stall. “Oh, hi, Zoey.” She smiled warmly.

Zoey smiled back. “Hi, how are you?”

“I’m fine. Hey, I like that outfit you’re wearing.”

“Thanks, yours looks really cute too.”

The girl approached a sink, washed her hands, noticed Lance through the mirror’s reflection, and smiled. She started applying lipstick.

Lance decided to put himself out there like Zoey did, and make small talk.

“I love that shade on you,” he said to the girl.

Zoey stood there impressed at Lance’s sudden forwardness.

The other girl smiled. “Thank you. I got it from the grocery store, of all places.”

“Cool,” Lance replied. “Well, umm, see you around.”

After Lance and Zoey exited the restroom, Zoey laughed. “Your small talk leaves a lot to be desired.”

“What was wrong with it?”

“Nothing. It’s just that you’re cute when you’re nervous and try to force conversation.”

“I am not cute!” Lance pouted.

Zoey simply smiled and watched as Lance turned to walk to the cafeteria, his butt looking good in that new skirt she bought him. “Yes, you are,” she called out to get the last word.

* * *

The sign at the cafeteria entrance listed today's special as "Croak Monsieur." Lance just groaned and entered the cafeteria where he found Mack and Francine standing near their table from yesterday.

“Hey Mack, here’s the money I owe you from yesterday,” Lance said, handing her some cash.

“That outfit is so cute,” Francine observed.

“Thank you,” Lance replied, looking down at his outfit. “I just got it.”

“Are you ready for some improv?” Mack asked with a smirk.

“I guess so?” Lance slowly replied. “What are you planning?”

“You’ll see. Let's go get some lunch.”

As the three of them entered the lunch line, Mack leaned over and whispered to Lance, “Say hi to the girls from yesterday, and don't worry if they don’t acknowledge you.”

Lance took a deep breath to steady himself, then turned to face the girls. “Hi,” Lance said, waving to the group of mean girls who were congregating at a nearby table. 

Same as yesterday, they all made scowling faces. One girl remarked, “Is that the freak from yesterday?” drawing snickers from her companions.

Lance quickly turned back to face Mack. “What was the point of that, Mack?” Lance looked at her quizzically, feeling the same hurt he felt yesterday.

“So they know you’re here.”

As they stood in line, Mack handed Lance back the money he gave her earlier. 

“But-” Lance resisted the money.

“Get a piece of cake. And take the wrap off of it.”

“But I don’t want-”

“It’s not for you.”

“OK,” a resigned Lance said, taking the money and getting a slice of vanilla cake. He was growing accustomed to the weirdness around here.

When they got their lunches they headed towards the table they occupied yesterday. Mack slyly signaled toward the doors off in the distance.

Suddenly they heard a guy's voice yell out, “Simone!”

Lance saw a tall, very athletic guy standing in the doorway looking distraught. He suddenly came into the cafeteria heading in his direction. He didn’t mean Lance did he? Lance looked around to see if he could have meant anyone else. Were there any other Simones in this school?

Mack whispered to Lance, “He cheated on you. Break up with him. Make a scene.” 

“But I can’t-”

“You did fine roleplaying the other day. You’re not Miriel, cleric of Pelor. Now you’re Simone, angry girlfriend about to dump his ass.”

“But-”

Then she left Lance alone and walked to her table.

“Oh, boy,” Lance gulped, standing there with his tray.

“Is that Rory Wilson?” a nearby girl asked her friends.

Rory stopped in front of Lance. Rory towered over Lance forcing him to tilt his head to look up at him. “Simone, you haven’t been answering my calls.”

“I don’t have anything to say to you,” Lance stated coldly. It was ironically the truth. Lance had no idea what he was doing.

“Please, just talk to me, Simi.” Rory implored, acting loud and distraught.

“Why should I?” Lance replied bitterly, trying to sound like a jilted girlfriend. “You, you know what you did.” Lance chuckled to himself. It was a solid cliché of telling a significant other that they should know what they did wrong.

“I’m sorry, babe. It, it won’t happen again. I swear!”

Lance needed to think fast on his feet. “You cheated on me, Rory Wilson, with five other girls! Five!” he loudly accused him. “You can’t just walk in here and say ‘I’m sorry’ like it’s no big deal!”

Rory’s eyes got wide at the accusation. Everyone had stopped eating and talking while they turned to look at the couple arguing in front of them.

Lance thought for a moment that maybe he had overdone it. He tried to remember what Simone had said when she broke up with her boyfriend. “You betrayed my trust, you dirtbag. You lied to me. You cheated on me. And to think I believed you when you said you loved me. Well, now you can have all the girls you want - except me.” Lance turned as if he was going to walk away, hoping this was good enough of a scene.

“But, I don’t want other girls.” Rory made a broad gesture to the students in the cafeteria. “The rest of the girls at this school are skanks. I only want you!”

Lance saw the angry expressions on the faces of the girls he had just said hi to - and many other girls around the room. He realized this whole staged scene was intended for them to accept Simone. He knew what he had to do, and turned sharply to face Rory again. He pointed his finger right in Rory’s face; and then loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, Lance shouted, “Don’t you dare call them skanks! They are all great girls. And they can all do better than a lying, cheating snake like you!” 

There was a lot of murmuring, and even a few voices of support from the girls nearby. ”Tell him, Simone,” and “You go, girl!”

Rory looked around at their audience, then reached out and put his hands on Lance’s shoulders. He was pleading now, “Babe, please-”

Lance shook him off. “Don’t touch me. You blew it. You don’t get to kiss me. And you don’t get to touch these anymore.” Lance took a free hand and squeezed one of his breast forms. He heard gasps from some of the students, who were watching the drama unfold with rapt attention. He started to smile at the control he was exerting over the crowd.

“Babe, I’m sor-”

“Stop calling me babe!” Lance loudly interrupted. “I am not your babe. I’m not Simi. My name is Simone, and don’t you ever forget it.”

Rory glanced down at Lance's tray. At the cake.

Lance silently acknowledged with a nod. “You know what? We are through!” Lance took his free hand, picked up the cake, and smashed it onto Rory’s face.

The crowd of students around them made a gasping sound as pieces of cake fell from Rory’s face. Rory just stood there silently as Lance walked away from him, a scowl on his face, and shaking his head. Someone started clapping, and then others joined in. Rory looked around, then ran out of the cafeteria to a chorus of boos.

Sitting at the jock’s table was Tyler, taking in the whole scene as it unfolded. He turned to one of his buddies. “I didn’t know Rory was dating anyone.” 

His buddy shrugged, “Dunno, dude. I’ve never seen her before. Nice rack, though.”

Tyler started to get curious. Who was this Simone? He would have to find out more about this mystery girl. 

Lance continued over to Mack’s table, blushing at the attention, and sat down with his tray. He was starting to shake from the adrenaline rush.

“Bravo!” Francine cheered.

“Have you thought of what you’ll say at your acceptance speech at the Academy?” Mack giggled.

“I’ve never done anything quite like that before.”

“Really?” Mack questioned with a surprised look on her face.

“I mean, I watch a lot of TV and movies. Sometimes I would pretend I was cool enough to actually have friends - or even a girlfriend.”

“I’ve only known you for two days,” praised Mack. “You’re much cooler than you give yourself credit for.”

“Simone, you were totally in your element,” Francine added. “It’s almost a shame that drama club is over for the year.”

Just then the mean girls came over to their table. One sat down next to Lance.

“So, Simone,” she said gratefully, “thank you for standing up for us back there.” There was guilt in her eyes from the way she had behaved earlier.

“We totally misjudged you,” another said, contritely.

Lance seized the opportunity to be the bigger person. “It’s no problem,” he grinned. “Really. Guys don't get to treat women like that.”

“You’re OK,” the first girl said with a smile, as she got up to leave with her friends. “See you around.”

“Success!” Mack proclaimed after the girls were gone.

* * *

After lunch was over, they said goodbye to Francine and Lance followed Mack to her locker. 

“Wow,” Lance said, shaking his head. “Thank you, that will help me with the bet, for sure!”

“Whoa, whoa,” Mack held up her hand to stop Lance. Then she whispered, “I didn’t do this for that stupid bet, Lance. I did this for you. I knew you needed those girls to lay off you, and I knew you needed a boost of confidence. Don’t think for one minute that I care about Zoey’s bet.”

Lance nodded as Mack continued on to class. As he passed the restrooms, Rory came out of the mens’ room with a clean face. 

“Simone, that was awesome!” he declared. “I had so much fun!”

“Um, sorry about your face.”

“Don’t be. I expected the cake. It was actually my idea. I should’ve told Mack I wanted chocolate though, that piece tasted like soap,” he laughed. “I didn’t expect the part where I cheated on you with… how many girls was it?”

“Five.”

“Five!” he chuckled. “You went for the jugular there! That was too cool. Mack said you’re playing D&D with the group now.”

“Well, I only did it once.”

“Well, if you play again, let me know, I’d love to role play with you again. It was nice meeting you. Good luck, Simone!”

“It was nice meeting you, too. Bye, Rory!

* * *

The next class Lance had was gym. Lance stood at his locker, too shy to get changed around the girls. He also kept his eyes to himself. Last thing he needed was unwanted attention that could expose his identity. 

Of course, attention found him anyway.

“Hi, Simone,” one girl greeted him.

“Hi,” he responded, unsure about how she knew him.

“Nice work with Rory, you can do better!” another commented.

He nodded and tried to stay away from any more attention. How does Zoey handle this?

When the locker room was almost empty, he took off his skirt and top, and changed into his gym clothes. Right away he was aware of how boys’ and girls' clothes were different. The shirt was tighter and had smaller sleeves. The shorts were barely there and came to just above mid-thigh. Making sure his panties were on tight and containing and concealing his member was of utmost importance.

Thankfully gym class had very little physical activity today. Just jogging around the track and then the class was free to exercise on their own. Lance worried what would happen if he was expected to do more.

The rest of the day went on without incident. When Lance left school he looked around to make sure no one was following him, then headed back to the landscaper's shed to retrieve his duffel bag. He then walked to the parking lot to find Zoey waiting for him.

“Great job today, Simone,” Zoey said with a smile and opened the car door for Lance.

“It was better than yesterday. Mack really came through with Rory.”

“I heard about that. I think we’re ready for phase two.”

“What’s phase two?” Lance cringed as he asked.

“Phase one was making sure everyone saw you as a girl. Phase two is focusing on your popularity. There are rumors of a house party in two weeks.” 

“I dunno.” Lance said.

“You’ve already done the hard part. Plus, I’ve seen how you interact with me. You’ve got this.”

“It feels a little easier when I’m playing a character.”

“Then just keep playing this character you’ve created.”

Lance nodded and they rode the rest of the way to his house in silence.

Zoey pulled into the driveway and let Lance out. “See you tomorrow morning, Simone.”

“See ya,” Lance smiled.

Zoey returned his smile and noted that Lance didn’t snap back at being called Simone in private, like he had done yesterday.

As soon as Lance got inside, he quickly changed his clothes and washed the makeup off of his face.

He sat down on the couch to relax and realized his heart was racing. That was exhilarating.

For the first time in years, he was looking forward to going to school tomorrow. 

* * *

When Olivia left cheerleading practice, Tyler was waiting at the front of the school.

“Hey babe,” he called out.

“Tyler, please stop stalking me.”

“I’m not stalking you. I legit want to go out again.”

“I’m not interested.”

“Well, we should go on a few more dates before prom night. You know, there’s a party next weekend.”

“You and I are not going to prom together.”

“Who else are you going to go to prom with? Quarterback. Head Cheerleader. It’s only right.”

“I’d sooner go stag.”

“We both know the head cheerleader is not going to go to senior prom alone. Who else are you going to go with?”

Olivia thought about that for a moment. She had zero interest in any other guy taking her to prom. She was serious about going stag. 

“Tyler…” she started. She wanted to let him down gently, so she bluffed. “There’s someone else.”

“Who is he?”

“None of your business.”

“Fine,” he resigned himself. “When he doesn't work out, I’ll be waiting.”

And with that she turned and walked away.

Tyler stood there dumbfounded until he heard a voice from behind him. “You can totally do better than her.”

He turned to see Zoey’s friend Deanna standing there. “Who’s better than Olivia? No offense.”

“Well, there’s this new girl in school. Simone.”

“Simone. I heard about her. Yeah, she had a rather public breakup this afternoon with Rory Wilson.”

“So, she’s also besties with your ex.”

“So?”

“What better way to get back at Zoey than to date her new BFF?”

“I thought you were her BFF.”

“I’ve been replaced. And I heard about the cafeteria incident too. Looks like someone is available.”

“I don't want to get back at Zoey.” He thought for a moment. “Though, she has been acting like more of a bitch the closer we get to graduation.”

“She’s been talking about you behind your back. She’s pissed that you dumped her.”

“I don’t know, Dee.”

“Just food for thought, Ty.” She turned to walk away. “Ta-ta.”

Chapter 10 - Funhouse

Five Weeks Until Prom

On Saturday morning, Lance woke up with a pep in his step. His plan was to go out to the carnival with Olivia and her friends. He was nervous. While he had gotten used to performing Simone for Zoey, Mack and their friends, this was the first time he had to perform for Olivia and her cheerleading friends.

When Lance got up from the breakfast table, Dad sprang a surprise on him. “Hey sport, we’re going to go out to the carnival today!”

“What?” Lance said with an equal sense of dread and surprise. “What for?”

“Well, my company has a booth there, so I volunteered to man it for an hour. I figured when I wasn’t working, we could go on some rides. Like we used to do.”

“When I was 8?”

“Lance, despite living under the same roof for a long time, we barely spend any time together. Don't you think it would be nice to rekindle that father-son bond?”

“Yeah, sure Dad.” He wanted to speak up. He wanted to say, “I’m meeting up with friends.” But he was not used to having family and friendships conflict.

“Well, get ready, I was thinking of heading there in an hour.”

As Lance retreated to his room, he struggled to figure out how he was going to go to the carnival with Dad when he was also supposed to go with Olivia and her friends - as Simone.

He thought of only one way to do this. He was going to need to call in a favor. He picked up the phone and dialed Zoey.

* * *

The carnival was on the far end of town, set up on a field adjacent to the elementary school. As both Lance and his father got out of his car, his father noticed the backpack flung over his shoulder. “Lance, what's with the backpack?”

“Just stuff, Dad,” Lance vaguely responded, hoping his dad wouldn’t press the issue.

Dad dropped the conversation because clearly Lance didn’t want to talk about it. He worried about his son. He’d always been a loner and a bit guarded. Nothing like his old man, he noted.

As they walked into the carnival, Lance spotted Oliva and her friends up ahead. He turned away so as to not be spotted. “Hey Dad, I need to use the restroom.”

“Already? We just got here.”

Lance didn’t respond and quickly jogged over to the bank of port-o-pots.

He stood inside one booth catching his breath and trying not to smell the odor when there was a knock at the door. 

“Lance, it’s Zoey and Mack,” Zoey stated.

“Thank God,” Lance rejoiced.

“Get dressed and I'll quickly apply your makeup,” Mack instructed through the door.

Lance quickly shed his T-shirt and jeans and replaced them with a pale green skater dress and plain white sneakers. He was careful not to let his clothing touch the filthy toilet seat. Suddenly, Lance missed the cleanliness of the landscaper’s shed. He positioned the wig on his head and opened the door.

Mack was waiting there ready to apply his makeup. Lance was barely out of the port-o-pot as she started applying some foundation. “I have no idea how you got into this mess,” she admonished him. “You should’ve just told your dad no.”

“He never asks me to go anywhere. I just couldn’t say no.”

“On top of that, you’re doing this to hang out with Olivia of all people,” Zoey added with a scowl.

Lance gulped. “Are you both sure you’re OK with helping me today?” Lance asked as he closed his eyes, letting Mack put mascara on.

“This is kinda thrilling,” Mack admitted. “I’ve never had to do a timed cosplay before.”

“What’s the plan?” Zoey inquired, still not satisfied with the situation. “You do have one, right?”

“Just tail me. When I need to switch, come get me.”

“That’s your big plan?” Zoey squeaked, eyes wide.

“Oh, I'm sorry, is it any worse than your plan to turn a boy into a prom queen to win a bet?”

Zoey grunted. 

Mack giggled, “Burn.” 

“Well, at least my plan is working,” Zoey boasted.

Lance was silent. He felt she was right, but didn’t want to dwell on the implications of that. He never believed her plan would work, did he?

After a minute, Mack declared, “Done. I’m trying to keep it simple, so I can do this fast multiple times.” 

“Thank you so much! Can you hold on to this for me?” Lance asked, handing Mack his backpack with his boy clothes.

Lance left Mack and Zoey and headed to where he saw Olivia. Olivia and her friends were in line for tickets. “Hey!” he shouted out to her.

“Simone!” Olivia responded enthusiastically, “I’m so glad you could make it!” She gave Lance a hug. “These are my friends - Ashley, Melissa, Jill, and Amy.”

“Hi,” Lance greeted Olivia's friends, “I’m Simone.”

The three girls greeted him warmly with “hi” and “nice to meet you”.

“You’re all cheerleaders?” he asked.

“Yes they are,” Olivia replied. “Ashley and Melissa are juniors, and Jill and Amy are sophomores.”

“Cool,” Lance said.

“I heard you’re from California,” Ashley probed. 

“I saw what you did to Rory Wilson in the cafeteria last week,” Jill butted in. “That was totally awesome!”

“Yeah,” the other girls said in unison.

“You have to tell us the whole story,” Amy added.

Lance was at loss for words. He thought the Rory improv episode was over and hadn’t considered having to create any additional backstory.

“Later.” Olivia, sensing Lance’s unease, changed the subject. “Let’s get tickets and go on some rides. We have 40 minutes until one of us has to go to the dunk tank.”

“The dunk tank?” Lance inquired.

“Yeah - the squad has a booth over there in the back. We have a dunk tank for fundraising. Mary is in it right now. I think I might be next, though.”

After all of the girls had bought a sheet of tickets, Melissa was the first one to speak up. “Let’s go on the Round Up!” she urged. 

Lance had no idea what the Round Up was, but he wanted to hang out with Olivia, so he followed the girls over to the ride. 

While waiting in line for the ride, a guy Lance didn’t recognize came up to them and cut in front of him and Melissa so he could be behind Olivia. He tapped her on the shoulder. “Hey Olivia. Can I join you?”

Lance deduced this must be the infamous Tyler.

“I’m with my friends,” Olivia coldly informed him, not bothering to turn around. “Perhaps some other time.”

That didn’t deter Tyler as the next group of people were let onto the ride - Tyler included.

Lance walked up to spot along the edge. 

Olivia, who was hastily walking away from Tyler, came up to the spot next to him. “Is this spot taken?”

“Not at all,” Lance replied while gesturing toward the empty spot. 

An annoyed Tyler looked at Lance then quickly got into another spot.

“Have you ever ridden one of these?” she asked.

“No, I haven't,” Lance admitted with some trepidation. Thrilling rides and his anxiety were not a good mix.

“They’re so much fun.”

Suddenly the ride started spinning. As it got going, the centrifugal force held them both down. Olivia let out a playful scream and Lance realized she was holding his hand.

“Try to raise your hand,” she directed. She lifted both their hands up only for the force to pin them back down.

She giggled, and Lance did too.

Slowly the ride started to rise up and tilt. Lance and Olivia turned their heads toward each other and smiled. 

Now Lance remembered what this ride was.  A previous Physics teacher had explained centrifugal forces to the class using this ride as a way to test it.  But Lance avoided these types of rides.  Riding it with Olivia was slowly changing his mind. “This is fun!” he thought. Then, “Uh-oh, what if my wig flies off?” He started to worry. But as it turned out, Lance’s wig was the least of his problems.

As the ride slowed down, Lance realized something was wrong with his stomach. Olivia noticed the look on his face.

“Motion sickness?”

“Yeah,” Lance gasped, trying to convince himself not to vomit in front of the girls.

When the ride came to a complete stop, Lance was the first person off and made a beeline to the port-o-pots. “I’ll be back!” he called as he raised his hand to cover his mouth.

Lance wasn’t looking and bumped into someone. He looked up to see his dad. He quickly continued running. 

The elder Biggs looked at the girl who bumped into him as she ran off. She looked almost identical to his daughter. “Simone?” he called out after her.

Lance ran into a vacant port-o-pot and vomited his breakfast into it. 

There was a knock at the door. Lance thought to himself, “Please don't be Olivia. Please don't be my dad. Please don’t be-”

“It’s Mack,” the knocker announced.

Lance breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door a crack.

“Oh, God,” Mack cried, pinching her nose, “it smells like vomit in there. Are you alright?” She handed him his backpack.

“I’ll be OK… I think. Remind me to never ride the Round Up again.” After his wave of nausea passed, Lance slid off the dress and put his T-shirt and shorts back on.

He reopened the door and Mack handed him some makeup wipes. He cleaned his face off, then his mouth. “Thank you.” 

Mack put a baseball cap on Lance’s head.

“What’s that for?” he asked.

“It adds another differentiating feature between Lance and Simone,” she explained. “It was free. A real estate agent was giving them out over there.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a pair of wrap around sunglasses. “These too.”

“These are free? They look expensive.”

“Nah, they're mine.”

“OK,” he acknowledged as he put the sunglasses on, handed her back his bag, and went to find his dad.

It wasn’t hard to find him. He looked lost. 

“Dad!” Lance called out.

“Where have you been?” he questioned. “You ran off to use the bathroom and you’ve been gone for a half hour.”

“Must have been something I ate for breakfast.”

“I had this weird thing happen while you were gone. I thought I saw your sister.”

“Simone? I talked to her on the phone last night. I’m quite confident she's still in California.”

“Maybe I’m seeing things. Where’d you get the hat and sunglasses?”

“They were free at one of those booths over there.” Lance pointed off in a general direction behind him.

Dad accepted that answer and moved on. “Hey - so let me introduce you to my co-workers.”

Dad led him over to his company’s tent.

“So these are the guys I work with,” Dad explained. “Mark, Paul, and Dave.”

Lance shook their hands.

“And this is my boss, Bob Jones.”

Bob extended his hand and Lance shook it. “So, I hear you go to North High School,” he said. “Go Bullfrogs! Croak! Croak! My daughter goes there, too.”

Lance smiled. “Yeah, I just enrolled last week.”

“Actually she’s right over there,” Bob said. He waved. “Maybe she’ll come over, maybe she won’t. She’s with her friends. You know how fickle teenage girls are?” he chuckled. “Doesn’t want to be seen with lame old dad, am I right?”

Lance’s dad chuckled, thinking of his own teenage daughter.

“Oh wait, here she is,” Bob announced. 

Lance turned around to see Olivia standing there. His eyes got wide and his jaw dropped. “Oh, shit!” he thought.

“Olivia, darling, this is Lance.” Bob introduced the two teens. “Apparently you both go to the same school.” 

Olivia raised an eyebrow and looked at the meek boy standing in front of her. “You look familiar. Are you in one of my classes?”

“No,” Lance replied, deepening his voice to make sure no part of Simone came out. “But maybe we’ve passed each other in the halls.” 

Olivia was clearly preoccupied, as she never made eye contact and was looking around for something. “Will you excuse me, I’m looking for my friend. It was nice to meet you, Lance.”

“Hey sport,” Dad said, “We were getting family members to volunteer for the town bake sale. They have a booth over there. Do you think you could put a shift in?”

Lance moaned. He thought Dad wanted to spend time with him. He wanted to tell him the truth again. That he was busy enjoying the carnival with friends. Instead he said, “Yeah, sure.”

“Great.” Dad said, looking at Lance like something was amiss. “Did you lose your backpack?”

“Oh - um,” Lance knew Mack had it, but this offered him a new opportunity to switch back to Simone mode and catch up with Olivia. “I must’ve left it back at the port-o-pots. Be right back.” He fled back towards the port-o-pots.

To Lance’s disappointment there was a line of people at the port-o-pots. He stood there unsure where he should go when his shirt was pulled in another direction.

“This way," Zoey said, pulling his arm.

“Where are we going?”

“Ferris wheel.”

Lance handed over several tickets for him, Zoey, and Mack; then they got into one of the Ferris wheel cars.

As the Ferris wheel moved the car further up, Lance waited until most people couldn't see him before starting to get dressed. As he took his boy clothes off, Mack assisted and took out the dress from his bag.

“We have a problem,” Lance announced. “My dad wants me to work at some town bake sale. I can’t be in two places at once.” He slid the dress on, then ducked as the car came back down to ground level.

“I knew this was a bad idea,” Zoey groaned. 

“We’ll figure something out,” Mack reasoned, putting the wig on Lance's head when they started elevating again.

Lance put the shoes on as Mack did his makeup.

“How many more times are we going to do this?” Zoey wondered out loud. 

“As long as both my dad and Oliva are here.”

Zoey sighed in disapproval.

“Hey, it’s the least you can do for everything Lance is doing for you,” Mack reminded Zoey. “All done.”

“Great,” Lance said, looking over the edge. “How many more times is this wheel going to go around?” He turned back around to see Mack taking off her shirt. “Oh my God,” he panicked, covering his eyes. “What are you doing?”

“It’s OK,” Mack assured him, “I’m wearing a sports bra.”

“Yeah, my tomboy sister is ashamed of how big her boobs are,” Zoey teased. 

Lance turned around confused at what the sisters were bickering about and saw Mack putting his shirt on. “But those are my clothes.”

Zoey laughed. “Says the guy who wore my dress twice last week.”

Mack ignored Zoey and addressed Lance. “You need to be two places at once, therefore I’m going to be you,” she explained, exchanging her shorts for his. Finally she put the baseball cap on her head and tucked her hair up inside of it.

“Do you really think you can pull off being me?” Lance asked.

“Well there’s only two options - Zoey or me. Who do you think can act more like a guy?”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Zoey bragged.

“Fine,” Lance said with resignation. “Just don’t make me look any more socially awkward than I normally am.”

Zoey and Mack exchanged glances, and managed to avoid making any snarky comments in front of Lance.

Mack winked at Lance before putting the sunglasses on.

The three of them got off the ride. Lance started looking for Olivia, while Mack went to the bake sale, leaving Zoey standing there dumbfounded, having just watched a guy and her sister switch clothes in front of her on a Ferris wheel.

“Hey beautiful,” Zoey heard from behind her. 

She turned to find her ex-boyfriend there. “What do you want, Tyler?”

“I can’t compliment you?”

“Lemme guess, the head cheerleader turned down your advances and now you’re crawling back to me.”

“It doesn’t have to be like that, babe. I saw you with another girl just now. I wanted to find out more about her.”

“My sister?” Zoey asked, confused.

“That wasn’t your sister. I saw her hanging out with Olivia, too.”

“Oh.” Zoey realized who Tyler was talking about. She gulped. “That’s um… Simone.”

"I saw what happened with Rory. You know if she’s seeing anyone else, yet?”

“She’s um… not your type.”

“Then how about this? You hook me up with your friend, and I’ll promise to leave you alone.”

“Wait - you dump me in front of the whole school - then you have the nerve to ask me to set you up on a date with one of my friends? That’s a big fat no, Tyler.” Zoey abruptly turned and walked away, leaving Tyler feeling alone and rejected.

* * *

Lance found Olivia’s friends at the cheerleading booth. He asked Amy, “Where’s Olivia?”

“She’s getting changed.”

Then, as if on cue, Olivia came out from inside a tent wearing a bikini. She climbed onto the dunk tank bench and a line began to form.

Lance was so smitten by how attractive Olivia was in her bikini that he didn’t even realize he was standing in line too. Before he knew it, it was his turn. Egged on by the girls around him, he grabbed one of the balls.

“Simone!” Olivia challenged. “Give me your best shot!”

His mind and his eyes were focused on Olivia. He threw the ball and completely missed the target.

“You throw like a girl,” she teased, sticking her tongue out.

Normally this would have upset Lance, but he recognized the playfulness behind Olivia’s teasing. He smiled, got his second ball, and threw it. 

The ball hit the target and Olivia’s seat gave way. She screamed as she fell into the water.

When she climbed out of the tank and sat back down, she smiled at Lance. He noticed the water dripping off her and how her wet skin glistened in the sunlight.

Lance was about to apologize to Olivia for dunking her when he felt his member spring from his panties. He quickly turned away from everyone, and moved his purse to cover up the part of his dress that was now tenting up.

He ran away from the cheerleaders and back to the town’s bake sale booth where he saw Mack, pretending to be him, selling baked goods. Could he flag her down so they could switch back?

“Hi,” he heard a familiar male voice say.

Lance turned to see the boy - Christopher from the video game store, standing there holding a bag of kettle corn.

“Simone, right?”

“Yeah,” he said, still holding his purse in front of him. “Oh, hi. I umm… I’m sorry about the other day. I was out at the mall with a friend-”

“No need to apologize,” Christopher assured. “I didn’t realize you had a boyfriend.”

“Well I… we broke up.” Then Lance realized there was only one way Christopher would know that, and smirked. “But you knew that already.”

“Yeah - I kinda saw it go down. Good job by the way. I never would have thought to use a school-issued cake as a weapon.”

Lance giggled. “Yeah, they should put a warning label on that food.”

“I know, right! So you are single now?”

“Oh well... I am, but I kinda want to take a break. This isn’t the best time.”

“Oh, I understand.”

They stood there awkwardly before Christopher finally added, “I forgot to give you my name. It’s Christopher.” He held out his hand.

“Christopher,” Lance repeated and shook his hand, though Christopher’s grip was just as limp as Lance’s. “Nice to see you again.”

Another awkward pause.

“So, um, you work on the yearbook staff with Zoey?” Lance asked.

“Yeah, I’m the computer editor. Though, I don’t think Zoey knows my name.”

Lance laughed at that. “I don't think she knows anyone’s name.”

Lance saw Mack coming over to him. “Sorry, Simone, I had a hard time getting away.”

Christopher looked at Lance with a twinge of jealousy. 

Lance recognized that look Christopher was giving off as something he did often. “Oh yeah, “ he said. “Christopher, this is my brother Lance.”

They shook hands. “Hi, Lance, your sister is pretty swell.”

Mack stopped herself from giggling and looked at Lance. “Yeah, she sure is.”

“I should let you two enjoy the rest of the carnival...” Christopher said. “It was good seeing you again, Simone.”

“It was good seeing you too,” Lance said as Christopher walked away. He turned back towards Mack.

“You’re swell,” Mack said, finally letting her giggle out.

Lance shrugged. “Turn around real quick.”

When she did what she was told, he glanced around to see if anyone else was watching him, reached under his dress and tucked his loose appendage back into his panties.

“Sorry, I had to fix something,” he explained.

“You didn’t read how to tuck yet, did you?” she whispered.

“What’s that?”

“Read it when you get home. You can’t wear jeans or leggings without it.”

Lance nodded, understanding her meaning but not wanting to talk about this particular subject anymore.

“So that guy,” Mack continued. “He was crushing on you hard.”

“I know. I’m usually bad at social cues, but that was so awkward and obvious. I felt bad for letting him down. Hey - you ready to swap?”

Mack looked over Lance’s shoulder. “We can’t yet. You have a visitor.”

Lance turned around and saw Olivia waving at him. 

He walked away from Mack to greet Olivia. 

“Hey, stranger.” She smiled warmly. Her hair was still damp from the dunk tank but the wavy beach look looked beautiful to Lance.

“Hey, Olivia.” Lance was still reeling from his earlier encounter with her. He turned to look at Mack, but she had made a quick get-a-way.

“That was a nice throw,” she complimented.

“Thank you. I just got lucky. I’m sorry I got you wet.”

“That’s the whole point of a dunk tank, silly,” Olivia teased. “I’m just glad you weren’t throwing cake slices.”

Lance grinned at the cake reference. “That was different. He was cheating on me.”

“Well, let’s hope I never cheat on you,” she said coyly.

Lance completely shut down as he tried to process what Olivia had just said. No one had ever talked to him like that. Was she just flirting, or did she really have feelings for him? For Simone? He tried moving his jaw, but he was too flustered to speak.  Here he was, criticizing Christopher’s game, but he had none either.

Olivia grinned as she saw the effect her words had on Lance. She let him just stand there for a moment.

Lance shook his head to clear the spell he was under, then changed the subject. “Where’s the rest of your friends?” Lance asked, looking around.

“Well, they’re all trying to knock Amy in the dunk tank. I wanted to come hang out with you for a bit.”

“What would you like to do?” Lance asked.

“Wanna do the funhouse?” 

“Sure.”

They started walking to the funhouse. Lance looked around and spotted Mack and she gave him an encouraging look and a thumbs up.

“Simone, was that your brother?” Olivia asked.

“Umm, yeah.”

“Cool. I met him earlier. He looks so much like you.”

“We’re twins.”

“That’s so awesome! What’s it like having a twin?”

“Well, for starters you have to share everything. Then people often confuse you.”

“Sounds like the Parent Trap. Please tell me you both played practical jokes when you were younger.”

“Nah,” Lance countered. “When we were little my mom used to dress us in unisex clothing because it was cheaper and more convenient,” Lance recounted as Simone. “I used to steal his Van Halen T-shirt because I liked the band.”

“Did he ever take anything of yours?” Olivia giggled at the thought.

“I really don’t remember - maybe if he was out of clean clothes. I do seem to recall him wearing a pair of my jeans once when our laundry got switched.”

“That’s funny. Did it bother you that he could fit into your pants?”

“Actually, I remember her - I mean me - telling him how good his ass looked in my jeans!” Lance had forgotten that comment from his past, and recalling it reminded him about the similar comment Zoey had made while shopping.

They walked into the funhouse. First room was the mirror maze. Olivia led as Lance followed. That was until she slammed into a mirror. She laughed it off. “Maybe you should lead.” She took Lance’s hand.

He blushed but led her through the maze. He stopped at a mirror and looked at the two of them. He saw two girls standing there. Both were smiling and Lance could feel something inside of him. “So pretty,” he thought to himself.

“I think the next room is that way.” Olivia pointed at an opening in the mirrors, breaking his train of thought.

“Right,” he agreed, leading her into a dark room, lit only by the fluorescence of a blacklight. Their shoelaces seemed to glow.

Lance led her through the maze. There was one particular corner that was darker than the others. Perhaps the blacklight had died. Lance felt Olivia tug him back there.

He stopped, and she pulled him further into the darkness. He was initially confused, and then surprised when he felt her soft lips touch his own.

It was only for a moment, then she pulled him back into the light and outside the funhouse.

Lance was flustered all over again. He looked to Olivia for some acknowledgement of what had just happened. 

Instead she simply smiled and asked, “Do you want some cotton candy?”

“Yeah,” Lance said through a mental fog. “That would be great.”

“Wait right here,” she instructed, as she walked over to a nearby vendor. 

He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she sauntered away from him. Did she really like him? She couldn't, could she? He was disguised as a girl. He suddenly felt jealous of the character he was playing. “This disguise is evil” he thought to himself. He wanted Olivia’s affections. But Simone was the one who was receiving them.

While Olivia was in line to get cotton candy, Lance stood there by himself daydreaming about that quick kiss in the funhouse. Did Olivia really like Lance that way? Or did she like Simone? This was confusing for Lance because he felt like he wasn’t acting like his sister anymore around Olivia.

He then felt a hand on his shoulder. Lance assumed it was Zoey, and called out, “Hey Zoey!” but when he turned around, it was Tyler standing there instead.

“Hey,” he asked, “it’s Simone, right?”

Lance was cursing to himself. This was the last person who he wanted to be face to face with. Zoey’s ex. Olivia’s harasser. “Yeah.”

“Hi, I’m Tyler,” he introduced himself, offering his hand.

“I know who you are,” Lance replied curtly, ignoring Tyler’s gesture.

“Did Rory tell you about me?”

“Rory? No. Olivia told me you’re harassing her. Zoey told me you’re a jerk.”

“I’m not about that,” Tyler rebutted, thinking himself suave. “Zoey is a cold bitch and Olivia doesn’t know what she’s missing. But you - this is your lucky day. The Tyler Valentine train has an open seat if you want to get on board. Next stop, the Tunnel of Love.”

Lance felt appalled by Tyler’s corny pick up line. “No thanks, Tyler,” he declined, wanting to flee. But he had nowhere to flee to. Maybe he should stand by Olivia in line, but he didn’t want to act clingy. Plus, Tyler might follow him over to Olivia.

“One date,” Tyler bargained. “One date to prove I’m really a good guy.”

Lance shook his head. He couldn’t say yes, not that he even wanted to. If Tyler found out he was really a guy, Tyler would surely beat him up. And then tell the whole school. That would be the end of Zoey’s bet. Goodbye Ferrari. He needed to figure a way out of this. He saw Christopher nearby out of the corner of his eye. “Actually, I have a boyfriend.” He ran over to Christopher, and interrupted Christopher as he was tossing a ring at a bottle, causing it to miss the target. “This is my boyfriend, Chris.” Lance put his arm around Christopher, hoping he would get the hint. 

Christopher looked surprised.

“He’s your boyfriend?” Tyler sputtered. “You dumped Rory for him?” He stared at the couple in disbelief. 

“I just asked her out,” Christopher slowly said, obviously confused.

“And I said yes!” Lance quickly replied, annoyed that Christopher wasn’t catching on that he was role-playing. At this moment he wished Rory was around to play savior instead. "Well, we met at the mall, and really hit it off." At least that part was true.

Christopher was starting to catch on. "I asked her out then, but she was in a bit of a rush." Also true. He hoped he was helping make Lance's story believable. He reached out and took Lance's hand. 

Just then, Olivia came back with two cones of cotton candy. She saw Lance holding Christopher's hand and got confused. “What’s going on here?”

“Hey babe,” Tyler said, “I was wondering if you wanted to go on a double date with my new friend Simone here, and her… boyfriend.” He gestured at the new couple. 

Olivia turned and stared at Lance with wide eyes. “Boyfriend?”

Lance felt dread that he was screwing everything up. He pleaded with his eyes, “Don’t believe this,” he willed his eyes to say to her.

Olivia looked at Lance. Then Tyler. Then Christopher. She looked betrayed, and Lance could feel the look of hurt on her face. “Sure. We can go on a double date," she coldly agreed.

Tyler didn’t hide his excitement. “Hot damn!" he nearly shouted out.

Lance felt like he had just been punched in the gut - by himself. What had he done?

Olivia handed Lance his cotton candy. “I should get going,” she said. “I bet my friends are looking for me.” As she walked away she dumped her own cotton candy in a trash can. She wasn’t hungry anymore.

Lance wanted to stop her so he could explain, but Christopher was still holding his hand and Tyler was slow to walk away.

When Tyler and Olivia were gone, Christopher turned to face Lance. “Wow!”

“Wow, what?”

“I’m going on a double date with the head cheerleader, the quarterback and the cutest girl in school.”

Lance was speechless. He certainly wasn't the cutest girl in school. But how does he let down Christopher? He needed help. He needed someone to confide in. “Christopher, will you excuse me? Here’s some cotton candy.”

“Oh yeah sure,” he agreed. “Sweet, I love cotton candy.”

Lance was running back to Mack, when he was intercepted by Zoey instead. “Oh, Zoey, I messed up.”

“What happened?”

“Things were going so well with Olivia. Then Tyler showed up. Now I’m going on a double date with Olivia, Tyler, and Christopher.

“Who’s Christopher?”

“The guy I met at the mall.”

“Wait... so which one is your date?”

“Christopher.”

“So Tyler is dating Olivia.”

“I didn’t mean for it to happen that way.”

“What the hell, Simone!”

“I’m sorry! I have to go find Olivia and tell her the truth.”

“Fine,” Zoey said, crossing her arms. She glanced back behind Lance to the bake sale booth. “Wait, where’s Mack?”

“She was just there a few minutes ago.”

“We have to find her.”

“What about Olivia?”

“Lance, worry about her later. We need to find my sister!” 

Both Lance and Zoey went up to the booth. Zoey nudged Lance to talk to someone.

“Um, where did the boy that was here go?”

“Oh, Lance?” a woman asked. “Such a sweet boy. Him and his father went home.”

Lance and Zoey shared a look of shock and a duet of, “Oh, shit!”

Chapter 11 - Gaining Momentum

Mack gazed out the car window watching the scenery go by. Not much had been said between Lance’s father and her. She was surprised he didn't recognize that she wasn’t really his son. She guessed the hat and sunglasses did just enough to mask her real identity.

“Hey chief, I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to spend quality time together today. I thought for sure we’d get time to ourselves, but my boss needs a project done by the end of the weekend.”

Mack was unsure how to answer that. She tried to deepen her voice. “It’s OK, Dad.”

“Is something wrong with your voice?” he asked, quickly shifting his glance from the road to her and back. “Are you coming down with a cold?”

That was the opening Mack needed. She coughed out, “I think so. Maybe I should spend the day in my room so you don’t catch it.”

He nodded. “What’s with the sunglasses?”

“They just look cool.”

“Are you crying? Remember, guys don’t cry.”

Mack had a disgusted look on her face that he didn’t notice. “Sure they do.”

“Listen, I know this move has been hard on you. I’m doing my best without your mother. It’s just, I’m not her. I’m not capable of that type of maternal care. Don’t let that girl you like see you cry.”

That was a lot for Mack to unpack, but she decided to let it go so as to not get Lance in any trouble with his dad.

* * *

“I can’t believe my dad kidnapped Mack,” Lance said in the passenger seat of Zoey’s car. “Why would he do such a thing?”

“Well, maybe he really thinks she’s you,” she surmised.

“Well, I mean he does have poor eyesight. But how can he mistake a girl for me?”

Zoey wanted to answer that but decided not to. Especially since the passenger in her car looked very much like a girl in a skater dress, wig, and makeup and hasn’t stopped talking in his girl voice.

“But now I’m stuck as Simone. Mack is stuck as me! What if we can’t swap back?”

“Lance, you’ve been Simone longer than a few hours before. Calm down.”

“Do you think he’s going to want a ransom? And what about me? They’ll say I was his accomplice!”

“He didn’t-” Zoey huffed. “Lance, get a hold of yourself. Has your dad done anything like this before?”

“You mean kidnapped someone?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Well, then, your dad isn’t a kidnapper.”

“Says the serial killer.”

“I’m not…” she grunted in frustration. “You’re not giving Mack credit for fooling him. She has lots of experience acting and cosplaying. She’s probably at your house playing your Game Boy right now and doing… whatever it is you normally do at home.”

Lance pouted at the reminder that all he did was sit home and play games. He crossed his arms under his chest creating a shelf for his breast forms. A mannerism he subconsciously picked up from watching the girls at school.

Zoey parked in front of Lance’s house.

“I can’t go in there,” he implored. “I ran into my dad earlier by accident. He thought I looked like my sister. Surely he’d recognize me up close.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“Go up and tap on my bedroom window. Then she can come out, we can switch, and you both can go home.”

“Alright,” Zoey agreed, getting out of the car. As she was halfway across the lawn, the front door opened and Lance’s dad stepped out on the porch. Lance slid down in the passenger seat so as to not be seen.

“Can I help you?” Dad asked.

Zoey stood there like a deer caught in the headlights. “Yeah. I um. I’m here to see Lance.”

“And you are?”

“Zoey.”

“Ohh, Zoey,” he drew out dramatically. “I’ve heard a lot about you. You know, Zoey, you can ring the doorbell and use the front door.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

“Come on in,” he gestured toward the front door. "Would you like some soda or water?" 

"No, thank you, I'm fine." Zoey grinned and followed Lance’s dad into the house.

After the front door closed, Lance got out of the car and quickly ran across the lawn to his bedroom window. He peered into it and tapped on the glass. Mack came to the window and slid it open so Lance could climb in.

