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.