“Hey sis! So rude of dad to not drive us both home, right?” Mack giggled.

“Har, har,” Lance said with less enthusiasm. 

She held up his Game Boy. “I finished the level you were on.”

"Um, thanks," he replied, pulling off his wig, "I was stuck there for the last few days. Let’s quickly swap so he doesn’t get suspicious. Zoey’s in the living room talking with him now.”

Mack pulled off his shirt she was wearing and helped Lance unzip his dress. “How did it go?”

“It was a disaster,” he grumbled, stepping out of the dress. “Tyler showed up and then I had to rope in some guy I met at the mall and now we’re on a double date, and Olivia acts like she hates me.” He turned to face her and realized she was standing there in just a sports bra and panties. He turned away quickly. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” she said. “I do this all the time with other girls when we cosplay.”

He wanted to reply with, “But I’m not a girl,” but instead decided to lament about the carnival some more. “I wanted to go see Olivia and tell her the truth before we left - but then my Dad kidnapped you.”

Mack giggled at the word 'kidnapped'. “Maybe you’ll get a chance to talk to her on Monday.” She tossed his cargo shorts to him. "Don't you have her in one of your classes?" 

“Yeah, Chemistry. But I need to get out there to save Zoey,” he said, pulling the shorts over his panties to save time, then quickly sliding his shirt and shoes on.

“Don’t forget to wipe off your makeup,” Mack reminded him. "Oh, and by the way, I told Dad I was catching a cold and it was messing up my voice. You might want to drop a few sniffles or a cough or two to keep up the ruse."

Lance nodded.

“Oh.” Mack added. “I see why you’re hiding your true self from your father. At some point, you need to confront him about it.”

“What? I’m not hiding myself from him.”

“Just food for thought,” Mack said, climbing out the window. 

* * *

Zoey sat on the couch, fiddling her hands back and forth. This was an awkward situation that she’d never been in. She’d seen her own father do this to her previous boyfriends, but she herself had never been “the boyfriend” in this scenario. But wouldn’t that imply Simone was the girlfriend?

“So, Zoey,” Lance’s dad began, “what are your intentions with my son? You two have been spending a lot of time together. Are you two dating?”

Zoey turned red. True, they had been spending a lot of time together. She certainly found Simone to be attractive and fun to be around. “Not officially. I’m not even sure she likes me that way.”

“He.”

“Right. He. Sorry, I’m a little nervous.”

“I can see that,” he said. “My son is a little - how do I put it - fragile. He hasn’t had many friends, let alone girlfriends. I’m just making sure you’re not setting him up for heartbreak.” 

“Oh, no, sir. Lance has actually been pretty cool. Funny. Charming. And a perfect gentleman.” Zoey laughed inwardly at the irony of that last part. 

“He definitely seems happier since having met you.”

It struck Zoey that she had an opportunity to learn more about Lance’s family. For helping Lance’s disguise, of course, she told herself. “You have a daughter right?”

“Oh yeah. Simone. She’s still with my wife in California. They’ll be moving here after Simone graduates.”

“What’s she like?”

“Well Lance and Simone are fraternal twins. In some ways they are very much alike. Simone is the oldest by ten minutes. Lance has always looked up to her. He even mimicked her a lot. Simone was always the outgoing one, though. Lance was mostly content following her. That was until they went to school. Simone quickly made friends with many of the girls at school, but Lance as a boy was pretty much shunned from playing with them. Sadly he never really made friends of his own.”

“Well, he’s got one now,” Zoey smiled. “He’s been awesome. Kind and funny. I just went through a bad breakup and Lance has been very supportive.”

“I’m sor-”

Just then, Lance came out into the living room, dressed up in his boy clothes again. “Hi, Dad.” Dad gestured toward the couch. He gave a fake look of surprise when he looked at Zoey. “Oh, um, hi Zoey. I wasn’t expecting you.” 

“Lance,” Dad explained, “I was just meeting your girlfriend, Zoey.”

Both Lance and Zoey looked at each other and turned red.

“Have a seat.” Dad motioned to Lance.

Lance sat next to Zoey. She held his hand. He used his free hand to cover his mouth while he faked a cough. 

“Are you two being safe?” Dad bluntly questioned.

“Safe?” Lance said, confused. He recalled all of the adventures and never once had they done anything dangerous. Then he realized what his dad was insinuating. “Dad!”

Zoey’s eyes went wide and her jaw dropped.

“Sorry,” Dad tried to rationalize, “you know how teens are these days.”

“Dad, please stop embarrassing me,” a very annoyed Lance responded. 

“Well, then, I’m glad we had this little chat.” Dad quickly got up from his chair. “I need to go start dinner. Zoey, you’re welcome to stay. We’re having meatloaf and mashed potatoes.”

Lance looked at Zoey for a response.

“Um,” Zoey hesitated. “Thank you, sir, I appreciate the offer, but my sister is waiting-

“In the car.” Lance whispered.

“-in the car. I actually just stopped by to borrow Lance's notes from Chem class.”

“Oh,” Dad said, a little dejected. “You can invite her to dinner as well. We don't get much company. But I apologize, my wife is the better host."

Lance looked at Zoey. He was worried that bringing Mack back into the house might raise his dad’s suspicions. He slightly shook his head so only Zoey would notice.

Zoey noticed Lance’s concern. “We really must get going. But maybe some other time.”

“Well, then, Zoey, it was nice meeting you…” Dad left Lance and Zoey alone as he headed for the kitchen.

“See,” Zoey assured him. “Crisis averted.”

They both stood up and Lance showed Zoey to the door.

Lance saw something shiny at the foot of the couch. “Zoe, you dropped your keys.” He bent over to reach for them.

As Lance bent down, Zoey noticed that his panties were peeking out above his shorts. She leaned over to him and whispered in his ear, “Thank you for being such a doting boyfriend, but I can see your panties.”

He got embarrassed and quickly stood back up and pulled his shorts up. “I should finish getting changed.”

* * *

On Monday morning Lance executed his now seemingly normal routine of getting picked up by Zoey, then getting dressed in the landscaper’s shed. Today, though, he felt like he was moving in slow motion. He kept replaying the carnival events in his head, which distracted him as he got ready for school. When he finally entered the building, he realized he may have put his bra on too quickly. The straps were twisted and the cups felt crooked. 

He stopped in the middle of the hall, first fixing the straps through his top then adjusting the cups with his hands. A coughing sound caused him to look up to see the principal standing right in front of him, staring. He jumped back in surprise.

“Ms. Biggs, consider using the restroom next time,” he admonished, then walked off in the other direction.

Lance quickly apologized, “Sorry, Principal Silver.” Then he exhaled. That was a close one.

When he got to his locker, Lance found a pink heart-shaped paper on top of his books. He got excited hoping that it was from Olivia. Then he opened it:

“Simone, I had a great time on Saturday. -Chistopher”

Lance was disappointed that it wasn’t from Olivia. And he still needed to figure out what to do about Christopher. He collected his books and continued on with his day.

When he got to Chemistry class, he sought out Olivia, but she was chatting with someone else and purposely turned away as he approached.

A dejected Lance sat down next to Zoey. “She seems to be avoiding me.”

“It’s likely for the better,” Zoey offered, placing her hand on Lance’s.

The scowl on Lance’s face showed that wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

“What do you see in her anyway?” Zoey sounded kind of catty.

“She likes me for me. She doesn’t have ulterior motives. Our friendship appears real.”

Zoey was hurt. “Lance, I’m your friend too. And Olivia likes Simone. She's never even met Lance.”

“Well she met the real me at the Carnival briefly.”

“And did you two hit it off?”

“No. She was eager to leave.”

“See.”

“Would you be my friend if I wasn’t part of your bet?”

Zoey huffed. “Listen, it doesn't matter how we met. I genuinely enjoy hanging out with you. So does Mack. We’re all having fun. That’s real.”

“OK.”

Zoey saw how dejected Lance looked. “Listen, Simone, how about I take you out to get a mani-pedi later this week?”

“Is that supposed to help me somehow?” he responded cynically.

“It’s very relaxing. You’ll love it. My treat.”

* * *

Olivia was at her locker exchanging her morning books for her afternoon books when Tyler came up beside her.

“Hey babe,” he greeted her. “So what do you think about that Italian restaurant downtown?”

She forced a smile. “That’s fine.” In all honesty it wasn’t fine. She didn’t really want to go out with him. She was hurt. She was totally digging the vibes that Simone was giving off. Olivia made a move and kissed Simone in the funhouse. She remembered the look on Simone’s face. She was so cute. Then a few minutes later everything was ruined. Simone was with some guy she had just met. Olivia was never much of a reactionary person, but she felt immense jealousy in that moment, and wanted to lash back back at Simone. And that’s how she ended up agreeing to go on this double date.

She didn’t want to go on this date at all. In fact, she was avoiding Simone. She didn’t want to get hurt again. She knew putting herself out there only caused hurt. 

Should she cancel their date? Should she let Simone and Christopher have their date in private without her?

“Olivia?” Tyler interrupted her thoughts. “You were zoning out.”

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“5:30 Saturday night? I can pick you up. Then we can go to Peggy’s party.”

This was her chance. Cancel the date and let Simone go. Or go on the date and see if she could make Simone jealous. Flashes of Simone at the carnival entered Olivia’s head and she got upset again.

“Yes,” she finally gave in, closing her locker door. “Sounds good.” She gave him a halfhearted smile.

* * *

When it was lunchtime, Lance got his food and sat down with Mack and Francine. He wasn’t hungry and pushed the blue stuff around his plate for a bit.

Mack and Francine were talking about a new D&D story Howard was working on and Lance largely stayed out of that conversation.

About twenty minutes in, a person sat next to Lance. He turned to see it was Christopher holding two cookies. 

“Cookie?” Christopher offered.

"Yes, it is," Lance glanced at the treat and deadpanned his reply. He felt a foot kick his shin under the table. He looked up to see Mack scowling at him.

"Would you like one?" Christopher repeated his offer. 

“No, thank you,” Lance declined. "That was really thoughtful of you, but seeing this cafeteria food has made me lose my appetite."

"Oh, yeah, I know what you mean. Seriously, what kind of foods are blue, anyways?" 

“Who’s your friend, Simone?” Francine inquired.

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Lance introduced his new friend, “This is Christopher.”

“Hi, Christopher,” Francine said. “I heard you two are going out this weekend.”

Lance forced a smile and wondered how Francine knew that.

“That’s what I came to talk about.” Christopher explained.

Lance got hopeful for a moment, “Please cancel it, please cancel it,” he thought.

“That guy Tyler came to talk to me and said we’d be going to dinner before heading to the party.”

“Why would he talk to you about it and not me?” Lance asked. He deduced that it was less likely for Christopher to change his mind.

“I dunno,” Christopher replied. “Maybe because I'm a guy? I don’t know him and was honestly quite surprised when he just came up to me.”

Lance rolled his eyes.

“I can pick you up at 5,” Christopher offered.

“OK,” Lance replied meekly. He had no idea how he was going to pull this off.

“Awesome!” he exclaimed.

“Hey, Christopher,” Lance asked, “can we get some private girl time?”

“Oh, sure,” he responded, quickly getting up and walking away.

When Christoper was far enough away, Lance turned to Mack. “I don’t want to lead him on,” he complained.

“Then don’t,” Mack replied. “Tell him the truth.”

“I can’t tell him the truth.”

“Yes you can. ‘Christopher, I’m not into boys.’ See. How hard was that?”

“But what about Olivia? She’d be stuck with Tyler.”

“Tell her the truth too. She’s a big girl. She can dump Tyler just like you can dump Christopher. In fact-” she giggled, “she can use the same exact reason.”

Lance didn’t know what to say. “Well, first she’d have to be on speaking terms with me. At least I know we’ll have to interact on Saturday.”

“Then I’ll come over Saturday afternoon to get you ready for your first date,” Mack pronounced, smiling.

* * *

As Zoey was getting changed for gym class, she walked by a bunch of girls she knew from her class who were giggling. “I’m not sure if she’s a girl or a guy,” one girl said.

Zoey stopped and looked at them. “And who are you talking about?”

The girls stopped, looking embarrassed. “That new girl. Simone.”

“Listen here.” Zoey said getting closer to them. “Simone is a girl. If I hear anyone bad mouthing her again, I will make your lives a living hell. Leave her alone.”

“Oh? And what are you going to do about it Zoey?”

“Bridgett, remember that goth phase in middle school? I have pictures.”

“You wouldn’t!” Bridget complained.

“And Meredith, I know what you do in the library every afternoon.”

Meredith shrunk down with embarrassment.

“She’s my friend.” Zoey added. “And if you hear anyone else bad-mouthing her, remind them of that. She’s mine.” She tossed her hair and walked away.

* * *

Lance followed Zoey as she escorted him into the spa. The place was big and airy and very decorative. “How much is this?”

“Dont worry about it,” she dismissed. She stood next to a wall of nail polishes and grabbed a color from the shelf that Lance didn’t see. “What color would you like?”

“Color? For my nails?”

“Yeah, silly.”

“Zoey, I can’t hide painted nails from my dad.”

“Then we’ll just do a french manicure.” She smiled. 

“I don’t know what that is.”

“Simone. Sit. Relax.”

He did what he was told with a grumpy face.

A few minutes later, an attendant dressed in all white came out. “Miss Sellers? Miss Biggs?”

Both Lance and Zoey got up and followed the attendant into a dark, yet mellow, hallway and to a similarly dark room.

“Please have a seat,” the attendant instructed. “Your technicians will be with you shortly.”

“Simone, press the buttons on the arm of the chair,” Zoey suggested.

Lance did so and suddenly the chair started massaging his back. “OK, that is nice.”

“They have different speeds and different locations on your back you can focus on.”

Lance adjusted the settings to his liking then closed his eyes as soft soothing music filled the dim, incense-scented rooms.

Eventually two technicians came into the room and placed Zoey and Lance’s bare feet into hot bubbling water.

When they were alone again, Zoey asked, “So?”

“I think I’m going to fall asleep,” Lance blissfully replied.

“See, I told you you’d like it. Let all of the stress just fade away.”

“Umhmm,” Lance moaned, taking it all in.

The technicians returned and shined lamps onto Lance and Zoey’s feet and got to work on the pedicure. Lance watched intently, making sure someone didn’t accidentally paint his toes red. When they were done, Lance’s toenails were clean, smooth, and shiny with white tips.

Next up were their hands. The hands got a nice massaging bath too, but this made Lance even more nervous. He could hide his toes with socks. He couldn’t hide his fingers.

Zoey sensed his nerves. “Relax,” she urged.

Lance hesitantly closed his eyes as the technician cut, cleaned, buffed, and polished his hands.

“All done,” the technician announced. 

Lance opened his eyes and looked at his hands. He was amazed at how feminine they looked with the polished nails and their white tips. At first he smiled and admired them from all angles.

Zoey smiled at his reaction.

Then he freaked out. “My dad is going to notice this!”

“No, he won’t.” she countered. “Men rarely look at nails.”

“But-”

“What color were my nails this morning?”

“Umm…”

“Exactly.”

After Zoey paid and left a generous tip, they both walked out of the spa wearing disposable sandals.

After briefly stopping at Zoey’s house so Lance could change back into his boy clothes, they rode back to Lance’s house. During the drive, Zoey couldn’t help but notice Lance staring at his nails. She knew he’d love them. Even if he didn’t want to admit it to her.

When he got home he kept his hands in the pocket of his cargo shorts as he walked by his father.

* * *

Lance sat at his desk looking through the articles and tutorials Mack left for him. One of the things she left was a link to a website. 

He looked it up and it was a website dedicated to fictional gender transformation stories. He figured these would help get his mind into pretending to be a girl. He read a number of them. They all were the same. A seemingly normal guy gets transformed into a girl. He almost always falls in love with it and stays that way. He shrugged. He could see the appeal of this. Girls were cuter and more attractive anyway. Wouldn’t everyone want to be a girl?

One story he clicked on was about transformative jeans. The main character was a normal boy who found a pair of girls’ jeans. He put them on and slowly turned into a girl over the course of the story and started wearing more and more feminine clothes.

While reading that story, he kept staring at the storage bin in the corner of his room that hadn’t moved in two weeks. Simone’s clothes. 

He hadn’t opened it since the first day. But now, his curiosity was getting the better of him.

He walked over and removed the bin’s lid. On top of the neatly folded clothes was a pair of Simone’s jeans.

He figured there was no harm in trying these on. He asked Zoey and Mack for jeans but they kept denying him. He remembered Mack had said something about tucking.

Lance closed the bedroom door and took off his cargo shorts.

As the jeans were half way up, he realized he couldn’t wear boxer shorts with them. He removed the jeans and took off his boxers. He fetched panties from his secret clothes drawer and pulled them up.

He put on the jeans. They fit nice and snugly. Like the story he just read, he looked at the mirror and admired how feminine they made his legs and butt look. There was only one problem. His bulge was very visible. Unlike the story however, it wasn’t not shrinking. Quite the opposite. He was still confused at why wearing girls’ clothes had this effect on him.

“Tuck,” he remembered reading, and returned to the computer to look up how to do it. After he read the directions he thought, “That can’t be possible, can it?”

He pulled the jeans and panties down to his knees. With a finger he fished around for the mysterious cavity the directions talked about. He struggled then gently pushed a testicle up into it. After a few tries, it went in and he was shocked. He repeated that with the other testicle, pushed his penis back, then pulled the panties and jeans back up.

He looked in the mirror and was amazed at how smooth the front of the jeans looked now. He placed one of his manicured hands on his upper thigh and smiled.

As he walked around the room, the tuck came free, but he was happy that this was a start and he now had the freedom to wear a new set of clothes - provided he read the directions on how to make ‘it’ stay tucked.

He was interrupted by a disembodied male voice from his computer: “You’ve got mail.”

He saw the new message. It was from Simone. He opened it and read all about his sister’s prom dress shopping quest and the one that loved her as much as she loved it. She used terms like bodice and A-Line, terms that Lance now had a basic understanding of. There was also an attachment. It was a picture of Simone in the dress back in her bedroom at his old house. He admired the way Simone looked as she modeled the dress. It clung in the right places, and showed off her curves in a classy way. The color was perfect. It would accentuate her eyes, and blend with her hair color.

Lance began to get starry-eyed, as he pictured himself wearing the dress instead of his sister. What it would be like to stand up on stage with the student body admiring their new prom queen. Girls clapping and cheering. Lance zoomed in so he could see the finer details of the dress. The delicate lace patterns. The satin that covered just enough. The swish-swish sound the dress would call out to everyone as he glided up to the stage, punctuated by the click-clacks from his heels.

Lance began to get starry-eyed, as he pictured himself wearing the dress instead of his sister. What it would be like to stand up on stage with the student body admiring their new prom queen. Girls clapping and cheering. Boys looking at him with lewd thoughts about what was hidden just below the surface. Lance zoomed in so he could see the finer details of the dress. The delicate lace patterns. The satin that covered just enough. The layers of tulle that gave the dress volume and wafted on the slightest breeze. The swish-swish sound the dress would call out to everyone as he glided up to the stage, punctuated by the click-clacks from his heels.

Eventually Lance drifted back down to earth from the pillowy cloud he had been floating on as he dreamed about wearing the perfect prom dress. He knew what he wanted. He just didn’t know how to do it. Thankfully he knew who to ask.

Lance clicked the “Forward Email” button. He looked at the CD Mack gave him. It had her email address written on it with a Sharpie. He typed Mack’s address into the “To” field.

When he got to the email body, he typed: “Mack, I want to look like this.” Then he clicked send and realized what had started as a joke was becoming something he was looking forward to.

Chapter 12 - Playing with the Girls

Four Weeks Until Prom

It was a quiet Saturday morning for Lance. He wanted to just lounge around waiting for his double date later in the evening. But right now, he had a date with his Game Boy. 

He couldn’t get the thought of last night out of his head. The stories, the unprompted crossdressing, the tucking, and sending the dress picture to Mack. What was he doing? He needed to cleanse his mind of all that and just sit here in his boy clothes - no - his real clothes - and play video games and try to take his mind off of the confusion in his head.

He peered out his window to see his dad planting flowers. He shrugged, laid down in his bed, and started playing games.

“I just need to be Lance for a little bit,” he said to himself.

Simone’s jeans that he had neatly folded and returned to its proper place in the storage bin tempted him. Would Dad notice if he wore girl’s jeans today?

She shook his head and buried those thoughts again.

Meanwhile, Zoey pulled into the driveway, got out of the car, and walked slowly to the front door. “Hi Mr. Biggs,” she said with a bright smile.

“Oh, hi Zoey,” he replied, looking up from his work.

“Whatcha planting?”

“Petunias. My wife loves them. I figured I’d get them into the ground before she moves in.”

“Great idea. Your yard looks amazing!

“Thank you.”

“Is my boyfriend home?”

Lance’s dad smiled from ear to ear. “He was in his room earlier. Go ahead inside. Drinks are in the fridge.”

She saw herself into the house and walked into Lance’s room. 

He was sitting on the bed wearing his boy clothes, playing his Game Boy.

She cleared her throat, but he didn’t acknowledge her standing there. “So,” she proposed, “you wanna go to the beach?”

“No,” Lance responded curtly, not taking his focus away from the Game Boy.

“But everyone will be there.”

“I’m busy.”

“It doesn’t look like it.”

“Zoey, sometimes I just need to take a break from being Simone. This is my morning off. I need time to be Lance. I will be Simone again this evening.”

“Fine.” She stood there for a moment. “I think I’ll help your dad with the garden.”

“What?” he squawked, pausing his game. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Well, I figured if I wasn’t going to go to the beach, I’d spend some quality time with your dad. I think he likes me being your girlfriend.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Why not? You can help too!”

“I can’t garden with my nails like this.”

“Are you afraid of ruining your manicure?”

Lance huffed in embarrassment. “No, but he might see. Plus, you’re going to embarrass me.”

“No, I’m not. I’m sure your dad wants to learn about his son’s girlfriend. I can tell him all about the fun times we had at the mall and the mani-pedi.”

Lance was sitting there with his mouth open wide in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

“I brought you a swimsuit.” Zoey smiled. “Come on, you can get changed at my house.”

“What kind of swimsuit?” Lance asked, raising his eyebrow.

* * *

Lance and Zoey walked onto the beach carrying a beach bag and beach chairs. Lance was wearing a two-piece bikini hidden under a T-shirt and women’s boardshorts. As they walked further in the sand, Lance gave up on the cute pink sandals Zoey gave him and decided to go barefoot. The warm sand was pleasant on his toes.

“You realize I can’t go in the water with this wig on,” he reminded her.

“Don’t go in the water then,” Zoey stated matter-of-factly.

“Then why'd we come here?”

“Simone, people come to the beach to do more than just swim.” She stared at him. “You’re from California, I thought you’d love the beach.”

“Simone loves the beach. Lance thinks it’s hot and sandy.”

“Good thing you’re Simone then.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “Sometimes I wonder how you two are even twins.”

As they got closer to the ocean, they spotted Deanna, Peggy, and a few guys from school.

“OK, remember,” Zoey reminded him, “you’re Simone. You love the beach. You’d rather be here than at home playing your Game Boy. You got this.”

It was Lance’s turn to stick his tongue out. He turned to the girls and changed his demeanor to a happy, bubbly one. “Peggy! Deanna! How are you two doing this afternoon?”

Deanna ignored Lance and turned to Zoey. “I was wondering when you were going to show up. I called your house, but your sister said you had already left. I see you brought the project.”

“Shut up Dee,” Peggy scolded, pushing Deanna to the side then looking at Lance with a smile. “Hi, Simone, It’s good to see you here.”

Lance forced another smile despite reeling from Deanna’s putdown.

Zoey set out two beach chairs for her and Lance then walked towards the ocean. “I’m going to take a quick dip.”

Lance didn’t want to give up the comfort of Zoey’s protection, but he wasn't ready to go in the water yet. So, he just stood there with his arms folded under his chest.

“So, Simone,” Deanna remarked after Zoey left, “you’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Zoey.”

“Yeah,” Lance agreed. “She’s been really helpful showing me around.”

“You know she’s not interested in you. You’re just a rebound.” Deanna sneered.

“We’re… um… not dating. We’re just friends.”

“Oh, you could’ve fooled me. Are you two coming to the party tonight?”

“I am. But I have a date for it.”

“Oh, really? If it’s not Zoey, who is it? Is it Tyler?”

“Nope. It’s someone else.”

Deanna gave off an evil smile and walked away towards Zoey in the water.

Lance exhaled. “I hope you get eaten by a shark,” he muttered.

Peggy giggled as she overheard his remark. “Yeah, Sorry about Dee. When her and Zoey get going, watch out. No prisoners.”

“Yeah, I can tell.”

Peggy noticed Lance's hands. “Simone, I love your nails!” she gushed.

“Thank you,” he replied. He felt the urge to return the compliment and looked down at Peggy’s nails. “I love yours too. That’s such a nice shade of lavender.”

“Thank you.” She then removed her cover-up to show off a black bikini top.

Lance couldn’t help not look at Peggy’s buxom breasts in a very skimpy bikini top. In a way he felt kind of jealous he couldn’t look that good in a bikini. He quickly shook that thought out of his head, then felt compelled to take his shirt off as well. He looked around, and saw everyone else except Peggy down by the water. He meekly removed his shirt to show off his own bikini top. Thankfully, the bikini top was large enough to hide the breast forms and provide enough support to make it look like he had real cleavage.

Peggy looked at him. “Damn, girl!”

Lance blushed then sat down on the beach chair. His boobs bounced noticeably from the impact. 

At the water’s edge, Deanna saw Lance and Peggy taking their cover-ups off. “Wow, Zoey,” she remarked, splashing the warm ocean water over her arms and legs. “Color me impressed. He actually looks like a girl from here.”

Zoey gave a nervous nod. She didn’t feel like rubbing it in anymore. Using Lance as a bet was no longer sitting very well with her the more she got to know him.

Eventually, Zoey and Deanna returned. Zoey sat in the chair next to Lance and Deanna laid down on her beach blanket.

“Simone,” Zoey offered, “let me put some sunblock on your back.”

Lance sat with his back to Zoey as she put cold lotion onto his back and started rubbing. It was nice feeling her hands go up around his shoulders. She rubbed lotion under the bikini tie too.

“Can you get me?” she asked when she was done, handing him the tube of lotion.

He squirted lotion on his hand and started rubbing it onto her back just as she had done for him. 

“Don’t forget under the straps,” she advised.

He lifted the straps and rubbed the lotion under them like she had done for him.

“Do you want to do your legs and arms?” Zoey asked.

“Yeah.” Lance agreed, taking the lotion and rubbing it over his skin. Rubbing his smooth legs down with lotion felt amazing. So amazing he had to stop to make sure his tuck didn’t spring free. So far so good.

He sat down in his beach chair, closed his eyes and tried to tame his nerves and let the sun’s warm rays and the sound of waves crashing into the shore calm him. As minutes went by, something suddenly hit his foot. He looked down and saw it was a frisbee.

One of the guys walked up to retrieve it and asked, “Do you ladies wanna play with us?”

“Nah,” Deanna declined. “We don’t play sports.”

“I’ll play!” Peggy exclaimed, getting up. Deanna made a face at her for her insubordination.

Peggy looked down hopefully at Lance. “Simone, you in?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Lance objected. “I’m not really good at sports. I kinda sit around gym class and put in minimal effort.”

“It’ll be fun!” 

Lance shrugged and stood up. Part of the reason he didn’t do much in gym class was because he was afraid of his wig coming off, and he was also afraid of his dick falling out of his panties. But since he safely tucked his junk today, he felt a little bolder. “When in Rome,” he thought. He hoped the medical tape over his tuck held and now hoped his minor boner from earlier had subsided. He then dropped his boardshorts and ran to catch up with Peggy.

Zoey watched him and smiled. She knew Lance had a cute butt, but that bikini she picked out for him really emphasized it.

Deanna watched him run then looked at Zoey with a worried look. “He’s a boy right? I swear I saw a boy on that park bench.”

Zoey giggled, then ran to join the frisbee game.

This left Deanna all alone to sulk. “Where are you going?”

“To play some frisbee.” Zoey said, running to catch up with Lance and Peggy.

As Lance and the girls approached the game, the group of boys were engaged in throwing the frisbee to one another. Each time the recipient tried to make a fancy catch - behind their back, between their legs, or balancing the spinning disc on their finger. The more acrobatic catches were rewarded with cheers, while misses or bobbled catches were met with lighthearted boos.

“I can’t do that,” Lance whispered.

“You don’t have too,” Zoey responded. “They’re showing off for us, not the other way around.”

“Oh.” Lance was getting worried that he was out of his element. Maybe it wasn’t too late to turn around, go home, and resume playing his Game Boy.

Zoey stepped behind Lance, “Let me put your hair up.” She used a hair-tie and gave his wig a ponytail. “This is going to stay, right?”

“I put bobby pins in it before we left,” Lance replied. The bobby pins were in the supplies Mack had given him. He learned that it was a must during gym class and even helped keep the hair out of his face on windy days.

“Look at you. I’m impressed.”

Lance smiled. He was starting to really enjoy these types of compliments.

They boys ogled the newcomers checking them out. Lance felt awkward as he noticed the guy's eyes linger on his bikini top.

Sensing his hesitation, Zoey pulled Lance into the game. 

One boy was spinning a frisbee on his finger. “Let’s go!” he said to the girls. Another boy started music playing on his boombox.

Soon they were the targets of some easier throws - and some intense stares - as they struggled to rein in a few strategically errant tosses. After a few high jumps with the inevitable bouncing landings, Lance and Peggy just let the wild throws sail on by. 

Eventually Deanna walked over and joined in. Lance noticed that whenever Deanna threw the frisbee at him, she threw it as hard as she could. One time she even threw it directly below his waist. Thankfully, Lance was able to block it.

Then the game settled down. It turned out that Lance could actually catch the frisbee. 

Zoey held her own in the game, but she was more interested in watching Lance - partially for her own attraction - but more importantly to protect her girlfr- pet project from being ensnared by one of the hunky beach boys.

Lance chased down an errant frisbee, caught it, and flung it back at a boy.

“Nice,” Zoey complimented Lance, giving him a hi-five. Then she slapped his ass as he turned around. 

A boy flexed his muscles which elicited cat calls from Deanna and Peggy, however, Lance just rolled his eyes.

“Tough crowd,” another boy said, seeing Lance’s disinterest.

“I’ve seen better.” Lance retorted.

“Burn!” Peggy said, laughing.

The game went on for nearly half an hour before the sun and the fun started to wear down Lance and the girls. They finally called it quits and thanked the group for letting them join in.

“Aw, come on ladies, just a little bit more,” one boy called.

“Sorry boys, gotta go.” Zoey waved to them.

They started walking back to their chairs and towels.

“That was so much fun,” Peggy panted, a little winded.

“It was,” Lance agreed. “I never got such a workout from throwing a frisbee before.”

“Ugh,” Deanna complained. “I have sand everywhere now.”

They reached their chairs and Zoey and Deanna started packing up.

Peggy walked up to Lance. “Simone, I heard you’re coming to my party tonight.”

“Wait, that’s your party?” Lance replied.

“Yeah, my parents are away and told me I could have a few friends over. I may have let it slip and word spread around school.”

“Oh, no, I’m sorry.”

“It’s OK. The football team’s bringing the keg, so I don't have to worry about it.”

Lance nodded.

“See you there, girl,” Peggy said, as she and Deanna picked up their things and left.

“See,” Zoey ribbed, nudging Lance. “You had fun.”

“Well, maybe a little,” Lance allowed. “It’s the most physical activity I've had a in a while. I was so afraid of my junk falling out - like in gym class.”

“That’s… too much information,” Zoey laughed. “I should ask how you solved it, but I guess I don't need to know.”

“Mack’s tutorials are working wonders.” Lance smiled.

Zoey looked at Lance, and hesitated before speaking. “Lance,” Zoey whispered, “about tonight...” She grabbed both of his hands. 

“What about it?”

“You don’t have to go with Tyler or Olivia or that other guy,” she pleaded. “We can go together. Ditch them.”

“I dunno, Zoey. I feel an obligation at this point. Plus, I need to fix the Olivia and Tyler thing for you. That way you can win Tyler back.”

Zoey shook her head in frustration. Lance wasn’t picking up any of her signals. “I don't want Tyler back.”

“I get it,” he agreed. “He’s a jerk. But I’m the reason Olivia is going out with him.”

“Fine,” Zoey said as they walked to the car. “Break them up, keep them together - I don’t care. Just be careful.” Over and over in her head all she could think was, “Stupid boy.”

* * *

When they arrived back at Zoey’s house, Lance went into her room to change as she went to find Mack. Mack was hard at work in her room organizing clothing and makeup. “How's it going?” Zoey asked.

“Did you convince him to go to the party with you?” Mack asked.

“No,” Zoey fumed. “He still wants to go with that guy. He thinks he’s saving Olivia from Tyler.”

“I’m sorry, Zo. I know you really wanted to take him to that party.”

Zoey looked at the clothes and accessories on the bed. They were not Mack’s typical style. “What’s all of this?”

“Um… nothing,” Mack said, frantically trying to hide the stuff on her bed.

“A sexy dress? A new wig?” Zoey questioned. “Is this for Lance?”

“Yes,” she confessed. “You asked me to get him a knockout outfit for Simone’s coming out as a potential prom queen. That was supposed to be tonight at Peggy’s party.”

“I know that was supposed to be tonight.”

“Umm, he asked me to make him pretty. He showed me a picture of the real Simone’s prom dress. I think he’s legitimately looking forward to this. Zoey, there’s more going on with him than you realize.”

“I know I know, he’s starting to like it. Well, nothing’s lost yet. Him dating me was never part of the plan anyway. We can still make him prom queen. Whether or not he’s dating Olivia or whatever his name is.”

“Christopher.”

“Right.”

“Just look out for him. We don’t know how anyone is going to react to finding out he’s really a guy. We don’t know how that will affect him if this new world we’ve created for him comes crashing down.”

Zoey nodded. 

“Lance needs a real friend more than he needs a girlfriend.”

“Of course,” Zoey retorted. “I don’t want to date him.”

“No, you want to date- her.”

Zoey looked flustered. “No. No, I don’t.”

Suddenly they heard Lance scream from the other room. “Zoey!”

Both girls ran to Zoey’s room to find Lance standing there topless facing a mirror.

He had a shocked look on his face, but they immediately realized the cause. He stood there with a golden tan around his arms, back and stomach, but in the reflection they could see a pasty white silhouette across his chest where he wore the bikini.

Zoey and Mack gasped upon seeing what the commotion was about. “Lance, I'm so sorry,” Zoey apologized. “That was SPF 30. I thought it would be strong enough.”

“How am I going to hide this?” he cried.

“Well, don’t go topless around your dad,” Zoey reasoned.

“It’s almost summer time!”

“But it’s not summer yet. We have plenty of time to even out your tan.”

Lance put his shirt back on. “Let’s just go. I need to make sure I’m showered and ready for the date”

Chapter 13 - Getting Saucy

Zoey dropped Lance off at home. He walked into the house, into his room and crashed onto his bed. All he wanted from this afternoon was to play Game Boy. Instead he spent it at a beach in a bikini playing frisbee.

Granted, he had to admit he had fun. There was something satisfying about the girls and guys checking him out. He had never considered that his body was attractive. He didn’t work out, he didn’t maintain it, but he was blessed with an excellent metabolism that he inherited from his mom. She too was rail-thin and could eat anything without gaining any weight. 

He knew he only had about half an hour before Zoey would return with Mack to do his makeup so he quickly hopped into the shower.  While in the shower, he cleaned off the sand.  He looked down and saw his new tan line.  He traced the bikini line across his chest and started to fantasize about being a hot girl.  He wondered what the others at the beach saw.  Did they see a boy or a girl?  The thought of it excited him and he was eager to see what Mack had in store for him.

He turned off the shower, toweled off, and returned to his room to put on his boy clothes before the girls came over.

There was a knock at his door and Lance quickly put a T-shirt on to hide his new tan lines.  “Come in.”

 Lance’s dad came into the room. “Hey sport, how was the beach?”

“It was good,” Lance replied. “Made some new friends. Played some frisbee.”

“I’m so proud of you,” he proclaimed. “I’m just sorry I haven't been around much lately. Work has been killing me.”

“It’s OK, Dad. I haven't been around much either."

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Zoey.”

“Yeah.”

“She seems like a nice girl.”

Lance nodded, knowing that while Zoey was certainly nice and slowly becoming a friend, he remembered the original reason why Zoey was hanging around with him.

“Hey - I’m making some pasta sauce. Let’s spend an evening together. Dad and son.”

Lance panicked. He had somewhere to be. He couldn’t spend tonight here. “Dad, it’s Saturday night.”

Dad laughed. “Do you have plans? Something with Zoey?” Dad hoped that would be the case.

Lance was at a loss for words. He couldn’t tell him the truth. That he did have a date. That he was going to a party. That the date was with a guy. And he was technically the girl.

Dad’s optimistic expression turned to one of disappointment. “Don’t tell me you have a hot date in the AOL chat rooms.”

“Yes.” That was a better excuse than the truth.

“Lance, we’ve talked about meeting strangers online. That girl you’re talking to could be a guy. Besides, you have a real flesh-and-blood girlfriend. Take Zoey to a movie or something.”

Lance saw an opening to tell the partial truth. “How about a party?”

Dad gave him a disapproving look. “Lance, you know you and your sister are not allowed to go to underaged parties.”

“I know. I was just thinking hypothetically,” Lance added.  “There goes that idea,” he thought.

“OK, well I need to get back to the kitchen. You should invite Zoey over.”

Dad left Lance’s room and Lance jumped off the bed and retrieved the portable phone, quickly dialing Zoey’s number.

Zoey answered, “Lance, we were about to head to your house. What’s up?”

“Zoey, I need help.”

“What’s wrong?”

“My dad is cooking dinner. He’s expecting me to stay home tonight. I can’t do that. You’ll be here to do my makeup. I have that date, then Peggy’s party. Christopher is actually coming over to pick me up soon.”

“Can’t you just tell him you’re going out with friends? Or with me?”

“I could, but that doesn’t stop Christopher from coming to pick me up. And my dad would just invite you to dinner too.”

“Really? What’s he making?”

“Zoey, I'm serious. What am I going to do? Should I just call Christopher?”

“And tell him what? You don’t have a car. Where will you get changed? We don’t have time for me to pick you up, bring you to my house and then send you to Christopher anymore. We should’ve just planned it where you stayed here the entire afternoon. You need to get your dad out of the house.”

“How? He’s home for the evening.”

“Can you make him have to run to the store for dinner instead?”

“He’s already cooking dinner!”

Dad’s voice emanated from down the hall. “Lance.”

“Shit, I have to go,” Lance told Zoey and hung up.

Lance opened his bedroom door and walked down the hall to the kitchen. “What’s up Dad?”

“Was that Zoey?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you invite her over? Girlfriends like that kinda thing.”

Lance stared at the pot of boiling spaghetti sauce on the burner. If that pot wasn’t there, Dad would have to go to the store. What if he knocked that over? What reason would he have to knock it over? He had to think fast. He flashed back to the scene at the cafeteria with Rory. A break up.

“She uh… broke up with me. That was her on the phone.”

Dad stopped what he was doing and looked at Lance. Clearly he was hurt and disappointed. That made Lance realize what he had to do was going to be that much harder.

“Lance-”

Lance eased his way closer to the stove and slammed his fist on the counter. “I don't get it. I did everything for her. I worshiped her. And she just tossed me aside for someone else… a football player! That fucking Tyler!”

“Language, Lance!”

“I don’t care. I’m so pissed!” Lance eyed the pot of pasta sauce and thought through his plan. Is he really going to do this?  He has to get his dad out of the house. How much trouble is he going to be in? This is the only way. 

He slammed his fist into the side of the pot. 

A few things ran through Lance’s mind at that point. One. That hurt. He’d never punched anything before. Even an inanimate object such as a pot full of tomato sauce. Two. That was hot. He hadn’t considered that the contents of the pot were boiling. Three. He didn’t hit it with enough force. The pot didn’t tip and instead slid sideways and was perched on the precipice of the stove. Four. It didn’t work and he wasted this fake outburst..  Five…

Both Lance and his dad stood there in shock and watched the pot wobble and then in slow motion tip over the edge of the stove and fall.

A moment that seemed like an eternity later Lance and his dad watched the pot fall in slow motion.  As the pot came crashing down, sauce erupted up, splattered all over the floor, and the cabinets. 

Dad stood there with a shocked expression on his face, that slowly gave way to one of anger.

“Lance,” Dad forced himself to speak calmly. “I know you’re hurting, but this behavior is unacceptable.”

“I’m, I’m sorry,” Lance replied. “I don’t know what came over me.” He was rubbing his hand over a combination of burns and bruising.

Dad shook his head and turned off the burner. “You're grounded. No Game Boy. No computer. I’m going to have to run out to the grocery store. Clean this up.”

* * *

Zoey and Mack sat in their car a block away waiting for Mr. Biggs to drive off. Once he did, they pulled in front of Lance’s house and quickly walked to the door and knocked on it.

Lance opened the door for them. “Bad news,” he announced. “On top of everything else, I’m grounded now.”

“One problem at a time,” Zoey said, taking charge of the situation. “Let’s get you made over for the party.” 

“Yeah, well we have a lot of problems.”

Zoey sniffed the air. “Dinner smells good, though.”

“Yeah, unfortunately it’s all over the kitchen floor now. And I have to clean it up.”

“And get ready for your date?”

“And keep my Dad away long enough for us to do all of that.”

“Zoey will figure all of that out, right,” Mack interjected looking at Zoey. “Listen, if you need us, we’ll be in Lance’s room.” Mack grabbed Lance’s hand and pulled him towards the hallway.

Zoey found the portable phone sitting on the couch and dialed Peggy’s number.

“Hello?” Peggy answered, out of breath.

“Hey, I need to call in a favor.”

“Zoey? Where are you calling from?”

“Lan- er- Simone’s house. We need some way to keep Mr. Biggs busy while we get Simone ready for your party.”

“What do you need from me? I’m already busy setting up for my own party.” She reminded Zoey.

“I was looking for ideas. He’s at the grocery store.”

“Well, my math partner Clarissa can’t make it here on-time because she’s doing a carwash fundraiser. I think maybe it’s in the same shopping center as the grocery store.”

“That’s perfect! She can stall him.”

“How?”

“She can wash his car!”

“OK. No promises, Zo. I don't know how I’m going to get a hold of her. Then we’d need a description of the car. How long do you need?”

“An hour and a half.”

“She’s going to ask what's in it for her.”

“Umm, tell her it's for me. I can arrange something cool for her - in the yearbook or at the prom.” Zoey walked into the kitchen and saw the tomato sauce flood across the floor with splashes all over the oak cabinets as if a giant meatball was murdered here. “Oh, fuck. Do you know anyone who can clean a crime scene?”

“Zoey, are you OK?”

“Yeah, let me get you a description of his car."

* * *

Mack dropped a garment bag and duffle bag on Lance’s bed. “Here’s what I have,” she announced. She unzipped the garment bag and pulled out a red cocktail dress.

Lance looked at it with his jaw dropped. “You want me to wear that?”

“Well, this one was Zoey’s idea.”

“Is so… it’s so… sexy.”

“It’s certainly not my style,” Mack giggled.

“What’s this?” he asked, holding up a corset. “A medieval torture device?”

Mack laughed. “Exactly.”

He put the corset down and picked up a wig in a clear bag. “A new wig?”

“Yeah, this one is closer to your sister’s hair style in that picture you sent me.”

“Cool,” Lance admired, brushing it.

“You said you’re grounded?”

“Yeah. No Game Boy or computer.”

“For how long?”

“He didn’t say.”

“Bummer.”

Lance looked sadly at Mack. “I told him Zoey broke up with me.”

“Just now? I suppose she doesn’t know yet.”

“Nope. I wonder who will be more upset - my dad or Zoey. I think Zoey was enjoying the role she was playing. And my dad just loved the idea of me having a girlfriend.”

“Yeah, I don’t know. Is he expecting you to eat dinner with him?”

“Yeah.”

“But not if you’re heartbroken?”

“I guess.”

“Then I can be you again. I can just lock myself in your bedroom.”

“With no computer or video games?”

“I’ll survive, Lance. Do you have any good books? Comics?”

“Some.”

Mack dropped her voice. “Yo, Dad, I'm doing homework, I’ll be back later.”

Lance laughed. “I don’t sound like that.”

“Yes, you do. It worked last weekend.”

“Guys are very short and abrupt. ‘I’m doing homework.’”

“I’m doing homework,” Mack repeated with a deep voice.

“Less Jersey accent.”

“OK. Less Jersey. More California. ‘Dude, I’m doing homework, chill.’”

“Californians do not sound like that.”

Mack giggled then resumed her normal voice. “Anyway. Let’s get to work. Lay back and close your eyes,” she instructed. 

Lance laid on the bed. Mack was busy preparing something. “What are you doing over there?”

“Just heating this up.”

He felt something warm and gooey dabbed across his eye brows. “What kind of makeup are you putting on?”

She didn’t answer.

Then he felt Mack push a piece of paper on top of the warmth. “Wait. Is that-”

Rip. 

* * *

Zoey ignored the cry of pain coming from Lance’s room as she was on her hands and knees cleaning up spilled spaghetti sauce. He thinks he knows pain now? Just wait until he has to spend all night in heels. 

Once the pasta sauce was cleaned up, Zoey decided to look around Lance’s house. As she wandered from room to room, she noticed the lack of decorations. Mr. Biggs was apparently waiting for Mrs. Biggs to move in and manage the decorating. Men.

There was one family portrait hanging on the wall. It looked like it was taken in the 80’s. Mr. Biggs looked to be much younger and sporting a mustache. His wife by his side was a looker with her 80’s big-hair perm. In front of them sat two 8 year olds. A boy and a girl. They had the same face with the only differentiating features being the length of their hair and the clothing they wore.

There was a knock at the door. “Shit, he’s early,” Zoey panicked.

She opened the door to find Christopher standing there in a crisp button down shirt and slacks.

He looked at her with confusion. “Zoey? What are you doing here?”

“Simone is my friend. My sister and I were getting her ready for your date. Come on in.”

Christopher walked in. “Sorry I’m early. Are um… Simone’s parents around?”

“No, they’re out.” Zoey smiled. “It’s just me. And my sister. And Simone. She’s just finishing up.”

“Oh, OK.” 

“Have a seat.” Zoey internally giggled as she realized that Christopher was sitting in the same place she was last week and she was standing in the same place Mr. Biggs was. “So what are your intentions with my friend?” she asked in her most menacing voice and staring him down.

A look of dread washed over Christopher’s face.

“I’m just kidding.”

“Oh, thank God. I was already too nervous to talk to Simone’s father. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“So.”

“So.”

“The yearbook is coming along nicely,” she said with a smile.

“It is. I’ve already uploaded half of the copies to the computer. Just waiting for the last few pages to get made.”

“Um, what do you do in your spare time?”

“Mostly video games. I also play some D&D on the side.”

“D&D?” Zoey’s ears perked up. “Really? I just finished a campaign,” she boasted. “Killed a few Orcs. Took down a necromancer. Got wasted in a tavern. You know, another day, another quest.”

“Impressive. I’m a 9th level Mage. Last night I saved a whole village with one spell.”

“Oh, well, um I’ve only actually played one time. It’s my sister who plays on a regular basis.” She smiled and looked desperately toward the hallway for any sign of Simone or Mack.

“Your sister is Mackenzie right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve seen her around.  I met her briefly the other day. She seems cool.”

Zoey nodded and fiddled with her fingers.

“Well, something smells really good in here,” Christopher sniffed the air and commented.

Zoey wanted to thank Christopher for noticing her perfume, but she realized there was definitely a scent of pasta sauce coming from her cleaning efforts. She had gotten some on her clothes and in her hair.

“I smell… tomato sauce…”

“We all had some pasta and sauce earlier. It’s an old family recipe.”

“...mixed with… Pine Sol?”

“We’re messy eaters.”

“Oh, well, I’m sure it was delicious,” Christopher said in a complimentary tone.

They both resumed sitting there in awkward silence. 

* * *

“They still sting.” Lance complained, touching his eyebrows.

“Stop touching ‘em.” Mack scolded, swatting his hand away. “You’ll rub the aloe off.”

Lance grimaced as he sat on his hands. The pain reminded him of the time he cut his leg and had it wrapped in gauze and surgical tape. When the nurse ripped the tape off his leg he thought it was worse than the injury itself. "And now I shave the hair off my legs willingly," he thought, ironically. 

“Have you been reading the stuff I sent you?” Mack asked, while applying makeup.

“Yes, the tutorials are great.”

“I mean - the other stuff.”

‘You mean the stories?”

“Yeah.”

“A little bit.  Is that the stuff you’re into?”

“Me? No. I have a friend I see while at conventions who is trans. She recommended everything I gave you. The tutorials, the stories, etc.”

“Oh,” Lance replied. “Trans?”

“Transgender.  She was born a guy.”

“And now she’s a girl?”

“Yeah, though she’d tell you she was always a girl.”

“And someone could just do that?”

“Yup. Unlike those stories you read, it doesn’t require magic.”

“Isn’t that kinda weird?  I get dressing up and cosplaying. It’s cool to be someone else for a bit.  This whole ordeal has been exciting and thrilling. But to continually wear a costume…”

“Well, Lance, for some people, the costume is real, and their everyday clothes are the costume.”

“Oh.”

“I’m done with your makeup. You can start getting dressed. One last question, Lance.”

“Shoot.”  Lance pulled off his T-shirt.

“Let’s pretend for a second you died and had a chance to be reincarnated. You could pick your gender.  Which one?”

Lance mulled that over for a moment as he started putting on his new strapless bra.  “I guess both have their pros and cons.  On one hand, being male again is easy.  It’s what I am, and what I know.  But being female sounds different and exciting.  I've already had 17 years of being male, might as well try the path not taken, right?”

Mack smiled.  “Right.” Lance was further down the rabbit hole than she expected. She wanted to probe further to help Lance with his introspection, but her trans friend told her to go slow.  There would be more opportunities. 

Lance shifted around the bra.  “Is this right?  It’s tighter than my others.”

“It’s a strapless bra, you don't have the luxury of using your shoulders for support.”

“How about you?” Lance smirked.  “You asked me all of these questions but haven’t told me about you.”

“Well, you may have noticed I’m not as feminine as my sister.”

“Totally.”

“Well, I don’t think I’m transgender, but I’m open to it.  I think I’m more gender fluid.

Lance looked at her upon hearing those words. “What does gender fluid mean?”

If you consider gender a spectrum as opposed to a discrete bucket, then I’m fluid on that spectrum.  Some days I’m more masculine.  Some days I’m more feminine.  I experiment with my appearance.  I only wear dresses and heels occasionally.  But when I do, I can make even Zoey jealous.”

“Oh.”  Lance thought about it some more and remembered when they got changed together on the ferris wheel and again later that afternoon.  “Is that why you wear tight sports bras?”

Mack looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t mean-”

“You’re very observant. Those are days I’m not feeling very feminine. But not always.  I have sexy lingerie too- but don’t tell my parents!” Mack chuckled. “You don’t know how annoying it is to be the less feminine sister and have larger breasts!”

Lance laughed with her and picked up his breast forms and slid them into his bra. “Well I’m Simone’s less feminine twin and I currently have bigger breasts than her.” 

Mack laughed at Lance’s joke. “Actually, I’m not wearing a sports bra today. Here look,” Mack said, taking off her T-shirt.  

Lance noticed she was wearing a pink and black bra.  He then turned bright red and looked away.

“Don’t be embarrassed. You’re wearing a bra too.”

Lance slowly turned back towards her.

“Do you like this style?”

“I do.  It’s very cute.  I like how it…  draws attention to…. I mean.  I wish I had… umm-”

“-Do you now?” Mack giggled.

“Sorry. I was just wondering why anyone would want to cover those up.”

“Ha.  Now you’re starting to sound like my sister.” 

Lance was tongue-tied and he felt like he was digging himself a bigger hole while talking breasts with a buxom girl in just a bra.

“When I go to college I am considering cutting my hair shorter to help with some more masculine looks.”

“Aren’t you a junior? Why not now?”

“My parents are obsessed with me and Zoey having long hair.”

“Oh.”  Lance thought for a moment whether if he was in Mack’s position, would he stand up to his parents.  What would his dad say if Lance told him he thought he might be gender fluid? Or transgender? Thankfully he didn’t have to worry about that.

“Anyway, If I’m going to be you this evening, I better find something to bind these with," she said, gesturing to the ample contents of her bra.

“I’m sure we can find something,” he said, accidentally glancing down at her cleavage and blushing.

“In a bit. OK, let’s get you into that dress and wig. You’re going to turn some heads.”

* * *

Mr. Biggs pushed his shopping cart up to his car. The sun was already getting lower in the sky and he was eager to get home and restart dinner.

He opened his trunk and loaded the groceries inside. He hoped he wasn’t too hard on Lance. Lance had never acted this way before. But then again, he’d never dated anyone before either. He felt awful for his son and  imagined back to the days when he was a teen and got his own heart broken. He would have to apologize when he got home.

He got into the car and closed the door. As he was about to turn on the ignition a bucket of water splashed on his car.

‘What the-” he cried out as he saw three high school girls in wet T-shirts and shorts standing around with sponges and towels. He rolled down the window as a girl started rubbing soap on the car’s windshield with a sponge..

“What’s going on?”

“We’re having a car wash fundraiser!” one girl announced.

“Car wash? It’s almost dark out. Are you with the cheerleading squad?”

“No,” she boasted, “the drama club. You’re our last car.”

Then a blond girl with a very see-through white T-shirt over a pink bikini took a sponge to the windshield saying, “If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting.”

That’s not what he was expecting to come out of a teen girl’s mouth. “Is that Shakespeare?”

The girl at the driver’s window didn’t answer, but waited for the windshield girl to finish. “Will you go hunt, my lord?” she said to the other girl.

“Um, will this take long?” Mr. Biggs asked, rolling his eyes.

“What, Curio?”

“The hart.”

“No, seriously,” Mr. Biggs complained, “I don't have time for this."

A third girl came up to them and announced, “So please my lord, I might not be admitted,

But from her handmaid do return this answer.” Then she splashed water onto the windshield, getting the other girl wet. Her T-shirt clung to all her curves.

An embarrassed Mr. Biggs averted his eyes from the teens and sat there in his car silent, baffled, unsure how to proceed.

“Love thoughts lie rich when canopied with bowers. End Act 1, Scene 1.”

“Great,” Mr. Biggs mumbled, handing the closest girl a twenty dollar bill.

“Thank you, kind sir!” she exclaimed. Then she announced, “Act 1, Scene 2.”

“No. No No No!”

“What country, friends, is this?” Another girl asked, washing the drivers side, forcing Mr. Biggs to roll up his window.

“This is Illyria, lady,” another responded, splashing the previous girl with water.

Mr Biggs hit his forehead against the steering wheel in frustration, the parking lot echoing the beep of his car horn

* * *

Zoey paced the living room, occasionally looking out the window, nervous Mr. Biggs would show up. And boy, would they have a lot of explaining to do. Zoey tried to play that out in her head. “Hi, Mr. Biggs. Who’s this boy? Christopher. He’s taking your son out on a date. Lance? Well he’s dressed up like your daughter. Why? Cause I’m the most popular girl in school and… I may be in over my head…”

Both Zoey and Christopher heard the bedroom door open. Christopher stood up and they both looked towards the hallway with bated breath. A few footsteps were heard and out appeared Mack dressed up like Lance, like she did at the carnival.

She wore a button down shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap. She had applied makeup around her jawline to look like 5 o’clock shadow.

Zoey looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

“Hi,” Christopher said, holding out his hand. “Lance, right? Good to see you again. I didn’t know you were here.”

Mack and Chistopher shook hands.

Zoey looked at her and said with her teeth clenched, “Me neither.”

Mack ignored Zoey’s frustration. “Same. My sister is ready,” she said with a smile. “Introducing the very beautiful Simone Biggs!”

Silence.

Zoey stared at Mack with a “what did you do to him?” look.

“Simone!” Mack called again. “It’s your turn to come out.”

Still nothing.

“Dearest sister, Simone, get your cute butt out here - now!” Mack shouted.

Then the sound of a heel hit the hallway floor. Then another. And another.

A heeled foot was the first to appear. Then a sigh as the footsteps stopped. The leg was long and sporting a fresh tan.

Another step and he came out from hiding. He was sporting a very short red dress that clung to all of the curves he didn’t know he had and hung from his shoulders with small thin spaghetti straps. The dress was low-cut, and yet his chest was pushed up to give the illusion of C cup breasts. His long wig was changed out for a much shorter wig that barely brushed his bare shoulders. His freshly made-up face with waxed eyebrows glowed with blush and his eyelash extensions and eyeshadow made his blue eyes pop.

He nervously bit his ruby-red lips as a slack-jawed Zoey and Christopher gazed at him. He tried tugging the hem of the dress because he thought it was too short and showed way too much leg.

Nobody said a word. Mack beamed with pride.

After what seemed like an eternity, Christopher finally found his voice. “S-Simone. Wow, you look amazing,” he managed to stutter.

“Thank you,” Lance blushed as he replied. “You, um, look very nice, too.” They both smiled.

Lance glanced at Zoey who was still silent. “Zoey? You OK?”

“You look…” she cleared her throat. Her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest. “Wow.”

Christopher turned to Zoey. “Didn’t you say your sister was here?”

“Something came up.” Zoey lied.

“Oh, OK. We should get going,” Christopher announced, checking his watch. 

“Right,” Lance agreed as they walked towards the door. He turned to face Zoey with a confident smile and whispered, “We’re gonna win, right?”

“Win what?” Zoey whispered back, still in shock.

“Prom Queen.”

“Oh, yeah…right.” She waved as she watched Lance and Christopher walk out of the house.

“Are you OK?” Mack asked her sister.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I better get ready for the party too. I smell like an Olive Garden.”

Chapter 14 - I Could Have Danced All Night

Christopher and Lance made small talk on the drive over to the restaurant. Lance was hoping to pass the time by talking about video games, but it was clear Christopher was rather nervous.

When they got to the restaurant, Christopher insisted on getting the car door for Lance. As Christopher offered him a hand and helped him out of his seat, all Lance could think about was that he wished his date was someone else. Picturing Olivia or Zoey taking the place of Christopher actually brought a smile to his face.

As Christopher escorted Lance into the restaurant, Lance was playing over his potential date with the girls in his head. That daydream came to an abrupt end when he saw Tyler standing there with Olivia by his side.

Olivia looked uncomfortable and bored. Tyler looked like he was trying to make awkward conversation.

They both did a double take when they saw Lance.

Lance meanwhile was enamored with Olivia. “Olivia, um, you look really nice.”

“O. M. G. Simone,” she replied. “That dress. Your hair. You look awesome.”

Lance looked down and blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.” He still wasn't used to compliments like that. 

Olivia realized her gaze was lingering on Simone too long and she remembered she was there to make her jealous. “Tyler, you clean up nicely too.” She conspicuously wrapped her arm around his. “Oh wow, that’s a nice bicep.”

While Tyler beamed at the attention, Lance frowned.

The hostess came over and interrupted them to lead them to their table where they took their seats.  While the dates sat next to each other, Lance and Olivia were straight across from each other.

“Tyler, how’s football going?” asked Olivia. 

“Well, I've been practicing my footing and accuracy. I’m hoping to try out for the community college team.”

“Nice,” Olivia said, pretending to care.

“What are you going to study?” Lance asked.

“Football,” he replied matter-of-factly.

Lanced chuckled at the jock’s response. “Tyler, if you go to college, you need a major.”

Olivia shot daggers at Lance in an effort to encourage him to be nice.

“Oh, right,” Tyler corrected himself. “Undecided.”

“I’m going for Computer Science,” Christopher chimed in.

Tyler rolled his eyes and looked like he was about to make fun of Christopher but instead held it in.

“Well, Christopher is on the yearbook,” Lance explained, attempting to take the focus off Tyler.

“Oh,” Tyler chimed in anyway. “Do you have a sweet picture of me scoring the winning touchdown against East?”

“Um,” Christopher hesitated, “I think so.”

“Nice.” Tyler smiled while nodding his head. “Make sure that’s a full page.”

“I was there,” Olivia added, then smiled at her date. “Tyler over here was the hero of the day.” 

Lance felt like he had bile in his mouth. This wasn’t going well at all.

He and Olivia made eye contact. He had a strong suspicion she was doing this on purpose.

“Christopher,” Lance asked, attempting to play the same game as Olivia, “what was your favorite ride at the carnival?”

“That funhouse was awesome,” he replied.

“Yes,” Lance agreed, looking directly at Olivia, “that funhouse was awesome.”

“Oh, you should’ve let me know,” Christopher added. “We could've gone together.”

Without taking his eyes off Olivia, Lance replied, “I should’ve.”

The four of them shared an awkward silence.

Christopher, in an attempt to break up the tension, spoke up, “Are you guys looking forward to prom?”

“I know I am,” Tyler bragged, leaning into Olivia.

Olivia feigned a sad smile.

“Is there a theme?” Lance asked. “My previous school was big on elaborate productions.”

“I think it’s a casino theme, ” Christopher answered.

“Kings and Queens,” Olivia clarified. “I’m on the prom committee.”

“You’re on the prom committee too?” Lance questioned. He started running through what he knew about Zoey and Olivia in his mind. Clearly they’d had more interaction than either had let on.

“Yeah,” she responded. “I chair the decorations committee.”

There was a long pause during which Lance and Olivia were looking at each other. He could see a sad longing in her eyes. Lance realized he needed to come clean to her and stop this game. He got an idea. He’d seen women all get up to go to the bathroom together in movies. He wondered if that worked.

“Oliva,” he said, standing up. “I’m going to the ladies room.”

Olivia nodded, picked up her purse. The guys let them out of the booth and she followed Lance to the women’s restroom.

Tyler gestured towards the departed women and asked Christopher, “Why do women always go to the bathroom in packs?”

Christopher shrugged.

Tyler decided to answer his own question, “Probably so they can talk about us.”

When the pair got to the restroom, Lance stood there and watched as Olivia went to the mirror, took lipgloss out of her purse and started to touch up her lips.

Lance decided to follow her lead and did the same. Thankfully he put the lipstick Mack gave him earlier in his purse.

When he was done, he looked at Olivia through the mirror. “I’m so sorry,” he apologized. “I’m not actually dating Christopher.”

“Then what are we doing here?”

“At the carnival while you were getting cotton candy, Tyler came over and was hitting on me. I had to think fast, and I had Christopher - whom I just met a few days earlier - pretend to be my boyfriend. It backfired.”

“I figured as much.”

“You did?”

“I wanted to see how far you were going to take this charade.”

“So you have no interest in Tyler?”

“Zero. His ass is getting left behind as soon as we get to the party.”

Lance shook his head realizing Mack was right and he should’ve just told the truth from the start. “You didn’t look like you were enjoying his company.”

“And you have zero interest in Christopher?” she asked, eyebrows raised.

“I just want to play video games with him, not go on a date with him.”

“Does he know that?”

“Umm.. no.” Lance lowered his eyes in shame.

“Ugh, Simone!”

“I know, I know. My friends said the same thing. The truth is, I'm only here to see you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me all this at the carnival?”

“I wanted to, but something came up with… my brother. Why didn’t you talk to me all week?”

“Simone, you hurt me. I put myself out there for you.”

“I’m so sorry, Olivia. I’m bad at social situations. I… I’ve never had a girlfriend.”

“What about Zoey?”

“Zoey? She’s… just a friend. I think. I mean, there might be more. But she’s so… and I’m so… I’m afraid to get hurt.”

“Simone, if you like Zoey, tell her. And don’t wait.”

Lance scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. Wait. He thought he was on the verge of dating Olivia, not Zoey. “But, what about… us?”

Olivia turned to face Lance and held his hands. “Simone, I like you. You’re cute. You’re funny. And yes, I’m totally into you. Yet, you have this bad habit of putting up walls and not being truthful. This week is an example. You seem to be a good friend. However, I need my romantic partners to be open and honest with me. I’m afraid of getting hurt, too.”

Lance wanted to respond with, “I won’t hurt you,” but instead he bit his lip. Olivia sounded sure of herself and he didn’t want to push.

“Let’s get back to our dates.” Olivia said, her mood much more cheerful than when they entered the restroom. “Maybe find a way to let them down nicely, OK? You should talk to Zoey when you see her.”

Lance nodded as the pair left the ladies room. All things considered, their conversation had gone better than he expected. He just wished he knew what he was going to do next.

* * *

Lance’s dad sat down in the living room and exhaled. What was he going to do with his son? When he came back from the store, he quickly remade dinner using jars of premade tomato sauce. He asked Lance to come out of his room, but Lance declined. Instead, after dinner was put away, Lance, wearing a hoodie, quickly got leftovers out of the fridge and returned to his room without saying anything or showing his face. He assumed his son was hiding tears. 

“Lance, I’m sorry for overreacting,” Dad said through the closed door. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” a muffled voice said. “I just want to be alone.”

He swirled his glass of wine then placed it on the coffee table. This is not how he expected this evening to go when he planned earlier this afternoon. He eyed the boxes in the corner of the living room stacked against the wall. He had been too busy working to worry about them. Now was as good of a time as any, he figured.

He started unpacking some boxes. One box was labeled “Home Movies.” He opened it and found it full of neatly stacked VHS tapes all with hand-written labels. He picked out one and slid it in the VCR.

After finding the VCR’s remote control, he finally hit play and sat back down on the couch.

* * *

Mack was in the middle of sketching Lance’s Prom attire when she heard laughter coming from the living room. Not adult laughter. Kid laughter.

She covered her head with the hood again and poked her head out of the room. The coast was clear and she tiptoed into the hallway. She could see the back of Mr. Bigg’s head watching TV. It appeared to be old family videos. She crept closer to get a better look.

On screen were two seven-year-olds. They looked nearly identical except one had short hair and one had long hair. 

The short-haired kid came out from a balcony made of pillows. “When will my prince get here?”

“I am here, fair princess!” announced the long-haired kid.

From behind the camera a booming voice said, “Simone, did you make your brother play the princess again?”

“No, daddy,” little Lance responded, “I wanted to play the princess this time! Simone always gets to play the princess!”

“Lance, let your sister play princess,” Dad corrected his son. “We talked about this. Boys don’t play princess. They play as knights and kings. They do the rescuing.”

“Yes, Dad,” little Lance said with disappointment.

* * *

Christopher and Lance arrived at the party and pulled up to the driveway. There were parked cars and students everywhere. “We’re here,” he said as he put the car into park.

Lance grabbed the door handle then turned around, half expecting Christopher to get the door for him. Christopher was still holding the steering wheel, casually staring off into the distance. “Aren’t you coming?”

“I don't think so,” Christopher replied. “This isn’t really my scene.”

“Oh,” Lance said. He suddenly felt really guilty about roping him into this.

Christopher turned to look at Lance. “What was tonight about?” he asked.

Lance shrunk down into his seat in embarrassment. Like he’d just been caught. Through the window he could see Olivia and Tyler walking towards the party.

“You seemed more interested in Olivia than me,” he continued.

“Yeah,” Lance admitted. “I’m sorry about that. That's because um... I’m…” He nervously bit his lip. “I’m a… lesbian.”

“A lesbian? Ouch, that’s harsh.” He sounded skeptical.

“It’s the truth. That whole Rory thing was fake too. I’ve always been into girls. At the carnival I was… kinda with Olivia.”

He nodded. “I guess I did kinda notice you and Olivia making a lot of eye contact with each other at dinner.”

“I mean - you’re cool. And very nice. It’s just that - I, I don’t see you that way.”

“Then why… this date?”

“Because Tyler was hitting on me. He wasn’t taking no for an answer. You were a friendly face I could trust.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?”

Lance sighed. “I’ve been having a real problem with that lately. Listen, Christopher, I’m really sorry about lying to you. I do want to stay friends, though.”

“I want to stay friends too. Just don’t lead me on again. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Now go and have fun.”

“Thanks.” Lance got out of Christpher’s car and walked along the driveway towards Peggy’s house. 

He was a little nervous, but every click of his heels on the pavement sent a pulse of excitement through him.

Peggy was waiting at the door. “Oh My God!” she exclaimed. “Simone? Is that really you?”

“Yeah,” Lance nervously smiled, “It’s really me.” Lance did a quick twirl to show Peggy the full view. 

“Damn, girl! Look at that dress! Oh, and that hair!” 

Lance blushed. He felt comfortable around Peggy. He knew that Peggy knew he was a guy. But Peggy never once treated him like a boy. When he was around her, he felt like one of the girls, and it was the weirdest, most satisfying sensation.

“Well, welcome to my party! Just don’t tell my parents. They’d kill me.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Lance promised. “Who are all of these people?”

“I think they go to our school. I’m… not entirely sure. I should really find out who leaked the rumor about my party.”

* * *

Zoey was leaning against a wall watching Peggy and Lance talk. She couldn’t take her eyes off Lance's transformation. She felt something flutter inside of her. Maybe Mack was right. Maybe she was falling for Simone. 

“Hi, Zoey,” a girl said, walking by.

Zoey smiled and waved to her.

Just then, something shattered in another room, and Peggy left to investigate. It was a good time for Zoey to check how Lance’s dinner date went. But before she could go to Lance, Deanna came to her side.

“Wow,” Deanna said in a snarky tone.

“What?” Zoey replied, looking puzzled.

“You’re totally checking out your pet project.”

Zoey gave an annoyed frown.

“So what’s the deal? You didn’t come together.”

“She had a date.”

“He had a date? Come on Zo, let’s get real. You’re with him 24/7 and you’re just going to let him go on a date with another girl?”

“It was with a guy.”

“Oh, wow, that’s even better! Queen Zoey lost out to a guy. You were supposed to turn him into prom queen, not gay.”

“He’s not gay.”

“Ouch, I hit a nerve. I know you’re falling for him. I’m not blind. Zoey Sellers - most popular girl in school - fell for the homeless boy on the park bench.”

Zoey exhaled and tried not to let Deanna bait her. “I hate to break it to you Dee. But it’s just a bet.” 

“Tell me again you’re not interested in him.”

“Drop it, Dee. I’m not interested in Lance. When this whole thing is over… I probably won’t ever see him again.” She then walked away hoping Dee didn’t follow her.

Zoey walked to where she saw Lance standing a minute ago. He wasn’t there. Zoey kept searching the party and ran into Olivia and Tyler walking by. Zoey hid behind a curio cabinet to avoid being seen.

Olivia was clearly annoyed. “Stop following me, Tyler,” she insisted.

“We’re here together,” he reminded her. “You’re my date. Do you want me to get you a drink?”

“No, Tyler. Listen, our date is over. I had a nice dinner with you, but I saw some of my friends back there and I want to hang out with them for a bit.

She headed off towards another room at the party, leaving Tyler standing there alone.

“Tough break, Tyler,” Zoey emphasized, coming out from hiding.

“Oh, Zoey,” he said, acknowledging her. “Don’t worry, she’ll come around. I just need to work at it.” 

“Yeah, OK,” she mocked.

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”

“Being a stalker doesn’t suit you.”

“Suck it, Zoey.”

“Been there. Done that,” she sneered. “Six seconds of my life I won’t get back.”

Tyler didn’t have a comeback and instead pushed by her and further into the crowd.

* * *

Lance was standing by himself near the keg. He was hoping to find Olivia or Zoey, but he hadn’t run across them yet.

“Hey cutie,” a voice said behind him.

Lance turned to see Deanna. He looked around to make sure she was actually talking to him.

“You clean up pretty good,” she added. “Compliments to Mackenzie.”

“I’ll let her know,” Lance responded coolly, crossing his bare arms defensively.

“Have you ever been to a high school party?”

“No.”

“Here, let me get you a drink.” She cut in front of the line for the keg. “Excuse me.” She then poured a cup and returned to Lance and handed it to him.

Lance took the plastic cup and cautiously looked at it.

“Let me guess,” Deanna said. “Never had a beer either?”

He shook his head.

Deanna grabbed a cup from a girl walking by, who yelled, “Hey”, but Deanna ignored her. She looked at Lance and held the cup up. “Welcome to high school, Simone. Cheers.”

They tapped cups and they both took a sip.

Lance swallowed it. It was bitter and his face had a weird expression.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it,” Deanna encouraged. “Hey, Simone.”

“Yeah?”

“Did Zoey ever apologize for putting you in this situation?”

“Um, no.”

“That Zoey. What a bitch. You totally deserve better. But, you are crushing it. Cheers.”

They tapped cups again and they both took another drink.

“You are looking so cute in that dress,” she praised.

Lance couldn’t help but blush at the compliment. Maybe he had Deanna pegged wrong?

“Here’s to your totally cute makeover,” Dee added. “Cheers.”

Lance took another sip. He noticed his lipstick marks on the cup and felt a little rush of excitement.

* * *

Zoey was grabbing a soda from the kitchen when she heard someone behind her.

“Hi Zoey,” a girl she only vaguely recognized cheerfully greeted her. “So about the car wash...”

“Oh, hi. Clarissa, right? Peggy told me it was a huge success. You made hundreds of dollars for the drama club.”

“We did,” she agreed. “But I was talking about the favor you promised.”

“I figured. Thank you so much. I don't know how you did it, but we were long gone before Simone’s dad came home. Mission accomplished.”

“We gave Simone’s dad a performance he’ll never forget.” She laughed.

Zoey saw Lance in the next room. Their eyes locked.

“Um, Clarissa, can we talk about this at school Monday? I need to go to talk to Simone.”

“Sure,” Clarissa said as she walked away.

Zoey watched Lance coming towards her. He was smiling and walking erratically in his heels. She thought he had mastered walking in them. She then noticed a red plastic cup in his hand.

“Have you been drinking?” Zoey asked.

“Yeah,” he mumbled. “Dee got me a drrrink. She was telling me… telling me how great… how awesome I’m doing.”

“Simone, you’re slurring your speech. How much have you had?”

“Well, I had a beer,” he recounted. “Then something called vodka. Did you know vodka is made with potatoes? See Dad, I’m eating my veggies.”

Just then a pop song came over the stereo.

“I love this sonnnnng,” Lance slurred. “I’ve never danced.”

“You’ve never danced?”

“I mean I’ve never danced around people. I dance when I’m alone.”

“OK,” Zoey took Lance’s hand and pulled him to where other party-goers were dancing.

* * *

Tyler was playing cards with a few of his friends, when Deanna slid a chair up beside him and handed him a mixed drink.

“Sorry to hear about your date,” she asked.

“Yeah,” he said. He took the drink she was offering and sipped it. “Thank you.”

“Forget the cheerleader. You should totally go out with the new girl.”

“Simone? She is kinda cool. I was out with her earlier. She has a date though.”

“Well, he’s gone and she thinks you’re kinda cute.”

“Really? I thought she was kinda flirting with me,” he said excitedly. “There’s still time to salvage tonight?” 

“Really. In fact.” Deanna came close to his ear. “She said you were cuter than Rory. You could be a great boyfriend, Tyler.”

“A great boyfriend? Tell me more.”

“Don’t be afraid of greatness, Tyler. Go to her. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em. That could be you. Go to her.”

Tyler stood up with intention. “Sorry guys,” Tyler bragged to his friends. “I have a girl to see.”

The table of friends cheered him on as he strutted away.

* * *

Lance and Zoey were dancing in a very crowded living room turned dance floor. Lance was copying Zoey’s dance moves. 

“Hi, Simone!” one girl who was dancing near them called out. “I love your dress!”

“Hi,” Lance meekly replied. “Thank you.” He turned to Zoey. “They know my name.” 

“It’s because you’re with me. People are curious about you.”

“I’m usually invisible.”

“You’re not anymore. You’ve been turning heads all night. And even before tonight,” she added. “I’ve had people at school ask about you.”

Lance nodded. But he was too buzzed to really let that sink in. 

“You know what, you’re a pretty good dancer,” Zoey spoke out over the music.

“You know what,” he repeated Zoey’s words, “I think I’m drunk.”

“You are,” she giggled.

“And these heels are killing me.”

“Girl, you have no idea. Take them off.”

Lance leaned down and kicked off the heels. “This is so much fun. I could dance with you all night.”

“I’m sure we’d both get tired.”

“You’re right. I’m kinda tired now. My eyes are kinda heavy,” he mumbled. He felt safe and comfortable with Zoey and let his eyes close as he swayed to the music. “I feel safe with you Zoey.”

“Me too.”

“I have a secret.”

“Oh?”

“I like someone. I have a crush. And I don’t know what to do.”

Zoey giggled. “Easy there, tiger. You shouldn’t jump into anything while drunk.”

“What should I do?”

Zoey bit her lip. Lance was dancing there, eyes closed and looking so cute. “You should kiss them. Your crush, that is.”

“Aye, aye captain” he said, saluting.

Zoey’s heart was beating. Was Lance talking about her or Olivia? She was getting nervous. Could she really date Lance… or rather Simone? Should she pull Simone in for a kiss? Would this change everything? She knew she wanted to. But she hesitated and stood at a distance for a few moments, not understanding why she was hesitating. 

As she was lost in thought another dancer bumped her out of the way and off the dance floor. “Hey!”

Lance did a spin and then felt hands around his waist. “This is so fun,” he mumbled.

His dance partner got closer and started grinding into Lance. Lance smiled and moved his hips with the beat.

Zoey got pushed into a river of people trying to get outside.“Simone!” she called, but her voice was drowned out by the music and the dancing crowd around her.

Lance spun around in his partner's grip and wrapped his arms around their neck. “Thank you for this,” he said. “I needed this. Since I’m drunk, I should really let you make the first move-”

Lance felt lips meet his own and he felt his body go flush as he let his kisser in. They were moving, his partner was leading them around the dance floor. Lance never realized how strong Zoey was.

Finally Lance felt his back hit a wall. His kisser had him pinned and was forcing himself on him. “Shouldn't… we do… this… in… private?” Lance mumbled through the french kisses. He was so excited.  He was doing it.  He was finally making out with a girl. Lance could feel his member swelling up under his tuck.

Zoey swerved in and out of the dance floor until she found a couple making out in the corner of the living room. It was Lance and Tyler. She froze as the emotions flooded her. Her ex-boyfriend. Her kinda girlfriend. Making out together. That should’ve been her. She got bumped away again before she could go break them up. She began to aggressively fight her way through the crowd back towards Lance. Things had gotten way out of hand and she was going to put a stop to this.

Lance enjoyed it as Tyler started sucking on his neck. 

“I can't believe we’re doing this,” Lance whispered.

“I know right,” Tyler replied.

Lance’s eyes snapped open to see Tyler on top of him kissing his neck. “No. No, stop. What the hell? What happened to Zoey?”

“Am I too rough, baby?”

“This is wrong.”

“No, this is right.” Tyler insisted, squeezing Lance. Lance could feel Tyler’s member dig into his thigh.

“Let me go.” Lance finally managed to wedge his arm between them and pushed Tyler away. “Stop!” he finally managed to say. “No means no, asshole!” Lance yelled.

People around them stopped dancing at the commotion. Lance looked around at the people staring at him.

“What’s wrong?” an annoyed Tyler asked. “We were having a good time.”

“You were… forcing yourself on me.” Lance slurred, frantically looking around for Zoey. She was nowhere in sight.

“Stop making a scene. Come on, babe, let's take this outside. I’ll warm you up.” Tyler attempted to grab Lance’s hand but Lance swatted it away.

“Don't touch me.”

“Oh, is that how it’s going to be? Go ahead. Be a cold bitch. See how many friends you’re going to have when people start realizing what a prude you are. I’ll bet it’s lonely on top of your pedestal.” He slammed the wall behind Lance and walked away.

Lance flinched and crossed his arms and looked around at the faces in the crowd staring at him. He could feel tears welling up. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Deanna who was moving closer to him laughing. “Stupid bitch got drunk.”

“Stop it, Dee - now!“ Zoey demanded, finally pushing through the crowd.

“What?” Dee responded to Zoey. “This cunt’s been at the school for two weeks and suddenly she thinks she’s hot shit.” She looked at Lance. “Doncha? I see through that costume of yours. You’re just a scared little girl.”

Lance shook his head, trying to hide the tears. Too many people were staring at him. He couldn’t take it anymore and ran through the crowd of onlookers to another part of the house.

Deanna chuckled and looked at Zoey and whispered in her ear. “I guess he is gay. Game on, Zo. You’re lucky I didn’t out him in front of everybody.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Zoey shouted at her over the music and ran after him down the hall until she found him in the bedroom of Peggy’s parents, sitting on the bed crying. She sat next to him and attempted to put her hand on his shoulder. He flinched it away. “Lance,” she said gently.

“It’s the same thing all over again. I try to open up. I try to make friends. It all ends in disaster. ‘With you. With Olivia. With Dee.”

“Lance, it’s OK.” She tried to calm him down.

“No, it's not OK,” he said, fighting through the tears. “This was all a big mistake. I shouldn’t have come. We were fools to think we could pull this off.”

“Lance. You were pulling it off. You were having fun.”

“Maybe you were having fun. Laughing at me. Dressing me up like a girl and parading me around like a toy. Making me believe I finally had friends. Did you enjoy watching me make out with your ex-boyfriend? Was this all a game for you?”

“No, it wasn't. This is real for me. I’m sorry I wasn't there for you when Tyler showed up. I’m sorry about Dee. I didn’t realize she was doing that to you. You do have friends, Lance. Me. Mack. I guess Olivia and Christopher.” Zoey took a deep breath and looked at Lance who looked drowsy. “I should’ve known that Dee would pull something like this when we were doing so-”

“I wanna go home. I’m drunk. I’m humiliated. I’m tired. I’m not sure I want to keep doing this.”

Zoey didn’t want to argue with him in his upset and inebriated state. “OK, I’ll get our things.” As she stood up, Lance laid back on the bed. She looked around to ensure no one would bother him. 

She quickly returned to the party that resumed as if that scene hadn’t happened. She found Lance’s heels and both of their purses and returned to the bedroom.

She sat down on the bed and shook Lance’s shoulder. “Lance, are you ready to go?”

Lance didn’t say anything as light snoring was now coming out of his mouth.

“Wonderful,” Zoey said to herself.

“I saw what happened,” a girl’s voice said from the doorway.

Zoey looked up to see Olivia standing there.

“What do you want?” Zoey asked defensively.

“I wanted to check up on her.”

Zoey looked down at Lance. “She’s humiliated.”

“I heard what happened. Why weren’t you there for her? A good girlfriend would’ve been there for her.”

“I’m not her girlfriend.”

“So you two didn’t discuss your feelings for each other yet?”

Zoey turned away from Olivia. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s obvious Zo,” Olivia continued, sitting down on the bed with her. “You two are totally into each other. Anyone can see it. Even you.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“Yeah, where have I heard that one before?”

Zoey turned to face Olivia. “Olivia, this is nothing like that. I swear.”

“It isn’t? ‘Cause from my point of view it sure looks like it.” 

“I-” Zoey started, unable to find the right words.

Olivia brushed a lock of Zoey’s hair from her face. “You’re flustered again. Just like that night.”

“I’m trying to forget about that night.” As Zoey said that her eyes looked down at Olivia's lips. Her memory recalled how they tasted when they kissed at homecoming. “I was confused.”

“I could tell. I was confused too.” Olivia smiled and scooted closer to Zoey. “Here I was thinking I was a straight girl. Being with you that night opened my eyes to the feelings I had been repressing for so long. You must’ve had that same feeling.”

Zoey scooted away from Olivia.

Olivia’s smile disappeared. “Clearly that’s why you like Simone over me. She’s safe. You're still in denial. She has a dick so you don’t have to face the truth about yourself.”

Zoey wanted to respond to the accusations of her sexuality, but realized Olivia knew the truth about Simone. She spun around to face Olivia. “You know?”

“I had my suspicions. She didn’t quite pass that first day.”

“So you were toying with her too?”

“Absolutely not. I love Simone. She’s awesome. If you weren’t in the picture, I would’ve told her how I feel. She wouldn’t be at this stupid party tonight. I’m more worried about what you’re doing to her.”

“I’m not doing anything to her.”

“Then tell her how you feel.”

“I was about to. I think. Then we got separated while dancing.”

Olivia placed a hand on Zoey’s leg. “Zo, don’t hurt her, like you hurt me.”

Zoey closed her eyes and grimaced. “It was just that one night. I didn’t mean to hurt you or lead you on. It was an accident-”

“You accidentally made out with me during the homecoming dance? We were both into it.”

“Tyler was with his bros and wasn’t giving me any attention. And you did. I never flirted with a girl before. We were having fun and I got carried away.”

“Until that night, I hadn’t either. I was so excited to see you the next day of school and you pretended I didn’t exist.”

“I was feeling guilty. I cheated on Tyler with you.”

“Are you sure that’s the reason?”

Zoey didn’t answer.

“You should’ve dumped him a long time ago.”

“And what? Dated you?”

“If you wanted. I was available. I was willing to come out of the closet for you.”

“Doesn’t matter much now, Tyler dumped me anyway. For you! Imagine how I felt when he said he dumped me for you. For a lesbian!”

“I wanted nothing to do with that dick. And you say that like it’s a bad thing. My crush is about to date a lesbian.”

Zoey looked at her, then looked at the sleeping Lance. She curiously turned back to Olivia. “Wait, which one of us is your crush?”

“Ha!” Olivia giggled. “So you admit you’re into girls too.”

“No- I’m not… I mean… I’m into…” Zoey turned to face the sleeping Lance. “Simone.”

“She is a cutie.”

Zoey faced Olivia and nodded with slight acceptance. “She is.”

Olivia stood up. “Well, Let me help you get her to your car. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you,” Zoey said as they both lifted Lance out of the bed and draped his arms over their shoulders.

“Wass going on?” Lance mumbled.

“Shhh,” Zoey explained. “Me and Olivia got you. We’re taking you to my car.”

* * *

Mack was lying on Lance’s bed in boredom waiting for him to come home. Suddenly behind the room’s locked door, she could hear a phone ring. A few seconds later, a knock on the bedroom door.

“Lance, the phone is for you,” Dad said.

Who could this be, Mack wondered. Maybe it was Zoey with an update. She rolled over and grabbed the portable phone, pressed the “Talk” button and cleared her voice. “Hello?”

“Hey,” a feminine voice said. It wasn’t Zoey.

“Hi,” Mack cautiously replied, trying to speak in one word answers so as to not out herself.

“How was your week? Make any new friends yet?”

Mack didn’t know how to answer. “Yeah, I think so.”

“That’s great, Lance. I’m so proud. Dad told me you have a girlfriend now. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Mack then realized who she was talking to. “Simone.”

“Yeah?”

“Sorry - I just - I don’t think we’re official yet. You know how Dad can be.”

“Are you coming down with a cold? Your voice is kinda hoarse.”

“Yeah, I haven’t been able to shake it.”

“So, what did you think of my prom dress? You didn’t say anything about it.”

“I loved it. It’s so you.”

“Now I just need to find someone to go to prom with.”

“You’ll find someone.” Mack was getting antsy. She worried the longer she talked to Simone, the more likely she'd get caught.

“Too bad we won’t be at the same prom.”

Mack chuckled, “Yeah, that would be crazy.” 

“Especially since you almost have a date.”

“I’m pretty confident Zoey will be my date.”

There was silence for a few seconds before Simone responded, “What happened to Olivia?”

“Shit!” Mack cursed under her breath.

“I heard you had a falling out with her. When Dad said you had a girlfriend I assumed…”

Mack was freaking out. She didn’t know how to get out of this one. She forgot to modulate her voice and said, “I meant Olivia. Zoey is a nickname.”

There was more silence and Mack knew she had screwed up.

“Who is this? Where’s my brother?”

Chapter 15 - Save and Continue?

There was a knock on Zoey’s bedroom door but she was ignoring it. She wanted to sleep.

“Zo, come on!” Mack yelled. “You overslept your alarm. It’s Monday!”

“I just want to sleep,” Zoey groaned from under the covers. “I’m not going to school today.”

Mack opened the door and stuck her head inside so she didn’t have to yell. “Just because he’s not answering your calls doesn’t mean you get to stay home and mope.”

Zoey rolled over, trying to block out her sister’s voice.

“That's it. I’m going back to the kitchen and spitting in your orange juice.”

“Fine,” Zoey conceded, sitting up. “You wouldn’t really spit in my glass, would you?”

Mack got an evil grin. “Just get up on time and you won’t have to worry about that.”

“Nerd.” Zoey sent a stuffed animal flying towards Mack.

Mack ducked out of the room before it could hit its target, calling out, “Bimbo!”

Zoey then followed her normal routine. Well, her normal routine before having met Simone… er Lance. She had tried calling him all day Sunday, but nobody answered. Not even Lance’s dad. She left a message on their answering machine. “Hi Lance, I’m really sorry about last night. I need to talk to you. Please call me back.” 

Lance never called back.

She considered meeting Lance at his house to pick him up, but figured that was the last thing he wanted.

Zoey got out of her car and started walking to the school when she ran into Peggy. “Hey girl, what’s up?”

“I’m good,” Peggy said with a smile. “The house is cleaned up. My parents didn’t suspect a thing. How is Simone?”

Zoey sighed. “I tried calling her all day yesterday. And leaving messages. No response.”

“I’m sorry, Zo. Do you think she’s coming to school?”

“I hope so. Normally I pick her up. Where’s Dee?”

Peggy grimaced. “You don’t want to know.”

* * *

“Why do you want me to drop you off in the back of the school?” asked Lance’s dad.

“I don’t want to accidentally run into Zoey,” Lance replied.

“I get it. But you have to face her at some point. Be a man and show her-”

“Dad, please. Not now.” 

Dad nodded as Lance got out of the car. Lance’s actions tugged at his heartstrings.

Lance waited until his dad drove away before running quickly into the shed to get dressed. He had spent most of Sunday in his room crying. His dad just assumed it was from his breakup with Zoey and didn’t question it. What Dad didn't know was that a drunken Lance, impersonating Simone, was held down by a guy and forced to make out with him in front of a crowd. It was the most humiliated Lance had ever felt. And Zoey was nowhere to be found until it was over. He didn’t think he could face the school as Simone anymore. 

His plan was to walk into the main office, explain the situation, and hopefully get re-enrolled as Lance. Maybe he’d face detention for pulling an identity fraud prank. Today would be the last day he would have to be Simone. Hopefully his dad would never find out about him impersonating his sister.

As he rounded the school, he could see the normal clusters of students hanging around waiting for the first bell. As he got closer, he noticed some students were looking at him and smiling.

“Hi, Simone!” one girl shouted, giving him a big smile.

“Hi,” Lance replied, sheepishly. That was weird. He was expecting public taunting.

“OMG, Simone,” another girl gushed. “Tyler Valentine is such a dick. You’re awesome.”

“That bitch, Deanna, is going down!” another cheered.

Lance nodded and smiled and looked around. “What is going on here?” he wondered.

He quickly made his way into the school and stood outside the main office. “Here we go,” he told himself.

Just then someone came to stand beside him. It was Christopher.

“Good Morning, Simone,” he greeted her. “How’d the party go?”

Lance shook his head, remembering the night. “It was bad.”

“I’m sorry. I thought maybe with Zoey and Olivia it would’ve been a fun time for you.”

“You’d think.”

“What happened?”

Lance cringed. “Can we talk about something else please?”

“Sorry.”

Another girl passed them. “Simone, you go girl!”

“Well, you’re popular today,” Christopher chuckled. “Did you dance on a table or something?”

“No,” Lance said, looking around, bewildered. "At least, I don't remember doing that." 

“I’m voting for you Simone!” another girl called as she passed.

“Voting for me?” Lance mumbled.

“Maybe they’re talking about that.” Christopher pointed at a big poster hung up near the office that read, “Prom Court Nominations.”

Lance slowly walked towards the poster. “It couldn’t be. Could it?” he whispered.

Below the title were two columns, “Prom King”, and “Prom Queen”. The “Queen” column contained three names: “Olivia Jones, Deanna Scott, Simone Biggs.”

“Well, I suppose congratulations are in order,” Christopher said.

Lance felt his anxiety rise. He was conflicted. He wanted to be done with this charade. He was on his way to set the record straight. Could he really keep this going? But, on the other hand, somewhere deep inside him he was excited to see his name on this poster and was excited by these random students congratulating him. “Well… I mean… I haven't won. Yet.”

“But you have my vote,” he smiled. “Anyway, I need to head to homeroom. Have a good day.”

“Bye, Christopher,” Lance said, then turned back to the poster and stared at it. Maybe he’d wait until tomorrow to end this game. All around him were other students smiling at him, and offering him affirming statements. For today, though, he’d just bask in what it felt like to actually be a girl nominated for prom queen. What harm could one more day do?

* * *

Zoey and Peggy found Deanna near the cafeteria handing out pieces of candy and saying, “Vote Dee for Prom Queen”

“Dee, what the fuck?” an irate Zoey hissed at her.

Dee flashed a devilish smile. “What's the matter, Zo?”

“You’re interfering with the bet.”

“Am I?” Deanna played innocent. “I thought the bet was over. After all, Simone is no more, right?”

“You bitch. She’s not even returning my calls after that scene you caused.”

“He. Besides we never said we couldn’t run for prom queen too.”

“This is so unfair.”

“Are you salty that nobody nominated you? Stop being such a narcissist.”

“No. I don’t care about being prom queen. You’re just interfering with a fair bet.”

“You didn’t think Simone would run unopposed, did you? Oh, you did?” Deanna snickered. “Besides, I don’t know who nominated a boy for prom queen anyway.”

“I did,” Peggy spoke up.

Zoey and Deanna looked at their friend.

“Whose side are you on anyway?” Deanna chided Peggy.

“I’m on Team Simone,” Peggy replied defensively. “You both are being bitches to her.”

“You’re both hung up on him,” Deanna replied. “As if that boy could actually be prom queen.” 

“He will be prom queen,” Zoey predicted.

Dee gestured with her arm as if she was reading a theater marquee. “The boy who would be prom queen,” she taunted. “You’re both out of your minds. You know what - whatever.” Deanna edged closer to Zoey. “Maybe I’ll just sic your ex-boyfriend on your girlfriend again.” She got right in Zoey’s face and whispered seductively, “He can make her a real girl.”

“Don’t you dare!” Zoey yelled, slapping Deanna across the face.

“Hey! Calm down, both of you,” Peggy intervened, getting between the two girls and pushing them apart.

“Fuck you, Zoey!” Deanna cried, cradling her throbbing cheek. “You deserve everything that’s about to come to you. You used to be a real person who cared about other people. You-you were my best friend. But for the last four years I’ve watched you step on everyone in your path to become miss popular and fool everyone into thinking you’re a fucking goddess. Including me. Now, you don’t even know anyone’s name. Well, you’re going to lose everything, Zoey Sellers. The bet is just the beginning.” 

Zoey was angry but there was nothing she could do about it. She grunted in frustration, turned and walked down the hall.

* * *

While Lance spent the day avoiding Zoey, he couldn’t avoid people genuinely being nice to him. It was like an intoxicating drug or a comfortable blank he wanted to surround himself with forever. He was disappointed when the school day was over and he changed back into Lance to go home.

When Lance got home he went straight to his room, tossed his duffle bag aside and fell onto the bed in exhaustion.

Dad poked his head into the room. “Hey, If you’re gonna sit around and mope all afternoon, at least unpack all of the boxes in his room.”

Lance groaned and got off the bed looking at the boxes of Simone’s stuff next to his bed. He picked up each box and carried it over to Simone’s future room.

When he was done with that he looked at his own girl clothes that used to be hidden by those boxes. He quickly scooped them up and brought them to Simone’s room so Dad wouldn’t notice.

After a few minutes of staring at the pile of feminine clothes in Simone’s room, he decided to hang them up in the empty closet. 

Dad came by, saw him hanging up skirts and dresses, and commented, “You’re such a good brother. Simone is gonna be grateful for you hanging up her clothes.” 

Lance nodded, and when he was done hanging up his girl clothes, started emptying Simone’s boxes. He hung her clothes next to his own, keeping a mental tally of outfit ideas he could make from Simone’s stuff - should he decide to keep going with this prom queen scheme, that is.

Each time he pulled out an article of clothing from Simone’s boxes, he felt that feeling from earlier again. He wanted more and more. Before he knew it, he had emptied all of Simone’s boxes.

He stood back with a smile and thought to himself that he should’ve done this weeks ago.

He then returned to his room, and got out his Game Boy.  He was on a roll, he conquered level after level.  He was on the verge of conquering the fourth then he died right at the end.  He groaned in frustration.  The prompt on the screen asked. “Save and Continue?”

“Of course,” he told himself.  “I’ve come too far to quit now.”

* * *

Zoey spent the entire school day trying to meet up with Lance. During chemistry, he sat with a stranger. Zoey tried to make eye contact, but Lance never looked her way. For the rest of the day, every time she tried to catch up with him, he would elude her and disappear to his next class.

After school, she decided to meet him at home. She pulled up in front of the Biggs’ house, took a deep breath and walked to the door, knocking on it.

Lance’s dad opened the door and stood there at the threshold. He seemed a lot taller as he looked down on Zoey.

“Um, hi Mr. Biggs,” Zoey said timidly. “I came to see Lance.”

“Oh?”

“I came to apologize.”

“He doesn’t want to see you anymore. You broke that boy’s heart.”

Zoey sighed. She wondered if Lance’s dad knew what really went down Saturday. How could she apologize if she didn’t know what version of the story he knew. “I let him down. He trusted me. And I failed.”

“You also promised me you would never hurt him, Zoey.”

“I know, sir, and I need to apologize to you too. Please believe me - I never meant for any of this to happen.”

Dad paused for a long moment, filling Zoey with dread. “Well, go ahead and talk to Lance.” He stood aside to let her pass. “But remember, Lance is my son and I love him dearly. He’s very fragile and I don’t want to see him hurt any worse.”

“I understand, sir. I’ll be gentle.”

Zoey walked into the house and down the hall to Lance’s room. He was sitting on his bed with his back to the wall playing his game boy. Zoey knocked on the bedroom’s door frame.

“Go away,” Lance directed, not taking his focus off the game.

“Wow, you cleaned your room,” Zoey remarked. She invited herself inside and closed the door so Dad wouldn’t hear the conversation. “No more boxes.”

Lance didn’t respond and continued playing the Game Boy.

“You didn’t return my calls.” 

No response..

“And you wouldn’t see me at school.”

Silence.

“Mack is worried about you. You weren’t at lunch.”

More silence.

“I’m worried about you.”

Lance paused the game and put it down. “I was humiliated.” He turned around to face Zoey. “I’ve been bullied, made fun of, and ignored my entire life. But never like that.”

“I should’ve been there for you. I got scared.”

“You got scared?” Lance asked, tears welling up in his eyes. “You’ve dated people before. I haven’t. I hadn’t even kissed a girl until Olivia at the carnival. Then to have Tyler…” His voice trailed off into sobs.

“You kissed Olivia?”

“Yeah, at the carnival.” Lance closed his eyes, remembering his first kiss. Then he remembered the humiliation of Tyler’s kiss. “Don’t change the subject.”

Zoey sighed, then sat down on the bed next to Lance and hugged him. “I wish I could fix what happened with Tyler. I should’ve made the first move. Not him. Nothing I can do can change that. I should’ve stepped in earlier when I saw him on you. And I should’ve slapped Dee earlier. Lance, I’m so sorry.”

“Wait - you slapped Dee?”

Zoey nodded. “Today, before school.”

A chuckle escaped through Lance’s sobs. “Bitch.”

“I know, right.”

Zoey took Lance’s hand and started gently caressing it. She looked down and saw the nail polish was gone. “You removed your nail polish.”

“Yesterday. I don't know what to do. I, I’m not sure I can keep doing this, Zoey.”

“I’ll support you in your decision. If you want to stop, you can. If you want to keep going, I'll be in your corner. Lance, our friendship means more to me than this stupid bet. I know it’s overwhelming. If it’s too much, we can stop.”

Lance looked at Zoey and wiped his tears away. “I’m trying to be more like Simone. More like you. When you’re overwhelmed, you don’t stop. You push forward. You told me how overwhelmed you are with the whole college application thing. I don't see you quitting.”

Zoey sighed out of annoyance at the mention of her college aspirations.

“What?” Lance raised his eyebrow. “You haven’t picked a college yet?”

“Ugh,” Zoey grunted. “You too?”

“I remember you hadn’t a few weeks ago, I assumed-”

“Like I said before. I put in all of this work, but I’m not even sure why I’m doing it.”

“You don’t want to go to college?”

“I do. But, I dunno. My parents - especially my dad - have been putting me under immense pressure to get into a good business school. It’s been like that for the last four years. My entire self image is based upon what they want. All of the volunteer work I do. The yearbook, the student council. None of this stuff is what I wanted to do.”

“What do you want?” Lance placed his hand on her shoulder. “What does Zoey want?”

“I don’t know,” she let out a long sigh. “This is so hard.”

“Listen to yourself. You think you have it hard? I’ve been living in my sister’s shadow since we were kids. Hell, now I’m actually pretending to be her. I don’t know who I am anymore.”

“I don’t know who I am either.”

Lance chuckled.

She looked up at him. “What?”

“It’s crazy. We have the same problem but from different perspectives. You have the world. I have nothing. Yet, neither of us know who we truly are.”

“You have a good family. Your dad cares. I’m sure your mom and sister are the same.”

“You have a good family too. Mack is awesome. I haven’t met your parents.”

“Careful, if you meet them, my dad will try to get you to go to a business university.”

They both chucked. There was silence for a few seconds before Zoey smiled. “I want to dance.”

“You want to dance? Right now?”

“Yes. No. In general. I used to take dance classes when I was little.”

“Really? That sounds like fun. Why did you stop?”

“It was fun. It was my… passion. But there just wasn’t time once I had to start my parents’ college prep boot camp. I miss just… dancing.”

“Then you should dance.”

“You’re right. I should.”

“Zoey the dancer can teach me some new moves.”

“You had pretty good moves the other night.”

“I learned it all by watching TV.”

They both giggled.

“So, did you accept my apology?” Zoey asked.

“I guess so,” Lance teased. “Despite what happened over the weekend I had a pretty good day at school. Oh - I was curious. So, who did you get to clean the kitchen? Dad complimented me several times on how clean it looked. The JV Soccer team?”

“Who did I get?” Zoey laughed. “I did it all by myself. On my hands and knees.”

Lance laughed too. “Wait - Zoey Sellers - manual Labor?”

Zoey smiled at Lance. She looked at his smile. She missed seeing that. “Yeah, go ahead and laugh. I would get down on my hands and knees for…” Lance’s lips reminded her of how close they got at the party. How close they were to kissing. “...my girlfriend.”

Lance stopped laughing as Zoey started leaning into him. As she got closer, Lance closed his eyes.

As Zoey got closer, she noticed something was wrong. His lips didn’t have lipstick. His eyes had no mascara or eye shadow. He wasn’t wearing a wig and was dressed in his boy clothes. Zoey realized she yearned for Simone - not Lance. But he wasn’t Simone. Simone was a fictional character Lance made up. Mack and Olivia were right. Zoey had fallen for a fictional girl. She was doing it again. She was leading Lance on, making him think she was into him.

Lance sat there, eyes closed waiting for the kiss. “Um, Zoey?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t,” Zoey sobbed, pulling away, tears in her eyes.

Lance’s eyes opened and he instantly felt confused and disappointed.

“I can’t ask you to be Simone anymore. It’s not fair to you. I’m sorry.” She got up from the bed and backed away from Lance.

“Wait. What about prom queen? I kinda wanted to talk about-”

“I’ll call you later,” she promised as she ran out of his room and out of the house.

Lance sat there dumbfounded. He was on the verge of kissing Zoey, but once again, he found himself all alone wondering what went wrong.

Chapter 16 - Prom Dress Shopping

“So, what’s wrong, Zoey?” Tyler asked. “You spent all of your money giving her a makeover and overnight popularity and you’re just going to throw it away? When she’s so cute and sexy.”

“No, it’s not like that,” she responded. “I actually like her.”

Olivia laughed and turned to Deanna. “See, I told you she was a lesbian.”

“You were right about everything,” Dee cackled. “Including her falling in love.”

“Pay up, Dee.”

Dee handed over a wad of cash to Olivia.

“It was so sweet,” Simone chimed in. “The way she would swoon over me.”

“Of course she did,” Olivia gloated. “So predictable.”

“No, wait, Simone,” Zoey pleaded, trying to make sense of what was happening. “I do like you.”

“Whoa, whoa.” Tyler interrupted, getting in between Zoey and Simone. “Easy there. You hurt her enough - doncha think?”

“She actually thought I was a boy,” Simone giggled. “She was putty in my hands. I knew I had her the moment she tried to kiss me after D&D.” She turned to Zoey. “Hook. Line. Sinker.”

“I did warn you not to play with fire, Zo,” Mack added.

“I mean, you did look cute in that dress, Simone,” Olivia said, moving closer to make out with her.

“Dinner’s ready!” A voice in the distance called.

“Hey Zo,” Tyler asked. “You gonna eat that?”

“What?” she asked, confused.

“Can I?” he grinned.

Tyler joined Olvia and Simone and the threesome started kissing each other.

She watched in horror as both Olivia and Tyler started to disrobe Simone. Simone moaned in ecstasy.

Zoey woke up on her couch in front of the TV in a cold sweat.

“Are you OK?” Zoey’s mom asked. “You were mumbling and trembling like you were having a nightmare.”

“Yeah,” she admitted, the fog slowly lifting from her mind. “Just a bad dream. I’m OK now.” She picked up the remote and turned off the TV.

“Well, dinner will be ready in a few minutes,” she advised, walking to the kitchen.

* * *

The next morning, Deeana was leaning up against her car waiting for the first schoolbell of the day to ring. She watched as Zoey greeted Peggy. Neither of them looked for her and instead walked into the school together.

“Bitches!” she yelled in their general direction.

She then noticed “Simone” walk from around the back of the school.

“Why does he come from the back of the school?” she wondered. “What is back there?”

* * *

Zoey and Lance crossed paths on the way to second period. 

“Good morning,” Zoey said, giving Lance a once-over. “That’s a cute outfit. Did you do more clothes shopping?”

“Oh, uh. This is actually my sister’s,” Lance replied, looking down at his outfit. 

“Your sister’s?” Zoey raised an eyebrow.

“She sent some of her clothes here ahead of her, and I was putting them away for her last night. I thought maybe I’d borrow some. Hopefully she doesn’t get upset.”

“Don’t worry, sisters borrow clothes all of the time.” 

Lance nodded and smiled. She’s right. Simone would let him borrow her clothes right?

Once the pleasantries were out of the way, they just stared awkwardly at each other. Finally, Zoey spoke up. “I’m sorry I didn’t call. Something came up.”

“You left in such a hurry and I wanted to talk to you about…” Lance’s thoughts flashed back to the almost kiss. “...prom.”

Zoey saw Peggy down the hallway and figured she could get out of this conversation with Lance. “I see Peggy down the hall,” Zoey gestured, “and I need to talk to her before my next class. We can talk later on. I promise.” She started walking away from Lance.

Lance could tell Zoey was being evasive, but just then the warning bell rang. He had to get to class as well, so he turned and headed into his classroom.

Later in the day during Chemistry class, Lance and Zoey shared a passing smile. He couldn’t understand why she was avoiding him. 

Oliva had asked Lance to be her lab partner again. The chemistry teacher gave the students free reign to choose their own experiments to test and write about.

She got her notebook ready, then smiled at Lance and nodded her head. “OK, go!”

Lance added the yeast and foam began to erupt from the beaker. A lot of foam.

“Oh, my gosh, it’s going all over!” Olivia exclaimed.

“Maybe I put in too much yeast,” Lance said anxiously, as he struggled to contain the growing mess. “Hopefully the teacher won’t see us.”

“Ahh!” Olivia giggled as the mess foamed over onto the lab table.

“Sorry,” Lance apologized. “I was distracted and didn’t measure it right.”

Olivia grabbed a rag to prevent the foam from getting on the floor. “What’s wrong, Simone? Why are you distracted?”

“Umm,” Lance whispered, looking at her, then glanced over to Zoey who had her back to him. “Am I kissable?”

“Kissable?” Olivia tilted her head and gave him a surprised look.

“Yeah. You’re one of only two people who’s ever kissed me. And I’d prefer to forget about the other one.”

“Simone, you’re an amazing kisser!”

“Thank you.” Lance blushed.

“Wait,” Olivia whispered. “Was I your first kiss?”

Lance realized he screwed up.  His sister’s first kiss was in eighth grade.  “Oh. No. I just meant - first kiss here in New Jersey.  Since I moved.”

“Oh, OK,” Olivia nodded. “What brought this on? Is this about Zoey?” Secretly she was hoping it wasn’t about her.

“Yeah. I feel like she wants to. But wherever she gets close, she runs away.”

Olivia was relieved it wasn’t about her. “Just give Zoey a chance. She’ll come around.” She smiled warmly and lifted Lance’s chin up. “Keep your chin up, and your lips ready.”

“Thanks.”

* * *

At lunchtime Lance got his tray of food and sat down with Francine.

“Welcome back,” Francine beamed. “We missed you yesterday.”

“Yeah, well, I was avoiding everyone after Saturday’s party,” Lance sheepishly replied. “Where’s Mack?”

“She said she had to talk to someone before Lunch.”

“Oh,” Lance said, eyeing the potentially edible foods on his tray. 

A minute later, Mack joined them. “Sorry I was late.”

“It’s OK,” Lance said. “I’m sorry about bailing on you yesterday. I was embarrassed.”

“Simone, you have nothing to be ashamed of,” Mack reassured Lance. “Zoey told me everything. Everyone knows what a jerk Tyler is, and Dee intentionally got you drunk to embarrass you. It wasn’t your fault.”

“Well, I should have been more careful,” Lance admitted. “I’d never drank alcohol before Saturday night.”

“Stop worrying about it,” Mack advised. “Everyone has a bad experience sometime. You’re lucky you didn’t throw up.”

Lance looked at Mack, then down at his tray with a renewed sense of dismay. Sure, he didn’t vomit Saturday night, but whatever the cafeteria passed off as food today might just do the trick. “I think I’ll pass on this.”

“Congrats on getting nominated for prom queen!” Francine praised Lance. “That’s so cool. I'm going to make sure every senior I know votes for you.”

“Thank you,” Lance graciously replied, feeling better as he pushed a stray lock of wig hair behind his ear.

“So, you're still going to go through with it?” Mack asked. “Going to prom, I mean.”

“Yeah, I think so,” Lance replied with more confidence in his voice.

“Then we’re going to need to go dress shopping,” she smiled.

“Right. I forgot I still need a prom dress.”

“So, I already did some reconnaissance. The dress store in the mall has a few styles similar to your sister’s dress that you shared with me. We should start there. And soon.”

“This is so exciting,” Francine gushed.

“I’m glad you think so, Fran,” Mack said. “Because, we need a ride.”

“I have to ask to borrow the car first,” Francine cautioned. “Do you have a date lined up yet?”

Lance looked at Mack with a face full of worry, and replied, “No, not yet.”

Mack sensed Lance didn’t want to talk about Zoey so she changed the subject. “Since we’re talking about your prom dress…” She opened her backpack and pulled out a sketch pad. “Here’s what I sketched.” She opened the sketch pad to show Lance and Francine.

“Pretty,” Francine admired.

Lance was blown away at seeing the line art drawing on the pad. She drew a figure with a dress, similar to the one Simone wore. It was adorned with a necklace, earrings, heeled sandals and styled hair.

“Mack, that’s beautiful!”

“Thank you.”

“Can you really make me look like that?”

“I hope so. It’ll be a challenge, but I think I’m up to it.”

Lance beamed with excitement.

“Um, Simone,” Mack whispered.

“What?”

Mack tapped the drawing. Right around the figure’s ears, to point out the sparkling earrings she had drawn on her. “Your sister wears earrings.”

Lance looked back up at Mack with fright. “I can’t. I told Zoey no.”

Mack shrugged. “It’s your choice.”

Lance was silent.

Both Mack and Francine looked at Lance’s blank expression, when a glimmer of a smile appeared.

“This is so exciting!” Francine exclaimed. “We’re going to get your ears pierced too!”

Lance cringed at what he had just agreed to. “No, wait. What about my dad?”

“Simone, you’ve worn nail polish around him and he’s actually mistaken me for you. I’m sure he won’t notice your ears.”

“If you say so,” Lance trailed off.

“Your dad thought Mack was you?” Francine asked. “I have got to hear this story!”

* * *

Between sixth and seventh period, Zoey ran into Olivia. Zoey gave her a smile of acknowledgement. They weren’t really enemies anymore, but they certainly weren’t friends, either.

“Hey Zoey,” Olivia called out.

“Yeah?” she reluctantly responded.

Olivia came over to Zoey so they could talk privately. “Have you settled things with Simone yet?”

“No. I mean. I tried. I’m afraid I just made things worse.”

“How did you make things worse?”

“I can’t do this, Olivia. I can’t date a girl. What will people think? My parents? The school?”

“You’re still hung up on this? If you like her, date her. Who cares what other people say.”

“I don’t see you shouting you're gay from the rooftops either.”

“I would If I had a girlfriend.”

That stung. Zoey was silent. She didn’t know what to say.

“Do you want me to light a fire under your ass?” Olivia challenged.

“I’m not in a rush. This isn't a race.”

“Yes, it is. Prom is almost here. Listen. Either you ask Simone to prom, or I will.”

“That’s not fair.”

“To whom? To you? To Simone? What’s not fair is to keep everyone waiting in limbo while you work your shit out. This isn’t difficult, Zo. A girl is going to take Simone to the prom. Will it be you or me?”

Zoey just stared at Olivia. She had no words. 

Olivia sensed the conversation was over. “I should get going.” She walked a few paces, turned around and they looked at each other for a moment. Olivia sighed and kept walking.

* * *

After school, Lance and Mack waited outside of the school for Francine to get home and come back with her car.  

“Have you talked to your mom or sister recently?” Mack inquired.

“Oh yeah,” Lance replied. “A few times a week.”

“Have you talked to them about… any of this?” Mack gestured at Lance in his female attire.

“No, not at all,” Lance confessed.  “I’m not sure Mom would understand.”

“And Simone?”

“Well, I told her I’ve made friends.  But I haven’t told her how. It's actually kinda embarrassing to bring up to her.  I mean, I let Zoey talk me into this.”

“Do you think she’d be understanding?”

“About what? About the bet?”

“No.  About you pretending to be a girl at school.”

“Maybe.  When we were young we used to dress in costumes all the time. I imagine, if she was here, she’d be helping with everything.  Helping me pick out outfits. Doing my makeup and stuff. But, I bet she’d be upset that I'm using her name, though.”

“I could see that,” Mack chuckled.

“Just saying that out loud kinda makes me wish she was here.”

Just then Francine pulled up in her car and they stood up.

Lance and Mack both got into Francine’s car and they drove away. As Mack and Francine plotted over what stores they were going to, an excited Lance kept quiet and nervously went with the flow.

First stop was the dress store. It was fancy, and had prom and wedding dresses in the window. They were beautiful. Lance thought stores like these were off limits to boys. But here he was being dragged into one.

As the trio walked into the dress store, a little bell above the door announced their arrival. A saleswoman was busy with another customer but managed to wave hi to them and signaled she would be with them shortly.

They slowly wandered the aisles, occasionally picking out one dress to examine more closely. Each choice was met with a chorus of oohs and aahs, before being put back to search for another. Lance was overwhelmed, both with the choices and with the fact he was getting to live out his childhood fantasy.

“May I help you?” The saleswoman finally asked.

“Yes,” Mack said, taking the lead. “We spoke on the phone. I was trying to match a dress style for my friend here.” She put her hand on Lance’s shoulder.

“Oh, that’s right,” the saleswoman recalled. “I found what you were looking for and put it aside for you.”

A few minutes later, the saleswoman returned with a lavender dress on a hanger. She looked at Lance. “Let’s see how this looks on you, and then we can adjust it as necessary.”

Lance took the dress by the hanger and looked to his friends for direction. 

Mack smiled knowingly and said, “I can help.”

Lance nodded and he and Mack walked to the changing room with the dress.

Mack closed the door behind her and pulled the corset out of her bag.

“I’m wearing that now?” Lance asked.

“We have to see if everything fits, don’t we?”

“Sure,” Lance agreed, removing the light green skater dress he’d worn to school.

Mack wrapped the corset around him and started tying it closed. Every time she pulled hard, Lance let out another breath. 

“That’s getting tight,” he wheezed. 

“That’s the point of it,” Mack laughed. “What did you call it over the weekend? A ‘medieval torture device’?” Mack pulled harder on the laces.

“It… def- in- itely… is,” Lance grunted in between her tugs.

“OK,” Mack said.  “That should be tight enough. Time for the dress.”

The both eventually came out of the changing room with Lance wearing the dress. He walked slowly as the dress swished around him.

The saleswoman looked at him with a great big smile. “Oh, that’s lovely. It looks perfect on you.”

Francine put her hand up to her face and gasped, “OMG!”

Lance blushed at their praise, then looked to Mack to see her reaction.

Mack smiled at him, grabbed him by his bare shoulders, and turned him around to face the mirror.

In the mirror Lance saw a girl. Not a crossdressing boy. He moved his hips to swish the dress back and forth. 

“So this is a tulle A-line dress with a v-neck neckline,” the saleswoman explained. She continued explaining the dress, but Lance was lost in his fantasy and he smiled at his reflection.

“I always wanted to play a princess,” he whispered. 

“You are a princess,” Mack whispered back. 

He didn’t realize Mack had heard him.

He continued staring at himself in the mirror as he swished the dress side to side.

Mack smiled and let Lance have his moment. “You and your date will love it.”

While Lance was lost in his own fantasy, Mack started searching through dresses on the rack.

“Mack, are you going to Junior Prom?” Francine inquired.

“No,” she said with a smirk. “Maybe Senior Prom.”

“Oh? Did someone ask you? Is that where you were during lunch?”

“Maybe. But I haven’t said yes. I don’t want to take this moment from Simone.”

Francine looked up at Lance. “Nothing is going to ruin this for her. Look at her. She’s so beautiful now, and you haven’t even worked your magic on her yet.” 

Lance was unaware the girls were talking about him when he looked down to see a price tag sticking out of the bodice. He flipped it over and looked at the number. His eyeballs nearly jumped out of their sockets. “Mack, I can’t afford this,” he sighed.

“Well, good thing you’re still on Zoey’s dime.” She flashed a credit card, then turned to the saleswoman. “We’ll take it.”

* * *

They stopped in front of Claire’s. As Mack and Francine were about to walk inside, Lance stood there mortified.

“You got this girl,” Francine said, holding his hand. “It’ll be OK. Your dad will have to accept your true self at some point anyway.”

Lance wanted to resist and tell her, “But I’m not trans. I’m only pretending.” However, his resistance was left at the door as Francine tugged him into the store.

“We need to pick out a starter stud that will look good at prom in less than three weeks,” Mack explained to Lance. “Whatever you pick has to remain in your ears for six straight weeks. If you had gotten your ears pierced earlier with Zoey, maybe they would’ve healed by prom.”

“Then, well, we don’t have to do this.” Lance suggested, hoping for a final reprieve.

His half-hearted plea fell on deaf ears as both Mack and Francine were looking in a display case filled with earrings.

“Can we see that set up close?” Mack asked a store employee. “Our friend here is going to get her ears pierced for the first time.”

The employee came back with a pair of small earrings to show Lance. 

“What do you think?” Mack asked Lance.

“Those are pretty,” he replied. “I guess,” he added because that’s what boys were conditioned to do. Not admit that anything was pretty.

“Great,” Mack said, seeing through Lance’s conditioned response.

Soon Lance found himself sitting down in a chair as a tattooed store employee cleaned his left ear with an alcohol swab.

“Is this going to hurt?” Lance asked anxiously, closing his eyes and gripping the chair.

“Earlobes don’t hurt as much as other parts of the ears or body,” the employee reassured him. “You’ll barely feel it.”

He felt a pinch on his ear lobe and opened his eyes. “Is that it?” He started to feel silly for making a scene.

“For that ear,” she smiled.

After the other ear was done, the employee handed him a mirror. His earlobes had a hard-to-miss sparkle.

“See, that wasn’t so bad,” Francine giggled.

“Mack, these are hard to miss,” Lance fretted, full of worry.

“You’ll be fine,” Mack said confidently. “If your dad notices, just say all of the boys are doing it.”

They left Claire’s and continued walking through the mall. Lance had a large smile on his face despite his earlobes reddening and being sore.

As they walked through the mall, they passed by another clothing store and Lance paused at the window to stare at one of the dresses on the mannequins.

Mack realized Lance had stopped and she and Francine returned to him. She gave Francine a knowing nudge. She knew Lance wanted to go inside, but decided it would be best if she waited for him to ask her, rather than her inviting him.

Lance’s heart was racing. He’d stopped and looked at dresses before, but he never dared set foot in a women’s clothing store alone. Only with his mother or Simone dragging him in while they shopped and he had no choice but to watch as they got to have all of the fun. Lance had remembered how beautiful the models and mannequins would look.  He’d chalk it up to his male hormones being attracted to them.  But there was something about the clothing itself. 

These stores were off limits to guys. But as he was dressed as a girl currently, this was a great opportunity to get a closer look. He didn’t fully appreciate it when Zoey dragged him in earlier. He was too concerned with getting caught to really enjoy the experience. He wanted a closer look at that dress. Or maybe even try it on. Yes. He wanted to go in there. He wanted to try that dress on. It would look cute at school. What would Mack think of him? Mack and Francine were a safe space though, he recalled. 

Lance turned to Mack and slowly opened his mouth to speak.

Mack raised her eyebrow and smiled. She thought quietly to herself, “Come on girl, say it.”

“Can we… um…”

“Hmm?” Mack prompted. 

“Can we go in there?” he finally blurted out, before closing his eyes, afraid Mack would laugh at him.

Instead, she was calm and affirming. “We can go wherever you want, Simone,” she reassured him. “Our friend is going to the prom. This afternoon is all for her.”

Lance smiled and turned red. He wasn’t used to the attention. Mack and Francine had been calling him ‘she’ all afternoon and it was starting to grow on him. He kept getting a weird feeling the more it happened and he kept pushing those feelings away just as quickly. He supposed if Francine wasn’t around, however, Mack would treat him like Lance, not Simone.

Lance stood in the middle of the dress store, unsure where he wanted to go. “I’m not sure what I’m doing.”

“It’s OK,” Mack assured him. “We’re here for you. Let’s start with the dress you were looking at in the display. Do you want to try that one on?” she asked gently. 

“Yes.”

When the girls left the store, Lance had bought an additional dress, two tops, and three skirts. As they continued walking Lance was looking down at his nails. He desperately wanted to pick at them. Instead, he had an idea.

“Mack, do you have any nail polish at home? I took mine off over the weekend,” he asked while waving his fingers at her.

“What color?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not sure what color I should get.”

“Would you rather we get our nails done together?”

“Can we?” He then turned red when he realized he had shown too much excitement.

“Of course. All three of us. Courtesy of my sister,” Mack said with a sinister smile.

They walked into the nail salon, and after a fifteen minute wait, they were all able to get seats. 

Lance’s nails were buffed and cleaned up. He realized he’d spent a week wearing French tips and nobody noticed except for girls. He felt daring and more empowered to do something bolder. “That glittery one.” Lance pointed at a bottle. “Maybe a pale pink?”

When his nails were freshly painted, he couldn’t even recognize his hand anymore. No trace of hair or rough skin. Just long, soft, feminine-looking fingers tipped by glittery nails. He wanted to thank Mack and Francine, but didn’t want to come off as too excited. After all, this was only temporary. A few more weeks and then boring old Lance would be back.

Chapter 17 - Lance Needs a New Pair of Shoes

Lance emerged from the landscaper’s shed and walked towards the front of the school. He was wearing the new dress he got yesterday. He walked with confidence as his heels clicked on the sidewalk and his dress swished across his legs.

Students looked at him and smiled.

Just then a girl came by. “Hi, Simone, I’m with the school paper. I’m doing a piece on the prom court nominees.”

“Hi,” Lance said smiling. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

“I’m Trudy.”

“Trudy, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Can I interview you?”

“Sure, Trudy.”

“First, can I get a picture?  The yearbook staff doesn’t have one for you.”

“Sure, I guess.”

Trudy took out a disposable camera and took a picture of a smiling Lance.  She then put it away. “So you just moved here. Right?”

“Yeah, I’m from California. I’ve been here for about three weeks.”

“Three weeks? And you were already nominated for prom queen?”

“I can’t believe it myself, Trudy. I wasn’t very popular at my old school.”

Another girl walked past them. “Hi, Simone, I love that dress!” she raved.

“Thank you, Emily,” Lance said, then turned his attention back to Trudy. He had a sheepish look on his face and tried to laugh off the attention.

Trudy raised an eyebrow. “I have a hard time believing that. Everyone I’ve talked to said you’re nice and pleasant - and you remember everyone’s name.”

“Everyone…” Lance started, but saw Deanna talking to people at the school doors. “Well, almost everyone here has been so welcoming.”

As Lance and Trudy walked into the school, she asked, “What do you do for fun?”

Lance was taken aback by the question. “Oh, I don’t know. I suppose I’ve been hanging around with my new friends. Going shopping. D&D. I like to play Game Boy.”

“Oh, so you’re a gamer girl?” Trudy reacted with surprise. “Have you tried Super Smash Bros?”

“I played it at the mall a few weeks ago. It’s so good. You’re into games too?”

“I just bought it last week. You should come over sometime.”

“Me?”

“Well, us gamer girls gotta stick together right?”

Lance chuckled, “Right!”

“What do you think about being nominated? Is this a dream come true for you?”

“I’m flattered that my classmates think so highly of me. I never thought I would ever be eligible… wait, I mean popular enough… to ever get nominated.”

“Last question. Have you picked a dress for prom yet?”

“I did,” Lance gushed. 

“Can you tell me about it, or is it a secret?”

“It’s kind of a secret.”

“Has your date seen it?”

Out of the corner of his eye, Lance saw Zoey watching him, anxiously waiting. When they made eye contact she scampered off to homeroom. “No. Well, I haven’t been asked yet.”

“Really? After this gets published, you’ll have boys lined up down the hall.”

“Wait, Trudy. Please don’t publish that. It’s just that… I’m kinda hoping a certain someone will ask me.”

“Oh,” she sounded disappointed. She glanced up with anticipation. “C'mon, off the record, who is he?”

“Oh, no,” Lance winked. “You're not getting that out of me." Lance stopped walking. "Well, this is my locker.”

“Simone, thank you so much for taking time with me. My offer still stands about Smash.”

“Thank you. I may take you up on that. Have a good day, Trudy.”

As Trudy walked away, another girl came up to Lance. Lance recognized her from lunch period. One of the girls who were mean to her that first day.

“Hi, Simone, can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure,” Lance replied. “What's up?”

She looked around to make sure no one was listening. “I wanted your advice,” she whispered.

“What about?”

“So, my brother came back home from college during spring break and… I mean… my sister. I mean… I don't get it. Why?”

Lance was stunned. “I’m not sure what you’re asking me.”

“How did you tell your family? How am I supposed to mourn my brother when there’s this… imposter standing there?”

“Oh. I’m not…” Lance stopped short of denying that he was trans. Clearly she came to him for help. He wanted to ask her why she came to him, but he already knew that answer. She sees through this costume. 

“I’m sorry, was I out of line?”

“No, not at all. It’s just that… I barely have my own life figured out.”

“Really? But you’re a role model at this school.”

“I am?”

“You’re so beautiful. You don’t even look like you were ever a boy.”

“Um.. how many other people know?”

“I’m not sure. I recognized you because of what I'm going through with my broth… sister. I’m sorry for the way I treated you when you first got here. I was angry at her. She killed my brother.”

Lance’s head was swirling at this revelation. “Wait. Stop. What’s your name again?”

“Amanda.”

Lance thought back to some of the stories Mack had him read and some of the additional research he’d done on the subject since getting introduced to this world. “Amanda, listen. About your sister. She didn’t kill your brother. You…you never really had a brother. You’ve only ever had a sister. She’s been pretending. She’s not pretending anymore. You wanting her to be your brother is asking her to put on a costume and put on an act for your family.”

Amanda was quiet as she took that in.

“The moment you realize she has always been your sister, is when you’ll accept her.”

Amanda had a look of sadness on her face as her eyes watered up. She then hugged Lance. “Thank you.” She wiped the tears from her eyes and walked away.

“How can I be a trans role model if I’m not trans?” Lance whispered while shaking his head. “Yet another thing I’m pretending to be. This is getting exhausting.”

* * *

After school, Lance returned to the shed to get changed. He moved some caution cones out of the way only to find nothing behind them. He looked around for his duffel bag. When he couldn’t find it, he started to panic.

“Where did it go…Where did it go?” he repeated. First a whisper, then rising in volume and anxiety until he was yelling.

He poked his head out of the shed but nobody was around. Surely his prankster was watching him, right?

* * *

Zoey was waiting by her car when Lance, still dressed as Simone, showed up. “Simone - you’re still here?”

“My bag is gone!”

“Your bag is gone? How does anyone even know it’s there?”

“I don’t know? That means my boy clothes are gone with it.”

“You didn’t have your Game Boy in it, did you?”

“No, I haven’t brought that to school since you yelled at me about it.”

“So all you really lost is a pair of jeans and a T-shirt?”

“My favorite Zelda shirt. And boxers, socks, tennis shoes-”

“OK, calm down, that can all be replaced.”

“Should we report it?”

“To whom? What will you say? You’ve been trespassing inside the school’s shed and using it as a locker room? Let’s not.”

“What am I supposed to do? Go home like this?” He motioned to the dress he was wearing.

Zoey grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “Your dad isn’t home yet. In fact, I’ve been wondering why you’ve continued to get dressed in that shed when you have a perfectly good bedroom with nobody home.”

“And spend another hour of the day as Simone?” Lance retorted.  But the moment he said that, he raised an eyebrow and hoped Zoey didn’t see he was contemplating it.

* * *

Zoey pulled up to Lance’s house. She looked down at Lance who was slouched down in the passenger seat so nobody could see him. “We’re here.” She was wondering if now was a good time to talk to him about prom. “Umm.. Simone?”

“Shh,” he replied as he poked his head up and peered out the window to see if anybody was watching. “Coast is clear.” He then opened the car door and dashed to the house, fumbling in his purse for the key, hoping the neighbors didn’t notice him.

“See you tomorrow!” Zoey yelled from the car. She then sighed at her latest missed opportunity.

He unlocked the door and irrationally ran through this house, into his bedroom and shut the door, despite knowing nobody was home.

His heart was racing as he opened his drawer to reveal his boy clothes. A sudden disappointment washed over him. He should get changed. He then eyed the clock. Dad wasn’t due home for another hour. Surely, he could remain in girl clothes for a little longer.

He smoothed out his dress, and sat up on his bed, fidgeting with his fingers.

He then walked to Simone’s room and started pairing up clothes for tomorrow.

The phone rang, and he quickly ran back to his room to answer it. He threw himself onto his bed and perched himself up on his elbows. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Mack said.

“Hey.”

“So, I heard about your duffel bag.”

“Yeah,” Lance said, twirling the hair from his wig. “I was thinking of maybe going to the mall to see if I can get some new shoes. And maybe a new shirt. That was my favorite shirt.”

“Well, if I had a car, I’d take you. Who else has a car? Francine? Olivia? Christopher?”

“If I take any of them… I can’t shop for boy clothes.”

“Your Dad?”

“Ha! As if my Dad would ever take me clothes shopping.”

“Well, you could ask Zoey.”

Lance sighed. “I’m not sure what’s up with her. While she hasn’t been totally avoiding me, she’s been very… distant.”

“I dunno, Lance. My sister can be weird sometimes.” On the other end of the phone, Mack grinned. She knew exactly what was up with Zoey, but felt it wasn’t her place to discuss it.

“Hey, Mack.” Lance was kicking his stockinged feet in the air.

“Yeah?”

“I didn’t bring it up at lunch, because Francine was there, but a girl stopped me this morning to ask for advice on how to deal with her trans sister.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. It felt kinda weird because I’m not trans, you know?”

“Sure. And what did you say?”

“I gave her advice. I felt bad about faking being trans though.”

“I see. Lance, you’ve been under a lot of stress lately. At some point, just relax and spend time with yourself. Do some reflection on everything that’s happened.”

“Thank you.”

“Alrighty, I just called to check up on you. I need to get back to homework.”

“Bye, Mack.”

Lance got back up and returned to Simone’s room to examine more of her clothes.

When he heard the car door slam out front, he looked at the clock. Shit! Where did the time go? He quickly grabbed the nearest pair of jeans and pulled them on. He tossed the wig into the closet, slipped off the dress, and threw on an old band hoodie he found in Simone’s closet. He quickly ran to the bathroom and took his makeup off before greeting his dad in the living room. “Hi, Dad.”

“How was your day?” his dad asked.

Lance breathed a sigh of relief that Dad didn’t seem to notice he was wearing girl’s jeans. After an hour, Lance’s anxiety calmed down and his desire to get out of those jeans faded. Surely he could wear more girl’s clothes around Dad, right?

After dinner, Lance got up to do the dishes. Dad watched as Lance sauntered over to the sink. He was confused as he observed the obvious sway in his hips. Was he wearing jeans two sizes too small? First earrings. Now this. “What’s going on with this boy?” he wondered.

“Hey dad?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you take me to the mall? I need new tennis shoes.”

“Didn’t your mom just buy you new school shoes before we moved?”

“I… lost them.”

“You lost them?”

Lance simply shrugged, not wanting to open the can of worms that would happen if he said the word “stolen.”

“Can’t this wait until your mom moves here?”

“Mom won’t be here until after graduation. And these shoes are falling apart.” Lance motioned to the grass-stained sneakers that were slowly falling away from their soles.

* * *

Lance’s Dad pulled up in front of the mall and Lance got out of the car.

“I’ll be back here in an hour,” his dad said.

“OK,” Lance agreed, checking his watch.

Lance knew his dad wouldn’t actually set foot in a mall. At least he got him to drop him off. As he walked through the automatic sliding doors he realized that this was the first time he had ever been in this mall as Lance.

He was a man on a mission. New tennis shoes. That was a must. Maybe if he had time, he’d check out the games. If he found a good new shirt, maybe that.

Since he’d been to the mall several times over the last three weeks, he knew exactly where he was going. He stopped in the shoe store.

As he entered the store he looked around. He caught a glimpse of a cute pair of sandals. Wait. No, that’s not what he was there for. He looked away and headed to the men’s section.

He pulled down a pair of cross-trainers his size and quickly tried them on. They fit perfectly. He boxed up his new shoes and headed to the checkout line to pay.

As he was paying, he heard a familiar voice from the mall call his name. “Lance?”

He turned to see Olivia walking towards him. He looked around to see if anyone else was around. It appeared as if Olivia was alone. “Oh hi,” he said.

“Are you with your sister?” she asked, looking around the store.

“Oh, no, Simone’s not here,” Lance replied. “She stayed home to do homework.” Inside he was cringing at his latest lie.

“Cool!” she said. “What brings you to the mall?”

Lance held up the bagged shoe box. “New tennis shoes.”

“Oh, cool. You play tennis?”

“Me?” Lance said with a surprised look. “No, but my sister does.” Then he realized the disconnect. “Oh, wait. You call everyday shoes sneakers in this part of the country.”

“Oh,” Olivia awkwardly acknowledged. “I knew that. I was teasing.”

“Oh.”

“Where are you off to next?”

“I was thinking of hitting up the game store.”

“Want some company?”

“Sure,” Lance agreed with a smile. 

As the two of them slowly strolled through the mall, Olivia asked the question. “Why haven’t I seen you around school?”

“Oh.” Lance thought quickly. “Um. My dad enrolled me into a private school.”

“That’s a shame. Your sister is very popular at North.”

“Yeah, I heard. Go Bullfrogs! Croak! Croak!” he laughed.

“Yeah! Croak! Croak! Did you know she was nominated for prom queen?”

“Really? That’s amazing. I guess I kinda wish I could be there to see her win - if she wins, I mean.”

“You can be. I know a few girls who would love to bring you as their date.”

“Me?” Lance laughed. “Nobody wants to bring a shy loser like me to prom.”

“Lance, you’re not giving yourself any credit.” She smiled and nudged him.

He paused and stopped walking. “Wait. Are you asking… me?”

Olivia’s eyes opened wide at her implication and she was quick to respond. “Oh, no. I’m so sorry.” She turned red with embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to give that impression. There’s someone else I wanted to ask.”

“I’m sorry too.” It was Lance’s turn to be embarrassed. “I suck at social situations. Simone’s the good one.”

“Simone is so freaking cool. You’re twins, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I guess I would’ve expected you to be popular at school too.”

“Me?” Lance scoffed. “Ha. I’m so awkward. I’m not social. I can’t talk to girls.”

“Now I know you’re lying,” Olivia giggled. “You’re doing pretty well with me.”

Lance was at a loss for words. She was right. Four weeks ago, Lance wouldn’t know what to say to Olivia. His experience pretending to be his sister had allowed him to practice social situations. “So you’re waiting on a certain someone to ask you to prom?”

“Well, I was thinking of asking ‘em myself. I just wish I could know for sure if they’d say yes. There might be someone else.”

“Go for it,” Lance advised. “Many times when I’m unsure, I ask myself, ‘What would Simone do?’ and then I do that.”

Olivia smiled confidently. “You’re right. That’s what I should do. The next time I see your sister I’m going to go right up to her and ask her to prom.”

Lance’s smile changed to a mix of confusion and panic. “Wait, what?”

“I want to ask your sister to prom. She’s not taken yet, right?”

“Umm, no, she’s not.” Lance was conflicted. Should he tell her that she - no he - was waiting for Zoey to ask him? But Lance then remembered the carnival. How long should he wait for Zoey? And could he really resist Olivia asking him to prom?

As they arrived at the game store, Olivia hugged him. “Thank you Lance, it was nice chatting with you. And maybe you could put in a good word for me with your sister.” She was practically dancing as she left Lance at the game store.

Lance stood at the entrance of the store with butterflies in his stomach, anxious about the next couple of days. It was potentially a dream come true. A girl was going to ask him to prom. He just didn't know which one. He decided to push through and do what he came to do. Check out the latest releases to calm his anxieties.

As he walked towards the games he noticed a clothing rack of gaming branded designs. He skimmed through the shirts and found one he liked. He picked it up. It was another Zelda shirt with a prominent image of Link holding the Triforce on it. 

He looked at the size tag. 

“Women’s medium,” it read. 

He sighed with disappointment. A second later he looked around and timidly held it up to his chest. It was definitely a more feminine cut. But surely it would fit him. “It might not be perfect for Lance, but it would totally be perfect for Simone,” he thought. He could definitely wear this to school.

* * *

After reaching Lance’s answering machine for the third time, Zoey put the phone down and sat back on the couch, picking up the TV remote.

Mack came into the living room and sat next to her sister.  “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.”

“Yeah, you do.  Why haven’t you asked him to prom?”

“I’m going to!”

“Zo, you’ve had no problem talking to guys before. You had Tyler wrapped around your finger, and before that, that guy from the track team, and before that…”

“I don’t know.”

“Is it because it’s not about Lance, but Simone?”

“They’re the same person.”

“Listen, I try not to be all up in your business, but what happened between you and Olivia?

“It’s nothing, OK?” Zoey got flustered.

“It’s not nothing. What happened between you two?  Clearly you two had history before Tyler started stalking her.”

Zoey rolled her eyes.  “You’re not going to stop, are you?”

“I’m your sister, It’s my job to annoy you until you tell me the truth.  C’mon. You can tell me.”

Zoey paused and shook her head.  “We hooked up at homecoming.  There.  Is that what you wanted to hear?” Zoey looked at her sister expectantly.

“I just wanted the truth. And good job.  Olivia’s hot.”

Zoey crossed her arms. “Go ahead, call me the L-word.”

“Why would I do that? You know my best friend is bi, right? You can be bi.  I have gay friends too. There’s nothing wrong with being a lesbian. Are you afraid?”

“I’m not afraid.”

“Then say it.”

“Fine. Lesbian.”

“Great.  And it’s OK to be bi too.”

Zoey looked at her sister. “I’m not bi.” Then she started shrinking into the couch.

“Wait, seriously?” Mack asked, surprised.

“Olivia was right.  I had no idea what I was.  I dated Tyler because it was expected of me.  But… I never really… liked him.  But I brushed it off because I had a boyfriend.  Isn’t that how high school is supposed to go?”

“Have you ever wanted to dump Tyler for another guy? Even those cute guys on the soccer team?”

“No. It never occurred to me.  Until after the incident with Olivia.  Then it was… the umm… girls’ soccer team.  But I never acted upon it.  I thought it was the guilt of cheating on Tyler with Olivia.  My subconscious was punishing me.”

“This is a big deal, Zo.”

Zoey shrugged in frustration.  “I dunno.” 

“So, let me get this straight. You had a fling with a chick once.  The head cheerleader, to boot.  But you tell yourself you’re not into girls and this was a one-time thing.  Then you meet Simone.  You convince yourself it’s OK to feel things for her, because Simone is really Lance.  But you don't like Lance.  You like Simone.  The genie is already out of the bottle.  That now makes two girls you’re attracted to, and zero guys. Am I close? Is that it?”

Zoey huffed. “You’re really annoying.” Then she paused as her sister stared at her waiting for a real response. “Maybe.”

“I think it’s cute.”

“I…” Zoey looked around for any sign of their parents.  “I really like Simone.  She’s smart and witty, and she doesn’t take any of my shit.  And oh, God, is she cute. She does this one thing with her lips when she gets flustered.  And I think she plays with her hair when she’s flirting with me. But… we did that.  Me and you. We created her.  What does that say about me?”

“It says you helped Lance find a missing part of himself.”

“But Lance isn’t a girl. Shouldn’t I feel guilty for what I did?”

“I suppose it depends on whether Lance is a willing participant for this transformation. When I asked him at the very beginning of this, all he wanted was visibility.  He’s visible now, and yet he’s still in this willingly.”

“Right.”

“Zo, who do you want to go to prom with?”

“Simone.”

“Then go ask her.  Fuck gender.  If after all of this Lance doesn’t want to play that part anymore,   or if he wants to continue it, see where it goes from there.”

“But if he stops being Simone, it’ll hurt.”

“So what? You’ve been dumped before.”

“And that hurt.  Tyler humiliated me.”

“Do you think Lance will humiliate you?”

“There’s a very good chance of that, if the truth comes out.”

“I doubt Lance would ever purposely hurt you.  He actually likes you, if you can believe it.”

“What will people say if I show up to prom with a crossdressing boy?”

“But wasn’t that part of your plan?”

“It was.  But, I… didn’t think I’d actually fall for her.  And I didn’t think this would actually work.  I thought he would’ve bailed a week into this and I would have had to admit defeat to Dee.”

“Zoey, who cares who you show up to prom with. Lance.  Simone. Olivia.  Hell, me!  The point is to do what you want to do.  Be yourself.  Date the person you want to date. And fuck anyone who tells you to be someone else and date someone else. ”  Mack stood up from the couch.  “Think about it.”

“Thank you,” Zoey said to her sister. “I appreciate it.”  She then smiled and teased, “Nerd.”

“Bimbo!” Mack replied, walking away.

When Mack was gone Zoey sighed.  She closed her eyes for a minute, trying to think of her next course of action.

Before Zoey had time to fully process her talk with Mack, she heard her father’s voice. “Zoey,” her father said from behind her.

“Yes, Daddy?” she quickly answered, sitting up.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Mr. Sellers held up a stack of envelopes. “These are acceptance letters from five different schools. Tucked in behind the phone books.”

“Weird,” she mused. “I’m not sure how they got there.”

“You told me you hadn’t heard back from any of them.”

She shrugged.

“Talk to me, Zoey. What’s this about?”

She didn’t really want to have this conversation right now.  But she remembered what Lance told her the other day.  And Mack had just told her the same thing. To do what she wants to do. She needed to finally confront her dad. “I’m burned out.”

“Burned out?”

“Yes. I’ve been under immense pressure these last four years to give up all of my dreams and focus on yours.”

“Give up on your dreams? College is your dream.”

“No, it’s your dream.” She grabbed the stack of envelopes from his hands. As she flipped through each envelope she recited, “Business school. Business school. Business school,” and tossed each onto the couch. “All of them hand picked by you.”

Mr. Sellers shook his head in disappointment. “Why didn't you speak up earlier?”

“I did. Freshman year. I wanted to go to dance school.”

“Dance school?” he scoffed. “What kind of job-”

“You’re doing it again. We're supposed to be talking about my future. Not yours. I deserve the chance to at least try.”

“But, I’m paying for-”

“Do you want me to enjoy what I do for a living? I don't want to be a mindless drone who starts looking forward to retirement the day she starts her career.” She pointed down at the acceptance letters strewn about. “Daddy, I don't want to go to any of those schools. That’s not who I am.”

“Where’s this coming from?”

“I spent the last four weeks helping my friend be someone he’s not. I’m a hypocrite. I’m just like you. I shouldn’t have had him pretend.”

There was silence for a minute while both father and daughter considered their next words.

“Will you still love me if I don’t have an MBA? Or I’m not a CEO?”

“Of course I will, honey.”

“Will you be proud of me if I’m still trying to make ends meet while I search for my next gig?”

“I’m always proud of you.  You’re growing to be such a brilliant and independent young adult.”

“Then let me make an adult decision.  This,” she picked up an envelope from the couch, “is not who I am.”

Mr. Sellers sighed and sat down next to his daughter. “If you can show me your plans for the next four years - with fallback plans - then I’ll pay for you to go to the school of your choice - including dance school.”

Zoey nodded. “I can do that.” Internally she was screaming with excitement that she finally got through to him. She got up and hugged him. “Thank you, daddy!”

Chapter 18 - Take No Prisoners

Two Weeks Until Prom

Dad was leaving for work earlier and earlier, and Lance found that he no longer needed to change at school. Instead his transformation into Simone started at home before Zoey picked him up. This gave him more time to do his hair and makeup. As such he felt more at ease in the mornings. 

It didn’t occur to him that now he only really spent a few hours a day as Lance. A few hours spent with dad, then it was off to bed, and then become Simone again in the morning. It was becoming routine. It was becoming natural.

Today he wore his brand-new Zelda shirt with a skater skirt and heels.

Lance and Zoey got out of her car and walked towards the school. Peggy was there to greet them.

“Good morning, ladies,” Peggy greeted them with a smile.

“Hey girl,” Zoey replied.

“‘Morning, Peggy,” Lance smiled. Seeing Peggy always put him in a good mood.

“Wait,” Zoey said, looking at Peggy. “What are you wearing?”

Peggy was wearing a pink T-shirt with a picture of Lance’s head on it. The text on it read: “Simone Is The One. Simone For Prom Queen ‘99.” “One of the clubs was selling it,” she explained.

Lance cocked his head and looked at Peggy’s shirt. “I wonder when they took this picture.”

“Are you getting any of this money?” Zoey asked Lance.

“Not that I know of. This is the first shirt I’ve seen.”

“They said it was for charity. Kids with cancer,” Peggy added.

“Oh. Well, that’s nice.” Lance replied.

“Yeah, their whole neighborhood is a Superfund site.” Peggy added.

“They should’ve at least asked first.” Zoey reasoned.

“If they did, they wouldn’t have moved there.” Peggy shrugged.

“Wait what?” Lance asked, confused.

“So, Dee’s been on the warpath,” Peggy announced. “You both may want to avoid her today.”

“Thanks for the heads-up,” Zoey responded.

* * *

During homeroom, Lance was summoned to the gymnasium. Apparently, there was a quick photoshoot for the prom nominees.

When he arrived, he was greeted by a smiling Olivia, a grumpy Deanna, an apathetic Tyler and two other boys Lance recognized as other popular guys.

“Good morning, Simone,” Olivia cheerfully greeted Lance.

“Hi, Olivia,” Lance said nervously, thinking about the last time Olivia talked to him - when he was Lance at the mall. He wanted to steer the conversation away from himself. “I love that outfit you’re wearing. Where did you get it?”

“Oh, thank you for noticing,” Olivia blushed. “I got it at H+M last week. I actually ran into your brother-”

“Well, If it isn’t Zoey’s pet,” Deanna snarled. “Find any good park benches lately?”

“Lose any friends lately, Dee?” Lance retorted.

Lance’s brash retort only made Dee angrier. “What are you wearing? Think you’re going to win prom queen dressed like that?”

“I’m not going to prom in this,” Lance snorted in derision. “Besides, this is cool.”

“And cute,” Olivia added.

The photographer summoned each of the boys and girls individually for a headshot. They were going alphabetically, so Lance was first. “Simone Biggs.”

“That’s me,” Lance smiled and walked over to the photographer’s setup.

“Alright, sweetie,” the photographer directed. Look right here and give me your best, ‘I’m a prom queen’ smile.”

Lance was already smiling gracefully, so he didn’t need to do much else.

“Great!” the photographer praised. “Now wait around for the group picture.”

When Olivia was done, she joined Lance. They both eyed the boys who were checking them out. Except Tyler who finally didn’t seem to care.

“Has Tyler left you alone?” Olivia inquired.

“Yeah,” Lance admitted. “He hasn't said a single word to me since that party.”

“I imagine he got a lot of flak from everyone around school for how he treated you.”

“For how he treated us,” Lance reminded her.

“Hopefully he learned his lesson.”

The girls were done, and the photographer started with the boys.

“Simone?” Olivia asked.

“Yeah?” he nervously responded.

“Your brother told me you play tennis.”

“Yeah,” he replied. The real Simone did. He didn’t. And suddenly he was worried he was going to have to be a tennis player too.

“Well my parents' country club has some courts. Would you like to play sometime?”

“I.. sure,” Lance replied. “Damn,” he thought to himself.

Deanna, who was overhearing this, decided to inject herself into the conversation. “Well one of you is going to need a racket to play.”

Olivia turned to address Dee and her remark. “Dee, do you have a problem?” Olivia inquired.

“No,” Dee responded. “I just think you and build-a-bitch are creeping me out.”

Olivia cocked her head and looked at Dee quizzically.

Lance chuckled, which drew the attention of the girls. What was designed as a put-down actually made him laugh. Deeana usually tried calling him male put-downs. This is the first time she called him a bitch and he didn’t hate it. “You’re just jealous,” he said approaching Dee. “I had zero friends four weeks ago. Now you do.”

“When this is all over and the truth comes out," Deeana hissed, "you will be so despised in this town, your whole pathetic family will have to move back to wherever you came from."

“Stop it! Now!” Olivia demanded, getting between them. “Dee, stop being a bitch to Simone. She has done nothing wrong. I will not stand for you putting down my friends.”

“What are you going to do, sic the cheerleader squad on me and maim me with pom-poms?” Deanna huffed, crossed her arms, and turned away.

Olivia sighed and turned away from Dee.

As Lance and Olivia stood there waiting, Lance noticed that Deanna was staring at the boys trying to get their attention. She was posing and pouting her lips.

“What are you doing?” Lance asked.

“Well seeing as I’m the only straight girl here,” Deanna explained, “I’m letting the boys know I’m available.”

“As if,” Lance chuckled.

“Careful, Simone. I know what you’re hiding under that skirt.”

Lance was silent and decided he should stop taunting Deanna. For now.

“So, Simone,” Deanna continued, “did Zoey ever tell you why Tyler dumped her?”

“Deanna!” Olivia yelled. “Knock it off.”

“Wow,” Deanna cackled at Lance. “You really are Zoey’s clone. You have everyone wrapped around your finger.” 

“I’m nothing like Zoey,” Lance responded with indignation.

“Au contraire. You both want to fuck the same dyke.”

Suddenly Olivia slapped Deanna across the face and the sound reverberated around the mostly empty gymnasium. The photographer and the boys looked in their direction.

Deanna responded by shoving Olivia to the floor. Suddenly she was on top of her.

As the girls tussled, pleas from the photographer for them to stop were going unheard. Two of the guys were engrossed with the show. “Cat fight!” one gleefully yelled.

Lance turned to Tyler. “Tyler do something.”

“I ain’t getting in the middle of that,” he laughed, shaking his head.

Lance was taught not to fight girls but Deanna was holding onto Olivia’s hair. He came up behind Deanna, grabbed her arms and threw her off of Olivia.

That’s when Lance was greeted with a hit to the face from Deanna.

Lance was momentarily dazed. He’d never taken a punch to the face. It stung. He was angry and he got up and came from behind Deanna and put her in a choke hold. 

That’s when Olivia hit Dee square in the nose.

A pair of hands pulled Lance off Dee and he turned around and swung without realizing he hit one of the other boys in the nose. “Oh my God, sorry,” Lance apologized.

Before they all knew it, a bunch of teachers arrived and broke up the scuffle.

* * *

Lance sat between Olivia and Deanna as Principal Silver was droning on about lady-like behavior. The three of them were a sight. Deanna was holding a bloody tissue to her nose. Olivia had an ice pack over her left eye. Lance, an ice pack on his face. Lance was just grateful nobody pulled off his wig. After a while Lance started tuning the principal out and instead was staring at his various degrees, certifications, and pictures with strangers that dotted his wall.

“Ahem! Miss Biggs, are you listening?” Principal Silver called out. “Am I interrupting something important?”

“No, sir,” Lance responded, trying to give him back his desired attention. 

“As I was saying,” he continued, “I’m disappointed in the three of you. You're our nominees for prom queen. You’re supposed to represent the best of Bullfrog Nation. You’re supposed to conduct yourselves as proper women. Like it or not, you are role models for all of the young girls at the school. I should disqualify all three of you.”

“Please don’t, Principal Silver,” Olivia begged. “I was the one who started it. Disqualify me.”

The principal was silent as he contemplated his next move. After a long pause, he reached a verdict. “This isn’t the first time Miss Scott has been here for disciplinary reasons. But where is your partner in crime?”

Deanna shrugged. 

“Miss Jones. You, however, have been an exemplary student over the last four years. It’s been a pleasure to watch you mature. 

“Suck up,” Dee muttered under her breath.

The principal glanced at Dee, but ignored her comment. “Miss Biggs, you’re new here. I’d like to think you just got caught up in the excitement of the competition.” He looked all three in the eyes. “I’m inclined to let the three of you go and not call your parents - provided all of you apologize to each other and promise me no more fighting.”

All three of the nominees looked stunned. Exhales of relief filled the room. They knew they had dodged a bullet.

Olivia was the first to apologize, followed by Lance. Dee appeared to consider her options, then reluctantly mumbled out a brief “Sorry” without making eye contact. 

They all turned back to Principal Silver. After a brief pause, he asked, “And what do you young ladies have to say to me?”

“Thank you, Mr. Silver,” the three of them said in unison.

“Dismissed.”

Deanna lagged behind as the three stood up and walked out of the principal’s office.

As Lance and Olivia entered the hallway, Lance looked around. “Where’d Deanna go?”

“Who cares,” Oliva replied. “I have no idea why Zoey calls her a friend. So much repressed anger.”

Lance shrugged. “They’ve been friends for a long time as far as I know.”

“Hey Simone,” Olivia said with a smile. “Change of subject.”

“Sure, what’s up?”

Olivia took a deep breath and looked Lance in the eye. “I was wondering if you’d go to prom with me.”

Lance became giddy and his face instantly changed to a smile as bright as the sun.

“That is, if nobody has asked you yet.”

“Well, I think Dee was about to ask me when you punched her in the nose,” Lance deadpanned.

They both broke out in giggles at the thought of Dee on the floor, nose bleeding all over her clothes.

“Actually, no one has asked me, yet,” Lance stammered, still in shock from the invitation.

“So… is that a yes?”

“Yes!’ he practically shouted.

Olivia gave him a big hug. “Great. We should both get to class. See you at Chem!”

Lance’s stomach was aflutter. A girl just asked him to prom. Sure, it’s because he was pretending to be someone he wasn’t, but he was too happy to fret over the details.

When Olivia was out of ear-shot, Lance said to himself, “A girl asked me to prom.” Then he turned and opened up the doors to the outside. “A girl asked me to prom!” he yelled to the outside world.

He composed himself and re-entered the school. He danced his way to his classroom singing a cheerful tune in his head.

* * *

Deanna had stayed behind as Lance and Olivia walked out of the school office, then returned back to Principal Silver’s office.

“Principal Silver?” she asked, knocking on the door frame.

“Yes, Miss Scott?”

“It’s about Simone Biggs.”

“What is it?”

“I think she’s hiding something.”

“She’s only been at this school for four weeks. What could she possibly be hiding?”

“I think she’s a boy pretending to be a girl.”

The principal looked at the student in disbelief. “No way. Miss Biggs is not a boy. I would know. Now unless you have some proof of your accusation, please leave my office.”

Deanna left the principal's office to retrieve her backpack from her car. Next to her backpack was a duffel bag. She had the evidence Principal Silver needed. The question was, when to present the evidence to achieve the maximum humiliation for Zoey and whatever-his-real-name was. She checked the name tag on the duffel… Lance.

* * *

When Lance bought his food and joined his friends at the lunch table, he found Christopher there sitting across from Mack and Francine. “Hey guys,” Lance announced. He could barely contain his exuberance.

“Hey Simone,” the trio responded.

“What’s going on?”

“We were just talking about our plans for prom,” Christopher explained.

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, Christopher asked me to prom last week,” Mack added. “As friends.”

“Yeah, as friends,” Christopher echoed.

“That’s great!” Lance enthusiastically responded. “I didn’t think you knew each other.”

“Well, I heard Mack was into D&D,” Christopher said.

“Then I invited him to play with us this past weekend,” Mack added.

“So, you met Howard the Dungeon Master?” Lance giggled.

“Yes, I met Howard,” Christoper replied with a chuckle.

“So, I got asked to prom too, today.” Lance smiled.

“Oh my God, who asked you?” Francine asked, eyes wide.

Lance grinded his teeth and glanced at Mack. “Olivia.”

Mack slowly shook her head in disappointment. “I’m assuming you said yes, because you certainly seem excited about it.”

“Yes. I did. I am”

“It’s for the best, then.” Mack said with a smile. “That other girl’s loss.”

“The three of you are going to have so much fun!” Francine gleefully squealed. “Take lots of pictures!”

* * *

After Zoey’s last class of the day, she was headed for the school exit when she walked by Tyler without acknowledging him.

“Hey, Zoey,” Tyler called from his locker.

Zoey paused in the school hallway and let out an exasperated sigh as she turned to face her ex-boyfriend. “What do you want, Tyler?” 

“Listen, I get that over the last few weeks, things have gotten weird. A lot has happened since spring break. We’ve been at each other’s throats ever since. Sorry about that. 

“Thanks, Tyler,” Zoey said sarcastically.

Hey, with everyone so focused on prom, I got to thinking about our original plans. I remembered that we originally were planning on going together, as a couple.”

“Going… together?” Zoey slowly repeated, as her stomach started to churn.

“To prom. We talked about it when we were still dating. About the limo and the dinner. I figured we should still go as friends.”

“After you dumped me in front of the school? After the shit you pulled with Simone?”

“Yeah, well I at least have an excuse about the party - I was drunk. Deanna forced-”

“Tyler, you can't use that as an excuse. Don’t blame others. Drinks or no drinks, you forced yourself onto my friend. And after she told you ‘no.’”

“I can only say sorry so many times.”

“Funny, I didn’t think zero times was a lot. When exactly were you planning to apologize to Simone?”

“I’ll talk to her later. Right now, I’m apologizing to you. I want to talk about prom.”

“Actually, Tyler, I had other plans in mind.” Zoey turned to resume her walk down the hallway.

Tyler ran to catch up to her. “Simone, right? I heard you wanted to switch teams.”

Zoey stopped again. “Where’d you hear that? Wait, no. It shouldn’t matter. So what if I want to take Simone? Or any other girl?”

“Well, if you were looking to ask Simone, I think she’s already taken.”

Zoey’s face turned to stone and then she raced through the halls to the front of the school. Tyler was curious to see what was going to happen when Zoey confronted Simone so he followed her.

Zoey found Lance and Olivia idly chatting at the main entrance. Tyler held back and watched the scene unfold.

“Simone,” she said frantically. “Did she ask you to prom?” Zoey pointed at Olivia.

“Yeah,” Olivia answered before Lance could get a word in.

Zoey grimaced and tried to hide the hurt on her face. “Fine. Simone, let’s go.”

As Zoey was about to walk to her car, Lance spoke up, “Actually, Olivia offered to give me a ride home today. I was going to hang out with her tonight to talk about our prom plans.”

Zoey felt like everything she’d be working on with Simone was being ripped from her. She felt queasy. Her whole world was spinning out of control.

“Call you tonight?” Lance offered.

“Sure,” Zoey said stoically, as she walked away. When she reached her car, she finally let herself cry. She had no one to blame but herself. Afraid of going to prom with a girl, she procrastinated away asking Simone to prom. Olivia warned her and swooped in and claimed her instead.

* * *

Deanna watched the scene unfold as a visibly distraught Zoey had her dreams dashed by her own creation. It was too delicious for her to look away.

It looked like Zoey would lose regardless of the outcome of the bet. But Dee was determined to make sure Lance still lost. It wasn’t enough just to break Zoey, but she also had to break Zoey’s creation.

She walked over to Tyler who was chatting with some of the other football players. “How would you like to get back at all of the girls who’ve wronged you?”

Tyler grabbed Deanna and quickly escorted her away from his friends. “What are you talking about?” he whispered. 

“Are you not upset that every girl you tried to get conveniently stopped liking boys when you asked them out? Wasn’t that humiliating?”

“Screw you, Dee. You saw what just happened. All three of them bitches deserve each other...”

“I have a plan to get back at Zoey, Olivia, and Simone.”

Tyler sighed. Then he looked at her. “What did you have in mind?”

Chapter 19 - House of Cards

One Day Until Prom

“Alright everyone,” Zoey announced to the group of twenty students surrounding her. “This year’s senior prom theme is Kings and Queens. We have two hours to transform this less-than-sterile cafeteria into a casino hotel. Jessica, your group has wall decor. Olivia, your group has posters. Amanda, your group has table settings. Peggy, you have table setup. Dee, you have the balloon arch. If anyone needs to lift something heavy, we have Tyler and some of the football team here too. I have to coordinate with the games vendor. Let’s get to work!”

The group of students broke into groups and headed to different corners of the cafeteria. 

Zoey stood there with her clipboard looking proud, and scanned the cafeteria to see everyone getting to work. Lance stood there in front of her in a cute dress. Zoey had a few tasks she could work on with her. 

But, before Zoey was able to talk to Lance, however, Olivia came up to her. “Simone, wanna help with posters? I can hold the ladder for you.”

“Sure!” Lance gleefully accepted.

Zoey was a little perturbed. She wanted to spend time with Simone and maybe talk about tomorrow, but once again Olivia got in the way.

Zoey heard a pop. She looked to see Deanna staring right at her, holding the remnants of a balloon. Zoey raised her arms while giving her a “quit fucking around” look.

Deanna looked over at Lance and Olivia who were both giggling while hanging posters. Lance was on top of the ladder taping up poster-sized king and queen playing cards, and Olivia was holding it steady. Deanna decided to inject some chaos into that saccharine display. “Hey guys,” she called out to Olivia and Lance, “Zoey wanted that poster over there.” She pointed at the opposite wall of the cafeteria. 

“Oh, sure,” Lance said, peeling the poster from the wall. He got down, and Olivia picked up the ladder and walked to the other side of the cafeteria where Deanna had pointed.

Meanwhile, Zoey saw Mack, Francine, and Christopher coming towards her.

“Hey Zo,” Mack announced, “we were about to head out.”

“You’re not going to stay and help set up?” Zoey looked disappointed at the loss of labor.

“Well, technically this isn't my prom,” Mack chuckled.

“But you’re coming to it,” She countered.

“What about you?” Zoey asked, looking at Christopher.

“I’m not on the prom committee,” Christopher replied.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t volunteer,” Zoey appealed to the three. "Please! A bunch of my volunteers had to stay late for track practice." 

“Christopher is already driving me and Francine home,” Mack interrupted.

“Sorry, I’m begging. We’re understaffed. I need help. I even had to resort to asking Dee to help…” Zoey glanced up to see Lance putting a poster up in the wrong spot. Zoey felt like she was losing control of the situation. “Simone, wait.” She walked over to Olivia and him. “It was supposed to be over there.”

“I thought you said…” Lance questioned.

Deanna came over to turn up the heat. “Geez, Zoey, just ‘cause Olivia asked out Simone doesn’t mean you have to be a bitch to both of them.”

Zoey turned to face Deanna. “This has nothing to do with-” Zoey started.

“Apparently she’s pissed she lost to Olivia, ” Dee snickered.

“Dee, stop!” Olivia demanded. “We’re all cool.”

“Not what I heard.” Dee smiled. “I heard she only wanted to take Simone to prom because she was nominated prom queen.”

“You know that’s not true,” Zoey corrected. “Sure, I’m disappointed because we were supposed to go together.”

“What do you mean ‘supposed to go together?’” Olivia asked with a puzzled look on her face.

“We never had that arrangement,” Lance said. “I waited-”

“Guys, stop. Dee is making all of this shit up to get us to fight,” Zoey pleaded. As she said that, she noticed they had spectators gathering around them, including Mack and her friends.

“All right, Zoey,” Deanna said loud enough for the whole group to hear. “Enough's enough. This isn't cool anymore. Olivia likes this girl. And you gotta stop this whole bet thing,” Deanna said with an evil grin.

Zoey opened her eyes wide. She hadn’t expected Deanna to sacrifice her own position on the bet to make herself lose.

“A bet?” Olivia asked.

“Zoey said she could make anyone prom queen, and - Lance - was the one picked," Dee gleefully pointed at a quivering Lance. "She took Lance and dressed him up like this to fool everyone. People have feelings, Zo,” She said with disdain.

“That’s not fair,” Olivia interjected. “She’s transgender. Leave her alone.”

“He is not transgender. He’s a regular boy. In a dress.”

Olivia looked at Zoey, then to Lance, then back at Zoey again. “Is this true?”

“Yeah,” Zoey mumbled.

Olivia turned back to Lance. “Did you know about this?”

“Of course he knew about this,” Dee answered for him. “I have his duffle bag. He changes back and forth before and after school to-”

“Dee, stop.” Olivia interrupted. “Simone?”

Lance looked down at his feet. “Yeah.”

“You were pretending? This whole time? This was all a bet?”

Lance was silent. He couldn’t bring himself to look Olivia in the eyes.

“Fucking, hell, Zoey!” Olivia was furious. “How did you convince her - him - to do this?”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Yes, it does,” Deanna snickered.

“Shut up!” Both Zoey and Olivia yelled at Deanna.

“Answer me, Zo,” Olivia pressed. “Forcing a boy to be a girl. Playing it off as if he was trans. That’s twisted.” 

Lance felt like he wanted to die.  In this moment he wished he was trans so he could set the record straight and make this whole thing go away.

Zoey wanted to answer that she thought Lance actually liked it, but rather than out him like that, she told the truth. “I may have bribed him,” she said sheepishly.

“Bribed him? With what?” Olivia was shouting now. 

“With…a car,” Zoey practically whispered.

“A car?” Mack suddenly cried out. “With what money?”

“Grandma’s inheritance.”

“Fuck, Zoey!” Mack yelled. “Dammit! Lance, I thought you were doing this for you. All this so you could get a fucking car?”

“It’s not like that,” Lance pleaded. “I mean, it started off that way, but that’s not why I kept doing it.”

“I can’t believe the two of you,” Mack growled with disgust. She turned to Christopher and Francine. “Let’s go.”

Lance looked at Olivia but she turned away. 

Deanna snickered at Lance. “You didn’t really think all of these girls fell in love with the real you, did you? Oh, you did?”

Lance suddenly ran out of the cafeteria, crying.

The remaining students gathered at the scene were silent. Zoey couldn’t look at anyone, Olivia was hurt, and Dee stood there with a satisfied smirk on her face.

Tyler broke the silence. “Wait - she's a dude?” 

* * *

Lance managed to flag down Christopher before he drove away. He needed a ride home.

"Could I please get a ride home?" Lance softly asked Christopher. I don't have any other way."

Christopher glanced at the passengers in his car before nodding for Lance to get in. It was awkward to sit in the same car with Christopher, Mack and Francine. They all rode in silence. It was impossible to ignore the elephant in the room - or rather the liar in the backseat. Lance was relieved he was the first stop.

When they pulled up to Lance’s house, he got out of the car and ran inside. He half expected someone to follow him. He needed to be with someone, but instead he buried his head in his pillow and cried. Eventually he stripped out of his school clothes and returned to his home clothes.

Dad came home and noticed his son was crying. He offered an ear, but Lance didn’t want to talk about it.

Another hour or so passed and Lance heard the doorbell ring. He heard his dad’s deep voice mixed with a younger feminine voice. A few seconds later there was a knock on Lance’s door. 

“Lance,” Dad announced, “you have a guest.”

Lance didn’t acknowledge him. The door opened and Mack walked into the room, closing the door behind her.

Lance stood up for his guest and looked at her, confused. “Did he recognize you?”

“No,” she said. “I made sure to put on makeup before I came over so I’d avoid him recognizing me. I introduced myself as Zoey’s sister regardless.  But everything that’s happened and you're worried that your dad will find out I pretended to be you twice?”

Lance shrugged as he had no answer.  When you get used to hiding, it becomes habit forming. “You look nice.”

“I look like Zoey,” Mack scoffed. “Are you ready to talk?”

“I dunno,” he replied. “Everyone is angry at me - including you.”

“Yes,” she confirmed. “I’m angrier at Zoey. But I’m more disappointed in you.”

“Mack, I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to fool everyone. I even forgot about the stupid car.”

“This isn’t about the car, Lance. This is about you. The only reason I helped you was for you.”

Lance sighed. Disappointing Mack hurt more than making her angry. “I got so wrapped up in being Simone, I kinda forgot why I was doing it in the first place. Zoey promised me popularity. I got it. She promised me I’d no longer have to follow in my sister’s shadow. I got to be my sister for six weeks. Yeah, she promised the car too, but somewhere deep down, I think I was already hooked before she even suggested it. I know you knew about the bet, but I’m also sorry for lying to Francine and Olivia. I lied to everyone.”

“The only person you lied to is yourself.”

“What? I don’t get it.”

“Lance, forget about the prom for a second. Pretend you weren’t just humiliated a few hours ago. Let’s say tomorrow is a regular school day. Who do you want to go as? The meek boy I met six weeks ago who let Zoey push him around? Or the girl who befriended everyone, and got nominated for prom queen? The one who actually suggested places to go with Francine and me.  The one who made not one, but two girls fall in love with her.”

“I liked that girl. But she’s not real.”

“Yes, she is.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Simone is a real person in California.”

“I’m not talking about your sister. I’m talking about you. At some point, you stopped pretending to be your sister. It was just you. The girl I’m talking about is you.”

Lance was quiet. He knew what she was insinuating. He shook his head. “Mack, I’m not trans. I can’t be trans.”

“Why not?”

“Because I like girls.”

“Um, hello? You were courted by two lesbians. Why can’t you be one too? Remember the advice you gave that girl two weeks ago? Yeah, a trans woman gave that advice.”

“I can’t be trans. Trans people don’t dress up like the opposite gender for a stupid bet. They do it because they want to.”

“You just told me you were doing this because you wanted to, not because Zoey bribed you.”

“I can’t be trans,” Lance repeated, shaking his head. “I mean. I can’t. What would happen to me? To my family? To my life?”

“I can’t answer that. But I know you’ll be happier if you accept who you actually are. Whoever you decide that is.”

“How do you know who I’m supposed to be? Maybe I’m supposed to be that meek boy.”

“I talked to your sister.”

“You talked to Simone? When? How?”

“The night of the party. She called to talk to you. She saw through my voice disguise. I told her the truth. We’ve been talking occasionally over the past three weeks.”

“You and Simone have been talking to each other? You told her the truth? How much of it? Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t she tell me?”

“We were both waiting for you to admit your own truth to one of us.”

“Oh my God. What did she say?”

“She said that you were always happiest when you pretended to be her sister.”

Lance sat down on his bed shaking his head. This was a lot for him to take in. “That was such a long time ago. I barely remember it. We’d play dress up a lot. My dad hated that. I wanted to hang out with Simone’s friends. They didn’t want a boy around. I….” he started sobbing, “I wanted to be a girl so much. There were nights I’d wish I would wake up as Simone’s identical twin sister.”

Mack sat down next to Lance and gave him a hug.

“After a while, and after trying to please my dad, I just sorta forgot. I resigned myself to being the meek boy that was too much a boy to hang out with girls, and too girly to hang out with boys.” After a few moments of sobs, Lance pulled away and looked at Mack. “Mack, I think I'm trans.”

She then buried her head into Mack’s shoulder and cried. 

“It’s OK, Lance.” Mack held Lance tight and rubbed her back while she cried. “You’re just now realizing who you truly are.”

“You knew?” Lance asked, pulling away.

“I had a hunch. I tested you every chance I could. When you came over that first time, I saw someone who was lost. I vowed to make sure my sister didn’t take advantage of you.”

“She didn’t.”

“I know. She brought the real girl out of you. So did all of your other friends.”

“My friends,” Lance sadly echoed. “After today I doubt I have any friends anymore. So, what now? I’m not sure I can face the school after what happened.”

“It’s completely up to you. If you want to go to the prom, then go.” Mack stood up. “I should get going. Zoey is going to wonder where her car went. And legally I’m not allowed to drive without an adult yet.”

“Thank you, Mack,” Lance said through sniffles.

As Mack stood at Lance’s bedroom door she looked back at her. “There is one silver lining.”

“What’s that?” Lance asked, rubbing the tears from her eyes.

“You didn’t lie to me or to anyone else. You were a girl this entire time. I’m just happy you finally see that.”

* * *

Lance’s dad checked the time on his watch. He determined it was time to head out. He walked down the hallway and knocked on his son’s door. He opened it a smidge to stick his head into the room. “Lance?”

“Yeah, Dad?” Lance answered.

He looked over at his son. 

Lance was sitting on his bed, reading what looked like a textbook. He was wearing a hoodie and skinny jeans. When he subconsciously brushed his shaggy hair back behind his ear, an earring was visible, as well as glittery pink painted nails. 

He knew he would have to confront Lance about this at some point. He was afraid of Lance’s reaction. “Hey sport, I’m running out. I’ll be back in a couple hours. I actually have a surprise for you.”

“OK, Dad.”

Lance’s dad was about to walk back into the hallway when he turned back to him. “Son, I want to know what’s been going on with you.”

Lance looked up from her Chemistry book in fear. What does her dad know? “I’m fine, Dad. I’m just doing homework.”

“You’ve been crying.”

“No, I haven’t,” Lance lied, rubbing dried tears from her cheeks and realizing her fingers had makeup on them. “It’s nothing. Just school drama. Nothing I haven’t dealt with before.”

“You’re not being bullied again are you?”

“No, nothing like that.” Lance realized she should’ve lied.

“Lance, are you gay?”

Lance was taken by surprise. “Gay? No,” she said. Then she remembered what she and Mack talked about. She was likely a lesbian. What she did know is, she couldn't deal with this discussion right now. “Umm... It’s complicated, Dad.”

“OK, fine,” the elder Biggs tersely responded. “But I want to talk about it when I get back.”

“OK, Dad,” Lance reluctantly agreed.

Lance watched Dad walk out of the room, and a minute later heard him leave the house. She listened until his car pulled away before she got up and locked the bedroom door.

She shoved her backpack off the bed. It was hiding a sundress she had retrieved from Simone’s room earlier. It was white and yellow, and too short for school, but just looking at it made her happy. She needed to be happy. She got out of her boy clothes, put clean girl underwear on, and then pulled the dress over her head. 

As she looked in the mirror, she day-dreamed about being able to wear this around town and at the beach during the summer.

But she couldn’t get this afternoon’s events out of her mind. She was humiliated in front of her friends. Which friends were going to invite her to the beach now? How was she going to face school Monday? Hell, how was she going to face prom tomorrow?

She sat back on her bed and curled up, arms wrapped around a pillow. 

“Things were so much easier before we moved,” she whispered. Things were simpler. When she didn’t know what transgender was. When nobody was angry at her. She wasn’t embroiled in lies and deception. Hell, nobody even knew she existed. Hanging out in Simone’s shadow was safe, it was comfortable.

Lance could no longer put off talking to her dad. He knew something was up. Lance was not looking forward to his reaction. He always told her to “be a man.” He wouldn’t understand any of this.

What if he kicked her out? She had no money. No car. Where could she go? Zoey’s house? No, she didn’t want to burden Zoey’s family and possibly get her parents pissed at everyone as well. It seemed the only safe place was her old home - in California.

The thought of home pulled her in and made her more and more homesick for the life she had. She wanted to go home. Simone would know what to do. Mom would hug Lance and tell her everything would be alright. She wished she could just hop on a plane and fly back to California where everything made sense.

Lance then heard a knock at the front door. She looked through the window and saw Tyler standing on the porch. Curious, she slid open the window. “Tyler? What do you want? How do you even know where I live?”

“I wanted to apologize,” he said, walking over to the window to face Lance.

“Apologize?”

“For how I treated you at the party. I, um, may have gotten carried away.”

“Carried away? Tyler, you were all over me. You forced your tongue down my throat!”

“It was just heavy petting.”

“No, it was sexual assault, you asshole.”

“Whoa, whoa, let’s not label things. I was drunk. Dee forced- Sorry, Zoey said not to make excuses.”

“Why are you really here? Did Zoey send you?”

“No. I saw what happened this afternoon. I just wanted to make sure we’re cool.”

“Cool?”

“Like bros. No homo.”

“What?” Lance scoffed. “You came here worried because you thought - I thought - you might be gay?”

“I’m not gay,” Tyler said defiantly.

“Ok. But, you don’t have to convince me.”

“I mean… you are hot. For a dude in a dress. No offense.”

“None taken. Listen Tyler. I’m going through a lot of shit right now.”

“Oh. Right. Hey, I also came to give you a heads-up about Deanna.”

“What about her?”

“Well, she’s planning on humiliating you at prom.”

“She wants to humiliate me further? Didn’t she do enough damage this afternoon?”

“She wants the whole school to see. She wanted me to help her. But she’s way out of line. I came here to warn you instead.”

Lance was at a loss of words. Hearing Deanna was still out to get her, made her want to curl up into a ball and die. She already wanted to run home before this news. But now? Now, home was all that was on her mind. She couldn’t show up to school anymore, let alone prom. What else could she do? Where else could she go?

“I’m sorry,” Tyler stressed, seeing Lance deep in thought. “I’ll let you go. I just wanted to say sorry. I’m in your debt. Anything you need. You just ask.”

“Anything?”

“Sure,” Tyler confirmed. “Nothing gay though,” he added.

Lance shook her head. Was she really contemplating asking him for this favor? “Tyler, drive me to the airport.”

“Airport?” he asked, surprised. “Now?”

“Yeah. I kinda gotta get out of here.” Lance grabbed a pair of flats and her purse, hiked up the hem of her dress, and climbed out of the window.

“Which one? Philly, Newark, AC? Wait, why are you climbing out the window?”

“Whichever one gets me to Los Angeles. I locked my door. It gives me more time before my dad realizes I’m gone and comes looking for me.” Lance turned around and tried to close the window behind her, only managing to get it half-way down. “Can you give me a hand here?”

“Oh, sure bro, no problem,” Tyler said as he reached around Lance and pulled hard on the window. It still didn’t budge. “I think it’s jammed,” Tyler speculated.

“Just leave it, then,” Lance said. “I want to get going.”

Tyler thought about which airport his parents usually flew out of. “So, I think you want to go to Newark. But that’s over an hour drive.”

“Are you doing anything else?”

“No.”

“Then let's go.”

“Don’t you need any luggage?”

“No. I’m going back home. To California. I just want to get as far away from this mess as quickly as possible.”

They both walked to Tyler's car. Tyler got the passenger door for her. “Oh sorry. Forgot you're a dude.” Then he ran back around to the driver's side, leaving the passenger door ajar. Lance just shook her head and chuckled at Lance’s attempt at chivalry.

Lance got in the car. It smelled like bad cologne, so Lance was forced to roll down the window.

As they started driving, Lance’s curiosity got the better of her. “So what’s up with you and Zoey and Olivia? You come off very… stalker-ish.”

“I’m not a stalker. Girls at this school just play hard to get.”

“I see,” Lance said, rolling her eyes.

“It’s a long story,” Tyler added.

“OK,” Lance said, resuming her gaze out the window.

“So, it was the Friday before spring break,” Tyler began. “Zoey and Dee were in a ‘tude because Zoey had to back out of the Cancun trip because her family was going to a lake house instead. Zoey told me she was pissed at her parents, but didn’t show that to her friends. Instead she made it seem like she didn’t want to go to Cancun anyway. That pissed Dee off.”

Lance turned to face Tyler. “All of this is because of a vacation?”

“No. So, Dee comes up to me in private. She tells me Zoey cheated on me. At first I didn’t believe her. But she keeps feeding me details. At homecoming. When I was hanging out and having fun with the guys. Apparently she slipped away and hooked up with someone else.”

Lance was silently contemplating Tyler’s story. He didn’t realize Zoey had been the one to cheat.

“So, I confronted her. I asked her if she cheated. She wasn’t quick to deny it. But then she did. She promised me we’d talk about it after spring break. I was devastated. Zoey was my first girlfriend.

Lanced nodded. She knew that feeling. God, she hated that she had something in common with Tyler.

“So I’m at the country club with my parents. My parents are good friends with the Joneses - Olivia’s parents. So, Olivia and I had known each other in passing between encounters at the country club and various football events. Olivia asks why I was so depressed. I tell her this same story and she consoles me that afternoon. Listen. We’re both guys. Right? So you know when a girl gets that close to you. You start to misinterpret those signals. We were both drinking. I thought she was coming on to me. One thing led to another and we were making out. The next day she pretends nothing happened. So, I thought she was just playing hard to get. Or maybe we were moving too fast. Only now do I realize she wasn’t.

“So after spring break you dumped Zoey?”

“Yup. The first thing Monday morning. I was so over her drama. And - I thought I had a thing going with Olivia.”

“I heard about that. That was my first day of school.”

“I don’t remember seeing you there.”

“I was…” Lance explained. “I was dressed as a boy.”

“Oh, right,” Tyler replied. He looked at Lance and his gaze drifted to Lance’s smooth bare legs. Suddenly he blushed and returned his gaze back to the road in front of them. “Sorry. I wasn’t checking you out. I’m not into dudes. No offense.”

“Tyler-” Lance paused. She was contemplating telling him the truth, but worried about whether all of this would go over Tyler’s head. She needed to keep it simple. “I’m a girl.”

“Wait. I thought you were a guy dressed as a girl.”

“I’m transgender.”

“What the hell is that?”

“You know what, nevermind. Treat me like you would if you didn’t find out about me this afternoon.”

“So it’s OK to be attracted to you? It doesn’t make me gay?”

Lance sighed at Tyler’s hangup on being seen as gay. “I don’t know.”

“Oh,” he said, then paused for a moment in thought. “So if you’re a girl. And I’m a guy. You’re saying there’s a chance?”

“No,” Lance said, shaking her head in frustration. “Tyler, I’m a lesbian.”

“A lesbian?” Tyler echoed. “What does being in drama club have to do with anything?”

“Lesbian, not thespian!” Lance complained. “I’m attracted to girls. Only girls.”

“Ohh!” Tyler said, finally getting it. Then his face turned to disappointment. “Why are all the girls at this school lesbians?” he complained.

* * *

Zoey was nervously pacing around her room when Mack came home. 

“How was he?” Zoey asked with concern.

“How’d you know where I went?” Mack asked.

“You took my car without asking. There was really only one place you would go with a stolen car. Going on a quest to defeat orcs with Howard wasn’t one of them.”

“She saw me. We talked. I think she’s more concerned about her lies and disappointing her friends.”

“Did he say anything about me? About prom?”

“We didn’t discuss it. I was more concerned about… her… well being.”

“Then I should talk to… her?”

“You should.”

“What do I say?”

“Say what you feel. Make her know that you care more about her than your stupid bet.”

“OK.”

“And… prepare for the possibility she either won’t go to prom, or won't go with you.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Olivia was feeling very conflicted. One one hand, Simone, Lance or whatever his name was had lied to her and passed himself off as a girl. That really pissed her off. On the other hand, she was a lot of fun to hang out with. And Olivia had even fallen for him as a girl. “What if Simone isn’t trans? What if she is a boy? So he’s a feminine boy. Does it matter? I had fun with Simone. And Lance that one time. Unless that was all a lie too. How do I ever trust her again? Maybe I should at least give him a chance to tell me the full story. I’ve got to go see him and find out the truth.”

Olivia got in her car and headed over to Lance’s house. As she was driving she had more time to calm down and think about what had happened. So what if Simone was really Lance? Simone is a great person and a great friend and-”

Olivia knew what she wanted to say to Simone. She didn’t care who was behind the mask. She only cared about the person inside. Boy, girl, Simone, Lance - it didn’t matter.

* * *

Simone and her dad pulled up to the house. 

“We’re here,” he announced. He popped the trunk, got out of the car, unloaded his daughter’s suitcase, and wheeled it up to the house.

Simone casually got out of the car and retrieved her backpack and purse from the back seat. She was looking forward to seeing her twin brother and the new house. The street was dimly lit, but she noticed a feminine figure walking towards her. She figured it was just a late-night jogger until the shadowed figure spoke up.

“Simone,” the figure said.

“Yeah?” she said, squinting in the dark. She was surprised to hear her name so far from home. Who is this?

“I’m so sorry. I never should have judged and doubted you,” she cried. “I love you.” She then grabbed Simone and embraced her in a kiss.

Simone was in shock as this girl was kissing her. With tongue. The mysterious figure gently caressed Simone’s back. “Oh, wow!” she thought.  She hadn’t gotten a chance to make out with another boy in months.  And the spontaneity of this random girl really turned her on.  She gave in to the passionate embrace and kissed the stranger back.

The stranger let go of her. Simone could now see her clearly. A blonde girl around her height. Her admirer smiled. “See you tomorrow.”  She retreated back into the night.

Simone was still in a daze as Dad came out of the house. 

“Who was that walking away?” he asked.

“I…dunno,” Simone said, still reeling from the encounter. “I imagine I’m going to find out tomorrow, though.”

* * *

Zoey had parked a few houses down and was pacing. What was she going to say to Lance? Then she noticed a familiar car drive past. Lance's dad.

She ducked behind her own car and watched Dad and a feminine figure exit his car. “Is that Lance still in disguise?” she wondered. “Oh my God. Lance told his dad the truth!” At that moment, Zoey was so proud of him.

That moment quickly came to an end when Zoey spotted Olivia coming from the other end of the street. 

“What does she want?” Zoey whined.

Olivia and Lance exchanged a few inaudible words, then they embraced and kissed.

Zoey was too late. She cried as she leaned against her car. Perhaps she should just surrender and declare Olivia the winner over Lance’s heart.

Chapter 20 - Terminal

Midnight

Eighteen Hours Until Prom

Tyler had finally finished recounting his story about his relationship with Zoey. Lance was starting to doze off when Tyler announced he was hungry and pulled off the Parkway and into a drive through lane. White Castle. “Hey, Simone, you got any money?”

Lance pulled some cash out of her purse and handed it over to Tyler. She supposed it was only fair, given that Tyler was spending two hours on a round trip to the airport.

After they got some food, Tyler got back on the freeway and resumed his drive to the airport. They shared a sack of sliders as they drove.

“So, I finally got that date.” Tyler chuckled after he finished his fourth burger.

“You were going to take me to a fast food restaurant? And make me pay?” Lance scoffed.

“This isn’t fast food,” Tyler said, holding up another burger. “This…is White Castle,” he proudly exclaimed.

“It’s no In-N-Out Burger.”

“What’s that?”

“The best food in the world.”

“I highly doubt that, Simone. You’re in Jersey now.”

Lance shrugged and not much else was said on the drive to the airport.

After Tyler found an open spot between two families hugging and saying goodbye, Lance got out of the car and took a long look at the Departures sign. “Thank you Tyler.”

“Any time.” Tyler looked at his gas gauge. “Hey, bud... I mean babe. It’s a long drive here and back. You wouldn’t happen to have any gas money, would you?”

“Um, here’s a ten, Tyler.” Lance handed him a bill from her purse. “That's all I can spare right now.”

“Thanks.” Tyler started to put the car in gear, then stopped. “Hey, Simone.”

“Yeah?” Lance responded. She wondered if Tyler even knew her real name.

“Listen. I know you’re going through something. And I know what happened at school today sucked. But do you really think running away is the best idea?”

“Tyler, now isn’t the best time for this,” Lance replied. “What should I do? Go back to school? Go to prom so Dee can humiliate me even more? This time in front of the whole senior class?”

Tyler shrugged. “I’ve had times on the football field where I had to just man up and face my demons.”

“Ha. Man up,” Lance scoffed. “You sound like my dad.”

“Or woman up. Girl power. Whatever. If I was you, I’d roll up to prom in either a suit or a dress or whatever your fancy is and own it. Show everyone that ‘Simone’ doesn't give a shit. Strut into that prom with your arms around Zoey and Oliva and tell everyone you’re the biggest thespian in the world and everyone else can suck it. But that’s if I was you and I had both girls pining over me.”

Lance couldn’t hide her chuckles at Tyler’s choice of words. “Thank you for your pep talk,” she said sincerely. “But I have to do this.”

Tyler shrugged. “See you around, then.” He then drove away leaving her at the airport.

Lance walked up to the line for the check-in counter. 

After the three people in front of Lance were helped, the ticket agent looked at her, “How can I help you, miss?” 

She smiled at being called ‘miss.’ It reinforced her conversation with Mack. Maybe this whole trans thing was right. “I’m looking for a flight to Los Angeles,” Lance explained. 

“ID please?” she asked.

Lance handed the agent her driver's license from her purse. 

The lady scrutinized it. “This is a boy’s ID,” she said, handing it back to Lance.

“But..” she struggled to find the right words. “I… am a boy…” Her voice trailed off as she was no longer convinced of that fact anymore. She looked down at the dress she was wearing. She saw no signs of “Lance.” She gave the lady at the ticket counter a nervous smile.

“That wasn’t convincing at all, sweetie. Try again.” 

 “I umm… was going through a tomboy phase when I got my license?”

The lady rolled her eyes. It was nearing the end of her shift and her patience was wearing thin. “Departing when?”

“Um, as soon as possible.”

“We have a direct flight to Los Angeles that leaves in a few hours at 5:30 AM for $479 plus tax. How would you like to pay?”

Lance gulped. “Four hundred dollars?” 

“It’s going to be over five hundred with tax and fees.”

She reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet and opened it. There were a few bills in there left over after this week’s lunch and the gas money she just gave Tyler, but she then realized she kept her dad’s credit card in her boy wallet. A wallet which was currently sitting in her bedroom. She backed away from the counter ever so slowly, embarrassed she’d come all this way with no money.

The ticket agent sighed and yelled, “next.”

Lance, feeling more depressed than ever, sat down on an airport bench. It had been the worst day of her life. She buried her head in her hands and sobbed. All this way and she couldn’t even pay for a flight. It was the middle of the night and she couldn’t call anyone. Who would she call anyway? Not Dad. Maybe Zoey was still up. She was so embarrassed. Eventually her anxiety mixed with the exhaustion of the day caught up to her and she dozed off, curled up on the bench in the airport.

* * *

As time went by the noisy airport got quiet. Every time the automatic doors opened, the cool spring air would come in and make Lance shiver. She was cold and the bench she was sitting on was uncomfortable. Occasionally she’d wake just to stretch a bit and cry. 

Lance adjusted herself on the bench again, and the next thing she knew, someone was placing a warm jacket over her half-sleeping form. She looked up to see who it was.

“I’m sorry,” a lady with pink hair apologized. “I saw you shivering and couldn’t help myself.”

“Oh, umm, thanks,” Lance stuttered, sitting up. “I uhh…. It hasn’t been a good night for me.”

“Oh, was your flight delayed?”

“No. I left my money at home and couldn’t afford a ticket.” Lance started to sob. “Then I didn’t have anyone to call…” At that point Lance broke down into tears over the events of the past 24 hours.

“Oh, you poor thing.” The lady reached into her purse. “Here’s a tissue.”

“I’m so sorry, it’s just that-” She debated internally whether or not to tell this stranger everything.

“You know what?” the lady suggested. “My flight doesn’t leave for a few more hours. There’s a coffee shop down the concourse. Let’s go get something hot to drink and we can talk a little easier. Would you like that?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t have money-”

“Now, don’t you worry,” the lady assured Lance. “This is on me. I insist.”

Lance looked at the kind lady and managed a weak smile. “Thank you.”

“My name is Jena, and who might you be?”

Lance panicked before answering. “My name is…Lance,” she finally said, looking away.

Jena didn’t react at all. “Well, Lance, you’re a very pretty girl. Now, let’s go get ourselves something to drink. It sounds like you’ve got a lot on your mind and we can keep each other company for a while.”

She held out her hand and Lance gratefully took it, standing up and stretching her cramped muscles. They headed down the concourse to a mostly empty coffee shop. Lance sat down at a small table while Jena started towards the counter.

“What would you like, Lance?” Jena asked her kindly.

“Um, I’m not much of a coffee drinker. Could I please have some hot chocolate?”

“Sure, would you like some marshmallows on top? Or maybe whipped cream?”

Lance’s smile perked up at the mention of whipped cream. “Whipped cream would be great, thank you.”

As Jena headed up to the counter Lance considered her situation. It was the middle of the night, she couldn’t go home, she couldn’t call anyone, and this kind stranger wanted to keep her company. She was lost in thought when Jena returned with two steaming cups and a plate with some pastries on it.

“Oh, my God,” Lance bubbled. “Those look so good!” She wondered if Jena could hear her stomach rumbling. She hadn’t eaten anything in hours, and even then it was just a little. She hadn’t had much of an appetite riding with Tyler.

“Well, then, help yourself,” Jena said, pushing the plate towards Lance.

Lance all but attacked the plate of goodies she was so hungry. Jena chuckled and picked one up after Lance was already munching away.

“You look like you haven’t eaten in a while,” Jena remarked.

“I had a single White Castle slider hours ago,” Lance admitted. “I screwed up. Not only did I leave my credit card at home, I gave my ride almost all my cash for gas and food. I don’t even have enough left for a vending machine or a payphone.”

“So, Lance, what brought you to the airport in the first place?” Jena inquired. “It seems like it was a spur-of-the-moment thing for you.”

“I’m trying to get home.”

“Where’s home? How’d you end up in Newark, New Jersey of all places?”

Lance looked her in the eye for a long moment before deciding she could trust her new acquaintance with the whole story. “It all started when I moved here from California. I had to enroll in school…” Lance told her everything. Jena listened patiently, and displayed complete empathy when Lance went over the worst parts, reaching out and taking her hand. “...and so I decided I had to leave and go back to my old home.” When Lance finished catching Jena up on her situation she breathed a big sigh of relief. It felt like a giant weight had been lifted from her shoulders. 

Jena excused herself from the table. “I think we're going to need more food and drinks.” When she returned, Lance was visibly more relaxed.

“Here you go, take as much as you want,” Jena said. This time she had egg sandwiches and doughnuts on the plate. Lance took a sandwich and the hot chocolate, and slowly ate while Jena spoke.

“That is quite a story, Lance. I can see why you might feel the only solution is to run away, back to the safety of your old home.” Jena paused before continuing. “I’m afraid, though, that whatever troubles you’re trying to escape from are just going to catch up with you eventually. Not necessarily the people. In a few days, many of them will be gone from your life forever. Such is high school. But finding acceptance in yourself - that will go with you everywhere.”

“But, I just don’t think I can handle this.”

“I think you can,” Jena said with such positivity that it sparked a belief inside that maybe she could.

“How many friends would you say you’ve made since moving here?”

“Well, I made a lot,” Lance admitted. “But I was pretending to be someone else. And I lied to all of my friends, and now they’re angry with me.”

“Lance, from what you told me, you stopped pretending to be your sister a long time ago.” Jena drove home her point. “Once she got you in the door, so-to-speak, you just started being your true self. That’s why it was so easy for you to make friends. You were no longer trying to fool anyone about your true nature. You’re not running from them. You’re running from yourself.”

“You seem like you have some experience-”

“Let’s just say I’ve dealt with this before, Lance,” she broke in. “I went through issues with acceptance by my own family.”

“Really?”

“When I look at you, I see a younger version of myself.”

Lance nodded. Maybe Jena was right. Maybe running away was wrong. She needed to stand up for herself, even if it meant facing disapproval.

“Thank you for everything, Jena,” Lance said with warmth and resolve. “You’re right, running away isn’t going to solve anything. I think I really just needed support. I wanted my mother and sister."

“I think you have more support here than you realize. In fact, I wish I had your friends when I was your age.”

Lance smiled when she thought of her friends. Zoey, Mack, and Olivia. Each of them had shown support and never once put her down. Even girls like Peggy and Trudy treated her like a girl and never stopped to question it.

They chatted a little while longer. Lance asked Jena where she was flying to.

“Well, remember I told you I had experience in family acceptance?” Jena asked. “I hadn’t spoken to my mother in over ten years. She called me last month. She has cancer, and it’s not going well.

“Oh, my God, Jena,” Lance cried. Here you’ve been helping me with my problems and you’ve got some huge issues of your own. I’m so sorry for taking up all your time.”

“Don’t worry about it, Lance,” Jena assured him. I have a feeling our paths were meant to cross tonight.”

Then Jena checked her watch and announced, “Well, Lance, let’s get cleaned up and then I’ll be on my way.”

The two stood up, and Lance gave Jena a hug. 

“How can I ever repay you?” Lance asked.

“Don’t pay me,” Jena replied. “Pay it forward. Someone else will need help down the road and you can do what I did tonight.”

Lastly, Jena reached into her purse and pulled out a few dollars. “Call your dad, Lance.”

Lance took the money and thanked her benefactor again.

And with that, Jena was off to catch her flight. Lance headed back to the chair she was trying to sleep in when Jena had come to her aid. She sat down and started to replay the events over in her mind. This time, instead of despair, she felt…hope. She checked the time. It was three o’clock in the morning. She vowed to call her dad at a more reasonable hour. And with that she settled into a restful slumber.

* * *

8 AM

Ten Hours Until Prom

Simone knocked on Lance’s locked bedroom door. “Lance, good morning. It’s me. Simone.”

“Still no answer?” Dad asked with increasing concern.

He walked up to the door. “Lance. Son. Open up.”

Silence.

Dad shook his head, reached above the door jamb for the emergency key, found it, and shoved it into the door knob and the lock popped open.

Dad and Simone entered the room. The light was on and a breeze from the open window was blowing the curtain around. But Lance was not in there.

“Where do you think he went?” Simone asked.

“He was upset last night about something. And he’s been hanging out with his friend Zoey quite a bit lately. Maybe he went to have her console him about whatever was going on last night.”

Simone nodded. “I’ve got one of his friend’s numbers.” She grabbed the cordless phone from Lance’s room and brought it to her own room. She opened her luggage and looked for a piece of paper she had written a number down on. She found it. She was about to dial the number when she noticed something on her dresser. She walked up to it and examined it. It was a sketch. A woman in a prom dress. It was gorgeous. She then walked up to the closet. All of the clothes she had shipped here with her father and brother were hanging up. She also saw some tops and dresses she didn’t recognize. 

Then she saw it. 

She pulled out the prom dress wrapped in clear plastic. She pulled the plastic off and brought it to the mirror. “Oh Lance,” she mumbled. “What did you get yourself into?”

She dialed the number on the paper.

“Good morning, Lance,” Mack answered.

“Mack, it’s Simone.”

“Oh hi, Simone, I assume you had a good flight.”

“I did, but my brother is missing.”

* * *

“What do you mean she’s missing?” Zoey asked Mack. “I saw her last night.”

“What time?” Mack asked.

“I dunno. Around 10, 10:30? After me and you chatted. I went over to tell her how I felt. Olivia beat me to her.”

“She did?”

“Yeah. They were making out in the street,” Zoey said with disappointment.

“I think that might’ve been Simone.”

“I know, she was dressed up. I imagine she came out to her dad too.”

“No. The real Simone.”

“What? Lance’s sister? She’s here? Since when?”

“Since last night around 10, 10:30.” She chuckled.

“So, you’re saying Lance ran away?”

“That's what me and Simone think.”

“And how do you know Simone?”

“We’ve been chatting since the night of Peggy's party. She’s been helping me get stuff for the prom. For Lance.”

“She knows?”

“Kinda. It’s a long story, Zo. Let’s focus on Lance. Where would he go?”

“I don't know. There’s not many places she could get on foot.”

"So if Lance was not there, then who was making out with Olivia?”

“Umm.. the real Simone, I guess?”

The phone rang and both sisters looked at each other.

Zoey ran and picked up the phone. “Lance?”

“It’s Tyler,” the voice on the phone replied.

Zoey sighed. “Tyler, this isn’t a good time-”

“It’s about Simone,” he interrupted her.

“What about Simone?”

“I drove him or her to the airport last night.”

“You drove her to the airport?” Zoey raised her voice. “Why would you do that?”

“She told me to. Besides I told her Dee was planning to out her at prom and she decided to just go home. Home to California.”

Zoey sighed and rubbed her temples. “How long ago was this?”

“Around midnight. I’m sorry Zoey. I tried to stop her.”

“It’s OK,” she said. “Which airport?”

“Newark.”

“Newark?”

“Listen, I’m sorry. I’m done being Dee’s pawn. She's the one who encouraged me to break up with you. It was a mistake. Maybe we can try again-”

“Tyler, that’s not going to happen. Me and you were never a good fit. You breaking up with me helped open my eyes to it. I see that now. But I do appreciate you telling me about Simone.”

“OK, Zo. Good Luck. If there’s anything you need just ask.”

“Thanks, Tyler.” She hung up the phone. She turned to Mack who had a surprised look on her face. “Tyler took Lance to Newark airport.”

“When?”

“Last night.”

“Why?”

“She was so upset about everything that happened yesterday. Plus, Tyler told her Dee is planning to humiliate her in front of everyone at the prom. Tyler said she wanted to go home to California.”

“Dee is such a bitch!” Mack cursed.

“I know, but the important thing right now is to go find Lance. We don’t even know if he really flew home. Get ready, you can help.”

* * *

Lance awoke to the hustle and bustle of the airport in the morning. She had a crick in her neck from the way she had fallen asleep on the airport chairs. She wondered what time it was. The airport was very busy and it appeared she slept a while after not getting enough sleep in the early morning. She spotted the time on the wall. “Noon!” she exclaimed out loud.

She looked around and remembered her time with Jena. She realized she had made a mistake in running away. She needed to go home. To her new home. She’d have to face the music at school. But she had friends now. If they forgave her.

She walked over to the convenience store and changed out the bills Jena gave her for coins to make a phone call. She stood at the payphone deciding who to call. She was still too embarrassed to call her dad. So she called Zoey.

The phone rang and rang. When it finally answered Lance started to speak. Then she heard the outgoing answering machine message. She just hung up, not really knowing what to say. She was even more discouraged at this point.

* * *

There was a knock at the front door. Lance and Simone’s dad opened it to reveal Zoey and Mack.

“Zoey? Mackenzie?” he reacted with surprise. “Lance isn't here right now.”

“We’re actually here to see Simone,” Zoey said, forcing her way in while pulling Mack inside behind her. 

“Where's Lance? I thought he was with you,” Mr. Biggs said as he watched the girls come in. They didn’t answer him. “Lance sure has some weird friends,” he thought. He curiously looked at Mackenzie. Sure, he met her yesterday, but today she didn’t have makeup on. She had one of those faces that reminded him of someone. He couldn’t put his finger on it so he shrugged it off.

Zoey and Mack rushed down the hall to Simone’s room. 

Zoey stopped at the threshold and saw Simone on the bed. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked at the girl whom she had never met but looked very much like the girl she had fallen for. “Oh my God! You are twins.”

“You must be Zoey,” Simone chuckled, getting up off the bed to meet her visitors. “So do you know where Lance went?”

“She - I mean he - went to the airport,” Zoey explained.

“Why the airport?” Simone questioned. “And it's OK, I know about my brother,” Simone smiled. “Well, I didn’t actually know, but deep down I knew. Lance was never like any other boys. He was more of a sister than a brother. But he hasn’t come out to me. Not yet, anyway.”

“He hasn't come out to me either. But I kinda have a thing for… her.”

“Lance came out to me,” Mack added. “But I imagine she’ll want to tell each of you in her own way."

“Why the airport?” Simone repeated.

“She asked my ex-boyfriend to take her there,” Zoey explained. 

“We were kinda hoping she’d call here this morning since you called me.” Mack added.

“She was attempting to run home - to your home.” Zoey was on the verge of tears. “I’m so sorry, Simone. This is all my fault. All of it. If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t have run away. I pushed her too far. I put her up to this bet. And I didn’t protect her.”

“It’s OK,” Simone assured her. “It’s not anyone’s fault.”

Zoey slowly nodded but wasn’t convinced.

“So, what's the plan?” Simone asked.

Mack pulled a printout from her pocket. “Here’s the flights from Newark to Los Angeles today. Lance could be on any one of these - or none of them - if she never left.”

"Wow, Mack," Simone gushed. "You really come prepared." 

Zoey rolled her eyes. "Nerd," she coughed out, hand covering her mouth. 

Mack wasn’t phased. "Bimbo!" she loudly retorted. 

"I think I'm going to like hanging out with you two," Simone giggled. "So do you really think Lance is on one of those planes?" she asked, pointing at the list. 

“It’s our opinion she… I mean your brother… isn’t on any of them,” Zoey emphasized.

“Lance can’t afford an airline ticket,” Mack explained. “Unless she used your dad’s credit card.”

“And the person who took her to the airport said all she had was a purse. I know for a fact that she doesn’t keep any credit cards and minimal cash in her purse.” She took a deep breath and announced. “I’m going to the airport to get Lance. She’s my responsibility.”

“We don’t even know if she’s there,” Mack countered.

“She’s there. I just know it. I have to try. I owe it to her.”

“I’m coming with you,” Simone added.

“Wait. I think you should stay here.”

“Why?” Simone looked quizzically at both Zoey and Mack.

“I need you to fill in for Lance… at the prom,” Zoey said, looking at Simone. “In case we don’t make it back in time.”

“You want me to go to the prom as my brother?”

“Actually you’re going to prom as yourself,” Zoey laughed.

“Well, technically you’d be going as your brother pretending to be you,” Mack corrected. “I’m sure there’s a subtle difference.”

“And when he comes back?” Simone asked.

“You’ll switch places so he can enjoy her own prom,” Zoey suggested. “Listen, I know this is weird. I know Lance would never admit it, but he’s looking forward to this. And if ‘Simone’ isn’t at prom, she can’t win prom queen.”

“Is this about your bet?” Simone stared hard into Zoey’s eyes and put her hands on her hips. Her look and posture demanded complete honesty.

“I swear to you it isn’t,” she said with absolute sincerity. “Lance wanted visibility. He… she wants this. She wants to be prom queen. I’m doing this for her. Not for my stupid bet anymore.”

Simone sighed. “So what do I have to do?”

“Around 4, your date, Olivia will arrive here to pick you up. She’s taking you to dinner at a fancy restaurant and then to prom.”

“Olivia? You’re not my date, Zoey?”

Zoey blushed and looked at the floor. “Um, I kept putting it off and then Olivia asked her first.” 

“When all this is over we’re going to have to have a nice chat about your intentions with my brother.”

“OK,” Zoey timidly nodded. “Oh, and at prom, you need to steer clear of Deanna.”

“Who’s Deanna?”

“My former best friend. She’s the one I made the bet with. I think she’s jealous I’ve been spending more time with Lance than her. Don’t trust her. Just… avoid her.”

“No problem. I’ve had my fair share of dealings with the Queen Bitches at my school.”

Zoey smiled. “Alright, I’ll try to find Lance and come back as soon as I can.” 

After Zoey left the house, Simone turned to Mack. “Is that sketch from you?”

“It is,” Mack smiled.

“It's beautiful.”

“Lance wanted something based on your prom dress.”

“But still. If you’re doing all this to Lance, I bet she will look prettier than I did last weekend.”

“I’m sure we can relax a bit,” Mack said. “I left enough time to do Lance’s makeup, but I don’t need to do yours.”

“Why not?” Simone asked with a smile. “I've never had a professional do it. Plus, you’re going to do Lance’s makeup later, we should have the same thing done.”

“OK, let's get started.”

“So tell me about ‘Simone’,” the real Simone said, as Mack was laying out makeup, clips and various accessories.

“What would you like to know?”

“She’s popular? She’s nominated for prom queen?”

“She made friends very quickly. At first, Lance was channeling you, but once she came out of her shell, she made everyone feel comfortable around her. Including those that were initially uncomfortable when we hadn’t perfected her image.”

“How many people know she’s a guy?”

“There’s a few people that know she’s trans. A few think that they know the truth about the bet. Most people only saw and heard what they wanted to.”

“I’m so proud of him... I mean her. I knew something was up when she talked about making new friends. You. Zoey. Olivia. Oh, speaking of… is Olivia my height? Blonde?”

“Yes, she is. Why?”

Simone touched her finger to her lips and smiled at the memory. “I think we already met. Are Olivia and Lance…”

“Love triangles are complicated,” Mack answered. “Both Zoey and Olivia are into Lance. I don’t know if Lance has a preference. If she did, she might not tell me since one of the girls in question is my sister.”

“Wow,” Simone said. “I have to meet this new Lance. Not one, but two girls. I’m almost jealous.”

“Oh,” Mack said with a raised eyebrow. “Olivia must’ve made some impression on you.”

Simone blushed. “Um. Yeah. You could say that.”

“And you’re going to dinner and then prom with her.”

Simone’s cheeks burned an even brighter red. “I uh… better shower and get ready then.”

When Simone was in the shower, the phone rang. Mack saw that it was an unknown number. Despite this not being her house, she picked it up anyway. “Biggs Residence.”

“Mack?”

“Lance? Where are you?”

“I’m at the Newark airport.”

“Oh thank god. Zoey is coming to get you! Stay put.”

Chapter 21 - The Prom

3 PM
Three Hours Until Prom

Zoey pulled her car into the Departures Ramp for Terminal A and found a spot between two other cars where families were saying goodbye to each other. 

As she left the car running and ran into the ticketing terminal, a bellhop complained, “Hey! This is a no-parking zone!”

Zoey ignored the bellhop and just kept running. She wished she had asked Tyler which terminal he dropped Lance off at. She knew Tyler’s lazy tendencies and took an educated guess that it would be the first one.

She ran through the terminal. She didn’t know which airline Lance would have gone to. When she got to the end she turned back around and ran the other way, trying to spot any sign of Lance. 

Having had no luck, she then decided to try the next terminal. She hopped back into her car and drove to the next, repeating her frantic searching.

When she got back to where she came in, she was out of breath. Maybe Lance did get on a flight? Did she lose her forever? She noticed her eyes were watery as she brushed them with the back of her hand.

How did this all happen? Six weeks ago she had a predictable life. A boyfriend. A college plan. Two good friends. Now everything in her life was complete chaos. Worst of all, she may have put the first person she may have truly loved in danger. “Fuck!” she loudly cursed.

“Zoey?” a voice called out from behind her.

She turned around and saw Lance sitting on a bench near the entrance. “Lance!” She then ran to her.

Lance stood up from her bench and they embraced in a hug. “Don’t get on that flight,” Zoey pleaded. “Let me take you home, instead. Everything will be alright.”

“I never booked a flight,” Lance smirked. 

Zoey smiled, and cried tears of joy. “Oh, thank God. I’m so sorry,” she apologized. “I shouldn’t have forced you into any of this.”

“It’s OK,” Lance replied. “I was a willing participant. I wanted it so bad. But… I hurt everyone in the process.”

“I’m sorry I led you on. I fell for you. Not boy you. Girl you. That’s why I’ve been so wishy-washy. I-I’m a lesbian, Lance. But, I was in denial. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Lance looked at her and smiled. “Then is it a good thing I’m transgender?”

Zoey smiled back. “Well, I may be a little biased, but yeah. You know, maybe after this whole prom thing, we could go on a date? If you’re not already taken, that is.”

“Olivia and I are just friends…I think. But I’d like that.  So, Zoey Sellers, Most Popular Girl in School wants to date… me?”

Zoey was overfilled with joy that she finally was able to tell Lance the truth, and she wasn’t too late. “Umm. why not? You are the future prom queen.”

Lance chuckled, then his expression turned to one of worry.  “What about prom? Won’t that be starting soon?”

“Yes, we should get going if we want to make it.”

“Will we get home in time?”

“Depending on traffic, we’ll likely be a little late,” Zoey explained. 

“And I’m starving. I need something to eat.”

“That too. But don’t worry - we got someone to stand in for you.”

“Who?”

* * *

There was a knock at the door, and Mr. Biggs got up from the couch to answer it. He opened the door to find a pretty girl his kids’ age, dressed in a flowing prom dress. “Umm,” he said, confused. “Hello?”

“Hi, Mr. Biggs,” she announced. “I’m Olivia. I’m Simone’s prom date.”

“Wait, you’re, umm, Bob’s daughter,” he said, recognizing her from the carnival. “Hold on, Simone? Has a date to… prom? Here?”

Before Olivia could answer, Simone came around the corner wearing an elaborate lavender dress. Her hair was pinned up and braided, and she was wearing a classy necklace that drew Olivia’s eyes down to her cleavage. “Simone,” Olivia gleefully said, stepping into the house.

“Olivia,” Simone responded with a warm smile. She looked Olivia over and was stunned. This was the first time Simone saw Olivia in the light. Her long blond wavy locks came down and laid lightly upon her bare shoulders. Her pale blue dress glistened when she stood at the door. Her body language was one of familiarity and Simone had to remind herself that this gorgeous woman was here for her brother, not her.

Dad was confused. “Simone, I didn’t know you were going to prom here?” He looked again at Olivia. He wanted to ask the obvious question. His daughter was bringing an attractive young lady to prom. His boss’s daughter, in fact. Should he call Bob? But he decided to be the hip dad and not question it. Instead he asked the other question on his mind. “Where’s Lance? When did he come home? I thought he was going to go to prom too.”

“Lance is already with his prom date.” Simone said evasively. “Love ya, Dad. We’ll be home before midnight.”

“Wait,” Dad implored, flustered. “Shouldn’t I be taking pictures or something? This is typically your mother’s thing.”

“Sure,” Simone said, digging a disposable camera out of her clutch - Lance’s clutch.

Simone and Olivia posed as Dad took a few pictures. Simone felt a hand creep down and grab her ass. She turned and whispered to her date. “Behave! There’s plenty of time for that later.”

Olivia giggled and made a pleasant yum sound.

Simone couldn’t help but crack a smile - before Dad said, “Say cheese.”  This was going to be an interesting night and she was excited to see where it went.

When the photos were taken, Dad handed back the camera and the two girls left the house leaving Dad even more confused than when Olivia arrived. “Did Lance even come home? Why is Simone going to prom at Lance’s school? She already went to her own prom last weekend. How did she get a date so fast? My daughter is going to prom with my boss’s daughter?”

As Simone and Olivia walked to her car, Oliva cooed, “I love how you said Lance is already with his prom date.” She then squeezed Simone’s hand tighter.

A confused Simone wondered if Olivia thought her and Lance were the same person. It was one of many questions she wanted answered tonight.

* * *

A short drive later, Olivia parked and the pair walked hand in hand inside the fancy restaurant.

“Reservation for Olivia Jones,” she told the hostess.

The two were escorted to a table that overlooked the bay.

“Wow, this is great,” Simone said, taking it all in. “Dinner on the water. I'll bet the sunsets look magnificent from here," Simone mused.

“They do. But the sun sets behind you.” She pointed towards the west. 

“Oh well, I’m sure it's beautiful anyway. This is a nice spot.”

“Wait until you try their food!” Olivia gushed. “My parents come here all the time. They park their boat right there and we come inside for lunch.”

“Wow, you have a boat?”

“Would you like to go out on it sometime? My dad has been teaching me how to drive it.”

“Hell, yeah!”

“So, Simone,” Olivia said, grabbing her hands across the table. “What convinced you to make that bet?”

Simone sighed. “I kinda don't want to talk about the bet. I’m here on a date with you. I want this to be about us. About prom.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“So, tell me about that gorgeous dress you’re wearing,” Simone said, changing the subject.

“Well, my mom has a friend who is a dressmaker, and she worked with me to get the look I wanted.”

“It certainly looks amazing on you.”

“Thanks, it took her a long time to get all the material. What about your dress?”

“Mack helped me pick it out,” Simone admitted. “She has a real flair for costumes and makeup.”

“Your makeup looks so professional,” Olivia gushed. “It’s so amazing. It’s hard to believe that under all of that is-”

“A girl,” Simone cut her off. “Just like you.”

“You’re right,” Oliva apologized, shaking her head. “I’m sorry for implying something. Your makeup is smok’n hot, though.”

Just then the server showed up to get their drink orders. After ordering Diet Cokes with a twist of lemon the girls resumed their conversation.

“So, what are you doing after graduation?” Olivia asked.

Inside, Simone was squirming. She didn’t know what Lance might have already told her, and didn’t want to say anything conflicting. “I’m really not sure anymore,” Simone confessed. “These last few weeks have been a real eye-opener for me. I’m seeing possibilities that I never really considered before.”

“Well, you certainly seemed to enjoy our time in Chem class,” Olivia said. “Maybe you could become a chemist at one of the big companies out here.”

Simone smiled.  Chemistry was her thing, not Lance’s. In fact she was already accepted to a California university for chemistry. She wondered if Lance mentioned college at all. “Maybe you’re right. I could design the next super-polymer. Or maybe a diet drink that tastes better than this,” Simone mused, holding up her glass.

At that, Olivia started giggling, and that caused Simone to join in. Both girls seemed to relax and just get into the moment.

“Maybe I can pull off pretending to be Lance pretending to be me,” thought Simone. “So what haven’t we talked about in Chem?”

“You don’t mention cheerleading at your old school too much.”

“We won regionals this past winter,” Simone beamed.

“Girl, why didn't you say anything? I could’ve gotten you on the squad for the spring. We could’ve been cheering together for the past six weeks.”

“It was so late in the season, I didn’t want to take a spot from someone who's been here all year.”

“I suppose that’s fair. I guess I just want to spend more time with you.” Then Olivia caught Simone totally off guard. "Hey, have you talked to Rory since the cake incident?" 

Simone was at a loss. No one had mentioned a ‘Rory’ or a cake. Did something funny happen? She tried to be as evasive as possible. 

"Um, no," she said truthfully. 

"Well, I doubt he'll be showing his face around school anytime soon. You really taught him women are not objects to be cheated on." 

"Wow," Simone thought. "Lance has certainly been busy since he started school here. I can't wait to find out all the details of this story."

Simone wanted to ask Olivia some questions, but she had no idea what she and Lance had already discussed. So she tried to focus outside of school. "So, what do you like to do for fun? Do you go to the beach very often?" 

“I do. I love the beach.” Olivia responded with excitement.

“How are the waves here?”

“The waves? They’re OK, I guess.”

“Do you surf?”

“I tried it a few times but I always wiped out. I even lost my bikini top!” Olivia laughed.

Her laugh was infectious, so Simone joined in. “That must’ve been a sight! You have to wear a rash guard. Well, that’s settled then. I’ll have to teach you. Providing Jersey actually has… waves.”

* * *

6 PM

The Prom

Simone and Olivia walked into the school with their arms locked together. Almost immediately girls started coming up to Simone and complimenting her dress and hugging her. A few guys wanted a closer look at the beautiful girl in the stunning dress, and stopped by to say hi and brag that they voted for her.

Simone, of course, didn’t know anyone who approached her. Finally, she saw a familiar face in the crowd. Mack was there with her date. Simone tugged Olivia along as she headed over to Zoey’s sister. 

“Hey, girl!” Simone said to Mack, even though they had only just seen each other a few hours ago when Mack finished up her makeup.

“Hey, Simone. You look gorgeous!” she gushed, trying to avoid looking prideful at her work.

“Hi, um…you look…” Christopher said, eyeing Simone up and down unsure of himself. “You look like a real girl.”

Simone leaned in towards Christopher and whispered, “That’s because I am a real girl.”

“Christopher, we talked about this,” Mack lightly scolded him. “Trans girls are girls.” Mack then winked at Simone.

“It’s just confusing to me,” Christopher added. “She was a girl for six weeks, then she was a guy last night. Now she’s a girl again...”

“You’re doing great,” Simone smiled at Christopher with encouragement.

Christopher smiled back and decided that as long as Simone was happy he wouldn't worry about it.

Simone then pulled Mack aside and whispered, “Mack, I need your help. I don’t know any of these people, yet they all think they know me.”

“Here’s a quick primer,” she whispered back. “My date is Christopher. He went on one date with Simone until she told him she was into girls.”

“Well that explains why he’s kinda upset and confused.”

“The girl who you said hi to before me is Trudy. She’s with the school paper and she and Simone have hung out a few times to play video games.”

“Cool, but it’s kinda weird when you call my brother by my name.”

“I know. I really wanted Lance to give me a different name, but she was too much in denial and confusion to even think of one.”

“We’ll have to work on that with her then,” Simone promised. 

“This girl coming up to us is Peggy,“ Mack whispered. “She’s one of Zoey’s best friends. She knows the truth about Lance and the bet.”

“Oh my God, Simone!” Peggy said, leaving her date. “You look absolutely radiant!”

“Thank you, Peggy!” Simone replied, blushing again. “I love your dress.”

“Thank you.” Peggy glanced down at her dress. “My dad thought it was too revealing, but you know how dads are. I think it’s just right. I’m so glad you decided to come tonight after yesterday’s drama.”

“I decided it was important to me to face the school, and not let Dee ruin my prom.” 

“You are so brave,” Peggy praised Simone. “Is Zoey here with you?” She asked as she scanned the room.

“I think she’s showing up later.” 

“Great. Save me a dance!” Peggy giggled, pulling her own date towards the cafeteria and dance floor.

Simone and Mack returned to their dates.

“Simone,” Olivia asked, “would you like to get a picture with the professional photographer?”

“I’d love to,” Simone confirmed.

“Hey, Mack,” Simone called out. “We’re headed over to get our picture taken. Do you and Christopher want to join us?” She wasn’t comfortable yet being too far from the only person who knew the truth about her identity.

“Sure,” replied Mack, and they headed off.

As the four of them walked down the hall to get in line for the photographer, they passed a sullen Deanna. She stared daggers as the smiling and giggling Simone sauntered by. 

Deanna looked around and saw Mack, but didn’t see Zoey. She was surprised that Zoey wasn’t here to see if she would win her bet. Still, Deanna was angry that Lance was here. He was supposed to be too humiliated to show his face at prom. “I guess I’ll have to carry out the next part of the plan,” she mumbled to herself.

After the group passed Dee, Mack leaned in and whispered to Simone, “That was Dee back there. She looked surprised to see you here.”

“Well, I get the feeling there are going to be a lot of surprises tonight,” Simone giggled.

“Just watch your back,” Mack advised, “Dee is not someone to be trusted.”

* * *

Zoey drove as fast as traffic would allow, and filled Lance in on what had happened while she was at the airport. Lance was having a hard time accepting that her sister - the real Simone - was here in town.

“So my twin sister is going as me to prom?” Lance repeated, unable to believe it. “And she knows I've been crossdressing and pretending to be her?”

“Yes.”

Worry and dread filled Lance. “I’m not sure I can go anymore,” she sighed. “I don’t think I can look her in the eye.”

“Simone is not angry, Lance,” Zoey comforted her. “In fact, she’s looking forward to seeing you there.”

“What about Dee?”

“Simone, Mack, and Christopher all know about Dee. They can handle her.”

“Then you still want me to go to prom?”

“Absolutely!” Zoey replied enthusiastically.

“So, what am I supposed to do? I don't have a…” Lance looked wistfully out the car window. “...a dress. I don’t have a date.” Lance hesitated. “Well, I had a date with Olivia, but she’s probably still mad at me about the bet.”

“You have a date if you want,” Zoey smiled and reached for Lance’s hand and squeezed it.

Although excited at the prospect of attending prom with Zoey, Lance thought that was a lukewarm proposal. She wanted Zoey to be more assertive and formal. This would be her only prom. “Would you mind…can you ask me officially?” Lance inquired.

Zoey glanced at her quickly then returned her eyes to the road. She cleared her throat. “Lance Biggs, would you do me the honor of being my date for the prom tonight?”

“I’ll have to think about it,” Lance replied flatly. Then a moment later she smiled, “Nah, I’m just teasing, of course I accept,” Lance smiled. Internally she was gleeful she got asked twice to the same prom. “So now what do I wear?”

“Since your sister is wearing your prom dress, do you have another dress you can wear?”

“None that are prom-worthy.”

“Damn.”

“What if I wore a suit? I can go as ‘Lance’ since Simone is already going as… ‘Simone.’ I have a suit that I wore to my Aunt's wedding a few years ago. It might still fit.”

“That could work. It’d get us in.”

“Are you OK going to prom with Lance instead of Simone?”

“Of course,” Zoey immediately answered.

Lance was OK with Zoey’s response, but internally she wondered if Zoey was OK going with ‘Lance’ so she could avoid being seen with a girl as a date tonight.

“Olivia is going with Simone. I’m going with you.”

“Wait, you mean Simone still went with Olivia? I thought Olivia was still mad at me.”

Zoey remembered the scene from last night with Olivia and Simone. “Umm. I think she forgave you. But since Simone’s pretending to be you pretending to be her-”

“But she is Simone!”

Zoey shrugged.

“What’s Olivia going to say when she realizes Simone is not me? I’m not sure who to be concerned about. Olivia or Simone,” Lance wondered out loud.

Zoey changed the subject. “We’re gonna have to stop at my house, on the way to yours, so you can change,” Zoey stated. Your dad is home, and you’re wearing a sundress - a very cute one, I might add.”

“We don’t have time,” Lance said, before taking a large breath. “Let me just face the music.”

“Are you sure?” Zoey asked. “Your dad might not be ready to see you in that. You might not be ready.”

“I’m sure. I’m ripping the bandage off.”

“OK...” Zoey said, giving in. She parked in front of Lance’s house and ran around the car to get her prom dress and bag of accessories from the back.

They walked into his house and past Lance’s confused father, who put his newspaper down to watch the two teens walk through the living room.

“Hi, Dad,” Lance announced, still in girl mode, complete with wig and dress.

Dad watched them go by. “That looked like Simone,” he thought, “but that was Lance’s voice. And Zoey was with him. “Lance?” he called out.

“We don’t have time to talk right now,” she said dismissively, as she started down the hall to her bedroom.

Was his son wearing a wig and a short dress? Dad wanted to ask Lance about his appearance, but instead he remarked, “I thought you both were at prom.”

“We’re running late,” Lance shouted from her room before shutting the door. She turned to Zoey, “I need to take a quick shower. I was in that airport all night and all day. I think I can still smell it on myself..” 

“I can get all of our clothes ready,” Zoey suggested.

Lance grabbed a towel and left the bedroom to head to the shower. Lance quickly showered, shaved her legs, chest, and face, and returned to her bedroom with a towel wrapped around her waist. While Lance was gone Zoey had laid Lance’s suit out for her.

“That was the only suit in your closet,” Zoey said as she was pulling a red sequined dress out of her garment bag.

“That’s it,” Lance replied, pulling a pair of boxers on while still wearing the towel. They both turned around as Lance discarded the towel.

They started out facing away from each other out of modesty, but Lance’s curiosity got the best of her and she turned around to see Zoey standing there in just a bra and panties. Zoey caught her peeking, causing Lance to turn red and quickly go back to what she was doing.

Suddenly, Lance felt hands grab her waist. 

“Turn around,” Zoey commanded.

Lance slowly complied.

Zoey looked at Lance’s face, but this time she was able to see the girl beneath the masculine exterior. “I should’ve done this a long time ago,” Zoey said with determination in her voice. She tilted her head and slowly pulled Lance in for a kiss.

Lance closed her eyes as their lips met. She had never tasted anything as sweet and wonderful and sensual in her life. She could have skipped prom to spend all night locked in this romantic embrace. Zoey seemed to feel the same way.

They passionately kissed each other until Lance felt her erection graze Zoey’s thigh. They both pulled away, turning red, and resumed getting dressed.

Lance was wearing a navy suit with a white shirt. She found a red tie that would match Zoey’s red dress. “It feels kinda weird to be getting dressed up in guy’s clothes again.”

Zoey walked up to Lance and straightened her tie. “Suit or dress, my girlfriend looks fabulous.”

“Girlfriend?” Lance asked. “Are we exclusive now?”

It was Zoey’s turn to blush again. “Sorry. I was getting ahead of myself. I’m way out of my comfort zone here.”

Lance smiled, but something Tyler said was worrying her. “Um, Zoey,” she began, “I heard you cheated on Tyler.”

Zoey sighed and looked Lance in the eyes. “No more lies. Yes, I did. At homecoming I hooked up with Olivia. I didn’t mean for it to happen, it just…did.”

“Olivia?” she asked. That wasn’t the explanation she was expecting.

“Yeah. She made me realize I am… a lesbian, too.”

“Wow,” Lance said. She was unable to process all of that. “This whole time I thought you were mortal enemies or something.”

“Listen, Lance. It was wrong of me to cheat on Tyler. It was my mistake. But dating him was also my mistake. It was freshman year. We were young. We had mutual friends who insisted we pair off. But, I never really loved Tyler. I wasn’t even attracted to him. But, that doesn’t excuse me from cheating on him. I really should’ve dumped him a long time ago.”

“Did you want to date Olivia?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. I know she wanted to date me. Maybe if I wasn’t in denial I would’ve. But now… I don't want to date Olivia. I want to date you.” 

Lance’s face lit up with glee.

“Shall we?” Zoey asked.

The teens locked arms and reappeared in the living room where Lance’s dad stood up. 

He scanned his son. Lance was wearing a suit now and his shaggy wavy hair was combed back. However, he still had earrings in his ears and was wearing nail polish. “You look sharp, son,” he said. “Listen. About that talk we’re supposed to have-”

“After prom, Dad,” Lance promised.

“Um, do you want pictures taken before you leave?” A thoroughly flustered Dad managed to ask.

“Sure,” Lance said. He felt around his suit jacket and turned to Zoey. “I left it in the clutch I was planning on bringing.”

“I think Simone already has it,” Dad added.

Lance realized she called the clutch, ‘hers’.  The conversation with Dad is going to happen sooner rather than later, Lance worried.

Both Lance and Dad were embarrassed and looked away from each other, avoiding eye contact.

“I have one,” Zoey replied to break up the awkwardness, as she fished her camera out of her bag and handed it over.

Dad repeated the earlier ritual of prom photos, then handed the camera back to Zoey.

“Bye, Dad, I’ll be home later,” Lance said as her and Zoey headed for the door.

“Midnight,” Dad corrected as he watched Lance and Zoey leave the house. He slowly walked to the phone and dialed his old phone number. When his wife answered he said, “Hi Honey, we need to talk about Lance.”

* * *

“Hey, Simone,” Dee called out, interrupting Simone and Olivia chatting with some cheerleaders. “You think I humiliated you yesterday? Well, apparently you didn’t learn your lesson. So tonight expect an even worse reveal - this time in front of the whole school.”

Simone looked Dee up and down. This is Deanna? “Get a life, bitch. What are you going to do? Dump a bucket of pig’s blood on me?”

Deanna was silent for a moment. The thought of that made her wonder for a moment if she escalated this too far. “Maybe. But if you leave now at least you won’t be publicly shamed.”

“Cut the crap, Dee,” Olivia demanded. “You’re just jealous because Simone is more popular than you.”

“Haven’t you done enough already? How many friends do you have to lose?” Simone asked.

At that Dee started towards Simone. Olivia knew it would get physical and jumped in front of Simone to protect her.

“You bitch, you won’t always have some skank to protect you,” Dee warned, before stomping off.

“Wow!” Simone exclaimed to Oliva. “I'm both super popular and have a mortal enemy.”

“I thought you were on cheerleading.”

“I am. But that kind of popularity is reserved for the head cheerleader. Girls want to be her and guys want to be with her.”

“Well, at this school I don't want the guys,” Olivia said coyly.

“Oh, that’s right - you’re the head cheer-” Simone paused as she processed what Olivia had just said, and how she had said it.

“But, I’ve made a few enemies,” Olivia admitted. “You haven’t made any - except for Dee. But then, she’s become a real bitch since you showed up. I’m not her issue, nor what what Zoey sees in her-”

Just then, an NSYNC song came on that Simone recognized. “My dance team choreographed a routine to this song!”

“Do you remember it?” Olivia inquired.

“Hell, yeah!” Simone pulled Olivia out onto the dance floor. “OK, watch,” she said as she started performing choreographed moves.

Before she knew it, a crowd had gathered and a number of students had joined in too.

When the song was over, other dancers cheered and thanked Simone. Simone was having so much fun. She regretted not joining Lance in this adventure. She was ready for a breather, but Olivia had other ideas.

Olivia enticed Simone to remain on the dance floor. “Just the two of us this time.”

Simone smiled as the two of them danced. “So, about that kiss last night,” Simone reminisced.

“Oh?” Olivia said with a sly smile. “I felt it was unfinished business from the carnival. Did I cut it too short?”

“Oh, I dunno,” Simone said whimsically.

“Should we pick up where we left off?”

Simone’s heart started beating fast. “I… think I’d like that.”

Olivia pulled Simone in closer and they started making out on the dance floor. Occasionally their eyes would open to make sure they didn’t trigger a visit from any of the chaperones.

Olivia nibbled on Simones jaw and worked her way to her ears where she said something curious. “I notice you have different earrings,” Olivia pointed out. “I thought you just got your ears pierced.”

“Oh,” Simone said, searching for the proper excuse. “Mack assured me it was OK.” 

Olivia smiled as she came from behind Simone and they started grinding up on each other.

Both girls were in a state of bliss. Simone realized this prom was so much better than the one she went to last week. Olivia was glad she no longer had to hide her attraction to women.

Olivia’s hands slowly went up Simone's waist and froze at Simone's chest. Olivia stopped dancing.

“What’s wrong?” Simone asked. “Don't tease a girl like that.”

“You have breasts. Real ones,” Oliva accused Simone. “Unless those are state of the art breast forms.”

Simone sighed and looked at the floor.

“What’s going on here, Simone?”

“Maybe we should step outside,” Simone implored Olivia.

“No, I just want to hear the truth.”

“Lance and I are twins.”

“Twins? I thought Lance was your male personna.”

“No. Lance is a real person. My brother.”

“I thought Lance was pretending to be a girl.”

“He... was. He was pretending to be me. I just got here last night.  I’m his sister Simone from California.”

“He was pretending to be his own sister? Why would he do that? Was that Zoey’s bet?”

“Listen, Olivia,” Simone said, grabbing her hands and looking her in the eye. “Lance pretended to be me because she’s transgender. Not because of some stupid bet.”

* * *

Deanna found Principal Silver in the corner chatting with another chaperone. “Mr. Silver,” she interrupted.

“Yes, Miss Scott?” he asked with a look of annoyance.

“I have proof that Simone Biggs is a boy,” she asserted.

The principal sighed. “What is it now?”

She held up a name tag. “I found his duffle bag. It has a boy's name on it.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Wait. He admitted it yesterday. There were at least 20 witnesses.”

Principal Silver sighed. “Fine. Let’s talk to her.”

He and Dee walked through the throng of dancing students where they found Simone and Olivia in the middle of conversation. “Excuse me, Miss Biggs. Miss Jones. I’d like to speak with Miss Biggs out in the hallway.”

Olivia had a stunned look on her face as she watched Simone leave with the principal.

“Olivia, don't leave me alone with them,” Simone turned back and pleaded.

Olivia stood there frozen.  She’d been fooled twice by the twins. She was torn on whether to go to Simone’s aid.

Chapter 22 - Introducing

Principal Silver led Simone and Deanna to the hallway and moved further down the hall to get away from the loud music and other prom attendees. He was already annoyed that Deanna Scott was interrupting his pleasant chat with the school’s attractive new music teacher, but her crazy accusations that Simone Biggs was a boy. Asinine.

He turned around and looked at the girls. “Miss Biggs, Miss Scott here claims that you’re really a boy.”

“Ha!” Simone said, putting her hands on her hips. “I’m a 100% real girl.” She then noticed the principal checking her out, which gave her a creepy feeling. She figured she might use that to her advantage.

“She’s lying, Principal Silver,” Dee complained. “She’s just trying to win prom queen and embarrass the entire school. Tell him about Zoey’s bet, Simone.”

“Miss Scott, please let me handle this,” the principal chimed in.

Simone smirked, “Dee is just jealous ‘cause I’m more of a girl than she is. Or maybe she realizes she isn’t going to get a single vote for prom queen.”

Deanna grunted and started to move towards Simone, but was held back by the principal.

“Let’s just quickly resolve this,” The principal suggested. “Can I see your ID, Miss Biggs? We can put this issue to rest.”

“Sure thing,” Simone said, digging into her clutch. She pulled out Lance’s student ID. Which read ‘Simone Biggs’ and had a picture of Lance from her first week of school when she was already pretending to be ‘Simone.’

The principal studied it for a moment, and realized this didn’t tell him anything if she had been pretending this entire time. Unsatisfied, he asked, “Do you have a driver's license?”

Simone considered saying, “That’s none of your business,” but instead wanted to further humiliate Deanna. Luckily she brought her own license with her. She pulled out her license from the clutch and handed it to the principal.

The principal looked at the California state license.

“You know,” she added with a sexy pose. “If I was a boy, there would be a lot of boys and men at this school who would suddenly get super embarrassed that they’ve been checking me out.”

The principal's eyes went from the license to Simone, then quickly back to the license as he got uneasy. He suddenly wanted to retreat from this conversation. Just the insinuation that he’s been ogling a teenage boy made him nervous. He handed the driver’s license back to her without making eye contact. “Looks fine. You both should get back to prom.”

“That’s obviously a fake!” Deanna yelled. “Just like her fake boobs. Show us your fake boobs, Simone.” Dee pointed accusingly at Simone’s chest.

“What? They’re not fake, you twit, and I’m certainly not flashing you.” She crossed her arms in a defensive posture. “Or the principal.” She sidestepped into the administrator’s personal space and he stepped away just as quickly.

From behind them, Olivia approached.

“Simone, what’s going on?” Olivia asked, looking at the principal and Dee.

“Oliva, tell him what you saw yesterday,” Dee demanded. “How he tricked you.”

“This is a private matter, Miss Jones,” the principal explained, attempting to gain control of the situation.

“They actually think I'm a dude!” Simone said laughingly to Olivia.

Olivia chuckled, “Simone is most certainly not a dude.”

“And how would you know?” Dee asked, folding her arms.

Olivia walked up to Simone and kissed her in front of the stunned principal, whose eyes got wide. She then embraced her and grabbed her ass. When the kiss was over and Simone was thoroughly dazed, Olivia turned to Simone’s accusers. “I know because we’ve been intimate.”

The principal cleared his throat. “That’s… enough, Miss Jones.” The principal added, trying to hide his discomfort. “N-Not on school property.”

Deanna turned frustrated. “She’s in on it. She’s lying!” She then lunged at Simone and tugged on her hair. 

“Ouch!” Simone screamed and slapped Deanna square in the face. The slap echoed through the hallway over the distant music. “I spent a long time on that braid, bitch!”

“Ladies!” the principal yelled and raised his hands, trying to restore order.

“He’s not a lady!” Dee desperately yelled, while cradling her reddening and throbbing face. “I can find more witnesses.”

* * *

Lance and Zoey arrived at the school. They got out of Zoey’s car, while Lance grabbed her backpack containing the necessary clothes to change back into ‘Simone’ and slung it over her shoulder. and were stopped at the door by one of the volunteer prom committee members checking the guest list. 

“Hi, Zoey.” She scribbled something on the guest list, then looked at it confused and put the pen down and looked up at her. “But I don't have a date for you.” She then looked at Lance. 

“He’s a last minute date. What can I say? I’m a procrastinator.” Zoey smiled at the girl.

The girl looked at Zoey and then Lance. “I’m sorry, I was told ‘only students on the guest list.’”

Zoey examined the girl. She was on the prom committee with her, but wasn’t at the setup yesterday. She searched her memory then finally said, “Melissa, I love what you did with your hair. Oh - and that dress! Hot.”

“Oh, thank you, Zoey.” Melissa was shocked Zoey Sellers actually remembered her name and complimented her.

Zoey then picked the pen up off the table and handed it to Melissa. “Hey, Melissa,” she whispered to her. “Can you just add him to the list? He’s cool. He just moved here.”

Melissa smiled and nodded. “Umm, sure.” She looked at Lance. “But he needs a ticket.”

"No problem." Zoey pulled some cash out of her purse to pay for Lance’s ticket, relieved she had gotten her in.

“And I need a name for the guest list,” she said, looking up at Lance.

“Lance Biggs,” she stated.

“Oh, are you related to Simone Biggs?” She handed Lance a clipboard. “Here, You have to sign this waiver.”

“That’s um… my sister.” Lance skimmed the waiver about drugs and alcohol and school and property and quickly scribbled her signature.

“She’s so cool!” Melissa gushed. “She’s totally gonna win prom queen. I heard rumors about her, but I don’t think they’re true.”

“Never trust rumors,” Zoey added.

Lance blushed realizing Melissa was talking about her and not the real Simone.

When Melissa was done adding Lance to the guestlist she smiled. “Have a good night!”

Zoey quickly turned to Lance, “let me put your change of clothes into my locker.” 

Lance gave Zoey her bag and she quickly stashed it into her nearby locker.

They walked into the cafeteria and began scanning the dance floor. Before they could get far, Mack, and a confused Christopher, ran up to them.

“Hey,” Mack blurted out. “The principal took Simone away. Olivia went to find her.”

“Then let’s go look for them,” Zoey suggested.

Lance looked at Christopher. “Hey.”

Christopher looked at Lance, confused. “Wait - if you’re here, then who is…”

“My twin sister.”

“You have a twin sister?”

“We can talk about who’s who, later,” Zoey interrupted.

The four of them left the cafeteria and entered the hallway where Mack said Olivia went. At the end of the hall was Simone, Deanna, Olivia and Principal Silver.

“Simone!” Lance yelled down the hall.

“Lance!” Simone responded. 

“What’s going on here?” Zoey asked as her group approached the other group.

"This is none of your concern, Miss Sellers,” Principal Silver advised. “Please, all of you should just go back and enjoy the prom."

"Not until you tell me what you are doing with my sister," Lance insisted.

Deanna looked at Lance in shock and then back at Simone, and suddenly realized she had the wrong ‘Simone.’ “No!” she yelled. “He’s the one pretending to be a girl! Zoey orchestrated this whole thing.”

"Your ... sister? Who are you?" the principal asked, as he started wiping his forehead with a handkerchief. The commotion was beginning to make him sweat profusely.

"I’m Lance Biggs. Simone's brother. I just arrived from California this morning."

“And you don’t go to school here?”

“No, sir, I don’t,” Lance replied. “Now, what are you doing with my sister? Or do I need to call our father?”

The principal then looked at Zoey. “Miss Sellers, would you care to explain what this is all about?” The principal looked increasingly worried that a fight was going to break out. Or worse - a lawsuit.

“Certainly,” Zoey said. “You see, Dee and I made a bet that I could get a person of her choosing to win prom queen. She chose a boy.” She then pointed at Simone. “But that’s not him. In fact, no boys were nominated for prom queen. Dee here is a sore winner.”

“No!” Dee furiously protested. She pointed at Lance. “He was nominated.”

“No,” Lance corrected, “Simone was nominated.”

“That’s me,” Simone smiled.

“‘Lance’ doesn’t even go to school here,” Zoey added to drive the point home.

A very frustrated principal was shaking his head. “I think we’re done here. Miss Scott, follow me to my office. There will be consequences for this outburst.”

Deanna was livid, but had no choice but to follow Principal Silver down the hall. She knew she’d been had, and hung her head in defeat.

When Principal Silver and Dee were gone, Lance ran up to Simone and they embraced in a hug. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” she asked.

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” Simone replied.

“Well, it sure was,” Lance chuckled. “And you knew?” Lance looked at Mack.

Mack shrugged and smiled, “She wanted to keep it a surprise.”

"Lance, you look really sharp tonight!” Simone gushed. “I know you were planning on wearing something else, but… why didn’t you tell me?"

Lance sheepishly put her head down.

“Hey,” Simone said, lifting Lance’s chin up. “It’s OK. I’m your sister and I will always love you.”

“And we’re all your friends,” Zoey added.

Lance looked around at the people surrounding him. Simone, Zoey, Mack, Olivia, Christopher.

“Everyone,” she cleared her throat, then announced, “I think I’m transgender.” She expected shocked or disgusted faces, but instead she only saw accepting smiles.

Simone reached out and gave her sister a hug. “It’s OK, Lance, everything will work out. I’ll help with Mom and Dad.”

One by one, the others took their turn embracing Lance. She had never felt this kind of love and support before.

“OK, Princess, it’s time for you to pick a new name,” Simone announced. “You can’t keep using mine. It’s confusing… and a little weird.”

“Princess,” Lance echoed, paused for a moment, and giggled. “That’s right! I’m Princess Viola.”

“Princess Viola?” Zoey repeated, a confused look on her face.

Lance blushed. “Yeah, when we were younger I was always Princess Viola. Since… um… it looks like Princess Viola is here to stay… can I go by that?”

“Well, how about just ‘Viola’?” Simone laughed, hugging her sister.

“Yeah, I like that,” Viola agreed, with a great big smile.

“It will be so much better not having to call you by your sister’s name, Viola,” Mack said, hugging her.

“I’m so glad you finally told us,” Olivia said when it was her turn to hug Viola.

Then it was Zoey’s turn, but instead of a hug, she gave Viola a kiss. A long kiss.

After a moment of everyone watching the couple, a disappointed Olivia cleared her throat.

“Alright, Princess,” Simone announced. “It’s time to get you ready for your prom.” She asked the group, “Where can we get changed in private?”

“The student council office,” Zoey offered. I have the key in my locker.

Zoey led Simone, Mack, and Viola down the hall..

Christopher turned to Olivia. “This school is crazy.”

“Never a dull moment,” Olivia agreed.

* * *

Zoey got the key and Lance’s backpack from her locker. Then the group headed to the student council room.

“Oh, you got your ears pierced too,” Simone observed as they walked down the hall.

“I did,” Viola admitted, pulling at her lobes. She was still a little embarrassed admitting all of this to her twin sister.

“Hey, remember when I first got my ears pierced?”

“Umm, no.”

“We must’ve been like eight. You were so jealous. Mom had to get a pair of fake clip-ons for you to wear for the rest of the day. That was until Dad saw them.”

“Oh, yeah,” Viola said, her voice getting quieter. “I think I remember those.” 

Simone studied Viola. “You’re getting tense and withdrawn. Don’t. You’ve been Viola in front of me before.”

“I’m just anxious. In a good way. This is a lot.”

“I’m here for you. If you want me to stay and not go home Sunday night, I’ll stay.”

“What about school?”

“I’m sure Mom and Dad can pull some strings.”

They arrived at the student council office. Mack brought out her bag full of cosmetics and started arranging them on a desk.

Zoey similarly emptied out Lance’s backpack they had brought with them.

Simone was the first to start getting undressed as she kicked off her heels.

Viola modestly turned away from her sister, took off her suit jacket, and started unbuttoning her shirt.

When Viola was standing there in her boxers, Zoey handed her a pair of panties from the bag. Viola looked at them and chuckled. “Remember when I got into yours?”

“Well, if you’re lucky, maybe I’ll get into yours later,” Zoey smiled and winked. 

Viola turned bright red as she exchanged her boxers for panties.

“I’m teasing,” Zoey laughed, watching Viola squirm. “Let’s just enjoy this moment and not rush things, OK?”

“Thank you," Viola said, relieved.

Zoey collected the suit off the floor and brought it to Simone.

Mack came over with the dress. She held up the corset. “First, medieval torture time!"

After Viola was tied and bound into her corset, she put on her bra and inserted the breast forms into them. Mack then assisted Viola in getting into the prom dress. 

Viola turned around and saw the smiling faces of Mack and Zoey. Simone still had her back to everyone and was buttoning up the shirt.

“Can I turn around yet?” Simone asked.

“Not yet,” Zoey said, placing Viola’s heels in front of her. Viola stepped into them. Zoey then placed the wig on Viola and adjusted it.

Mack started applying makeup onto Viola’s face. “You know I'm getting pretty good at doing this fast.”

“Wait. Is this the same makeup you put on Simone?” Viola worried.

“Viola,” Mack stressed. “We’ve been doing this for six weeks. I’m a professional. Trust me.”

“OK,” Viola said, as Mack raced through applying the layers of makeup.

Five minutes later, Mack announced, “Done.”

“OK, Simone,” Zoey said, holding her shoulders. “May I introduce you to your sister, and future prom queen, Princess Viola.”

Simone turned around and her jaw dropped. “Oh, Viola, you look amazing!” 

“You really think so?” Viola asked, trying not to cry at her sister’s acceptance.

Simone smirked, “Actually it’s almost like looking in a mirror.”

“No crying!” Mack warned. “We don’t have time for another make-up session.”

“There’s one last thing”, Simone said, unclipping her necklace and putting it around Viola’s neck.

“What’s this?” Viola asked.

“This is Mom’s necklace. This was the first necklace she gave me. I felt it was only right for it to be the necklace you wear to prom.” 

“I don’t know what to say,” Viola choked out. “Thank you.”

“Do we have time?” Simone asked Mack and Zoey. “My hair is braided, hers should be too.”

“A few minutes,” Zoey said. “We’ll be cutting it close.”

Simone then started to braid Viola’s wig. “I’m braiding your wig in the same style I braided my hair so nobody will know the difference.”

There was a knock at the door. Olivia popped her head in. “Ladies, they’re going to announce the prom court in two minutes!”

“We need to hurry up then,” Zoey announced. “Simone, can you walk and braid?”

“Yes,” Simone said as they left the classroom and went back into the hallway.

* * *

Dee burst through the cafeteria doors and found Tyler standing off to the side. “OK, Tyler. Plan C.”

“What was plan A and B?” Tyler asked.

“It doesn’t matter. The principal isn’t listening to reason anymore. We have to sabotage the prom votes. Maybe dump the ballot boxes. Or maybe we can pull the microphone wires. Maybe you can get one of your friends to run up there and yank that wig off him. Maybe we can get someone to throw punch on him.”

“Whoa. Hey, I’m out. This plan of yours is stupid. I listened to you when you told me Zoey cheated on me and for me to get back at her. And that’s done and over with. But this has nothing to do with any of that anymore. And aren't you being a little extreme?”

“Are you really going to let a boy win prom queen?” She asked.

“I thought that bet was your idea. Besides, I thought your grudge was with Zoey, not Simone.”

“I didn’t expect it to get this far. He has to be stopped.”

“Who?”

“Simone! A boy is about to win prom queen. I was disqualified.”

“Who cares? If I don’t win Prom King it’s not the end of the world. I doubt it's the end of the world if Simone wins Prom Queen, either.”

“But I got suspended because of him! Principal Silver kicked me out of my own prom.”

Tyler cocked his head and shrugged. “Then why are you still here?”

Dee grunted and stormed back through the cafeteria doors.

* * *

As they reached the double doors of the cafeteria, Simone finished braiding Viola’s wig.

“Simone, I have a short wig for you,” Mack added.

Simone took the wig and fit it over her own head.

“The nominees for Prom King are…” Principal Silver could be heard saying from inside the cafeteria.

The girls quickly dashed through the cafeteria’s double doors as the principal read off the three boy’s names. 

Simone gave Viola a hug. “Good luck!”

Viola smiled and quickly walked to the front of the cafeteria near the stage where she found Olivia, Tyler, and the two other prom king nominees. 

Olivia saw Viola, smiled, and whispered, “Wow! If I didn't know better I wouldn't have known you’re a different person than the girl I came to prom with.”

“Olivia, I want to apolo-”

“Later,” Olivia said, placing a comforting arm around Viola's shoulders.

Tyler and Viola gave each other a nod. 

“I’m glad you changed your mind,” Tyler said.

“I had no money,” Viola chuckled.

“And this year’s prom king is…” the principal began.

“Huh, I wonder how that happened,” Tyler smiled. “Hey, I just saw Dee. She’s not taking this well.”

“What happened?”

“I refused to help her and she ran outside.”

“Andrew Scaletti,” the principal finished. There was applause as the guy in a well-tailored tuxedo walked onto stage waving at people. 

“Sorry, Tyler,” Viola said. 

Tyler shrugged, smiled, gave her a thumbs up, and retreated back into the crowd of prom-goers.

Olivia grabbed Viola’s hand. “Are you nervous?”

“Yes,” Viola replied and squeezed back.

“Don’t be. You’ll do great. You’ll be an awesome prom queen.”

“What about you?”

“Me? Hell, even I voted for you.”

“Now, for Prom Queen,” the principal said. “The nominees are Simone Biggs and Olivia Jones. Unfortunately, a third candidate was disqualified.”

There was clapping and cheering as the band started a drum roll. Simone and Olivia hugged each other and held hands. The principal paused as he unfolded the paper that had the winner’s name. “And the 1999 Prom Queen is…”

Chapter 23 - The Girl Who Is Prom Queen

“...Simone Biggs,” the principal announced.

The crowd cheered and Viola was stunned. This was a dream right? She scanned the people around here who were clapping. She saw Olivia who was smiling and clapping as well.

Olivia hugged her. “Congratulations, Viola,” she said. “You earned this. Now get up on that stage, girl.”

When Olivia released her from the hug, Viola nervously walked on stage where a teacher put a sash with the Queen of Spades on it over her head. The spotlights were blinding her, but the crowd’s cheering gave her more confidence as she pushed forward. The principal said something encouraging, but she couldn’t hear over the crowd. She stopped in the middle of the stage and turned to face everyone.

She looked at the people below her and searched for familiar faces, but the spotlights blinded her view of the audience. She did make out people right up against the stage. Zoey, Mack, and Peggy were all in the front row cheering. She then heard Simone’s voice rise above the crowd, “That’s my sister!”

Viola tried her hardest not to cry. She was a boy for the past 17 years. She tried out for boys sports and failed. She was taught to man up and be masculine. All she wanted was to be her sister. 

Principal Silver came from behind her and placed a tiara on her head. He then handed her a foam scepter. 

Her emotions were bubbling near the surface. She never thought this moment would happen to her, but here she was. She was the Prom Queen.

“Congratulations to the 1999 Prom Queen!” the principal said into the microphone.

The cafeteria erupted again with cheers as she tried unsuccessfully not to cry.

“And now for the King and Queen’s dance,” the principal concluded and walked off the stage.

Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” started playing and she glanced over at the Prom King, Andrew.

Andrew walked over to Viola. He wore a matching King of Spades sash and a foam sword which he put down. He then held out his hand and Viola took it, dropping the scepter to the stage floor next to Andrew’s sword. “Congratulations,” he said as he started awkwardly swaying and flash photography glittered from the crowd.

“You too,” she replied.

“I’m sorry, I’m a little nervous.” 

“Why are you nervous?”

“This is the first time I’ve danced with a… umm…”

“You don't have to say it,” Viola saved him.

“No, I mean, it’s cool. I think you’re one of the coolest people at school. I voted for you. This place was boring before you showed up.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Viola chuckled. “But if anyone asks, I’m a girl. There’s a few people that have it in for me.”

“Well, let me know if anyone gives you trouble. I’ll kick their ass. I have to protect my queen after all.”

“How chivalrous,” Viola laughed. 

“Um, I think Zoey Sellers is staring daggers at me,” Andrew said, glancing down below. 

Zoey was standing in front of the stage with her arms crossed looking very impatient.

“That’s um… my girlfriend,” Viola chuckled.

“I figured. Do you want to dance with her?”

“I do. She’s kinda the reason I’m here. Can we finish this later?”

Andew nodded.

“Thanks.” Viola walked to the edge of the stage where she knelt down, then sat with her legs dangling. Zoey offered her hand as Viola hopped down. As she landed on the floor, she wobbled slightly on her heels, but Zoey helped her keep her balance.

“Congratulations, Princess!” Zoey said with a big smile. She took Viola’s hand and placed it on her waist.

“It’s Queen now,” Viola giggled.

“Queen,” Zoey smiled.

“Are you OK with this?” Viola asked. “With being seen with me?”

“Yes, I am,” Zoey affirmed, and kissed her right there with students watching.

Neither paid any attention to the reactions of the students around them and instead held each other and swayed to the song.

“I think you were just jealous of Andrew,” Viola chuckled.

“Who’s Andrew?” Zoey asked, looking around.

“The Prom King. I was dancing with him.”

“Oh, right. He was dancing with my girlfriend.”

“You’re cute when you’re jealous.”

“Wait, no. That’s my line.”

Viola stuck her tongue out at Zoey. “Unless of course this is the moment you reveal to me that you’ve been the psycho serial killer all along.”

“I would’ve gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you,” she giggled.

Viola saw the perfect opportunity to push a few more of Zoey's buttons. "So, Zoey," she began, "about my Ferrari…"

“I… uh…”

“I’m teasing,” Viola calmed her. “I feel like I got something far more valuable than that out of this whole ordeal."

"What was that?"

"All of this,” she said, gazing around. She looked back at Zoey. “You," she said gazing into Zoey's eyes.

“Aww,” Zoey said, pulling Viola in for another kiss.

When the song was over, Viola and Zoey joined the rest of their friends. Viola got hugs from Simone, Mack, and Olivia.

“So,” Olivia said to Viola with a raised eyebrow. “It’s later.”

Viola took a deep breath and started her apology. “Olivia. I’m so sorry for pretending to be my sister. Then pretending to be me. Then for my sister pretending to be me, pretending to be her.”

“So who is the real Viola Biggs?” she asked.

“The girl you got to know. Maybe mixed with that boy you chatted with a few times. Even I’m not sure, because I was never allowed to just be myself.”

“And what about us?”

Viola’s face saddened and her eyes began to tear up. She was with Zoey. She wanted to continue to be with Zoey. But she had zero experience rejecting anyone. She didn’t want to hurt Olivia. But no words came to her.

Olivia saw Viola’s pained expression and replied, “It’s OK. I understand.” She half-smiled at Viola, then Zoey, turned around and walked through the crowd on the dance floor. 

 * * *

Olivia was nearing the cafeteria doors when someone grabbed her hand. It was Simone.

“Hey,” Simone said. “Where are you headed?”

“I was going to go home.”

“And leave your prom early?”

“Well, all of my friends are with their dates, and I’m by myself.”

“Olivia,” Simone said, holding both hands. “I had a wonderful time with you. Sure, you thought I was someone else, but… if you want to stay… we are each other’s dates.”

Olivia’s eyes looked dark and questioning. “I just want to hear one honest thing out of you or Viola. One truth.”

“One truth?” Simone walked up Olivia and whispered into her ear. “Last night was the first time I kissed a girl. In that moment I was insanely jealous of Lance. When they suggested I be your date tonight, I was so excited.”

Olivia looked at her and smiled. “And?”

“I've had an awesome night so far. I would kick myself if I let you walk out of this cafeteria tonight without at least a good-night kiss.”

Olivia was silent, looked away, and bit her lip.

“What? What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking if I give you a good night kiss, I may never leave.”

Simone raised her eyebrows in surprise at that answer. She then surprised herself when she replied seductively, “Then don’t leave.”

Oliva walked up to Simone, grabbed her tie, and pulled her close to her. She then embraced her tightly, and started making out with her right there. Before long, an elderly chaperone tapped Simone on the shoulder with a terse, “Ahem.” The girls broke apart, giggling. As soon as she walked away, they resumed making out.

 * * *

Zoey and Viola had just finished getting a drink when another song came on. This time a faster Ricky Martin song.

“Do you salsa?” Viola asked Zoey.

Zoey looked confused. “I prefer queso.”

Viola was taken aback. She thought Zoey was a dancer. “Dancing, silly.”

“Of course I know how to salsa,” she teased. “But do you?”

“Simone took lessons, and I was her partner when she practiced.”

“OK, then,” Zoey said as she took both of their drinks and put them on a nearby table. 

Viola took her hand and waist and began to salsa with her. 

“Who used to lead?” Zoey asked.

“Sometimes me. Sometimes Simone.”

“Can I lead?”

“Sure.”

They switched positions, and Zoey started dancing while twirled Viola around. Viola was all smiles as she watched the hem of her dress flare up. She was dancing like a girl and it felt like heaven as she moved her hips. For the first time ever, she felt sexy.

Halfway through the song, however, Viola suddenly stopped dancing. 

“What’s wrong?” Zoey inquired, concern apparent on her face.

“I’m sorry,” Viola apologized. “I’m worried about how I left things with Olivia,” Viola confessed.

“Why?”

“I’ve never had to reject someone before. She seemed so sad.”

Zoey looked off in the distance and smiled. “I don’t think you need to worry about Olivia.”

“Why not?”

Zoey pointed to Simone and Olivia on the dance floor. “She’s having a good time with your sister.”

Viola could make out Olivia and Simone salsa dancing, accruing a crowd of cheering spectators. Watching her sister having fun with Olivia gave her a smile.

Just then Peggy came up to the couple. “Zo, I heard Dee got suspended and kicked out of prom.”

“Serves her right,” Zoey replied.

“You should go talk to her. She’s outside.”

Zoey frowned and nodded. She turned to Viola. “I guess I should talk to her.”

As Zoey walked to the exit, Peggy turned to Viola. “Can I cut in? Looks fun!”

“Sure,” Viola smiled as she resumed dancing with her new partner, this time taking the lead.

“So, I was told you have a new name.” Peggy said.

“Yes. I’m Viola now.”

“That’s such a cute name,” Peggy complimented. “I like it.”

“Thank you.”

“I kinda figured this would happen when I saw you at the beach.”

“Oh?” Viola smiled and shook her head. She was just now realizing so many others had seen the signs before she did.

“You were so at ease as a girl. And so happy.”

“Everyone else figured it out before I did.”

After the dance was over Peggy returned to her date, who had retreated to the punchbowl. That left Viola alone, so she started looking around at the rest of the students dancing. She spied Olivia walking off the dance floor by herself. Viola quickly caught up with Olivia. “Hey, Olivia, where’s Simone?”

“She went looking for you,” replied Olivia. “Oh, where are my manners? Congratulations again, Your Majesty, Queen Viola,” she said as she curtsied. 

“Thank you very much, Lady Olivia,” Viola responded with a curtsy of her own.

Just then a new song started. It was the popular Sixpence None the Richer song. 

“Can I get a dance with the queen?” Olivia asked.

“Certainly,” Viola smiled widely.

As the song played, Olivia smiled. “This song reminds me of our time in the funhouse.”

“My first kiss,” Viola reminisced.

“I see Zoey finally asked you out.”

“Finally,” Viola chuckled. This was slightly awkward for her. She could’ve been dating Olivia had things worked out differently. She could’ve been happy with Olivia. Or perhaps Olivia was too much for Viola.

“So, has your sister said anything about me?” Olivia slyly inquired.

“I haven’t even gotten a chance to ask her how her own prom went," Viola finally said. Olivia might be too much for her to handle, but not Simone. “But I like you two together. I think you’re good for her. She’s dated some real losers.”

“Well, we’ll see,” Oliva declared.

“Can I cut in?” Simone asked.

“Sure.” Viola said.

“Actually, I would like to dance with the Queen.”

“I’ll be at the punchbowl,” Olivia said, giving Simone a quick peck on the lips.

Viola raised her eyes at Olivia.

Simone blushed and started dancing with Viola.

“So,” Viola said.

“So.”

“Olivia.”

“Olivia. I hope it’s OK. I know you both had a thing going on before I came here.”

“I liked Olivia. But I was always just waiting on Zoey. It wouldn’t have been fair to her. So you umm… like girls now?”

“I dunno. Olivia has treated me better these past 20 hours than any guy over the past year.”

“And she’s hot.”

“Yes. She is hot. So, how are you doing?”

“I’m… OK.” Viola said with a grin which immediately transformed into a smile. “No. I’m on cloud nine!”

“I’m so proud of you, Vi.” She stopped dancing and gave her twin sister a big hug.

* * *

Zoey found Deanna sitting alone on a bench outside of the cafeteria. She sat down next to her former best friend. “Hey.”

Deanna looked over at Zoey. “I got suspended,” she said quietly. “I might not be allowed to attend graduation.”

“I heard,” Zoey replied. “Listen Dee. I’m sorry it escalated like this.”

Dee was silent.

“I mean, our previous bets never ended up like this.”

Dee looked Zoey in the eyes. “Well, you didn’t backstab me in previous bets either.”

Zoey backed away at Dee’s accusation. “How did I backstab you? You were the one who interfered and ran for prom queen.”

“You started spending more time with Lance. Then you and Peggy dropped me like I was yesterday’s news.”

“Is that what this was about?” Zoey was trying to keep her cool. “But you started acting this way before the bet. I told you I hooked up with Olivia in confidence. And you went right ahead and told Tyler.”

“I was trying to help you,” Dee emphasized. “You should’ve dumped Tyler. I’ve seen you staring at girls. You could’ve been with any girl at this school. Like the head cheerleader. Or someone else… but instead you were with… that doofus.”

“That wasn’t for you to decide, Dee.” Zoey’s frustration was starting to show. “I needed to work through my stuff on my own. I told you that after I told you about homecoming.”

Dee continued on, ignoring Zoey. “Then when you and Tyler were finally broken up you ran into another guy. A bigger dork than Tyler. You could’ve done so much better. Why are you spending time with a boy dressed as a girl when you can just date a real girl?”

Zoey was trembling. “B-because I fell in love with her.”

“Him.” Dee raised her voice. “So now you’re straight again?”

“No, Dee. Viola is a trans girl.”

“Now its name is Viola?” Dee hissed. “What the fuck does that even mean?”

Zoey sighed in exasperation. “Seriously, Dee, I came out here to apologize, but you’re making it difficult.”

“So, he’s just going to continue to use the girl’s restroom and shower in the girl's locker room?”

“What’s it matter to you? You don’t even shower at school.”

“Fine. But don't you think that’s kinda weird?”

“Maybe six weeks ago I would’ve thought that,” Zoey admitted. “My mind has been opened to all sorts of possibilities of gender and sexuality since then. And I don’t understand any of it. This is all new to me. Now, when I look at her, I no longer see that boy from the park bench. I see Viola. And, all I know is I love Viola. And it doesn’t matter how she dresses or what she wants to be called. If you want to continue to be my friend you will have to respect that. And If you ever take the time to get to know her, you’ll realize she’s not some boogeyman.”

Dee was silent as she contemplated Zoey’s words. “Did… Viola win?” Dee finally asked.

“She did.”

Dee swallowed hard. “Then you won the bet.” 

“I dunno. Since she turned out to be a trans girl, it may not have been a fair bet.”

“Nah, it was fair. We bet you could take a person of my choosing and get them elected prom queen. I didn’t know the homeless boy on the park bench would turn out to be a… ” She didn’t finish the sentence. She wanted to use a slur but saw how much Zoey cared for her. “...trans girl.”

“Dee, you hurt me.”

“You hurt me first.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t make time for you when I started to hang out with Viola.”

Dee sighed and forced out an apology. “I’m sorry I went jealous psycho bitch on you - but you deserved it.”

“Do you think we can still be friends?”

“Of course, Zo. But I don’t think I can be friends with your girlfriend. She took away my best friend. And she’s a total bitch! Her sister too.” Dee rubbed her face, still feeling the sting of Simone's slap.

“I think you’ll come around one day.”

“I doubt it.”

“Well, you’ve already started calling her ‘she’. So that’s a start.”

Dee got up and fished her car keys out of her purse. “I better get going. There’s no point in me sitting here for the rest of prom when I’m not allowed to go back in. And you have a girlfriend and other friends to attend to.

Zoey stood up and hugged Dee. “I’m sorry.”

Dee nodded. “Hey, I heard Bill Michaels is having an after-party. I might hit that up. You should show up too.”

“I think I just want some quiet time with Viola. It’s been a crazy six weeks.”

“OK,” Dee smirked and started walking off to her car.

“Are the terms of the bet still on?” Zoey asked.

Dee chuckled as she kept walking, “A bet’s a bet.”

* * *

Viola casually wandered the cafeteria as random prom-goers congratulated ‘the queen.’ She hadn’t seen much of the prom decorations and setup since she ran out early yesterday, and got here late this evening. The dance floor was in the middle. Around the edges, tables to sit at. And in the corners were casino-type games that were using poker chips that represented fake money. The blackjack table is where she found Tyler.

Tyler noticed Viola standing next to him. He turned to her and reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out a real twenty. "Here you go, Simone."

Viola looked at Tyler quizzically. “What’s this for?”

"Gas and White Castle. I thought if I could get you to give me all your money you wouldn't be able to buy a plane ticket."

Viola stared at Tyler for a moment before breaking out in laughter. "Tyler, I didn’t have enough money before the gas and White Castle. But thank you for attempting to save me from myself.”

“It’s the least I could do after Peggy’s party.” He motioned at his cards on the table. “What do you think, Simone? Hit or stand?”

Viola looked at the cards in front of him. Then the cards in front of the dealer.

“Hit. It’s Viola now, though.”

“What is?”

“My name, Tyler,” Viola explained. “I’m going by Viola from now on.”

The dealer put a card down to give Tyler’s hand 21. He motioned to stand. “Oh, cool. I don't think I can keep up with you. Hey, who was that girl I saw with you? In the suit. She looks like your twin.”

“She is my twin.”

“That’s awesome. She’s a girl right? I wasn’t sure with that suit..”

“Yes, she’s a girl.”

The dealer pushed a stack of poker chips Tyler’s way.

Tyler raised an eyebrow. “Is she single?”

Viola looked back at Simone who was still dancing with Olivia. “Um, I don't think so.” 

Tyler looked in the same direction as Viola, and saw Simone and Olivia kissing each other. “Son of a-”

“I think you’ll have better luck with blackjack.” Viola laughed.

“I think so.” Tyler agreed.

Zoey came up behind Viola. “Hey, I’m back. Oh, hi, Tyler.”

“Zoey,” Tyler acknowledged with a nod.

“How’d it go with Dee?” Viola asked her girlfriend.

“It was rough. It’ll take a while, but it’s a start.”

“Ready to get back to dancing?”

“Absolutely!” Zoey exclaimed, while taking Viola’s hand.

Before they got to the dance floor, they were stopped by Trudy. “Simone, Zoey! Hey - could I get an exclusive interview with the prom queen?” 

Viola grinned. “Not tonight, Trudy.” She then winked.

“Right,” Zoey added. “She wants to spend the rest of prom with her girlfriend.” 

“Wait-” Trudy said with a confused expression. “Are you two…”

“Yes, we are,” Zoey interrupted, pulling Viola away, giggling.

A few dances later, Viola had to use the restroom and left Zoey to try her hand at blackjack. When she stepped inside, Amanda was at the mirror touching up her makeup. “Oh, hi, Simone,” Amanda said, “Congratulations.”

“Oh, thank you Amanda. It feels like I’m dreaming.”

“Nope, it’s all real,” Amanda assured her. “Including that gorgeous tiara.”

“Thank you. My girlfriend was the head of the prom committee. I wonder if she had anything to do with it.”

Amanda smiled. “Maybe.”

“Hey, how is your sister doing?”

“Good, thank you. We’ve done a lot of talking since you gave me that advice. I’ve even arranged a sister’s spa day with her.”

“Oh, she’s gonna love it!” Viola beamed. “I’m jealous. I should plan a spa day with my sister too.”

“You should. Well, see you on the dance floor,” Amanda said as she headed out the door.

As Viola was making her way back to the cafeteria, the principal stopped her in the hallway. "Um, Miss Biggs, I need to ask you a question."

Viola sighed and rolled her eyes. She'd had enough of all the questioning tonight. "What is it, Mr. Silver?"

"Well, um, do you know if your dress is flammable?" he carefully asked. 

"I have no idea, Mr. Silver," Viola said, annoyed he was asking such a strange question.

"We had an incident a few years ago. It’s what led us to stop having a prom court."

Viola was relieved that it wasn't about gender. "But, I promise to stay away from all fires in the cafeteria, if it makes you happy."

"Yes, Miss Biggs, it would," the principal seemed relieved to be done with the conversation. "That will be all."

Viola headed back to the prom shaking her head. "This school is crazy," she thought to herself.

When she returned to the cafeteria, she found Mack at the roulette table. “Mack,” she said, “I wanted to thank you for everything.”

“I’m so happy for you, Viola. I’m happy you found yourself.”

“I couldn't have done it without you.”

“I was worried I was pushing you too hard, too fast.”

“I think it was just right.”

“Just keep in touch after graduation. Even if you and Zoey do break up.”

“I will, Mack.” They hugged, and Mack turned back to the table as the croupier spun the roulette wheel. “C’mon 20!”

* * *

When the prom let out, the crew casually strolled out of the cafeteria and into the chilly spring night. 

They all made plans to meet back at Viola and Simone’s house and parted to find their respective rides.

As Viola and Zoey walked to Zoey’s car, Viola noticed something familiar sitting on a familiar bench. She walked up to it and saw her duffel bag. The tag reading “Lance Biggs” was visible, under the school’s exterior lighting.

She opened it up and checked to see if all her stuff was in there.

“Is that your bag?” Zoey asked.

“It is.” While it was never confirmed, Viola had a pretty good guess on who took the bag. And who brought it back. Was this a peace offering? Does this mean she’s over it?

“Is everything still in there?”

Viola saw her boy jeans. Her favorite T-shirt. A pair of sneakers, socks and boxers. She smiled and realized while she was glad to get her stuff back, she wasn’t in any hurry to put her boy clothes back on. Except maybe her favorite T-shirt.

* * *

They all walked into the Biggs residence. Mr. Biggs stood and looked at his teenage kids. Viola, lost in the excitement of the evening, forgot she was standing there in her living room wearing a prom dress and tiara.

“Simone, Lance…” Mr. Biggs began.

“Hey, why don't you all head to the basement,” Simone advised, pulling her wig off and handing it to Mack. “We’ll catch up.”

Mack, Christopher, Zoey, and Olivia headed out of the room, leaving the Biggs family to have their talk.

“Sorry, we invited our friends over,” Viola explained, hoping to sidestep the bigger conversation. “Games, snacks, music.”

“That’s not what we were going to talk about,” Dad reminded her.

Viola froze. She was avoiding this for so long. Maybe she could continue to avoid it. Maybe save it for after graduation?

Simone grabbed Viola’s hand. “I’m here for you,” she whispered to her sister.

Viola took a deep breath. She wanted to run, but she had to do this. At least this time, her sister was by her side. “Dad,” she began, “I’m uh… “ she had a hard time getting the words out. She looked at her father’s expression. He didn’t seem angry. Just concerned. “I’m transgender.” She clenched her teeth and awaited her father’s inevitable negative reaction.

Mr. Biggs sat down on the couch and motioned for his kids to do the same. “What does that mean?” he asked in a way that seemed like he just wanted to hear it from Viola’s point of view.

“It means my gender doesn’t match my-”

“Lance, I know what the definition is. I want to hear what it means to you.”

That surprised Viola. She assumed Dad was ignorant of such things.

“I’m a girl, Dad. I feel like I’ve always been a girl. I should’ve been born a girl. Being a boy for these past 17 years has felt…wrong.” 

Dad took a deep breath as he took his time finding the right words. “I’ve been preparing myself for a long time for a conversation like this. But it doesn’t make this any easier.” He exhaled again. “I called your mother while you both were at prom. She helped me try to find the words I wanted to say. Those words are this. Both of you,” he stressed, looking at each teen. “Your mother and I love you. We’re proud of you. None of that will ever change. If we’ve been hard on you for expressing… alternate lifestyles… in the past it's because we were trying to protect you. The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place for people who are different. I always want what’s best for you kids. I don’t want any additional hardships added to your life.”

“I’m fine, Dad,” Viola assured him. “I’m OK. But this isn’t a lifestyle. This isn’t a phase. It's part of who I am. Who I was meant to be. I’ve had this feeling for a long time, but never found the words to describe it. And the way you were pushing me to be something I’m not- ”

“I didn’t try to push you-”

“You’ve always been pushing me to be more masculine. You've been pushing me away. Making me think you don’t care. Making me think there was something wrong with me for not being like the other boys.”

“That’s the farthest from the truth. I love you. You’re my so- my kid.”

“But, I want to be your daughter. I want to be Simone’s twin sister. I just want you to treat me like you treat Simone. As your daughter. Can you do that? I just want to be accepted at home like I am at school.”

“At school?”

Viola looked down. She had to come clean. “I enrolled in school as a girl. These past six weeks, I've been going to school as a girl. The school has accepted me as a girl. Dad…I won Prom Queen tonight,” she smiled as she took her tiara off and handed it to her father.

Dad looked away as he wiped a tear from his cheek.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I’m sorry I disappointed-”

Dad turned back to face Viola with watery eyes. “No, Lance. You didn't disappoint me. The fact is, I’m more proud of you now than I ever have been. You stood up to your biggest bully tonight…” his voice wavered, “…me. And when you and your friends walked in the door a few minutes ago, I couldn't tell the difference between you and your sister. That’s because you both had the biggest smiles. I haven’t seen you smile in such a long time.”

“I haven't been this happy in a long time. But, I was always worried about what you and Mom would say.”

“If this makes you happy. If this allows you to be you. To be your best you. Then that’s what we both want.”

Viola started crying and Dad held his arms outstretched. She moved closer to him on the couch to give him a hug. “I’m sorry Dad. I’m sorry I put you through this.”

“Don’t apologize, Lance. It’s me who should be apologizing.”

“Viola,” she whispered.

“Viola?”

“That’s what I want to be called.”

“Viola was my grandmother’s name,” he reminisced.

“I think that’s where I got it from.”

“I guess this means I was wrong about you. You’re not gay.”

“Actually,” Viola chuckled, “I am gay. I still like girls.”

"But..." The wheels in Dad's head were spinning. “This is going to take me time to get used to.” Dad chuckled and looked at Simone. “So what about you? Do you have any earth-shattering news, Miss ‘I went to prom in a dress and now I’m wearing a suit’?”

Simone blushed as she wondered where to start. “Well, I mean…” Simone paused and smiled. “I went to prom with a girl.” Her smile got bigger as she thought about Olivia, who was waiting patiently for her downstairs. “And I liked it.”

Dad smiled back. “She seemed nice. You know, she's my boss' daughter," he chuckled. “I wonder if this is against some HR policy? Does Bob know that Olivia went to prom with a girl? Ah, who cares! My family is all that matters. Bring it in, kids.” He opened his arms again and motioned for Simone to get in on the hug.

Simone joined in.

“I am so proud of my daughters,” he gushed. And your mom and I will stand right beside you both through anything.

After the hug, Viola nervously looked around. “Can we go downstairs to join our friends now? It is our prom night.”

“Go ahead. Remember. No booze. No drugs. And most of all, no-”

“We get it, Dad!” the sisters shut him down in unison and headed for the basement, laughing.

Dad just sat there shaking his head. Eventually a broad smile formed on his face as he realized both his children had turned out just fine.

Chapter 24 - So Kiss Me

It was a quiet Sunday morning in the Biggs’s house. Simone was sitting at the kitchen table reading the local paper to learn about her new town when there was a knock at the door. She looked around but neither her dad nor Viola were in sight. She got up from the kitchen table, went to the door, and opened it. 

Olivia was there wearing a T-shirt and shorts. “Hey,” she said, smiling.

“Hey,” Simone smiled back.

“I heard you play tennis.”

“I do, but my racquet is back home.”

“I have an extra racquet at the club. If you’re interested, that is.”

“Um, sure, sounds like fun,” Simone replied. “Let me just get changed. Come on in and make yourself at home.”

Simone walked down the hallway as Olivia took a seat. “Where is everyone?” she asked.

“I think Viola is in her bedroom,” Simone called back. “And I hear Dad out back mowing the lawn.”

“What?” Viola shouted from behind the bedroom door. “Did you call me?”

A moment later Viola walked out of her room wearing boy cargo pants and T-shirt. She felt her heart flutter the tiniest bit when she saw Olivia sitting on the couch. “Olivia.”

“Hey, Viola. How’s your first morning as yourself?”

“I don’t really have any casual stuff to wear,” she said, motioning to her outfit.

“Oh, that’s fine,” Olivia replied. “I’m usually at home in sweatpants. You could borrow your sister’s clothes.” 

“I have been for weeks. It’s just weird to have to ask permission now.”

“You know she’s going to say yes, right?” She looked at Viola’s shaggy hair. “Are you going to grow your hair out?”

“I’d like to. I mean, I am. I haven’t gotten it cut since Christmas.”

“My stylist can make that coif more feminine if you want.”

“Really?”

“Really. Do you want me to hook you up?”

“Yes, please,” Viola said eagerly.

“So, what’s new since last night?”

“My phone has been ringing off the hook. People calling to congratulate me on winning prom queen. Asking if I want to hang out next week. I’m not sure if I can handle this new popularity.”

“Just be yourself.”

“Oh, about that,” Viola said looking down. “I’m going to be myself starting Monday.”

“How so?”

“Well, Simone is going to stay with us for the rest of the school year.”

“For two weeks?”

“And the summer. She's going to go to school to take over being Simone.”

“And you will be?”

“Viola. But only officially. I plan to tell my close friends that I’m the one they’ve been friends with and the real Simone just moved here. It’s just that I made a mess of things enrolling as Simone and being her for six weeks. I was told that our old school unenrolled both of us. ‘Simone’ is enrolled here and ‘Lance’ is enrolled nowhere. So as of right now, I’m not going to get a high school diploma.”

“Yeah, you kinda need one of those.”

“Right. This also allows me to just go ahead and enroll as ‘Viola’.”

“So, you’re going to be publicly out as transgender?”

“Yes.”

Olivia’s face lit up. “Wow. That is so awesome and brave, Viola. I’m proud of you. That’s a huge step. But aren’t you worried about what people will say? The school administration?”

“Yes, I am. My Dad said he’ll handle the administration.”

Simone returned wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. “Ready?”

Oliva stood up. “Viola, did you want to join us?”

“Where?”

“Tennis.” Simone replied, pantomiming a tennis swing.

“At my country club,” Olivia added and smiled.

“Oh, no,” Viola raised her hands up. “I suck at tennis. I’d just embarrass you and slow you both down. But thanks anyway.”

The three girls giggled as Olivia and Simone said goodbye to Viola and left the house.

“So I heard you’re staying in town,” Olivia said to Simone as they walked to Olivia’s car.

“That bitch!” she complained. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

Olivia laughed, “That’s great.”

As they reached the car, Simone stopped Olivia. “Wait.”

“What’s up?”

“I’m staying because Viola needs me.”

“Oh.” Olivia sounded disappointed.

“And…” She fidgeted as she tried to say the next words.

“And?”

“And because I kinda like you.”

“Kinda?” Olivia asked coyly.

“Hey, I’m trying here. I’ve never asked out another girl before.”

“So are you officially asking me out?” Olivia smirked, enjoying Simone’s fluster.

Simone twirled her hair. “Yes.” She then straightened up. “But… I am going to college in California in the fall. That still gives us all summer to spend with each other. I just want to be honest with you.”

“I appreciate that,” Olivia said, staring into Simone’s eyes. “What happens at the end of the summer?”

“I haven’t thought that far ahead.”

She inched closer and they both closed their eyes as they kissed.

After a long, deep kiss they both came up for air. Olivia spoke first. “We have all summer to figure things out. Why don’t we just go with it and see where it leads us.” Then she added, “If you’re OK with that.”

Simone thought for a moment. “I... think that sounds like a good plan.”

“Then let’s make it a summer to remember,” Olivia said enticingly, as she pulled Simone in for another quick kiss.

After the kiss, an out-of-breath Simone said, “Maybe it’s a good thing Viola decided not to join us today.” She giggled as she got into the car.

* * *

It was a hectic Monday morning in the Biggs’s household. Both Viola and Simone shared their respective wardrobes for today’s school outfit. Viola felt like she was in heaven as she no longer had to hide playing dress up with her sister. Well, it was no longer “dress-up.” Plus, this was the first day she was going to school as herself - as Viola.

Meanwhile, Dad was pacing the kitchen, rehearsing what he was going to say. He was wearing the business suit he usually reserved for meetings with clients. This morning’s meeting was just as important, if not more.

Dad drove the girls to school and they got out of the car and walked towards the main entrance. As they walked, students were greeting Simone. And offering words of encouragement.

Simone, blushing, turned to her sister. “Are we gonna tell everyone the truth?” 

“There’s only two weeks until graduation,” Viola replied. “It might not be worth it. Besides, I should let you experience life as the new most popular girl in school.”

“New?” Simone questioned. “That sounds like an official title. Who was the previous most popular girl in school? Wait - it wasn’t Dee, was it?”

“Hell, no!” Viola exclaimed. “I’ll explain later,” she teased.

“Why don’t we wait until Viola is enrolled before you start explaining that Viola was Simone and Simone is actually the new girl?” Dad suggested.

The girls smiled and agreed.

They walked into the building and into the school office. As they approached the counter, the receptionist stood up to greet them. “Hi, can I help you?” she asked with a pleasant smile.

“Good morning, ma’am. My name is William Biggs, and I’m here to enroll my daughter,” Dad said with a polite smile.

Viola stood there, partially obscured behind her father, shyer than even Lance had been the day he enrolled. She was worried about getting in trouble. Plus, this was the first time she’d gone out in public as Viola. Not Simone. She had left the wig behind. Simone got her a cute headband to make her natural hair look a little more feminine, until she could see Olivia’s hairdresser.

The receptionist looked confused and turned to Simone. “But your daughter is already enrolled.”

“Oh, I know Simone is enrolled, but I need to enroll my other daughter… Viola.”

Viola stepped out from behind her father in order to be seen by the receptionist.

The receptionist looked at Viola for a moment, then handed her the form to fill out. Viola, having filled this out twice already, quickly filled it out again. It gave her glee to write her name as “Viola Laney Biggs” and to check off the “Female” box.

When Viola handed back the form the receptionist took it and disappeared into the principal's office.

Minutes later, Principal Silver appeared.

“Mr. Biggs,” he said warmly. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Simone here has been a wonderful student.” He nodded at the real Simone, who quickly turned away so the principal couldn’t see the grin on her face.

“That’s excellent to hear,” Mr. Biggs responded.

“I, um, remember meeting your son - at the prom this weekend. Larry, right? He was a guest of our Student Body President.”

“My daughter, Mr Silver. You met my daughter, Viola. She’s transgender.” Mr. Biggs put his arm around Viola’s shoulders to emphasize Lance and Viola were the same person.

Principal Silver stood there uneasy, unsure of what to say next. He looked at Viola, then back to her dad. “I-I’m not sure we can enroll…Viola.”

“Oh, and why not?” He stared down at the principal through narrowing eyes. “Is this not an institute of higher learning? She just moved here. She needs to finish out the last few weeks of school. We would both really appreciate it if she got a diploma.”

“But, I’m sure sure a boy masquerading around school as a girl-”

“She is a girl,” Mr. Biggs corrected. “We’ve already signed her up for… umm.” He quickly glanced down to Viola for assistance.

“Gender affirming care,” she whispered.

“Gender affirming care,” he echoed. “And we’re changing her legal documents. She is a woman in our eyes, and soon the state’s as well.”

“But, if she’s not yet a woman in the state’s eyes-”

“Mr. Silver,” Mr. Biggs' voice was getting louder, and he was starting to turn red. “Your office messed up the records and somehow unenrolled her from her school in California. This is your responsibility.”

“Well, that was strictly a clerical err-” 

“I also understand that another student of yours assaulted Simone this weekend…,” he accused, putting his arm around Simone’s shoulders.

“Umm... the girl in question was removed from prom and subsequently suspen-”

“...in your presence. What kind of school are you running here Principal Silver?” Dad growled.

The principal backed away, visibly shaken. “Mrs. Santia,” he said looking around, “please complete the enrollment process for Viola Biggs. I’ll be in my office.” Principal Silver quickly entered his office and shut the door. 

Viola hugged her father, and tried not to cry. “Thank you, Dad.”

“Anything for my kids. I mean…anything for my girls.”

After Viola was enrolled, Mr. Biggs brought up the subject of grades. “Mrs. Santia, can you please make sure both my daughter’s grades are all straightened out in your system?” Mr. Biggs asked, his voice and manner back to his usual politeness. “I’d hate to have to take off work just to have another talk with your boss,” he said with a nod towards the closed door.

“Oh, well, I will take care of everything, Mr. Biggs,” she said nervously. “Don’t you worry about a thing.”

“Thank you so much, Mrs. Santia,” he said cheerfully. “You’ve been most helpful.” She sighed with relief as Mr. Biggs left the office.

“OK, um, Miss Viola,” Mrs. Santia seemed much more calm as she addressed the ‘new’ student. “Since school is almost over I gave you the same schedule as your sister. We still need to get you a tour of the school and help you find your locker.” She then looked at Simone. “Would you like to show your sister around or should I call down a student from the Welcome Committee?”

Viola giggled, “I’d love to get a tour from the Welcome Committee.”

“Hey,” Simone whispered to her sister. “I’m the one who needs a tour.”

“Just come with us,” Viola whispered back. “Um, do you know who is available, Mrs. Santia?” 

“Well, I can get Olivia Jones or Zoey Sellers,” Mrs. Santia read from her list. She turned to Simone. “Miss Simone, do you have a preference for your sister’s tour guide?”

“Definitely Olivia,” Simone smiled. She looked at a disappointed Viola. “What? You’ll see Zoey in Chem class, right?”

Mrs. Santia looked at Simone with a bit of suspicion, but quickly let it pass. “Certainly,” she responded before heading over to page Olivia. While she was away, Simone looked at Viola and stuck her tongue out. “I think I’m going to like attending this school,” Simone gushed. “Go Bullfrogs!”

Viola sighed and finished the cheer with a lackluster, “Croak, croak,” while rolling her eyes.

“Is that really their cheer?” Simone questioned. “This place is crazy.”

* * *

At lunch time, both Viola and Simone entered the cafeteria. It helped that Mrs. Santina gave Viola the same schedule as Simone. After they got their food, Viola led Simone to her usual table.

Before they could even sit down, Francine burst out, “OMG, Viola, please tell me you brought pictures with you.”

Viola looked at her and smirked, then looked at Mack. “You told her already?”

“How could I not, after how you left things on Friday?” she replied. “And everything that happened over the weekend.”

The girls sat down with their trays while Francine talked. “I mean, I was upset that you were pretending to be trans,” Francine explained. “And then when you were actually trans, it made perfect sense. Nobody pretends to be trans. Oh, I love the name Viola! Oh - and where’s my manners - you must be the real Simone?”

Simone smiled, “Yes, I’m the real Simone.”

“I still want to see pictures, girls!”

Viola laughed and pulled a sleeve of photographs out her purse and handed them to Francine.

Francine started skimming through them. “Oh, my God, you’re so beautiful! I knew that dress would look great on you.” She then paused and held up two distinct pictures and then looked up at the twins. “Wait, who is who?”

“Simone is the one with the bigger earrings.” Viola explained.

“Oh, and you’re the one with the tiara!” Francine realized. “Duh.”

“Exactly,” Viola chuckled. “But everyone thinks Simone won.”

“It’s better that way,” Mack suggested. “Viola is out as trans.”

“Yeah,” Viola added. “If we set the record straight, we’d be getting more attention than we actually want.”

“And I’m OK if people think I’m the prom queen,” Simone offered. “Taking one for the team,” she laughed. “Hey, Viola, where’s my tiara?”

“Viola,” Mack quietly interjected. “This is your first day as yourself. Without the comfort of the wig and the breast forms. How are you doing?”

“People have been giving me weird looks. I mean, I’m essentially a boy in a skirt and makeup.”

“But she’s been with either me or Zoey, so they keep walking and not bothering us,” Simone added.

“It’s only two weeks,” Viola reasoned. “By the time I go to college, hopefully I'll have my name changed and I will start taking hormones. I also have an appointment with a therapist after graduation.”

Simone looked at the food on her tray. “Anyone know what this green stuff is?”

“Don’t eat the green stuff!” came an urgent chorus from the table.

“Wow, I’m glad I asked,” uttered a relieved Simone.

After a few minutes of eating, a curious Mack spoke up, “Simone, do you like Dungeons and Dragons?”

“Um, I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never played,” she admitted.

“Yes!” Francine cheered. “A new player! Howard is going to be so excited.”

“It’s fun,” Viola said to Simone, “I haven’t been able to get Zoey to go with me again. But I can get you!”

“Rory will be there tonight too,” Mack added, a mischievous grin on her face.

“Should I bring cake?” Viola chuckled.

“Um, let’s just stick to chips and popcorn. It might be safer,” Mack cautioned with the same grin.

“OK,” Simone demanded. “Someone has to fill me in on this ‘cake’ story.”

* * *

A week and a half later, the Biggs family was back at the airport. Viola wore a cute dress that Simone picked out for her, and her mom’s necklace. Simone also helped her make sure her makeup was perfect.

They patiently waited at the gate as people filed off the plane one at a time. 

Mrs. Biggs walked off the jetway and into the terminal. She scanned around for her family. Then she saw them. Or rather she saw her. She ran to Viola and gave her a big hug. “Viola, my beautiful daughter!”

“Hi, Mom,” she said, returning the embrace.

“I missed you.” Mom said.

“I missed you too.”

She let go of Viola then gave her husband and Simone a hug and kiss too.

“We should get going,” Mr. Biggs said. “We have reservations at an Italian restaurant in an hour.” 

“An Italian restaurant?” mom asked, astonished. “You’re so proud of your homemade pasta sauce we never go out for Italian.”

“Yeah, well my last batch just kinda fell flat,” he joked. “Besides, this way there will be no cleanup involved, right Viola?”

“Um, sure Dad,” Viola said sheepishly.

“So where are we going, honey?” Mom was curious now. “Olive Garden?”

“Nah,” Mr. Biggs said as he attempted a fake Italian American accent. “We’re in-a Jersey. You’re gonna get-a real Italian meal-a.”

“Daaad,” the twins groaned.

“Girls, I want to hear about prom,” Mrs. Biggs insisted. “I want to hear everything!”

Dinner was lively, with the girls talking non-stop - not just about prom - but everything else that had been going on. “...and Dad actually kidnapped my friend Mackenzie!”

Viola’s comment silenced the table. Simone and Mom looked at Dad, while Dad looked at Viola.

“What?” he cried. “I knew that was your friend dressed in your clothes. I was curious how long you were going to continue that ruse. It took you weeks to come clean!”

The girls giggled.

“Speaking of coming clean,” Dad said, “three weeks ago someone left their… umm… girl’s underwear in the dryer for me to find.”

Viola turned beet red. “But, Dad, you never do the laundry!”

“Well, I was leaning up against the kitchen counter, and somehow got red sauce on my shirt. I went downstairs to wash it, and found stuff I didn’t expect to see.”

Viola shrunk down in her seat. She wished the earth would open up and swallow her whole.

“At least now I know,” Dad smiled. “I certainly had my concerns at the time. I tried convincing myself that those were Zoey’s things. But that would’ve required me to have a… um… different conversation with you.”

“Bill, stop! You’re embarrassing her,” Mom admonished her husband.

“Hey - it’s my job to embarrass my daughters,” Dad said with a jovial wink to Viola.

* * *

The graduating class was seated on the football field. Simone and Viola walked together to their seats, their white robes blowing softly in the breeze.

“This is stupid,” Viola whispered to Simone.

“What is?” she whispered back.

“Wearing high heels on a grass field. Every time I take a step my shoe sinks into the ground.”

“Welcome to being a girl,” Simone chuckled. “You have a lot to learn.”

They took their seats. As Simone casually crossed her legs, Viola copied her sister. She looked down and flicked grass off her new white-heeled sandals. 

“I wish you were going to be with me every step of the way,” Viola said with a sad look on her face.

“Me, too, but it’s time to spread your wings. I’m off to college at the end of the summer.”

“I know, and I’m going to visit you every chance I get.”

“Maybe apply to your own college too?”

“Now you’re sounding like Mom and Dad. I want to take a gap year. I want to learn to be myself before going off to college.”

“No, I get it. I’m just worried about my sister.”

“I’ve got Zoey to keep me company. She’s applying to dance schools and hoping to get into one for the spring semester.”

“Well, maybe you could enroll in community college to knock out a few credits and get comfortable around groups of people.”

“I’ll look into-”

Suddenly, Principal Silver started speaking over the loudspeaker. A quick screech of feedback made the entire senior class groan.

When Principal Silver was done talking about whatever it was, next up, the crowd applauded for the valedictorian, Zoey.

“That’s my girlfriend!” Viola yelled over the cheers.

Zoey walked up to the podium wearing the same white gown the other girls of the class were wearing and a valedictorian sash draped over both shoulders.

Zoey spoke passionately to her classmates, stressing the importance of setting goals in life; but also making sure to be true to yourself, and to your friends. After she finished to polite applause, she walked out to where the students were sitting. A seat had been saved for her in alphabetical order, which put her right after Dee.

Then it was time to hand out the diplomas. Viola watched as the row in front of her stood and slowly walked on stage.

Then it was time for their row to stand and approach the podium. Viola followed Simone as their row filed one by one onto the stage.

“Simone Biggs,” the principal announced.

Simone received a round of cheers as her name was announced. She accepted her diploma and moved on.

“Viola Biggs,” the principal announced.

Viola could hear her family and friends cheering for her. She looked at where the sounds were coming from. She smiled up at her parents in the stands. Tears of joy were running down her cheeks. She had never felt so accepted in her life. With shaky hands and a big smile she accepted her diploma.

As she was shaking Principal Silver’s hand she eyed the microphone. She didn’t know what came over her, but she couldn’t resist. Raising her arms up in victory, she yelled into the microphone, “Go Bullfrogs! Croak! Croak!” to even more cheering.

She ran off the stage as Principal Silver could cut her off. A giddy yet thoroughly embarrassed Viola returned to her seat. She’d never acted that way in public before, and found it exhilarating.

A surprised Simone hugged her. “Now, that is the Viola I know. That Lance person was an imposter.”

Viola, Simone, and Zoey watched and cheered loudly as Olivia received her diploma. A few students later, Dee slowly climbed the steps to the stage. As she walked towards the podium she removed her robe, dropping it behind her. A collective gasp emanated from the crowd, followed by yelling and whistling from the student body.

No one but Dee and Zoey knew that the bet was about the graduation ceremony. Dee was lucky she hadn't been kicked out of the ceremony for her actions at the prom, but she was also unlucky in that she now had to fulfill the terms of the bet.

“Go for it Dee!” laughed Zoey. She was behind Dee capturing the moment on her camera.

“Oh, my God!” Simone whispered, putting her hands over her mouth.

Viola was on her feet cheering, like many of the other students.

“De-” Principal Silver froze.

Before him stood Dee, wearing nothing but a skimpy green bikini. And every part of Dee’s body not covered by the bikini was painted a matching green. But the crowning touch was the large bullfrog mask which covered most of Dee’s head. She began waving to the crowd and blowing kisses.

It was several minutes before the clamor died down enough for the principal to proceed. He wasn’t paid enough for this. He cleared his throat and announced, “Deanna Scott.” Dee took her diploma and continued across the stage, still waving to the crowd. Behind her, Principal Silver was slowly shaking his head. But if one looked closely enough, they would have seen a slight smile on his face.

* * *

Viola was sitting on her bed playing her Game Boy when Simone came in. “Hey, Olivia is almost here, if you don’t get ready, we’re going to be late.”

“Did you pack the suntan lotion?”

“Yes I did. And the towels. And snacks. You know, you can lift a finger too.”

“But I’m the Prom Queen,” Viola pouted. “I shouldn’t have to do peasant work.”

“Don’t forget, little sis,” Simone warned, “Simone won Prom Queen. And I’m the only Simone in this house now.”

They both broke out in laughter, as Simone walked back to her room, and Viola put away her game boy. She opened her dresser drawer where she had a brand new bikini that she bought while shopping with Simone and Mom.

Viola put on her new bikini. It was sized to not require breast forms. She felt comfortable enough with her friends that she didn't need to pretend anymore. 

She looked in her mirror and smiled at her reflection. She was starting to see a pretty girl staring back at her. Before she headed out for the day, there was one thing left to do.

She opened her dresser drawer and pulled out the prescription bottle. It took weeks and several appointments with doctors and therapists to get this. It was made out to Viola Biggs. Today was Day One. She popped the pill in her mouth, chased it with a bottle of water and ran out the door to head to the beach with everyone else.

* * *

Mr. Sellers was going through his mail. He saw some college advertisements addressed to both Mackenzie and Zoey. A circular, then a credit card bill. 

Curious, he ripped open the envelope of the credit card bill with his finger, pulled out the bill, and unfolded it. He looked at the seemingly endless charges for clothing stores and salons and then at the very large balance on the last page.

“ZOEY!”

THE END

Author's Notes and Acknowledgements

This story was voted on by my Discord server members. I presented this as an option early on. I knew I wanted to do this story when Netflix announced their 2021 gender-swapped remake of She’s All That, called He’s All That. Obviously, I couldn’t use that as the title of this story, and I credit ETSD for the title I did use. I was also disappointed in the direction they went with the movie. I knew I wanted to see a boy (or rather an AMAB egg) become prom queen. This story is also heavily influenced by She’s The Man, the 2006 adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. I asked myself what if both movies featured a crossdressing boy instead? Could they be the same story? Why was I rooting for Viola to end up with Olivia instead of Duke in STM? I tried to answer those questions in The Boy Who Would Be Prom Queen.

This was also my first attempt at a more humorous and light-hearted story. I think I’ve succeeded because after reading this, readers look at my previous work and claim they are much more serious and heavy by comparison.

This is where I acknowledge the community of people who helped me write this. Elron and ETSD were my alpha readers. They spent hours combing through the story correcting grammar, typos, logic problems, and offering suggestions. I also had a ghost writer who wrote the plot of Chapter 5’s D&D game, who wished to remain uncredited and anonymous. And of course, the Discord members who suggested how such a story could be constructed. When I gave everyone the option of a story using magic, sci-fi, or crossdressing, everyone wanted to see a story written without using a fantastical McGuffin.

Of course I say this every story, but I also want to thank all of the readers - especially those who interacted with me on the various fiction platforms during the course of the story. Without you, this wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable and I likely wouldn't still be writing.

You can leave a comment here or reach out to me via email (tfes8@yahoo.com), follow me on Twitter (@tfes81), the Fediverse (@Emily@tfemily.com) or my Discord Server (https://discord.gg/cTuZwYF4dT)